With its clean, minimalist design, Beacon Sound has the air of an art gallery, which might also owe to the fact that it's connected to one. Either way, it belies the shop's focus, which, while stocking the usual of-the-moment indie stuff, tilts avant-garde. On a recent visit, customers milled around the counter discussing Steve Reich and John Cage while crazy-making free jazz spilled from the store speakers. No one will judge you for only buying the new Sufjan, though. Not out loud, anyway.

MATTHEW P. SINGER.