Montreal is a city of music, musicians, and independent music. For the city’s best soundtrack, there are experts and music lovers ready to recommend records to us. And Spotify is great, but it would be silly not to take advantage of the musical culture of Montrealers who work in music stores.
There are music stores and record shops all over Montreal, but there are five we go to when we want to be inspired, musically.
Phonopolis
“Just Your Neighborhood Record Store” / Phonopolis is an old-school record store with new and used vinyl, a selection of records by Montreal bands, and the lo-fi vibe of the record store of our dreams.
website – phonopolis.ca
Aux 33 Tours
Aux 33 Tours / the vinyl temple of Montreal’s very cool Plateau neighborhood and one of the city’s largest record stores. They have everything, new and old—punk, vintage Elvis, classical music, and lots of indie.
website / aux33tours.com
Beatnick Records
Beatnick Records / vinyls, cassettes, and CDs for nostalgic music lovers and those looking for rare vinyls.
Cheap Thrills
Montreal’s oldest record store, opened in 1971 / it’s also one of the record stores with the best “staff picks” in the city.
website / cheapthrills.ca
La Rama Records
La Rama Records / a Montreal institution and one of the favorite record stores among music lovers in the know. The curation is very niche, and there are plenty of local bands. You can also buy magazines there, and the selection is just as niche.
website / larama.ca
