The aisles upon aisles of CDs at Sonic Boom (512 Bloor W., 416-532-0334) can be overwhelming at first, so stick to the best-bet wall on the right side, as well as the front section, which offers used CDs for super-low prices and listening stations so you can hear before you buy. The basement is home to free in-store performances, as well as the vinyl department. Farther west, Hits and Misses (860 Bloor W., 416-535-7817) is a hit with folks who like hardcore, metal, garage and punk in 7-inch and LP formats. 

Home to a slew of venues, bars and record shops, Queen Street offers music to suit all tastes. Cosmos (663 Queen W., 416-861-9228) will fill you with the rhythm, carrying original vintage records of Afro-centric vibe, R&B, Latin Brazilian, Cuban, house and more. Rotate This (801 Queen W., 416-504-8447) is great for those who want to find out more about local bands, offering a large selection of indie music and eclectic vinyl, as well as concert tickets. Penguin Music (256A Queen W., 416-597-1687) offers good old rock ’n’ roll, but it also carries industrial, trance and techno. Neurotica (642 Queen W., 416-603-7796) has a large used-CD collection and crates of vinyl and DVDs. If you want a little pizzazz in your dorm room, head to Criminal Records (493 Queen W., 416-364-5380), which offers legal band merch, along with new CDs and vinyl.

In Little Italy, Sound­scapes (572 College, 416-537-1620) is great for those who like more obscure folk, funk and indie music — maybe you’ll finally buy that Birthday Party album you couldn’t find anywhere back home.

If you’re looking to shop for music, DVDs and videogames all at the same time, there’s the HMV Superstore (333 Yonge, 416-596-0333). Or check out HMV’s newly reno’d “Store of the Future” location (50 Bloor W., 416-324-9979), where you can also check your Facebook, play videogames and buy a new cellphone.

At Second Vinyl (10 Wellesley, 416-977-3737), the title says it all. And who would’ve thunk that Value Village (1319 Bloor W., 416-539-0585) would be great for music? The store doesn’t have a huge selection, but if you have a tape player, the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s music is fantastic.

Email us at: LETTERS@EYEWEEKLY.COM or send your questions to EYEWEEKLY.COM
625 Church St, 6th Floor, Toronto M4Y 2G1