It’s Almost Record Store Day

I still get excited about buying records. Especially when those records are rare and one-of-a-kind editions.  The kind you can find on Record Store Day.

What is Record Store Day?  Only one of the most exciting days of the year for those that love their music and love adding to their collection.

Record Store Day is a yearly event that started in 2008.  It’s held one Saturday every April to “celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store”.

Here in Sarnia, you will find the excitement at Cheeky Monkey in downtown Sarnia.  A number of records are pressed specifically for Record Store Day, with a list of releases for each country, and are only distributed to those independent record stores participating in the event.

I have only been to Record Store Day a few times now – but it’s created enough excitement for me that I can’t wait for Saturday. I have heard about a few releases that may or not be in our local record store but my fingers are crossed for John Lennon – Imagine  David Bowie – Pinups.  Remastered 2015.  Prince – The Versace Experience (on cassette!) Madonna – True Blue – (super club mix on blue Vinyl) and the one I really am hoping to find Duran Duran – double album, pink and blue in colour, As the Lights Go Down Live (remastered).

I grew up in the age of the Columbia Record and Tape Club where you could pick 11 full albums for a penny. Then you had to buy a couple more to complete your obligation. And like most everyone else, you would cancel, and then sign up again. Great way to add to your collection!

There is something about listening to music on vinyl.  There is no comparison. There is no better way to listen to it.  Track by track.  The sounds you only get from the needle on the vinyl.  The hiss, the clicks, the pops.  Album notes in hand. Reading the lyrics.  Analyzing the album cover.  Reading the album thank you notes.  It’s even more special when you find a unique album from one of your favourite artists, exclusive to this one day event. There is nothing like it.

Even though I have trouble finding the time to listen to records like I used to be able to do I still love collecting them. I still love those rare days when it’s just you and the album.  Note for note.

Nothing like it.

Categorised in: Afternoons

This post was written by Carrie Buchanan