This small record store opened at the beginning of the year, just before the pandemic. I live…read morenearby and had been intending to check it out, but didn't get around to it, and then you-know-what happened. Now they've reopened with limited hours so I popped in and I'm glad I did. It's a tiny shop, so small that when they first opened I thought it might just be a temporary pop-up store. But the selection is *curated* and the curation is what sets this place apart. Every record in the store is vintage vinyl, so there are no reissues or new stuff. So it's not a full-service record store. It's more like browsing the personal collection of someone with good taste. Despite the small size, I found more tempting potential purchases here than I usually do at a record store. Price-wise, there is a split between the higher-priced rarities that hardcore collectors can shell out for, and more moderately priced records for the casual browser like me. I found plenty of good stuff priced around $10, so there's something for everyone. It's across the street from Ravenswood Used Books, so this block on Montrose is becoming an analog media mecca! Make an afternoon of it and get your record/book shopping done on the same block. The owner seemed like a very nice guy too. I feel for the bad timing of opening a business right before the pandemic, so this place is worth supporting.

Very cool selection of records. The owner clearly has a passion for rare records as well as having…read morethe classics. Got to talk with him and he seems like a genuinely good guy. I highly recommend dropping in if you're a collector of rare records or you want to stock up on your first few records to get started.

his place never ceases to amaze me! Talk about a store that caters to my audio/musical niches, BOY…read moreHOWDY! As a DJ / audiophile ( not to be confused with that hump leader of the free world, President Pedophile), this store COMPLETELY runs the gamut! From '70's and '80's IMPORT 12" Remixes, to 1930's Old Time Radio Shows. How about 45's for your jukebox? Yep, classic finds are here for those too! Picture sleeves also. Bootlegs anyone??? Nancy Sinatra said THESE boots were made for listening! And let's keep in mind the QUALITY of the product here! This is not stuff from your local second hand store, oh no! Sorry, no Lawrence Welk or Jim Nabors albums here. I haven't even mentioned the video aspect of things sold here or the books (music reference and personalities). They could very well have called this store Laurie's Treasures, because that's exactly what you'll find here! Happy hunting! https://youtu.be/1Wxf8bv9mG8

Best record store in Chicago, period…read more I lived in Lincoln Square for 4 years and made it a part of my regular routine to stop here on my walk home from the train station at least once a week. They are always getting new goodies in so you have to go often or you might miss something good! Very well organized. Insane selection of vinyl, CDs and actually a good book collection in the back. From brand new music to classics from the 60's, they carry it all. And eclectic stuff that is tough to find. The people who work there will become your friends. Gem store in the best 'hood in Chicago!

Great place to pick up an unusual gift, or find that special record you've been looking for!read more

I loved this li'l store when it was on Clark, and now I love it even more now that it's in MY…read moreneighborhood! Lots of COOL stuff - vinyl, home decor items, books, audio stuff - lots of cool things!! I popped in here a night ago, and found a tee shirt by HELLBRAND. This brand is no longer in business. I've got a Medusa shirt by them that I love, and wear all the time - needless to say, it's a little worn. Got a new one! Great owner, super location. Welcome to Edgewater Beach!!

This is a neighborhood gem and one of the most interesting indie bookstores in the city…read more They lead with horror books, but there is a small but mighty literary fiction section in the back. Lots of NYRB and Dalkey Archive offerings, plus sections on Latin America (avant garde, of course), women authors, indigenous authors, and more. Lautremont, Bolano, Perec, Borges and Pynchon await you....

Christ I love this store. Genre-leaning books/records/comics/ movies…read more The owners give the absolute BEST book recommendations. If there is a little note under a title on a shelf, buy it. Their taste is impeccable. Or, just tell them what you are into and they will suggest something. Again, they've never failed me. Really solid choice of metal (my preferred genre) and other genres in the record sections. Honestly if someone is even slightly nerdy (compliment), they will probably walk out with some treasure. I go out of my way to come here around once or twice a month. One of my favorite stores in Chicago.

I stopped by the Wabash and Belmont locations of this store, but for Belmont specifically, this…read morestore is a MUST for vinyl, CD, cassette, and game collectors. The store is extremely big, the service was quick and things were easy to find utilizing the store website, reckless.com. The prices were pretty average, around $15 for a new CD and $30 for vinyl. I didn't check the prices for cassettes, but I'm sure they were great. They also had posters of popular albums, featuring art from various artists. They also had used console games, for Xbox One, PS4, retro Nintendo consoles, and I even saw a few SEGA Dreamcast games! This place is nothing short of heaven for music lovers!

DO NOT TRUST THEIR GRADING OR LABELS!!!…read more I stopped by for the first time a couple of weeks ago to check the place out. They have a nice variety of albums, but unfortunately, my experience has been less than impressive. The day I stopped in, I purchased what was labeled as a 1968 "Near Mint" copy of Days of Future Passed by The Moody Blues. When I got home, I discovered significant noise throughout the first third of Side A. Since I live in the suburbs, I wasn't able to get back into the city for two weeks. They did take the record back, but because their return policy is only one week, they would only offer store credit rather than a refund. They took the record back, and I found a "Near Mint" copy of the 2012 remaster of The Beatles' White Album. The label specifically stated "w/ poster & photos." I even asked an employee about it before purchasing it, and they confirmed that the poster and photos were included. Sure enough, I got home, opened it, and neither the poster nor the photos were there. Needless to say, I'll be returning this record, and I won't be coming back. Two purchases, two significant issues with the condition or contents being inaccurately represented.

Really cool people here who will find what you're looking for if they don't have it for a fair…read moreprice. Movie buffs also!

Round trip is a great record store. The owners are super friendly and knowledgeable. They're the…read moretype of guys who will sit and talk about music for hours. They have a great selection, with everything from pop hits to weirdo free jazz. There's really something for everyone. The prices are good too! Go check it out and support local business!

Here's a catchy and fun Yelp review for Torn Light Records:…read more "Torn Light Records: The Vinyl Jackpot I Didn't Know I Needed" While wandering Chicago, I stumbled upon Torn Light Records, and let me tell you, it was like finding buried treasure--but instead of gold, it was stacks of classic records at prices so good I almost felt like I was stealing (don't worry, I paid). Back home, I'd have to sell a kidney to afford half of these gems, but here? It's like they actually want you to enjoy music without going broke. The selection was top-tier, the vibe was chill, and my wallet survived the trip (barely). If I'm ever back in Chicago, Torn Light will be at the top of my must-visit list--right after deep dish pizza. If you're a vinyl junkie like me, don't walk, run to this place. Your record collection will thank you. 5/5 stars for being the record store of my dreams!

Cool store with a great selection. Parking is worse than usual but there's a couple spots if you…read moredrive around for two hours (or get the nearby SpotHeros). Definitely worth the visit.

The very best speciality record shop I've ever been to! This shop has a huge range of different…read moretypes of media, spanning all different types of heavy music. The service is exceptional, the owner, McHale is always down to chat and give you recommendations if asked. Whenever I'm in town I make it a point to visit Meteor Gem.

My mom lives in Wisconsin and I try and visit her every year. But on this trip there was another…read moreplace I wanted to visit. The mighty Meteor Gem in Chicago! Was it worth it? YES! Located off Elston, you'll have to find parking in the neighborhood behind it. You might get lucky and find street parking but on this day I was not. Once you find it (blink and you'll miss may miss it), you'll be met with loads of extreme music. Punk, hardcore, PV, grind, black metal and more are all here. Now, this isn't the biggest store but you're not going to find Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond or folk comps taking up space. I had my list together from a cart I made up on their website and they didn't have one. They bent over backwards to find it and in this case it will be shipped to my house at no extra charge. The customer service and friendliness of the staff was incredible. Prices were really good and the more you buy you get discounts! I wish I had a Meteor Gem close to my home. The selection is definitely for me. The service and prices were icing on the cake. If you're anywhere near Chicago and enjoy extreme metal and punk rock, MG should be on your visit list. Highly recommended!

Amazing location with a lot of great Illinois cases to read on and oddities to look at. The amount…read moreof stuff for John Wayne Gavy was great too. I would love to see some things about Drew Peterson in this museum on the next visit.

One of the coolest little museums about things that most people are too afraid to talk about. It's…read morea part of a record store, which I love. The workers were really friendly too!! I forget her name but there was a woman working who was super welcoming. The last time I came here, I wasn't greeted by anyone and then was too afraid to ask about how to get into the museum, so I just left lol. It's located in the back of their record store behind a curtain, and it can feel confusing on how to access it or if it's even accessible to the public. Most people probably won't even know there is a museum/if they are allowed in unless they ask. I think it costs $15 for Chicago residents and $20 for non-residents. They have an amazing collection of stuff so I think it's worth it to support them. If you take the time to read and look at everything, it could take up to an hour, but at least 20 minutes if you just skim through. There's also a free pinball machines in the basement for when you are finished with the museum and need something to refresh your mind, but we had to leave to get to the restaurant we were going to. Unfortunately we also didn't get to listen in on the man giving a more in-depth talking tour, but I enjoyed just doing a self-guided tour and looking at everything on my own. There's so much information written for each thing. I would love to come back and really read everything since I didn't really get to this time!

While taking a stroll through Andersonville, I stumbled upon Rattleback Records. I had only…read moreintended on going in to check for one album but ended up exploring the store and combing through their records for nearly an hour! There were so many incredible gems to be found, spanning every single genre. I ended up purchasing a couple of James Taylor records, a Bad Bunny record, Hilary Duff and an obscure country music record. They also had a very thick guide to the town of Andersonville available for free which I found just totally awesome. It was jam packed with info about a ton of local restaurants, activities and local events. The staff here were super knowledgeable, happy to help and downright great. I felt very happy to have found this gem of a place and will def be back the next time I'm in town.

Cool record store!!! Organized well, easy to maneuver around, spacious aisles, and fun vibes. They…read moresell record players too. Very nice collection. I wanted to buy so many things but I behaved and only bought two records. I'll definitely be back for more. They have some seating too, which was nice because I needed a moment to deliberate. Fun find!!