Dead Dog Records (Bloor)

Born from the ashes of the beloved Yonge Street Sunrise Records, Dead Dog Records opened in 2015 when veterans Stephen Yorke, Maesy Kitching, and Kristie Callaghan decided to keep the spirit of independent music retail alive. They landed in Bloordale Village, creating a space that feels both established and refreshingly unpretentious. The name, inspired by a story about failed animatronic puppies, perfectly captures their ethos: finding value in the unexpected and not taking themselves too seriously. The shop is a masterclass in organization, making it easy to lose hours flipping through their deep, well-curated bins of new and used vinyl, CDs, and Blu-rays. It’s a cornerstone of the neighbourhood, where the staff’s decades of collective experience mean you’re just as likely to find a rare jazz pressing as you are a current indie hit.

For a first-timer, the used vinyl section is the main event; it’s consistently lauded for its high standards of condition and fair pricing. If you’re hunting for something specific and don’t see it, don’t hesitate to ask—the staff are famously patient and will happily special order titles for you. While they carry everything from heavy metal to hip-hop, their jazz and punk sections are particularly strong. The shop is spacious enough to browse comfortably without feeling cluttered, and they also stock turntables and cool merch if you’re looking to upgrade your setup. They are open daily, with slightly longer hours on Fridays, making it an easy stop after a coffee or a bite in the vibrant Bloordale area. It’s the kind of place that rewards repeat visits, so keep an eye on their bins for fresh arrivals.