Music lovers, we know you’re obsessed with mp3s. But what happened to vinyl? Truth is, record stores have not gone the way of the dinosaur. There are lots in town, each with a specialty. So give the earbuds a break, and check out a few of our favorites.
Dusty Groove America
1120 N. ASHLAND AVE., 773-342-5800
dustygroove.com
Vibe: Bright and clutter-free, the shop has a cool loft feel. Obscure Brazilian and soul music plays while you browse two long rows of used and new vinyl.
Stock: Jazz, soul, oddball soundtracks, hip-hop, and Latin and Brazilian rarities. Most LPs are priced at under $9 and have a sticker detailing their condition, whether it’s “new copy” or “near mint.” “I have three people who do nothing but grade records and make sure they’re perfectly described,” owner Rick Wojcik says. Head there on Thursdays, when there are big markdowns on records that haven’t moved.
Coolest find: A 1974 Japanese import of Dee Dee Bridgewater’s “Afro Blue” LP for $149.99.
Beverly Rare Records
11612 S. WESTERN AVE., 773-779-0066
beverlyrecords.com
Vibe: A maze of bins jam-packed with records fills 3,000 square feet. “We’re not computerized or anything,” says owner Jack Dreznes, “so it takes some hunting.” But count on expertise; the shop’s been open since 1967, and current employees have worked there 20 years.
Stock: Classic rock and pop albums from the ’50s-’70s are most prevalent. And here’s a buying tip:The majority of LPs are cheaper in volume. Buy one for $6, four or more for $5 each, or more than 100 for $3 each.
Coolest find: A rare 45 of The Beatles’ “Please, Please Me” with The Beatles misspelled (“The Beattles”), for $1,500.
Record Dugout
6053-55 63RD ST., 773-586-1206
Vibe: The carpet’s worn, and the bins are pretty beat up, but the garage-sale feel is part of the charm. It proximity to Midway brings in out-of-towners, but most customers are neighborhood denizens that congregate in the aisles to chat.
Stock: All records–which range in genre from old doo-wop to rare Chicago garage to ’70s funk–are secondhand. “We’re known for collectibles, and the good stuff doesn’t stay long,” owner Steve Batinich says. Expect bargains, like 45s from the ’50s in their original picture sleeves priced at $15.
Coolest find: A 1968 German pressing of Jimi Hendrix’s “Electric Ladyland,” its cover image of nudes too racy for U.S. release, for $45.
Gramaphone Records
2843 N. CLARK ST., 773-472-3683
gramaphonerecords.com
Vibe: Not for the noise-averse, this 30-year-old shop nearly always has a DJ spinning house and dance music. “We’re known as a DJ store, but get all kinds of people,” says underground/house department manager Oscar McMillan. It’s no wonder: 11 listening stations await those wanting to test-drive records.
Stock: Look for dance music in enough sub-genres to make your head spin. Expertly categorized bins contain club cuts, underground, classic house, techno, progressive, trance and more. The newest and most popular releases are found on the wall.
Coolest find: An uncommon 12 r.p.m. house album by Stacy Kidd on Chicago’s D’lectable label for $7.99.
