Rolling Stones

It’s sad that, what was once a great store, has truly dipped in quality over the years. The store features a large tacky pornographic section near the front of the store while shoving the vinyl records to the back corner of the store. It leaves a real great impression for a record store. They’re overpriced, and the staff will great you, but won’t be bothered to ask if you need help finding anything. The only reason this store still gets ³⁄₅ is simply due to the massive selection of CDs, but astonishing small record selection for a place that still claims they’re a record shop.

Grew up at this place. It is sacred, it’s the best. I pray it stays open forever! They have hard to find music and a huge selection.

I’ve been shopping at RS since 1982 or even before. They HAD a great selection of everything about entertainment. Great prices too. I’ve seen a few rock bands do in-​store meet & greets here too.

I’ve been going to this place for a long time. They used to be really awesome. Have band signings in the store, the used to carry rare imports etc. Now (at least to me) it’s slipped a little. Still a great store but they don’t carry the rare stuff and to my knowledge, they don’t so the signings anymore. I mean it’s somewhat nit picking but that’s what made that store great to me. Oh well. I’ll still shop there when I’m in the neighborhood. It’s just kind of not the same.

Here’s the metal… plus vinyl and cult DVDs. This store brings life to the burbs. Not a huge selection but it works. I usually find something interesting when I’m here. Nice!

As a kid, Rolling Stones was my Disneyland. Everything about the place, from the CDs hanging from the ceiling to the listening stations and the rows of CDs to browse through captured my imagination. I hope every kid growing up in the Chicago area has a chance to visit this place and discover another world of music buying that is sadly going away in the Internet age.

In today’s world, Rolling Stones in Norridge is kind of sad. No one really wants to buy just (or mostly) CDs anymore. Unfortunately, they decided to leave an emphasis on vinyl by the side of the road a while ago, and although that might have made sense in 1995, Rolling Stones in 2015 is now behind the times because of doing so. Yes, they do have some new LPs stashed away in the back, but the selection is more limited than it looks.
Like some of the other «baby boomer strongholds from earlier times,» for instance Val’s Halla in Oak Park or Beverly Records in Chicago, there’s a portion of us record collectors above the age of 35 who want to give these places the benefit of history in current times – «oh they just need to catch up or change some things a little, and they have so much history, so…». But the fact is, they’ve had years to do so now, and they still haven’t.
Rows of cds, with a little vinyl in the back, was cool in 2005, or maybe even 2010. In 2015, not so much. Sorry guys, but you just aren’t keeping up the way your reputation from previous times suggests you should or would. Hence the 3 star rating…

As a follow up I was sent a reply to my 1^st review where they say they are sorry but they do still have a no Returns policy on defective Vinyl… Huh?
So if I buy a record that is sealed up and walk out the front door and get to my car and open the record and it’s all scratched or dinged like mine was I’m stuck with it. That’s a bull carp policy. I did nothing wrong. Other than buying a product from Rolling Stone that apparently doesn’t have to follow the normal commercial laws of the U.S.
And you wonder why you are almost going out of business. It boggles the mind. You would think you would want a happy customer. If you had taken that One defective record back I would have bought at least 20 more records from you since Christmas. I’ll shop at a decent store that values repeat customers and wants my money.

Oh how I loved this place in the 80s when I was in high school. I recently visited and got a few CDs for a good price. They always have a couple petulant teens working the register but that is the stores vibe.

I’ve been coming to this store since I could remember. My sister used to buy CD’s and go to signings here all the time. I’m giving 2 stars because this used to be a 5 star record store and now when you walk in they treat you like a musically-​ignorant criminal.
Perhaps it’s because I’m a female, or maybe the employees are just this rude, but these days they make me feel so unwelcome. I work in retail and I understand loss prevention but I was walking through the store looking for a particular new release and was followed so closely I felt uncomfortable the entire time.
The next time I went in with my boyfriend to see if they carried his band’s CD — which they do. We purchased the album in excitement and on the way out I spotted my keys on the floor. I walked back about 5ft to grab them and was shouted at as if I had just attempted to steal literally all of their merchandise. I said «I just dropped my keys» and they ripped the bag from my hand and told me I had to leave the CD at the counter. I was on shock. My boyfriend was in shock. It was completely insane. I haven’t returned since, mostly because my keys and lanyard were in plain view on the floor and we were the only people in the store other than the 2 employees as far as I could tell.
Music lovers like myself are often the outcasts/​rebels/​misfits, but this store used to feel like a safe place. Now it feels like a cold empty room shimmering with untouched CD’s. In this digital age, they should welcome the customers they have. Not scare us away by shouting and judging us. Also, with the amount of new music they sell, you would think their old-​timer employees would at least have SOME knowledge of their newer artists, but they haven’t the past few times I entered the store. They were unhelpful and blankly stared at me. Not a good experience.
This place is nothing like it used to be.

Rolling Stones Records aren’t what they used to be, largely because the world isn’t what it used to be. I started coming here in the mid-​90s when I started high school, and it was one of my first forays into that elusive subculture of rock & roll. I was rubbing shoulders with dudes in black leather jackets, spiked collars, and eye makeup. The devil’s music blared through the speakers. The dizzying sights of thousands of CDs reflecting colorful neon lights, framed gold and platinum albums, and rock memorabilia overwhelmed my senses. I can’t forget the aroma of marijuana incense wafting throughout the store. Often, rock bands on tour would stop here for autograph sessions. The lines went out the door and down the block. Rolling Stones Records was THE hub for all things rock related in the area. It was like the dark spot on the Norridge map. Squeaky clean, squeaky clean, squeaky clean, wait — oh yeah, THAT place. It was crawling with scoundrels, punkers, metal heads, posers, and freaks. Even the roof of the building was famous — huge wooden cutouts of rock stars such as Ozzy Osbourne and Micheal Jackson beckoned to passerby.
Fast-​forward to 2013. The digital age, the era of instant gratification, and lean times, generally speaking, in terms of the economy. There stands Rolling Stones Records, a shell of what it once was. It seems sad from the outside. Without much upkeep or maintenance, it seems to have been forgotten. The roof, once lovingly stocked with all the sneering characters parents loved to hate, is now mostly barren, save for one half of what was once Carlos Santana. The band posters in the windows suggest this place now caters mostly to older rockers who still buy CDs. The bands have stopped coming, lines no longer weave around barricades. Inside, a surprisingly large portion of the store is dedicated to porno DVDs. Classy. The CD section is limited to classics and top-​sellers. You probably won’t find KMFDM or 311 but you’re sure to find black Sabbath’s classics alongside Katy Perry. One thing that has not changed whatsoever are the looks the security guys give you as you flip your way through the selection of CDs. Be prepared to be given the stink eye from the moment you open the door and pass the loyal Victor Records dog sitting near the entrance.
For the sake of sentimentality, I hope this place sticks around. I hope it can learn to find more ways to attract younger people, because at this rate it is destined to burn out as 80s rockers age and their nostalgia begin to wane. For me, it will stand as a memory of my wild high school years — God knows how much money I have spent here. However, I now buy my music online and use an iPod so that I don’t have to lug all those CDs all over the place. Nothing gets scratched, and frankly, I don’t care about album art, nor do most people anymore. Maybe the new hipster generation will find reasons to support this place. Vinyl is big now, perhaps CDs will follow. Whatever the case, though this place to me exists only as memories, I hope it can stick around. Because if it doesn’t, then, I guess it becomes a Starbucks or something.

I have been shopping here since I was in high school and picked up my first records and cassettes. The place hasn’t changed much at all. Still a great selection of import CDs you can’t find any place else. The prices are decent on music but the dvd and blu rays are a bit expensive. Its cool to see they are starting to carry a wide variety of vinyl again. Over all I still find myself going back here to purchase all my music and try to keep the record stores in business in a time where downloads are the more popular thing.

I decided to take another walk down memory lane today, been
doing a lot of that lately!
God, I still love Rolling Stones, even though I’m not that teenager
anymore who stood in line for hours for autograph signings, or came
in here with my friends and spent literally hours.
And, yes, granted some things have changed, they still have CD’S,
and quite a good assortment of them.
Vinyl Records for those of us that remember, T– Shirts with bands
of your choice and lots of DVD’s/Blu-Rays.
And. most of the DVD’s I saw were for the «Mature Audience» if you
get my drift, lots of adult Movies here!
But, I can’t help but still love the flashy neon colored signs and the
great music you hear as you enter this place.
So, yes, I have been coming here since the early 70’s, and I’d like
to think that I am a bit older and wiser.
But. nothings ever gonna change my love for this place.
Hope it stays forever.:)

Rolling Stones isn’t what it used to be, which is both good and bad. No longer is this a strictly metal head/​rock and roll store but has several genres which is great. What annoys me though (what may seem really minor) is they have «New release» tabs for albums that have been out for years, and no they are not remasters. I seen a Smash Mouth album as a new release and it just irked me a bit. Also, they no longer carry nostalgic apparrel such as old school wrestling shirts or 80s/​90s references which were always cool. The Blu Ray section is really up to date and I actually saw several copies of Anchor-Man…which I haven’t been able to find anywhere! The staff is friendly. They need to remove the video game section as it’s really a waste of space.

Great place for music, incense and movies. I grew up in Norridge and remember when this opened in 1971 and everyone shopped here. At least those in my age group. And I still drive from Lombard to stock up on incense. Always a great shopping experience. And the prices are good too!!!

Rolling Stones at long last sells vinyl again… and some new as well as classic and classic/​obscure rereleases.
Look, today’s records cost from $ 15 to $ 30 but the vinyl is different: BETTER and you have a fresh disc. Buy them here and/​or down the street at BEYOND THE LIMIT. If I were 17 and loaded with cash, this would be heaven. Instead, it is where I whip out my credit card and indulge.
There is still way too much DVD going on. In the recent past, porn was king here; not teen friendly. Now, the return to records is healthy. Anywhere in Europe, reocrds never went away; thank God they’re back HERE and I feel great buying it again. Beatles fans, the newer vinyl versions are far better thsn your 1969 lp. Try and hear!

I am glad this place still stays open amidst everyone getting their music off the internet now.
It’s definitely a trippy place when you walk in. The smell of incense is intoxicating, the dimmed lights and the cds hanging from the wall give it a fun atmosphere to shop for music in.
They have a lot of band t-​shirts that were a staple of mine in the tween and teen years.
You come here to find CDs though. I still like to buy them, and can normally get some cheap ones for under $ 10. I like to go through to remember bands and songs that used to be popular.
Parking is bad around here, but have patience.

I’ve made trips here for years now with my music buff friends. Its really an oasis of good taste and interesting selection.
I am a big fan of their t-​shirt and hoodie selection, décor, and bizarre DVD selection. Its truly a testament to their originality that they still stand after all the other major music retailers have bitten the dust. I saw people complain of a lack of certain mainstream CDs… well I have to say I am refreshed to see them not have «No Doubt» CDs filling their aisles.
Look for the aggregious amount of CDs hanging from the ceiling, the hippie shop nearby, and the hum of guidos speeding their IROCs up and down nearby Harlem Ave.

Rolling Stones has incredible prices on CDs and DVDs. What are those? Well, sit down on grandad’s lap and let me tell you about the 90’s! Of course, if you didn’t know what a compact disc was, the thousands of shiny discs hanging from the ceiling at Rolling Stones would be a good primer. (see my «forbidden» inside store pic! Seriously, an employee practically tackled me when I took a picture and said inside pics are not allowed).
Actually, the employee did pounce, but he was super apologetic and nice about it. The Security Guard on the other hand… he wasn’t big on small talk, but nice enough. Still, I had a handful of CDs and DVDs in plain view, doesn’t that mean I’m going to purchase them and not expect a five-​finger discount? Security, seriously? What is this, Mallrats?
I came to RS with a small list in my head of somewhat newer CDs by recent artists to purchase. Arcade Fire at basement prices, yes! Doves’ release from a year ago? Asked the security guy because Doves didn’t even have its own category card. Nope, that one was gone last year. See, Rolling Stones doesn’t keep any past CDs by recent artists, just great prices on New Releases and even better prices on has beens.
Rolling Stones’ bread and butter is $ 5.99 deals on reissues of your favorite artists of the 60s-​80s. They also carry an impressive selection of live concert DVDs for around $ 9.99. I’ll certainly be back to Rolling Stones’ but will leave the camera at home so I don’t get tackled next time.

I spent so many angsty teen years doing what us pissed off, anti-​establishment, pseudo-​anarchist, parent hating kids do: going to the HIP to eat at the Great Steak & Potato, but most of all, going to Rolling Stones. Yeah dude, time to rawk my sawks awf \m/​! Sorry.
All seriousness aside, this place does bring back memories. The strong aroma of incense soon as you walk through the door, employees that think they’re «too cool for school», aisles upon aisles of CD’s, the listening stations, and of course grabbing The Onion before you walk out the door. Prices have always been reasonable. Much better than music stores in the mall. Granted, I don’t buy CD’s anymore since getting the interweb at home, thus I haven’t purchased anything here in a LONG time. But by browsing other reviews, there isn’t any indication their prices have gone up.
In conclusion, I’ve definitely grown out of this place. But I give it 5 stars for what it was: A place of happiness during a time when I hated everything! Rawr! \m/​ (o _​o) \m/