Tag Archives: record stores

RecordStoreFinder.com

A quote from RecordStoreReview says it all:”There’s nothing better than finding a new store to search through.” Those are the words of RSR webmaster Gunnar Van Vliet, and I couldn’t have put it better. RecordStoreReview.com has listings for more than 1600 record stores in 53 countries including Iceland, Canada, and Greece. Since 2002, RecordStoreReview has user reviews to complement this listings–always a good thing. Funniest listing was from the dude who wrote “I would bang all three owners of Hyde Park Records.”

Just to see if RecordStoreReview was full of it or not, I looked up my all-time, hands-down favorite record shop in the USA (since 33 Degrees in Austin closed, that is…). Lo and behold, the reviews for Dusty Groove America say what I’ve known for a long time. Dusty Groove is the best! Check them out online, but I beg of you do not buy up all the Easy Tempo albums before I’ve had a chance to fill the gaps in my collection. Leave a FEW left over, eh?

Back to RSR, this is a GREAT idea and I am shocked that I’m just now discovering it. Great site. The best use for this site I can think of? Prepping for overseas travel. The next time you think about hopping a plane for Germany, France, Iceland, Japan, do yourself a favor and check this site out—many stores have maps or you can use Google Maps to find your way to the treasure trove.

Chicago Vinyl Haunts: Laurie’s Planet of Sound

Laurie’s Planet of Sound is literally half a block away from Turntabling.net HQ, and is a favorite of mine for many reasons. The vinyl section is a combination of scratchy-but-great bargain bin albums (all the bad hair, 70s clothes and obscure weirdness you could hope for) and new releases. The new stuff is of particular interest as it is also a great hodgepodge of sounds from Nigerian disco to classic French new wave. If you are in the area or planning a visit, I quote directly from the Laurie’s site: “4639 N Lincoln Ave. We’re right off the Western Brown Line Stop. Call (773) 271-3569 if you have questions, or just want to chat.”

Go ahead, get chatty. Ask them about stocking some more vinyl by Mystic Moods Orchestra, Ornette Coleman and anything at all on the ESL label while you’re at it. If you come to Chi-town, pay them a visit.