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.