Was so happy to be able to shop here on the Global "RECORD STORE DAY" With legendary knowledge of a multiple upper degree level holder in Music behind the counter, you have vinyl wisdom on hand (on site). Just Tell them what you are interested in, or what your favorite family member likes or is into, .., and they will serve you up proper. When I interview the owner of Vintage Vinyl Records live on Frequency Modulation Broadcast to be transcribed latter for publication in a music magazine and possible as well a local midwest print magazine, this is one of the off the cuff questions I shall ask him after he settles in and is comfortable in the LIVE MIC situation, "So Steve, quit playing around formal for one 'Cool Pink Jacket' question for me. You and your spot "Vintage Vinyl Records" has an amazing musical prior to cutting edge progressive musical historical important location for me and many others for well over (3) three decades, well over (30) thirty years. In Your and 'Vintage Vinyl Records' history was there ever a night, knight, nite; where you opened up vintage vinyl records as a little after-party for anything? (Concert, radio show, gig, date, ....) read more

Prices were quite expensive and the guy pointed me to an area that was off limits just to tell me it's off limits?! Wouldn't you know if your own area of your own store was closed down? Weird. Whatever, there are many other record stores out there and much better ones at that. read more

I am a current student at Northwestern right down the road from Vintage Vinyl. As a repeat customer, I have purchased 10+ records with the help of Steve who works on the main floor. Steve is awesome and his knowledge of music is impressive. Vintage Vinyl is one of the only record stores where I could spend hours looking through the huge selection of original albums without worrying about not having a good time. The records might be a little pricey but I can promise they are top quality. Highly Recommend! Thank you Steve! read more

Their prices are insane--don't go here looking for a bargain. Buy online instead. Oh, and the cranky old feller needs to retire or find another hobby; he is rude, and that can't be good for business. read more

While the atmosphere of the store was awesome and the selection very solid, I was still very disappointed with the store mainly because of the pricing. I understand paying a bit more to support local business, but paying 4-5 times more than what the market value of an album was is absurd. The stickers on the records were also misleading, often giving the impression that a record was an original pressing when in fact it was not. This was my first and last time going here unfortunately. read more

Had to write a review after visiting for the first time today. Good: Selection appears top notch. Lots of records available, many of which are not easy to find elsewhere. Unlike what others have said, the owner was very nice and greeted me positively. And the vibe here is great. Bad: Like most reviews state, the prices are just insanely high. I collect rare Beatles albums and they have a lot to choose from that I was interested in but I just could not justify spending what they were priced at. I'm guessing the high-end of the record value on Discogs is being used to estimate. One example: They have an original pressing of Beatles Anthology 1 on vinyl (I think sealed); great rare find... $200! Reckless literally also has an Anthology 1 original pressing on vinyl (also still sealed) for $90. I don't think I saw one record on the shelves under $40. And their bargain basement records *start* at $10 each (2 for $20! lol) Come on. I think they had a $5 sale, but many should've been $1-2. I can't see myself returning here knowing the prices. read more

Unfortunately, believe all the bad reviews you hear about this place. They are all sadly true, about Vintage Vinyl. This is one of those stores before visiting, I was hoping I'd like. But honestly other than the cool record and band/artist posters on the wall, it was a MAJOR disappointment otherwise. Insane pricing for records, a policy where they don't even let you open the plastic packaging to check the record's condition, the no photography rule inside, and other reviewers have even caught the owner sneakily increasing his pricing for records after being first listed on Discogs(record online selling website). Sadly the owner of this store, is kinda like how the pretentious record store owner was like in the 2000 movie High Fidelity. And btw strongly recommend watching that movie if by some chance you haven't, w/John Cusack and Jack Black. I can name so many better record stores, out there. And nowadays within Evanston if you're looking for records, I'd suggest Squeezebox Books and Music on Main Street. Rattleback in Andersonville(Chicago) is also better, as is Algonquin Records in Des Plaines, and any location of Reckless. I'm sure I probably forgot some other stores not too far away, that also beat this disappointment of a record store. read more

"Vintage" vinyl. This is honestly the most unfriendly and overpriced record store I have ever been inside of. Upon entering, the owner greets you with a cold welcome that instantly makes you regret entering to begin with. Within the first few minutes of browsing he will likely ask you if he can help you find anything in particular, but with a tone that makes it very clear how eager he is for you to leave. He will hover nearby the entire time you browse his $100 reissues labeled as genuine original pressings (like my "original 1990s pressing" purchase which upon opening is clearly labeled as a 2008 reissue). The stores no opening and no return policies make it impossible to check the condition or authenticity of the record before purchase, as well as after you realize you've been duped. During my most recent visit, I was told that he would not be inconvenienced by my $5 purchase of 3 45s and to pick out double the amount. What a joke. This guy has no business, nor does he deserve the privilege of owning a record store. Will not be returning, nor should you. read more

I went here yesterday for the first time. I'm not sure how I haven't been here sooner, but I digress. This is definitely a place where there are regulars. I overheard the sales guy saying "See you next week" to one customer, who had come in for his weekly purchase. If you're an avid record collector, I imagine that would be a huge perk. The selection is impressive, and it seems like there are a lot of rare finds. For me personally, the prices are way more than I want to spend. I'm after certain albums, but I am the first to admit that I couldn't care less about the pressing or whether it's original or a reissue. For that reason, this is probably not the store for me. But if you're after specific pressings and are a true collector, then this store is wonderful for that. I could just order what I want online, but I love digging through record bins in stores trying to find that one album I want. It feels like a major score. I do like their $5 sale room next door, though, so I may be back to scope that out from time to time and look for hidden gems. Until then, I'll stick to the estate sales and thrift stores. read more

Bad. Selection is almost all reissues, but they are ALL labeled as original. It's not cool to see a person intentionally price gouge and lie about the quality of their product. read more

Holy Shit this store sucks, probably one of the worst in the country, I'm not joking. The prices are so high it is laughable, I saw a Nancy Sinatra record for $40 in decent condition. I could find that exact pressing in the dollar bin of many other record stores in even better condition. I didn't see a good deal on a single record in this entire store. Seriously, Everything is about 3x to even 10x times more expensive than it should be. Also, the owner is a douche!! Never seen him smile once and is rude to everyone, please I beg you to never go into this trash hole of a store, I wouldn't say this about any other record store in the Chicago Area. Literally go on google maps and type in "record store" and go to any other store and it will be better than Vintage Vinyl. 1 star read more

I went into this tore on my birthday (today) and although the records were cool the man working there was incredibly rude.

What's gritty and old, cool and pink, filled with years of nostalgic sounds and memories? Vintage Vinyl Records. I came in here with my hubby the other day, and it was very interesting comparing our tastes in music with a 10 year age difference. He pointed out albums from his first concert (the year I was born), Led Zepplin, Rod Stewart classics, Neil Diamond, and I went crazy over seeing a Kraftwerk category, a great collection of John Cage music, and who could forget the giant Robert Smith poster on the wall leading to the downstairs (he was such a crush of mine back in my college days). Sure, some of their records are pricey, but their collection is very specific and seems well-edited. I have a feeling they don't just buy what comes their way. Downstairs you'll find posters, classical music (lots of boxed sets), jazz, blues, etc. Not a ginormous collection, but all the right stuff. Note, they have bargain bins here too - three for $10. Who doesn't love a basement bargain? If you're looking for something specific, this might be a great place to find it. These guys seem to take their record collecting seriously. Discovery: Lots of single records and my very first full album, Free To Be You And Me. read more

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Good selection. Premium prices. But simply not the store for you if you're both a record collector and a parent looking to pass along a love of music and collecting to their kid. Even after spending hundreds at this store, the moment my daughter picked up an album to purchase we got a strong reprimand from the owner that her shopping was making him nervous and that her handling vinyl "could cause a problem." We've simply never been treated this way in record stores from Chicago to San Francisco to Milwaukee and everywhere in between. I think the joy and delight of music and the record store has been lost on this relic from the past. We'll happily take our business elsewhere from here on out. read more

Hey I love this store. The selection is great if you are looking for classic rock. More current music is also available and well stocked. The prices are one the higher side but for some of these records you are not going to find them elsewhere. Fellow who runs the store is friendly, funny, engaging, and knowledgeable and that's worth a lot. Recommend! read more

Great store that has been in business for close to or over 40 years. I bought my first album there in December 1982. Great selection of LPs and lots of cool and rare stuff to find here. read more

Incredible collection of vinyl.. T-shirts.. Cds.. The posters alone had my inner 16 year old drooling. Seriously amazing and the guys there are super cool and obviously knowledgeable. Probably need years to go through all the records, can't wait to get back in there! read more

I Wish I had read the previous reviews before I ventured to Vintage Vinyl yesterday. I'm a serious record collector and I make sure to hit a couple spots in a city when I'm visiting. Let's start with the good-- this place has vintage vinyl records-- the name is not a lie. But that's it. there is nothing else good about this place. Now the bad: They put stickers on the sealed plastic of ever used record identifying the year the album was recorded, which is strange, since it's something I could figure out by looking at the bottom of the back cover. But soon I realized what they're really doing is making you think you're buying an original pressing when you're actually buying something like a 1984 digital repress. I would forgive this trickery if the prices were in line with the pressings... but they're way off. A not particularly collectible Blue Note Lee Morgan album was $100... for the 70s black and blue pressing. That's way more in line with the ogiginal Liberty pressing. But the guy behind the counter explained the liberty pressing would be like 350. Which, is, well, insane. The original pressing in NM condition sells every day of the week on eBay for like 130. Now on to the final straw-- I saw a Can album I didn't have that looked like it actually might be the original pressing (It was UA not Spoon) and went to open the record to inspect the label. The guy behind the counter raised his voice and boomed: "What do you think you're doing?" I explained and he was like, "Then bring it up here and Ask!" His tone was such that I should have implicitly understood that... rather than this being a unique policy of his store. Part of the joy of collecting is slipping a record out of the cover and looking at the condition and pressing info (aka the information he's desperate to obscure). He showed me the record, and I was like, "oh never mind, it's a repress, I was looking for the original." and he snapped back, "That should have been obvious from the price." Uh, okay, maybe? It was 40 dollars. This was a later Can album (not one of their first five classics), so I thought I was maybe about to get a deal of 5 or 10 bucks. Clearly I was wrong and stupid. Sorry for misunderstanding your insane pricing, dude! I left after that and went to Squeezebox. I had a great chat with the guy there and bought some records. read more

This place has some great vinyl, and in great condition. But the prices are way too high. The records are insanely expensive. I don't recommend this place to anyone. If you are looking for a good store in the Evanston area, then go to SqueezeBox Records. The prices are very fair at SqueezeBox. read more

i did not write the review which was previously posted here. someone must have hacked in!! thp place is grossly overpriced., and offers next to nothing in trade ,.so do not bother on top of which difficult to remove price stickers are placed direcrly on 45 labels and album covers. you thin\y record person would know better read more

Sticker shock isn't a rare thing here and in some ways I can deal with that - these guys are clearly fetishists and for what they do, they do it well. Two things though, I don't appreciate the condescension when I make a random comment about an $80 tag on a record that goes for $30 or 40 anywhere else (the price gouging eBay and Discogs even) - being told to go downstairs where can find cheapos "more in my range" (sorry sir, I'm willing to shell upwards of 50 or 60 on a record if it's hard enough to get ahold of and I have to have it in my collection - I'm no miser, but I'm not a sucker either.) is infuriating on multiple levels. The second thing? Today is Record Store Day and as anyone aware of the day knows, there are exclusives a plenty. Take the 10" ep by Daft Punk for the Tron sound track for example, if you were able to get to a copy early enough, you'd be looking at 20. On eBay you're looking at 40. Here? 100. That's opportunism and gouging at its height and a huge signifier as to why indie record shops are dying out like flies - high premiums at the expense of the punter and without shame served up with an upturned nose and a sense of superiority because they were old enough to buy Abbey Road on release day (rockist dinosaurs, the fuckers even have seperate sections for their beloved Beatles and Stones - with some records sitting there at $300+. Avoid these guys at all costs - they'll take you for your money and at two to five times what you'd spend finding your record of choice at any other record store and even online. Pathetic. read more

I can't even consider shopping at this store. After flipping through one letter of the alphabet and seeing prices from $30 to $250, I didn't see anything that I wanted and DEFINITELY didn't see anything I wanted to pay VV prices for. They were well above any other store I've ever been to OR internet prices. Boo. My dad was looking for 45s for his jukebox, but the guy behind the counter told him that 7" records weren't available for public viewing and asked what he was looking for. My dad told him that he was looking for car-themed songs and the guy said, "oh, okay," and went back to whatever he was doing. First of all, disappointing, second of all, RUDE. There were at least six people working in the shop and not one got off their ass to help us buy one of their overpriced discs. I hear John Cusack shops in here sometimes. Maybe that's why they think they can charge hollywood prices. I think catching a glimpse of Rob Gordon in his natural habitat might be the only reason to ever come here... read more

This is the snooty, uninviting record store High Fidelity so delicately lampooned. I'm a serious record collector. This should be a store where I would want to shop. Yet there are multiple issues at play which make Vintage Vinyl worth skipping. Nothing like a store where you walk in, it's empty, and the staff can't even be bothered to look up from their computers. Or the sign on the boxes of 45s saying they're "not for public display." Because I obviously go into a store knowing exactly which 45 I'm looking for so they can flip through the boxes for me. Or original pressing records are filed next to reissues, in sealed plastic sleeves that obscure what you're looking at, with misleading labeling that invites even the most slightly uniformed to be fooled in the store's advantage. For instance, a copy of the Isley Brothers' LP "This Old Heart of Mine" I saw in the soul bins in the basement. Yes, as the handwritten sticker says, it's a "1966 release." No, the copy they were selling for something like $40 was not a "1966 release." For the casual buyer looking at the price tag and label, they think they're buying the real thing. For the informed shopper, the poor cover art reproduction, overstock cutout notch, and original release date printed in a small box on the back indicates a very common 1981 Motown reissue. Flipping through other Motown artists, you saw the same series of reissues labeled in similarly misleading ways. Someone's going to get ripped off paying $40 for what should be a dollar-bin record, poorly pressed on flimsy 80s vinyl. Which brings me to the biggest point: Yes, they do have a somewhat large selection of some very good stuff, and it all appears in minty-esque condition (though it's hard to tell, because everything is in tape-sealed sleeves), but everything is priced at least 25% over even the most unreasonable and predatory price you'd find elsewhere. They price everything like it's the triple-digit Great White Whale you never see anywhere else, no matter how pedestrian it actually is. But, hey, if you're looking to pay $75 for the Beatles' Red or Blue greatest hits records, this is the place for you. I just wonder why anyone would want to if they knew better. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind really amazing stuff commanding a fair price; but the most common records commanding the most uncommon prices? I suspect that's why they're all still in the bins, and there's no one flipping through looking for them. In short, this place is why people loathe going to record stores. And it doesn't have to be that way. Just walk right on by, get on the Purple Line Express, and go to Reckless instead. read more

PRO: Well curated collection of classic vinyl. CON: Ungodly expensive. Bottom line: This is a record shop for old people with money to burn on their youth-chasing hobby. No significant volume of new or affordable records. read more

Wow! Where do I even begin! The shopping experience....wait there was no "experience"...that 2 of my children had to endure has left me speechless and angry! My husband took 2 of the boys to Vintage Vinyl today in search of a couple very specific things. My husband shopped here over 10 years ago and was excited to return...AND bring the kids. Upon entering the store he began thumbing through some of the records. Our youngest son was running around the store. Noah knows that he is not allowed to touch when we go into stores so there was no concern. However, the white haired man "working" in the shop felt the need to scold our Autistic 6 1/2 year old son and tell him he needs to go by his daddy. As a mother of 3, my children have learned from an extremely young age how to behave in a store as both my husband and I have been retail store managers for over 15 years EACH! We know it is not the employees responsibility to watch the children while the parents do not pay attention. Number 1...as soon as I heard he spoke to my youngest child in this manner I was pissed. Really? Noah was running around, but anyone that has an autistic child knows that new places can cause them to need to find comfort. Noah likes to move around a lot. Number 2 this said man was so rude to my husband. Spoke down to him in a manner that is unacceptable. We know the alphabet and maybe he did not need to find the Boards of Canada album he was searching for in the first 30 seconds upon entering the store. This man was so rude my husband yelled at him (which he NEVER does!) and threw down the OK Computer album he was willing to overpay for because he really wanted it. Number 3 do not shop here! My family were the ONLY 3 people in the shop and they were treated poorly. My husband was so upset he even swore in front of the 2 boys which as parents we never do. So sad because I hear there was some nice stuff. That is OK we will keep all of our and our friends business elsewhere! I hope no one with a special needs child or any self respecting human being ever shops here! read more

As others have pointed out, Vintage Vinyl can be a hit or miss experience for shoppers, depending on what you are looking for and what your interests are... In terms of collectable LPs, although the prices can be high, I have actually found the prices here to be realistic for what the actual records on offer actually are. (Yes, that is a lot of actuallys.) Unlike a lot of stores in the suburbs, who claim to have "collectable LPs," and charge a good deal for them, most of what those stores actually sell under that category are common copies of LPs by in-demand artists (e.g., more common pressings of Dylan, Springsteen, US pressings of Stones, Bowie, Zeppelin, Floyd, etc). Thus, the LPs are not rare, and what actually makes them collectable is simply consumer demand. The LPs that get sold this way are the ones folks really want and don't want to wait to get when they find them, in other words. Here, the collectable LPs really are collectable. Vintage Vinyl actually gets things in like the rarer British pressings of Stones and Bowie records, for instance. (That is--ones that are ACTUAL collectables.) And again, when they have these records, they are usually sold at fair prices for the kind of collectable they are, not jacked up "Ebay auction" prices like Shuga Records in Wicker Park often/commonly has. (Those of you who think the prices are high here for these kinds of LPs should go check that place out...) As others have also pointed out, one downside to the store is the customer service. See other reviews on this--I don't have much to add, other than the "you can touch but not look" policy with the sealed up records is a bit absurd. (The clerks literally listen for tape being opened and will tell you "don't open it" if you try.) If I were at a record show and told you you can't open up a record to check the condition, label, etc., for your self, I would have few costumers buying things from me. And they should-frankly, it's insulting to customers and ruins part of the fun of collecting them--actually *looking* at the item itself other than just the front and back cover. Given that issue, I've docked the shop 1 star. (To see how Vintage Vinyl compares/contrasts with other stores in the Chicagoland area more generally, see my reviews of the other 40+ stores in the area I have now reviewed.) read more

Vintage Vinyl is one of the coolest record stores in the area and is somehow still going strong in the age where you can get everything online. I don't know how they remain open with the online competition, but as long as they are it's worth a trip up to Evanston to experience it if you like music. Back the the days before the internet I'd drive up to this place to pick up my British imports. This is where I got all my Charlatans, Stone Roses and Oasis 12-inch singles and CDs back in the days before the internet. Unfortunately, you don't find many import singles anywhere nowadays thanks to the digital age making physical releases with b-sides obsolete. You'll find CDs, 7-inch singles, 12-inch singles and LPs here. They carry everything from your British imports, European imports, classic rock, new wave, psychedelic rock and a whole lot of Beatles and Stones. You could probably find a copy of Sticky Fingers with the working zipper or a numbered White Album. I'm sure there's classical as well if that's your thing. They also have a good assortment of t-shirts, posters, pins, magazines and other nick nacks. If you like music, especially vinyl, it's worth a trip here to discover something new or something you always wanted but couldn't find. Bring cash though because their prices are kind of high. You could also order online, but that's just not the same as experiencing it in person. read more

All I can say is.. its a wonderful place if you LOVE music and are 'still' into LPs. I felt like a kid in a candy store and browsed for 2 hours. They have a variety of albums, especially jazz (my fav) and PRINCE. BUT they can be quite pricey, ranging from $25-$250, thus the 4 stars. However, they did have a bargain bin (1 for $3, 4 for $10) and I found some nice stuff, which I could afford. Overall, not a bad place to get your vinyl on. The staff is quite friendly and they let you roam free. But I do have my unda' spot where I can get classic jazz for real cheap.. which I will not disclose. read more

I can't believe this store is still in operation! When I was a student in the early '90s, it was the go-to store for European imports, collector scum LP's, and new 7-inches. That meant that the hours were odd, that the prices were high, and that the proprietor was slightly snooty, if not extremely well informed. When I was there earlier this year, the store was closed -- because of odd hours, not because it had shut up shop. And by the looks of the window display, it still stocked the same wares. I'll leave it to current residents and customers for more timely and accurate reviews, but it was nice to see that Vintage Vinyl was still a going concern. I'd have gone inside in a minute. read more

Every day after high school in the 80's I went to Vintage Vinyl. It formed my music foundation and always had in stock what was current and hard to find. Many of the records I bought back then I still have in my collection. It's a testament that 30+ years it's still in the same location. I recently brought my daughter there, which of course she complained about, but the selection was still amazing and I had to stop myself before I dropped a mortgage payment on music. read more

This place is the cream of the crop. I'll get this out of the way first - the records on the first floor are pricey, BUT very clean and most all the records are original pressings or very clean reissues. The lower level has a bargain bin and the jazz and soul sections. The staff on both floors are very helpful and kind. The sure amount of records this place owns is incredible. With over 150,000 in storage according to the owner. Tried and true record store. read more

This was my first visit to VV, and as I always do when I enter a record store I told the clerk this was my first visit. If a store is decent, they'll give me a tour of their inventory. If they aren't, they'll ignore me or worse. I'm glad to say I was given the full tour and at first had no idea it was the owner of the place. He was very nice and his explanation of the store's layout was informative. He only got a little prickly when I asked him about the grading system, telling me all of the records on the first floor were mint or excellent, but that's fine as it made things easier. I can't think of any other store set up this way. Entering this classic record store is like being invited to the home of an audiophile who's been collecting for 30 years and allowed to browse his most cherished records. Where other stores keep "the good stuff" behind the counter or locked in a glass cabinet, VV has it all out for display where I could handle as many as I liked. It was great seeing in person scarce records I'd only heard about, getting to check out the condition first hand and read the back panels. Nearly every record on the first floor has an informative, hand-written note about which version it is and why it's rare. Yes, there are are some high priced records here, but there were also plenty in the average price range too. The store is about equally divided between the collector's records upstairs and the "bargain bin" downstairs where records are uniformly priced at $4 each or three for $10. I purchased three classic LPs by the Eagles downstairs for ten bucks, albums I'd seen priced much higher at other record stores. Upstairs, I splurged a little and bought a bootleg I'd been after for a while. The price was about what I'd seen online, it wasn't a bargain, but there was no shipping and no risk, I didn't have to worry about grading or rip-offs. And I guess that's the bottom line. In one hour I got to browse a selection of scarce and rare records it would've take months or more to find elsewhere. I could handle them personally without someone breathing over my shoulder. There was no risk, no bidding, no shipping cost and no damage from the Post Office. Within twenty minutes, I was home experiencing the instant gratification of finding a great LP and listening to it right away. I hope VV is around another 30 years and I think we should support our local record stores. Worth every penny! read more

This store is absolutely awful. I saw their website online and noticed that they claim that they "do not sell items which are anything less than VG+, and the vast majority of our stock is in near mint or mint condition." Well the record I ordered was in only good condition AT BEST; pops/cracks and distortion throughout every song. And the worst part is that it wasn't cheap at all. The website made no mention at all about a return policy, so I called them and when I asked if I could return it, an employee named Steven told me no and in trying to explain that they only sell the highest of quality records, he was condescending the entire time. This place is a scam with horrible customer service, do not recommend. read more

I have been a repeat customer at Vintage Vinyl for past years, and my experience has been fantastic. Steve is extremely knowledgeable about music and puts a lot of dedication and care to his store and the product that he offers. Compliments to his hard working staff too. Highly recommended! read more

This store is well stocked, but prices ain't cheap (unless you scour the bargain bins, and there are some interesting things to be had). Still, it's an interesting place to poke around. Staff is helpful and knowledgeable, and not the "too cool" hipster music snob type. Worth a look if you're musically inclined in Evanston (and have access to a turntable ;p). read more

Great store for music & vinyl collectors. Once,I brought in $1,000 cash to buy stuff, because I'm a music fanatic,and I drove 150 miles,and didn't get a little discount,what does that tell you? Highly disappointing,I don't mind helping stores stay in business,but it would have been nice to get a slight discount. It's hard to go back to this store with that in mind. I'll go on the web instead,now and look for rare stuff,hard to find imports. I could then not deal with the snoot behind the counter. I'm not unhappy with my purchases,just feel like I'd rather not give it to people who aren't willing to cut a small deal,sometimes. I don't expect it all of the time,but hey I spent 1,000 bucks,you jerk. read more

This is my favorite record store of all time. I feel like I have a personal connection with it, I'm vapid whatever. The gentleman there every time I go compliments my taste and it makes me feel better about spending $$$. Anyhoo, I always leave with 3-4 things I need to check out and always find something here that makes me giddy. They also sell records online on their site but it isn't nearly as fun looking at their stuff online as it is in the store. If you're in Chicago make the drive to Evanston, it's worth it. Always clean records, always helpful staff. read more

Received a record player for my birthday, and was so excited to finally get to listen to records at home for the first time since my parent's player broke when I was really little. We stopped in VVR as it is the closest shop to us and we had noted it several times while out walking around. We happened into the East door of the shop that houses strictly the cheap stuff first just by happenstance. This was actually perfect as our specific mission was to find some cheap Christmas records for the holiday (I'm a bit late on this review, eh?). This side of the store is quite small, and it was busy when we came by (a group of four was already inside). We came in and occupied prime real estate with our huge two-kid stroller and a roving 4 year-old. This is how I am able to attest to how friendly and chill the guy working this side of the store was. My husband and I dug through almost every record in the place, and the clerk was patient and pleasant with our 4 YOs random observations and occasional nosiness about the huge black curtain in the back. The records on this side are something like $5-7 a piece, and we went to town. Found all kinds of fun/great stuff - things you wanted to take home, but also stuff that would make fun and/or funny gifts for others. I'm still considering going back for the recorded wolf calls album. :D When you get albums on this side, you get a ticket to take to the main part of the store to pay. We had so many, like probably 8-9 albums, so I was dead set on not getting anything new. I wasn't even going to look. I walked over with my daughter and got into line, happened to look over my shoulder and what did I see but a Boards of Canada album eyeing me from a shelf as if we were meant to be. Without hesitation I walked over and grabbed it much to the amusement of the clerk on this side (who was wearing a great sweater and reminded me of David Byrne somehow). He was super friendly too. We dropped almost a c-note on this casual first trip (!) so I've been a bit hesitant to go back, but I want to - oh, how I want to! read more

Wow! Just wow! Whenever I am in Evanston I stop in - and almost EVERY time I leave spending way more money that I meant too. This is because they get the stuff no one else does. Seriously. Yeah - the prices are high. But the product is high end. Makes sense. If you're looking for that hard to find record - your best bet is this place. Plus the staff is AWESOME read more

A true collectors shop. And the proprietors are very friendly, helpful, and really knowledgeable. Dont understand the few reviews that state otherwise. Cool poster and memorabilia collection. That all said, the vinyl is def pricey. But again, high end vintage. read more