It's time for Record Store Day to celebrate 15 years of fantastic vinyl exclusives! Since COVID-19 forced the annual day of record store celebration to split into three in 2020 and two editions last year, things have been a little tumultuous. The pandemic and interest in vinyl rising has also caused delays, pushing records off their originally announced dates. While this Saturday, April 23 is the official Record Store Day, there will be another RSD drop on June 18 for any titles that couldn't make it in time (and there's quite a few that have been moved to the later date).
The fun event has always had some criticism, specifically its focus on costly vinyl, records that don't necessarily need to be repressed, flippers picking up all the rarest goodies to resell at even more ridiculous prices, record stores not making as much as they once did because of all the corporate overlords digging their nails into the backs of small business, etc. And now with the ever looming pandemic, safety has become an issue. Thankfully stores are adhering to COVID-guidelines (some going above and beyond) and making sure that everything is as safe as can be.
A lot of the community aspects of the event are slowly trickling back as the pandemic numbers are at a relatively low point. RSD is meant to bring music lovers together and support these shops by packing a sizable list of exclusive releases to help celebrate the music community. Usually RSD is the biggest sales day of the year for these shops (usually...) and with all the past two years of closures and general , they sure as hell need the boost now.
You can check out the list of releases at the RSD website! Below is a list of stores taking part in RSD as well as stores that are not. Saturday is a day to support all record stores, and if you don't feel comfortable going out, most will have an online store to purchase regular releases and RSD release at a later time. You can see the slightly fuller list of Illinois stores at the RSD website. We also mapped out the shops on Google Maps, so take a look at your neighborhood, click on your local record shop's marker, and see what they're doing for this first RSD Drop!
This list will be updated throughout the next couple days as stores post their RSD news. If there are any stores missing or that should be noted, leave a comment and we'll add them to the list! And remember, you don't have to go out to support these stores if you don't feel comfortable, but if you do be a responsible shopper in these COVID-19 times.
RSD ADJACENT: Chicago & Beyond!
Anemoia Chicago - 2032 W 18th - 312-282-6149
Anemoia Chicago will have some great local records, a 20% off their vintage clothes, and live music staring at 3pm!
Beyond The Limit - 7316 W Irving Park Rd, Norridge - 708-452-5552
Buy some records, music t-shirts, and more at this fun shop!
Bob's Blues & Jazz Mart- 3419 W Irving Park Road - 773-539-5002
The amazing owner of Bob's Blues & Jazz Mart, Bob Koester, passed away last year, leaving behind a beautiful musical legacy. The likely won't get any RSD exclusives, but if you haven't shopped around this store, today is a perfect day to support the Chicago staple.
Groovin' High - 1047 W. Belmont Ave. - 773-476-6846
Groovin' High doesn't have the most consistent schedule throughout the year (read: they're almost always closed), but they usually open up for RSD!
Hyde Park Records - 1377 E 53rd St - 773-288-6588
With an extensive selection of Jazz, Blues, Soul and Gospel, Hyde Park Records is a great stop for your record store day celebration!
Oak Park Records - 179 S Oak Park Ave., Oak Park - 708-524-2880
Oak Park Records haven't announced how they'll be handling RSD this year just yet, but check the shop's socials and check back for more updates!
Shady Rest Vintage & Vinyl - 1659 S. Throop - 872-444-6488
Shady Rest Vintage and Vinyl has a ton of great audio equipment and a well curated record selection, highly recommend to make this a stop for your Record Store Day! They'll also be running some incredible sales and have a pop up with an independent 7" record dealer!
Vinyl Frontier Records - 4720 W Elm St., McHenry
While Record Store Day is a great excuse to buy some excellent records, it just doesn't make sense for every store. Vinyl Frontier records did not participate in RSD last year, but they definitely should be a stop on your Record Store Day celebration! Support this great shop!
Wild Prairie Vinyl & Vintage- 1109 N. Western Ave - 773-580-7946
If your looking for some great records or some vintage items to snaz up your wardrobe, Wild Prairie is your spot! They'll also be a part of of Chicago Vinyl Connect the following day on April 14!
RSD PLEDGED STORES : Chicago
606 Records - 1808 S. Allport - 312-585-6108 - @606records
606 Records will open from 10am to 6pm with plenty of RSD titles available! Free coffee from Dark Matter and Chicago label Future Rootz will be on the decks from 2-4pm!
Beverly Records - 11612 S. Western Ave. - 773-779-0066 - @BeverlyRecords
Beverly Records haven't announced how they'll be handling RSD this year just yet, but check the shop's socials and here for more updates!
Bric-A-Brac Records & Collectibles - 3156 W Diversey Ave - 773-654-3915 - @bricabracrcords
This Logan Square staple is all set up in it's new digs and is making their first RSD at the new place a big one! They'll be opening up at 8am for the RSD festivities with plenty of records, free coffee and donuts courtesy of The Brewed, food in the afternoon and bands playing throughout the day including Delicious Monsters, Miniskirt, Heet Deth, XOs, and DEHD!
Bucket O' Blood Books and Records - 3182 N Elston Ave. - 312-890-3860 - @bucketoblood
Bucket O' Blood will be opening up at 10am for all the RSD goodies. Starting around noon, they'll be offering up complimentary drinks as well! As usual when it comes to RSD items, one copy per title, per customer.
Dave's Records - 2604 N. Clark St. - 773-929-6325 - @davesrecordschi
Last year Dave was recovering from surgery and taking it easy. But after welcoming his first grandchild and a good year's rest, DAVE IS BACK FOR RSD! Dave will open at 10am with lots records for you to get! Also check out that cool poster he'll have on sale!
Dusty Groove Records - 1120 N. Ashland Ave. - 773-342-5800 - @DustyGroove
Dusty Groove's Record Store Day will run from 7am to 9pm. Check out their guidelines on how to purchase your RSD exclusives here! They'll be limiting the amount of people allowed ion the store, so you'll fill out a form of what records you'd like and they'll pull them out and hand them. Titles that do not sell out on-site between 7am and noon Central will be available online, limit 1 copy per title, same for local customers in the morning. Free gifts and swag with every purchase! Get there bright and early for free coffee from Dark Matter and free Tastykakes! There will also be free books and DVDs on hand! And there will still be some crowd control due to COVID, so be safe!
Gramaphone Records - 2843 N. Clark St. - 773-472-3683 @gramaphonechi
Gramaphone haven't announced how they'll be handling RSD this year just yet, but check the shop's socials and here for more updates!
- 1524 N. Milwaukee Avenue - 773-252-9570
- 935 W. Belmont - 773-883-8908
The Exchange is an RSD-pledged store and they usually have a few releases in store! If you do go, remember to have your mask and social distance!
Laurie's Planet of Sound - 4639 N. Lincoln Ave. - 773-271-3569 - @lauriespos
Laurie's Planet of Sound haven't announced how they'll be handling RSD this year just yet, but check the shop's socials and here for more updates!
Out of the Past Records - 4407 W Madison St - 773-626-3878
Do a little crate digging at this old school, family-owned record store! They haven't announced how they'll be handling RSD this year just yet, but check the shop's socials and here for more updates!
Pinwheel Records - 1722 W. 18th St. - 312-888-9629 - @PinwheelRecords
Pinwheel Records will be opening their doors to the public on Saturday from 9am to 7pm. Customers are welcome to line up on the east side of the shop as early as you want. They will only be allowing 10 customers in the store at a time. Mask are required while min the store! Customers may only purchase (1) copy of each RSD title. RSD leftovers will be available for purchase on their website Sunday, April 24th at 8am CST See what records they'll have in stock here!
Rattleback Records - 5405 N Clark Street - 773-944-0188 -
Rattleback Records will open from 9am to 7pm for all your RSD needs! You can check out what titles they'll have on hand here!
- Loop - 26 E. Madison - 312-795-0878 - @RecklessRecords
- Wicker Park- 1379 N Milwaukee Ave. - 773-235-372 - @RecklessRecords
- Lakeview - 929 W Belmont - 773-404-5080 - @RecklessRecords
Reckless will have RSD releases at their store, so keep an eye on their social media (Twitter, Facebook, and especially Instagram) as they finalize the details! Considering how safe they have been during these times, expect social distancing, masks, and more COVID guidelines to participate in their RSD!
Record Breakers - 2935 N. Milwaukee Ave. - (773) 698-8387 - @recordbrckrsCHI
RSD at Record Breakers is starting at 9am! They'll have tons of special RSD releases and thousands of new and used records for you to look through and buy to help support this great shop!
Shuga Records - 1272 N. Milwaukee Ave. - @Shuga_Records
Shuga will be open 10am till 7pm for RSD with tons of exclusive records and Free coffee and donuts while supplies last! Check their Facebook event for even more details!
Tone Deaf Records - 4356 N Milwaukee Ave. - 773-372-6643 - @tonedeafrecs
Tone Deaf Records will be opening at 9am! You can line up at their front door and they will let you in, one at a time, first come first served! Check their website for a list of what they'll have in stock a few days before RSD!
RSD PLEDGED STORES: Beyond Chicago
Algonquin Records - 532 E Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines - 847-827-0673
Algonquin Records haven't announced exactly how they'll be handling RSD just yet, but check the shop's website/socials and check back for more updates!
Audiophil - 17 East Van Buren St, Suite 17E, Joliet - 815-319-2143 - @AudiophilS
Audiophil will start their RSD at Noon! For those waiting in line, you'll get the Chance to enjoy Work in Progress performing live at 11:30am-ish!
Black Dog Vinyl Cafe - 16108 Illinois Rte 59, Plainfield - 815-733-6032
Black Dog Vinyl Cafe will open their doors at 10am for RSD! They'll be home to a live vinyl broadcast event from 10am-Noon, then Koop N Korres will perform live at 6pm!
Blue Village Vinyl - 309 W. Ogden Ave., Westmont - 630-963-1957
Blue Village Vinyl will be opening at 10am and entertainment store wide! Check back at their event page for more details closer to the event!
Cheap Kiss Records - 22 S. Villa Ave., Villa Park - 847-414-9765
Cheap Kiss Records will have some great RSD titles this Saturday starting at 9am! Check back on their Facebook page for more updates!
Conservatory Vintage & Vinyl - 1042 Sterling Ave. Flossmoor - 708-960-0231
Conservatory Vintage & Vinyl will be opening up at 9am with some exclusive RSD titles on hand! Be sure to check their socials for more updates !
Culture Shock - 2239 Charles St., Rockford - 815-229-2997 - @cultureshock_
Culture Shock will be opening their doors this Saturday at 8am with tons of RSD goodies and sales! Andrew Robinson will be on hand performing for the RSD crowds from 7:30am-8:30am! Culture Shock will have their leftover RSD stock online starting at 8am on Sunday April 4th.
Green Tangerine Records - 838 W. Lincoln Hwy. DeKalb - 608-751-8386
Green Tangerine Records will open their doors for RSD at 11am! Be ready for exclusive titles, giveaways, and more!
Kiss The Sky - 180 First St Batavia
Kiss The Sky is going to conduct a lottery to draw names out of a hat, bowl or box in order to create a “Virtual Line”. For full details on how to sign up, head over to their website or full details!
Mile Long Records- 350 W. Front Street, Wheaton - 630-474-4954 - @mile_long
Mile Long Records will have RSD titles in their store and their numbered wristband system will be in place well before their doors open at 9am.
The Old School Record Store- 7446 Madison St., Forest Park - 708-366-7588
The Old School Record Store opens at 10am for all your RSD needs! They haven't announced how they'll be handling they day, but check the shop's socials and here for more updates!
Purple Dog Records - 231 S. Washington St. #105, Naperville - @PurpleDogRecords
Purple Dog Records will open at 10am for all your RSD needs!
Record Wonderland - 737 E. Nerge Road, Roselle - 847-306-1290 - @recordwonder
Record Wonderland will open at 10am. More Details are forthcoming, so keep an eye on their event page.
Rediscover Records- 9 S. Spring Street, Elgin - 847-961-8445
Rediscover Records will be opening at 8am this Saturday! As per RSD rules, no holds or preorders. There will be a limit of one item of each title per person.
Reef Records LLC - 775 Main St, Antioch - 224-788-5066
Reef Records will open at 8am with tons of RSD items for you to pick up! They'll be holding raffles for some fun prizes as well!
Rolling Stones Music - 7300 W Irving Park Rd, Norridge - 708-456-0861
Rolling Stones Music will be opening at 9AM and closing at 9PM. As always, RSD items are first come first served, are limited to one copy per customer
Scratched Vinyl - 119 Barrington Commons Court, Barrington - 847-809-5820
Scratched Vinyl haven't announced how they'll be handling RSD this year just yet, but check the shop's socials and here for updates!
Siren Records - 3902 Main St., McHenry - 815-347-8363
Siren Records will be closed April 18-22 but will open their doors to the RSD crowds on Saturday at 8am! Remember to be safe and wear a mask!
Squeezebox Books and Music - 1235 Chicago Ave., Evanston - 847-943-9309
Squeezebox will be opening at 10am and they have most of their items listed on their announcement post!
Toad Hall Books and Records- 2106 Broadway, Rockford - 815-226-1259
Toad Hall Books and Records will be dishing out some excellent RSD titles this Saturday starting at 8am! There will be a 30% Off used vinyl sale as well as buy 3 get 1 FREE on CD's, DVDs, Cassettes, and 8 Tracks. Check out their YouTube channel for some great RSD unboxings and their Facebook event page for full details on their RSD plans!
Val's Halla Records - 239 Harrison St, Oak Park - 708-524-1004 - @ValshallaRecord
Val's Halla Records haven't announced how they'll be handling RSD this year just yet, but check the shop's socials and here for more updates!
Vintage Vinyl - 925 Davis St., Evanston - 847-328-2899 - @VVMOEvanston
Vintage Vinyl haven't announced how they'll be handling RSD this year just yet, but check the shop's socials and here for more updates!
Windy City Records - 5224 Main St., Downer Grove - 630-534-2794
Windy City Records will be handing out numbers tothose in line at 9am, then opening their doors at 10am for all your RSD needs! Check the shop's socials and here for more updates!
This list will be updated throughout the day as stores post their RSD news. If they are any stores missing or that should be noted, leave a comment and we'll add them to the list!