Legit Record store packed from floor to ceiling with used records, cassette tapes, VHS, DVDS, & cds. They have a hefty bargain bin. If you're looking for lots of stock of new stuff this might not be your spot but if you want fairly priced used records then this is a great spot. I have found a lot of hidden gems in here over the years at both locations. In the past I've gotten nice vinyl copies of hard rock bands like Captain Beyond and Lucifers Friend for NOT discogs/online prices. Last week I got a sealed Weird Al cassette for just a few dollars and this album is not available on vinyl so it makes it extra fun. They are not trying to be cool or capitalize on vinyl - they just like and sell lots of music and media. Go support - Go dig! read more

Cute place & a very nice owner as well. I did get a very good & fair price for the dvds I brought in for cash. it is worth going to if you are looking for a great variety of music & movies. Well organized. read more

This review is based on their record store day! We went to three stores for record store day and this was the best one! We got free cookies and free "record store day 2019" if you purchased an exclusive RSD vinyl. There was a line out the door but that's common if the store is known for purchasing a lot of RSD exclusive vinyls. Once you made it through the line there were three crates to look through. Some years you luck out and find all the ones you wanted and sometimes you get to the end of the line just to find out that your top picks have already been snagged. That's the fun of it though. Looking forward to going to this store early next RSD. read more

Brought in quite a lot of records hoping to see if they were worth anything. We were incredibly low balled and unfortunately my husband excepted the disgustingly low offer before I got back to the counter as he didnt know any better. I am sick at the albums we basically gave away to this guy. I wish I never went to this place. read more

The owner spend the entire time talking to friend on the phone rather than even asking if I needed help. I finally interrupted him and he pointed me to the area for the LP I was looking for before getting back on his phone. Online he had it listed as $9.99 but it cost $26.99 in the store. I interrupted him again and pointed this out and he said the price online was wrong online and went back to his phone call. I had some other albums I was interested in, but after that I just walked out. I'm all for supporting local businesses, but when they act like that I'll go online instead (which I did). read more

Very nice variety. Have bought several CD's here and never an issue with quality. Each of the CD's I have bought here over multiple visits play back flawlessly. read more

I love record shops, something about the smell of vinyl! Sadly these shops are a dying breed, which is why I always get excited to find a new one no matter where the location is. The Old School is located in the heart of Forest Park and has been open for around 18 years now (which is almost old school for a record shop). They have a great selection of vinyl, cd's, dvd's, and music magazines. The staff kind of does their own thing until you need help and then they are right on top of it. I swear they were trying to High Fidelity me with "Dry the Rain" but I was like I already got it. If you're in the area stop on by! read more

Generally, a nice all around music selection is available here. (They are a tight competitor with nearby Oak Park Records. They are just behind them in my overall favorite stores in Chicago list, at #6, and #2 behind them in my Suburbs Only list.) About the only thing Old School comes up short on is classical (the selection does have some breadth but not so much depth), but this is a pretty common thing for Chicago-area record stores. The guy that runs the place is really nice and seems genuinely Interested in helping customers, which is a definite plus. Ratings for vinyl records are pretty accurate, and they have a nice selection of harder to find stuff as well as more commonly found items. One complaint is that the prices are a bit high sometimes although ( like I also said about Dave's Records), this is not an across the board issue--it varies depending on the record. read more

Great little shop. Don't be fooled by how small the store looks. There's a lot of great stuff inside. Everything is reasonably priced as well. I never leave empty handed. Also, the owner is a real nice guy. Pro tip - Be careful when browsing the lower shelves. You'll bang your head when you get back up. read more

Boogie on down to Old School Records, pet the dogs, giggle with Evy, and get into the groove with Jodi and Peter. They will help you find music you didn't even know you were looking for. Seriously, friend them on Facebook and see what I mean: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Forest-Park-IL/THE-OLD-SCHOOL-RECORDS/7312988310. See? I bet you forgot how cool Bad Brains is, how you danced around to Siouxie Sioux, how you wanted to be as funky as James Brown. Not to mention they have the used boxset of your favorite tv show on vhs and dvd. They have truly become a neighborhood favorite. Check out their radio show on Triton's station WRRG: http://www.shoutcast.net/Internet-Radio/wrrg, or look for them around town, they DJ for special events all over. (Don't hate me Val, OSR is one block away!) read more

I bought my first LPs here from the 99c bin. Here's what I got: Peter Gabriel- the one w/ 'sledgehammer' Kate Bush - Hounds of Love Ministry - With Sympathy Then I also bought Bad Brains and Talking Heads. Both were under $6. So what, all of this for around 15 bucks. How about that for record store finds? Go to this store, search through their cheapo bin and you're bound to find some great stuff. read more

We'll, I really wanted to like this place. A "real" record store in the neighborhood. But unfortunately, it was not what I had hoped. The prices were too high on everything I wanted. Whether it was a new cd, used cd or dvd, didn't matter. The selection was pretty week on everything too. When I asked for something, they said, "No, but we can order it." Man, do these business who keep saying this not realize just about EVERYONE has the internet and can get it too? Most of the time cheaper and direct to your own home. Over all it was a bit too crowded and over stocked full of junk so it was hard to find things or look through things. The owners/managers/employees of the store were not very friendly. Kind of pretentious and standoffish. The topper to this store was the pompous "giant counter". I mean, it looked like they copied the old Second Hand Tunes counter style. The kind that when you approach it makes you feel like your at a judges bench. These counters suck. It makes you feel like they are watching you and they are better than you. "Kneel Before Zod!" Please. Anyway, I would pass on this one. Too expensive, no good selection and not friendly people. Parking sucked too for a suburb. read more

Old School Records has, by a long shot, the best selection of new and used vinyl in the Oak Park/River Forest/Forest Park area. While the prices on sealed new releases do seem somewhat pricey, the used bins are filled with gems that one might actually have interest in buying. This is the biggest difference between The Old School and Val's or Oak Park records. While I like all three stores, the latter two have crates that are overstuffed with (in my opinion) too much filler. Old School's bins are well organized and filled with temptations; albums that you forgot you loved and suddenly need to add to your vinyl collection RIGHT NOW. Even though this one is a step or two out of the way, it will be my first stop for previously loved vinyl. Minus one star only for the price of new releases, which might not matter to folks who don't need to count their pennies as much as I. read more

This store is so great, and gets even better if you frequent it. -- listening stations! -- great, wide selection of interesting "niche" music for the music snobs, as well as regular stuff -- KNOWLEDGEABLE staff -- if you go there a couple of times, they get to know you, order things for you without your even asking, and point out anything they think you might like when you come in. if it's hard for you to find new music you like (yes, despite the internets) this is a huge plus, and service i've never gotten from any other shop -- cute! read more

I happen to stumble on this play on accident and I was blown away. I can spend hours and hours running my grubby little fingers through records...I did the last time I went. I noticed that they had a much larger selection of records than some of the other places I've been to. They had several of the Bob Dylan, Parliament records that were not available at the other places. Also, I found a copy of Slint by surprise...still sealed. Like all other places, they still have the bargain bin records for .99 cents. Everything was moderately prices and included hard to find items. Great selection of Jazz and Blues albums also! They do have CDs there, however I don't buy CDs and couldn't tell you anything about them. read more

This is my Fair, and Friendly record store. The owner is very knowledgeable about new indie and modern rock without being a snob, as Val can be down at the Halia,.. also their electronic section is decent. Of course they can order you whatever you would like if they do not have it. My only complaint is that you will spend too much time on your knees reaching for records as the organization or rather shelving system needs an overhaul which might take an entire month to do. Great Used selection here. *if you have time to kill, the dollar bin has some jems* read more

I've been here several times to buy or sell cds and dvds and I have always gotten a fair deal. Nice selection and very friendly people. Thyey are alo very knowledgeable about movies and music! Fun place really. read more

Enjoyed my first visit to this store today. Nice neighborhood but getting there via I-290 is a nightmare in the late afternoon. The selection looked pretty rough, with a lot of LP covers in poor condition, with creases, bent corners, seam splits. I did find a couple of old rock bootlegs which were fairly priced considering the condition. I also was delighted to see some Record Store Day goodies in stock. And, they carry new vinyl, too (both recent releases and new reissues). The guy at the counter was polite and was flexible on the price of one of the LPs. His attitude, alone, will make me come back again. Don't wear your best slacks to this store; half of the store's stock requires you to get on your knees to look through. And, you need a step-stool to thumb-through the rear of the upper racks. I think two carpenters build the record racks: one 7' tall and the other a dwarf. read more

I shop here, I am glad it is here, more record stores in my area the better. The mix of used and new is very good. If your looking for World, or Jazz this place is great. It is hard to navigate, and a little price heavy. It just needs a better layout, you spend to much time on your knees, or on stools looking into over crowded racks. The staff is not anything. It is odd, they are not snobs, or friendly. They almost seem to not be aware that they are working in a shop, when you speak to them they are almost robotic. They are always busy, doing things, and answer your questions very quickly; as if an evil specter is hovering over them. A monster in the back eating music, and they the brainwashed slaves constantly feeding it. Then you stop the work, you can see it in their eyes "he is watching". I will continue to shop here, and sometimes I get cool things I want. Other times I just leave, hoping that the next time I go there the monster has not eaten one of them. read more

Hey Old School, can you update your hours of operation to be accurate? I took this morning off to come indulge in my favorite past time, then arrived at 11:20 AM to find the store closed. read more

This place is great, especially for the suburbs. Listening station, check. Wide variety of well stocked used lps, check. Lot's of new vinyl / reissues, check. Massive discount lp bins, check. This store seems geared to the hip / hop producer or dj / crate digger but probably would suit most vinyl heads. read more

Cool shop. Good selection, fairly deep for the smaller space it's in. Bins were jam packed though, to the point you had to pull records out to flip through. Not the best organization, but if you have the time to browse, you'll find some gems. Fair prices. The clerk was friendly but I didn't ask questions. Worth a stop for sure if you're in the area. read more

with a record store, you pretty much know what you're looking for. 'i'm going to get the new springsteen. i'll get in, get out, pop it into the cd player in the car, and jam out.' well, with OSR, when you step up to the counter you meet jodi or peter. "so you like springsteen?" they ask as they punch the register. "yeah." "have you heard the hold steady? or gaslight anthem?" "huh, what?" "yes, you might even like the national." and then they hook you at the counter with a cd player, headphones and a pile of cds. it's like a brick and mortar pandora.com. it's an awesome record store clearly based in an old school philosophy. rock on! read more

I know this place got good reviews and i'm sure he has good stuff, but he was a jerk to me. I don't know much about records and wanted to get info and/or sell some. He had no personal communication skills. As a new customer why don't you make me feel welcomed. I went across the street to another store where I felt a better vibe, and got more money! Won't be going back. read more

Old School Records is a great little vintage record store. It is located on Madison Street in Forest Park. The store is not very big but it still has a wide variety of music selections. Prices range from very inexpensive to expensive depending on quality or scarcity. Store is full of LP's, CD's, 45's. Peter, the owner, is very friendly and extremely knowledgable. He also purchases records and cd's from customers. He will give you a fair price. The only drawback is that parking near the store might be difficult. I highly recommend this place. read more

Old School Records is just that....old school. This place is a wonderful throwback. You can flip through records, which just feels good. The owners of the shop are extremely knowledgeable about music, which proved to be a huge help for me. I don't buy records for myself anymore, but my dad still collects them. I went in there to buy a gift for my dad and gave the owner two bands that my dad liked. He was able to make about 5 recommendations for me. I picked one, and my dad absolutely loved it! He was right on the money with his recs. They also have a great CD collection and a nice used DVD selection. read more

I have been going to The Old School Records for over 10 years. Nice record shop. I almost never leave without buying a record, or CD. I strongly recommend you go to Madison Street in Forest Park IL and shop at The Old Schools Records. read more

Where else are you going to find a mint copy of the Superbowl Shuffle? Hint...it's in the rap section of vinyl. This place is littered with iconic and hard to find vinyl. Cool store that one could spend hours in. Used/newish CDs too at a reasonable price. read more

I've never seen this place but I was walking by and decided to see what the store was all about. It doesn't have a huge selection of CD's but if you are still buying vinyl, this is the place for you. More than half of the store is records. And not just old stuff, although there is some of that, but new stuff too. I found a single of "Don't Phunk with My Heart" from the Black Eyed Peas. They also have a good selection of used DVDs for $4-10 dollars. Some might be more but all the ones I was interetsed in buying were in that price range. read more

This place is really cool. I stop in here periodically to check out their jazz albums. They carry tons of vinyl records -- something I can't seem to find in too many places these days. They also carry lots of the contemporary music in all different forms -- cassette tapes, cds, and vinyl. This family owned place is great and has wonderful, friendly serivce. read more

A great local record/CD store. The owners are super friendly and knowledgeable. Check out their record display in the window and see if you can guess the theme! read more

So lucky to have yet another great record shop in the Forest Park area. There's a pretty decent mix of old and new here.

Great selection. Very friendly and helpful. The owner is alway kind and engaging to my toddler when he visits with me.

Made my first trip here last week. Pete played great stuff during my visit. Found lots of great stuff here. Great selection across the board. weekly stop for me! read more

Okay, if you are looking for Championship Vinyl you might be a bit disappointed. I buy all kinds of records at OSR and have never once been berated for my choices. Otherwise, this is a great record shop : ) As many of you know there are several stores in the area, but OSR consistently has what I am looking for...new releases. The prices seem fair and the guys behind the counter have always been good to me and they know their business. Of course, you can always get new music online...but you miss the experience of walking into a record shop and chatting with people who love music. I always like to put a little of my money towards experience. Plus, empty store fronts are sad. read more

Great record store with a focus on vinyl. Strong emphasis on dance, soul, funk, electronic, but doesn't let the rock slide either. Seems like I find a clean collectible priced to move every time I go - usually quite a haul. Great stuff I got there: James Brown on King, Au Pairs, Bohannon on Dakar, BDP first album original on B Boy, etc. They got a nose for records. Also, great atmosphere and customer service! They are aiding and abetting my project to get up to speed on current electronic music. And they totally remembered me after I'd only come in a few times! They stock plenty of new vinyl too - check there before you order from insound or whatever. That's what I do! Great international section too - and it's right in the middle of the room! Love it! read more

One of my two favorite music shops in my area (the other is Chicago Digital in Oak Park). This place probably has the best vinyl selection of any store in the western suburbs. I'm a major jazz buff, and most music stores only have a handful of jazz albums. This place puts those other stores to shame. No matter what style you're looking for, chances are they have a pretty decent selection of it, both in lps and cds. Customer service is definitely 5 stars! Jody and Peter that own the shop are very nice people and they are very knowledgeable, which is always great to see. Definitely one of my favorite music shops! read more

We walked into the store around 6:45 (unaware that they closed at 7), the owner didn't acknowledge us even after we said hello to him. We continued to browse and I had already picked out a record I wanted to get from the discount bin. Finally, the owner decides now is a great time to say "We're closing" not "Can I help you find anything?" or even bothering to mention that the store closes in 15 minutes when we walked in the door. We responded with "oh ok then", I put my record back and didn't buy a thing. I understand telling people you're closing soon. If you let me come into your shop, and don't even bother to acknowledge me or say anything about closing soon you shouldn't really expect to get my business. There's no excuse to treat your potential customers like this. read more

Another good record shop with a collection about as extensive as they can fit into their space. A lot of the LP's are crammed underneath and are very hard to get to. Good selection of used CD's, and I love the fact that they still have a display case full of cassette tapes. read more

Hi. Never mind about the hour-long I-290 commute, or the surly local gentry. "hard times, were they ever better? maybe never." Anyway, Old School is a great place to find some rare CDS, not to mention actual cassette tapes that barely even exist anymore. So "Sheila E." wasn't as exciting as "The Glamourous Life," not by a longshot. The point is, they had it. The same goes for Bob Dylan's "pat garrett" disc, which I expected to pay considerably more for. Put some gas in the car. read more