Groovin High

Went there at 5:30pm on a Wednesday and it was closed. Sign said open «when we feel like it.»

This guy has a really great selection and is super friendly.

So happy to see this place open! My girlfriend and I went in on a whim and picked up some lps. We also struck up some great conversation with the owner about Shel Silverstein. And to top it all off, the guy gave us some complimentary Hershey bars!
Can’t wait to return!

This place is a joke. I had read that the hours were a little bit strange but thought I’d try anyway. I went out of my way twice to check this place out, and each time the door was locked and the lights were out. There is plenty of competition in terms of record stores in Chicago, so this guy seems to want to alienate customers and lose business.

Like several other reviewers I walked
to this store during the hours that it was supposed to be open and it was closed. How can a record store be closed at 6pm on a Saturday? Lame. Don’t bother going here if you value your time.

I live next door to this vinyl shop and yes, even though he is not open a whole lot, it is still one of THE BEST stores I have been to. I lived in California for years and explored almost every record store, I lived in Seattle and did the same and now I’m in Chicago. I’ve been to many record stores I can confidently say this is one of the best. The man knows what he’s doing, knows what he has, and always is willing to chat. I’ve read some reviews on his store and some people say pretty rude things that are pretty much assumptions of an ignorant mind. This man has a legitimate reason for not being open a lot that’s his personal business and no one else’s. He knows exactly what he has in his store and that says a lot. He’s a very passionate music/​vinyl enthusiast and he’s awesome to talk to. He also has the widest range of music taste I’ve seen but I mean when you own a record store you kind of have to right? Anyways, for the haters out there, just go to reckless records and shut up already. For those who are curious, vinyl enthusiasts or just want to spend some time looking through records, go here you won’t regret it. He was open for Record Store Day this year and even had a sale the following weekend. I’ve spent well enough money in there and got some really awesome shit. I plan on going here for as long as I’m in Chicago.

Is this place ever open? I’m sure it’s an amazing store but how would I know? I’ve tried coming here three different times based upon when the store hours say they’re «open». The sign on the door says «Monday-​Saturday 11−8pm or whenever I feel like it». The owner obviously gives no fucks. This must just be a side hobby for him/​her because there’s no way having that kind of apathetic attitude makes for great business. I’m done trying to give this place my business. Back to Reckless I go.

Just moved into the neighborhood and have been excited to try this place. I’ve tried to shop there about 10 times over a month it is NEVER open! Does anyone know if there’s a good time to go to this place? Frustrating!

I love visiting this place… when it’s open.
This would be a 5-​star review if the business hours were more reliable. The selection of both music and DVDs puts it on par with Reckless Records as a one-​stop-​shop for entertainment needs. The owner is awesome, and very knowledgeable about his inventory.
Again, this place is great. So great that it’s very disheartening to walk a few blocks out of my way to stop by… to find it closed.
I’ve gotten in the habit of calling ahead to see if he’s open. DO THAT!

Finally was able to visit Groovin High Inc. I’ve been trying to go for over a year, but it’s never been open during the times I’ve walked by. I totally respect the owner’s rights to set his own hours, but it’s the only thing that stops me from giving them 5 stars. I’m sure there are plenty of music fans that would be willing to help run it during the week. Hell, I’d run it on nights and weekends if he’d let me!
Other than that — this is a collector and music fan’s dream shop. After my shock and excitement died down from the place actually being open, I was amazed at the vinyl selection. I walked out with three incredibly rare items, all out of print but all records I’ve been craving to listen to on vinyl. The owner and I chatted about my purchases, as well as Record Store Day, and I left with a high that one only experiences after finding records of which you’ve scavenged dozens of stores.

I think it’s closed. :(I haven’t seen it open in over a year, and the signs in the windows don’t appear to have been updated in at least that long.

Great selection.

I’m already looking forward to Groovin my way back here.
Apparently I got lucky and managed to stop in during one of the elusive open times but was pretty impressed with the selection and range of music. Good selection of new releases, vinyl reissues and most of the used stuff isn’t in absolutely decrepit condition like most places. Unlike Reckless Records they actually have a hip hop section and while it isn’t huge there is a good mix of old school stuff with some more recent hip hop.
Additionally the owner is a nice guy. Obviously I think you go to any record store for the selection more than the staff but he is a nice guy who isn’t pretentious about music. Answered my questions regarding an artist he had put on and was very loquacious about the material.
Again, a great store. Was glad to spend more time restraining myself from spending $ 100 than pouring over whether or not to drop $ 20 on a record I just «kind of» want like I do at other stores.

If you’re tired of getting the glaring eye when you approach the counter with your Rush LP’s, come enjoy the laid-​back vibe of Groovin’ High. I came in here on the last day of his annual November sale, and all used vinyl in the store was 50% off. I made off with old Columbia mono pressings of Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five and Hot Seven collections in near mint condition for $ 6. My roommate got an old German import of Led Zeppelin I, practically brand new, for $ 12. That is an absolute steal. The selection isn’t mind-​blowing, but perusing the new arrivals boxes can yield some potentially great results. The prices are mostly very reasonable. A few steeply priced items here and there, but this guy knows what he has. You won’t see worthless USA-​only Beatles LP’s with outrageous price tags on them.
The owner is a big part of why I love this place. All throughout my time in the shop, he was walking around the floor, telling people who just walked in about the sale that day. When you have a question, he answers it as best he can, with obvious enthusiasm. When you have a musical anecdote, he shares his too and encourages you to check out such-​and-​such band or artist he thinks you might like. This guy clearly loves music and loves sharing it with others. Go buy a record from him.

The owner, whose name I believe is Joe, is just a joy to talk to about music, records, the industry, etc. I have tried to go out of my way many times to buy from him.
BUT…
The guy’s never open! I walk by there to get to the train and back each morning, and I’m not joking, he isn’t open more than 20% of the time during the weekdays. Weekends are always busy and a good crowd, and it’s not like I don’t understand shutting down a few days a week if he’s the only employee, but you can’t just ignore the store hours.
Just make sure you call ahead and you’ll be fine

My first stop in here was great. The guy was REALLY friendly, there was great deals on used DVDs (although those prices are nearing prices for new DVDs) and a great selection, although prices on music were a bit steep.
Now, you’d think that things would change after people complain about the same thing over and over again, but the guy continues to have irratic hours. He should do everyone a favor and simply not POST hours. He must not need this shop to make a living because Bruno is right, he has to lose SO much business. It’s frustrating, especially in this weather.
Of the last six times I’ve gone by here, he has closed early or not opened at all five times. You wonder which little sign you’ll get today. «Sorry, enjoying the winter break!» «Closed early today!»
Come on, man. You’re a great guy. Just stay open and stick to your hours, post different hours, or don’t post your hours at all.

Its shocking to find a music store that is a throwback to the day when people who worked in such a place actually know something about music, in all genres. And, overhearing conversations with other customers, is willing to go out of his way to look for stuff that you like, now or in the future, and knows everything in his entire collection. Not the greatest classical selection but still better than most chain stores out there. And someone that hand writes all their bills out for purchases… makes me feel warm and at home in the days when there was personal attention and actual authenticity to salesmen, ESPECIALLY in the music business. Can’t get that anywhere else in Chicago that I know.

I really do love this place. However, Groovin’ does lose a star due to the unpredictable hours. Often times, the not posted on the door informing you they are closed would leave you feeling bad for getting mad. Example: «Hanging out with the Wife, see you tomorrow!» I actually saw that sign once, how could you be made for something so sweet?
Anyway, the guy who runs (owns?) the place is absolutely awesome. He’s always ready for some friendly conversation and to compliment your purchases (if they deserve compliment, that is). Always a good selection of vinyl to be found in great condition, and they seem to have a bunch of CDs.
This is, so far, my favorite music, ’nuff said.

This is also one of the best places to find new and used vinyl, the owner always says hello and knows everything in the store and if he has it, if he doesn’t and its an available record there is a good chance you will see it pop up in there in a week or two, sometimes there are some weird hours but hey he is an owner operator he’s gotta take care of his own world too…
it seems like every time im in there i end up in a conversation of music with the guy, and i always find what i need want or find something that is killer…
i went in and had a conversation about the black keys and he only had one album from them at the time and he was a fan for sure but then the next week there was all that they have on vinyl in stock and ready for me to buy, only i had to buy some waits, and cash and one black keys album and not all that i wanted.
well what more can i say…
go here,
oh and they have cd’s too if you don’t do vinyl…

I love Groovin’ High. There are no records shop left out there :(
There’s a diverse collection of music, fair prices — $ 12-​ish for a new cd, but I do like the bargain bin! There were some cheap good finds. Places like this are a dying breed and the guy that runs the place is extremely helpful. They’ve held cds for me when I’ve called ahead of time and I like to kill time just browsing.
I think it’s a cool place, it’s just too bad I don’t take the el as much as I used to. I would always stop here on my way home.