One of the coolest days of the year is upon us – Record Store Day!
This year it is being celebrated on April 13th. The intent and spirit behind the day is to celebrate independently owned record stores. The day was founded in 2007 by Eric Levin, Michael Kurtz, Carrie Colliton, Amy Dorfman, and Don Van Cleave. The concept is that each record store plans special events that reflect their community. Also, special pressings in limited quantities are offered only for sale on this specific day at participating stores.
Record Store Day has been responsible for increasing sales of vinyl and in 2014 it was responsible for the highest percentage of physical sales since the SoundScan system was introduced in 1991.
Each year an ambassador is chosen to represent the day and this year Pearl Jam are the ambassadors. Some of the special releases planned are a special picture disc of Bohemian Rhapsody: The Original Soundtrack, a Peter Gabriel collection of film songs, and Green Day will be releasing a 25th anniversary of their live performance at the 1994 Woodstock (also, the 25th anniversary of the festival).
Many other special releases are scheduled for this year's April 13th Record Store Day, so head out to your local independently-owned record store and get in on the festivities! And just maybe you can help out a local business and walk away with some cool new vinyl.
Editor's Note: This is an unpaid message only designed to remind people to support their local vinyl purveyors!
