Light of Day Records

Light of Day Records in Medford started with a name pulled from basement records finally seeing daylight. The shop now sits inside Deep Cuts, mixing records, CDs, tapes, live music, comedy, sandwiches, and a neighborhood crowd close to Boston without feeling like a collector-pressure room.

Interview with Light of Day Records

Light of Day — I have to ask about the name. Is there a story there?

Yes! Initially I had a name for the store, which started as a pop-up, called "Killer Krates". Thankfully, my wife convinced me that the name was terrible, and as I was bringing records out of a basement that had been there for 40+ years, she said "you really are committed to showing those records the light of day". Hence, Light of Day Records was born -- I take zero credit for the name and give it all to her!

What's been quietly strong in the bins lately?

CDs and Cassettes -- I think some of the pricing of new vinyl got out of hand, so younger folks in particular have taken a liking to CDs and cassettes. We sell them for $5 a piece or 3 for $12 -- it's a great, fun and fully portable way to grow your collection and trade with friends. Plus, it's great fun rockin' cassettes on an old boombox at a summer BBQ!

What condition issues show up most in New England attic and basement collections?

There's a decent amount of mold. If there's an excessive amount found in collections, I have to pass on it -- even if they're great titles.

Medford is close enough to Boston and Somerville to feel the gravity but has its own neighborhood life. Who walks in?

Medford is the new Allston! It's got vibrant indie, metal, punk, hardcore and queer scenes. We get everyone from teenagers doing some record shopping after school, to young families coming in for afternoon sandwiches and games, to working folks coming in to let loose after hours. Of course there's the college scene as well. It's a wonderful mix of good people and good vibes and we're really lucky to have the best customers.

What do your regulars hunt for — and does the Boston-area collector intensity reach into Medford?

I'm surprised at how much new/sealed records sell -- maybe it's because I'm biased and love shopping for vintage vinyl! Luckily, there's not too much "collector intensity" at our shop. It's designed to peruse and have a little something for everyone in a small footprint -- a perfect little shop to spend a 1/2 hour digging and chatting up music with good folks. We're also fairly priced IMO compared to what I'm seeing in the marketplace.

When someone wants to sell records, what's the best way to start — and what makes a collection an easy yes?

Get in touch with me at lightofdayrecords@gmail.com -- send me pictures/short videos of the covers or just recrod spines if it's easier. Give me a sense of what general condition the collection is in, then let's talk. Light of Day Records is based in Medford and can be a useful contact for sellers around Medford, Somerville, and the nearby Boston area.

What's a record or collection that came through and stuck with you?

There was a collection last year that was essentially donated to me (I insisted on giving at least some cash to them) -- it contained a bunch of OG Blue Note records as well as a heap of great classic rock from the late 60s, early 70s. His only stipulation was that he wanted to share stories of the scene from back then. He told me this amazing story of how he met John Coltrane in a small jazz club next to the Prudential Center and got his autograph on a cocktail napkin. It reminded me that Coltrane was, in fact, a human being -- not just a legendary figure, and that there are people alive who witnessed his genius first-hand.

First visit to Light of Day — what shouldn't someone miss?

There's something for everyone! Records, CDs, tapes, live music and comedy, Pop's pinball arcade, delicious sandwiches, a variety of beverages and the most generous staff around. So, I'd say don't miss any of it!

FAQ

Does Light of Day Records buy collections?

Yes. Sellers can email photos or short videos of covers or spines, along with a general sense of the collection condition.

What condition issues matter most?

Mold is a major issue, especially in New England basement and attic collections. Heavy mold can make even strong titles a pass.

What else is at Light of Day besides records?

The shop also has CDs, tapes, live music, comedy, Pop’s pinball arcade, sandwiches, beverages, and community events inside Deep Cuts.

Last updated: 2026-08-21

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