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Music, Used Records and CDs
The comments below are unedited opinions of the colleagues who submitted them. A date (month and year) indicates that the comments following that date are from the given month and year. The most recent comments appear at the bottom.

12/98 Why, yes, I have been haunting used record stores for over a decade, since before they switched over to CDs. Here is a selection off the top of my head, excluding a few that are very specialized. Remember also that places like Newbury Comics and even the slightly more expensive HMV and Tower have deep discounts on 70's and 80's album rock and Top 40. Generally, one saves 20% at used record stores compared to sale prices new.

Another tip: most of the stores below mix new and used CDs. Look at the price tag...if it says "new" or "sealed" then you can keep looking and perhaps find the same title farther back in the bin for a lower price, but used. I never have quality problems with used CDs, and they're all guaranteed against defects, anyway. That being said, I usually buy new CDs, anyway. Go figure. Maybe it's the convenience of new CD stores; I go to used ones for hardtofind titles and for CDs I don't feel are worth the full new price.

BEST:

Disc Diggers: Highland Avenue, Davis Square, Somerville Best prices and selection, plus well organized so things are easy to find.

Planet Records: Kennedy St., Harvard Square, near For Eyes A great institution, though their stock was depleted in a fire that forced them to move here from Kenmore Square. They've come back well and offer a $2 discount on $20 purchases with a Square Deal coupon on nonweekend days.

Looney Tunes: 1) Mass. Ave between Harvard and Central Squares, beneath or next to Roka; 2) Boylston, across from Berklee School Another great institution, Looney Tunes is strongest in vinyl, especially blues, classical and jazz, but they do have good CD titles and knowledgeable staff.

GOOD:

Second Coming Records: Mass. Ave between Harvard and Central Squares, Beneath Dolphin Restaurant. Heavy on alternative and hard rock

Mystery Train. 1) Mass. Ave, Harvard Square, beyond Baskin Robbins; 2) Newbury Street near Tower Records. Decent selection, with an emphasis on rock and alternative. Be careful about the prices, though.

OKAY:

Cheapos: Mass. Ave., Central Square. The ultimate source of old vinyl, including over 250,000 45s. Though weak on CDs, it is a good source of hardtofind reggae, blues, oldies and classic jazz.

CD Spins: Church St., Harvard Square I hate this place, but it has far lower prices than any other source. The problem is that it's poorly alphabetized and has a terrible selection of rejects from other stores. You might take your list and start at this store, though. Best bets would be Top 40 hits.