Best of Toronto
The Best Vinyl Record Stores in Toronto
The best vinyl record stores in Toronto are a phenomenon since few visionaries would have predicted that there'd be as many as fifteen stores still selling LPs, EPs and 45rpm records ten years after the millennium, especially back when collectors were shedding their records, and vinyl was selling by the pound.
Nobody would have predicted vinyl's survival years after its effective extinction by the compact disc, never mind its revival among young collectors who've embraced the iPod and the turntable and effectively put the stake through the CD's heart. You'll find CDs in almost all of these stores, but they're rarely given pride of place - a reflection of the verdict music collectors have given vinyl's analog sound over digital. And after all, what's a CD these days except one extra step between you and your mp3?
Whether the vinyl revival abides is an open question right now; what's happened, however, is a re-injection of new, quality, heavy weight LP pressings into the marketplace, and not only hip new titles, but classics and collectible obscurities as well. What few record store owners expected is a surge in demand for classic rock, with a new generation discovering Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin and Yes on twelve inch black plastic.
To give some flavour of each shop, I dipped blindly into the bins and wrote down the title of the first disc I pulled out. These are Toronto's best 15 vinyl record stores, as voted by readers of this site.
Rotate This
Toronto’s indie record store archetype (the vinyl copy of the Scott Pilgrim soundtrack on the wall is almost too obvious) carried vinyl long before vinyl’s unexpected comeback, back in the days when used record shops were the clearinghouse for the churn passing through aging hipsters’ and rock critics’ personal collections. The selection is eclectic - lots of jazz and blues, African funk and punk of every era, but it’s also the place to go for the vinyl version of the latest by The Walkmen or The Vaselines. What I Found There - Ultraglide In Black by The Dirt Bombs. More »
Hits & Misses
Punk’s not dead at this recently relocated Queen St. storefront, where the walls of 45s will remind you that punk was a singles medium first and foremost. The vinyl revival means that discs I haven’t seen since I was 17 are available again in quantity. Youngsters can now relive the thrill of putting down the needle on a copy of "Tommy Gun" by The Clash and enjoy a visceral charge I haven’t felt since before I could vote. What I Found There - Milo Gets Bootlegged by The Descendents. More »
She Said Boom
This combination bookstore/record shop has two locations (on College and Roncevalles Village) and would seem to have cornered the market on post-collegiate entertainment. The helpful staff will tell you that the vinyl market has grown in the last few years, while the used CD selection has shrunk – a sign of the times if there ever was one - and that in at least one location the idea of turfing digital discs altogether is a distinct possibility. What I Found There - (1934-1976) by Freddie King. More »
Play De Record
This DJ-oriented shop is, along with the HMV flagship just down the street, all that remains of the once-thriving Yonge Street record strip. Like any decent DJ shop, it’s an intimidating jumble of 12 inches and white-label discs, in ever more narrow categories such as “Battle Breaks” and “Universal Urban Mixes.” So you probably won’t find the latest Beatles repackage here. What I Found There - Old School Classics Vol. 3, including “Flashlight” by Parliament and “Give It To Me” by Rick James. More »
Cosmos on Queen/Cosmos West Records
The two Cosmos stores bookend Bathurst Street; the one on the east side came first, and the second followed when the owner discovered that he had far too much stock for one small storefront. The result is that the old school rap and R&B is on the east side, while the rare jazz, blues, Cuban and Brazilian music - a truly impressive selection of the latter - is on the west side. Classic rock – making an unexpected comeback – is for sale in booth, so you need never go without Emerson, Lake & Palmer records again. What I Found There - The Show Must Go On by The Four Tops (Cosmos). Musica Cubana Contemporanea by Irakere (Cosmos West). More »
Vortex Records
An institution among Toronto record shops, Vortex’s uptown store is often the short-term home for discs shed by downsizing collectors, with the result that chestnuts end up alongside true obscurities in the floor-level bins. What I Found There - Casual Gods by Jerry Harrison. More »
Planet of Sound
If most used record shops are the beer store, Planet of Sound is Vintages – the place to find select used discs and high-quality, heavyweight audiophile vinyl reissues of classic jazz and rock titles for sale alongside headphones, hardware, and high-end turntables that you can call sculpture when they’re not playing a record. What I Found There - Excitable Boy by Warren Zevon. More »
Kops Records
Alongside Hits & Misses, Kops is committed to keeping 45s in circulation, with boxes of singles in every genre, stocked next to used and new vinyl. Kops has evolved over the years, from oldies shop to DJ store to collector’s hub without every really changing its focus - a consistency that’s almost baffling considering how much the music industry has changed. What I Found There - King Curtis Plays The Great Memphis Hits. More »
Slinky Music
DJ vinyl is the focus at this record store nestled amidst Moog Music’s selection of synths, samplers and recording gear. Unlike Play De Record’s dizzying overstock, Slinky’s record bins feel far more curated, with a lot of used DJ vinyl that bears witness to dance club trends. What I Found There - Another Late Night by Groove Armada. More »
Paradise Bound
In a Kensington shop that also sells Japanese art, the vinyl sits in low bins made from old wine and port crates - a truly creative touch. In keeping with the vintage theme, the stock feels distilled - a core selection of rock, pop, jazz, blues and reggae vinyl with a few rarities mixed in. What I Found There - Locker Room by Double Exposure. More »
Second Vinyl
Classical music is the specialty here, catering to a clientele that was never convinced by the digital revolution, and has kept prices high on operas, symphonies, string quartets and chamber music vinyl since the big companies stopped pressing them. It’s the kind of store where the owner proudly pulls out his stash of Mercury Living Stereo LPs, like a cigar store clerk showing off his Cuban Churchills. What I Found There - Verdi’s Messa Da Requiem by Herbert Von Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic. More »
Pandemonium
The vinyl is at the back, behind the books, at this Junction storefront, and classic rock and jazz is the backbone of what’s on offer. You’ll have to do a bit of hunting. There’s more stock than the owner has time to file, but for the true vinyl aficionado, that shouldn’t be much of an inconvenience. What I Found There - Shock Treatment by The Edgar Winter Group. More »
Discussion
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I'm never on the hunt for Jazz, R&B, classical, DJ mixes, etc, so this is the only shop I need to hit anymore.
Bonus - they'll order pretty much anything they can track down for you, even overseas imports for excellent prices.
However, the driving principle behind the rankings here was probably where to go to look cool, since RT is #1.
I spent a great deal of time and money in my youth frequently places like Vortex and Rotate This and I'm glad to see they're still going.
Living in the UK now, all the indie stores I used to frequent here are now trendy wine bars or worse.
Rick, thanks so much for writing this up. I'm the new (as opposed to used) vinyl buyer for Vortex and all press is welcomed.
Any chance we'll see BlogTO do a more substantial write-up on these stores--the same way you do for restaurants and other shops?
My issue with these sort of "best of" lists are that they imply that each of the stores is attempting to do the same thing and that the higher ranked stores are doing it better. This isn't really the case.
As the buyer for Vortex--and a vinyl customer at some of the other shops--it's pretty clear that the stores are not competing as head-to-head as one would assume and that the staff have their own agendas and, I think, it's important for customers to know which stores "have their back", so to speak.
For instance, I'd bet that Rotate and Criminal sold a lot of Arcade Fire or Deerhunter. We stock those titles, but didn't market them aggressively because we know that over time we'll see more used copies than anyone else in the city (we're primarily a used shop). But we moved 50 copies of the Alan Lomax Mississippi Records releases in eight hours, offering it first in the city, pricing it cheaper than anyone, "front racking" it, and mentioning it on our web site and mailing list. Last week we gave the same push to Grouper's Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill and Wide (titles it seems no one else in the city can even get). Over the past year we did the same for the entire back catalogs of Black To Comm and labels like Root Strata and Digitalis and we've done it multiple times with Numero Group and Honest Jon's.
Though I love Arcade Fire and Deerhunter and other contemporary "indie" bands, I have no desire to compete with the other shops on this type of music. The availability is already full-to-bursting. I'd rather focus on titles that I don't think anyone else is pushing. Earlier in the year I was approached by Toronto Life to do a write-up about some "hot" titles. I suggested Grouper's Dead Deer and the forthcoming Syl Johnson box set on Numero. Toronto Life wasn't interested in that and I declined to write about music I think is already getting sufficient press even knowing it would have resulted in some exposure for Vortex. And though I turned the editor who contacted me into a Grouper fan by providing samples she claimed it didn't fit with the voice of the magazine. *Those* are precisely the kind of records I want to get into the hands of listeners. That's our focus and we pride ourselves on doing it well.
That said, I don't think our chosen focus makes us "better" than the other stores in the city--it just makes us different. Given the current climate for music retail in Toronto, It would be awesome if local press emphasized the plusses of each of these shops rather than pitting them in a sort of "competition" for status.
Also, I'd like to voice my amazement at the lack of mention of Around Again--to my knowledge it's the only indie store in the city that predates Vortex. I know readers vote on your list, but its absence is baffling to me and if it was offered as an option and didn't make the cut, TO's vinyl shoppers really need to check it out. I'll also praise Amoroso and Second Vinyl for those looking for Classical--though that's a small (and dwindling) audience, I do get asked about where to get them every week and both of those shops do great jobs with them.
I'll add a link to this article on our blog so our customers can check out the competition (we already list many of the stores in our faq).
Again, Rick, thanks for taking the time to write this up. Much appreciated.
I need about 7 crates.. and yes it is an option to get the ones sold in the stores, but 15 bucks a crate at most places is insane, and the ones from walmart/staples are cheap and my handles broke with the 40lbs ish it had to hold .. not going to stack those.
I move too often/every couple years to get a shelving that works, and i love my milk crates so if there are any extras hanging around that will fit vinyl please reply.
And Lincoln, I very much agree with what you have to say. The only 3 stores I really frequent are Criminal, Rotate and Sonic Boom (which I will only buy used from if they have anything in, new prices are too high. It also helps I live 30 seconds from them). Criminal and Rotate have great prices and fit my taste.
I'm going to try and hit up the rest mentioned in the article I've never visited, along with the ones in the comments.
Couple questions about Vortex if you don't mind answering.
How did you land the 5 triple-deckers? Do you regularly carry TMR 7"s and releases and have built a relationship, or did they contact you? I'm upset I didn't find out until later, but I'm not a regular there and am just happy to see Toronto got some love and you didn't sell them for ridiculous prices like some other stores who got them did.
Also, the one time I've been to Vortex it seemed like it was mostly a used CD shop. There were some new vinyl releases along the back wall (not too many, but enough and very different than the 3 stores I normally attend). However, all the used vinyl is shoved under the used CDs on the floor. I'd love to spend a couple hours flipping through as I'm sure there are some gems in there, but I'm not about to do it all on my hands and knees and destroy my back. Is this still the case? (I was there maybe 6 months ago). Are there plans to change it, because the way I look at it, Vortex is more of a used CD shop before a record store if the LP buying customers are forced to the floors.
Thanks for your input anyways and I look forward to hearing back (and checking out the store again some time soon).
And the exclusion of Around Again is criminal (pardon the pun).
I'm sorry you had a bad experience when you were in my shop. Yes, it's true that the CDs get the "good" floorspace but that's simply due to economics (it's 55% of our business, dollar-wise; vinyl and DVD are the rest). It will only change if the market does (which it might) or we move, though we’ve been in the same spot for a quarter century so it’s difficult.
However, we have about as much vinyl as we do CDs (we don't use a computer so it's hard to say for sure), though 99% of it is used. We can add anywhere from 50 - 400 pieces per week and believe we have very competitive pricing on used vinyl. We put new used pieces on the floor every day except Sunday and Monday. The new arrivals are in an easily browsable spot--once an LP becomes a couple weeks old it gets filed alphabetically and by genre. We'll happily provide a milk crate for people to sit on to browse through the non-new arrivals.
As to your other question, I'll refrain from providing specifics on the hows and wheres of our Dead Weather Triple Decker exclusive, as doing so wouldn't be a smart business move. Suffice to say that we get our exclusives the same way other stores do: persistence and charm. However, given the sheer number of exclusives we get, we're either more persistent or more charming than our competition.
A complete list of our exclusives since I took over those duties last year is here:
http://vortexrecords.ca/exclusives
As for the Soft Machine, as it says in the description, it's been readily available since June or July this year and anyone can get it. However, it was originally a non-Canadian RSD release (you can confirm this on the RSD site) and we were told by the label that we were the only ones in Canada to be receiving it for RSD. I called Rotate, Criminal, and Soundscapes just before RSD and all said they weren't expecting it. Though the SM was repressed, that doesn't always happen so the dates on the exclusive are important. It's perfectly possible someone will sell a used copy of the Animal Crack Box to Rotate and they'll be able to offer it for sale; that doesn't eliminate the fact that it was available in Toronto exclusively from us when it came out; same goes for the Triple Decker.
I do my best to check around before saying anything is "exclusive"--I like to hear it from the label, an exclusive distributor, or the artist directly. By no means am I always successful. I'm still a little peeved that Sony didn't allow any Canadian reseller of the forthcoming Dylan to offer the bonus disc. Not sure who else in the country approached them, but I did. It sucks that Canadians have to buy from the USA to get the disc. It hurts Canadian retailers' registers and Canadian consumers' wallets and was a lame business decision. (However, it's also perfectly possible that Sony said yes to another Canadian retailer that I don't know about.)
And yes, I agree with you that each of the stores is unique and has its own voice. That was the point of my initial post and it's good to hear it from a buyer as opposed to a seller. Even though I can get most things I want at Vortex, I regularly visit Soundscapes, Around Again, Hits & Misses, Kops, and Rotate. Every music lover should check out the other shops in the city.
p.s. For the person who mentioned Soundscapes: correct me if I´m wrong, but don´t they deal exclusively in CDs? And if so, then why would you expect to see them on a list that very explicitly deals with the subject of vinyl?
Rotate This is hands down Toronto's best record shop.
I'd much rather spend my time and money at Hits and misses or Rotate This
I'd much rather spend my time and money at Hits and misses or Rotate This
Criminal Records seems to be getting lots of attention. Michelle mentioned above, that people who are commenting must be staff or friends of Criminal Records. I think what Michelle doesn't realize is how well Criminal Records deals with customers. Their twitter feed alone would make me love that place. That store has a way of connecting with their customers that's rare these days. I also really appreciate the way they handle their pre orders and my special orders. I have no problem understanding why so many people love that store. I also understand why some people like Michelle wouldn't. If you're not ready for it, or not accustomed to it, it could be very easy to mistake polite conversation with a sales pitch. With those guys, I honestly believe they are music lovers, and some time their enthusiasm may be taken by some people the wrong way. I really like it, when they point out new merch and if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't own the National shirt I'm wearing right now.
When it comes to Soundscapes I really appreciate their knowledge. I am continuously blown away by their diversity and staff. It is the only place that I still buy new CD's. Most of what I buy there is not available on vinyl, but it also allows me to support what I think is the best CD store in Toronto. Soundscapes is also the place I buy my concert tickets. I was disappointed that they didn't end up on this list. I know that they don't sell a lot of vinyl, but being a "record store" is not always about vinyl, but a place to buy music.
Hits & Misses to me is one of the finest niche record stores in the city, and since it opened I have spent many an hour hunting down the rare 12" of my misspent youth. When I was younger, I could never afford all the records that I wanted. Now, thanks to Hits & Misses, I get a second chance.
Vortex records for many years was like my second home, not so much the uptown one, but the one that used to be downtown, across from the Eaton Center. I used to spend hours both there and at the Record Peddler (RIP Peddler). I don't make it to Yonge & Eglinton too often, but when I'm in the neighborhood I'll always go by and give the records a flip. I don't think I have ever walked out of that place without a nice stack under my arm.
Most of the other record shops I do frequent, but the four I profiled are my favorites in the order l listed. There are a couple record stores on the list above that I don't like, but would much rather end on a positive note. Try all the shops, find the one for you. The indie record store is your friend.
Criminal Records seems to be getting lots of attention. Michelle mentioned above, that people who are commenting must be staff or friends of Criminal Records. I think what Michelle doesn't realize is how well Criminal Records deals with customers. Their twitter feed alone would make me love that place. That store has a way of connecting with their customers that's rare these days. I also really appreciate the way they handle their pre orders and my special orders. I have no problem understanding why so many people love that store. I also understand why some people like Michelle wouldn't. If you're not ready for it, or not accustomed to it, it could be very easy to mistake polite conversation with a sales pitch. With those guys, I honestly believe they are music lovers, and some time their enthusiasm may be taken by some people the wrong way. I really like it, when they point out new merch and if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't own the National shirt I'm wearing right now.
When it comes to Soundscapes I really appreciate their knowledge. I am continuously blown away by their diversity and staff. It is the only place that I still buy new CD's. Most of what I buy there is not available on vinyl, but it also allows me to support what I think is the best CD store in Toronto. Soundscapes is also the place I buy my concert tickets. I was disappointed that they didn't end up on this list. I know that they don't sell a lot of vinyl, but being a "record store" is not always about vinyl, but a place to buy music.
Hits & Misses to me is one of the finest niche record stores in the city, and since it opened I have spent many an hour hunting down the rare 12" of my misspent youth. When I was younger, I could never afford all the records that I wanted. Now, thanks to Hits & Misses, I get a second chance.
Vortex records for many years was like my second home, not so much the uptown one, but the one that used to be downtown, across from the Eaton Center. I used to spend hours both there and at the Record Peddler (RIP Peddler). I don't make it to Yonge & Eglinton too often, but when I'm in the neighborhood I'll always go by and give the records a flip. I don't think I have ever walked out of that place without a nice stack under my arm.
Most of the other record shops I do frequent, but the four I profiled are my favorites in the order l listed. There are a couple record stores on the list above that I don't like, but would much rather end on a positive note. Try all the shops, find the one for you. The indie record store is your friend.
Discovery probably didn't make the list simply due to the owner being a complete dipshit with a real penchant for unnecessarily alienating and insulting his own customers. Much less good stuff coming in there than used to be the case, too.
Figure anyone who reads these comments would care. I still plan on going back and checking the place out, but the article rubs me the wrong way. Don't know if that was the intention, but it comes off as if they are jealous of Criminal for having a better reputation on prices (whether or not that fact is true is a different story with such a small sample size in the post).
Criminal is good for what it is - a store that carried mostly new release vinyl at generally a bit cheaper than anywhere else. They know only mainstream and indie - nothing else. Their selection, other than new releases, is very limited. They WILL take returns on heavily defective vinyl, but quite grudgingly. End of story.
Rotate This is the finest record store in Toronto by a mile for new vinyl, price, wide selection, knowledge of deep rock, jazz, R&B and electronica. They get the esoterica and they will take returns without issue. The place has a great indie vibe while Criminal has a slick mall store vibe. Hipsters go to Criminal. Real music lovers go to Rotate.
On the used side, Sonic Boom are flat out crooks. They vastly overprice new vinyl and used as well, and their packaging of vinyl makes every customer feel like a thief. They buy at humiliatingly low prices and sell high. And to make it worse, the place smells rotten and has a bad warehouse vibe.
Around Again's exclusion from this list shows that the writer is a newbie who has only covered the obvious. It is not only the oldest, but the finest used vinyl store in Toronto for selection, price, and top quality of vinyl sold. But I'm happy to see it excluded - the less know about it, the more great stuff will be there for my regular visits.
L'Amoroso off Queen is terrible. Everything I have bought from them turned out to have significant problems that could not be seen in their poor lighting. They do not take returns - no wonder. They don't seem to turn over their vinyl stock much anymore - I guess the customers have wisened up. Stick to Blu-Ray discs and CD's from this place.
Vortex is all good. An icon of Toronto vinyl, but a pain in the ass to navigate where vinyl is concerned. Honest players.
Cosmos is the place to go if you want to pay way more than NM price for a crappy scratched up record. He happily takes returns, though. No sense in pissing off the smart folks, there seem to be no shortage of saps willing to pay his prices for marginal vinyl that was played for a few decades on a Woolco plastic portable table with a blunt nail for a needle.
Soundscapes is the finest CD store left in Toronto bar none and while a recent entrant in the vinyl market deserves great respect for what they have done to keep music sales alive. They have limited vinyl, price it fairly although not the lowest, and is always a fun place to visit. Don't hesitate to check them out.
You write "Around Again's exclusion from this list shows that the writer is a newbie who has only covered the obvious."
How often does this phrase have to be repeated in these Best Of posts: "as voted by readers of this site."
I did not make this list, I merely illustrated it and did the write-ups. I did not compile it. Readers did. I would have loved to have seen Around Again on it, but our readers didn't vote it on, for reasons outside my bailiwick.
I am, as ever, wall-eyed with disbelief that no one ever seems to grok this basic disclaimer.
And I guess the "newbie" comment grates. If you'd bothered reading the post, you'd have noticed that I've spent the better part of my youth and its long-dwindled aftermath in record stores. So what can I say? Around Again: Yay. All-round reading comprehension: Needs work.
As I'm sure you are aware, Best Of lists are simply opinions. Instead of bitching about how bad this one is, why not write your own in the comments with a paragraph on each?
I just wanted to let you know that HITS AND MISSES has moved to 799 Queen Street West
I think I pretty much did, didn't I ?
But working close by, I found myself in there more and more often disgusted with myself that they were selling some new album I was still waiting to arrive through the mail for a price less than I paid. It was often the case that supporting your local store meant paying extra for the privilege. If Broken Social Scene socks is what it takes, then so be it.
Best store in the city.
The guys at Criminal are nice, I suppose. But I don't know if I buy all this "their customer service is superb" sentiment. I had to stand around in there once while the ol' shopkeep was on the phone, waiting for him to get off. After a while he indicates that he'll cash me through whilst continuing his yammering on the phone (and he was NOT talking business); but wait, I have a few questions to ask you, gentle sir. He hangs up the phone. I shouldn't feel like I'm being a bother when I have one simple question to ask and one album to buy.
And call me dirty, but I, too, don't dig the mall atmosphere that Criminal exerts.
Their selection isn't great. I can go on...but I don't want to sound like a jerk (too late, I suppose). I just felt the need to issue my two cents, especially after seeing the collective hard-ons that everyone else has for that place. It's not the worst store in the world--but I prefer others.
I'm not sure if I have a favourite record shop--I frequent many for many different reasons. But if I had to choose I'd say Rotate is the most well-rounded overall. Great selection, great vibe, and despite all that's been said, the staff has always been nice to me.
criminal records sucks.
it's for the suburbs and belongs there.
their inventory isn't all that - curation essentially done by pitchfork; it lacks depth (which comes from knowledge and experience, not trend following).
the staff isn't polite; in fact, like most little art-students they are fay and annoying, even somewhat condescending.
and who needs polite record store staff, anyway? some stores have attitude and it takes years to get past that - you have to pay your dues. this is a record store, not a library or daycare.
the prices are cheap, aggressively so. they can do this, because they are financially backed, and they will do this in an attempt to push out the competition. you know who else engages in this sort of practice? walmart. and walmart also sells t-shirts and belt buckles.
i have been going to rotate for more than half of my life, about 20 yrs. they are an institution. rotate has supported toronto's music scene, its bands and venues. the staff is awesome and their selection annihilates.
hits and misses has thankfully moved to queen west. awesome punk, metal, crust.
it is important that we reward the authentic not the simulacra.
On that note, thanks for this. I will be frequenting the stores that I haven't been to already. (RT will always be my favourite, though! Haters gon' hate!)
In Closing, I would like to tell you how I spent my Sunday. I live & work near Avenue & the 401, so I spend lots of time at Vortex & Around Again, I love both those stores dearly, but since I'm around them all the time, I decided I would head downtown. First stop was Rotate This, they were having a 40% off used sale (found some gems), not sure if this is an annual event, but they had some great deals. Then I hit Slinky & picked up a couple of old hip hop records I had been eyeing. After that I walked across to Criminal & picked up the Pinkerton box (pricey, but worth it). From there I went to Kops, they have the best 7” collection on the planet & I’m a sucker for the singles. Afterwards I headed North to Bloor Street, home of my favorite Korean BBQ & the amazing Sonic Boom. There I was determined cross a couple more titles off my list (and I did).
I can’t afford to do this kind of shopping every week, but usually once a month & the next time out, you can be damn sure I will be hitting all the stores that I missed this time. I know most of you could care less about what I bought or what I do on my one day off, but I wanted to demonstrate how great this city is for record lovers & I wanted to do it without putting down anybody else’s favorite stores.
its a total specialist store for punk and metal - but that is needed . Vortex are also good in that 'specialist' mindset.
Kops records - over inflated prices. not super great staff.
rotate this - best all round selection of vinyl in the city -but that doesnt make it the best store. staff could work on their attitudes a bit. prices are a bit hit and miss depending on what you are looking for
sonic boom - can get interesting titles in - but over charges you for them. some of the staff are actually knowledgable about music though (some not all)
criminal records - worst store i've ever been to - how people on this page can actually say the staff are nice to them is beyond me? really average selection. and the extra stuff like posters and shirts they keep pimping on twitter - you can give that up - how about focusing on getting good records in - not 87 different arcade fire posters. staff are straight up awful
Still, it kind of sucks that so many people didn't know about it. The good news?
Vortex will be giving away a Triple Decker as part of our Black Friday Record Store Day promotion.
Full details on how you can win the Dead Weather release is on our site here:
http://vortexrecords.ca/news/dead_weather_12_being_given_away/
Lastly, a few of you, Pierre in particular, commented about our vinyl being in the lower bins and what a pain it is to browse. Though I'd love to offer a permanent solution, space restrictions make it impossible at this time. However, for Record Store Day, we'll be moving the bulk of it to the upper bins to make access easier during our 50% off used vinyl sale.
Of course, any feedback on the experiment is appreciated.
Play De Record - the best selection of hip hop vinyl in town. Also a very good selection of dub step/drums and bass
Slinky - electro
Criminal Records - new release indie for cheap prices.
Rotate - amazing used vinyl selection
Kopps - they have the 45's
Cosmos - rare soul/funk/disco and decent hip hop
Hits & Misses - punk
Sonic Boom - overpriced, not the greatest selection.
I can see why people think Criminal is the best. They cater to people who like to listen to the newest Passion Pit/Arcade Fire/BSS record in their bedrooms. You would see a vinyl DJ rockin' tech 12's caught dead in that place.
But to have the guys at the counter talk behind my back about me shopping in other stores and making fun of me - whilst i'm in the store???? come on - at least wait until i've left. dont start pointing me out to other customers saying "oh look he has a bag from sunrise" - so what???? they had a record you didnt!!!! simple!
so yeah- for me their customer service is the worst - along with their selection.
Scott Cramer,
Owner, Neurotica Records.
"Do yourself a favour and go down to Rotate this at 801 Queen Street West. Better staff and honest business men. Here's why.
I bought 2 records from here (Criminal), one of them being The Eternal by Sonic Youth. In the glass case it said 27.99 ON SALE. I come up to the counter and the guy gets the records I buy and rings up my total as he hands me a third record and says "Merry Christmas". It was a live Sonic Youth record that came out at the time of The Eternal's release. I said thank you and hand over my credit card. When the total comes up it says 74 dollars and change. I asked how much the Sonic Youth record was and he replies with, "It's 47.99". I tell him that in the case it says 27.99 ON SALE. The worker grabs his boss and together they realize that the record is actually supposed to be 47 and not 27. The boss gives me the record that was ON SALE for 27.99 instead of 47 and takes the record that was given to me as a gift out of my bag and says to his staff "He's not getting that (Live Sonic Youth) record for that price".
If the owner ever reads this, know how to price your merchandise properly. For you to disrespect someone who spends 50-100 dollars a week on records in Toronto, I will let everyone know, you do not know how to run a business. "
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Who pays top dollar for vinyl in the GTA?
I have been to Rotate, Sonic, Kops, Soundscapes and Criminal and I absolutely find Criminal to be the best in terms of prices, customer service and overall atmosphere.
Firstly, certain people have claimed that Criminal is owned by some "kid with rich parents." I have no idea if this is true... but, come on. Who cares even if it is? Does that take away from the integrity of a record store? Does it?
Their prices are generally, hands down, the lowest (especially on new releases). Half of the LPs in stock always seem to have a 'SALE' sticker on them. On top of that, they always find a way to knock a few bucks off of my purchase, especially if I ordered a record that they had not thought about ordering (usually singles).
Customer service-wise? Better than most places. I can't believe people are saying that Rotate's salespeople are friendlier than Criminal's. I find that at Rotate, they don't greet you at the checkout, aren't friendly and pretty much will avoid interaction with you at almost any cost. I find that on occasion they (intentionally or unintentionally) make snide, often condescending remarks which very much turned me off from the store. Since then, I've given it a couple of more tries (mainly for tickets) and have had similar experiences. Blech. As for stores other than Rotate, I can't really say as I have not been to them enough times. But, back to the point... Criminal's guys are very friendly, quite knowledgable (especially about indie music) and know how to connect with customers. I walk in, am greeted by my name (yeah, they took the time to learn it and recognize me) and actually feel like I am their friend.
Thirdly, the atmosphere. Again, I'm sure that I am a little biased because of my particular taste in music, but I just love being in the store. There's always music that I like playing throughout the store and the overall vibe going on is one that makes you not want to leave.
Yeah, everyone has their preference, but overall, I find that Criminal offers the most of all the other stores on this list (or at least the ones I have been to).
Can't wait for Record Store Day next week. I know where I'll be going!
Some great points there. From a purely Geographical stand point, I'm sure we are all somewhat right. I can find a store that is better than my favourites, but it all boils down to how far you want to go( IE: I won't drive to the states for a LP:) ), and what you are looking for. All subjective:)
I have a diverse collection spanning Grindcore, to early swing, to be-bop or electro. 4,500 LP's of pure 'what I love'. I tend to go to Vortex- it's the best in my 'how far I want to go range' (great grade-priced LP's, loads of new arrivals daily and a 20 minute walk.) I hit it up 4 times a week, while other downtown shops I go to about once a week or two. I like going to Criminal for their selection of new pop/rock-always top notch. Other than that, I'm all Vortex and Kops for my used selections. If I was near Rotate This, I'm sure you would see me there too.
Regardless of this list, everyone go to a record store that sells them the best music. Pick a few things you like, be open-minded to all musical creations, talk to people at record stores, go to record shows, listen to music more than you buy it, and SUPPORT LOCAL SHOPS.
-Doug
***SHAMELESS***
Come to my Toronto Mid-Town Music Collectibles Show, May 29th.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=180491951969926&;ref=ts
***SHAMELESS***
City Chase is going 70's at Metro Hall on August 13th, and I'm looking for record stores that hold the best 70's collections!
Any help?
Peter, I haven't thought of Penny Lane in years and years. I thought the guy was British, but my teen accent-recognition was probably off. And, I thought his name started with an L but I'll be damned if I can remember it.
Also, Hits & Misses has moved and is now located next to Rotate This.
Do any of these places still exist? Especially for poor/cheap individuals like me, that enjoy collecting heavily used records. I remember there being a few spots on Danforth Ave. up until 5-6 years ago, specifically one near by Danforth and Donlands, can't remember the name...
If anybody can recommend some of these types of record shops, that would be greatly appreciated!
All I asked was if anybody knows of any old, grimy, disorganized, cheap, basement-like record stores that usually sell heavily used vinyl with worn out or damaged covers for cheap. Most records at these types of places usually sell for a $1.00 - $5.00. There used to be a place or 2 like this on the Danforth up until 5-6 years ago or so. Just wondering if they still exist??? That's all!
I really appreciate your efforts in putting this review together, along with all the commentators who have contributed their opinions...Good stuff!
Would like $1.00 per album and want to sell the whole lot in one go. Let me know.
Cheers,
However, those vinyls must not be classic, easy listening or various artist, but more to Rock, Blues and Jazz.
Any idea what store in Toronto that might be selling those cheap price Vinyls?
thaknks
If interested, please reply to my posting.
Thank you.
Stephanie
1006 Queen St East
Cheers!
= Google Map of independent record stores in downtown Toronto, after a recent visit (June 2012)
Wow, you should be about 3 years old!