Sadly, many iPhiles may never know the pleasures of dusty grooves and musty album sleeves. They'll never gasp when, flipping through vinyl stacks, they stumble on timeless treasures like Eddie Murphy's "Party All the Time." But there's still hope. Deadwax (pop out those earbuds now and pay attention) refers to that smooth space around the record label where artists once slipped cryptic inscriptions for obsessive fans. It's also a tiny shop for gramophone freaks just down the block from Martyrs' and across from Grizzly's Lodge.

Thanks to proprietor Wilbur Sutphin's friendly enthusiasm, you'll never have to suffer haughty clerks with that irritating your-music-sucks attitude. Ask and he'll gladly guide you to "The Best of Gil Scott Heron" (a steal at $6.99) or Tony Randall's "Warm and Wavery" ($4.99) if that's more your speed. Limited edition silkscreen prints and photos line the walls, culled from gigs by groups like The Mooney Suzuki, Interpol and Audioslave ($34-$48). Besides LPs, Deadwax stocks used CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes and cassettes, also reasonably priced. Sutphin even keeps a stash of eight track tapes on hand for those hardcore Luddites who still insist big-ass plastic cartridges were the final word in cutting edge.

Centerstage Reviewer: Michael Foreman