Do you love the sound of vinyl? The look, the feel of it? How about fantastic sales and free stuff? Even if you’re not a record collector, this year’s Record Store Day is sure to have something for everyone.
The fourth-annual celebration takes place Saturday. Independent record stores around the world will feature exclusive record releases, giveaways and in-store performances. Bull Moose Music in Portland and Newbury Comics in South Portland are both participating stores.
Originally conceived by Chris Brown, vice president of operations at Bull Moose Music, in 2007, Saturday’s event has blossomed into an amazing opportunity for independent retailers across the globe.
“In only four years, Record Store Day has turned into a worldwide party that celebrates real CD stores and the people who shop there,” Brown said.
This year, over 250 CDs and records were produced exclusively for Record Store Day. Sean Carroll, manager of the Newbury Comics store in South Portland, is most excited for the limited edition Wild Flag 7 inch.
Wild Flag is an all-girl indie rock band that features former members of The Minders, Helium and the highly influential punk rock group Sleater-Kinney. The record is one of many releases that are exclusives to Record Store Day. “I love record stores, and a world without them seems like a really sad world to me,” said Carroll.
One of the most locally-anticipated releases is The Decemberists’ limited edition EP, “Live at Bull Moose.” The seven-track album was recorded live at the Scarborough Bull Moose back in January. The EP will include songs from their previous album “The King is Dead” as well as the song “If I Could Only Win Your Love,” a cover of The Louvin Brothers.
“The whole vinyl interest increase may be a fad,” said Shawn Lawrence, owner of Sounds Absurd, a record store in Portland, “But aside from the general public there has always been a die-hard vinyl community since the demise of the LP in the 80s.”
This Saturday is a chance for many of us to show appreciation for those who sell music independently. For Lawrence, the best thing about being an independent record retailer is “getting by doing something you love and know well.”
Record Store Day continues to grow in popularity with music lovers everywhere. “I think that the reason Record Store Day has grown so quickly is because it’s a lot of fun for everyone involved,” explained Brown in an email. “Stores, bands and record labels [have the chance] to do something awesome for music fans.”
Record Store Day Staff Picks:
Anna Flemke, A&E Staff Writer
Jenny and Johnny/Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels Featuring Emmylou Harris:
‘Love Hurts’ 7-inch:
“This 7” is part of the Side By Side Series, exclusive to Record Store Day. One side features an original artist track, and the other side is a cover. “Love Hurts” is such a great song and I love Jenny Lewis’ voice. Totally a win-win record.”
Kevin Steeves, A&E Editor
‘Third/Sister Lovers’ Test-Pressing
“With so many exclusive releases, it might be more than daring to say that Big Star’s test-pressing release is the most anticipated. But, Big Star was no ordinary band, and “Third/Sister Lovers” is no ordinary record. Although it was commercial failure during its initial release in 1978, the legacy of the album has surpassed everyone’s expectations and has consistently ranked as one of the greatest albums in history by the likes of Rolling Stone and NME. Plus! Every 300 copies of this release will contain an original test-pressing of the album from the 1970s.”
Paul Koenig, Executive Editor
“Bad Brain’s first recorded single, with “Pay to Cum” on side A with “Stay Close to Me” on the flip side, is the quintessential example of what the band did best — ferocious punk rock alongside catchy reggae songs.”
Editor’s Note: The print version and original online article incorrectly cited Bull Moose Music as Bullmoose Music. Corrections have been made to the online version to reflect this error.
“In only four years, Record Store Day has turned into a worldwide party that celebrates real CD stores and the people who shop there,” Brown said.
-Real CD stores? How about actual record stores?!