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Austin (Blue)
Mon-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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I'm so bad.
I finally dropped by the new location a couple of weeks ago, only to blow $55. I obtained some very difficult to find records, including an early pressing of John and Yoko's Some Time in New York City, an original issue of Frankenchrist, and a limited edition 3-CD Peter Brotzmann boxed set.
The sacrifices I make to have great music in my life. Thanks again, Val.
I don't know what happened to Val.
I've heard stories about Val's Halla over the years, before even…
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This is a review for the new place, and, well, it's a jack-of-no-trades:
1. Selection = slightly below average
2. Prices = slightly above average
3. Location = minorly inconvenient
I saw a Frank Stallone self-titled album on sale for $8. The price sticker was dated Sep '07.
To me, this is the quintessential record store. This is the measuring stick by which all other record stores shall forever be measured.
As a consumer it's important to remember some things when visiting a record store: a nearly universal amount of music has been manufactured since 78's started getting pressed back in the day. What Val's is is a portal into that world, a conduit. Yes, they aren't Best Buy, so they may not have that marginalized new release you heard on your way over, or if they do it may be a buck or two cheaper, but the thing that Val's offers that places like a Best Buy never will are really countless. Val and Shayne know their shit waaayy more than any record store employee I've encountered. Lets say, for instance, you've got a song stuck in your head, chances are if you walk in and sing a line, that'll be enough for them to track it down. Do you need a gift idea for your nephew/sister/uncle/grand parent? Talk to them for a minute and they'll already have a list going. Are you trying to unearth another copy of Frampton Comes Alive!? Do you want a reminder that 8-track tapes still exist? And anything they don't have they can usually order and have in the next day.
The thing that they have is passion for music, and it's not that detached, holier-than-thou aesthetic of certain indie record stores. At Val's it is palpable. If you need a demonstration of that, just look around the place, or ask them about what they're playing.
Besides, what other record store is going to give me a call when they get in a new batch of used King Crimson records?
I love Val. She loves doggies! Supper cool, very knowledgeable woman who loves music more than anything.
The old place was great. I miss it. Sad to say though that the new place is just another record store. And not very well stocked and is severely lacking in character. It's just a big open square room filled with posters and displays of the glory days. sigh... another record store.
If your looking for vinyl, she might have it, but CD's, DVD's or any other media format is pretty limited. They of course always inform you they can order anything for you, but again, this is like anything else in the world, I can do the same from the comfort of my own home. It's the thrill of the hunt that makes shopping fun.
I was raised in a used bookstore, in an area where such a place can no longer possibly remain in business, so my love stems partly from that nostalgia.
I nearly never find what I desperately want, but there's always something cool to be found at a steal. The Elvis bathroom is kitchy, but worth a chuckle.
I like Val and the other people who work there - proof that you don't have to be an asshole to work in a music store.
A day trippin to find Doris Day cd's also brought me in this direction but by the time I was near enough to visit, they were closed. A conversation by phone revealed that if I'd had more time to wait for the cd.s, Val's could have the cd or tracks I wanted in about 3-5 business days, but within the week for sure. (Just wanted to note that.) Here and at Chicago Digital, both stores have an ability to get Doris Day, for ya.
Much love to my home town record shop.
I'll admit that I'm a bit biasIed cause one of my closest friends is the manager here. But here are some reasons why I still love Val's.
-I bought my first indie rock cds here.
-They had a cranky cat and still have a friendly dog.
-Val loves pets and I could bring my crazy ass dog there for visits.
-If you special ordered something, it would arrive in a day or two.
They were forced to move to a different location and I don't think that they get the same business as they used to. A lot of people think that independent record shops have gone the way of the dinosaur but many of them are still surviving, flourishing even. Please don't let Val's die.
SO much love.
Val, herself, is one of my personal heros. Shayne isn't too terrible either.
That's right, a record store where you're on a first name basis with the staff! Wait... there's more. They are fucking NICE!!
They don't laugh when I ask if they have any used ABBA or other terrible pop nonsense. They order things for me. They take the time to answer questions and ASK questions so they can provide me with better answers in the future. They make suggestions and, in doing so, have turned me on to some of my favorite bands of all time.
Did I mention the price point is totally killer? In the good way.
Tons of quality vinyl. Tons of used. Tons of little gems you could never find otherwise.
It's an absolute treasure and deserves your support.
Totally worth the 20 minute blue line ride to Oak Park.
Val's is unique. Their CD selection is not that great, and it's a little annoying to look at her selection through the locked case with arm holes. I've never found anything good in the used CD selection. The LP's, for the most part, feel pretty picked over. However, I still love browsing in this place. I almost always find something there, which lately is a 45 single or a cassette tape (yes, I'm one of the few people that still buy music on tape).
Val is quite the character, and she and her staff are very knowledgeable of things I have no knowledge about. They are very helpful and friendly.
Also, I actually like this new location. Only went to the old one a couple of times and yes, it did have more personality to it, but the new place seems more spacious and is in the heart of the Harrison Arts District. Once your done at Val's, take a stroll down to the Brown Elephant for some resale, and then to the Buzz Cafe for a coffee.
Sadly, I rarely buy actual CDs anymore... but when I do, I go to Val's. The new location on Harrison doesn't have *quite* the same charm as her old place, but you know, it's not the location: it's the people. Val and the people who I've run into behind the counter *know* music because they *love* music. That's something that's lost when buying MP3s on-line... it's always worth stopping in to chat with fellow music lovers--and to buy something to help support stores like Val's, where the staff love what they do.
Haven't been here in years, but always had fun looking through records and it was always interesting talking to Val. I liked testing her from time to time going there, just to see how up on her stuff she was. I believe we ended up talking about Merzbow the last time I was there, and I probably had a "wtf" look stapled on my face the entire time.
Great vinyl selection here. I hope to get back there sometime soon.
I've only been to the old location. I tried to go to the new location but she doesn't open up until 11 AM and I'm usually winding down at the time. I'm sure we'll make it, though.
Let's face it, friends. Record stores are going the way of the dinosaur. It's scary to write that because I don't want to believe it- but it makes sense. We don't need them anymore- not with the amazing powers of the internet! Booooo, hiss!
If you live in Oak Park and listen to music on a regular basis, you should go here. You should meet Val, chat with her, peruse her store. I love that she has a MySpace account and that she keeps up with kids in that respect. She's a really nice lady and very gregarious. We got to talking about her Italian parents and her upbringing in the suburbs when she saw me looking at Italian CDs. She told me some great stories that night. We were there for about 30 minutes and spent 29 of them talking to her!
If you seek out record stores- why don't you come here?
If you want to buy the latest super hit CD you might not find it here- but they'll order it for you.
Go for the experience, go for Val and you just might find a musical gem to bring home.
P.S.- when I last went she had some REALLY cute t-shirts for sale. That reminds me...I want one! Time to go to Val's!
Val's Halla is a national treasure insofar as vinyl and rock music curios. Go now, I beg you!
I used to frequent Val's almost on a weekly basis when I was in school about 15 years ago. Oh the obscure treasures you could find at Val's - The Beat Farmers, The Flaming Groovies bootlegs, the no-name punk bands.... Amazingly, it's still practically the same place now and Val's still around!!! It's a blast just to come in to browse.
This is a classic old-school record shop that's been around for over 30 years. The CD selection is spotty at best, but its strength lies in the buried treasures (or perhaps staring down at you from the wall) in vinyl selections, and the exhuberant owner who will bend your ear about the shop's history.
Love it - she is over on Harrison street now in the Art's District if you are tyring to find her. Great selection and very knowledgeable - spend your money here instead of Best Buy!
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