If you’re a vinyl junkie, a fan of live music, or both, Record Store Day is like Christmas come early
Whether you’re old enough to have had a record collection of your own (did you throw them out?!) or too young to know what they were, these days you simply can’t exist without reading about the latest boost in vinyl record sales, vinyl chic and even vinyl floor and wall coverings (they’re apparently back too!).
At the forefront of the revival is Record Store Day, which started not too many years ago to promote the independent shops up and down the country that were then often struggling to survive. Special releases not available before the big day could be bought in-store only (one of the rules, a bit like Fight Club in that respect) and could not be pre-ordered.
Tomorrow (Saturday 16 April) sees the return of Record Store Day: and a simply huge list of releases – that’s updated up to tonight (Friday) with, where possible the number of discs available. The places to be in Cambridge tomorrow are Relevant, Mill Road’s record shop with food to boot, and Lost in Vinyl, on Magdalene Street.
“Not only are there a mountain of special releases, but live acts too”
And not only are there a mountain of special releases, but live acts too. Fred Abbott (ex-Noah and the Whale) will be playing live in Lost In Vinyl from about 11.50am, and from 10am Cambridge 105 will be broadcasting live from the shop.
At Relevant there’s virtually non-stop live acts from noon. The first four hours feature acts chosen by Relevant Record’s Vinyl Emporium team. Tea Unit play their unusual hip-hop at 12pm, followed by Claudia McKenzie’s mellow acoustic sweetness at 1pm. Luna Falls, three sisters with acoustic guitars, play at 2pm, and Bloody Knees at 3pm. From 4pm Repeat Records have curated the acts, kicking off with Salt Fen, influenced by The Strokes. All-girl punks Beverley Kills take over at 5pm with an acoustic set, synth pop from Deep City follows at 6pm and finally Matty and the Bullsharks play their guitar-based exuberance at 7pm.
The day is, of course, a chance to celebrate the unique culture of independent vinyl shops up and down the country. At Relevant you can also grab a beer and a bite to eat. And, most importantly, if you’re after something special, get there early. Both stores are opening earlier than normal, sales begin at 8am.
The Records
Too many to list – check the links below – but some highlights displaying the sheer breadth of what’s on offer, include a various artists collection of Cambodian folk, four discs by The Fall, a concert by A-Ha, a version of the recent Star Wars soundtrack by John Williams, and a 7-inch with the Bee Gees and Faith No More on either side.
Releases by Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Shirley Collins are just a snapshot of the classic artists available. There’s the unique comedy of Derek and Clive, up-to-date indie-pop beats of Django Django, and a collection of Madonna’s hits.
The Rules
It’s quite strict, but that’s to make sure everyone gets a fair crack at getting what they want, without anyone bulk-buying first thing.
No pre-orders, records only available in the stores. Online sales of any remaining stock will not commence until 23 April.
One copy per release to each customer – all titles subject to availability.
Neither shop can guarantee they will receive all RSD records.
In addition to the above, Lost in Vinyl will issue tickets to those in the queue before opening, so that you will be served in the order that you arrive. The Magdalene Street store has put a maximum of ten different releases per customer (and just the one copy of each one).
www.lostinvinyl.org/record-store-day
