Record Store Day 2013
April 19, 2013 10:21 AM Subscribe
Record Store Day encourages music lovers to support their independent record store on the third Saturday of April. Since 2008, the day has been growing in popularity, and this year more than 700 stores across the U.S. are participating.
This year’s batch of vinyl goodies include exclusive offerings from David Bowie, The XX, Double Dagger, Brian Eno x Nicolas Jaar x Grizzly Bear, Built to Spill, Mumford & Sons, The Rolling Stones, Pulp (After You), Pink Floyd, GZA (Liquid Swords album — packaged in a box that doubles as a Chess Set), Bob Dylan, Stephen Malkmus And Friends (covering Can's Ege Bamyasi) the White Stripes, the Grateful Dead (Rare Cuts and Oddities 1966) and Notorious B.I.G. (1994 debut album, Ready to Die, will be reissued as a 2-LP numbered white vinyl set with an alternate cover). MGMT are even releasing a cassette featuring a new track, "Alien Days." It will also come with a download code, in case you can't find your cassette deck or old Walkman.
This year’s batch of vinyl goodies include exclusive offerings from David Bowie, The XX, Double Dagger, Brian Eno x Nicolas Jaar x Grizzly Bear, Built to Spill, Mumford & Sons, The Rolling Stones, Pulp (After You), Pink Floyd, GZA (Liquid Swords album — packaged in a box that doubles as a Chess Set), Bob Dylan, Stephen Malkmus And Friends (covering Can's Ege Bamyasi) the White Stripes, the Grateful Dead (Rare Cuts and Oddities 1966) and Notorious B.I.G. (1994 debut album, Ready to Die, will be reissued as a 2-LP numbered white vinyl set with an alternate cover). MGMT are even releasing a cassette featuring a new track, "Alien Days." It will also come with a download code, in case you can't find your cassette deck or old Walkman.
I'm told if you're in Boulder the trick is to swing by Absolute Vinyl early while everyone else is mobbing Albums on the Hill for the shiny stuff.
Of course, I'm told this by Doug at Absolute Vinyl, so maybe my sources are a touch biased.
posted by brennen at 10:31 AM on April 19, 2013
Of course, I'm told this by Doug at Absolute Vinyl, so maybe my sources are a touch biased.
posted by brennen at 10:31 AM on April 19, 2013
P.S. the Built to Spill link goes to a Mumford & Sons release. Which is an unforgiveable sin FYI.
posted by naju at 10:35 AM on April 19, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by naju at 10:35 AM on April 19, 2013 [4 favorites]
The thing that bugs me about Record Store Day is that it is the 3rd Saturday of April, but, as we all know, Rex Manning Day was on the 2nd Saturday of April. So close and yet so far.
posted by ckape at 10:35 AM on April 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by ckape at 10:35 AM on April 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
They would have to schedule it on the weekend I have my capstone project due. :(
posted by Strange Interlude at 10:37 AM on April 19, 2013
posted by Strange Interlude at 10:37 AM on April 19, 2013
I'm told that the thing to do is develop personal relationships with the labels you love the most so that when you have to fucking work on Saturday you can still get a copy of their release from their private stash. At least that's what I've done.
posted by OmieWise at 10:38 AM on April 19, 2013
posted by OmieWise at 10:38 AM on April 19, 2013
Don't forget the awesome Frankie Goes To Hollywood ZTT shaped picture disc.
posted by mykescipark at 10:40 AM on April 19, 2013
posted by mykescipark at 10:40 AM on April 19, 2013
And Soundfix in Williamsburg is having their closing-down party that day. :-(
posted by Decani at 10:40 AM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Decani at 10:40 AM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Should I get Zaireeka on vinyl? Will I ever get the chance to even play it on 4 record players simultaneously?
My place! Monday!
posted by mintcake! at 10:43 AM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
My place! Monday!
posted by mintcake! at 10:43 AM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I LOVE Record Store Day! Super excited for tomorrow! *bouncy bouncy*
posted by jillithd at 10:48 AM on April 19, 2013
posted by jillithd at 10:48 AM on April 19, 2013
I'll be queuing up at Vintage Vinyl in NJ if anyone wants to say hi/talk about Rundgren label variations.
I am super excited about the Oval reissues.
posted by mintcake! at 10:49 AM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I am super excited about the Oval reissues.
posted by mintcake! at 10:49 AM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Another limited edition vinyl for Record Store: Garbage and Screaming Females doing a cover of Because the Night, which I almost posted here as a FPP yesterday because fuck yes.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 10:56 AM on April 19, 2013 [6 favorites]
posted by MCMikeNamara at 10:56 AM on April 19, 2013 [6 favorites]
Do we look like the kind of store that sells I Just Called to Say I Love You? Go to the mall.
posted by Smedleyman at 11:02 AM on April 19, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by Smedleyman at 11:02 AM on April 19, 2013 [4 favorites]
I'm hoping to grab both the Built To Spill - Live release and the re-release of At The Drive In - Relationship of Command. As well as my free box of Records from Jerry's. One of the few good things I can say about Pittsburgh is that we have some decent record stores - Jerry's, The Attic, Desolation Row, Sound Cat, Eide's...
posted by namewithoutwords at 11:10 AM on April 19, 2013
posted by namewithoutwords at 11:10 AM on April 19, 2013
More like Avoid Record Store Day. I love browsing for LPs but it's just not enjoyable when the store is mobbed. They need to release this limited edition stuff out over the course of a week, otherwise it just seems gimmicky. The owners of the stores I've talked to say they never get enough of what they order (if they get it at all), and the queuing up for hours to flash mob these usually tiny places is kind of obnoxious.
Also, I thought the Beta Band's Three EPs where going to be reissued, but I guess that was just a rumor. Looking forward to the Elvis Costello/Roots LP, Liquid Swords, Psychocandy, and a few other things.
posted by WhitenoisE at 11:24 AM on April 19, 2013
Also, I thought the Beta Band's Three EPs where going to be reissued, but I guess that was just a rumor. Looking forward to the Elvis Costello/Roots LP, Liquid Swords, Psychocandy, and a few other things.
posted by WhitenoisE at 11:24 AM on April 19, 2013
They need to release this limited edition stuff out over the course of a week, otherwise it just seems gimmicky.
Is it anything but?
posted by mykescipark at 11:31 AM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Is it anything but?
posted by mykescipark at 11:31 AM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Gimmick or not, the idea behind it was nice but the execution has been extremely lacking.
Also, reissue the fucking Kinks albums already. The GOOD ones.
posted by WhitenoisE at 11:37 AM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Also, reissue the fucking Kinks albums already. The GOOD ones.
posted by WhitenoisE at 11:37 AM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm not a fan of the collector-bait limited releases that get most of the RSD attention, but I fully support any excuse to get people talking about the importance of independent retailers and to get more people through their doors. That first hour is a little touch and go as everyone jockeys to get the most collectible pieces, but after that my experience is that RSD brings out the best in music fans and there's a camaraderie that is sadly getting harder to find.
My personal RSD goal is not to come home with a stack of limited editions to horde and/or resell. It's to come home with at least five records that I did not know I needed to own when I left the house that morning. That and to get a little giddy joining a whole bunch of music nerds hanging out together.
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 11:41 AM on April 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
My personal RSD goal is not to come home with a stack of limited editions to horde and/or resell. It's to come home with at least five records that I did not know I needed to own when I left the house that morning. That and to get a little giddy joining a whole bunch of music nerds hanging out together.
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 11:41 AM on April 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
Record stores need gimmicks these days to pull kids away from their iPods. The Electric Fetus in my town will have live bands playing all day plus food and drinks and then, you know, we get to buy stuff, too!
Going through the list of specials, I'm excited about the Willy Mason & Brendan Benson one. I loved Willy Mason when he toured a year or two ago with Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan. Here he is singing with Isobel on Cool Water. (At least, I *think* that's the same guy.)
And Mike WATT! You can never have enough Mike Watt.
Did I say Mark Lanegan?
Oh, man, I think I might be getting in trouble tomorrow.
posted by jillithd at 11:41 AM on April 19, 2013
Going through the list of specials, I'm excited about the Willy Mason & Brendan Benson one. I loved Willy Mason when he toured a year or two ago with Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan. Here he is singing with Isobel on Cool Water. (At least, I *think* that's the same guy.)
And Mike WATT! You can never have enough Mike Watt.
Did I say Mark Lanegan?
Oh, man, I think I might be getting in trouble tomorrow.
posted by jillithd at 11:41 AM on April 19, 2013
WhitenoisE, depending on where you are, you can find the new stuff in stores in the week to come, due to lack of mobbing. At least, I had such luck last year in my former hometown. The most-desired stuff was gone in the first hours of Saturday, but I dropped in on Monday and still picked up a few gems.
Anyway, it is a gimmick to get people to go to record stores, by only offering special releases in independent brick-and-mortar music shops, though there are always online shops that have a good stock of the material, too.
Also of note: this isn't a US-only event, though the US has the most participating stores.
If rarities on vinyl is your thing, you might also enjoy the UK project, Beat Delete, an effort to get crowd-funded support to re-press albums. It's an effort spear-headed by Ninja Tune in the wake of the 2011 London riots (MetaFilter thread), which destroyed the Sony-DADC warehouse in Edmonton, home to many indie-label physical releases. Less gimmicky, more about getting the music you love.
posted by filthy light thief at 11:44 AM on April 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
Anyway, it is a gimmick to get people to go to record stores, by only offering special releases in independent brick-and-mortar music shops, though there are always online shops that have a good stock of the material, too.
Also of note: this isn't a US-only event, though the US has the most participating stores.
If rarities on vinyl is your thing, you might also enjoy the UK project, Beat Delete, an effort to get crowd-funded support to re-press albums. It's an effort spear-headed by Ninja Tune in the wake of the 2011 London riots (MetaFilter thread), which destroyed the Sony-DADC warehouse in Edmonton, home to many indie-label physical releases. Less gimmicky, more about getting the music you love.
posted by filthy light thief at 11:44 AM on April 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
Gimmicky, perhaps, but 'colored vinyl reissues of records you love' is a pretty great way to get me excited quickly. I'm tired of the grousing with this - my bloated Visa bill is a shining beacon to how much love I give my indie labels & distros & people taking a shot with 100 copies of a record on Bandcamp all year long. I can't be psyched about this too?
posted by mintcake! at 11:48 AM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by mintcake! at 11:48 AM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Please tell me they are doing CDs, too.
I buy, well, more music than anyone I know personally. I go to concerts. But, really, I'm not going to buy vinyl (or cassette, which seems to have re-trended). Sometimes, I'll go on a discography site to discover that a band has released something on vinyl and MP3, and while it isn't quite a personal fuck you from the band, it does say, "I hope you love lossy. Here is stuff which is either degraded already or will degrade as you play it" to me.
I'll even take a crappily burned CD-R, if only so I can reburn it to a nice, archival quality CD. Vinyl, though, means that I'll have to find a sealed copy, then put it with the others, awaiting the day I can get a decent conversion to CD. It's big. It's far easier to mangle, as a physical medium, than CDs. Scratches, distortion, dust.
CDs have their own problems, but they suit me pretty well, and I just don't get the need to avoid CD releases. Is it a primitive DRM scheme?
posted by adipocere at 11:59 AM on April 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
I buy, well, more music than anyone I know personally. I go to concerts. But, really, I'm not going to buy vinyl (or cassette, which seems to have re-trended). Sometimes, I'll go on a discography site to discover that a band has released something on vinyl and MP3, and while it isn't quite a personal fuck you from the band, it does say, "I hope you love lossy. Here is stuff which is either degraded already or will degrade as you play it" to me.
I'll even take a crappily burned CD-R, if only so I can reburn it to a nice, archival quality CD. Vinyl, though, means that I'll have to find a sealed copy, then put it with the others, awaiting the day I can get a decent conversion to CD. It's big. It's far easier to mangle, as a physical medium, than CDs. Scratches, distortion, dust.
CDs have their own problems, but they suit me pretty well, and I just don't get the need to avoid CD releases. Is it a primitive DRM scheme?
posted by adipocere at 11:59 AM on April 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
The hallmark holiday for bigger record labels.
posted by Burgatron at 12:05 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Burgatron at 12:05 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
naju:P.S. the Built to Spill link goes to a Mumford & Sons release. Which is an unforgiveable sin FYI.
Here, at least, is a better Mumford & Sons link.
posted by mc2000 at 12:08 PM on April 19, 2013
Here, at least, is a better Mumford & Sons link.
posted by mc2000 at 12:08 PM on April 19, 2013
adipocere, the list of special Record Store Day releases includes 14 CDs, a few cassettes, but it is mostly vinyl. Some of that is just old material re-issued on vinyl, so I don't think you're actually missing out on as many releases as you might think. Anyway, there are um, venues, for finding lossless copies of those exclusive records you've bought but don't have the equipment to properly digitize.
The hallmark holiday for bigger record labels.
I think you mean bigger indie record labels. Sure, there are some releases by major labels, but most are not.
posted by filthy light thief at 12:11 PM on April 19, 2013
The hallmark holiday for bigger record labels.
I think you mean bigger indie record labels. Sure, there are some releases by major labels, but most are not.
posted by filthy light thief at 12:11 PM on April 19, 2013
My bigger annoyance isn't at RSD, but at my new state: there are only 4 shops in New Mexico that are officially taking part in RSD. I'm not sure if I'm really up to drive to one of the two near-by shops in the hopes they actually (still) have anything I want. Otherwise, I'll just come home with more old vinyl, like the last time I visited those shops. It's not a bad thing, but it's times like this that I miss California.
posted by filthy light thief at 12:14 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by filthy light thief at 12:14 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I buy, well, more music than anyone I know personally. I go to concerts. But, really, I'm not going to buy vinyl (or cassette, which seems to have re-trended). Sometimes, I'll go on a discography site to discover that a band has released something on vinyl and MP3, and while it isn't quite a personal fuck you from the band, it does say, "I hope you love lossy. Here is stuff which is either degraded already or will degrade as you play it" to me.
I own a stack of 30 or 40 year-old records that sound pretty great. It's noticeable that a lot of my late-90s CDs are basically shot.
The CD was always kind of a lousy format, in purely physical terms, and at this stage in its lifecycle one starts to notice that it has all the archival virtues of a coffee-stained Post-It note written in Sharpie and left in the sun too long. Pretty much everyone I know seems to be moving in the direction of "stream stuff or own it on a format more interesting in technofetishist terms than CD". I understand why people who've invested in the format a bunch would hold on to it, and more power to 'em, but I won't pause to mourn the CD release when it finally dies.
Here, at least, is a better Mumford & Sons link.
Yeah, fuck Mark E. Smith and his opinion. Perhaps his band is good. Maybe someday I'll bother to find out. Meanwhile, I'm entirely certain it renders me uncool, just totally beyond the fucking pale of uncool, but I like the thing that Mumford & co. do, and I'll probably continue to like it, and hey, why not trade wholesale vehement dickheaded dismissal for same.
posted by brennen at 12:16 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I own a stack of 30 or 40 year-old records that sound pretty great. It's noticeable that a lot of my late-90s CDs are basically shot.
The CD was always kind of a lousy format, in purely physical terms, and at this stage in its lifecycle one starts to notice that it has all the archival virtues of a coffee-stained Post-It note written in Sharpie and left in the sun too long. Pretty much everyone I know seems to be moving in the direction of "stream stuff or own it on a format more interesting in technofetishist terms than CD". I understand why people who've invested in the format a bunch would hold on to it, and more power to 'em, but I won't pause to mourn the CD release when it finally dies.
Here, at least, is a better Mumford & Sons link.
Yeah, fuck Mark E. Smith and his opinion. Perhaps his band is good. Maybe someday I'll bother to find out. Meanwhile, I'm entirely certain it renders me uncool, just totally beyond the fucking pale of uncool, but I like the thing that Mumford & co. do, and I'll probably continue to like it, and hey, why not trade wholesale vehement dickheaded dismissal for same.
posted by brennen at 12:16 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Has anyone leaked what the surprise single is? There are rumors that it's Frank Sinatra on one side and Bette Midler on the flip.
posted by pxe2000 at 12:17 PM on April 19, 2013
posted by pxe2000 at 12:17 PM on April 19, 2013
Record Store Day is what singlehandedly keeps small record stores out of the red throughout the rest of the year. I don't give a shit how gimmicky it is.
posted by naju at 12:19 PM on April 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by naju at 12:19 PM on April 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
I love my nearby record store, and try to go there to buy music when I can, but as much fun as Record Store Day sounds I have never made it to said store on said day because waiting in line forever (either with 4-year-old, or leaving wife home alone with said 4-year-old) does not sound like an enjoyable time.
I'm not into the vinyl (largely because I don't have a turntable - I have some records I stole from my dad's collection when I left for college, but haven't ever had means to play them). I will happily buy some of the new releases from bands I like. But I will wait to support the store on a different date.
I'm afraid that RSD is becoming "Stand in line behind a whole bunch of people trying to score this album just to resell it for a profit instead of letting those who would actually love to listen to it get any chance to buy it themselves" day. If it hasn't already.
posted by caution live frogs at 12:38 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm not into the vinyl (largely because I don't have a turntable - I have some records I stole from my dad's collection when I left for college, but haven't ever had means to play them). I will happily buy some of the new releases from bands I like. But I will wait to support the store on a different date.
I'm afraid that RSD is becoming "Stand in line behind a whole bunch of people trying to score this album just to resell it for a profit instead of letting those who would actually love to listen to it get any chance to buy it themselves" day. If it hasn't already.
posted by caution live frogs at 12:38 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Any gimmick that produces this is a gimmick I'll line up at the very crack of dawn to be exploited by.
posted by multics at 12:49 PM on April 19, 2013
posted by multics at 12:49 PM on April 19, 2013
But, really, I'm not going to buy vinyl
In an ideal world, I'd buy nothing but vinyl, but storage is my problem. CDs are a good enough alternative to either the whoops-there-goes-my-hard-drive ephemerality of data or to surrendering my house to the record crates. Still, I should call my local and reserve copies of the Oval records. So hard to say no to them. But what I really want are lossless accompanying digital downloads.
posted by octobersurprise at 12:57 PM on April 19, 2013
In an ideal world, I'd buy nothing but vinyl, but storage is my problem. CDs are a good enough alternative to either the whoops-there-goes-my-hard-drive ephemerality of data or to surrendering my house to the record crates. Still, I should call my local and reserve copies of the Oval records. So hard to say no to them. But what I really want are lossless accompanying digital downloads.
posted by octobersurprise at 12:57 PM on April 19, 2013
Filppers gonna flip. Not much you can do except figure out who they are on line and give them a hard time all morning. (I'm looking at you 'DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE PHISH RECORDS WHY CAN'T I BUY MORE THAN ONE I WANT THREE FREE TOTE BAGS WAAAAAAAH" dude from last year. I hope you enjoyed all those Frogs songs I sang at you all morning.)
posted by mintcake! at 1:04 PM on April 19, 2013
posted by mintcake! at 1:04 PM on April 19, 2013
Lots of quality this year but the only thing I MUST HAVE is the Pulp 12" and I will cut you with a razor tomorrow if you get in my fucking way.
posted by Senor Cardgage at 1:21 PM on April 19, 2013
posted by Senor Cardgage at 1:21 PM on April 19, 2013
I think that gorgeous Psychocandy reissue is also UK-only.
posted by mintcake! at 1:24 PM on April 19, 2013
posted by mintcake! at 1:24 PM on April 19, 2013
Or just wait a couple of days and get it from a torrent.
What?
posted by MartinWisse at 1:24 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
What?
posted by MartinWisse at 1:24 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I only buy vinyl, not counting this new Daft Punk mp3.
Im not an audiophile or anything. Its just a thing that I really enjoy.
Besides it Im mainly a digital guy, but I got this amazing wood cabinet console at a yard sale last year and it has made all my record playing dreams come true.
posted by Senor Cardgage at 1:32 PM on April 19, 2013
Im not an audiophile or anything. Its just a thing that I really enjoy.
Besides it Im mainly a digital guy, but I got this amazing wood cabinet console at a yard sale last year and it has made all my record playing dreams come true.
posted by Senor Cardgage at 1:32 PM on April 19, 2013
And Soundfix in Williamsburg is having their closing-down party that day. :-(
It's too bad -- they were an awesome little record store. All stuff you'd never heard of, with great little reviews to help you pick out something unknown to you.
Their move off the main drag couldn't have helped. They wound up in a much better space, but with a lot less visibility. Still -- if a store like that couldn't survive in Brooklyn...
So long, Soundfix. You will be missed.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:40 PM on April 19, 2013
It's too bad -- they were an awesome little record store. All stuff you'd never heard of, with great little reviews to help you pick out something unknown to you.
Their move off the main drag couldn't have helped. They wound up in a much better space, but with a lot less visibility. Still -- if a store like that couldn't survive in Brooklyn...
So long, Soundfix. You will be missed.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:40 PM on April 19, 2013
Gimmicky or not, otters walk among us and I will be at our local record store (Turn It Up in Northampton, MA) the minute they open to try to get the Orange Juice reissues. We will shove people. Stay out of our damned way.
posted by dayintoday at 1:48 PM on April 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by dayintoday at 1:48 PM on April 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
Just a point of info: the profit margins on the expensive stuff your local record shop is getting for Record Store Day are really, really small. Like, they pay $70 for that $80 box set kind of small.
So I hear from friends at a couple of record shops, anyway.
posted by mediareport at 1:48 PM on April 19, 2013
So I hear from friends at a couple of record shops, anyway.
posted by mediareport at 1:48 PM on April 19, 2013
The Beta Band reissues are UK-only.
Dammit.
posted by brennen at 1:56 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Dammit.
posted by brennen at 1:56 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Just a point of info: the profit margins on the expensive stuff your local record shop is getting for Record Store Day are really, really small. Like, they pay $70 for that $80 box set kind of small.
From the Washington Post: Record Store Day bring customers-and headaches-for independent stores.
posted by OmieWise at 2:03 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
From the Washington Post: Record Store Day bring customers-and headaches-for independent stores.
posted by OmieWise at 2:03 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
anagrama and mintcake! You break my heart :(
posted by WhitenoisE at 2:07 PM on April 19, 2013
posted by WhitenoisE at 2:07 PM on April 19, 2013
Any sources on record store day bringing local record shops out of the red? I find it kind of hard to believe.
posted by WhitenoisE at 2:09 PM on April 19, 2013
posted by WhitenoisE at 2:09 PM on April 19, 2013
Only sources I have are small record store folks who have said this to me personally. Sorry if I can't verify. Have heard that it's an enormous headache but they put up with it because it's such a significant boost to their annual sales. It's no secret that most record stores out there are struggling endeavors.
posted by naju at 2:23 PM on April 19, 2013
posted by naju at 2:23 PM on April 19, 2013
To be fair, a lot of the smaller record stores I've seen remain small because they charge stupid prices for used stuff anyone with experience knows is a scam.
In Madison, look at the difference between Sugar Shack Records ($90 for the white album in shitty condition? LOL), and MadCity Music Exchange which generally prices fairly and seems to do a lot better business despite similar size inventory and same general location.
posted by WhitenoisE at 2:40 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
In Madison, look at the difference between Sugar Shack Records ($90 for the white album in shitty condition? LOL), and MadCity Music Exchange which generally prices fairly and seems to do a lot better business despite similar size inventory and same general location.
posted by WhitenoisE at 2:40 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Just a point of info: the profit margins on the expensive stuff your local record shop is getting for Record Store Day are really, really small. Like, they pay $70 for that $80 box set kind of small.
Stores can put whatever prices they want on stuff. If they're making a small margin it's because they don't think they can make more on it. In Toronto, a number of the stores put ridiculous markups on stuff--like, more than 100% markup. The good stores treat the releases like any other and use the same markup regardless of the rarity or artist.
posted by dobbs at 3:39 PM on April 19, 2013
Stores can put whatever prices they want on stuff. If they're making a small margin it's because they don't think they can make more on it. In Toronto, a number of the stores put ridiculous markups on stuff--like, more than 100% markup. The good stores treat the releases like any other and use the same markup regardless of the rarity or artist.
posted by dobbs at 3:39 PM on April 19, 2013
RSD is a huge headache and quite stressful for most of the stores. But it also creates some much needed excitement and the overall rewards make it worth it. For most of the stores RSD is the highest volume day of the year and it brings lots of new faces as well as bringing back many former customers that hadn't visited the store in a while. A lot of those new people won't be back for another year, but many stores say that RSD definitely brings in people that become regular customers.
The cost the stores have pay for most of those limited pieces is way out of whack, and they seem to be going up each year. The smart stores don't give it away - they still get their regular margin - and a few of the less customer friendly stores gouge people for every penny they can get. Luckily in my experience the gougers are the rarity at independent retail. Most of the RSD stuff is non returnable, so they're taking a big risk on getting stuck with the pricier titles that aren't as in demand as anticipated. But the smart stores know what their customers will be coming in for and usually order accordingly despite the potential liability.
But what they order and what they actually get are radically different things. Most of the RSD titles are allocated, especially those high profile titles you keep reading about. Many of the pressings are small - a few thousand or less. Sometimes that's done by the labels to create excitement by making it scarce. Other times it's a contractual thing where the artist will only allow the label to press a one-time super small run. Some of the allocations are brutal - a store can order 60 of something and only get a few. Of course, some try to game the system and order even more than they could ever sell to allow for the allocation, but they could get bit by getting the full order and having way more than they ever need.
Some of the most stressful days for many of these buyers are when they're trying to finalize their RSD orders. And many stores aren't even direct with the labels, so they're dealing with one stops. And those one stops are sweating over their numbers. Even stores that are direct are also dealing with the one stops to get a little edge on some of the rarities. It's amazing how much work it takes for stores to get their hands on a few extra copies of something they know their customers will want.
Many of those stores sell through a majority of their RSD pieces on Record Store Day and many more over the next week. Many record stores treat it like a two day event now, and a few others have a "So You Missed Record Store Day?" type promotion the whole next week. That way they can cover the die hards that wait out at five in the morning as well as the more casual record shopper that just read about in the paper but didn't want to deal with the crowds. Every year there are a few wildcards that nobody expected to be one of the in demand titles, as well as a few seemingly sure things that didn't do well. Ultimately they can sell off most of that stock, but the best case scenario is that they sell it before payment is due to the labels, distributors, and/or one-stops.
For all of that work, RSD is also a huge boost for morale. Local papers and radio/tv stations do feature stories on the stores - usually more coverage than the store can get rest of the year. Record shoppers that don't go into stores like they used to suddenly get re-energized. Sometimes it takes one of those RSD stories for someone to realize that there still are local record stores. Even though they're working their asses off, there's a party like energy throughout the day. Stores host events like in-stores and guest DJ sets. One of my stops will be hitting my favorite local record store to see Edward Burch & the Grand Ennui do Mike Nesmith’s “And The Hits Just Keep On Coming” album in its’ entirety). Many of them partner with bands and local labels to make special releases for just that day. There's a host of great t-shirts and posters made specifically for that day. There's quite often beer behind the counter (and later in the day on the counter). They've stressed the weeks leading up to the event and will be exhausted at the end of the night, but Record Store Day really is a national holiday for the people work at those stores for love of music and community rather than a big paycheck. And as a customer it's a hell of a lot of fun to see people that excited about selling/buying/talking about records.
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 3:46 PM on April 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
The cost the stores have pay for most of those limited pieces is way out of whack, and they seem to be going up each year. The smart stores don't give it away - they still get their regular margin - and a few of the less customer friendly stores gouge people for every penny they can get. Luckily in my experience the gougers are the rarity at independent retail. Most of the RSD stuff is non returnable, so they're taking a big risk on getting stuck with the pricier titles that aren't as in demand as anticipated. But the smart stores know what their customers will be coming in for and usually order accordingly despite the potential liability.
But what they order and what they actually get are radically different things. Most of the RSD titles are allocated, especially those high profile titles you keep reading about. Many of the pressings are small - a few thousand or less. Sometimes that's done by the labels to create excitement by making it scarce. Other times it's a contractual thing where the artist will only allow the label to press a one-time super small run. Some of the allocations are brutal - a store can order 60 of something and only get a few. Of course, some try to game the system and order even more than they could ever sell to allow for the allocation, but they could get bit by getting the full order and having way more than they ever need.
Some of the most stressful days for many of these buyers are when they're trying to finalize their RSD orders. And many stores aren't even direct with the labels, so they're dealing with one stops. And those one stops are sweating over their numbers. Even stores that are direct are also dealing with the one stops to get a little edge on some of the rarities. It's amazing how much work it takes for stores to get their hands on a few extra copies of something they know their customers will want.
Many of those stores sell through a majority of their RSD pieces on Record Store Day and many more over the next week. Many record stores treat it like a two day event now, and a few others have a "So You Missed Record Store Day?" type promotion the whole next week. That way they can cover the die hards that wait out at five in the morning as well as the more casual record shopper that just read about in the paper but didn't want to deal with the crowds. Every year there are a few wildcards that nobody expected to be one of the in demand titles, as well as a few seemingly sure things that didn't do well. Ultimately they can sell off most of that stock, but the best case scenario is that they sell it before payment is due to the labels, distributors, and/or one-stops.
For all of that work, RSD is also a huge boost for morale. Local papers and radio/tv stations do feature stories on the stores - usually more coverage than the store can get rest of the year. Record shoppers that don't go into stores like they used to suddenly get re-energized. Sometimes it takes one of those RSD stories for someone to realize that there still are local record stores. Even though they're working their asses off, there's a party like energy throughout the day. Stores host events like in-stores and guest DJ sets. One of my stops will be hitting my favorite local record store to see Edward Burch & the Grand Ennui do Mike Nesmith’s “And The Hits Just Keep On Coming” album in its’ entirety). Many of them partner with bands and local labels to make special releases for just that day. There's a host of great t-shirts and posters made specifically for that day. There's quite often beer behind the counter (and later in the day on the counter). They've stressed the weeks leading up to the event and will be exhausted at the end of the night, but Record Store Day really is a national holiday for the people work at those stores for love of music and community rather than a big paycheck. And as a customer it's a hell of a lot of fun to see people that excited about selling/buying/talking about records.
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 3:46 PM on April 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
Has anyone leaked what the surprise single is? There are rumors that it's Frank Sinatra on one side and Bette Midler on the flip.
Apparently this hint was posted earlier:
Pick up the Mystery "Side By Side" 7" on #RSD13. Two artists cover same song. This yr. French Quarter meets Haight-Ashbury. Dosed gumbo?
posted by mintcake! at 4:53 PM on April 19, 2013
Apparently this hint was posted earlier:
Pick up the Mystery "Side By Side" 7" on #RSD13. Two artists cover same song. This yr. French Quarter meets Haight-Ashbury. Dosed gumbo?
posted by mintcake! at 4:53 PM on April 19, 2013
Please tell me they are doing CDs, too.
I asked, at my local record store last week, whether they'd be anything for the person who got rid if his record player many years ago (and still regrets it), and the guy behind the counter laughed and said there's almost nothing special coming out on CD. He also said it's by far the biggest Record Store Day yet; last year there were apparently ~200 exclusive releases, this year he said it's around 400.
posted by TheDonF at 5:09 PM on April 19, 2013
I asked, at my local record store last week, whether they'd be anything for the person who got rid if his record player many years ago (and still regrets it), and the guy behind the counter laughed and said there's almost nothing special coming out on CD. He also said it's by far the biggest Record Store Day yet; last year there were apparently ~200 exclusive releases, this year he said it's around 400.
posted by TheDonF at 5:09 PM on April 19, 2013
Thanks for that link, OmieWise. Bill Daly of Crooked Beat, the first store owner quoted, had a shop in Raleigh before moving to DC. He's a great guy; exactly the kind of open-hearted, music-loving person you want running your neighborhood record shop.
dobbs, you're right; there's a lot of stuff ordered that my local shops are getting regular margins on; I just got home from chatting with one who's excited and wary both. He says last year's was their biggest single-day gross ever and they upped their order accordingly this year. Still, the local guys tell me some of the costs for certain items are insane and the margins at the suggested retail price ridiculously low. Anyway, overall I'd have to say it's a good thing, no question. I thought this quote near the end of OmieWise's link was sharp:
And although most local store owners say that Record Store Day brings excessive headaches, it’s easily the busiest day of the year. But they’re also quick to point out that the labels are the ones with the most to gain.
Labels “can ship these out, and they know that they’re never coming back,” says Daly at Crooked Beat. “They can line their pockets. It’s a no-brainer for them.” Joshua Harkavy, owner of Red Onion Records in Adams Morgan, agrees.“I feel like it’s Record Label Day,” he says.
posted by mediareport at 6:16 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
dobbs, you're right; there's a lot of stuff ordered that my local shops are getting regular margins on; I just got home from chatting with one who's excited and wary both. He says last year's was their biggest single-day gross ever and they upped their order accordingly this year. Still, the local guys tell me some of the costs for certain items are insane and the margins at the suggested retail price ridiculously low. Anyway, overall I'd have to say it's a good thing, no question. I thought this quote near the end of OmieWise's link was sharp:
And although most local store owners say that Record Store Day brings excessive headaches, it’s easily the busiest day of the year. But they’re also quick to point out that the labels are the ones with the most to gain.
Labels “can ship these out, and they know that they’re never coming back,” says Daly at Crooked Beat. “They can line their pockets. It’s a no-brainer for them.” Joshua Harkavy, owner of Red Onion Records in Adams Morgan, agrees.“I feel like it’s Record Label Day,” he says.
posted by mediareport at 6:16 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
this:
"Something happened, though. Record Store Day got big. It became an event. Major labels and mega-successful bands—who were in on the “holiday” from the start—began to play a larger and larger part. The grassroots veneer fell away, and it became more transparent: It had always been a way to herd consumers into stores, devised by an industry that keeps clinging to outmoded models of the past rather than learning to innovate and adapt to new technologies."
I'm proud to say my label is not involved in this hoopla, and I have no record store day records to contribute to the gimmick. Limited edition colored vinyl is a good way for the big labels to try and get a piece of the action on a format we work on all year. Plus, it makes it impossible to get vinyl manufactured these past few months, and has pushed my whole production schedule back, because some major label wants to profit on a deluxe 180g reissue of The Gambler.
posted by iamck at 6:17 PM on April 19, 2013 [4 favorites]
"Something happened, though. Record Store Day got big. It became an event. Major labels and mega-successful bands—who were in on the “holiday” from the start—began to play a larger and larger part. The grassroots veneer fell away, and it became more transparent: It had always been a way to herd consumers into stores, devised by an industry that keeps clinging to outmoded models of the past rather than learning to innovate and adapt to new technologies."
I'm proud to say my label is not involved in this hoopla, and I have no record store day records to contribute to the gimmick. Limited edition colored vinyl is a good way for the big labels to try and get a piece of the action on a format we work on all year. Plus, it makes it impossible to get vinyl manufactured these past few months, and has pushed my whole production schedule back, because some major label wants to profit on a deluxe 180g reissue of The Gambler.
posted by iamck at 6:17 PM on April 19, 2013 [4 favorites]
Josh is a friend, and someone who saves special releases for me, and I think his take on this is well-informed and good.
posted by OmieWise at 6:22 PM on April 19, 2013
posted by OmieWise at 6:22 PM on April 19, 2013
RSD is easy money for the labels. They control exactly what they want to press, charge a higher-than-usual rate, ship it one-way, and know exactly how money they'll net before anything even ships. There's a reason the number of RSD titles is increasing each year. They get to do it under the guise of championing the little guy. I wish there was a way get the same bang for the stores without the heavy focus on the limited releases, but those releases are the main driver and every year there are more of them and they get more attention.
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 6:33 PM on April 19, 2013
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 6:33 PM on April 19, 2013
I've never been a fan of collector's releases for the sake of being collector's releases. For me that's just no fun. Buy a record because you want to play it, hold it, and bring it to a friend's house to play it for them.
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 6:36 PM on April 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 6:36 PM on April 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
RSD has gotten little money from me for the labels. To be honest, this is the first year I've known there were special records released just for RSD. I usually go in there for the live in-store performances and for the fun of celebrating the fact we have an awesome local record store in town. And I eat the free cookies and then spend too much money on too many CDs or records that I've had my eye on for a while. And leave with a grin on my face.
posted by jillithd at 7:00 PM on April 19, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by jillithd at 7:00 PM on April 19, 2013 [4 favorites]
Even though I'm broke and don't own a record player I feel like I should join in with my friends in supporting Sydney's many record stores, who are all participating in RSD.
posted by Charlemagne In Sweatpants at 9:20 PM on April 19, 2013
posted by Charlemagne In Sweatpants at 9:20 PM on April 19, 2013
I am collector nerd, I can't deny it. Record Store Day sort of pains because 1 - most of the special releases are just reissues (when I'd want the original), 2 - a lot of major/pseudo major stuff that is not my cup of tea, 3 - a zoo full of looky loos, casual shoppers, and the odd hardcore jerk.
I looked through this year's list and had a "Yeah, Record Store Day jumped the shark" thought when I saw releases by Bon Jovi and Dave Matthews Band. And then I saw the Kill Rock Stars Compilations tape, and thought... "Dang I really want that!" and then remembered I have all those comps on vinyl already so why do I need the special tape? (OK, that's part of the sickness.)
So while I'm tempted to go to my local shop (that I've already been to twice this month) at 8am for the festivities, part of me feels like a mug. I give them my money steadily year round. While I like that RSD publicity helps keep stores busy one weekend a year, and helps people (usually middle aged dudes with families) reconnect with buying music, it just seems crass and not like the good Crass.
I just hope the people who I most likely will encounter tomorrow will buy some records a few other days this year. Support your local businesses, support small bands, all that stuff.
posted by kendrak at 9:30 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I looked through this year's list and had a "Yeah, Record Store Day jumped the shark" thought when I saw releases by Bon Jovi and Dave Matthews Band. And then I saw the Kill Rock Stars Compilations tape, and thought... "Dang I really want that!" and then remembered I have all those comps on vinyl already so why do I need the special tape? (OK, that's part of the sickness.)
So while I'm tempted to go to my local shop (that I've already been to twice this month) at 8am for the festivities, part of me feels like a mug. I give them my money steadily year round. While I like that RSD publicity helps keep stores busy one weekend a year, and helps people (usually middle aged dudes with families) reconnect with buying music, it just seems crass and not like the good Crass.
I just hope the people who I most likely will encounter tomorrow will buy some records a few other days this year. Support your local businesses, support small bands, all that stuff.
posted by kendrak at 9:30 PM on April 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
OK, that's part of the sickness
I know this sickness well. I have two cassettes sitting in an online "shopping cart," because I'm really not sure if I want to pick up limited edition cassettes that I'll worry about wearing out. And I'm really thinking about if I will get to any of the near-by shops, and if I do, what will they have by the time I get there? I thought that by trying to go all-digital, I'd kick the sickness, but then I go and buy 5 old LPs from the discount bins, because hey- they look fun, and they're cheap!
posted by filthy light thief at 9:57 PM on April 19, 2013
I know this sickness well. I have two cassettes sitting in an online "shopping cart," because I'm really not sure if I want to pick up limited edition cassettes that I'll worry about wearing out. And I'm really thinking about if I will get to any of the near-by shops, and if I do, what will they have by the time I get there? I thought that by trying to go all-digital, I'd kick the sickness, but then I go and buy 5 old LPs from the discount bins, because hey- they look fun, and they're cheap!
posted by filthy light thief at 9:57 PM on April 19, 2013
Kinda bummed that I can't make it to a shop for RSD this year, but I just put a bunch of money into vinyl and fixing up my new turntable acquisition (Technics SL-1800 mk1, always wanted a big metal Technics tank of a table! And now I've got two tables so I can take my Pioneer out of commission to do a custom paint job on the plinth!). I guess I'll just have to console myself with The Low End Theory or Hounds of Love or other stuff I got recently oh noooo
posted by jason_steakums at 11:54 PM on April 19, 2013
posted by jason_steakums at 11:54 PM on April 19, 2013
brennan: It's noticeable that a lot of my late-90s CDs are basically shot. The CD was always kind of a lousy format, in purely physical terms, and at this stage in its lifecycle one starts to notice that it has all the archival virtues of a coffee-stained Post-It note written in Sharpie and left in the sun too long.
I don't understand how this can happen. What are you doing to your CDs? Are you actually leaving them in the sun?
I started buying CDs in 1991, and I still have those very first CDs (and the ones bought since, including in the late 90s), and they still play and sound as good as they did the day I bought them.
And I don't take particular care of my CDs, as is apparently necessary with vinyl. I just transfer the discs from their cases to the CD player and back.
posted by paleyellowwithorange at 3:31 AM on April 20, 2013
I don't understand how this can happen. What are you doing to your CDs? Are you actually leaving them in the sun?
I started buying CDs in 1991, and I still have those very first CDs (and the ones bought since, including in the late 90s), and they still play and sound as good as they did the day I bought them.
And I don't take particular care of my CDs, as is apparently necessary with vinyl. I just transfer the discs from their cases to the CD player and back.
posted by paleyellowwithorange at 3:31 AM on April 20, 2013
Hmm, an industry built on one day of sales a year? Can't see that being viable.
And yeah, adipocere, you're right about the DRM in vinyl: it's conditioned into the listener, and there's no way around it.
posted by scruss at 7:16 AM on April 20, 2013
And yeah, adipocere, you're right about the DRM in vinyl: it's conditioned into the listener, and there's no way around it.
posted by scruss at 7:16 AM on April 20, 2013
... and can I just say that, of the 24 participating stores in Toronto, only two are east of Yonge; one of those is Greek music only, and the other isn't smart enough to give its address on the website.
I miss Wild East ...
posted by scruss at 7:26 AM on April 20, 2013
I miss Wild East ...
posted by scruss at 7:26 AM on April 20, 2013
So I'm in line at the record store and it's sort of funny how many of us are waiting. It's also annoying because most of these puerile clearly aren't regulars. Also they keep sending their girlfriends on coffee runs.
posted by kendrak at 8:06 AM on April 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by kendrak at 8:06 AM on April 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
I was searching for seething else on eBay this morning, and there are already a bunch of RSD releases up for sale. Weird.
posted by OmieWise at 8:39 AM on April 20, 2013
posted by OmieWise at 8:39 AM on April 20, 2013
I have mixed feelings about RSD, most of which have already been expressed by more eloquent people above me (but, although I'm not a fan of crowds in general, crowds at the record store don't bother me much). That said, my local record store guy is holding a copy of that 'Sorrow, Tears and Blood' 12" behind the counter for me.
posted by box at 8:52 AM on April 20, 2013
posted by box at 8:52 AM on April 20, 2013
I was searching for seething else on eBay this morning, and there are already a bunch of RSD releases up for sale. Weird.
Unethical shop owners, label reps, and distributors.
posted by dobbs at 10:22 AM on April 20, 2013
Unethical shop owners, label reps, and distributors.
posted by dobbs at 10:22 AM on April 20, 2013
Also people buying & flipping immediately - this cat didn't even wait until he got home to start selling on eBay...
posted by mintcake! at 2:52 PM on April 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by mintcake! at 2:52 PM on April 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
Here's a tip... if you shop at your local record store more than once a year, you don't have to line up for anything. I gave the list of stuff I wanted to my local store last week, and I'll go in to pick it up when I have time. They'd rather sell it to someone who gives them money regularly, than to some asshole who shows up once a year and tries to buy every last copy of a record he knows he can flip on eBay.
posted by Gortuk at 6:38 AM on April 21, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Gortuk at 6:38 AM on April 21, 2013 [1 favorite]
this cat didn't even wait until he got home to start selling on eBay
The final price on that auction is 37 cents less than what my local shop was selling the set for yesterday.
posted by mediareport at 10:13 AM on April 21, 2013
The final price on that auction is 37 cents less than what my local shop was selling the set for yesterday.
posted by mediareport at 10:13 AM on April 21, 2013
Nobody goes to record stores any more; they're too crowded.
(Amoeba in Hollywood was an absolute zoo all day yesterday.)
posted by ShutterBun at 2:41 PM on April 21, 2013
(Amoeba in Hollywood was an absolute zoo all day yesterday.)
posted by ShutterBun at 2:41 PM on April 21, 2013
Ten Years in the Digital Ether (Steven Hyden for Grantland)
posted by box at 6:46 PM on April 23, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by box at 6:46 PM on April 23, 2013 [1 favorite]
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