JL Records — Attraction in West Lafayette

I gave JL a review three years ago when I first started to semi-seriously collect records and I feel I need to revisit it to properly iterate my deep gratitude and respect for this place (Included below is my original review in brackets). I have been to several record stores throughout the Midwest and none really compare to JL. As I stated in my original review, the used CD and DVD prices are a little high, but what is one of JL’s strongest attributes is that they have it. Their CD selection is so large that I am sometimes overwhelmed at how much I could add to my collection in a single visit. From Dead Kennedy’s live shows to Bill Evans soft ballads, it is all there. Furthermore, each disc is cleaned before it hits the floor so you’re rarely ever going to get something that skips; expanding on quality, the records upstairs. Some people have stated that some of the prices are a tad bit high, but you’re paying for quality and a tediously curated selection that puts other music stores to shame. You don’t pull one of their used records out of a sleeve to find scratches or something that has been ran through a wet cleaner so many times to make it “appear” mint just to find out when you get home, those scratches still might as well be there. You take that record out of the sleeve and marvel at its great condition. And if it isn’t, it has been priced accordingly. Some of my favorite albums in my collection have come used from here and they always sound as they should. Also they constantly have dope foreign imports and more obscure releases you don’t see in too many other shops. Not to mention you can special order through them! Just like the old days. It’s an awesome thing that I think we as a society have now taken for granted. In closing, this type of business is something we have all taken for granted and let big box stores destroy. This is what shopping should be, great selection, knowledgeable and caring staff, prices that reflect what prices at a private owned business should be, and a haven for those who crave the physicality that has been run out of our lives. I implore you, visit. Pop in and buy a cd, a record or maybe a tape, peep the artifacts and memorabilia on the walls, ask for advice on a proper turntable, question Dan about his favorite Misfits record, and maybe have Hunter pick you out the wildest Jazz record they have. I hope when I’m on my death bed, I can pass on happy knowing JL will still be selling copies of “Living in Darkness” to the weird punk kid in high school.

[Although a little pricy on the cds and DVD’s, if you want a copy of something this place has got it! If I am ever in desperate need of a copy of a movie or cd I can always bank on them having it. And you could not ask for a better priced selection of used records. I got Carole King’s Rhymes and Reasons for 5 dollars! A steal dude, definitely will be...

I was sold a new record, but it was broken when I opened it. They would not issue a refund even though they sold me a record that won’t play. They offered an exchange, but their selection was lacking so I couldn’t find anything to replace it. Don’t come here unless you’d like to be sold a broken record!

Edit: I apologize for misinterpreting the sign at the front of the store that reads something like “the difference between JL records and other shops is that our records play”. I assumed since that sign was wrong, they would allow for a refund but that was not the case. I would have preferred a non-damaged replacement but I was told it would take 6+ weeks. I looked for 20-30 minutes for other records that total to $26 but I was only able to find one that cost $9. I have a collection of 100+ records, so I am searching for specific ones. JL records doesn’t have a fantastic selection of oldies, so I wasn’t able to find anything else that I don’t own. I am not a scammer, I just want a record that plays. As for the customer I talked to, all I said was “be careful, they’ll sell you a broken record”. Nothing scary in my opinion. I am disappointed by the fact that JL records does not seem to have quality control procedures in place to prevent a situation like this from happening. You all can keep the $19 in store credit for all I care.

Edit 2: I appreciate JL records taking down their response implying I was a scammer & claiming I was scaring...

They helped me when I didn't know where to go with a home made album from my dad's 1960 era jazz band covered in paper dust or whatever else, not played since the late 60s. I thought it was shelac. Not only did they clean it and others from his college band, they had it playing when I walked in, and showed me the equipment used to make such a record and put his home recording on cd so that my dad will be able to hear music at a time band members have passed. They made extra one he'll be able to share with a close friend too. I may not have willpower to hold off to Christmas to give it to him. No where else could help me with this but JL knew all about this strange looking album type and helped me in a day! Also that store I could have spent our entire vacation exploring. Edit: I read a few other reviews concerned with price comparing with Discogs. BS. I bought new quality cds at JLs one, I couldn't find on Discogs, but not comparable (and Vons is great for some music but not the genre selection of JLs). The staff at JLs is so informed on vinyl but also all types of music and recordings. They shared so I can enjoy knowing the story behind the music. Having teamwork to provide me perspective of three experts in the store, being able to help with hopeless recordings, Please pay to have professionals advising you and keep them employed for when you need that advice. Plus the prices I paid were...