CHEAPO RECORDS
538 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA

Located at 538 Mass Ave in Central Square, Cheapo has a long and venerable history of doling out new and used vinyl for 60 years, and the place has a vibe unchanged since I started frequenting it sometime in the early 00’s. Even after a massive upheaval in 2006 (where it moved a block and a half away), it somehow maintains its classic clutter-bug aesthetic.
Just follow the sound of early 70’s Philadelphia soul blaring from the world’s most blown out exterior speaker. You’ll be led to a paradise for time wasters and record diggers old and young, novice and advanced. There is always something to uncover and discover. As a bonus, if you stay more than ten minutes, I can guarantee you’ll soon be overhearing one of the most bananas conversations you’ll have ever heard in your time on earth. I have yet to locate it, but there must be a tractor beam (perhaps located in the sealed country section?) that draws in the most unhinged and wayward souls that Central Square has to offer (and bear in mind, young readers, Central Sq has A LOT to offer in this regard). And once they have materialized between the record stacks, they are allowed to hold court, free from censorship.

Written by Nick Branigan, this article was originally published in the April Boston Compass. If you’re interested in volunteering for the Compass (distributing, layout, art submissions, etc.) send an email to [email protected]