Spin Me Something Good: Downtown Record Store's Top Vinyl Picks
By: Aimee Latendresse; Photos: Brandon M.Casimiro
Ever since my Nana handed down her vinyl collection, I have been obsessed with un-digitizing the way I listen to music. There is something special about dropping the needle on a record, twisting a pencil to rewind a cassette, or sliding a CD into a player for music new and old. Music becomes intentional; you can’t skip every thirty seconds or shuffle through unlimited albums in seconds. You sit with the album (or collection) the way the artist intended.
Above my collection, I value the community that music brings; hearing people’s connections to the music, getting put on a new artist, or even just silently listening to a loved track with someone. The record stores downtown have become some of my favorite places to experience that kind of connection. I am always on the hunt for my next favourite album, and with RoadTrip Music Festival coming up this September, I stopped by three downtown favorites, Zap Records, Brian’s Record Option, and Something Else Records, to ask a simple question:
What are your top three albums right now?
Their answers gave me insight not only into the tracks themselves, but also into the people behind the counter at the beloved stores.
Brian’s was the first store I visited after moving to Kingston, and it still holds a dear place in my heart. The posters, beautifully cluttered halls, and fantastic conversation have me coming in even when I really shouldn’t buy another vinyl (which I inevitably do). Brian has been sharing music with Kingston since 1980, with his favorite tracks changing more often than Kingston weather. His picks for a top three were those requested often, as well as some that he thinks should have more attention. He operates by ordering a track for the shop when two people request it, leading to him discovering new tracks all the time.
By and By from Caamp
The warm, folk sound and heartfelt songwriting have made this album one of Brian’s recent favorites. It makes for a perfect comforting and authentic track.
Ants From Up There from Black Country, New Road
Another newer track, this emotional, ambitious track provides a breath of something new for any collection.
AM from Arctic Monkeys
One of the shop’s most requested records, AM continues to be a modern classic on vinyl. For long-time fans or those just discovering Arctic Monkeys, the album never seems to stay on the shelves for long.
RoadTrip Music Festival Album Pick
Brian shared his history of selling Peach Pit vinyls, starting when two people asked for the vinyl in a row, as usual. He shared his interest in seeing how they will sound live, with hopes that they will come in to check out his store so he can question their self-described 'chewed bubblegum pop' style.
I remember buying one of Zap’s vinyls at Princess st Promenade before I knew where the store was. With new tracks constantly being ordered, Zap has a bit of everything. If you’re lucky enough to strike up a conversation with the owner, Gary, you'll probably leave laughing and carrying an album you hadn't planned on buying.
When I spoke with him about his top albums, the question quickly became less about ranking albums and more about retracing a lifetime of music. I learned his history with the business, and with each vinyl itself. I followed as he pulled vinyls that he had connections to and challenged him to pick three that truly stood out to him at the moment. He stayed within the Rock section, though he said he could easily pick out a hundred more if he kept going. It's a lifelong education that is so absorbing and it brought him to where he is now.
Made in Japan by Deep Purple
Gary's love for Deep Purple started early, when he would look at the record every time he went to a record store because he could not afford it. He became absorbed by the cover. During a visit, when his Grandma told him he could have one thing, he went straight for this album, and it's remained a favorite ever since, and he’s listened to just about everything Deep Purple has put out.
Layla and other assorted love songs from Derik and the Dominos
Featuring Eric Clapton and Duane Allman, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs rounds out Gary's list with one of rock's most celebrated collaborations. The albums continue to prove why some records become timeless.
Our Electric Ladyland from The Jimi Hendrix Experience
What started as a love for hardrock, eventually branched out into psychedelic rock, blue, and everything in between. Electric Ladyland became a part of that journey, with it being a corpus of an album. Gary noted this album was the last of The Jimmy Hendrix Experience, making it all the more special.
RoadTrip Music Festival Album Pick
After having caught many of their local shows, Gary shared his interest in seeing Kasador again, noting that it's always nice to see local talent on the big stage.
Every time I walk into Something Else Records, I have to ask what is playing. If it’s something I haven't heard before, which is usually the case, I always end up adding it to my playlist. The workers genuinely love what they do, and it shows in the organization, decoration, and staff pick shelf. I had the privilege of speaking with Andrew, one of the staff members, whose selections balanced Kingston nostalgia with deep musical appreciation.
This Heat (Self-Titled)
Originally released in 1979, this self titled album is an overall underrated track. Andrew gave a shoutout particularly to the drummer, Charles Hayward, whose inventive rhythm deserves far more notoriety.
The Best of Black Jazz Records (A Collection)
Acting as a celebration of history, this collection showcases the funkier side of soul jazz. Less swing and more groove, Andrew describes it as the kind of record you’d throw on for a party rather than something reserved for quiet listening.
Phantom Power by The Tragically Hip
As a proud Kingston resident, and with the tenth anniversary of the final concert coming up, Andrew could not resist picking a Tragically Hip track. For him, Phantom Power lives in memories of car rides with mom and finding ‘Poets’ to be the definition of cool. The album is more than just music; it’s memories, connection.
RoadTrip Music Festival Album Pick
Anything from Gabriel Jacoby. After finding him through the festival lineup, Andrew praised the blend of R&B and neo-soul, saying he noticed shades of Prince and Sly & the Family stone (all of which he does not say lightly).
After chatting with Brian, Andrew, and Gary, it became clear that their favourite albums aren’t just about the songs, but rather about where the tracks were first heard. The person who bought them the album. Who they listened to the music with. The conversations with customers that brought them to ordering the vinyl. The feelings that arise when the needle drops. That’s exactly why record stores continue to matter in a world that seems obsessed with forcing everything to speed up and become one tap away. They’re places where recommendations come from conversation instead of algorithms, and music becomes something shared rather than consumed. Happy listening :)
Click here to learn more about Downtown Kingston's inaugural RoadTrip Music Festival happening September 12, 2026!
Aimee Latendresse
Hi! I’m Aimee, one of the Marketing and Event summer students at Downtown Kingston. I currently study Education at Queen’s, and have always had a passion for people. My choice of Queen’s was largely influenced by my exploration of and falling in love with the downtown core during a campus tour, and that love has only grown deeper the more time I spend in this beautiful city. I’m proud to call Kingston my second home, and can’t wait to keep discovering more about its local beauty and charm
