It's that time of year again where physical music fans get together for Record Store Day with a full day of exclusive releases, live bands, and more freebies than you know what to do with!
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, records that don't necessarily need to be repressed (it needs to be said again) etc.
However, there is no denying that Record Store Day has some pretty good highlights! The day 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. Add in all the free live shows happening inside the shops themselves and the myriad of sales going on in many of the stores, it's a perfect way to support these wax purveyors. Usually RSD is the biggest sales day of the year for these shops (again, usually...) so it's become an integral part of the vinyl economy.
You can check out the list of releases at the RSD website! Below is a list of stores taking part in RSD this Saturday April 20 as well as stores that are not. Saturday is a day to support all record stores regardless of their affiliation to RSD. And if you don't feel comfortable going out, most will have an online store to purchase regular releases and RSD releases 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!
CHICAGO RSD-PLEDGED STORES & BEYOND
606 Records - 1808 S. Allport - 312-585-6108 - @606records
606 Records will have tons of RSD titles starting at 10am till 6pm with FREE coffee from Everybody's Busy, 2 for a dollar deal digs, and DJs playing throughout! Check out their socials for more details and updates!
Beverly Phono Mart - 1808 w. 103rd st. -
Beverly Phono Mart will be celebrating RSD with a shop chock full of great records ready for you!
Beverly Records - 11612 S. Western Ave. - 773-779-0066 - @BeverlyRecords
As always Beverly Records will be taking part in the Record Store Day festivities! Plus staring at 2pm they'll have a Party in the Parking Lot with "the Secret 4 & Willie Buck laying down the electric blues, The Bourbon Belts bringing harmonies to life, and maybe even The Railway Gamblers with some original tracks." They will also be participating in 93XRT's Album Sides Saturday event where they place Vintage XRT Studio Vinyl with markings and comments from on-air personalities over WXRT’s 50+ year history! If you find one at the shop you can take one home after making a suggested donation of $20 to the Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund.
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 in 2021, leaving behind a beautiful musical legacy. They will have some RSD exclusives starting at 10:30am alongside their usual treasure trove of records. Today is a perfect day to support the Chicago staple.
Bric-A-Brac Records & Collectibles - 3156 W Diversey Ave - 773-654-3915 - @bricabracrcords
Bric-a-Brac will be opening up at 8am (The Brewed opens at 7) for the RSD festivities with plenty of records, food in the afternoon from Omarcitos and bands playing throughout the day including Repent, Cruelster (CLE), Tension Pets, 7k, Ineffectuals, Problems, and Helicopter Leaves!
Bucket O' Blood Books and Records - 3182 N Elston Ave. - 312-890-3860 - @bucketoblood
Bucket O' Blood will open their doors at 9am with the food and drinks starting at Noon! Dress up for the 80s Aerobic party and get some free swag! Plus there will be Pabst Blue Ribbon swag for all while supplies last!
Dusty Groove Records - 1120 N. Ashland Ave. - 773-342-5800 - @DustyGroove
Dusty Groove's Record Store Day will run from 7am to 7pm. Check out their guidelines on how to purchase your RSD exclusives here! They'll be limiting the amount of people allowed in the store, so you'll fill out a form of what records you'd like and they'll pull them out and hand them out. Titles that do not sell out on-site between 7am and Noon will be available online, limit 1 copy per title, same for local customers the following morning. Free gifts and swag with every purchase! Get there bright and early for free coffee from Dark Matter, free donut holes, free toys for the kiddos, and of course MAGIC from 6am -8am!
- 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!
Gramaphone Records - 2843 N. Clark St. - 773-472-3683 @gramaphonerecords
Gramaphone will be doing a lot this RSD with an in-store event showcasing Viva-Acid's latest releases featuring DJ sets from The Hermit, Posthuman, SJ warp, and Ed Nine!!
Graveface Records And Curiosities - 1829 N. Milwaukee Ave. - @graveface_chicago
Graveface Recrods returned to Chicago a couple years ago and it's been fantastic. They'll have a special editon of Slowdive's latest album! It's a fantastically curated shop with tons of records, tiki paraphernalia, and fun horror related items! Plus there's a True Crime Museum in the back!
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! It's the perfect time to browse their extensive inventory and chat with one of the cooler and knowledgeable record store owners around!
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!
Interstellar Space Records - 2022 W Montrose Ave - @_interstellarspace_
Interstellar Space is a really fun and well curated record store that should be a staple of your RSD!
Laurie's Planet of Sound - 4639 N. Lincoln Ave. - 773-271-3569 - @lauriesplanetofsound
Laurie's Planet of Sound will be opening up their doors at 10am for you diehard vinyl fans looking for exclusive RSD titles! They will also be participating in 93XRT's Album Sides Saturday event where they place Vintage XRT Studio Vinyl with markings and comments from on-air personalities over WXRT’s 50+ year history! If you find one at the shop you can take one home after making a suggested donation of $20 to the Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund.
Meteor Gem - 3082 N Elston Ave STE A - @meteor_gem
Need some unique alternative and extreme sounds for your RSD pickups? Look no further than Meteor Gem! A Great stop with something a little different than most shops!
Morpho Gallery Records and Art - 5216 N Damen Ave - @DavesClassicAndRareLPs
Stop by this fun Gallery and records store on RSD! They are typically open Friday and Saturday from 1-5pm, so don't let it slip by you!
Miyagi Records - 307 E Garfield Blvd - @miyagirecords
Miyagi Records just celebrated their one year anniversary, so give them some belated love on RSD!
Orbit Records - 7155 W Grand - 773-771-4528 - @orbitrecords1900
Orbit Records will be open 9am-5pm with tons of RSD titles and sales going on! All used LPs are 15%, quarter 45s will be 10 for $1, $1 LPs will be 2 for $1, and $1 CDs will be 3 for $1! Plus DJ Jivan' Ivan will be spinning form his collection of early jazz, jump blues, R&B and more!
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!
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. Free coffee vouchers will be provided by their neighbors at Pochos! The Aluminum Group will be performing at 1pm and will their albums HAPPYNESS and The Aluminum Group on hand with custom handmade artwork created onsite while you wait! More info on the logistics of the day will be available soon!
Rattleback Records - 5405 N Clark Street - 773-944-0188 - @rattlebackrecords
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! They will also be participating in 93XRT's Album Sides Saturday event where they place Vintage XRT Studio Vinyl with markings and comments from on-air personalities over WXRT’s 50+ year history! If you find one at the shop you can take one home after making a suggested donation of $20 to the Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund.
- 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! They will also be participating in 93XRT's Album Sides Saturday event where they place Vintage XRT Studio Vinyl with markings and comments from on-air personalities over WXRT’s 50+ year history! If you find one at the shop you can take one home after making a suggested donation of $20 to the Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund.
Record Breakers - 2935 N. Milwaukee Ave. - (773) 698-8387 - @recordbreakerschicago
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! They'll have live music starting at Noon from the likes of Bitcrush, My Sister The heron, Morgan Powers, and Precocious Neophyte! They will also be participating in 93XRT's Album Sides Saturday event where they place Vintage XRT Studio Vinyl with markings and comments from on-air personalities over WXRT’s 50+ year history! If you find one at the shop you can take one home after making a suggested donation of $20 to the Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund.
Record Dugout & Comics - 6835 W Archer Ave - 773-586-1206
Record Dugout & Comics won't have RSD items, but their used selection is incredible!
Round Trip Records - 3455 W Foster. - 773-654-3092 - @roundtriprecordschicago
Round Trip Records is opening at NOON for your RSD needs and will be putting hundreds of new and used records out. All used vinyl will be 10% off. They’ll have coffee form Bru Coffeworks and donuts for customers.
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!
Shuga Records - 1272 N. Milwaukee Ave. & 3306 W Armitage Ave- @Shuga_Records
Shuga will be open 10am for RSD with tons of exclusive records and free donuts from Dark Matter Coffee while supplies last! Rick Sims of Touch and Go’s Didjits will be doing a DJ set and signing at 1PM, and Chicago’s Smut will be doing an in-store performance at 5PM. Check their socials and website for updates on the big day!
Signal Records - 3156 W Diversey & 1343 N. Ashland - @signalrecordschicago
If you need another great record store for your RSD plans, Signal Records has a fantastic selection of records! They will have a 20% off store-wide sale at both locations!
Tone Deaf Records - 4356 N Milwaukee Ave. - 773-372-6643 - @tonedeafrecs
Tone Deaf Records will be participating in RSD Festivities!! 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 exclusives they'll have in stock!
CHICAGOLAND RSD-PLEDGED STORES & BEYOND
Andy's Records - 16 N. Whitney St., Grayslake - 224-252-2167 - @andys.records
Andy's Records just moved into a new space! It's the perfect time to support this record store! They's have some special stuff going on so make sure to stop by!
Algonquin Records - 532 E Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines - 847-827-0673
Algonquin Records will be opening at 10:30am for all your RSD needs!
Audiophil - 17 East Van Buren St, Suite 17E, Joliet - 815-319-2143 - @AudiophilS
Audiophil is opening up at Noon for all your RSD needs!
B-Side Record Store - 114 Stephen Street, Lemont, IL -
Support B-Side Record Store this RSD and pick up some great vinyl!
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 will live music all day from Harmonic Breeze, Joe Leja, Holden Garcia, School of Rock, and Corduroy Cat!
Blue Village Vinyl - 29 E Chicago Ave., Westmont - 630-963-1957
Blue Village Vinyl will be opening at 10am and will have 10% off all used inventory, live music from Chris Connelly at 11am and a book signing at 1pm by Jeff Lowenthal and Robert Schaffner! They will also be participating in 93XRT's Album Sides Saturday event where they place Vintage XRT Studio Vinyl with markings and comments from on-air personalities over WXRT’s 50+ year history! If you find one at the shop you can take one home after making a suggested donation of $20 to the Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund.
CD Source - 5704 N 2nd st, Loves Park - 815-904-6611 - Facebook
Good spot if you're looking for used records and audio equipment!
Cheap Kiss Records - 22 S. Villa Ave., Villa Park - 847-414-9765
Cheap Kiss Records will open up at 8am for RSD! 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! They will have free donuts in store while supplies last! This is a seriously great shop and a must go spot for RSD or any day you need to do some digging!
Controlled Chaos - 639 East Boughton Road STE 145 Bolingbrook, IL -630-429-4559 @controlledchaosvintage
Controlled Chaos is a nice stop for all your record and vintage needs!
Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap - 6450 College Road, Lisle - @crookedarmlisle
Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap is hosting its first Record Store Day with in-store performances with Sam Dougherty (Noon-2pm) & Jack the Acquaintance (6pm-8pm), tons of great vinyl, and the unveiling of Record Store Dank IPA, a one-day-only collaboration beer with friends at Will County Brew!
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! RSD titles will be limited to one copy per person. There will be plenty of deals including 50% off select new vinyl, buy one get one half off all used vinyl, and special color coded vinyl on sale for $5!
Elmhurst Records/Revolution Music Co. - 107 N Addison Ave Elmhurst IL - @elmhurstrecords
Revolution Music Co Records will have plenty of RSD exclusives ready for you starting at 10am! Plus there will be live music from Connie Cipher Matt Shukin, DJ Shank!, and Crambone! They will also be participating in 93XRT's Album Sides Saturday event where they place Vintage XRT Studio Vinyl with markings and comments from on-air personalities over WXRT’s 50+ year history! If you find one at the shop you can take one home after making a suggested donation of $20 to the Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund.
Green Tangerine Records - 838 W. Lincoln Hwy. DeKalb - 608-751-8386
Green Tangerine Records will open their doors for RSD at 10am!
Hip Cat Records - 3540 Lake Ave, Wilmette - 847-920-0066
A nice stop for some vintage finds!
Hoarders Records & More - 1301 E Main St St. Charles - Facebook
An excellent spot if your looking for used vinyl to fill up your collection!
Kiss The Sky - 180 First St Batavia
Kiss The Sky is doing something a little different for their RSD!
Left 'Round Records - 244.3 W Lockport St. #118 Plainfield, IL - 815-556-8109 - @leftroundrecords
Left 'Round Records will have TONS of RSD releases and a special surprise for the first 5 people in line!
Loud Pizza Record - 716 Central Ave. Highland Park - @loudpizzarecords
Records and collectible reign supreme at Loud Pizza Records! They will have RSD releases on hand so make sure to stop by this cool looking shop!
Mile Long Records- 350 W. Front Street, Wheaton - 630-474-4954 - @mile_long
Mile Long Records will have RSD titles in their store ready to go when their doors open at 9am. They'll be handing out numbered wristbands at Midnight, so get ready for a fun RSD!
Mudroom Records - 494 N Main St., Glen Ellyn - @mudroomrecordsge
Head out and support this woman-owned record store!
Oak Park Records - 179 S Oak Park Ave., Oak Park - 708-524-2880
Oak Park Records doesn't typically partake in the official RSD exclusives, but they'll have a small stack and plenty of other records at their fantastic shop! Check the shop's socials and check back for more updates!
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!
Paul Rose Boutique - 16030 S Lincoln Highway, 105, Plainfield - @paulroseboutique
Head to Paul Rose Boutique for some great vinyl, vintage jewelry, and boutique clothing!
Purple Dog Records - 231 S. Washington St. #105, Naperville - @PurpleDogRecords
Purple Dog Records will have some great titles for RSD! Keep an eye on their socials for updates!
Record Wonderland - 737 E. Nerge Road, Roselle - 847-306-1290 - @recordwonderland
Record Wonderland will open at 8am and will be handing out numbers starting a little before 6am. They will also have a sale where all used records, CDs and cassettes will be 20% off.
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 & 821 Rand Road, Lakemoor- 224-788-5066
Reef Records will open at 7am for your RSD needs! They will have plenty of free swag and goodies bags available. They will also be conducting their yearly raffle with great prizes! Check they Facebook for more details!
The Rock Shop - 18109 Dixie Hwy Homewood - 708-960-4053
A very cool shop with records, books, guitars, jewelry and apothecary fun!
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. They will also be participating in 93XRT's Album Sides Saturday event where they place Vintage XRT Studio Vinyl with markings and comments from on-air personalities over WXRT’s 50+ year history! If you find one at the shop you can take one home after making a suggested donation of $20 to the Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund.
Scratched Vinyl - 119 Barrington Commons Court, Barrington - 847-809-5820
Scratched Vinyl will be opening at 9am to let in all the RSD fans in and grab their records!
Siren Records - 3902 Main St., McHenry - 815-347-8363
Siren Records will be closed April 18-21 but will open their doors to the RSD crowds on Saturday at 7am! They'll also post a video of what they'll have on Friday so check their Facebook then!
Squeezebox Books and Music - 1235 Chicago Ave., Evanston - 847-943-9309 - @SqueezeboxBooks
Squeezebox will be opening at 10am for all you RSD needs! They will have buy one get one half off used vinyl and some Out of Space ticket Giveaways!
Superjumbo - 102 E Galena Blvd Aurora, IL - 630-312-0559
Superjumbo will be opening up at 9am for all your RSD needs! They will hand out numbers at 8am. Extra Stock will go up online on Monday April 22.
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! Check out their YouTube channel for some great RSD unboxings !
Val's Halla Records - 239 Harrison St, Oak Park - 708-524-1004 - @ValshallaRecord
Val's Halla Records will be opening up at 9am for RSD goodness! They will also be participating in 93XRT's Album Sides Saturday event where they place Vintage XRT Studio Vinyl with markings and comments from on-air personalities over WXRT’s 50+ year history! If you find one at the shop you can take one home after making a suggested donation of $20 to the Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund.
Vintage Vinyl - 925 Davis St., Evanston - 847-328-2899 - @VVMOEvanston
Vintage Vinyl will be opening up at 10:30am for all your RSD needs! They'll also have plenty of live music throughout the day including whitewolfsonicprincess. They will also be participating in 93XRT's Album Sides Saturday event where they place Vintage XRT Studio Vinyl with markings and comments from on-air personalities over WXRT’s 50+ year history! If you find one at the shop you can take one home after making a suggested donation of $20 to the Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund.
Vinyl Frontier Records - 4720 W Elm St., McHenry
While Record Store Day is a great excuse to buy some exclusive records, it just doesn't make sense for every store. Vinyl Frontier records did not participate in RSD the last couple years, but they definitely should be a stop on your Record Store Day celebration! Support this great shop!
Vinyl and Vintage - 123 N Main Street, Elburn - 630-542-8876
Spend sometime digging through some vinyl at this shop in Elburn!
We Buy Records - 10233 Roosevelt Rd, Westchester, IL - 312-500-4546
We Buy Records specialized in used vinyl, so head out and see what they have or maybe sell a few of your own collection to them!
Windy City Records - 5224 Main St., Downer Grove - 630-534-2794
Windy City Records just listed what they'll have on hand! Head out and get all your RSD exclusives!
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!
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