Rattleback Records

I want to start by saying that Rattleback Records is an awesome shop. They host some really cool events, and the staff there are always super friendly. However, there's something that bothers me a bit. It seems like the owner of the cherry picks out items from The Brown Elephant charity shop (across the street) and then sells them at Rattleback Records for profit. Isn't part of the joy of collecting records stumbling upon that one special find for a bargain at a thrift store? As a successful store owner, shouldn't you want to leave those experiences for others? It just feels a bit off to me, both ethically and morally. I get that people enjoy treasure hunting, but when you already own a record shop, it seems unnecessary. Overall, Rattleback Records is still a great place, but I hope they reconsider their approach to sourcing inventory.

Have bought records here before but also recently went in searching for a record player. Paul was generous with his time and honest advice. I walked out with a player I've been enjoying ever since and, of course, another record to add to my collection! Great place!

I made quick stop here. If you're looking for records, then this is the place. I was looking for CDs and the selection was very limited and that left me very disappointed. However they did offer to special order some for me.

Great selection. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of quality records in the sales bin. Good prices, friendly staff. Couldn't ask for more. Will definitely be back.

Great record shop! I love the way they organized the store and I score something fun every time I stop by.

Great shop with a wonderfully eclectic selection. My one gripe is that you might have a bit more noise from your used records than you would expect based on what you paid.

People working here are awesome. Loved the energy in this place. Found a few records and CDs and even a used book I have been wanting. Worth a stop!

Rattleback Records is THE record store to hit when you are in Chicago. They have a great, knowledgeable, cute as a button staff, a wide and vast inventory, and cassettes, damnit! Seriously, it’s vinyl lovers heaven. Go, Go, Go!!!!

Paul knows his stuff! He's happy to order anything they don't have in stock. I had an issue with an outdated stylus and Paul took a lot of care to help me get the issue solved! I'm very happy to return to Rattleback Records and can't wait to!!

highly recommend if you're into records or CD's (perks of not driving a hybrid, my friends).

Wow. What a great selection of new and used. I expected find one or two records by any given band and was so delighted to find multiple releases by many acts. Obscure. Rare. New. A must visit. Especially if you're from out of town. They gave me a tote to carry my finds. Awesome staff. - Randall

I love having a go-to record store for indie and queerish music in the neighborhood. The staff is very helpful. They even sent someone to their distributor for a copy of a record that was delayed by the shipper. Excellent customer service!

Stumble at this record place and we enjoyed going through their music selections. Staff is great and definitely worth checking out.

I'm a longtime and avid shopper of records and I love Rattleback. Chicago is known for good music shopping but in a short time Rattleback has moved to the top of the list for me. I ALWAYS find multiple items I want there, Paul the owner and his staff are amazing, great location and they host fantastic parties and shows. Personally, my taste lies in post punk, goth and indie and my boyfriend loves free jazz, Afro beat and classic punk and we both are always happy with our findings. They also have everything from top 40 to classic rock to blues and anything else you're probably looking for. I love to dig but was happy to see their online shop launched so everyone near and far can shop here.

Great Vinyl (and other media) shop. The selection that's here is great, but could use a larger selection. Hopefully it'll build. I'll flesh out my review as they flesh out their inventory.

Todd Rundgren book signing event was wonderful. The establishment was helpful and courteous, giving us constant updates on the progression of the line. The event was well organized. The staff was very friendly. Rattleback Records had a variety of awesome albums (with a great ambiance) and I will surely return to purchase more of my favorite records. PS. Thanks for helping me find my glasses.

Awesome store! Much welcomed to Andersonville. Rattleback has a great selection of Vinyl and a ton of stuff! Highly recommended!

Love this place!!! Has a great selection including local music albums and live music!!!

Great record store, super friendly staff! Great addition to the neighborhood. I found a My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult album I have been searching for, for a very long time!

This store has a nice selection of records. The prices are a little bit steep for new records, but they have some great used bins where records are only $2. The staff here is super nice and helpful. Everything is organized and neat. I recommend checking out this store if you are in the area.

This is going to be my go to record store since i just moved here to chicago i wanted to go to a record store that just had a nice feel and vibe to it and with rattle back records it was just all there i'm happy to say i will become a regular there.

Great staff, excellent selection of new and old records, reasonable prices. Everything you want in a neighborhood record store!

Excellent selection. Jazz, Rock and musicals. The employees are very knowledgeable employees and reasonable return policy. Both New and used records are reasonably priced

Pete who works at Rattleback really made me feel welcome today. Let's face it. You can pretty much go anywhere, including the web, to buy records these days. But I really enjoyed having a brief seat and chatting with him about music. I bought a repress of Hot Rats by Zappa. Now my fourth copy of this album on vinyl. Rattleback had such a nice, wide selection of vinyl. I was so pleased to have the time to shop there. Customer service is strong here. Thanks for the chat and the smile, Pete! I'll be back next time I'm in town. Great store!

Love this place. Great selection and knowledgeable staff. Everything you want in a local record store.

Really liked this place. Looks great and a real nice atmosphere & staff. Good selection, especially considering the store is relatively new. I'm personally much more into browsing through used stuff (as opposed to new records, which they also have a good amount of), so definitely will be stopping in occasionally to see what has arrived. Happy with my purchase this time and looking forward to the next one!

Outstanding place and staff! We went to the Todd Rundgren book signing held there recently. It was so well organized. The staff was very helpful and really kept things in order. They had a wonderful display of Todd albums and dvds. They must have a lot of fun doing their display merchandising there! The store itself was very nice with a wonderful selection. I would definitely recommend it to music fans of all types! I can't thank them enough for hosting this event and I sure hope to get back there sometime!

Been to this store a few times and I like the place and the staff. People are very helpful and try to help you find whatever you need .LP s dvds,CD,s etc.you name it in . Plus for me they are just around the corner . I will tell this being in the biz for over 50years this is my kind of store, friendly people with great attitudes unlike others store , and also honest when comes to pricing unlike afew other stores. Yep this is a great store folks support them . And right across the street is another resale shop you need to see but go here first that is my recommendation .

Very knowledgeable and friendly owner with excellent selection of records, record players, cds and cultural ephemera! Support this shop!