Five record shops off the beaten path

saki

Photo: Martha Williams

Laurie’s Planet of Sound The vintage rock-and-pop vinyl collection at this Lincoln Park shop ranges from the obscure (12-inch “I Eat Cannibals” single by ’80s one-hit wonders Total Coelo, $10) to the mainstream (“Song Sung Blue” 45 by Neil Diamond, 49 cents). Plus, check out the 8-track and VHS tape selection, as well as pop-culture bric-a-brac, such as Pac-Man and Alf stuffed animals, and a Johnny Cash action figure. 4639 N Lincoln Ave (773-271-3569, lauriesplanetofsound.blogspot.com). El: Brown to Western. Bus: 11, 49. Mon–Sat 10am–10pm; Sun 11am–7pm.

Logan Hardware Don’t let the name and signage of this Logan Square storefront trick you. This isn’t an Ace-like hardware shop; instead it’s a vinyl record store that also sells new and used CDs and DVDs. Since the shop is owned by Jim Zespy, from Chicago Independent Distribution, expect a focus on CID’s labels, including Dischord, Constellation, Sickroom and Trouble in Mind. 2410 W Fullerton Ave (773-235-5030, logan-hardware.com). Thu–Sun 11am–9pm.

Mr. Peabody This Morgan Park/Beverly–area record shop just might be the best place in the Midwest to get boogie and disco records. Want proof? Head to the back room where the owners keep extra-rare items so less-than-serious buyers won’t mishandle them. That’s where Theo Parrish, Peanut Butter Wolf, Brooklyn’s Kon & Amir, Kool Herc and local legends of house and hip-hop like to shop. Disco obsessives, such as Dimitri from Paris, have been customers for a decade. 11832 S Western Ave (773-881-9299, mrpeabodyrecords.com). Bus: 49A, 119. Mon–Sat 12:30pm–7pm.

Record Dugout Vinyl geeks sift through the breathtakingly large piles of used records at this South Side hangout, hunting for hyper-rare rock, pop, soul and R&B singles. It’s a must-visit for any serious music fan and collector. 6053 W 63rd St (773-586-1206). Bus: 55N, 63W. Daily noon–7pm.

saki Carrot Top Ltd., the local long-running indie distributor, opened this spacious Logan Square record shop earlier this summer. In addition to actual music, the store also stocks a selection of turntables and music-related books, toys and tchotchkes. Stop by on the weekend, and you’re sure to catch an in-store performance from local acts or touring groups. 3716 W Fullerton Ave (773-486-3997, sakistore.net). El: Blue to Logan Square. Bus: 74, 76, 82. Mon, Sun noon–7pm; Tue–Sat noon–8pm.

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