I love Val's. I've been wondering what's been missing in my record store shopping lately and it's Val's. This place has been around forever, and although they have relocated the collection is just as good. Val is extremely friendly and so are all of the staff. If you're looking to talk to someone who knows an exceptional amount about music, it's Val. This place has a great selection, good prices, and no frills, but that's what I love about it. read more

The last of the GREAT old time record shops. Very rare items and decent prices.....and an Elvis shrine too! What else could a music lover ask for? read more

Great neighborhood record store that carries an impressive amount of new releases as well. If you can't find something new you're looking for, Val can normally order it for you. Support your local record store! read more

What Val doesn't have she will get and knows where to get it. A simple phone call and she'll tell you if it's in stock, if not she' order it and have it with in a few days. If you're browsing and don't know what you're looking for tell her a few of your favorite artist and she'll come back with suggestions, and story to go along that you just can't get from Pandora. This store is a rare treasure and so is Val. read more

Disheveled look actually hid the fact that there was lots of new/reissue vinyl. Used selection wasn't worth the trip, imo. Limited and overpriced for the condition and not much desirable stuff. Lots of cassettes. read more

Val's Halla has been around a long time (though they did move locations a few years ago), so they have a good reputation. The selection was only so-so as far as I was concerned. While Val is very knowledgeable, I have had a couple of experiences where she gave me a bit of a condescending attitude. I'm no newbie to music or vinyl, especially in the genres which I listen to most, so I get a bit irked when people talk to me as though I don't know what I'm talking about. read more

Poor excuse for a garage sale. Smells like a geriatric home. Nerds with shitty taste in music....spare me

The counter guy plays the most comically pretentious music and they were selling the new Tom Waits for literally twice the price of Amazon. To add insult to injury, they refuse to give refunds on new, unopened merchandise, with a receipt. I don't mind spending a few extra bucks to support a local business, but Val's prices and return policy are going to keep me away for the foreseeable future. I used to love stopping off at the local record store on payday, but I guess those days are truly behind us. read more

Though went a few years back at the one on South Blvd, It's a small but pretty good place. The owner can be interesting, When it comes to musical genre or knowledge.... read more

This is the best vinyl store I've ever encountered in the Chicagoland area. As a classical collector, I am amazed that I always seem to find something to buy no matter how many times I have been through the bins. Big collections in other genres as well, and very fair prices. Val is knowledgeable, helpful, and fun to talk to. The store is located in the Oak Park Arts District, with nearby galleries and shops to browse, and some great cafes as well. Well worth a trip to the Austin stop on the Blue Line, especially on days that Val hosts local acts on her small stage. read more

I have been going to Val's for years, even back when she was on the corner of Oak Park and South Boulevard. I have seen a lot of people claim that you can order stuff online and save the effort of going there, but half of the fun is browsing through all of the stuff and seeing what she has. There is a lot of stuff there that is not availible online. There is a lot of obscure stuff, and quite frankly, my tastes are quite a bit off of the beaten path. I have found complete recordings of operas that I have never even heard of there, as well as a couple of old ethnic records that are well nigh impossible to find today. Yes, you can go on line and order the one specific record that you are looking for, but I strongly suggest that you take a look and find something that you didn't even know existed in the first place. read more

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! read more

they had laser discs for only $5!!! woooo hoooo! great selection of all types of music and friendly people working there!

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? read more

Stopped by here the day after Christmas, so it was understandable that the stock would be a bit depleted. I'm not sure if this is usual. Val is really nice and helpful, and really interested in helping you find what you want (even if you never knew you wanted it in the first place!) My only issue was that it was a bit pricey compared (but not by much) to some of the other places I've been and everything is soooo dusty! The 45s are a bit hard to go through and I had hoped to see more new records, though she did tell me she can order anything we wanted, which is nice. All in all a cool place to stop and browse! Friendly people behind the counter and a fun selection of alllll types of music. read more

Val is a music store legend. (RIP) Friend to old and young alike, she loved recommending things to anyone, and reveled in being able to find things that weren't in stock at the time of the asking. Not sure that's a win-win in the age of the internet, as coming back to the store to pick up a special order is so 1992. But, Val persevered, and was able to survive in her 2nd location in the "arts" district on Oak Park. The used selection seems to depend on when a new collection arrives. It is often great, and often the same tired 2000 dog-eared records. A good smattering of new LPs, also. There was often live music at the store. She loved music and musicians. I often saw her out on the town in music venues; especially Fitzgerald's. They must have had a permanent seat for her! Her right hand man always seemed to be at the store, too. Without Val, I wish him good luck in keeping the dream alive. He may need it. read more

I had a pretty poor customer service experience here (before the business moved from just off Oak Park ave). I came to sell Val some CDs and she was just downright COLD. No greeting and no "thank-you," just a smarmy "your CDs are scratched." You just don't do that in the customer service industry, at least I never did. A really un-cool experience which has kept me away since. read more

Val's is an institution in Oak Park, and a MUST for all vinyl enthusiasts. If Val doesn't have it, YOU DON'T NEED IT! Val herself is incredibly knowledgeable on ALL genres of music, and is not afraid to help you locate something in the store if you can't find it. Vinyl is reasonably priced and in excellent condition. C'mon, she has been in business since the early 1970's, and as a testament to her clientele she is still in business with the revival of vinyl in 2017. I have read the reviews both good and not so good. While I respect the different points of view, I will be steadfast in my review and tell you that if you are looking for vinyl, CD's and cassette tapes, you need to stop in to say hello to Val who is the sweetest individual that just happens to be passionate about music. For those who may be intimidated by her knowledge of music and her awesome inventory of new and used vinyl music, GET OVER IT. She is an independent store owner that is providing a valuable service to the community. Like I said....GET OVER IT. You are probably nothing more than the 180 gram snobs that only come out for Record Store Day! read more