Record/CD Stores in Chicago Area (road, cafe, records)

[via chicago]

Some of these were covered, but...

The only "must" in Chicago for an out of towner is Dusty Groove. In the sense that its incredibly well curated and theres few if any record stores in the country (or world) that are as well executed for that particular niche (jazz/funk/soul/world/hip-hop). If you're into that stuff you could pick up 5 records at random and leave happy. The staff are also walking encyclopedias.

Reckless is basically the 800 lb gorilla in the room that tries to serve everyone. (i.e. lots of Pitchfork/indie bands, token but under-represented jazz and classical sections, etc). Probably still the best option as a one-stop shop (Lakeview location being biggest). Lots of stuff to dig through.

Permanent is kind of a more refined Reckless. Smaller space but ultimately easier to sort through stuff you'd actually buy. More of a slant towards psych and experimental. They also have a consistently great used selection thats less picked over than Reckless.

Laureis Planet of Sound is....eh. Skippable unless you like used 70s classic rock, in which case you would probably like it. Must of the stuff there I dont feel is worth owning though and theres a heavy bargain bin emphasis.

Reggies Music Joint in the south loop stocks all metal.

KStarke in Wicker Park leans towards house/dance

Jazz Record Mart. Huge place in river north. Self explanatory what you'll find there.

As mentioned above, Logan Hardware has a fun classic arcade in addition to the vinyl. They just moved into a new space and havent checked it out yet, but supposedly larger. Arcade access is free with purchase.

[bryan alan]

Originally Posted by TBideon

Logan Hardware by Western/Fullerton. Come for the music, stay for the enormous free arcade.

I second this. I've been to all of Chicago's record stores and Logan Hardware is by far my favorite. Of course, it all depends on your taste in music.

Laurie's Planet of Sound is a waste of time.

[bonsaisuperstar]

Thanks for all the advice everyone! It's all really helpful!

This has jumped out at me:

Originally Posted by via chicago

Reggies Music Joint in the south loop stocks all metal.

I like my metal :-)

[Sour]

Like someone already said, Reckless Records in Wicker Park and Lakeview. There's another location downtown, but it's tiny.

Rolling Stone, which is next to the Hip mall, although it's Norridge.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by bryan alan

Laurie's Planet of Sound is a waste of time.

I've actually found some very rare or hard to find albums there. Depends on what you're looking for. Technically speaking, Gramaphone could be a waste of time too if you're looking for a bunch of classic rock albums.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by NARFALICIOUS

I second this. Rolling Stones is awesome.

It certainly has an "eye-catching" exterior appearance. I've always been curious, but haven't been in there. So they have a good vinyl selection?

[bryan alan]

Originally Posted by marothisu

I've actually found some very rare or hard to find albums there. Depends on what you're looking for. Technically speaking, Gramaphone could be a waste of time too if you're looking for a bunch of classic rock albums.

Good point. It really depends on the type of music you're into.

[Lookout Kid]

I've found a few purchases at Val's Halla records in Oak Park, but the last few visits the selection seemed very "picked through". But it's getting harder out there for vinyl collectors, especially if you are picky about condition. It's competitive. I used to go to the "new arrivals" section at Reckless on most Mondays, and people were literally lined up to get a shot at them first.

[Josef K.]

Has anyone visited the Music Direct showroom?:

Music Direct | Audiophile Hardware, Vinyl Records and Analog Gear | (800) 449-8333

Would appreciate any feedback or reviews.

[TBideon]

There's also a very nice record store on 53rd in Hyde Park. I was there a few weeks ago and watched a jazz harpist play for a little while. It was a nice way to kill some time, and it's also cool seeing the street blossoming into a propserous corridor.