There's nothing like the feeling you get when you've just picked up some new music that you haven't heard yet. A certain level of anticipation as you unwrap the plastic from that CD, tape, record and pull it out of it's case/cover. Put it into the player, lay down the needle, or cue up the track. Then you hit play and the sounds come through the speakers for the first time. It's a reward, this took some effort to obtain. It wasn't a point and click download. You had to go somewhere, walk around and pick it up and drive home to play it (or maybe you only made it into the car, but still). As you listen you hold the case and look at the cover art, reading the liner notes. It's in your hands, you can touch it. It's a physical experience.
Now you can go to a big box store and get a CD, and have a similar experience after you walk out the door. But unlike your local record store, you can't talk to the owner and get his opinions on what you want to buy, hang out all day and make friends with everyone who walks in, find an old gem of a record hidden amongst the rest, and perhaps discover a new artist that will become your favorite of all time because the big guys just don't carry it. You also will have a hard time finding anything much on vinyl or cassette or any other format other than CD.
Record Store Day was founded in 2007 "as a celebration of the unique culture surrounding over 700 independently owned record stores in the USA, and hundreds of similar stores internationally... This is the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music."
So this Saturday, April 16th, independent record stores all over the world are going all out to show us a good time and have a little fun. A ton of artists are issuing one day only pressings of new music and re-releases on vinyl and CD exclusively available in the record stores. Also, many stores themselves are having in-store performances, meet and greats, and appearances throughout the day. There a quite a few happening in and around Philadelphia so check the listings information below.
Make sure you get out to your local independent record store on Saturday, browse the stacks, talk to the owner, make some friends, and buy some music.
Also be sure to tell us about your Record Store Day stories here.
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Welcome! This is a new Philadelphia gathering. The music is always on, so find a radio station and enjoy. Start listening now for FREE! There’s usually a conversation in The Post you’ll find interesting. If not, join and start one. You can find Events or Businesses in and around Philly and you can list yours here for free. There are also great opportunities to become a sponsor or advertise. We’re designing the radio stations and iradiophilly to reflect your tastes, so we’ll want your input. We’re glad you’re here. Invite your friends.
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