Non-compact discs

>> Something for the collector who has everything? Here are the best places to find second-hand records in Montreal

by RUPERT BOTTENBERG

Between DJ culture, the faux nostalgia of the indie rock nation and the retro revival's revival, there's new life for the dusty hunks of wax formerly known as "albums." Considering how much cool old tunage has yet to make it to CD reissue, real-thing records still have a place under the Christmas tree. Here's your best local bets for scrounging up some truly capital platters.

Disquivel (1587 St-Laurent, 842-1607) These guys should get an award for turning one-time disc dungeon Dutchy's into a spacious, well-lit warehouse of weirdness. A pretty thorough selection of rock, jazz, funk, disco, house, worldbeat and unclassifiable kookiness. Good prices, pathologically knowledgeable staff.

Noize (58 des Pins E., 985-9989) Tony Laboa and Sharon Marks' cozy little mom and pop operation. Laugh yourself sick at the contents of the "?!" rack... then come to your senses and snag some wicked old Blue Note picks. Dig the 99¢ rack and the periodic 'buck-a-pound' sales (complete your Yes discography!). Laboa's low-key sarcasm is a cost-free bonus.

Primitive (3828 St-Denis, 845-6017) The garage rock mayhem on this stalwart's in-house label tips you off to what kind of stock they carry. That's just the tip of the iceberg, though. Rockabilly, surf, psychedelia, mod, lounge and punk all present and accounted for. Pricey, but where else are you gonna find a first pressing of the Blow Up soundtrack?

Le Pick-up (4383 St-Denis, 287-9484) Fastidiously neat and inviting, Le Pick-up is stuck in the same swinging '60s time warp as Primitive. Due to the owner's obsession with vintage French pop and yéyé, you'll find more Gainsbourg, Gall, Dutronc and Brel than you can shake a baguette at.

Le Fou du disque (1700 Berri, 845-1792) Easily the largest concentration of wax snacks in town but 99 per cent of it is utter shit. Hone your foraging skills.

Cheap Thrills (1433 Bishop, 844-7604; 2044 Metcalfe, 844-8988) and L'échange (713 Mont-Royal E., 523-6389; 3694 St-Denis, 849-1913) Back in the day, these stores were the place to go. Not only for used vinyl, but also for the informed opinions and personable service. While vinyl accounts for less and less of the stock carried by these mini-chains (two stores each), I'm happy to say the quality of customer relations hasn't slipped an iota. Given past good judgment, no doubt you'll still find a few precious LPs lurking about in the corners.