...Well, Forest Park, but close enough. There are some record stores, that you walk in to, and they just have what you want...even if you didn't know you wanted it. The Old School Records, in Forest Park directly downtown at 7446 W. Madison, is that place. If you are sick of the record store attitude and feeling intimidated when you walk in to a place, look no further.
Peter and Jodi Gianakopoulos, proprietors, music fans, and good Forest Park citizens put a new spin on Mom and Pop Record Stores. With more than twenty years experience between them, Jodi and Peter are happy to help you out when you're not quite sure what you are looking for. Peter reminds me of the candy store owner in the original Willy Wonka...he's kinda like, "If you like Moby, check out this import of Kraftwerk singles." Jodi might be like, "Hey, I see you buying Gregorian Chant records all the time, have you heard the last Bulgarian Woman's Choir?" While both of them have the roots firmly planted in rock soil, they both offer a different point of view. If you want to talk about old scruffy white guys drinking Jack Daniels, talk to Peter. If World Music is more your thing, talk to Jodi. The nicest part about them is if you are lucky enough to get them both in the store at the same time, you will get both opinions, which is always fun.
Besides a huge selection of used, new, CD and vinyl; one of the nicest benefits is the price. I can promise that you will have that satisfied feeling of $20.00 well-spent...you'll probably have change left over.
This is a place to seek out in your car...go take a quick ride to the West Side and have lunch or stop at one of the zillion bars along Madison and have a beer. They have awesome bargain bins, and with the down-home service and friendly banter, you're not going to get that on I-Tunes.
