It’s a national movement that started in 2007 and now over 700 independently-owned record stores in the U.S. celebrate Record Store Day on the third Saturday in April each year.
Sure, this special day to drive people to stores popped up with the increase in online music sales, but this event isn’t all about commerce. It’s a celebration of the unique camaraderie at a record store – a place where people of all ages and walks of life can congregate and share a love of music.
Though many people were upset about the 2009 closing of Atomic Records, there are still a handful of local shops that sling new and used vinyls and CDs. I went to the Exclusive Company‘s East Side location on Farwell Ave. to partake in this special day. They have been participating since the inception of Record Store Day and store manager Terry Hackbarth said that this year was again, a totally positive experience. “It’s great to see people come here and talk music. It brings it back as a social experience and it’s a good reminder that we are still here doing this,” he said.
The store was open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a rotating blend of live music for most of the day. The major draw was the over 200 official releases. The most popular, Hackbarth said, were Phish and the Flaming Lips. “The new Phish release sold out in the first five minutes we were open.” I even spotted a few local celebs shopping for music – Tarik Moody of Radio Milwaukee and musical legend Paul Cebar.
While shopping, I saw Will Phalen and friends performing from his new album Holy Ghost/Gold Coast. Hearing live music while shopping for music was a luxury I’ve never enjoyed and it certainly enhanced my experience. Phalen’s mellow folk rock was original and heartfelt. (Full disclosure – he is a friend from high school). But alas, I am no music critic, so take a listen for yourself here.
There were major sales on pre-owned merchandise and vinyl from as low at $1.99. And customers were able to bring in non-perishable food items to receive a discount. Most of the Exclusive Company’s sales are in vinyl, one thing iTunes can’t compete with.
Don’t forget about Bullseye Records (1627 E. Irving Pl.), which sells mostly used vinyl and Rush Mor Records (2654 S. KK), and to support your local store every day of the year.
See photos from Record Store Day below and remember to follow me on Twitter as @jkashou to stay on top of what’s happening around town.
