Record Stores Still Thrive

Anyone who know me, knows that I advocate buying vinyl records from the small independent record store, whether it be online; or physically visiting the store. I also love articles about independent record stores and here are some in the LA and Chicago areas that you could visit if you live in the area or go for a visit:


LA's Top Independent Record Shops

by Jason Gelt, Los Angeles Vinyl Records Examiner


Let's have a round of applause for the independent record shop. Their numbers have dwindled in recent years as digital downloads supplant CDs as the predominant cash-and-carry music format for the general music buying public. But if you're into vinyl records, the indie store still reigns supreme. As records become more and more of a niche market, those little mom and pop shops become even more important. Now, everybody loves Amoeba (unless it's a Saturday afternoon and the aisles are so crowded you can barely look through the bins), but for that up-close-and-personal old-fashioned record shopping experience, why not try one of these other stellar options.

1. Freakbeat Records: The Valley's finest used and new record store, featuring a great selection of vinyl, collectibles and CDs, plus a knowledgeable and helpful staff. Not only that but you can sample the used records on the premises.

2. Vinyl Solution: Huntington Beach's solution to the punk rock record collector's quandary. Great records, great prices and knowledgeable staff, plus frequent in-store performances from local and touring acts.

3. Rockaway Records: Silver Lake's only remaining independent record store has an impressive selection of collectible vinyl and CDs. Prives can be high, but the quality is guaranteed.

4. Canterbury Records: Pasadena's premier mom and pop record shop stocks a little something for every taste, plus cheap turntable supplies.

5. Headline Records: A punk rock enthusiast's haven, Headline Records serves up hard-to-find punk platters to distinguishing collectors, not to mention an outstanding selection of t-shirts.

6. Rhino Records: 235 Yale Ave., Claremont, CA 91711, 909-626-7774. I know it's a bit of a drive, but the trip is definitely worth it, even with today's gas prices. Hidden away in collegiate Claremont, Rhino Records is a classic independent music store with a great selection of new and used records, CDs and DVDs.

7. Pasadena City College Flea Market: Held on the first Sunday of each month, this flea market has an entire floor set aside for record dealers. Whether you're looking for old punk, old jazz and R&B or obscure folk rock, chances are you'll find something here to suit your tastes. Best of all, it won't break the bank.

8. Don's Music: 4871 Eagle Rock Blvd., L.A., CA 90041, 323-255-3551. Jam-packed from floor to ceiling with vintage vinyl of every variety, Don's has a little of something for every taste. Don't forget to pet the store cat.

9. Poo-Bah Record Shop: 2636 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA, 626-449-3359. Since 1971, this East Pasadena institution has provided vinyl nerds with an excellent selection of new and used rock, jazz and soul LPs and 45s.

SOURCE: http://www.examiner.com

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Here are some record shops in the Chicago area:


Beverly Records, 11612 S. Western Ave, 773-779-0066: For 41 years, the family-owned business has remained the place to go for rarities from all genres, with special emphasis on 45-rpm singles and even 78-rpm classics.

Dave's Records, 2604 N. Clark St, 773-929-6325: There’s not a lot of room to move around, the better to cram 40,000 titles spanning all genres into a relatively tight storefront space that is militantly anti-CD.

Dusty Groove America, 1120 N. Ashland, 773-342-5800: Unrivaled cross-section of musical subcultures, heavy on cool African, Jamaican and Latin American grooves, underground hip-hop and funk.

Gramaphone, 2843 N. Clark St., 773-472-3683: Since 1969, a must-stop for deejays from around the world with its rich array of underground dance, house, hip-hop and electronic 12-inch singles.

Jazz Record Mart, 27 E. Illinois St., 312-222-1467: Bob Koester, legendary proprietor of Delmark Records, bought the store in 1959, and it’s been rife with jazz, blues, gospel and hard-core country gems ever since.

Lauries Planet of Sound, 4639 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-271-3569: Amid DVD’s and music-related artifacts, the vinyl selection is superb, with write-ups from the staff touting the virtues of various obscurities.

Metal Haven, 2003 W. Montrose, 773-755-9202: All metal all the time. Desperate for the latest release by Impaled? Looking for that Motorhead/Girlschool 10-inch picture disc? This is your store.

The Old School Records, 7446 Madison St., Forest Park, 708-366-7588: Another classic mom-and-pop store that carries vinyl as well as other hard-to-find formats (cassettes, VHS tapes).

Reckless Records, 3161 N. Broadway, 773-404-5080; 1532 N. Milwaukee, 773-235-3727; 26 E. Madison, 312-795-0878: Selective but strong array of used and new vinyl, with an emphasis on indie and underground rock.

Vintage Vinyl, 925 Davis St., Evanston, 847-328-2899: Since 1979, has carried an impressive range of vinyl, from hard-core country to British new wave.

SOURCE: http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com