What seems like a long time ago in an analogue galaxy far, far away…
Music lovers would congregate at the church of the record store not just for Sunday service; but for all of Saturday afternoon too.
I spent most of my teenage years and money in record stores. I genuinely feel sorry for today’s iTunes generation who will never know the frustration of a new release or limited press selling out before you managed to grab one. The elation when the surly record shop owner finally lifted up the counter flap to let you in behind the till to peruse the good stuff, having decided that you’d been hanging out there being annoying for long enough and had ‘earned your stripes’ (howya Billy!). Or, just the lovely sense of community hanging out with other DJs and music lovers, trading war stories, discussing labels and generally just nerding out with like-minded people.
This Saturday April 20th, the annual Record Store Day will give collectors, fans and music enthusiasts a chance to pick up special edition limited releases, catch a plethora of (mostly free) mini gigs, and for one afternoon, experience the Saturday afternoon record store of old.
Bustling, buzzing and full to the brim of punters fighting over the last few copies of a limited release. Sadly, spunking a load of cash for one afternoon this year won’t be enough to stop the inevitable sad news of more shops closing by the year’s end. However, I would hope that some newbies might come along; experience the buzz and come back for more, long before the third Saturday of April 2014.
Dinosaur rant over, here’s a look at what’s happening this Saturday.
First off, the limited releases are usually very, very limited. Between 100 (Bonobo, you tease!) and 1025 (Sophia Knapp, why are you being awkward?) pressings this year. I’d advise picking out in advance any you’d like to add to your collection and GET DOWN EARLY. Even better, call into your local record store this week ahead of Saturdays madness and see if they can sort you out.
Keep in mind also that not all store will be stocking all releases, they don’t know what they’re getting until the boxes arrive. Full list of participating stores here and the official releases here.
Personally, I’ll be treating my Record Store Day 2013 like an old school Saturday afternoon in Dublin. Comfy shoes on, going around to as many record stores as possible. Apart from the records (THE RECORDS!!) there’s some decent gigs happening around town too.
Elastic Witch have Bands and DJs playing in store from Midday. Tower Records are taking over Madison next door from 1pm with performances from The #1’s, Owensie, Blind Yackety, Gypsy Rebel Rabble, The Urges, The Hot Sprockets, The Eskies, Sweet Jane, Ghost Estates, Twilight Sad and more. You can get your free wristband to gain entry from Tower Records from 9am and underagers are allowed till 6pm. John Caddell will be broadcasting between 11am-3pm from Tower Records.
Freebird have The Hot Sprockets and Biggles Flies Again performing in store, followed by The Hot Sprockets EP launch in Whelan’s on Saturday night. Overhead, The Albatross (with support from Bouts and Stop All The Clocks) play the Twisted Pepper (€8, 8pm doors). Spindizzy have promised an extra special selection of second hand treats so be prepared to leave with aching arms from all the goodies!
If none of the aforementioned gigs sound quite fabulous enough, I suggest heading to Record Story Gay at Outhouse for a ‘celebration of music and diversity’; followed by a sesh in Panti Bar till late.
Tower Records schedule
Madison
1.00pm The Eskies
2:00pm The Hot Sprockets
3:00pm Nanu Nanu
4:00pm The #1s
5:00pm Gypsy Rebel Rabble
6:00pm Sweet Jane
7:00pm Ghost Estates
8:00pm Blind Yackety
Soundbites Café
3.00pm The Twilight Sad
5:30pm Owensie