Physical Media Stores in Massachusetts (Worcester, Springfield: rental, buying, live in)

[Japanfan1986]

I just saw a new one opened up some months back in Watertown. Wanna Hear It Records on Main Street.

I admire how gutsy it is to open a record store in this day and age in such a prime location. Especially since one of my revenue streams is selling physical media online and even without rent can attest to how thin profit margins can get.

Another one I really like the idea of is The Video Underground in Jamaica Plain. A modern in rental store that looks like it recently rebranded to just be called The VU. Since I live in Waltham I never got quite excited enough to check it out. I definitely would if something similar popped up in Moody Street or even Newton.

[mdovell]

I know a few others. Platterpus Records in East Hampton. They even carry old Comedy records. Spin that Records in Springfield also comes to mind. He also sells online. I think he's about at 4K items although he does get more into equipment. Personally I think there should be a physical media store near every music venue. Merch tables are OK but if someone misses a show it makes sense to capitalize on the spillover.

[FlurryCat]

Deja Vu Records on Rt 135 in Natick near the Wellesley line. When I downsized for my move to Phoenix I sold them all my vinyl (4000+ albums & 500+ 45s).

[GeePee]

Deep thoughts is also in JP and has a good selection of Vinyl. Bow market in Somerville has Vinyl Index which is great.
Nuggets and In Your Ear both on Comm ave have been around for quite a while.

[brk330]

The Vinyl Vault is in Littleton.
That's Entertainment in Worcester and Fitchburg.
And , of course, Newbury Comics
Record Store Day is this Friday.
Here's the surprisingly long list of participating stores in Massachusetts

[GeoffD]

I’m getting flashbacks to walking around Tower Records popping on headphones to listen to sample tracks. Personally, I’ve completely abandoned physical media. I have a giant iTunes music library and I haven’t bought a Blu Ray in several years.

[timberline742]

Wanna Hear has been around awhile (has to be at least two years I think). They've already expanded. They're well tied into Triple B and that scene, which helps a lot.

There is no shortage of record stores around. Davis Sq (just outside), Union Sq, Harvard Sq, Central Sq... plenty around. Heck, there are like 2-3 in the Swansea/Seekonk area alone, maybe more. I think more.

John Doe Jr in Greenfield is probably my fav Mass store right now though.

[mp775]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Wanna Hear has been around awhile (has to be at least two years I think). They've already expanded. They're well tied into Triple B and that scene, which helps a lot.

There is no shortage of record stores around. Davis Sq (just outside), Union Sq, Harvard Sq, Central Sq... plenty around. Heck, there are like 2-3 in the Swansea/Seekonk area alone, maybe more. I think more.

John Doe Jr in Greenfield is probably my fav Mass store right now though.

Darn, beat me to it on John Doe Jr. Turn it Up in Northampton is another of my favorites.

Newbury Comics, of course, all over the state.

Belltower in North Adams is interesting, although small and virtually all new and high-end.

What are these places in Swansea/Seekonk you speak of? I just found Vault Vintage Vinyl in Swansea via Google, need to check that out soon!

[lrfox]

This is not my thing, but I did go to Purchase Street Records in New Bedford with a friend a few years ago. Pretty cool place (though I don't know how it compares to others).

[WestieWhitie]

Amazon - why pay some hipster $35 when you can find the same thing for $15?