Laurie's Planet of Sound

One of the best record shops left in Chicago! Are real gem, always my first place to look for great records cds, VHS and cassettes as well! Not to mention all of the cool incense pins and posters! They don't make stores like this anymore... Stop in and support a local legend! Guaranteed to find something you've always wanted

I appreciate Laurie's Planet of Sound. They have a GREAT selection of both old and new records from pretty much every genre you could hope for. A lot of their pricing on new records feels competitive, too. Good stuff all around there. However, I would NOT recommend selling or trading at Laurie's. The first time I went to sell stuff with them was several years ago. I was a college kid and brought in a hefty stack of near-mint, hardly-used records. They wanted it all and gave me a low offer; likely 10% (or less) of the record stack's overall value. I went for it at the time, but looking back I regret doing so. While I understand that a lot of factors go into what a record store offers you for your stuff, I would have rather them said, "we can't offer you a lot, so you should just hold onto them, kid." I can't help but feel like my then-naivety was taken advantage of. This past week, I went in—now a full-fledged adult—with just a few records. I wasn't even greeted by the two employees present; I was only just glared at. I said I'd like to offload a handful of records, which they took from me without saying a single word. I browsed their stock while I waited for them to look stuff up on their end. 15 or 20 minutes passed. As it turns out, it likely only took them 5 minutes at most to determine that they did not want any of the three records. Neither of the employees called me over to say as much once they made their final assessment; I didn't find out until one of them had to walk past me to get into the back of the shop. I respect them for doing what was right for their bottom line and I understand that the shop didn't owe me anything seeing as I was the one wanting to sell. However, the lack of personable interaction and disrespect for my time —especially on top of my prior sell/trade experience—was frustrating. Lincoln Square is lucky to have an indie record store with such an eclectic assortment of product. I will absolutely continue visiting Laurie's from time to time, but I will never trade or sell there and only purchase from them if I do not have another local option.

Staff was cool & good vinyl selection. Also cute trinkets, accessories, + more available.

Love this place! I never leave empty handed. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Rarities found every now and then. Good prices; lots of new item marked at a low sale price. Used CD prices are SUPER low! Cult movies on VHS and DVD. Little Metal section which I wish it was a bit bigger but still, like I mentioned before, I never leave empty handed. Keep up the good work!

I love this place because I'm always on the hunt for random VHS tapes. They have a whole wall, which makes my heart so happy. They have a huge collection of vinyl as well, cool t-shirts, and tons of pins (my favorite) for great prices. This is a great little store that I absolutely love browsing.

Fantastic record store with much more! Books, mags, DVDs, cassettes, and all kinds of underground merch. Check it out!

No aphex twin (in the CD section) but they do have relaxing thunder sounds enhanced by harp music.

Great prices, selection, and experience all around! I’ve been in several times and really appreciated how well they did their RSD. Lincoln Square is lucky to have Laurie’s Planet of Sound

One of the best record shops left in Chicago! Are real gem, always my first place to look for great records cds, VHS and cassettes as well! Not to mention all of the cool incense pins and posters! They don't make stores like this anymore... Stop in and support a local legend! Guaranteed to find something you've always wanted

I appreciate Laurie's Planet of Sound. They have a GREAT selection of both old and new records from pretty much every genre you could hope for. A lot of their pricing on new records feels competitive, too. Good stuff all around there. However, I would NOT recommend selling or trading at Laurie's. The first time I went to sell stuff with them was several years ago. I was a college kid and brought in a hefty stack of near-mint, hardly-used records. They wanted it all and gave me a low offer; likely 10% (or less) of the record stack's overall value. I went for it at the time, but looking back I regret doing so. While I understand that a lot of factors go into what a record store offers you for your stuff, I would have rather them said, "we can't offer you a lot, so you should just hold onto them, kid." I can't help but feel like my then-naivety was taken advantage of. This past week, I went in—now a full-fledged adult—with just a few records. I wasn't even greeted by the two employees present; I was only just glared at. I said I'd like to offload a handful of records, which they took from me without saying a single word. I browsed their stock while I waited for them to look stuff up on their end. 15 or 20 minutes passed. As it turns out, it likely only took them 5 minutes at most to determine that they did not want any of the three records. Neither of the employees called me over to say as much once they made their final assessment; I didn't find out until one of them had to walk past me to get into the back of the shop. I respect them for doing what was right for their bottom line and I understand that the shop didn't owe me anything seeing as I was the one wanting to sell. However, the lack of personable interaction and disrespect for my time —especially on top of my prior sell/trade experience—was frustrating. Lincoln Square is lucky to have an indie record store with such an eclectic assortment of product. I will absolutely continue visiting Laurie's from time to time, but I will never trade or sell there and only purchase from them if I do not have another local option.

Staff was cool & good vinyl selection. Also cute trinkets, accessories, + more available.

Love this place! I never leave empty handed. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Rarities found every now and then. Good prices; lots of new item marked at a low sale price. Used CD prices are SUPER low! Cult movies on VHS and DVD. Little Metal section which I wish it was a bit bigger but still, like I mentioned before, I never leave empty handed. Keep up the good work!

I love this place because I'm always on the hunt for random VHS tapes. They have a whole wall, which makes my heart so happy. They have a huge collection of vinyl as well, cool t-shirts, and tons of pins (my favorite) for great prices. This is a great little store that I absolutely love browsing.

Fantastic record store with much more! Books, mags, DVDs, cassettes, and all kinds of underground merch. Check it out!

No aphex twin (in the CD section) but they do have relaxing thunder sounds enhanced by harp music.

Great prices, selection, and experience all around! I’ve been in several times and really appreciated how well they did their RSD. Lincoln Square is lucky to have Laurie’s Planet of Sound

Laurie's Planet of Sound is a well-known record store with a reputation for offering a broad selection of new and used records across many genres. It's popular for its fair pricing, especially for collectors looking for quality vinyl without paying premium rates. The store stocks a frequently updated inventory of both new releases and classic albums, making it a solid destination for vinyl enthusiasts searching for fresh finds. Alongside vinyl records, they typically have an assortment of CDs, cassettes, and even some audio gear, adding to the appeal for music lovers who enjoy different formats. The store's staff is also recognized for their helpfulness and knowledge, making it a welcoming spot for both experienced collectors and newcomers alike. Overall, Laurie's Planet of Sound is a great stop for anyone looking to build or expand a record collection with fair prices and a wide range of options.

Best record store in Chicago, period. I lived in Lincoln Square for 4 years and made it a part of my regular routine to stop here on my walk home from the train station at least once a week. They are always getting new goodies in so you have to go often or you might miss something good! Very well organized. Insane selection of vinyl, CDs and actually a good book collection in the back. From brand new music to classics from the 60's, they carry it all. And eclectic stuff that is tough to find. The people who work there will become your friends. Gem store in the best 'hood in Chicago!

When you buy something here, the clerk grunts at you. No thank you given even though your just paid a very premium price for the record. I will say that there are some very good used classical records at Laurie's. Prices go up, up, up and there is no end in sight. I do not pay $39.95 for a LP. Selection is pretty good but many times an artist's biggest records are out of stock. Instead, Laurie's pushes brand new records that are re-mixes or off brand, off interest material. Prices are sky high. More and more, sadly, I bypass Laurie's and shop at Amazon. I vote with my pocket book. Clerks never thank you for making a purchase. You're their serf.

They close at 8pm I showed up there at 7:50 and at 7:56 They were literally telling me to wrap it up and get out of the store which I understand but at the same time it's like lighten up ! you run a business I'd rather go shop a brick and mortar than Amazon, It seems to be getting more and more difficult to do that these days I'm Sorry to spend money lol I work at a restaurant so people come in to the restaurant five minutes before we close sometimes and I have to stay hours after so they can finish their meal. I get it !!! It's not a restaurant , But it is customer service related It's not like I was gonna stay there any more than maybe 5 to 10 more minutes tops , if even that I'm sure they're very nice people looks like a great place but they should cheer up a little and be happy they've got customers Maybe ask the customer what they're looking for or how they're doing Telling me to wrap it up doesn't send a good message, particularly when I spent money and bought something in the four minutes, I was in there All Record stores should open up early to mid afternoon and close nine or 10 o'clock at night because who wants to go buy records in the morning ? also most people work during the hours of operation I only say this stuff because I want these businesses to thrive and I don't have all the answers that's just my opinion I'll go back again too , I liked what I saw , very cool

BOMB record store more because it has more than vinyl! You're bound to find some gifts here or dvds. Interesting movies categorized and sold here that you will discover. Great location by Dark Tower Comics, Old Town School of Folk Music, and I'm sure alot more.

We weren't planning to stop for vintage vinyl, but as we were walking back down Lincoln from Taco in a Bag, the lure was too strong and we couldn't just pass by. Good selection of used vinyl. Vinyl is a thing again, in case you were unaware. I like looking through vinyl for the artwork, which is completely lost on music downloads, and well, back in the day my dad had a stellar album collection and finding some cold Doors or Pink Floyd covers brings back memories. Anyhow, they do have some collectible stuff, some obscure stuff and some more normal stuff. The DVDs are great. Most of them are out there, like Gigglesnort Hotel, Japanese children's shows and really awful horror. You can also find reasonable priced box sets for Mad Men or other semi current shows. It's worth a look see if you are in the neighborhood or into vintage vinyl.

It's a pretty good record store but there is a female staff member who is terribly unfriendly and acts like she couldn't be bothered to speak to customers. I don't ask for much but dang you could at least say thanks after a transaction.

Great record shop to find the classics, as well as underground local music. The cult DVD section is fun, many weird and wacky titles to choose from, most I guarantee you've never heard of. Lots of fun gifts as well as the music. Staff is knowledgeable and helpful, never had any issues here. Support your local record store!

The music selection is oddly-organized and quite overpriced. The offerings here in music reflect the tastes of the immediate neighborhood: white Gen X and younger Boomer. Vinyl has been "back" for 20 years, but this place thinks you'll pay $35.99 for a new pressing of Slowdive or Kate Bush because they're "rare."

Really enjoyed my stop at Laurie's, a terrific store with knowledgeable staff and superb customer service. Great place to browse vinyl, and they have a good-sized selection of rock-n-roll options. Liked their selection of posters and pop culture. Appreciated that they have turntable accessories and items to get the most of your purchased vinyl. They also have very cool buttons for sale too! Appreciated the time I spent with staffer Lou, who was a really nice guy with fantastic customer service and interpersonal skills. Lou elevated the level of my visit by just being a really good person.

I really liked this place and used to shop here all the time. It was my neighborhood record shop. However, my opinion has changed due to a recent experience. I bought a pretty pricey picture disc, and as soon as I brought it home, noticed a LOT of static and scratchiness. I tried returning it the next day. First, they told me that happens with picture discs, and there should have been a disclaimer (there wasn't one). Then, they put it on, and I could hear the static loud and clear, but they either didn't pay attention to what I was talking about, or just ignored it. They basically told me to go home and clean it (which I had) and that they couldn't accept it. This pains me to say, but Amazon and other large retailers would've accepted this return with no questions asked. I like to shop local as much as I can. But, if I'm buying an expensive new record, it better sound like a new record. I'm sorry to say, but I think this place just lost a customer.

I stumbled past here after getting a piercing across the street. My boyfriend collects vinyls. Everytime I find a place that sells records I have to browse. I'd take off a star as the store is quite dusty and their organizational system is odd. They have a huge selection you could easily spend hours combing through.

This is the closest record store to where I happen to live, so I'm grateful it's here. That said, the selection is pretty standard/mediocre (as others have noted). Laurie's is the kind of record store that was clearly very hip in the 90s (posters, videos, incense, various pop culture tchotchkes, etc.), but could really use a revamp. I actually like that they sell cult movie DVDs, but the first and last time I bought one it ended up being a broken bootleg version. Positives: They carry classics in the rock and indie rock genre, as well as a decent selection of Numero Group releases. Negatives: The general vibe needs an upgrade. For the amount of square footage, the vinyl stock is actually not that plentiful. I want to see this place succeed, but there are way better record stores in Chicago, so this place really needs an overhaul of stock and merchandising to compete.

Only giving it two stars because I like browsing around in here for nostalgic reasons and the b movie selections are amazing and some of the record selections are nice too BUT most of the DVD's look like bootlegs and also the staff isn't very friendly and you can feel them staring at you while you are browsing. They come off as pretentious but I mean what can you expect? Most every record stores I have been to seem to have unfriendly shops owners or workers. Just comes with the culture I suppose. If you have social anxiety this isn't a good place for you to come but if you don't care about counter people staring at you for xyz reason then come check it out.

Vintage new/unopened and resale records, pulp movies on DVD, posters, books, puzzles. Highly recommend for lovers of records and reasonable prices.

I usually go here every Record Store Day, but I have no answer for why I don't go here more often. It's a GREAT, independent little shop, and is well deserving of your audio/video/book/memorabilia business. They have a great selection of vinyl for such a small store. Friendly staff. It's got that "old record smell" when you browse the bins that is almost extinct nowadays. Great location as well. I'm gonna try to go more often, now that I'm buildin' up the vinyl collection again.

Great store! They have a good selection of new and used LP's at a fair price. They have tons of budget 45's and LP's for only 25 to 50 cents. The store also has a good selection of DVD's, cassettes, 8 tracks and books. The staff is friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this store to everyone!

Great selection of records. If you are looking to find a diamond in the rough, Laurie's is probably not the place but they definitely select what records they place so you are certain to find something you will want. The employees are helpful and not intrusive when you are browsing so positive there.

I've been shopping here for years and have found some of the most unique vinyl and CD's in my collection. From Numero Group freshest offerings to Jim and Tammy Fay Baker to Rockabilly to Ronco Compilations- spend at least an hour haunting their bins- if you don't find treasure you just aren't looking hard enough. I'm never disappointed.

Cute store. Cute neighborhood. Nice vibes. Good enough selection. Laurie's is a pretty standard small record store; they've got records (new and used) CD's, some videos, a small selection of books and a random assortment of things that are bizarre. Everything is well organized and it's very easy to find what you're looking for. The people who work here are very nice. I've found the selection to be good but not amazing. There's a good variety of mainstream vinyl selections as well as some lesser known selections. The VHS selection is superb; weird stuff. The biggest bummer about Laurie's is that it's a bit pricey for Chicago. Yes, it's adorable and yes, they've got cool videos but a lot of the stuff is just expensive. Laurie's is nice and objectively speaking it is a good record store but with so many awesome places in the city, there's nothing that stands out about this place. Also, if you're reading this Laurie's... Please stop with the incense. It makes me feel uncomfortable.

I can't even review this place on its true specialty, which is music and movies, because I barely looked at them! I actually stopped in because my friend and I were shopping in Lincoln Square and she'd mentioned that she was looking for some political buttons; as we were passing Laurie's, my eye was caught by some Obama stickers displayed in the window. We skidded to a halt and went in to check if they had any buttons as well. They did: standard as well as funny ones ("President Palin" with Edvard Munsch's "Scream"; Alaskan Wildlife for Obama, etc.), for reasonable prices. The guy and girl clerks we chatted with were pleasant and fun. Nice way to start off our afternoon of shopping in this area. Like I said, I hardly glanced at the shelves of movies and music (saw a lot of LPs though), so on my next visit to this area I'll have to stop back. The election will probably be over by then, but the customer service will be just as good, I reckon.

It was okay. Staff seemed alright (didn't have much interaction with them). The selection itself was a little disappointing. I definitely didn't come across much rare/unique stuff (it's there but not like some other stores). It seems like half the vinyl inventory is new stuff I could find anywhere. I also saw a lot of generic 80s records that you could find in any record store. Seemed a bit filler in some parts (what do they look for when filling inventory?). Now none of this is a permanent problem. I'm willing to give this place several more tries. But my first time there I found the collection to be a little dull.

This is one of my favorite record stores in Chicago! Love the dog that roams the store. It is always packed with people. Friendly staff and great selection. Reasonable pricing. Definitely recommend this place to everyone!

Great selection of new and used records! Very friendly staff. I'll be back very soon!

Laurie's is a great independent local business in Lincoln Square, and has been in the community for quite a few years. They have a unique selection, it's not a huge store but that's the charm of it. There's an employee picks section in the window that always seems to hold a few gems. Recently I found a couple reissued John Carpenter soundtracks in there. DVD's are extremely unusual and hard-to-find stuff, some live music stuff, some obscure Italian horror, wacky Japanese tv shows, you get the idea. Ample dollar bins and 12" singles that are cheap, for those complaining about high prices. New vinyl reissues aren't cheap, that's true everywhere you go. Lots of pins and patches in the counter case, some refurbished turntables available too. Fun and funky retro atmosphere with posters plastering much of the wall space. I've shopped here many times and never had an issue with the staff or return policy. Some of these "reviews" sound like a pathetic disgruntled person got all their friends to drop a 1-star review, which is truly sad if that's the case. Support your local record store!

Laurie's is a so-so record shop: it's not the best and it's not the worst. I was in Chicago this past weekend and decided to stop at a record shop on my way out of town and this one looked intriguing. It's in the quaint Lincoln Square neighborhood (which is worth checking out on its own). The shop has a typical record store vibe with a couple of aging hipsters behind the counter. The guy who checked me out wasn't particularly engaging, but he was not rude. I've read other reviews where people had issues with rude staff and the couple of guys who were working did not at all seem rude. My biggest "complaint" is that their used vinyl selection isn't huge. It's definitely very curated which means they only appear to put the best selections out there (priced accordingly) and a big part of the fun of going to a used record shop is to browse through the bins on your own looking. That said, I was able to scoop up a pair of relatively obscure albums for what I felt was a competitive price. It's worth a stop.

Laurie's isn't just the best record store on *HER* planet-it may just be the best in OUR world too. Many music binges are satisfied here. Seriously talented staff at this place as well, you can help you if you need it. It's so sad, business in album sales is slumping more and more. Owning a record or any type of media like AV rental these days is impractical. But if you care or if you need it,this is the place for you. I love the selection. I love browsing the used records, cds or dvds, old board games, old buttons and stickers. Lotsa interesting stuff. Grab you money and adventerous spirit and plant a flag in this sound planet, dammnit.

You know those pretentious record store clerks that you'd rather not have judging your purchase? These are those guys. I've been there many times, and was never acknowledged by the staff. High prices on everything, and pretty thin selection. I took my daughter in with a small stroller. The whole time they were listening to the William Shatner album--it's almost intolerable. Turns out she dropped her Elmo, so we had to go back a couple blocks and get it back at the store. "Oops! We forgot Elmo!" I said. The clerk responded, "Oh no, you wouldn't want to do THAT!" with this Indier-than-thou tone in his voice. Oh, I'm so sorry I have a child. I guess that's not cool. Forget this place.

I hate to give any store selling vinyl anything less then 5 stars but the a-holes that work here have made it so. I've been in a few times looking for random things. Their selection of vinyl, cd's, dvd's, and other music memorabilia isn't all that great. But I try to support the local businesses, I just wish that this one showed some love back. Don't get me wrong it's not all of the staff but I can easily say it's most of them. Do you really need to make faces when it comes to my selections. I almost punched him in the face when he scoffed at my replacement Portishead. Also, don't bother selling your old cd's here because they won't give you much. Personally I would much rather go down the street a bit and spend my money at Deadwax.

Laurie's selection is pretty good, but mostly I love the hand-written staff reviews they leave scotch-taped to their favorite CDs. In the Psychedelic section, nearly every disk comes with a three foot long scroll filled with hyperbolic praise: "You are holding a copy of the most important psych rock album of all time: Hollow Earth's Cryptic Candle Orchestra. (Featuring original vocalist Curtis "Honeysuckle" Cavendish!!) Listen to this album at sunset, and enter a labyrinth of sound which envelops you like a liquid blanket woven on the loom of time. These guys were really into Gandalf's secret pipe-weed stash when they wrote this one! Pack the bong and buckle up!! This may have been too "freaky" for the squares back in 69, cuz listening to this album is like being soaked in LSD and lowered into a volcano!! Only 500 copies remain!!!!! GET THIS AND FINALLY MAKE YOUR LIFE WORTHWHILE!!!!! For fans of Armour of Athena, Narcolepsia, Ding Dong Junction String Band and The Goblets."

I don't know what it is about Laurie's, but I've been coming here for 15 years and it's always the same story. I walk in and go fangirl batshit crazy and beg them to take all of my money in return for buttons, shirts, Simpsons regalia, obscure novels by Kathy Acker, old reading primers and poetry books from the 1920's and second-hand DVDS directed by any number of Johns (Hughs, Waters, Ford, Carpenter, etc...) It's pointless to set a monetary limit, because inevitably they have something weird I've been hunting down for years that's 1.5x my limit, and since I'm over my budget, why not just get the other 8 cool things? They have records, CDs, DVDs, VHS, toys, clothes, memorabilia, patches, pins, books, and a permanent mainline to my checking account.

Excellent, just excellent. This is now MY music shop. In what other brick and mortar store can I find in stock: Modest Mouse (Good News For People Who Love Bad News); Rolling Stones (Flowers); Medieval Christmas music; the Kinks (Village Green Preservation Society); Vince Guaraldi (A Charlie Brown Christmas); AND the newest from the Hives (Black and White Album)? Normally I'd have to order or bid on some of these online, and then wait. The fact that Laurie's had ALL of these in one visit means a lot to me. Though I could probably find a couple of these elsewhere, I'd rather support a small business than a big box, given a choice. And what a choice! The staff was smiley and happy, but maybe it's because so am I. Thanks, Laurie's, and Merry Christmas to me!

Maybe it was the days I went to check this place out, and I'll admit I've only been there three times, but I honestly don't see what the big deal about this place is. Are they bad or do they suck? No. But I didn't see anything that stood out and made this place seem special, especially not so special as to be a "top 25 record stores in the USA" Rolling Stone list store. They have an average selection of used records compared to most places in the city, and the cd selection is also about average (and actually a bit overpriced). Apparently their book selection is pretty good, but I'll also admit I didn't look much at books since they primarily bill themselves as being a record store. Nice place to shop overall even if the selection is average, though. Vinyl is accurately rated and prices on vinyl also seem fair. Employees also didn't seem any more or less snobby than other stores in the city.

Doesn't have the huge selection of say, Reckless, but I never have trouble finding 10 CDs I'd like to walk out with everytime I go. Also have a good selection of music DVDs, LPs and music memorabilia. And what's not to love about the location?

Come here to unleash your inner kid (or adult). Last night's treat: Rocky & Bullwinkle and Friends, 2nd Season, 4-DVD set. I had even more fun watching my kid for the first time watch Rocky, Bullwinkle, Boris, Natasha, Dudley DoRight, and Sherman and Peabody, and Fractured Fairy Tales, than I actually had watching the cartoons or hearing the soothing resonance of Edward Everett Horton's voice again. Awesome fun. Awesome resource.

Some members of the staff are nice and don't roll their eyes at your selection. Some aren't - but since rolling your eyes at people is the biggest perk of being a record store employee anywhere, what do you expect? Our biggest beef with Laurie's is that, because they are small, they rarely have enough of anything. Especially in release-week, most new stuff is gone by 3PM and people on their way home from work have to 'special order' stuff. It's like the Netflix of CDs. So, phone first to see if they actually have it before walking over there. The video selection (sale) is pretty good - where else would I buy a Jonathan Richman concert DVD on impulse? My dream is to go in and harass the staff by requesting "The Young Jeezy" or perhaps "The Wolf Party" or "The Premini Brothers" just to see if their eyes rolling combined with sighs of ennui and pity would actually make them levitate off the ground.

I like this place. Its totally local non-corporate and they have some pretty obscure interesting stuff, in both CDs and videos. I mean weird Chicago memorabelia like a BJ and Dirty Dragon retrospective, Frank Zappa shorts and stuff. Cool posters and books too. And if you have to kill a few minutes before your show at the Davis theatre, it a great place to browse around. Support your local record stores and small businesses!

They had the fucking Crispin Glover album for sale. I bought it. Last fall I used to come here every Sunday night after work, buy an album and then go across the street to the Davis and watch a movie-film. I would then go home and listen to the album. Laurie's is nothing special really...it looks and smells like every other record store that dabbles in compact discs, vinyl, digital video discs and knick-knacks but the quality of said goods always impress me.

Decided to scrap my July '08 update, and write a totally new one. This store really is warming up to me as of late(and to the point where I'll overlook it's small problems, such as usually closing 10 minutes before their posted hours), so I chose to revert to my original rating. More often than not in my recent trips here, I've at least had OK to friendly service. I guess maybe I had just 1-2 random bad encounters with the staff in the past, when I looked back and thought about it. I only now ask everyone to purchase a mind-reader device, por favor, and do NOT purchase the few clothing items I've been eyeing as of late!

I've never been the type to look down my nose at someone whose never been inside a Reckless Records, but truly the selection does not even compare. I have found the oddest, most obscure cd's at Reckless, and struggled to find more than 1 Erasure cd at Laurie's. However, this is a positive review, so let me say what I do like about Laurie's. The staff is always nice, and the kitsch factor is great--wacky toys, retro books, and a great selection of cult movies. I don't find the prices that competitive. I still paid around $44 for the Simpsons season 9, but the used prices are decent. Overall, I give Laurie's a very average review.

I've read many reviews of Laurie's and while some of them are good (and true) it seems a lot of the reviewers just don't get it. I mean if you go there looking for dusty grooves, you might not find it. If you think that the people there are giving you an attitude, you probably have an attitude problem yourself. To the person that said that he wondered why he couldn't find their incense- get your eyes checked! The display takes up most of a wall. Short and sweet, Laurie's is what a record store should be! It might not have the latest uber pop cd (but they probably do) and as far as cool people working there, they are some of the coolest. If you gave them a bad review, you should probably just shop at Best Buy and shut the hell up! Laurie's Rocks!!!!

This place has enough cult classics to keep David Koresh happy on a Weird Wednesday at the Alamo Drafthouse(located in Austin, TX). This place feels like the right kind of shop, you know? Lately, what with the internet and all, I can buy anything I want and have it delivered to my house. And I usually do. But Laurie's is one of those shops that I will make a point to stop in and buy something. These meccas deserve to stay open. (And now I can't get the Pixie's "Planet of Sound" out of my head.)

What to increase your indie cred? Laurie's is the place to shop. Their CD selection is obscure enough to keep you shifting for hours but, chances are, you might not find something you necessarily want. Where LPoS really thrives is in it's even more obscure movie and book collection. There's some pretty wacky stuff is all over that place what would make you wonder if you're in a CD shop or a novelty shop. Of course, there are BIG faults to Laurie's. For one, the staff there are pretty shifty. Think the computer guy on the old school SNL skits only with indie music. The other big fault is the pricing. Laurie's is over priced up the ASS. For some things, it's slightly understandable because a lot can't be found anywhere else, but the seasons of 30 Rock and The Office that are priced over $30 when at a regular retail store their about 20 is a red flag for some high way robbery.

Really great place to get some records and a few other nicknacks. Great selection and easy to search stacks. Only complaint would be trade-ins. Took a huge collection of about 100 DVDs there which they claimed were too scratched and wouldn't take any. Went to The Exchange on Belmont and they took every DVD but three because they already had too many in stock. Granted, Laurie's isn't really the first place to think to trade in DVDs, but just a heads up if you're thinking about it. Just go for the records and you won't be disappointed!

Not since Napster's demise in 2000 have I paid anyone for music. Kazaa, eDonkey, Bittorrent- that's right I'm a big time music pirate. So sue me. HA! Moving on- Laurie's Planet of Sound changed all at. Well sort. I do love me some vinyl and Laurie's is thus far the cheapest place in town. The selection isn't quite as huge as say, Reggie's, but you can pick up some great records at $5 or less. I even snagged a new in the wrapper Cannonball Adderley LP for $10. Crazy! You can also peruse the wall of ironic/awesome VHS tapes. And buy indie band stickers to put on your laptop so boys/girls at coffee places will know if they should come up and hit on you or not.

I don't shop here as much as I used to now that I am a full-fledged Rhapsody, iTunes, eMusic and Napster addict. However if you are a fan of indie rock or are looking for a place that has lots of great CDs from "classic" bands for the genre then this is the place to go. They don't have a great hip hop, r&b or blues section, but they do have a section devoted entirely to Bloodshot records which is pretty awesome. They also have a good selection of stuff from other local labels like Touch & Go. Laurie's and Hardboiled are the places I go when I do buy an actual packgaged CD with liner notes and that tape at the top of the CD case that is like impossible to remove. Laurie's also has a pretty cool website.

My record store of choice. And being that I'm kind of a snob about where I shop for music, this is really saying something. The store has a huge selection - trust me, it's really very rare to be able to buy a Fergie CD, a compilation of German swing-rock from 1967-1974, and a record of medieval madrigals all at one place - and is wonderfully organized, two huge selling points for me at least. I also have to say that I don't really think the CDs are overpriced. I don't think I've paid more than $15 for a CD, which I guess if you're used to getting all your music at Best Buy, it does seem like a lot. But if you're used to getting all your music at Best Buy, what are you shopping for here? DVDs are a little pricey, I think, but then I usually get my DVDs at Best Buy. As other people have said, new releases can be hard to get, and if you're not there early enough on a Tuesday, you have to either wait a few weeks or special order it. You can also go in on Monday or call and ask them to hold something for you. Okay, yeah, I'm friends with some of the staff, but they held records for me before we were friends. All you have to do is ask. Anyway, I much prefer Laurie's to other stores (cough cough Reckless). The stuff they sell is generally for the snobby indie rock aficionado, but I've yet to run into a snob working there. Do they welcome you with open arms when you walk in? No, because that would be weird and off-putting. But they also don't sneer at you. I literally am incapable of saying enough wonderful things about Laurie's. I'm pretty much one drunken night away from buying a ring and asking the store to marry me.

The top independently owned record store in Chicago. Their new and used selection is very good if you are looking for indie, rock, punk, or alt-country. They also have very good recommendations for cd's that you may like if you like a certain band. Also, if you don't find what are looking for, they can order it for you pretty quickly. You do get the typical indie record store attitude, which I actually find hilarious and endearing, all at the same time.

The staff here is generally nice and friendly. It's also fairly close to my home which is why I continually stop in hoping against hope to find interesting music. A few years ago they did seem to have more titles that ventured outside of indie rock and the stuff you see in nearly every record store. They had an employee choice section which highlighted some experimental/soundtrack records I otherwise hadn't heard of, and their inventory seemed more adventurous than it does now. To some degree the used inventory is limited to what comes their way but I can never find much here. However if you like indie rock this might be your place. Pricing seems a bit high on the used items and they don't have much of a bargain bin section. They have a lot of books, vintage games, cult movies , etc., but I'd rather see that space devoted to deeper and wider music selections.