Top 5 Record Stores in Toronto - by Tour Guy Mike Carter

One of my favorite things to do when visiting a big city is to check out the local record stores. I always find that this brings me to interesting and cool parts of the city that I wouldn’t normally venture to. It also makes a record collection more interesting when you can say that you have vinyl from around the world. Although we live in a digital age, and you can get almost anything from eBay, nothing beats going through a dusty record bin in an unfamiliar city and finding that super rare record to add to the collection.
Toronto has seen its fair share of record stores come and go. The cluster of stores that once dominated Yonge street north of Dundas used to be a highlight of a trip downtown. Unfortunately the illuminating signs of A&A Records and  Sam the Record Man are long gone, but luckily there’s still some amazing record stores kicking around.

Here are my five favorite record stores in downtown Toronto:

1. Cosmos records (607A Queen St W and 652 Queen St W)

In Cosmos’s 15 years of business they have never sold CD’s, only rare original pressings of Funk, Soul, Jazz and Hip-Hop. On my last trip there I found an original pressing of Bill Wither’s Still Bill, Beastie Boys Licensed to Ill and The Politicians self-titled record featuring McKinley Jackson. As any true collector can attest, an original pressing in mint condition is an amazing score.
          
The name Cosmos comes from a Sun Ra album of the same name. Currently the rarest record in the store is a $2,000 copy of Tina Brooks’ True Blue album on the Blue Note label. Don’t let that price scare you though, as they have some nice value bins for the hardcore crate digger.  Cosmos has two locations: one on Queen west, east of Bathurst and one located off Queen West and Palmerston Blvd. If you get a chance, walk north on Palmerston to Bloor, and enjoy the beautiful street lights.

2. Kops records (229 Queen St W)

Kops records was founded in 1976 making it the oldest running independent record store in Toronto. It also has the largest collection of 45′s in all of Canada! Named after owner Martin Koppel, Kops records has a nice mixture of roots music, original pressings and reissues at a decent price.
          
Whether you’re into Soul, Punk or Funk, Kops has a little something for everyone. Can’t find the record you are looking for? They also have a huge warehouse in Markham full of stock.  When you’re done here make sure to check out the Much Music building and shops on Queen street west.

3. Play De Record (357 Yonge St)

 

For over 22 years Play De Record has been the place where producers and DJ’s go to for dance, house and hip-hop records. Many of Toronto’s major D.J.’s are regular customers and some of them have taken turns working here as well. Once primarily a record store, Play De Record now sells D.J. and music production equipment. If you’re interested in making or producing music you can buy tools for a starter studio for under $150. You can also take lessons at the Play De Record academy located at the back of the store.
          
The owner Eugene Tam has produced music himself and back in the 90′s worked with such names as Saukrates, Pharoahe Monch and K-os. Eugene is also originally from Trinidad, so that’s why you will find the countries flag colours incorporated in the store sign and logo. Play De Record is minutes away from the heart of downtown Toronto: Yonge and Dundas Square.

4. Sonic Boom (782 Bathurst St and 201 Augusta Ave)

 

With a stock of 50,000 CDs, 25,000 DVDs, 30,000 vinyl records and a store space of 11,000-square-feet Sonic Boom is with out a doubt Toronto’s largest independent record store. After 12 years in business they have expanded to two locations: one at Bloor and Bathurst and one in Kensington market on Augusta Avenue. One of the coolest things about Sonic Boom is that they have live in store concerts. They’ve had a great list of musical acts from all over the world preform in their store including: Sam Roberts, Sloan, Monotonix, Nada Surf and Dinosaur Jr.
           
Sonic Boom is the most unique record store to explore. They always have a lot of cool displays in their windows and throughout the store. You also have to give them points for being featured in the movie and comic book series Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Although many record store goers will miss the old location on Bloor Street. I feel that Sonic Boom is a welcome addition to Honest Eds, the Annex neighborhood’s most recognized landmark. After visiting Sonic Boom make sure to head east on Bloor street to discover the Annex neighborhood.

5. Rotate This (801 Queen St W)

Rotate This just celebrated it’s 20^th anniversary in 2012. This has to be my favorite name for a record store. The store has a really cool “Empire Records” feel to it.  Genre wise they have almost everything: hip-hop, punk, jazz, hardcore, reggae, electronic (just no love for country or classical).
          

When your favorite band comes to town check with Rotate This as they’re a great place for tickets to local concerts. They’re also one of the best stores when it comes to Record Store day specials. After your done shopping here make sure to go across the street and check out the hipster’s paradise Trinty Bellwood park.