It’s fair to say that vinyl’s comeback was not predictable. It’s also fair to say that streaming isn’t going anywhere. But when it comes to physical copies of albums, we’re now at a point where vinyl can outsell CDs. This is reason for rejoicing and merriment, and so, as preparation for those interested in wandering into the world of vinyl, or connoisseurs who want a guide for where to get their best records, the list below is a handy selection to choose from.

All of the shops listed are small businesses. Not to judge people who buy vinyl at chains likeNewbury Comics and Urban Outfitters, but the prices aren’t actually better. You have to ask yourself if you want the commitment of record nerds wearing band T-Shirts or the selection of a large company acting cooler than it is. For those who prefer the former, this is where to begin.

Nuggets

486 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, Kenmore Square

Nuggets has been around since 1978, when records were your only option for listening to music and feathered hair was a part of daily life. Given its somewhat limited space, the records are packed in sensibly, divided by genre with occasional notes about quality attached to the sleeve for used records. Its collection of rock records is thorough, and prices are not unreasonable by contemporary standards. You can’t help but feel that the management genuinely cares about the music. Nuggets has become a granddaddy of Boston-area record stores, with plenty of granddaddy music.

Planet Records

144 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138, Harvard Square

Harvard Square isn’t the record store hub it once was. The area has been gentrified; at one point it had three different Starbucks locations within a few blocks of each other. Even Planet Records had to move from its former location on JFK Street to its current location, which is a few minutes outside of the square by foot. This one is considerably more mainstream than nearby Armageddon, which specializes in metal, hardcore, punk and other angry music. Planet Records is even smaller than Nuggets, but it can surprise you. A used — admittedly very used — copy of “Every Picture Tells a Story” by Rod Stewart, arguably his best album, ran $5.99 before tax. There are cafes in this area that charge more for a fancy latte.

Cheapo Records

538 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, Central Square

Cheapo Records could play a record store in a movie directed by Cameron Crowe. It’s lived the part, too. Located in Central Square since 1954, it’s not entirely clear how recently it was renovated. The whole place is grey, like a large basement room with natural lighting — not because it’s boring or apathetic to aesthetics but because the decor really isn’t the point. One of the employees looks a bit like Napoleon Dynamite if he cleaned himself up. That’s exactly who should be working here. 72 years strong is impressive. Let’s hope the original owner is somehow still alive.

Village Vinyl & Hi Fi

307 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446, Coolidge Corner

Village Vinyl opened in 2017, which means it’s practically a baby compared to Cheapo and Nuggets, but it’s well on its way to joining the big boys. Village Vinyl keeps records that haven’t yet been sorted right below the ones that have been in an apparent attempt to maximize the space they have, which is admirably risky. Do you know of another place to buy VHS tapes for $1, in Boston or anywhere else? Not that anyone is still using VCRs, but $1 anything is an olive branch to people paying rent in Boston in the 2020s. There’s an assortment of shirts, CDs and, most importantly, hi-fi sets that still work and look great. The hi-fis aren’t cheap; $800 better mean superior sound and lots of compliments from guests, but if you’re in Brookline, this is a must-visit.

GOOD TASTE Records

4 Thacher St, Boston, MA 02113, North End

GOOD TASTE manages to pack two record players for customers to sample used LPs into a space about the size of Planet Records. The location is near ideal. Buying a record here and enjoying an espresso at a cafe that isn’t a chain makes for a wonderful afternoon. The interior of GOOD TASTE is as white as Cheapo is grey, which makes for a somewhat sunnier vibe. The employees’ demeanor seems to reflect that. There’s a sense that both record nerds and more casual customers are welcome. Not that that isn’t true of the others, but GOOD TASTE is somehow the most cheerful on this list.

Support a local shop, pick up a record and throw up devil horns at your next concert. Vinyl isn’t going anywhere, and neither is the joy it brings. Happy listening.