A classic record store environment, Cheapo's vibe is equal parts cultural crossroads and music industry time capsule, one that would be sadly missed by those who've depended on Cheapo for solid deals on music for all these years.

Having endured the ups and downs of the business, it’s probably more steeped in music history than any other record shop in the city. From the tumultuous yet fascinating ‘60s to the digitally crazed ‘80s, Cheapo has truly seen it all.

What record stores like Cheapo possess goes way beyond music. Not long ago, they were vital conduits for the flow of musical information within the culture. Trends --the rock 'n' roll revolution, for one-- owe their existence in large part to record stores. While digital technologies attempt to mimic the physical features of community, they are,... See more