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Rotate This
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Music & DVDs Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Vinyl Records Music & DVDs, Vinyl Records [Edit]
801 Queen St WToronto, ON M6J 1G1
Neighbourhoods: Niagara, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
(416) 504-8447
- Hours:
Mon 11 am - 7 pm
Tue-Fri 11 am - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 8 pm
Sun 12 pm - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Rotate This
Review Highlights
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"Buy all your concert tickets here." In 11 reviews -
"Soundscapes is great but sometimes they will sell out a lot..." In 5 reviews -
"...of CDs on either side of the wall carrying numerous genres." In 3 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Christine E.
Toronto, ON
1/9/2012
I really like this place. Its major accomplishment is as a great little store for "indie rock" - that amorphous non-genre - on new vinyl. Their hip-hop, jazz, and world music sections are small, but represented. If you want more extensive genre-based collections, you'll have to head to stores that specialize in them. If you want used stuff, it's all over the city, but Neurotica is close by and has a better selection than Rotate This (although Rotate This has a none-too-shabby collection of used vinyl, and all of the used records I've purchased from them have been cheap and in great condition).
This place serves its earnestly ironic/ironically earnest market of young(ish) music lovers and it serves us well. They get new vinyl quite quickly here (most of the new releases I'm hunting for are there within a week or two of their release date), and their prices are fair and often cheaper than Sonic Boom's. I've noticed that many reviewers here have been put off by the staff's attitudes, but I've never been displeased with the service I've received here. I don't look even remotely cool and I listen to dumb music and I've always been served with a smile. The one exception is a younger dude who has never, ever smiled at me but has always been courteous and helpful, so no complaints.
It gets pretty crowded in here on the weekends so I tend to do my relaxed browsing on weekdays. -
Review from Kristyn P.
Toronto, ON
4/26/2012
This place may be a bit far out from the normal travel, but it's the only place I knew of in toronto for cheaper ticket prices... Now they charge a little less than ticketmaster ( I had arrived recently thinking they were worth missioning to for the money saving aspect, but that has changed) so it's no point in even bothering the distance anymore.
The only real thing that stands out as good is that their website is up to date. -
Review from Matt A.
Toronto, ON
5/8/2012
If you like your records accompanied by bitter, pretentious,try hard hipsters who'd rather roll there eyes at you than assist you with anything at all, this is the place for you!
I hate this place with a fiery passion, yet, much like the soup nazi scenario, their selection kept luring me back.
I'll never forget the time the owner dropped a pile of records directly on top of a bin of cds I was looking through. No doubt that this was intentional. And to this day, I still can't comprehend the reason? The $60 bucks I was about to drop in his store perhaps?
But now, as an older, more mature record nerd, I've realized the true sad sack of hipsters this place houses. Especially the guy with the stink eye - to me he is the biggest eye-rolling, greater-than-thou prick in the entire place.
There are tons of great record stores and record store employees in Toronto. This place had its day. Its done. Check out Kops on Queen. Great records served by nice people. -
Review from jenna m.
10/27/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Rotate This is a great independent music store located on the ever so hip Queen Street West. They carry an excellent selection of vinyl albums, concert tickets, and cds. New vinyl is decently priced and they have a fine collection of genres. Used vinyl is hit or miss due to a high turnover rate. If you have something specific in mind that you are hunting for than you must frequent the store often in high hopes of finding the album. I was pleasantly surprised and delighted to find a copy of Deltron's debut album-Deltron 3030 on vinyl (that had eluded me for so long) in the hip hop section. They are a solid provider of concert tickets with a nominal surcharge. However, their website is not as up to date I would be like and have found myself presenting there for tickets to a show only to find that it is sold out and they in fact had not updated the website. Blast! I must admit I am more inclined to purchase concert tickets from soundscapes only due to the fact that they are open later than rotate and have a more current website. However, Rotate is still a good place to get concert tickets at. I am just a little particular when it comes to my music. I am indifferent to the staff at Rotate, it is a very business as usual type attitude.
everybody want to tell ya the meaning of the music....
I highly recommend Rotate This for all of your music needs.Listed in: Record stores
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Review from Danielle D.
Toronto, ON
3/23/2011
I knew there was a reason why I always bought my tickets here, I just couldn't place it until know. As grumpy as the staff may seem (lovably curmudgeonly I say!) they will prioritize your ticket purchases over the stoned guy looming over the counter asking about stuff he'll never even purchase or the annoying vinyl enthusiast on the phone who just calls to complain about what they DON'T have in stock. (Everytime I go, theres an employee almost losing his head because the person on the phone won't let them go.)
I went there last week on the first day tickets were available to a show I wanted (because I'm a keener) and since it was the first day and they required a few extra steps to process the tickets (3rd party stuff) so I gladly hopped over to Bellwoods, the Coffee Shop and back in about 20 minutes.
When I arrived a new staff member was there who was totally confused about my request, but ever so swiftly the other staff member saw me from the side and took care of my tickets, thanking me for returning and my patronage and I left a happy, well prepared camper. -
Review from William N.
Scarborough, ON
11/13/2011
While it does fall victim to the typical hipster conventions of West-end record shops, overall it's a decent way to spend your lunch hour. Be warned, if you shop here be sure to either know what you are looking for or just be satisfied with digging. Asking for help in a place like this is akin to standing in line to get kicked in the pants. Also, don't even bother with special orders. I have ordered 2 vinyls from the big dude with the beard only to be told it had not arrived. Some weeks later I found both in the new vinyl bins, c'est la vie.
While pretentiousness is an ascetic that comes with the territory, I don't see the point in complaining about it. It's similar to complaining about the government; we all get it and it won't change. Suffice to say I treat employees here like bears; they are more afraid of you than you are of them, don't bother them and they won't bother you. While I have tried to small talk a few of them, it ultimately fell a bit flat and I was left with the feeling that I was the butt of an inside joke. Again, no point in complaining, I am there to buy vinyl not make a friend.
The selection is a bit heavy on the indie rock, but once and a while you might pull out that Fields Of The Nephilim promo copy of Razordawn complete with 8x10 glossy and press kit for $8. If you are interested in buying something along the lines of The Smith, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Joy Division, or the ilk, be prepared to take out a second mortgage. These are generally severely overpriced, but ultimately leave the shelves at the hands of kids who don't know any better. I suppose milking college kids of their allowance pays the rent, so who am I to complain?
All I can suggest is have a thick skin and put your princess pants back in the closet. This is a place to buy vinyl, not earn your "underground" badge at hipster school. -
Review from Noel D.
6/12/2009
If you are an indie hipster looking for old punk albums on vinyl then I guess this is your spot. A lot of people seem to think this is one of the best record stores in the city but I have no idea what they're talking about. Every time I have gone in there I have to listen to jackass employees talk about Facebook or what their plans are that night. I think they must view the movie High Fidelity as their code of conduct.
I've not been to their new location much at all. Last time I was there I found a small pocket of funk records which were all re-issues and overpriced. I had to leave because I was getting fed up with the music that was playing combined with random yelling from whoever was working in the back area pit.
I used to hit up their old spot a lot because they had dollar bins of hip-hop and I would be able to get some really choice records for about 5 dollars each. One good thing about Rotate This being an indie rock record store is that they have little knowledge of what their hip-hop records are actually worth.
I hear it's a good place to buy concert tickets though... If you are into a certain genre of music I can see it being a good spot, but if you're more into hip-hop, funk, soul or anything like that then there are much better options with less-crusty service. -
Review from Roma M.
1/15/2010
I used to go to the old location, but as far as concert tickets go, this is the place to come. Always. Soundscapes is great but sometimes they will sell out a lot faster than RT. A few years ago, I needed an extra Regina Spektor ticket for a friend, and I scored. 15 minutes before the show, and they were done selling at the venue.
I've found the staff to be nice and helpful in general, and the record collection is always worth a browse. -
Review from Eric M.
3/23/2010 16 Check-ins Here
Sweet sweet Rotate...sigh...
This has been one of my "go to" places for a long long long time now. I too miss the days when it was three shops down from the Beer Store on Queen. The place was dirty, small, cramped and noisy but it was home for this young hardcore kid.
Today it's slightly larger, noisy and not quite as dirty. I like the way they've used their space near the door and can usually find things very easily and quickly. The new release cd and 7" bins are just as inviting as they've always been.
I've heard a number of people say they found the staff snobbish and I can honestly say I've never found that to be the case. They know their stuff and have always been happy to help me find something hidden away in a bin somewhere.
If you're looking for concert tickets this is the place to go. Case closed. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
12/28/2008 18 Check-ins Here
For used and new vinyl, CDs and magazines, Rotate This is an excellent music store that isn't your typical music store chain.
I usually stop by at this store once a week. My credit card company loves me for this.
Located at their new Queen West location, when you walk in, you'll see flyers of upcoming shows and magazines. Walk to the back and you'll see the collections of CDs on either side of the wall carrying numerous genres. They carry artists that you wouldn't normally find at other music stores, so it's worth coming here to check them out.
I mainly visit their vinyl collection. You can find new and used records, offering a selection of rock, punk, reggae, and jazz. Their prices are reasonable in my opinion, compared to other shops and the quality of the vinyl is good.
It's also a good place to buy concert tickets, despite previous entries bemoaning their service fee, their rate is not that expensive. -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
8/16/2009 1 Check-in Here
Rotate This is my first stop for concert tickets. As many others have mentioned, the fees are minimal and certainly an improvement over TicketBastard.
They list all available tickets on their website and update it fairly often. The coverage is pretty good for all the clubs in Toronto. Bigger venues they don't seem to have access to but that's probably not what their clientele would be looking for anyway.
I always fine the service perfunctory and fast. I am just happy to have a convenient place to get concert tickets without paying for nonsense "convenience fees". Cash for tickets only. -
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
12/10/2008
Buy all your concert tickets here. Check online to see what they have, make a phone call to see if they still have it, or just pop in to check. Generally they update the website pretty regularly and they have a list posted outside to make it easier for everyone.
Service fees are dirt cheap compared to evil Ticketmaster (now they even charge you if you pick up your tickets! $3 handling fee? SERIOUSLY? I hate you). Rotate charges about 10% a ticket, which they don't refund if the show gets cancelled, but they will refund the ticket itself, which I've had to do once.
They have a pretty hilarious policy for their concert tickets listed on their website which makes me laugh every time. Don't let the disclaimer intimidate you, the place isn't scary at all and staff have always been nice to me. Just don't be a scalper and everything will be fine.
Music-wise, they carry all sorts of genres, maybe pushing a bit towards the punker side of things, but there are enough indie stores in this city to cater to that audience. Come here for cheap tickets and good music. Which is more than enough for me. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
9/14/2008 1 photo
When I heard that Rotate This! had moved from Queen Street West, I was mortified. This was a place that held a huge range of alternative and non-mainstream music and for my money represented the true heart of Queen Street West. Moving, I thought, would hurt a little bit of the feel of Queen West and also displace Rotate This! such that it just didn't feel right. How could you put such a store in the Annex? Yonge & Eg? Or worse yet...Rosedale?
Thankfully Rotate This! moved from Queen West to...well, Queen West. Crossing the street and moving a wee bit more west, the new digs are clean and definitely give RT! a fresh start. But the meat of the store is still the same. The same type of music is still on offer. Bands still swing by to give allotments of tickets for sale at their store so that you don't have to go through TicketMaster. The range of music still exists and the staff are still as knowledgeable as ever. I'd still not recommend going in and humming the chorus from the song you're looking for, especially if that song is "I'm a Slave 4 U". You may not be asked to leave, but I hope that you are. -
Review from Vanessa V.
8/7/2008
standard pretentious record shop-- one huge plus is that they sell tickets to all the mod club events, so you don't have to pay ticketmaster fees or get tickets mailed to you. NOTE: CONCERT TICKETS ARE CASH ONLY. and they charge a 10% service fee-- less than the ticketmaster fee but still annoying.
the people who work here are greater-than-thou hipsters. but i guess that's what you expect at a queen west music store.
also they just moved to 801 queen st west, about 2 blocks west of the old store. when i was there last week it looked like they weren't completely moved in yet. -
Review from Kat F.
2/16/2009
Yes, the staff can be crochety but that's part of their required job description. And you have to wonder, as they silently judge your purchases while cashing you out, why they bother stocking the albums if they have so much disdain for them in the first place??
Musical tastes aside, this is the place to go for ticket purchases - never again should you bother buying your tickets from Ticketmaster. Even for shows that have assigned seating, you're better off going to Rotate the day of onsale or later and your seats will still be good (they usually get a random assortment of pairs). The prices can't be beat and they often have new ticket allotments long after Ticketmaster has sold out of tickets. Cash only for tickets, debit & credit for everything else.
Great selection of vinyl, too, and they have good Boxing Day sales! -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
11/15/2008 1 photo
I pine for the old days of Rotate This. Their store was cramped, and the sound of clacking CDs made me feel like the store was the hamster wheel fueling the world of music.
Then the Internets came along, they relocated further west, and it lost a bit of its charm. Even simple logistical things aren't present, like their unlabelled listening station. A little write-up or the band's name wouldn't hurt.
As for concert tickets, yes, they do sell them, but the one time I made a special trip out for tickets, I was pointed to Soundscapes because they'd sold out. Not their fault, and it's a totally fine store, but given that I personally haven't gotten what I've needed from this store gives me more of a reason to head to Soundscapes. -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
10/3/2008
There is one store in Toronto to get cd's and that is Rotate This. I will admit that they do have an elitist attitude, but unlike so many stores in this city, they have earned it and have the merchandise to back it up. If an artist of consequence has put out an album you can find it at Rotate This. If your favorite indie band is coming to town for one night only, and aren't big enough for ticketmaster, you can get tickets at Rotate This. If you are a music fan you already know it. If you don't know it and you think you're a music fan you better get over there. Not only will you be able to back up your claim, you'll also be able to max out your credit card. I highly recommend Rotate This to everyone who listens to music.
Like the review? Check out the link to my blog on my profile. -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
12/10/2008
Like Soundscapes, Rotate This is an excellent store for finding music you usually won't find in "regular" CD shops. Where Soundscapes seems to cater towards the indie scene, my experience with Rotate has been that it's more of a punk or metal CD store. Of course, it's not exclusively that, but it unavoidably caters towards a certain crowd.
Hey also sell concert tickets, lists of which can be found in store and on their website. It's only a $1 service charge, and that's always nice. I think the concert tickets are cash only, but I may be wrong. -
Review from Richard D.
York, ON
10/13/2009
Can sometimes come off as a little pretentious, but the negativity really isn't warranted. It's a cool place and the ticket prices can't be beat.
I don't think that their vinyl collection is as good as Sonic Boom, but you can find some pretty cool stuff here.
Just remember that they open at Queen Street Standard time, which can mean anywhere between 15-30 minutes after they're supposed to. -
Review from Gary E.
Toronto, ON
4/21/2009
I can never shake the feeling that nothing I buy will ever meet the required coolness of the hipster cashier. As if every time I turn my back the store clerks are silently mocking me and hiding their guffaws behind a worn copy of some Sonic Youth rarity (in vinyl). It's frankly more pressure than I can stand. But the collection is large and filled with just about anything you can hope to find (I still like Sonic Boom better).
Listed in: T.O. Record Stores
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Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
10/17/2008
Truthfully, I only go to Rotate to buy concert tickets, since it's so conveniently located on Queen St. However, it IS a record shop and has a lot of old, rare and foreign CDs and Vinyl. If Play De is the electronic store and Soundscapes is the nouveau hippy, then Rotate is the old school pop and rock joint.
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Review from E C.
6/8/2010
The comments related to Rotate's elitist or "jackass" record store decorum are simply unwarranted. Most of the people who work there have drastically different tastes in music and disagree with each other all the time; they are not judging customers based on purchases. I'm not sure as to what kind of ambience is expected of a record store from reviewers like Noel D -- but this is what indie record stores are like!
