Exile on Main Street

Category:	Record Store
Address:	100 N Chestnut St #120, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
Phone:	+1 217-398-6246
Site:	exilemainstreet.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 12–6PM

Location

Photos 74

Reviews 20

Ann Kopfer

Its a drag to drive a distance....in this case from Indy to Champaign and go to one garbag-y record shop to a so-so establishment. E.O.M.S. does not just sell lps and cds...but those pesky games (most likely they wouldnt be in biz, if they just sold music products!) The album selection is alright if one doesnt mind spending 14.99 for a used copy of a Brothers Johnson lp!!!! The new vinyl , more or less, revolves around the indy scene. So what else is new, right? The used section is quite limited-nothing really exciting, esp in their small jazz section. Same goes for the r&b racks too! The clerk behind the counter was digging on some ole Beach Boys/Brian Wilson toons. Happened to pick up the new Stooges lp, to which the young gentleman said.....ah thats a good pick, at least I think most of the time for any Stooges album. To which I said, well do you have the new Paul Weller album? He went on the computer and went over to the cd racks-the W section. Then I said, Im looking for it on record (already looked at the new vinyl section) Then the kid said, yeah I stock the records, but am a bit lazy in putting them in any real order! Hmmm??!! Didnt come out with anything! Next.....back to either Ear-X-Tacy, Shake It Records, J&L Records, and Vons....and they are NOT in Champaign!!!! Smart shoppers will go elsewhere......

Steve Wilson

This is easily the best record shop in Champaign-Urbana. They specialize in contemporary indie bands and other music that isnt quite mainstream, but they also stock a selection of relevant classics, especially if theyre recently re-issued on vinyl. The stock is not huge, so youre not necessarily going to find every record by every artist they stock, but theyre also good about ordering music for you if you cant find it. They have a decent selection of used CDs, DVDs, and vinyl. The LP prices are low, although the used CD and DVD prices are a bit high. Fortunately, they have frequent sales, which serves to both save you money and insure that their stock changes reasonably quickly. They have the requisite selection of vintage console games, zines, ironic buttons, and other kitschy stuff. I can take it or leave it. For me, its about the music and they do it really well. The owner is a cool guy with great taste and usually has something nice to say about your selections, provided youre not fishing a Kenny G LP out of the dollar bin. Theres no pretense here; just a guy that likes helping people enjoy music. Check out Exile on Main

Brian Faulkner

I just got a used record player very recently and stopped by to get more records. The staff were pretty nice but the ones that were working there when I was there didnt quite know where everything was. One employee recommended a cleaning kit that I am using successfully now. There are some bargain records for only 2-3$ as well as more expensive ones. They have a nice little listening station to try the records before you buy them. The overall atmosphere is snug and friendly. The shopkeep, another customer, and myself had a fun discussion about the Dune books while in the checkout.

Paco Greenwell

First time here and I dug it. They have a large selection of new records that spanned the decades. It was nice to find so much rap and r&b from the 80s and 90s along with all the classics. It was my opinion that the used records are over-priced but I felt the unopened ones were priced well, many on sale. There was at least 3 used records I would have bought but they were in terrible shape. Not sure why they were on the floor honestly. Overall, cool place and nice people. Check them out if you collect vinyl.

Gene Hennigh

Exile on Main Street is both a hardcore music shop and a laid-back, casual one. I buy mom and pop shops first and this store never disappoints. There are things here youll find no where else and you can order almost anything. Everyone who works there is a knowledgeable music person of one type or another. Best stop for music around. Chat up the employees. Its a lot of fun there.

Kurt Reynolds

Nice shop and decent selection but a lot of the prices are absurd. There are the actual values of particular titles based on what they go for at swap meets, flea markets, ebay etc., and then there are the significantly higher retail values that you expect to pay at places like this that have the extra overhead. Then there is Exile 1.5 to 2x that. So do with that what you will.

Alice Katet

Incredible selection of used and new records and cassettes. Along with cds, video games (a bit pricey for the games but not too bad), and basically everything you could need to play your collection. They also hold some great shows every once and a while! Prices on vinyl are really decent! I really like this place.

A Private User

Fantastic place! They have an amazing assortment of old and new things for anyone who loves movies, video games, or music. That and the staff are very helpful and very friendly. They seem to genuinely care that the customers are taken care of. Highly recommend!

A Private User

I liked this place. It has a relaxed, no pressure atmosphere. Good mix of vinyl, CDs, DVDs and games. Owner is a very pleasant guy. Lets face it, there are very few record stores left, so Id enjoy this while you can.

Jesse Helton

He runs a nice shop and is always willing to order whatever is not in stock. And the order is usually in the next day. His prices are very reasonable. Good place.

Timothy Vander Ploeg

Great store! I go there for the records, but they have older games and have a lot of expertise. got there and enjoy looking around for a couple hours!

Kregg S

Very overrated. Prices for new records are on the level of Amazon (before tax), and the used records are poorly graded and overpriced.

Joe Kraemer

Huge record store with great selections of new and old recordings. They also have CDs and games as well

Dale Glissendorf

jeffs got it all going on.....enterpreneur of the year here in c-u!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elias Waddington

Phenomenal connection of vintage clothing, cassettes, CDs, and vinyl.

Lisa Tweedy

Such a great mix of the past and the present. Such a cool store!

Eduardo Martinez

Nice selection, I wish they had more hip hop though