Jamaica Plain Record Store Named Best In Massachusetts
Record Store Day is this weekend. This year’s ambassadors, Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires (who are husband and wife), are celebrating by releasing a collection of new tunes entitled, The Sound Emporium. Perhaps you’ll be able to snag this vinyl at Deep Thoughts JP. This Jamaica Plain record store was just named the best independent record store in Massachusetts by Boston.com.
Labeled a”A Psychedelic Record Store,” Deep Thoughts JP was the readers’ choice in an extensive list compiled by the website. The list highlights 10 shops in the greater Boston area. “It’s become a Jamaica Plain staple in the ten years since it first opened its doors,” the article states.
Located a stone’s throw from the Forest Hills T Stop, Deep Thoughts JP has it all. Their inventory includes cassettes, CD’s, vintage clothing, books, comics, movies, and stereo equipment. Then of course, there’s the vinyl. NPR reported last month that records outsold CD’s in 2022 for the first time since 1987. This is great news for locally-owned record stores, including Deep Thoughts JP. They now offer customers the ability to purchase their music through their website. You can also sell records (and additional items above) to Deep Thoughts JP for cash or store credit.
Deep Thoughts JP has also become well known for their community spirit. They host Grateful Dead Family Night, every Friday from 9 pm-midnight in-store. This includes a live performance from the band Owsley’s Owls, which features store owner Nick Williams. (Williams owns Deep Thoughts JP with his wife Alaina Stamatis).
JP: The Place To Be
To identify the top independent record store, Boston.com polled their readers. They received over 10,000 votes for record shops from Boston, to Somerville, to the suburbs like Norwell, MA. The final numbers resulted in a top 10 and honorable mention list.
As for Deep Thought JP, they will open early on Saturday (10 am). They will have many of the special releases while supplies last. They also offer the opportunity to order a special title through their partnerships if it is not in stock. You can also take a video tour of Deep Thoughts JP here. Or check them out online.