We at Res like giving music away for free. We also recognize the importance of some facets of the corporate music machine in making said music a full experience. Good local radio stations, intelligent, talented and forward-thinking publicists (a dying breed, I could name maybe four working today), concert venues that are so spectacular you’ll go see any band there, ever, and, last but not least, record stores that make music shopping a full-on pleasure.
In support of that last one, today, Sat April 19, is the first-ever Record Store Day.
To celebrate, what/wherever your local record store is (if you’re in the U.S.), something is going on and going down and (Allison’s waiting to)happening. Get off soulseek and go check out the limited-edition, indie record shoppe-only vinyl releases that some pretty damn good bands have put out, and, most importantly, leave your folks’ basement and go out and associate with other music lovers (and those who’ve based their livelihoods on making the kids dance and shake) in the light of day.
For those of you, like myself, who are in the southeast, Criminal Records is definitely the go-to for happenings. Res favorites Judi Chicago, Hope For Agoldensummer and Janelle Monae are all going to be playing hour-long sets…for free.
If you need to hunt down a record store near you that’s playing a part (3-D videos, free pizza, PBR for you kids stuck in dance party mode with URBN t-shirts, giveaways, concerts, at some point, somewhere, whatshername from The Dresden Dolls is painting in her underwear I AM SO SERIOUS ABOUT THAT), check the Record Store Day website.
As the folks on the rave forum used to (still???) say, SUPPORT YOUR LOCALS. Without record stores, there wouldn’t be music for you to pilfer off the internet. Think about that while you’re squeezing into your jeans.
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