Plateau-Mont-Royal / Rivard · Montreal
L’Oblique
Local and independent releases on Rivard, with vinyl, CDs, tapes and a history of in-store sets.
Why it is worth visiting
L’Oblique grew from a practical problem: adventurous music heard at a festival was difficult to buy in Montréal. The shop opened in 1987 and built its place around independent artists, with local and francophone music still central to its identity. Vinyl, CDs and cassettes share the shelves, so the point is access to the recording rather than allegiance to one format. Its in-store performance tradition continues to connect the shop with musicians. On a Plateau route, make this the stop for asking what is happening locally instead of simply reproducing a list of established favourites.
What you will find
New and used vinyl, CDs and tapes, with local, francophone, independent and experimental music among the strongest reasons to browse. Vintage audio equipment is also associated with the shop.
Genre strengths: Indie, Experimental, Francophone, Local
Getting there
4333 rue Rivard, near Mont-Royal métro. Aux 33 Tours and Freeson Rock are east along avenue du Mont-Royal; allow browsing time as well as the walk between shops.
Local tips
Check the shop’s current event notices for in-store sets. For local music, ask about formats too: a small independent release may be available on CD or tape when there is no LP edition.
Keep the music going
More music. More stories. A longer tour.
Field Notes
What Was Your First CD?
People forget plenty of purchases. Their first CD apparently isn’t one of them.
Read the articleCouchLot Apparel
About this guide
CouchLot researches store information using official sources, local reporting and collector communities. This is an independent guide to a third-party shop. Inventory and policies change. Check the shop's official source before making a special trip.
Last verified 2026-09-23.