What started in 2008 by a collection of indie record store owners as a way to bring attention to the “unique culture” inherent to stand-alone brick and mortar record shops, Record Store Day has now grown to include over 700 independently owned record stores in the U.S. and thousands more internationally. Each year, many of the major labels and numerous indies have issued special limited-edition releases to bring further attention to Record Store Day. This year’s celebration, which takes place this Saturday, April 20, continues the tradition.
Releases are divided into three categories: those exclusively available on RSD at RSD participating stores; those with limited runs and/or regional focus; and RSD “First” releases that will subsequently be available elsewhere. The majority of the new stuff is on vinyl.
Among the scores of releases, covering all genres: a Gary Clark, Jr. 12” of “When My Train Comes In” (live/album version) in three different colors; a live CD of The Gaslight Anthem’s Handwritten album; a 7” of two unreleased songs from Bob Dylan’s Self Portrait sessions; a 10” from Fitz and the Tantrums; a 1,500-unit pressing of a three-LP live set from Cream, Royal Albert Hall, London 2005; an ep of four unreleased songs from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.’s upcoming album; and a 12” from The xx.
The complete list is available HERE.
Origami Vinyl in Los Angeles, open since 2009 has seen its RSD business grow “exponentially” over the years, said owner Neil Schield. He calls his 400-square-foot store a “major flag bearer in LA” for the effort, which “draws people from all over the place.” Schield carries a majority of the releases each year. This year, he’s again hosting several live performances as well as DJ sets from local radio station KCRW.
Origami’s regulars are excited for a diverse assortment: the deluxe vinyl re-release of Phish’s Lawn Boy, a 250-piece limited edition 7” from Hanni El Khatib, a Brian Eno-Nicolas Jaar collaboration, and a split 7” from Chelsea Wolfe and King Dude, with the artists covering each other’s songs.
John Schlapak, long-time owner (since 1979) of indie shop Music Merchant in Westwood, NJ, has participated in Record Store Day since its start and eagerly anticipates it. “It gets bigger and bigger every year,” Schlapak told BestNewBands.com, noting the surge in vinyl purchases. “People are gobbling up vinyl as fast as I get it in the shop. Vinyl sales have seen a renaissance among both older and younger buyers,” some as young as eighth graders, he added.
Music Merchant has high expectations for a vinyl release of Grateful Dead’s Rare Cuts & Oddities 1966, a Mumford and Sons Live From Bull Moose 10” and the Phish album, among others for his suburban customers.
The Record Store Day team reminds the public that not all stores will carry all releases, and that all releases are limited and may sell out. We’ll give the final word to Jack White, Record Store Day 2013 Ambassador:
JACK WHITE: RECORD STORE DAY 2013 AMBASSADOR from Record Store Day on Vimeo.
