This story from the 78 is tucked within the bustling heart of West Town, a unique “micro” record shop has taken root inside the neighborhood staple, Standing Passengers. Yes, you read that correctly—“micro.” This tiny treasure trove, called Somebody Else’s Records, features six carefully curated crates of vinyl nestled next to the pastry display case at 1458 W. Chicago Ave., where Standing Passengers has been serving the community since 2016.

Despite its size, the collection packs a punch with an eclectic mix of Chicago essentials, jazz, Afrobeat, and Chicago house, alongside classic rock gems. Every selection is handpicked, creating a rotation of records that feels fresh and purposeful.

Somebody Else’s Records is the vision of Jordan Knecht, a Chicago-based DJ with monthly residencies at hotspots like Sportsman’s Club in Ukrainian Village and Parachute HiFi in Avondale. The vinyl inventory comes from the personal collections of Knecht and four other local DJs and collectors: DJ Material, Tommy Kladis, Dud Lawson, and Joey Dwyer. To enhance the vibe, these DJs will also spin live sets at Standing Passengers on select Saturdays throughout January and February.

The shop aims to keep vinyl affordable, with prices ranging from $5 to $50. Knecht envisions the shop sticking around “indefinitely,” with sellers rotating in and out over time to keep the offerings dynamic.

Operating during Standing Passengers’ regular hours—7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays—customers can grab a latte or a pastry while browsing the crates. Updates on available records and DJ events can be found on Somebody Else’s Instagram.

For West Town residents and vinyl enthusiasts, Somebody Else’s Records offers a fresh spin on the classic record shop experience—compact, curated, and filled with character.

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