Stephanie and I took a road trip to Illinois State University in Bloomington-Normal, IL, on Friday 16 August 2019, so Stephanie could take care of some things before starting classes on Monday, as she embarks on her college experience. When we were done, we visited a few record stores...
Reverberation Vinyl
1302 N. Main St. Bloomington, IL 61701 • 309-830-3750
Our first stop was Reverberation Vinyl in Bloomington, where owner John blew me away with his incredible store, meticulously stocked with pristine albums all stored in plastic sleeves; and to top it off he had a coffin filled with one of the best selections of Horror albums I have ever witnessed. This was the highlight of my Record Store excursion!
I selected these vinyl gems from the coffin and John generously gifted me the Jack O' Lantern turntable platter cover, the Elvira single, and the promo CDs. What a class act!
North Street Records
117 W. North St., Normal, IL 61761 • 309-452-4533
Next, we visited North Street Records in downtown Normal, where owner Jim (and sometimes brother Jeff) run another well stocked and welcoming store. Stephanie commented it was like being in my old home in Rogers Park — they were burning Nag Champa incense!!!
I scored this long sought after "A Christian Perspective on Halloween" album, and also picked up Laurel & Hardy "Sons Of The Desert", one of the few L&H albums I didn't already own; along with some Jolly Roger buttons for fine Halloween decorating.
Stephanie loved the melted record bowls and selected The Beatles "Magical Mystery Tour" for me and I selected The Beatles "Abbey Road" for her.
Waiting Room Records
113 W. North St., Normal, IL 61761 • 309-452-4222
Our final stop, in downtown Normal, was Waiting Room Records, another welcoming store complete with live kitty cat in the window, as advertised in the store logo, hosting lots of used CDs, vinyl and stereo equipment.
I bought this Bauhaus "The Bela Sessions" poster, as all who know me well know "Bela Lugosi's Dead" is my all-time favorite Halloween song!!!
All-in-all, it was a wonderful time spent with Stephanie at ISU and record shopping in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois!
