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Category: Vinyl Records [Edit]
Neighborhood: Wicker ParkDamen (Blue)
Mon-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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While browsing through the extensive selection of punk LPs in Reckless Records, I thought to myself, "I am so glad we don't have a store like this in Boston, that I'm aware of, or else I would be broke." I had to trim down my picks to two albums, from a whole lot that I had been eying.
If you're into music, and in particular punk rock, you owe it to yourself to Reckless. They carry a pretty huge variety of albums, and the vinyl nerd will find it a treasure trove. And! The prices are reasonable. Imagine that! And on top of their impressive vinyl collection, they've got a whole lot of DVDs.
The staff here was really helpful, attempting to gid out anything that might've gotten lost in the shuffle, and just generally being cool.
Reckless Records in Wicker Park is a great record store. The selection is vast, and easy to sift through. They have a healthy sampling of vinyl, and let you listen to stuff before you buy it. There is something to be said for a place that is always crowded. Its in a prime spot in Wicker Park, and is a really good destination to head for if you're in Chicago and need some music. Unless you're after Jazz/Blues, for which I would recommend Jazz Record Mart in the Near North neighborhood, Reckless is the place to go for music.
I will complain a little bit about the staff . I haven't found them to be overly helpful, and a bit pretentious about music selection. Unless you have something good to say, I don't expect a critique about music I'm buying when I go into your store. So what if my wife likes Tori Amos?
OK, I know this is the millionth review on this place. If you haven't gotten it, they sell music.
Good selection of LPs, CDs, DVDs, cassettes and a small box of 8-Tracks of titles you might not find elsewhere. All of the staff members are friendly and more than willing help you figure out a title. Even last year I had to hum a song for them to figure it out. Surprisingly, two of them knew what I was humming?
It's funny to hear people say that they don't like Reckless Records. Is it because people actually go here, their titles are replenished to keep up with the demand, the staff is friendly, they accommodate to several different genres? Those people that knock Reckless have earned a new social title that goes above Hipster..."I'm so cool, I'm too cool for Reckless Records." Yeah, you've heard of them and seen them, typically lurking around Wicker Park.
The only think I don't care for is that they charge a bit more on used DVDs. I would recommend them do some comparison shopping or benchmarking to see they are $1 or $2 more than they should be.
Go run your fingers through the record bins and pick out something new. They do a great job of providing hard to find titles and a good variety. Maybe could use more blues records, but I know they aren't as common.
"put the needle on the record and the jump beat goes like this..."
I'll admit, I have a problem. I'm a avid downloader of illegal music. The internet just makes it so easy with even local music being as easy to steal as candy from a baby. But something happened as I walked into Reckless. Something magical. I actually spent money on a CD.
Reckless Records has a wide variety of different CDs, LPs, DVD, ect. ect. ect. where you can find something you didn't even know would want. The best advice for going into a place like Reckless is that you mustn't have something in mind to purchase when you walk in. Reckless is the perfect place for you too just check out music and buy a CD from a band or artist that you just want to check out. I remember my friend asking me for as many recommendations that her little Jew hands could get a hold on to only increase the size of her indie cred (Oh, and look, there's another plus). What's also nice the severe lack of douche baggary that is seen in other records stores in Chicago. It's a nice chill location that will have something you want.
Of course, this still costs the price of something other than the nothing your precious internet costs.
Woohoo, 114th review of this music store! So, if the 113 reviews before mine didn't convince you, then I'm not sure what I could say to convince you to stop by.
Sure, it was a scene in a movie and yeah, it's got a lot of music like any valued music store should have. Big deal. What I will say that may inspire you is that it is one of the more 'complete' music stores I've seen anywhere. By that I mean it not only has the main hits as well as the popular artists, but in any genre you can browse a varied, deep quantity of the popular and the obscure. As far as I can tell no genre is ignored and, if you're a real fan of the type of music, no genre selection is quick to browse or shrug through. Essentially, if you're a rock'n'roll fan but suddenly want to drown yourself in jazz or reggae you don't have to change music stores. Reckless Records provides all.
(On a side note, I do wish they would make the $1-2 cheap cds more accessible than where they're located, which is the floor underneath the cd racks. It makes flipping through them difficult ... though maybe the artists are so bad that they're just gently advising people to walk on by.)
Well, a must stop for those music fans in Chicago. I must be the first to mention that, right?
Reckless lacks the heart of my beloved Used Kids Records, but it gets the job done. The selection here is gigantic. The prices on some vinyl are a little inflated for my taste, but that's the cost of convenience (as in, "please find the record for me, then charge a premium for the service"). When I say selection, I don't just mean vinyl. CDs, DVDs (both music and film/television) and a lot more can be found here. The DVDs are actually a pretty good value. I kind of prefer the N. Broadway location in terms of store layout, but the Milwaukee Ave digs are probably more conveniently located for visitors.
Snobrobbery is a common trait of many music stores, comic book stores, some book stores, I imagine even video game stores, but maybe not... I wonder, gun stores? bad idea probably.
BUT, you'd expect the staff at reckless to be snoootty, most aren't, but some are. It's not like Seattle, thank god, snobby without cause, or is it? Are the snobby ones are the same that mislabel their record descriptions, and have no idea what they're talking about? If that is the case, I should have at least one of their jobs. I need more money and work hard for it.
(here are a couple mis-labels from peaking around yesterday)
-Bonnie "Prince" Billy "I See a Darkness"
they say:
"back again as Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, etc etc useless info."
and I say:
Actually it was his first album as Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, it's where he took on the moniker BPB, and sort of reinvented himself. It's a landmark dark-erie-unlabelable-anthem about our dual nature, etc etc, album, on the top of dozens of lists of greatest albums of all times. It is sure to hold the test of time and age like a nice Burgundy :P It was recorded towards the end of a slightly annoying era when many too many "alt-country" albums were recorded that have proven to be a dime a dozen or more like a Beaujolais, great at first, vile soon after.
-or-
-Brian Eno and David Byrne "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts"
they say:
"This post 'Remain in Light" collaboration between Eno and Byrne..."
and I say:
It's not a post remain in light collaboration, it was recorded before and during Remain in Light, David Byrne kicked Brian Eno out after Remain in Light because he wasn't supposed to be a band member.
Shouldn't they know this? They should hire me.
thanks,
Sean
ps I like Reckless a lot, good rotating used selection, great new picks, except some local bands on the wall that don't deserve to be a floor mat, sorry, I know you're supposed to whole-heartedly support them even if they suck balz. Great vhs selections too, hint: this is a great time to scoop up VHS, they're all being sold and people are going to start collecting them like vinyl, and, yes, tapes, cassette tapes, oh and the gal that helped me yesterday was super personable and sweet, and making a ren n stimpy related joke, sort of...
I'm not a record snob, by any means. I buy what I like on vinyl, and sometimes I even buy vinyl just for the artwork. I like that I don't feel TOO awkward here, because most record stores have the tendency to make you feel like a total stereotype/someone who pretends to know about music, but really doesn't. Reckless isn't too bad with this, and their staff is nice and helpful when you need them to be. The prices are totally reasonable and I've managed to snag most of The Smiths' reissues here for over half the price I've seen in Europe, which alone gets five stars.
Support your local Vinyl dealer
So today is Record Store Day http://www.recordstore... and we love vinyl so stopped in to check out this location as we have been to the one on Broadway as we pass it all the time.
the staff here was great and we found a Madonna picture disc that Greg didn't have yet and only $4 what a score they had a guy doing a sound check for some live music in store when we were there
they also have a good selection of used DVD's
I've always had good experiences here. They are relaxed, but they help you when needed (which is a huge plus)! I find some really good vintage finds that are reasonably price in perfect condition. The only negative thing is that none of their locations carry Ween on vinyl : ( They take credit cards which is cool and they are usually really busy. Also, I love the weekly comics that someone drops off!
For me, the best thing about Reckless is the used DVD selection. All the movies are against one wall and organized alphabetically for easy browsing. You can find some great movies for a price that would be cheaper than renting (and when you are done, you can always sell them back!).
There is also a section for VHS tapes (old school!) and a section of DVD boxed sets (i.e., TV shows on DVD).
What's not to like about Reckless? Huge selection at a great price. Non-judgmental staff. Comfy environment. I spend a ton of money at Reckless, and I'm fine with that. There's a reason so many people talk about this place- because it's great.
My only problem with this Reckless is its location. Being in such a busy neighborhood, it's always crowded. The trouble with that is sometimes this place can feel picked over. You just need to time your visits: get here earlier on a Saturday, and you'll have so much to choose from. A Saturday or Sunday afternoon? Your best find might be a near mint copy of "The Wall". Pretty cool huh? Nah brah. The reason it's near mint is because no one ever listened to "The Wall" because "The Wall" is a piece of sonic garbage.
Just like it's sister store in Lakeview, this Reckless Records is a Chicago music staple. They've got the popular, the obscure, vinyl, cds, cassettes (albeit, a VERY small collection), tshirts, magazines; really cool stuff abounds here.
If you love music, and importantly the HUNT for music, this is the place for you. You're safe going to any location. (Link to my review on the LV one: http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
Remember when Tim Kinsella got that kid to scream into the microphone, "I never wanted to touch you/the way I wanted to feel to you/Daddy"? Yeah, well, Chicago has lots to be proud of. And I'm sure Reckless Records is the spot to hit if you want that sort of schlock. This isn't, however, a review of my feelings on the current state of rock music (embarrassing). There's clearly a market for the new wave of piss puddle bands, and Reckless is really good at serving that demand. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful in tracking down records (showing the sort of understanding of the record store model that apparently eludes the typical record shop employee, for whom waking up is chore 1 on the to-do).
My real objection is in the abysmal treatment of soul and gospel. This is the city that gave us Brunswick, O-Keh, Vee-Jay, Constellation and tons more. (My personal contention is that Bobby Patterson's "This Whole Funky World Is a Ghetto" is a better song than anything that was bought at Reckless today, and that's like my 87th favorite jam). So if you're going to treat this genre of music as a novelty afterthought, you really shouldn't bother. There may be one of me or there may be 1,000. But nothing is more of a bummer than turning up to a record bin and finding about 38 copies of the same Chic album and anything else the dog may have neglected.
It's not my place to make you sell what you don't want to sell. But if you don't know it, don't like it or don't care, then don't bother. Because what you're doing right now is the equivalent of offering only pages 34, 83 and 129 from The Sun Also Rises at a 20th century bookstore.
Great location, great staff, great selection and love the mini reviews on the Cds
The environment is relaxed and the employees that I've encountered have been very nice and helpful. Bought a used CD there for $8.99 and it was in perfect condition. I like this place a lot and I'll definitely be back.
This place is the same as a Disc Replay with more rare finds and charachter. I should say, the prices match. I was happy with the selection and I really like the sound stations. I got to listen in on some Goblin Cock (Metal) which I have been looking for (try their Burger at Kuma's Corner).
MUSIC: Separate Metal section which is a good trait. This means these people aren't idiots, but they know the deal. They had Queens of the Stone Age I have been craving so they pass the test.
VIDEO: They also had a good video selection that was organized a bit to my dislike. I wish they would have some better signage pointing out categories.
I liked that this place had more than the norm, but what makes me not just go to itunes? I'll tell you, those rareties on private labels that never have the funding to be mass produced. I would still rather buy from Disc Replay in some suburban mini-mall because their CD's are like $8 and less.
3 1/2 stars
Nice place to drop in for one stop shopping for vinyl, cds and dvds. Decent prices-easy to find what you're looking for.
Tends to get crowded, especially with hoards of hipster kids, which can be irritating.
Don't bother asking the staff for help. They tend to just congregate behind the counter and talk.
I love that some lummox complained about Reckless selling Bob Dylan records at a low price...
That said, Reckless--top notch crew (knowledgeable in many different genres, totally helpful), great selection (the reggae section has ramped up tremendously as has the psych and experimental sections), they do special orders for used copies of albums which no other shop i can think of does. Scored some great finds there, and I'm sure I'll continue to in the future. Haters can get fucked...
I don't collect vinyl, nor am I "hip," but I still enjoy Reckless Records. I like owning the physical albums of my favorite artists instead of just downloading songs online, so browsing their used CDs is the best way for me to expand my music collection. Last time I stopped in I noticed that their DVD collection has grown significantly. A few DVD deals can be found, but most are priced the same or higher as what can be found at Target or Best Buy.
So in the end, go for the music, not the movies. It's not called Reckless RECORDS for nothin'.
A record store with a photobooth? I'm sold!!!
Mix in a nice selection of used and low priced DVDs along with a great selection of new and used vinyl, you have yourself a fabulous record store.
I'm not sure that the CD arrangement they have here is the best, seems a little complicated and I couldn't find the cd's i was looking for.
Friendly people working behind the counter, there were like 6 people working at one time in this little store which seemed to be a bit much, but whatever, I don't have cut the payroll checks.
Great prices and a surprising variety of media medium (tapes, CD's, records, VHS, DVD and much more!). The occasional in-store performance is nice and the acoustics are good. The service leaves something to be desired in terms of friendliness. The selection is decent, but a bit of a mess.
Not much to say. It's very hipster-esque and out-of-a-movie. Definitely my first stop when looking for obscure or new music.
Honestly? How cliche is this place?
I can see people liking it if they're a tourist from out of town who just wants to go to a cool chicago record store. As a Vinyl collector I can say this place is nothing special. The staff makes you feel like an idiot if you don't buy something thats part of a "Trend". They never have anything I'm looking for and as far as I'm concerned they don't know anything about vinyl. I bought Bob Dylan "blonde on blonde" here (mint) for $5. What idiot sells it for that cheap? I have a problem with places that call themselves record stores ,but also carry cds, & cassettes. In my opinion Reckless is just the FYE of record stores if you want a great record store head over to Dave's in Lake-view (they carry no cds at all).
{Whisper}
Psst...You. Yeah you. I'm going to let you in on a little secret fantasy of mine...
{Un-Whisper}
Whenever I think of me growing up and becoming an adult, I always think about buying a house. You are probably thinking what the hell does Reckless Records have to do with buying a house. Well--I'm not done yet! Just keep listening.
Ahem, anyways. When I buy a house it is always been a dream of mine to find old vinyl records, frame them, and put them all over my walls.
Whenever I am in a gloomy mood, and I want some cheering up, I'm always up for going to Reckless Records. I find the best stuff here ever! It isn't like I am looking for anything in particular, just fun stuff. Records that have any food in the title of the record, or a hit song--those would go good in the kitchen.
So that's my secret.
{Whisper}
If you laugh at me, I'll hunt your soul. And break it.
{Un-Whisper}
Carry on to your daily routine.
I love this place. Good place to listen to CD's if you're unsure about them before buying. Have used and new. They also organize their Cd's amazingly - we found some really great music while we were in there that we had been looking for.
Great selection of music catered to our tastes... Didn't get to check out the vinyl - but CD selection was good and they carry a wide array from indie to country to rap. Fun place to stop into.
I like Reckless because I can search their collection online, find what I'm looking for, call them up, have them set it aside, and come in to buy it a week later.
The staff here are generally friendly. I've heard every Reckless location has at least one jackass employee who doesn't believe in customer service, but I've never had a bad experience here. This location has a much better reggae selection than the Broadway location, and that's the principle reason why I come here.
This location can get a little crowded, which means longer lines at the checkout counter. Additionally, the patrons here have a bit more attitude than other locations. But it's Wicker Park, so I guess you have to expect it.
Loved picking through this joint when I lived in town.
$26.00 for a Candi Staton record?
Is it made of gold? Does it come with a lock of her hair? Are you going to wrap it in satin and hand deliver it to my turntable on a horse?
... then bite me, Reckless Records. I want to support you because I understand the record store as an entity is going to be obsolete in less than a decade, but I am not spending the price of a decent dinner on one LP, I don't care how packed with underrated Southern soul goodness it is.
We used to be friends, Reckless. You're kind of a dick these days.
This is the only Reckless location I got to check out, but they more than made me want to return to check out the others!! I largely skipped the CDs and went straight for the vinyl...they had a great selection of local faves (Naked Raygun, Trenchmouth, Tortoise, and Sewer Trout were my finds!) as well as hard to find imports as great prices (a 12" from The Fall for $3?!?..what, did I die and go to heaven?). This is what every crappy overstocked bloated chain store dreams of being, but can never pull off. Long live the independent record store
Not much to add. Its all been said. Reckless is a good egg.
However, I just want to stress how perusing the racks in a hungover state is a very bad idea indeed. I almost passed out sifting through all those sleeves. Just a warning.
AWESOME SELECTION OF VINYL!!!! Very reasonable prices and a very helpful staff.
Great place for rarer vinyl and CD finds, keenly stocked with the latest releases also. Attracts a likeable crowd of bushy-haired, breezy eyed musicologist types.
The prices are eminently fair and the selection time consuming, further to that you can always check their online catalogue before frequenting the store. They may have more than a first glance could reveal. I was happy with the two rare Githead EPs I purchased, both on the cheap.
It likely wouldn't be accurate to say the custodians were nonjudgmental, but they seemed suitably impressed with my selections, so whatever.
Good place to stop by to either trade, buy used/new cds, sell, and listen to upcoming independent and upcoming artists (as well as the classics and other genres). Employees are somewhat knowledgeable, and there's a jukebox set up in the back with headphones so you can sample some cds. A solid place to kill some time.
I'm from Detroit and have high expectations from my local record store some of which Reckless Records meets. Here are some pros and cons:
- Sometimes you see a record and want to hear it. There are no listening stations at Reckless besides the pre loaded cd changer. I understand that the records are kept behind the counter for loss prevention purposes but elsewhere they offer to play them over the house speakers.
- The staff are typical in terms of record stores in hip areas. My girlfriend thought that the record store in high fidelity was Reckless when in fact it was located just down the street. Expect no friendly service from the staff.
- I know this is a disco city but where is the techno? Besides a weak dfa section there isn't much else. I'd also like to find find more staples in pop music but they are often out of stock.
+ The used vinyl is great and located in the front.
after not coming here for a few years, i finally decided to trek back over to the wicker park location of reckless, and it wasn't bad. the place was hopping for a sunday afternoon, and the mood was pretty chill...i like the way the used vhs tapes and dvd's are set up, and they are a lot to choose from, too! there is a large 49 cent bin of used vinyl underneath the rock section, and the r&b/soul section is pretty large and modestly priced.....there's a shitload of 45's to browse through, too, so have plenty of time on your hands when you come to reckless on milwaukee ave.
oh, and about that record store attitude that people keep talking about? i didn't feel any of that here!!
This is a day spot of mine. I'll flip through a number of different bands pretending as if I have any idea whats going on.
Whats that, reggae dub? Why not. The dread girl next to me is eyeing my potential purchase. Sure, I'll strike up a conversation with her about how Marley is a little overrated and you gotta dig deeper into the older stuff to really get a feel of where the grooves at.
Dont get me wrong, Ive bought plenty of music here, Im usually in and out in 1 minute when I need an album.
What have I bought? Sabbath, Ramones, Jarvis, Marvin, Impressions, Hank and other gifts for my friends.
Im thankful this kind of store still exists.
From Jamrock,
M. Pleasure
Obscure music and used DVDs/videos. You've come to the right place.
If they can find something, they will order it for you. However, their searching ability isn't as comprehensive as possible. I have found some good music here; I appreciate buying used and being able to see the CD / DVD before purchasing to make sure the quality appears solid.
I think a prerequisite to working in Wicker Park is that you have to be full of yourself. Sometimes it works. Other times, not so much. Regardless, I would rather pop in here than a Best Buy / Sam Goody's anytime.
I really don't need to review this place but the last time I was here, after a series of questions, one of the employees informed me about, and SOLD me, an album that wasn't supposed to be for sale for another two weeks because he saw the yearning in my eyes. It made my week.
They don't usually have what I want in the store but they will transfer from their other location anything in stock there. They tell you it will take one week but it only took 2 days.
Also, their house vinyl consists of Dajae, Cajmere, and Bassement Jaxx. Go to Kstarke for that..
Whenever I come in here and search for something, it's either 1) in stock, or 2) at another location (at which point, they order it for me and I am in possession of it in about a week).
I got my beloved Peaches albums here! Where else are you going to find a Peaches album (aside from ordering one online)? *happy sigh*
This is a dive among music stores but I love it. It satisfies all of my oddball needs.
Of the three locations this is my least favorite. Maybe its my inherent bias against Wicker Park but I just don't seem to get as much joy from this store as the others. The zine selection is tiny, the used 7"s aren't as plentiful, and the CDs don't seem to interest me as much.
That being said it's still a well above average record store, just in comparison to the STERLING downtown location and the better Lakeview one, it doesn't cut it.
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Category: Music & DVD's
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: Music & DVD's
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
Category: Music & DVD's
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Category: Music & DVD's
Neighborhood: North Center
Category: Music & DVD's
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