Best Record Stores In Chicago
For some music fans, nothing can quite compare to listening to a favorite album on vinyl. If that's the case for you, then you'll want to visit a record store in the Chicago area. From new releases to classic favorites on vinyl, record stores in the area can help you find what you need. In honor of Record Store Day on April 18, 2015, check out the following stores that sell records.
Algonquin Records
532 E. Algonquin Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 827-0673
www.algonquinrecords.com
Head out to the northwest suburbs and take a look at Algonquin Records' selection the next time you want something new in your collection. The record store, a mainstay for many music fans, offers an assortment of new and vintage records for a number of musical tastes. Algonquin Records also offers cleaning products so you can give your record player some TLC. CDs are also available for purchase.
Dusty Groove
1120 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 342-5800
www.dustygroove.com
Whether you're looking for an album by Kool & the Gang, DeBarge, The Mighty Sceptres, or Eric Burdon & The Animals, you're bound to find what you need at Dusty Groove. The store offers a selection of records from an assortment of genres, with neo-soul, jazz, soul, country and more. At Dusty Groove, you can pick up clothing emblazoned with your favorite band's logo, as well as magazines and coffee. CDs are also available if you want a way to listen to music that's a bit more modern. The store, located in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, has picked up plenty of accolades and was named one of the best record stores in the U.S. by Rolling Stone in 2010.
Purple Dog Records
329 N. Center St.
Naperville, IL 60540
www.purpledogrecords.com
If you're out in the suburbs, you don't have to look far for a record store. Located just steps from the Naperville Metra Station, Purple Dog Records offers an assortment of new and used records. Check out the selection for a long-forgotten album, or take a look for a newer release by an up-and-coming band. The shop also posts frequent updates regarding its latest arrivals on its social media pages, allowing fans to stay in the know regarding what's new on the shelves. CDs, DVDs, collectible items, magazines and other must-have items for music fans are also available for purchase at Purple Dog Records.
Reckless Records
3126 N. Broadway St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 404-5080
www.reckless.com
Hosting in-store appearances and concerts is the added touch that many fans of Reckless Records have come to love, and previous events have included appearances from Run The Jewels, Twin Peaks and Lydia Loveless. Reckless Records also stocks vinyl records from a number of musicians, as well as CDs and DVDs. If your collection could use a little downsizing, then consider selling your records, CDs and more to Reckless Records, too. In addition to its Lakeview location, Reckless Records has stores in the Wicker Park and Loop neighborhoods in Chicago.
Rolling Stones Records
7300 W. Irving Park Road
Norridge, IL 60706
(708) 456-0861
www.rollingstonesmusic.com
If you're looking for a record store that's about the size of a big-box retailer but without actually shopping at a big-box retailer, then consider stopping in to Rolling Stones Records. As noted on the store's website, Rolling Stones Records takes up one city block. Inside, you'll find plenty of listening stations so you can preview a new album. The store offers a selection of music that includes — but is certainly not limited to — country, blues and rock. You can also wear your heart on your sleeve by picking up merchandise for your favorite band.
Related: Best Places For Vinyl 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.