Best Places For Vinyl In Chicago
Before WiFi, there was hi-fi. If you want your music collection to expand beyond MP3s and CDs, then you might be wondering where you can still pick up vinyl albums in the Chicago area. With the following list of five stores in the area, you're sure to find your album of choice. For an additional list of record stores that are worth a look, check out this article.
Rolling Stones Records
7300 W. Irving Park Road
Norridge, IL 60706
(708) 456-0861
www.rollingstonesmusic.com
Established in 1971, Rolling Stones Records offers a selection of music for shoppers to try. Located just outside of Chicago, Rolling Stones Records has records available for sale of both new releases and classic albums. According to manager Jim Feeney, the store also sells CDs, T-shirts, mugs and other accessories. Rolling Stones Records can also order turntables if you are looking for new equipment for your sound system. "The store is known both locally and internationally," Feeney said, and noted that many customers have been shopping at Rolling Stones Records for years.
Hyde Park Records
1377 E. 53rd St.
Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 288-6588
www.hydeparkrecords.com
Whether you're trying to unload your unwanted records or adding to your personal collection, consider checking out Hyde Park Records, located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. The store features a selection of records that include jazz, blues, soul and hard-to-find selections. Customers can also buy, sell and trade CDs and records at the store. Hyde Park Records also has live instrumental concerts in-store that feature local musicians. "We think records are coming back, and people should be more excited about them," store manager Ethan Currie said. Got a record player? Currie said the store also offers tips on how to clean sound systems and maintain a sweet sound.
Laurie's Planet Of Sound
4639 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 271-3569
www.lauriesplanetofsound.blogspot.com
From country to 1960s and 1970s psychedelic, Laurie's Planet of Sound in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood will help you find the right record. It offers a wide selection of genres that also include jazz, blues, soul and children's albums. You can also buy and sell your records, CDs, DVDs and other media. If you're looking for a new sound system or just want to expand your current setup, you can pick up items at Laurie's Planet of Sound.
Related: Best Local Rock Bands In Chicago
Beverly Records
11612 S. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 779-0066
www.beverlyrecords.com
Are you looking for a specific album? Then give the selection at Beverly Records in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood a look. "We offer a selection of new, used and rare record albums," store manager Joe Lemur said, adding that the store specializes in rare, used and hard-to-find items. Shoppers can also choose from a selection of musical groups, including Led Zeppelin, Lady Gaga, AC/DC and Pink Floyd, and can also check out the store's selection of records, CDs, cassettes and more. You can also request albums via the store's website.
Brown Elephant Resale Shop
3651 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 549-5943
www.howardbrown.org
While shopping for vinyl at a music store is a given, sometimes you can find a wider selection at resale shops like the Brown Elephant Resale Shop in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. According to assistant manager Brett Wilson, the shop offers a selection of records, turntables and other media. Since it is a resale shop, you truly never know what you'll find day-to-day and Wilson recommends that if you see something you like, you should purchase it immediately. What's the best time to check out the shop's selection of vinyl? Wilson recommended stopping in on the weekends, as that is when people clean out their homes and drop off donations. There are two additional Brown Elephant stores, with one in Oak Park and one in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood. In addition to records, the resale shops also sells furniture, clothing and other items. For store hours and addresses, check out the organization's website. You can also donate the vinyl records you no longer need to the resale shop.
Related: Best Record Shops In Chicago
Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
