On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Music & DVD's, Vinyl Records [Edit]
Neighborhood: North CenterIrving Park (Brown)
Tue-Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Loading...
One of the best of a dying breed, Deadwax has an incredible selection of LP's, CD's and DVD's. I love coming here to browse around, and I think it's a pretty safe bet that I never have, or will, left empty handed.
One of my favorite things about this place is the absence of those snooty hipster types you'll find crawling all over places like Reckless. You know, the ones with such superior knowledge that they can't be bothered to help us mortals.
The owner works here, definitely knows his shit and is more than willing to strike up a friendly conversation.
Wilbur is my record guru; I have know him for almost 30-years, starting in the New Wave era. Out of my 3,000 album record collection, Wilbur has personally recommended or otherwise turned me on to about 1,000 of them. We were out of touch for a while after he left Record Exchange, but now that I have rediscovered him, I must say that he has the coolest little vinyl/CD/DVD store in the City. It is very enjoyable to pop in and browse, and walk out of there with some gems at a very reasonable price. It is also nice to be able to discuss music with a person without an attitude. This place is a must see!
Not only do they sell vinyl, but they also sell exceptionally reasonable record players and receivers. Who knew!? Also, the owner is amazing and super helpful. AND friendly! While the record collection isn't really up my alley, this place is definitely a find and worth a stroll through.
Been meaning to visit here for some time, and finally the stars aligned this week so I could stop by.
Definitely like this store, and the record selection in a way seemed to be geared towards collectors(which I'm not). But I won't hold that against the place. Selection was pretty decent, and IMO, non-collectors would still like this store(I definitely did). Prices were very fair, and there were a decent amount of somewhat rarer albums within their stock. Love that they had some Stanley Clark and Chick Correa(of Return to Forever fame) solo albums in their stock! CD and DVD selection is a wee bit less in comparison, but also no way terrible, and I wouldn't hold this against a store that obviously specializes in vinyl.
Will definitely be back sometime, and with the loss of Record Emporium near the Paulina Brown Line stop in the last 2-4 years(R.I.P.), I hope this place sticks around for years to come.
I feel guilty. I won't lie.
I want to give this place a higher rating, but the honest truth is that I've never found anything here to add to my collection. DEAD WAX does not have a huge selection. There are records here I would buy if I didn't already own them. The prices are VERY competitive, perhaps out of necessity, and the records all seem to be in a great shape.
I look forward with excitement to the day I find something worth buying, so that I can call myself a Fan. Until then, I guess Deadwax is just A-OK.
Wah wah.
As you all may or may not know I am a big advocate of small businesses, especially ones that are very near and dear to me. I have spent countless hours here, either browsing the mass selections of Cd's, DVDs, and most importantly vinyl or just chatting it up with Wilbur. I have spent half my life and then some going to record shops all over states and have never I found a more knowledgeable, diverse, kind person then Wilbur the owner. The prices are great and he might even give you one or two free items pending how many you purchase.
Don't get me wrong, I love Reckless Records, but I always feel kind of rushed and people are either judging me on my selections or they want them for themselves and will give me nasty looks cause I found it first....it's happened. Deadwax is the kind of place where you chill, make your selections in peace, and Wilbur will probably even recommend something based on your taste....I recommend taking him up on it.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RECORD SHOPS, who knows how much longer we will have them!!!!!
Stopped in here on Saturday and had a great experience! Dead Wax is full of obscure CDs and Vinyl records that you would not be able to find anywhere else. That kinda gets me excited! The prices were reasonable, and they have discounted items available for purchase.
I'll be back Deadwax!!
One of the best of the last independent record stores in Chicago. There's hundreds of great used CD's, LP's, DVD and unique music related items. It's not just a brick and mortar store, the owner also sells stuff online too. Unlike a lot of snooty record store peeps, Wilbur, the owner, is friendly, inviting, knowledgeable and truly has a love of his business. If you find yourself in North Center Lincoln Square or shopping at Trader Joe's (around the corner), hit up the shop It's truly a great little place.
The owner truly makes this place. The vinyl selection isn't as large as other chicago record stores (Dave's, Reckless, etc.), but what he has is good - I've never walked out empty handed.
Every record I've checked has been in perfect condition, with an extremely reasonable price tag. I've also scored several hard-to-find first pressings of albums with original lyric sheets, inner sleeves, and more.
Be aware that Deadwax only sells used vinyl; you won't find a new section here.
best record store! great neighborhood. always stop by after leaving the coffee shop next door. The owner is super helpful and always cheerful!
good thing.
Took a brief stop in here on my way home from helping my brother move into his apartment. The selection isn't the best around. It mainly consists of used rock vinyl (though there was some jazz/etc scattered about). I did find a couple of decent looking things in the racks but nothing that really compelled a purchase. What I also noticed was that unlike some record stores with little quality control (I'm looking at 99% of Beverly Records' stock), Deadwax seemed to only really have vinyls in pretty decent shape. That could just be the small sample that i looked at though. Prices were pretty good too.
The guy that works here is always nice and pleasant. That is a plus. But i've been in there ten times and never found anything worth buying. When you see the rolling stones section you hope for...out of our heads, beggars banquet, sticky fingers, etc. What you get is emotional rescue, black and blue and mick Jaggers "she's the boss". I would like to write a better review.
Certainly not the largest music store in Chicago but very much my favorite. This small shop is well worth a special trip. The owner is extremely knowledgeable about music and very helpful.
While it is true that if you are looking for a specific album, there is a good chance it won't be there - but that is not what this place is about. The store handles used CDs, DVDs and especially vinyl so if you want the best of the Rolling Stones, you are at the wrong store. That is not what Dead Wax is about. After all, you can get the Rolling Stone's whole catalog at a Wal-Mart and probably should if that is what you want. Instead, prepare to browse for hard to find gems that you will have a hard time finding at a new music store.
The real prize of Dead Wax is the owner - who is always helpful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. If you tell him what you like, he is able to guide you to dozens of things that you probably have never heard of - most of which you could never find at Wal-Mart.
He knows his stock well and seems to have amazing sources to buy from. He can tell you when something rare or out of print has just come in. Some of the things I have bought on his recommendation have turned out to be nearly impossible to find elsewhere at a decent price - if at all!
Also, while many used music stores sell media in fair or so-so condition, everything I have ever bought at Dead Wax is pristine! The owner's standards are very high.
Welcome to Pat's wonderful review of Chicago's very own Deadwax. But before I get to aforementioned wonderful review, please allow me to go off on one of my infamous pop culture inspired rants.
Okay, here's the deal. I grew up in the 70's. (You remember the 70's, right? The decade of long hair, tight jeans and public buses that smelled like Cheech and Chong's basement!) Ah, yes, the 70's.
Ever since I was a wee lass with pigtails, the people who worked in record stores have brought terror to my soul. Why you may ask? Well, for as long as I can recall, these guys were often times snotty, know-it-all jackasses suffering from the "rock star" syndrome. Basically, they acted like they are a million times cooler than the rest of us pitiful mortals. Record store guys would strike fear into the hearts of helpless kids like me everywhere. As I would wander the aisles, searching for the latest albums - yes, I said ALBUMS, kiddies - you could just feel the smugness emulating from the record store dudes as they would sneer at my latest selections. Imagine - I had the actual audacity to want to purchase The Eagles, Styx, REO, Journey and other wonderful bands. It seemed like "my" bands were dismissed as "sellout radio top 40 crap," at least in the eyes of the almighty demigods of vinyl, better known as record store guys.
All these years later, I am still reluctant to walk into a record store because I am afraid I will be approached by one of these people. OH, wait - I'm sorry - I forgot that rock star demigods NEVER approach the common man...you must enter the store on hands and knees, begging to be directed toward the "hip, alternative, non corporate radio vomit" section of the store. I swear to you, I am convinced that certain record store guys actually made up these bands and artists, simply tossing around names to prove to the world that they are superior to the entire human race. (Don't believe me? Walk into a record store. Go up to Mr. Rock Star. Mention a totally fabricated band name. Perhaps it will go something like this: "Um, pardon me, oh masterful one...do you have the latest CD from the band "Eat my Own Toenails with Mustard?" They're from New Zealand." (Quote from Unknown 70's geek) "Yeah, of course I know who they are!! How dare you insult me, you frickin' waste of space from the 70's!!" (record store demigod).
By the way, while we're talking about them, ff you haven't already, be sure and rent High Fidelity with John Cusack and Jack Black. This movie pretty much captures the above type of creatures. With one big exception - the guys I am talking about NEVER looked like the good looking Mr. Cusack!
Anyway, I was writing a review here, correct? Oh, yes, indeed I was. Deadwax. This store is a classic. The infamous Wilbur is truly what a record store owner should be - friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and ZERO ATTITUDE. Sure, if you are too cool to check out great deals and nice selections, then please, hop right back into your Beemer - this is not the store for you.
My favorite thing about Deadwax would be the AMAZING selection of VHS tapes for dirt cheap (wow, I can actually hear the ultra hip types convulsing all the way over here). I'm old school, and proud of it. At Deadwax, I was in Nirvana (the place... not the band) when I gazed upon the hundreds of fabulous VHS titles. Here's a small idea: I walked out of there with 'The Song Remains the Same,' classic ELP and Yes concerts, Pretty in Pink, Airplane, Almost Famous, the entire Fawlty Towers collection (I was ecstatic over that last one!) and several other tapes for around $20. Wilbur was so nice he gave me great deals on my purchase. And he takes the time to talk to you and make you feel comfortable in his store.
Deadwax has a lot of retro vinyl, toys, posters and other items for sale. It's a small, down-to- earth place, run by a guy who loves and respects the music. Please do not let this charming indie place fall into the hands of the cruel big store guys - some of us really need and appreciate stores like Deadwax.
first off i should say that this is not a place for new vinyl, but that doesn't mean your not going to find greatness here...the owner operator is as friendly as can be, always ready to talk music, and will always compliment you on your purchases never any tude about something he may not like, you can find alot of old stuff and used vinyl this is really one of the shops that everyone should support and keep going and the prices are great
go here!!!
Wilbur, the owner, is one of the most genuine friendly people you'll ever meet in a record store. Whether you're looking for obscure electronic music, vintage jazz tunes, alt-country, indie, or dare I say Britney Spears, he will engage you on the topic and let you know whether it's in the store. No snooty attitude, no judgment, just knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful service. It's a great shop and I only hope that the .mp3 format won't put him under, like it has with other stores. Music shop owners like him are a dying breed, and it'll only be apparent after they've gone, what we are missing. Keep up the good work!
As I continue my review of the many unique offerings of North Center, I cannot neglect to mention this independent record store, located only minutes from my apartment. I stopped by today to see what's up, and talked with the owner about getting my turn table hooked up. I've been looking for someone like him, I think Wilbur, to give me advice on how to successfully get my turntable going. I've been on a bit of a hiatus in rediscovering my retro vibe, and hopefully I can make it a slight priority in the coming months... with the help of Wilbur of course.... Long story short, he'll probably hook me up with a legit tuner so I can actually hear the records playing.. instead of wishing they were playing... I didn't look much at his collection, but according to other posts, he doesn't have enough. I on the other hand, felt like he had a number of excellent items for sale, including stereo equipment for cheap, records, cds, dvds, etc. I think people come with the expectation that he's going to be like a "physical itunes", having every single possible piece of music ever recorded right there for you to take. This is not the case. I don't think you should come in here expecting to always find exactly what you're looking for, rather, come in expecting to find what you didn't know you were looking for. It's worth walking in at least, and as a ardent propagandist of my "somewhat" new neighborhood, I strongly urge you to buy from this man.
This store is AWESOME. On my last trip to Chicago, we hit up Reckless and a handful of other record shops, but this one was definitely my favorite. I found a few obscure albums I hadn't seen anywhere else. The selection is very diverse and the owner IS totally cool. It's a small place, but it's got SO MUCH to choose from and is a much more relaxing shopping experience than Reckless. I'm coming back to Chicago next weekend and this place will be one of my first stops.
The owner IS nice; however, the "dead wax" he carries really isn't all that great. Really just a bunch of moldy oldies. Can't comment on the CD or DVD selection (I don't buy em). I guess it would be an okay place to shop if you were in the neighborhood...
This small store sells used cds , vinyl and books. I don't have my turntable anymore, so I went right over to the used cds and found that they had a pretty decent amount of indie and alt. rock cds for sale. There are plenty of mainstream rock cds as well. They are closed on Mondays. Tell Wilbur the owner that I sent you in.
Those who miss that particular cluttered, low-key ambience of Record Exchange, the venerable Belmont store that closed a couple years ago, will be pleasantly surprised to find one of the former employees opened his own place four years ago on Lincoln. Add this to your walking tour of the area's five record stores (Record Emporium, Hard Boiled, Evil Clown, Laurie's Planet of Sounds) and you just might be pleasantly surprised by some great used vinyl and CDs.
Deadwax is a small and charming shop that sends my memory straight back to the lovely days when independent record shops were not novelties. The owner is an incredibly nice fellow who genuinely seems happy to talk to his customers. Those folks worried that all record store clerks are pretentious jerks will be happily surprised if they pay a visit to Deadwax. The store doesn't have the wide-ranging and high turnover selection that other larger shops do, but there are always nice and hard-to-find pieces waiting for you in Deadwax. I make it to Deadwax about once or twice a month, and I never leave empty handed. You'll mainly find catalog stuff and interesting older vinyl pieces; however, you can find up-to-the-minute used CDs here, too. The vinyl I've bought has always been in great shape. (Note to sticklers: any plain inner sleeve of a vinyl LP will come rubber-stamped with a Deadwax logo--if this troubles you, be forewarned). The owner demonstrates a genuine happiness and excitement about much of the stock he carries, and he often has things I haven't seen in years. The owner is one of my all-time favorite record store clerks and I hope he sticks around for a long time. I even like the way this place smells. Thank you, Deadwax, for bringing back to life a well-loved part of my memory.
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Category: Music & DVD's
Chicago, IL
Category: Music & DVD's
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Category: Music & DVD's
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
Category: Music & DVD's
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village
Category: Music & DVD's
Some of my favorite places to buy cd's and…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
(I'll come up with something funny later) Unitl…
