Grammaphone or Hot Jams and why? [Archive]

MusicFilter

06-16-2003, 11:13 AM

For those of us who shop at these stores (in Chicago), which one do you prefer and why? And are there any other viable alternative to buy good underground and house music?

My patience is growing thin with one and the other one has jacked the price up on vinyl so much that the discount they give you is about what the other one charges me with discount.

One place seems to have employees that hoard all the music for themselves and that special society of people the "chose" to sell records to.

I've been shopping at one for about 15 years and still have to beg someone to help me spend my money when I come in. Sometimes I'm treated like an inconvience when I have to go in the back and ask them to get off their asses to give me some suggestions.

Lately I've had to special order every record I want because when I come in there the so-called sales people are too busy to recommend what I really need.

I'm not hatin', I love both stores but will there ever be a record store in Chicago in the same caliber as Imports Ect.?

richierich

06-16-2003, 11:17 AM

It's obvious what store you are talking about. I think they should be informed as to the way a lot of us feel when we go there. E-mailing them this thread when it gets more responses would be a good thing. I agree that there is a lot of cliqueism (sp) at the one store and the other one plays the hot part of a record and tells you how you gotta have this because it's flying off the shelf. Just trust your own ears and dig in the bins take your time and you'll find good music at both.

[ June 16, 2003, 12:51 PM: Message edited by: richierich ]

JMJ

06-16-2003, 11:19 AM

Hot Jams - CUSTOMER SERVICE and selection. Andre and Steve know their shit, have a feel for what I like, and all it takes is a phone call to reserve what I need before I come down. Some people complain about price, but if I can get what I want and the service is good, that's where I'm going to spend my money. I only shop Gramaphone for boots these days. I also do alot of online shopping.....JMJ ;)

Bernie

06-16-2003, 11:21 AM

Shop at both.

Don't worry about the help. Know what you're looking for. You may have to do some prospecting to "find the hidden gold".

Also, check out the virtual stores on the Internet. smile.gif

Tony Cano

06-16-2003, 11:21 AM

i shop at both and online via mail order. i suggest you stay updated on whats being released by going through satelliterecords.com/dancetracks.com and listening to the real audio clips. this way you can walk into any store with a list of what you are looking for. if they do not carry it, then buy online.

by the way, will radio ever be the same? im still waiting for a radio station that will play house music like bmx.

tc

MusicFilter

06-16-2003, 11:22 AM

Originally posted by JMJ:
Hot Jams - CUSTOMER SERVICE and selection. Andre and Steve know their shit, have a feel for what I like, and all it takes is a phone call to reserve what I need before I come down. Some people complain about price, but if I can get what I want and the service is good, that's where I'm going to spend my money. I only shop Gramaphone for boots these days. I also do alot of online shopping.....JMJ ;) Damn I didn't know they sold shoes! icon_rofl.gif

Moksha

06-16-2003, 11:25 AM

I've only been to each a few times. But on all my trips to Chi...I have liked Hot Jams more. The staff was much friendlier and more helpful, and there was a more comfortable "vibe" in there.

Both stores are blessed with a lot of great music.

(Any other New Yorkers find a parallel in the differences between Vinylmania and Dance Tracks?)

Specter

06-16-2003, 11:26 AM

I used to like hot jams before the remodeling and before it was starting to be run like a prison. The records were locked up with big metal bars across the bins. You could only take 5 or so records out. 10 listening stations but you couldnt use any of them. Only employees could play the records and there was usually a line you had to wait in. And then hearing andre blab his mouth about who he knows and blah!!!blah!!!!! used to get real annoying. In my opinion i think even with a recent price hike at gphone there really is no better store in chicago when it comes to new music as of yet and that i beleive is the truth.Peace

Specter
Tetrode Music

DJ OPM

06-16-2003, 11:27 AM

Jamie 3:26

06-16-2003, 11:29 AM

Originally posted by Specter:
I used to like hot jams before the remodeling and before it was starting to be run like a prison. The records were locked up with big metal bars across the bins. You could only take 5 or so records out. 10 listening stations but you couldnt use any of them. Only employees could play the records and there was usually a line you had to wait in. And then hearing andre blab his mouth about who he knows and blah!!!blah!!!!! used to get real annoying. In my opinion i think even with a recent price hike at gphone there really is no better store in chicago when it comes to new music as of yet and that i beleive is the truth.Peace

Specter
Tetrode Music You ain't been there in awhile huh?

Specter

06-16-2003, 11:31 AM

yeah man years just vowed never to go back i know they condensed the store to one side and took the bars off. Maybe ill check it out one day.

Specter
Tetrode Music

Savoir-Faire

06-16-2003, 11:32 AM

Maybe there should be a "DHP Membership Section" in ALL shops!
icon_rofl.gif

No seriously, I prefer Hot Jams because I usually can get in and get out with what I need. And to tell the truth, I'd rather pay extra if I feel that people there actually assist me than "push me into obscurity"...

Steve and Andre always are saying..."You got this? You NEED this! I don't have anymore...but I will get it for you...call me tomorrow! I usually walk out with more than I came in to get!!!

I also agree with TC. I usually link up to Dancetracks and listen to the audio files - right now I have a "wishlist" about three pages long...
graemlins/thumbsup.gif

JMJ

06-16-2003, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by chgodj3:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JMJ:
Hot Jams - CUSTOMER SERVICE and selection. Andre and Steve know their shit, have a feel for what I like, and all it takes is a phone call to reserve what I need before I come down. Some people complain about price, but if I can get what I want and the service is good, that's where I'm going to spend my money. I only shop Gramaphone for boots these days. I also do alot of online shopping.....JMJ ;) Damn I didn't know they sold shoes! icon_rofl.gif [/QUOTE]Do I have to explain it to you??? You know what I mean.......JMJ graemlins/rofl.gif

JMJ

06-16-2003, 11:36 AM

Elbert Phillips

06-16-2003, 11:46 AM

Duh! Use your brains djs, both are here for you: the consumer-why choose? I happen to appreciate choices. I wish there were two more stores to choose from.

[ June 17, 2003, 12:16 AM: Message edited by: EL ]

MusicFilter

06-16-2003, 11:48 AM

Originally posted by JMJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by chgodj3:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JMJ:
Hot Jams - CUSTOMER SERVICE and selection. Andre and Steve know their shit, have a feel for what I like, and all it takes is a phone call to reserve what I need before I come down. Some people complain about price, but if I can get what I want and the service is good, that's where I'm going to spend my money. I only shop Gramaphone for boots these days. I also do alot of online shopping.....JMJ ;) Damn I didn't know they sold shoes! icon_rofl.gif [/QUOTE]Do I have to explain it to you??? You know what I mean.......JMJ graemlins/rofl.gif [/QUOTE]Yea I know buddy, just using a little JMJ sense of humor.

TerranceFoster

06-16-2003, 11:59 AM

Hot JAmz is the place for me Grammaphones is ok
i don't buy new house music there if im' looking for a record a certain record then i look at hot jams frist if it is not there then the internet if not there then grammaphone

for example i just found
DR love
love sensation
and bunch of other
rereleased stuff that i had
been looking for i could not find it
at hotjams but i found it at Grammaphones

but my home will alway BE HOTJAMS

Savoir-Faire

06-16-2003, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by EL:
Duh! Use your heads djs, both are here for you as a consumer of music-why choose? I appreciate choices. I wish there were two more stores to choose from. Hmmm. I never thought of it that way. Maybe that's why I miss Supreme's. They seemed to have some selections the other two didn't.

Indeed!
graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Specter

06-16-2003, 12:06 PM

This is true as well as beat parlor they always had some cuts that were never in gphone or hot jamz but were just bangin. But i guess it doesnt matter , a serious vinyl junkie will scale the earth looking for cutz. Peace

Specter
Tetrode Music

Sensei Melei

06-16-2003, 12:07 PM

Hot Jams vs. Grammaphone...

I try to shop both, but I have to admit Hot Jams gets most of my money. It's on my home from work, so location is easy for me. The selections offered to the public far exceeds g-phones. PLus Andre has an inside track on getting new stuff first. I got stuff there, went to NY (& Miami), and they were just getting it also. Dre's on top of his game and ain't afraid to let you know.

Andre': "Do you have this? Dude you NEED to get this record. I sold 15 of them yesterday and this is the only one I have left. Here let me play it for you..."

I hit g-phone whenever I'm up North. Oscar & Greg Norwood know their shit too. It's just hard to fight for vinyl with the staff, their boys, the "in" crowd, and the gen-pop who have hold bags behind the counter they never pick up.

I love them both, but Hot Jams has me right now.

Oak Pk, IL's Best Bedroom DJ, serge

06-16-2003, 12:57 PM

Hot Jamz has a better vibe and better customer service, but I got to Grama's cuz it's closer to where I stay.

I agree with Melei, Greg and Oscar @ Grama know their shit, and are friendly folks. I've been shopping their for years, and have felt the shady attitudes there, but I really don't give a damn about that, cuz' I usually know what I want and don't need nobody's help or suggestions.

Ken1015

06-16-2003, 01:00 PM

Originally posted by Sensei Melei-1010:
It's just hard to fight for vinyl with the staff, their boys, the "in" crowd, and the gen-pop who have hold bags behind the counter they never pick up.
This is funny. I thought you would be part of this group. You deserve to be. It makes me wonder, if people like you aren't part of the "in crowd," then who is? graemlins/rofl.gif BTW, I like which ever one has what I'm looking for. Both of them have their pluses and minuses so ultimately that's the only thing that matters. I am starting to order more and more stuff from Satellite now though.

*quick hijack* Mr. Gray, that DJ Fudge you played Saturday was too sweet. What's the song that you played with female vocals and the bass line from "Peace Pipe" by B.T. Express?

JR JAM

06-16-2003, 01:05 PM

Originally posted by Soulful1015:
*quick hijack* What's the song that you played with female vocals and the bass line from "Peace Pipe" by B.T. Express?Shelter-Ann nesby

Sensei Melei

06-16-2003, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by Soulful1015:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Sensei Melei-1010:
It's just hard to fight for vinyl with the staff, their boys, the "in" crowd, and the gen-pop who have hold bags behind the counter they never pick up.
This is funny. I thought you would be part of this group. You deserve to be. It makes me wonder, if people like you aren't part of the "in crowd," then who is? graemlins/rofl.gif BTW, I like which ever one has what I'm looking for. Both of them have their pluses and minuses so ultimately that's the only thing that matters. I am starting to order more and more stuff from Satellite now though.

*quick hijack* Mr. Gray, that DJ Fudge you played Saturday was too sweet. What's the song that you played with female vocals and the bass line from "Peace Pipe" by B.T. Express? [/QUOTE]1015:

I've been a part of the group, both Oscar & Greg give me love when I go there. Over time I just got away from making the drive up there every week. I still got love for them too.

The record you are talking about is Ann Nesby - "Shelter" on God's House Records

E-Phi

06-16-2003, 02:03 PM

Yall want to know the secret to G? It's in the bins not on the walls. I have my list when I go in to either store. Always hit the bins at G first and then look around. When at H, hit the records on the floor first. graemlins/grinyes.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Sensei Melei

06-16-2003, 02:05 PM

Originally posted by E-Phi:
Yall want to know the secret to G? It's in the bins not on the walls. I have my list when I go in to either store. Always hit the bins at G first and then look around. When at H, hit the records on the floor first. graemlins/grinyes.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif E-Phi giving up the secrets...Torin give him a timeout!!!

06-16-2003, 02:16 PM

Originally posted by E-Phi:
Yall want to know the secret to G? It's in the bins not on the walls. I have my list when I go in to either store. Always hit the bins at G first and then look around. When at H, hit the records on the floor first. graemlins/grinyes.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif graemlins/jpshakehead.gif you den screwed up, main...

'Magic' Juan

06-16-2003, 02:22 PM

http://www.retrocrush.com/archive/jackhill/foxybrown2.jpg

Prepare to DIE, sucka!!!

magic_juan AR15firing.gif

E-Phi

06-16-2003, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by Ms Rickey X:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by E-Phi:
Yall want to know the secret to G? It's in the bins not on the walls. I have my list when I go in to either store. Always hit the bins at G first and then look around. When at H, hit the records on the floor first. graemlins/grinyes.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif graemlins/jpshakehead.gif you den screwed up, main... [/QUOTE]I want the music to be had by all...u just better get there b4 I do ;)

DOTSmusic

06-16-2003, 02:54 PM

why does everone feel the need to be helped out?

i grab a stack of 30 or so records listen em.
keep the ones i like and put back what i don't.
then i do it all over again.
it's really that simple.
and i totally agree with Specter, but then again that brother plays some serious shit that no one else is playing. which is definitely a plus in my book.

06-16-2003, 02:57 PM

Originally posted by E-Phi:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Ms Rickey X:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by E-Phi:
Yall want to know the secret to G? It's in the bins not on the walls. I have my list when I go in to either store. Always hit the bins at G first and then look around. When at H, hit the records on the floor first. graemlins/grinyes.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif graemlins/jpshakehead.gif you den screwed up, main... [/QUOTE]I want the music to be had by all...u just better get there b4 I do ;) [/QUOTE]don't worry about me - i think about 5 folk den logged off and are on thei graemlins/grinyes.gif graemlins/rofl.gif r way already...

Jamie 3:26

06-16-2003, 03:01 PM

Guess where I'm goin' after work?? graemlins/rofl.gif

I know about floor piles.That's how I used to come up in Dr. Wax in H-P.I always hit the piles by the door.I have found some shit,I never even on the walls in Hot Jams.The promos are in those piles too.

I never have a problem getting a tune I want there or at Gramaphone.Oscar and Greg are old buddies.Greg usually pulls cuts for me when I ain't even asking for help.The same goes for Hot Jams.I guess you just have to find your way.

MusicFilter

06-16-2003, 03:10 PM

Originally posted by Sensei Melei-1010:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Soulful1015:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Sensei Melei-1010:
It's just hard to fight for vinyl with the staff, their boys, the "in" crowd, and the gen-pop who have hold bags behind the counter they never pick up.
This is funny. I thought you would be part of this group. You deserve to be. It makes me wonder, if people like you aren't part of the "in crowd," then who is? graemlins/rofl.gif BTW, I like which ever one has what I'm looking for. Both of them have their pluses and minuses so ultimately that's the only thing that matters. I am starting to order more and more stuff from Satellite now though.

*quick hijack* Mr. Gray, that DJ Fudge you played Saturday was too sweet. What's the song that you played with female vocals and the bass line from "Peace Pipe" by B.T. Express? [/QUOTE]1015:

I've been a part of the group, both Oscar & Greg give me love when I go there. Over time I just got away from making the drive up there every week. I still got love for them too.

The record you are talking about is Ann Nesby - "Shelter" on God's House Records [/QUOTE]Greg I missed you due to my airport honey pick-up, but can you list your top 10 picks so I know what to buy next time I'm at Gphone or PM me buddy.

I should have gotten some of that chicken you were marinating, hungry and thinkin' about it today.

E-Phi

06-16-2003, 03:11 PM

Originally posted by Ms Rickey X:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by E-Phi:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Ms Rickey X:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by E-Phi:
Yall want to know the secret to G? It's in the bins not on the walls. I have my list when I go in to either store. Always hit the bins at G first and then look around. When at H, hit the records on the floor first. graemlins/grinyes.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif graemlins/jpshakehead.gif you den screwed up, main... [/QUOTE]I want the music to be had by all...u just better get there b4 I do ;) [/QUOTE]don't worry about me - i think about 5 folk den logged off and are on thei graemlins/grinyes.gif graemlins/rofl.gif r way already... [/QUOTE]graemlins/rofl.gif graemlins/bolt.gif

MusicFilter

06-16-2003, 03:12 PM

Originally posted by aKiLa:
why does everone feel the need to be helped out?

i grab a stack of 30 or so records listen em.
keep the ones i like and put back what i don't.
then i do it all over again.
it's really that simple.
and i totally agree with Specter, but then again that brother plays some serious shit that no one else is playing. which is definitely a plus in my book. We all don't have that type of time. Besides that's too many records to put back and bout 60% of those ain't worth buyin' anyway.

alex zen

06-16-2003, 08:13 PM

Originally posted by chgodj3:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by aKiLa:
why does everone feel the need to be helped out?

i grab a stack of 30 or so records listen em.
keep the ones i like and put back what i don't.
then i do it all over again.
it's really that simple.
and i totally agree with Specter, but then again that brother plays some serious shit that no one else is playing. which is definitely a plus in my book. We all don't have that type of time. Besides that's too many records to put back and bout 60% of those ain't worth buyin' anyway. [/QUOTE]this is true. when ever i go to g phone with akila he's there all day. i'll usually go get some food, go shopping, and go home and take a quick nap. when i come back he's still not ready to go.

DOTSmusic

06-16-2003, 08:31 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by alex zen:
this is true. when ever i go to g phone with akila he's there all day. i'll usually go get some food, go shopping, and go home and take a quick nap. when i come back he's still not ready to go.

that's why i have those special aKiLa cuts that
nobody is up on.

you gotta be willing to put in the time and effort to find the cuts if you really want them.
now if you are just looking for the "hot stuff" (that everyone else is playing) i could understand wanting to be directed towards them with the help of the store staff.
but if you are just there to pick up good music whether it's being played out or not, you usually gotta dig.

like i constantly tell people.
a cut only becomes a cut if the jocks are willing to break it.
if no one is playing these more obscure gems, they will just slip into obscurity, unnoticed.

alex zen

06-16-2003, 10:03 PM

Originally posted by aKiLa:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by alex zen:
this is true. when ever i go to g phone with akila he's there all day. i'll usually go get some food, go shopping, and go home and take a quick nap. when i come back he's still not ready to go.

that's why i have those special aKiLa cuts that
nobody is up on.

you gotta be willing to put in the time and effort to find the cuts if you really want them.
now if you are just looking for the "hot stuff" (that everyone else is playing) i could understand wanting to be directed towards them with the help of the store staff.
but if you are just there to pick up good music whether it's being played out or not, you usually gotta dig.

like i constantly tell people.
a cut only becomes a cut if the jocks are willing to break it.
if no one is playing these more obscure gems, they will just slip into obscurity, unnoticed. also, after i come back, akila always has a nice stack for me graemlins/beerchug.gif