Record Store Day 2013 is upon us. Even if you aren’t participating in the vinyl resurgence, RSD offers more for music fans than just vinyl. Artists release vinyl, CD and sometimes even cassette tapes for the occasion. But you don’t even need to spend money to participate. Record Store Day isn’t about vinyl or digital; it’s about music lovers of all ages and flavors coming together to celebrate the independent music merchants. The stores I’ve visited during the last few Record Store Days become hangouts, just like they used to be. Many serve food and drink and encourage everyone to stay, chat about music and just enjoy the company of complete strangers as crazy (and often crazier) about music than you. On Saturday, April 20th (or Friday night even!), go forth, be one with the obsessive music lovers. I bet you’ll have a good conversation or two.
For those new to RSD, I’ll share a few of my tips for enjoying the festivities.
As I mentioned, artists release RECORD STORE DAY ONLY EXCLUSIVES to catalyze the merrymaking and commerce.
A complete list of the RSD-only titles can be found here on the RSD13 website. Or download the handy .pdf for reference during your shopping.
If you’re pining over a particular RECORD STORE DAY EXCLUSIVE, find a store opening at midnight.
Many of these RSD releases are quite-to-extremely limited. Some are regional only. A rare and/or popular release will sell fast. The only way to be sure is get your butt out to a participating record store on Friday evening and know what you want. Get there before midnight because there will be a line. Also, most people working a Record Store Day midnight event will be happy to point you in the direction of a particular disc. If you’re familiar with record store filing methods, a clerk’s assistance might prove invaluable.
Even if you don’t care about the exclusives (or your store doesn’t participate in selling exclusives), many stores have specials, sales and still participate in the festivities.
Stores that only carry used vinyl often offer sales or grab bag crates of random vinyl. I can almost guarantee that your favorite local record store will participate in some fashion. When in doubt, give ’em a call. Or just use the day as a good reason to show up and browse the racks.
Here’s a preview video to get you excited.
Record Store Day 2013 Preview 2 from Record Store Day on Vimeo.
In case you were wondering, here’s my list of titles I’m interested in. And yes, I’ll be out Friday night to share the midnight madness.
This is just a quick sampling of the titles I’ll be looking for. I won’t get them all. I’ll get some that aren’t listed here… (because this list doesn’t even include regional stuff)… but this is my gameplan that will surely change when faced with the piles and piles of vinyl. I believe they call this freeballin’. And if they don’t, that’s a shame.
At The Drive-In Relationship of Command RSD Exclusive Re-issue
The Avett Brothers and Randy Travis Music From CMT Crossroads
Brendan Benson Diamond
Cheech & Chong featuring Alice Bowie Earache My Eye & Turn That Thing Down (Green 45 RPM Vinyl/Picture Sleeve
The Cure Kiss me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me
Calexico Spiritoso
Cut Copy Bright Like Neon Love
The Dave Brubeck Trio Distinctive Rhythm Instrumentals (Fantasy 3-2)
Hanni El Khatib Skinny Little Girl / Pay No Mind
Herman Dune Monument Park
Fitz & The Tantrums Out Of My League
Foals Holy Fire
Grouplove/Frightened Rabbit/Manchester Orchestra Architech/Make It To Me
Imagine Dragons Live at Independent Records
The Joy Formidable A Minute’s Silence
Tift Merritt Markings
Mumford & Sons Live at Bull Moose
Portugal. The Man Church Mouth
Garbage Because The Night 10 inch
Frightened Rabbit Midnight Organ Fight Special RSD Edition Reissue
Miles Davis Round About Midnight
The Roots Things Fall Apart 12 inch LP (2)
Have fun! And if you go out, tweet me (@30hertzrumble) your hauls and/or experience.