3.16.07 We here at HPR HQ would like to announce our song of the month: Dennehy (yes, that Dennehy)by Serengeti. Here's a review of it. If you're bored, there's always this.

2.23.07 Hey, sorry we've been away so long! We've spent the time looking at this and this and this and also putting up tons of stuff on the ebay. You should check it out and buy stuff so we can feed our children and support our/their drinking habits.

While we were out: Boy, that Britney Spears sure is crazy. Wow; Anna Nicole dead? Go figure. Remember when she was really attractive and alive and stuff?

2.06.07 There are no degrees in Chicago this morning. None. Zero. brrr.

1.26.07 Go BEARS!!! We still have copies of the Superbowl Shuffle left - come and get 'em. We really have little to add at this point because we're spending most of out time trying to make it possible for you kids to be able to buy stuff from us without actually having to come in and see us (and without having to go through ebay).

1.08.07 A late Happy New Year from your friends at the Hyde. Hey, you know all of those year-end best of lists? Well, we here at Hyde Park Records have someone who these uppity hipsters forgot: RehDogg. Watch & you'll know...

12.28.06 Hope you all had a merry Christmas! We spent the holiday season buying disco 12"s & putting them on Ebay. Sorry there aren't more but we sold a bunch of them to the guy on the left already.. If they don't sell, I'll be forced to give them to Titan! So, since we're really nice guys, click on Disco Stu & find a New Year's Disco Depression Mix waiting for you! You're welcome.

Well, this happened & then of course, this happened... so, as a tribute, we give the guy his own wall & played Madness doing "One Step Beyond" in Spanish all week. Happy New Year, if we don't see you.

12.24.06 A short holiday message from Hyde Park Records: If you're interested in Chicago Hip-hop, look no further! Take care, everyone.

12.17.06 Those of you racking your brains, working on your end of the year top ten lists, please don't forget Scott Walker and his pork slapping insta classic The Drift. Here's a youtube video to remind you of Mr. Walker and his humble beginnings (mmm chocolate):

12.12.06

Sorry for the lack of updates, but we've been feeling like that lady for awhile now... but we're fine now & ready for Christmas! Everything's fine here in Chicago & if you like the jazz music, look at our auctions! Get 'em while they're cheap! In our absence, we've gotten a nice little write-up in The Lion, so you can get an idea of what suburban high-schoolers think of this place. We've also decided to listen to Steely Dan all day ON REPEAT! Lil' Dave told us this about Boomer's favorite current working band! We really wish we had cable TV... We put pictures of a master at work in our "STUFF WE FIND IN LP'S" section, too! Boomer is going to this guy's wedding this weekend, so don't come here lookin' for him!

11.27.06 Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving weekend! Ours would have been alot better if it weren't for this guy & this guy... Anyway, we've got a killer Phil Cohran 7" up on Ebay right now, along with some other stuff. Check 'em out! We also found this letter in a Charles Mingus LP..... We really love whoever made this video, probably because wer're in it. Thanks for the tip, Sophie!

11.21.06 Fresh off their Superbowl Shuffle, Walter Payton and William Perry returned to the studio for this follow-up classic. The two, notorious enemies and jealous rivals, put their differences aside - for the kids - a la John Cale & Lou Reed for their own Andy Warhol died album. On entering the studio, Perry immediately took control, penning nine of the cuts that were to be recorded that post-celebratory weekend. "Fridge had a confidence in the studio that I'd never before witnessed. He knew what he wanted and had some revolutionary ideas of how he wanted to get there," claims original producer and studio engineer Steve Albini. Unfortunately, the sessions were marred by Walter Payton and his penchant for prog-rock guitar solos, ouzo and gluttonous amounts of sticky buns. "The controls got all gooey and there was human urine everywhere - we had to throw almost everything out". Everything save this one lone track:"Together".

11.17.06 We are now officially out of Levert cds - stop asking - if only his passing had occurred during a slower period. Our Mix Tape/CD Exchange bin is filling up fast, so come pick up and drop off yours. A mix cd, based on this, is now in the bin waiting to be claimed, along with random REM mixes and some Pocket cds which play on most cd players, but are sort of completely useless. Here's a finely written article about the latest Bob Dylan release (his opinion about which of the last three albums is the best is incorrect, but I like his gumption).

11.14.06 So, on Sunday, this guy comes in selling records. I give him $55 & as he's heading out the door, some other dude busts in & tackles the guy yelling "YOU STOLE MY SH*T MUTHAF*CKER!!!" & put the LP seller in a choke hold! I, of course, call the cops... Well, the tackler lets the seller up, who promptly races out the door & into his mini-van & speeds off into the day... Cops show up, I give the tackler (this guy) his LP's back, but I'M OUT $55!! This is the life... All is not lost, though. During the melee, the thief lost this hat & the watch below.. $55 & they're yours!

11.11.06 So everyone's been really bummed today & I don't quite understand why... Probably because of this, I'm sure. (Don't ask. We've sold 12 used copies of various Levert titles in 24 hours...) Well, anyway Dave & I were obsessing over R.E.M., so I decided to do something about it. I ranked all of their songs track by track & came up with this list! (For all of you Reveal fans, these songs are from the first 10 LP's. No Bill Berry, no R.E.M.!). Let the beatings begin!

11.06.06 It's voting time again and we here at HPR hq have been gearing up by obsessively watching The Wire (best show on TV) and listening to both sides of the political argument, which we have paintstakingly boiled down into a few large mp3s for your listening pleasure and voting acumen. This way, you don't have to read up on anything - just put this crap on your iPod and head on into the booth. Rev. Clay Evans starts off with a gentle tirade on why God's nostrils are opposed to the gays. Immorality in the Church: Homosexuality (side 1 side 2). And the counterpoint: Bedspring Symphony (side 1 side 2).

10.28.06 Sorry we haven't posted in a while, but our minds were on other things..

Here's Nate (aka Mr. Bookclub), winner of our "Kicking & Screaming" contest! Thanks!

10.17.06 Why didn't anyone tell us that Kicking & Screaming was available on DVD (Criterion Collection, at that!)??? Well, you guys a have a chance to redeem yourselves.. Take the remarkably easy Gotta Sleep With A Freshman quiz! The first person to e-mail the correct answers here will win a FREE Hyde Park Records T-Shirt & an autographed copy of Kicking & Screaming on VHS, signed by Boomer! GOOD LUCK! Remember, "Insane Doctors" right next to "Interesting Failures". Here's a random picture of what Andrew does all day. Oh, the lady from this Afghan Whigs LP cover just said to check this out.. I think we will.. Space is the place.

10.11.06 It's Walter's birthday! He's 32 today! Since we know most of you forgot to get him blank CD's, a Gerald Levert CD, & a chicken dinner from Ribs & Bibs, we got him this stash. HOLY JESUS BOOMER'S ON TV AGAIN! Why does he always have to be so dreary & stuff?... Kyuss, REPRESENT!

10.06.06 LIL DAVE CAUGHT A SHOPLIFTER! Here's a montage on artful (read: BAD) photos recreating the entire event. Enjoy. While playoff baseball rolls on (GO CARDINALS!), sadly the inaugural season of the Hyde Park Records fantasy baseball season is over & GUESS WHO WON?!?!? We also have new buttons & t-shirts .The t-shirts don't come in red, though there are 5 different fashinable colors to choose from! Buttons are FREE! Try taking a t-shirt for free & deal with Lil' Dave at your own risk... And hey, if you book the Stooges, prepare for laughs!

9.23.06 So I'm outside taking a break from making a mix CD with Lil Dave. Then, me & like 20 other dudes on 53rd St. are staring at this & thinking "Thank you God" when all of a sudden God's voice comes out of the sky & A COP CAR TOTALLY RAMS A PARKED CAR & KILLS SOME GUY ON A PINK BIKE!!!! I believe, Stipe-style.

9.20.06 Anyone from where Boomer is from will know the name "Bill Fleming". In addition to being a Hall of Famer, it turns out that he's also a CALYPSO SINGER! with an LP called "Songs The Virgins Love". Here's a sample of his vocal stylings. He'll also sell you some of those good socks we have.... & chew out Oltmanns again if you want him too... (DISCLAIMER: We've just heard from the actual Bill Fleming, who insists that the LP is not him. We'll let you be the judge.)

9.17.06 The owner of Hyde Park Records has announced a new contest: put up, on Youtube, a video of you and/or your loved ones performing any of these cheers or this cheer. The winner, as decided by Boomer, will receive a $25 store gift certificate. Anyone who enters will receive a bottle of Fresca. If you are this dame, please call the store. Dave would like to meet you. Soul songs that mention animals are almost always already better than those that don't. It's a fact, and we should all thank Rufus Thomas for making it so.

9.14.06 Scott Weiland is a fan of the Irish! COOL! Here's a Boomer-approved tracklist for the ultimate STP experience! He should know; he's the only person we know who likes those dopes.. When we think of Notre Dame, we kind-of think of this & this, but mostly we think of one of the best guys to ever breathe.

[Mr. Weiland may or may not have met several former Irish player during one of many NarcAnon trips - his new album, "TyingOne Off for the Gipper", should be out by Christmas, barring any chemical-related setbacks.]

9.08.06 HPR welcomes Lil Dave back into the fold today. Stop by and wish him a happy birthday. What's that? You want him to write a Walter Vaughn review of this record? Well, okay... here we go:

Walter, what do you think of this record?

I would not buy nothing like this... Dave, you know what that you need? That music when y'all closing up? You the one that-- what you want know about this anyway?

Do you like it?

[Shakes head]... I ha' give the stuff down there... So you can just sew? That what you want to do? So you can be sewing, right?

What do you think of the music?

AIN'T NO MUSIC ON HERE! Only talking.

Well, do you like the lyrics?

No.

[Joe turns the record off.] Would you rather play Playstation or listen to that record?

Playstation.

Would you rather clip your toenails or listen to that record?

My doctor does that.

Please share with us your interpretations of this record, won't you [seriously, though, don't email us about this]:

Sewing with a Brother - Intro

Sewing with a Brother - Rise of the Mammals

9.03.06 Quote of the day: "When you gonna get some MC Hammer up in here?" The other day Joe played this CD in the store & a lady in the Soul section goes, "HEY! THAT'S ME!" The Reader did a great article about the label a while back that you can read here. Scroll down a little & you'll find it. If you haven't read this & this yet, do so immediately. Any major dude will tell you.

8.30.06 After a long battle with "mind gout", senior Derek Erdman (called 'thick' by a customer today) is forever departing himself from the cruise ship of Hyde Park Records. If you find it necessary to call him on the telephone, you can at 773.278.2434, otherwise the only time you might see him is flying high over the city in his new helicopter or indeed picking up a bucket of rib tips at Ribs N Bibs in persuit of his "Jim Morrison goal" (bearded, heavy set). OK, GOODBYE!

7.26.06 Holy congrats to Steve Holbreck for winning the $500 shopping spree by identifying all of the record covers. We failed to mention that at the moment he shops we're having a reverse sale and will make everything $500, so really he can get one used Boyz II Men CD if it is indeed used and has a BMG bar-code. GOD, JUST KIDDING, OUR KNOWLEDGE, SO USELESS!

7.07.06 Identify the cover, win a $500 shopping spree. DO IT! YES, DO IT!

6.14.06 Eww, creepy: Sex & Your Son - "An easy authoritative way to explain sex without embarrassment in less than 25 minutes".

5.08.06 $15 record list for this week, I Fell In Love With A Prostitute.

4.28.06 $15 and over record list for this week.

4.20.06 HEADZ: we'll now be uploading a list of our NEW ARRIVAL LPs that are $15 and over from now on. Keep an eye on this space as we get batches in. Pick-up and mail order available. Just put some pretty good Northern Soul 45s up on eBay, DIG THEM.

4.19.06 It's been a long time, I know. But there's a good excuse. You see, Maniac died. If you don't know, he was the store mascot and we've been pretty broken up about it. If you never met him, you're in luck: I made ulta hi-res scans of his lifeless body. Big / Small. Hey, GG Allin interview!

3.30.06 Photo montage of Walter V playing Asteroids Deluxe, 53rd St. Quizno's track meet video.

3.19.06 One person needed to complete the HPR fantasy baseball league. Details here, email or call if interested. THANKS. I spent most of the morning finding the best videos on YouTube for you, here you go: #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8. WELX.

3.15.06 You're so excited, look at our NCAA brackets! WE ALL WIN, COLLEGE BASKETBALL IS THE BEST, OH MY GOD.

3.13.06 Everybody who saw Boomer on TV last night gets 5 free CDs! Otherwise we really have nothing else to tell you. Oh, we melted a bunch of Peeps in the microwave today. Also, some crazy lady came in and told Hannah: "I'm going to get somebody to come in here and kill you" and then pointed her finger at her head. I threw a pickle at Walter.

3.02.06 Two weeks & no update! We ain't been slack though, WE'VE BEEN LISTENING TO THE NEW BLIGHT CD, which is, um, HOLY SHIT. I went to Touch & Go today and asked about a The Fix re-issue, but they said that there wasn't any plans, BUT I COULD TELL THAT THEY WERE TOTALLY LYING. Have you ever seen the logo for AVANT-GHOUL records? BECAUSE IT'S THE BEST LOGO EVER. Also, we have some new buttons: send us an email and we'll send you one free (include your mailing address). Busy Beaver is the RULERS. Dag, did you know that Blondie was in a pseudo-psych band called Wind In The Willows? Dude, have a listen. Our man Jeb sent us Van Morrison's hotel room requirements, it's was oddly dull. Thanks Jeb! Via Isaac Niemand through Anya Ciccone: RUSH LYRICS EXPLAINED. FOR SALE: 5000 records. Hyde Park Records seeking employee, even Mister Comedy applied! You Weren't There: The Story Of Chicago Punk. Oh snap, we just got some sick "open jazz" records in the shop: #1 #2 #3, priced to sell, give us a call hambone.

2.17.06 Funk classic for your liking: The Cult: The Mail Must Go Through. Hyde Park Records, so nice to you. Buy it up on eBay, if you like.

2.10.06 BOOMER GOIN' TO BE ON TV, OH YES HE IS (& some videos). You've simply got to go over to CROONBOOM and listen to IT'S GETTING WINDY. It will BLOW you away. Oh my god.

1.30.06 You used to wonder what our STORE CLOSING THEME music was. Now you don't have to wonder any longer. Cassingles.

1.26.06 Sir John C. Brearley has decided to jump the HPR ship. He's still a comrade in arms, he'd just rather do something else than dealing with customers such as: Q: "I'M LOOKING FOR SONG CALLED I'VE BEEN LOVING YOU FOREVER I THINK" A: "Are you sure that's what it's called?" Q: "NO, MAYBE IT'S MY HEART IS FOREEVER LONELY" A: "Are you sure that's what it's called?" Q: "CAN I GET IT ON TAPE?". This is still a way to contact John, if need be. Be well, brother. If you're dying to hear some ULTRA-DOPE Northern Soul 45s, check out the complete track sound samples on our eBay auctions. MAKE A CD, SELL IT TO COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH GOATEES. The indie world is abuzz with some major controversy, BUT WHO REALLY CARES? Stores should just carry CASSINGLES: 1989-1991 (that's my business idea, contact me for investment opportunity).

1.17.06 Get well soon favorite 2HT ex-pat: MANDERSON. Here's some VAN HALEN MP3s at half speed: Runnin' With The Devil & Jump. You like message boards? HERE'S A FUNKY AVATAR. You love us, we rule.

1.10.06 Our gift to you: MP3s & complete scans of the monster psych LP D.R. Hooker "The Truth". Read a bit about it's legend here. Happy new year! Happy new LISTENING STATION!

12.23.05 Dudes: really sorry about the lack of updates. You see, things are tough all over. It's been a cold-blooded holiday season, with an onslaught of business. As our gift to you, the wonderful webpage visitor, we'd like to offer a 3 disc DVD set of the second season of Miami Vice. You see, it's missing the outer sleeve, and we'd rather not sell it in the store, BUT THE FIRST PERSON WHO WRITES HERE CAN HAVE IT. Totally free, you pay nothing. If you're late we'll send you a consolation gift: a new Hyde Park Records pin. Because we're beyond nice people. If you don't hear from us before New Years, we'd like to say thanks a lot to all y'all for keeping us in business. Raedy P, Ron Lusk, Clinton Portis. STAY FREE BROTHERS (BOTHERS).

12.01.05 OMG: Derek's birthday on December 6th BUY HIM THINGS. Also, if you love sweet Italo-Disco, you'll love these two Patricia Harris tracks: "Heaven Is In The Back Seat Of My Cadillac" LONG VERSION SHORT VERSION. Look what happens when you Google Image Search Harold's Chicken. Holy S! Daniel Johnston poisoned by lithium!

11.09.05 HYDE PARK RECORDS ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND: Arks on Friday Nov 18th. DJ King Titan & Crew on Saturday Nov 19th. SAVINGS AND SNACKS GALORE! TOTAL SALE WEEKEND! EVERYBODY WILL BE KILLED WITH DISCOUNTS! Please have a look at our new phone book advert to say how much you like it. There's giant flies everywhere in the store! Tonight on WHPK: this!

10.24.05 Update-ville: Stuff We Find In Records. Extra dope Minor Threat 7" assortment auction! Killer Cults - CULTS R US, Ron Hardy discog, fake licenses! W-S Burn sound clips, the best band to ever play at Hyde Park Records. ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY WEEKEND: NOV 18-20.

10.11.05 Total music show announcement: W-S Burn live at Hyde Park Records on Wednesday October 19th @ 7pm. Here's another link here. There's a member that plays the lamp and I"m kind of dying to find out exactly what that might be. FREE FOOD AND/OR OTHER THINGS!

10.07.05 We give to you: Arnold Schwarzenegger's Total Body Workout. We'd have to imagine that the Terminator-Governor would rather you forget about this holocaust of musical workouts, but we'd rather you REMEMBER. Please.

9.27.05 THIS FRIDAY Roctober Magazine release party featuring The Budget Girls (first show in over a decade - with Christina from Busy Beaver!) HERE'S A STINKING FLYER. With free snacks/drinks! Also, Derek's having an art show in Pilsen for the art walk. Go there to buy Davis, Baker & Freeman. That's a white Mike Tyson peeking out from the back. We had a D'Angelo death poll, AND WE ALL LOST! Ok, goodbye.

9.11.05 DEAD SERIOUS: if you come into the store TONIGHT between 7:00-7:15pm and say the word "rutabaga" you can have a free CD up to $10. Also, we have a fish named Maniac. Today I made a video called Maniac In My Mouth. Also, thank you Passerines for cookies. Hannah found some Dunkin' Donuts napkins in the LP bins: "Secret Hyde Park Map" & "A Bought Of Amnesia". Also: COMPACT TWERP FACE-OFF! Oh, and we have a mix tape exchange box now. You have to give one to get one. Make them good, friends. Plus we have some messed up t-shirts that are free for the asking, inquire at the counter.

9.09.05 You like Kimya Dawson & hurricane relief? You like The Great Kat? You like Magikist?

8.29.05 Our favorite martian: Walter Vaughn. A few weeks ago, Walter came in with a GIANT swollen hand. We didn't see him for a few weeks. He just stormed in and demanded a paper towel, but we're not sure what for. His birthday is on October 11th, and you'd better believe that we're going to have a party for him. I hope that we can stuff him full of candy, tie him to a tree and HIT HIM WITH STICKS. Also, he claims that his hand was swollen because I KEPT GIVING HIM CANDY! Oh brother. Speaking of passing the buck, Diabetic Dave GOT CAUGHT SHOPLIFTING from Walgreen's last night and SPENT THE NIGHT IN JAIL. He claims that he did it in the first place because I told him to. He's going to be 21 this week, we're having a party for him here at Hyde Park Records. Free food & beer, watch your wallet because he'll probably be drunk. CONGRATULATIONS to Emily Maple for winning our "Explain The eBay Auctions" contest, come claim your $20 ANY TIME. And bring some ID. DAVE M's BIRTHDAY PARTY - SATURDAY 8PM-10PM, lotsa food and/or drinks. Ribs & Bibs still isn't open and by the looks of things, it never will be. HEY, WE'RE GOING OUT OF BUSINESS! EVERYTHING IS 50% OFF! I'm not sure who sent in this outstanding drawing of Curtis Mayfield. but I think it's Pete Gere. Regardless of who it is, you can bet they'll get something in the mail from us, LIKE FOOD. I'm much to cool to condone Myspace, but we're all VERY SMITTEN whomever this is.

8.22.05 You want to know what killed Robert Moog? THE ANNIVERSARY. I heard the new Devendra Banhart record today and mostly slept through it while every now and again waking up to think: HANNAH WOODROOFE VS HILARY DUFF. Please stop bugging as about the stacks of soul records, they're already sold. Emily Maple (that's a real name!) is in the lead for the contest below, but we're going to leave it open for a few more days. We'll also be having a contest regarding what Emily will purchase with her $20 gift certificate, NO FOOLING. Haunted Ouija Board, Haunted Doll, GRUESOME DANNER HOUSE, Haunted Wedding Photo, Radioactive PUKE MAN. Boy, do I hate people.

8.15.05 There's a $20 gift certificate for the person who can best explain what's being sold in these two eBay auctions: #1 #2. All-star employee Hannah "Panic-Button" Woodroofe has a copy of the new Fiona Apple CD! If you see her, ask her to make you a copy! She'll make it for you! I'm just kidding, that's illegal.

8.07.05 All of the free buttons are GONE. Please do not write for them anymore. Also, we're selling well over 1100 soul LPs for $250. You very much want to buy all of these LPs as you'll be very happy to have stacks of soul LPs with which to build a hut of records to live in during the winter time, etc. OK!

8.04.05 Friday August 5 at 9pm: CRIME DESIRE & John Brearley's CASUAL ENCOUNTER @ Gallery Hamburger (1909 S. Halsted). Please come, s'fun.

7.29.05 There are so many tragedies in life. The death of a loved one, losing a boyfriend or girlfriend, global poverty, etc. Of course, with so much bad there is always bound to be some good. Right now that good is Metallica's James Hetfield selling the wild animals that he's killed on eBay. That really good.

7.28.05 The new Hyde Park Records "Bushwick Bill" pins are IN! These are limited to 500 and will never be made again! THE FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO SEND AN EMAIL TO US WILL GET ONE FREE! Many thanks to the mighty Busy Beaver for quick and friendly pin-making service.

7.21.05 You know what we could use? A new computer and an accountant. If you have a line on either, please let us know. The computer we have now is all wonky and it has to be restarted all of the time. Also, we've been getting all of these weird tax forms in the mail, and we just don't want to deal with that stuff anymore. We'll be sure to hook you up with some Frankie Knuckles 12"s or Terry Callier LPs if you help us out. Update: kid be all like, DAG - OWWWW!

7.12.05 Holy F! The squeaky wheel might indeed be getting the grease: check out this booklet to Boomer absolutely (mostly) begging for a job! DUDE The Scorpions LOVE AT FIRST THING.

6.29.05 TOMORROW: TIJUANA HERCULES! FREE BEER! FREE CHICKEN! OH MY GOD! Since you're such a good sport, here's a sweet LP called "Erotica: Bedspring Symphony" on the Kent Label. It's kind of like sexual free jazz. Holy wow.

Check out also: GIANT MOTH SCANS #1 & #2.

6.23.05 The mighty Tijuana Hercules will be destroying Hyde Park Records on Thursday June 30th. There will be tons of food and drinks, of course, etc. 8:30 sharp, dude. TOTALLY FREE! It's a little known fact that Common's new record "BE" is named after the initials of Betty Eo, and she sent us a sweet link about Chicago Public Transport and a new picture of Hannah Woodroofe, which I'm sure Hannah will demand to have taken down. Also, this confounding email came recently: we're not sure what it means, but we think they like us.

6.21.05 Today at Hyde Park Records - FREE CUPCAKES! It's 1pm and we currently have 18 left (down from 24) so get in and get while the getting is GOOD! Update: Our beloved Ribs & Bibs had a horrible fire last night. If you know anybody who does free roofing, they could probably score a sweet BBQ for roofing trade. If you're, you know, that type of person. Double Update: The Colonel just stopped in and got a cupcake! That's 17 left! Triple Update: I'm eating steak tonight!

6.20.05 Boomer and I had a knock-down drag out argument about CD down pricing, I gave up and drank a bottle of generic Nyquil! If you're looking for insight on how John spends his time at work, have a look here! Also, here's a video of Walter Vaughan WALKING DOWN THE STREET!

6.19.05 Free donuts at Hyde Park Records! All day long! Many boring flavors to choose from such as: "glazed" and "cinnamon powder".

5.23.05 Sorry it's been so long since we've updated, but we've had some serious tragedy in the last few weeks. Sadly, two people died right here in the store. First a girl named Debbie Omlette and later a guy named Todd Turnip. Both of these people parished after PERUSING OUR STUNNING SELECTION OF SOUL CASSETTE TAPES! Before that, The Passerines played a real doozy of a show, check the artifacts here: beer & pretzels, Passerines & DVDs, total group shot & total group shot #2. Also see videos: "band & calculator", "GIVE THAT GUY A BEER!". Later, some guy traded in a baby for a stack of laserdiscs! Have a look at "baby video #1". Also, #1 employee Hannah talks to some drunken ladies through a clouded window. Sure it's a little to early to promote, but Tijuana Hercules will be playing HPR on the 30th of June. There will be tons of snacks, free beer, haircuts, BBQ, arm wrestling AND WALTER VAUGHN! Update: Holy F! Recently unearthed naked pictures of what might be one of John Brearley's ex-girlfriends! Also, check out these pictures of the store that used to be in the HPR location: #1 #2 #3 #4. Double Update: Finally an addition to the Stuff We Find In Records section & the Roland Person ESQ letters! And Boomer Lowe talking about 50 Cent, DANG!

5.04.05 Out first in-store rock music show: The Passerines will be playing on Thursday May 12th at Hyde Park Records. I have to assume that they'll set up somewhere near the DVDs, not far from the cash register. There'll be snacks and drinks and stuff. Also: "...we miss that little angel with all our hearts". EWWW, GROSS. Oh, and hey, check out this new Chicago Reader fan page!

5.01.05 The Breaks.

4.18.05 Hey, a FREE DVD! The first person to write here with their address will be the proud owner (well, when it arrives in the mail at least) of the blandly entertaining "Along Came Polly" starring Jennifer "Oh, I'm So Heartbroken" Aniston & Ben Stiller. We think that Joe Bussard is the coolest guy in the world, aside from Walter, of course. Heck, here's a video of Walter & Boomer in battle. Oh, and John's in Japan and the rumor is that he's hooked on coke! Cap'n Meaty Ogre sent us this boss link, YOU'LL LOVE IT!

4.09.05 A mighty happy birthday to James Boomer "Hambone" Lowe today. We love you, now please come home. Also, check out the finale of our sweet eBay auctions: The Topics & The Fascinators. We've already spent most of the money, on a helicoptor and a kegerator and a Real Doll. Life is pretty much smooth sailing from here on out. Tops Ron Lusk sent us an ancient article with some choice quotes from Boomer, dig it.

4.01.05 Picking Up Girls Made Easy - 1975. You're welcome.

3.01.05 Similar to the The Game & 50 Cent, Derek is parting ways with Hyde Park Records. Well, for three weeks at least. In that time Boomer & John might host a raging kegger with popular music group The Vines at Hyde Park Records. New employee Hannah has promised to dance on the counter like Footloose and all CDs might be 75% off in the month of March! Boomer will be doing the web updates from now on, so if you see something on here that's "dumb" or "not funny", well - that's him. Not me.

2.17.05 Check out our newest section - "Stuff We Find In LPs" - it's almost more than awesome!

2.13.05 Customer #1 & "The Smartest Person In The World" Hannah Woodroofe dropped off this Valentine for us. Thanks Hannah! Everybody else though, what have you done for us? You just come in and buy 49 cent records and leave old McDonald's cups in our bins, WELL THANKS A LOT JERK! And then there's this guy! And Walter Vaughan! Oh, you have to see the "Mind Playing Tricks On Me" video with Star Wars figures, it's too much! Please bid on Bill Cosby, thanks.

2.03.05 If you're in the neighborhood on Sunday, stop your fool ass by! We'll be watching the Super Bowl, as well as eating chickens & ribs & chips and stuff. You might even get a can of beer! Also, there might be some prizes! R&B singer Houston - gouging out HIS OWN EYE, will also be in attendence! And heck, Bushwick Bill as well!

1.31.05 Working here in Hyde Park, man...it's something else. If it's not some guy walking in yelling "ISLEY BROTHERS, WHERE ARE THE ISLEY BROTHERS?" or finding an old bag of drugs in some disco 12". There's a lot of stuff that gets us through the day, like the lunch special at Wok & Roll or sweet eBay auctions like this. This guy is certainly on to something as well. Otherwise, we don't care about much. Eating, selling the music, smoking the cigarettes, talking to the people. Dude, we're totally prole. Brother Nick Calingaert sent along this link - IT'S GOT TO BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED.

1.27.05 Walter Payton & KFC: Doin' It Right!

1.23.05 We're so torn on the new Arcade Fire CD. One thing for sure, we can sell the shit out of it. Has anybody seen a picture of Louise Post lately? I had a girlfriend in college that was a really big Veruca Salt fan, we met Slash from GnR after a Snakepit show at the Newport in Columbus after an Earth Day riot.

CHECK OUT OUR NEWEST CONTEST - WIN $200 IN HPR GIFT CERTIFICATES!

1.14.05 The winner of our first giveaway contest is Deirdre Kelly (who we think plays in the wonderful Passerines!), & she can expect a Jandek CD & some Kit-Kats in the mail soon. If you're into torrent-trading, there's a sweet Phil Collins show from '85 on Easytree as we speak. We're just sayin', you know?

1.10.05 Talk about hits from yesteryear, here's some old record store pranks from derekerdman.com: "Eddie Money", "Pocketfull Of Carbonite", "CP on CD", "That's Bullshit", "Titles From The Future", "12 Hour Power Mix" & "I Am Phil Cohran". If'n you got a second, have a look at the Soulful Detroit website - it's extra choice. THE FIRST HPR GIVEAWAY: The first person to email us with the password "ding-dong" will win a free CD of our choice. Do it now! If you haven't had the chance, check out our links page, we've updated it - and now there's links on it! Congrats to Boomer and his molten mate Angela on their 2nd wedding anniversary, HOLY SHIT!

1.05.05 I'm slowly getting over my sheer hatred of Quizno's by eating a giant container of their totally sweet chili. Speaking of totally sweet chili, have a look at our top-dollar eBay auctions for some Lee Morgan LPs that ended yesterday. Dag, WE GOT PAID. Meaty Ogre sent us a tops link consisting of a girl raising her hands a lot. Otherwise business is a-ok. We're in it for the long haul. We will win. We're the winners!

12.22.04 We're not sure if the guy who beat SNES Super Mario Brothers 3 in 11 minutes is fantastic because he really did it or because he took the time to fake it. One thing I do know: Boomer just drove and hour to get us Butterburgers from Culver's - so I'm in pretty good shape. Velcro Lewis sent along a link to some rare 45s - be sure to check it out or something.

12.15.04 Compatriots: please help us out with a review on the Record Store Review website. Sorry that you're too late to bid on the Krist Novelisic plane ride & lunch date, but maybe we can help you out with some ribs the next time you come down.

12.14.04 Check out this awesome article in the Columbia Chronicle. It's awsomely about us.

The Real Matt Wright - Portland, OR. Total HPR Represent.

12.10.04 I have no idea who Jo Hormuth is, but they recently sent us this fantastic internet link. That lead to the fascinating story about SST Records, which is extra sweet. Dig 'em.

12.09.04 A terrible day in rock. Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazo was repeatedly pelted with sandwiches in a Nashville nightclub. Surely, I jest! We did get a bunch of sweet soul records in the store today though. Also, the rock section is priced all the way up to "D" now! Come in and buy some rock records between the letters "A" & "D"! Also, if you're a friend of Hyde Park Records, then you're invited to the party.

12.02.04 McRorie - One Man Live. Also, have a look at this fascinating Velvet Underground story. Aside from his sweet web dealings, Loren Jan Wilson is looking for a roommate. If'n you're looking for a place to live in Hyde Park, consider applying.

12.01.04 Running this business sure is proving to be a handful. We recently found a crumpled up R. Kelly CD in the comedy section. Somebody came in today trying to sell VHS tapes covered in ants. WE WILL SOON HAVE A RIBS & BIBS PAGE UP as a tribute to how much we like their tasty entrees. Neighborhood group The Passerines are another treasure that we've discovered since we've been down here. Check out their page of MP3s here. Did you ever notice the original Wesley Willis drawing that we have at the back of our store? It's ok if you didn't, but you should certainly listen to this laughtastic interview with WW from 1999. If you like UK post-punk, revisit EVERY Desperate Bicycles track on our sister site. You'll be glad that you did. Do you ever feel lonely? Do you have a burning question regarding The Smiths? Don't forget to chat us up with AIM - we're good for a laugh every now and again.

11.24.04 Happy Thanksgiving to all y'all. We're going to be all closed up tomorrow, and all we have to offer you is this Kraftwerk interview from 1978. Listen to it quick, it won't be up for long. You can thank us for our giving later.

11.22.04 Thanks to everybody for coming out to the grand opening party last friday. It was a gigantic success. We made a ton of new friends, sold a ton of great stuff and had a massive good time. View some party pictures here. Also, here's a shout-out to WHPK and the dudes on the message board at Mr. Hyde Records. A giant thinks to Missy @ Ragstock for the emergency cash register. We've been getting a lot more DVDs in as well as CDs & LPs - stop in or give us a call to check 'em out.

11.15.04 Check out these sweet references to HPR - thanks to all for linking us, etc. Hyde Park Herald. Punk Planet bulletin board. Gapers Block. Soul Strut. Try to get your fool selves out to the opening party friday at 7pm. DJ Meaty Ogre from Galapagos4 with be playing obscure soul 45s, etc. Also there will be things to eat and drink.

11.12.04 The Hyde Park Records opens it's doors. Dude.