Posted: by The Editor
Another Record Store Day is in the books. According to the official Record Day Store website, “Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 at a gathering of independent record store owners and employees as a way to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding nearly 1400 independently-owned record stores in the US and thousands of similar stores internationally.” Some artists release special editions of their records or put out new releases specifically for Record Store Day. Many record collectors flock to their local stores to sift through the hundreds of titles and unique finds. Here are some of our staff’s picks from this past Record Store Day.
Let Go – Avril Lavigne (Generation Records): Although this was not something I was looking for, as soon as I saw the record it unlocked memories of singing these songs with my Mom in my room as a kid. Let Go has some great bangers such as “Complicated”, “Losing Grip”, and of course, the iconic, “Sk8r Boi”. The nostalgia alone was enough for me to add it to my collection.
Stranger in the Alps – Phoebe Bridgers (Academy Records): This record has been on my list for quite some time and I’m so happy to finally have it in my hand. I tend to gravitate towards records that have a calming vibe since I like to listen to them while cleaning or trying to fall asleep. However, Stranger in the Alps is so much more than that. It’s a beautiful collection of mellow tracks that, accompanied by Bridgers’ vocals, create a serene experience that is cut through with emotionally raw lyrics. So happy to finally have this in my collection.
Strawberry Jam – Animal Collective (Academy Records): Strawberry Jam is an experience. Animal Collective truly delivered an intense earworm that stuck with me from the moment I first listened to it. It’s certainly a commitment to listen to it all the way through, but I’m excited for the journey.
Rage Against the Machine – Rage Against the Machine (Stranded Records): I mean, what an iconic record. The album cover alone it’s a winner in my book, but the entire album is loaded with classics. Rage Against the Machine sealed themselves in history with this record as legends in the punk-rock sphere and certainly sealed themselves a spot in my collection.
Veckatimest – Grizzly Bear (Stranded Records): Another one that’s been on my list for a very long time. This record was on constant loop for me throughout High School and College. If you want to know more about why this record is amazing, read my It Holds Up. I was so excited to see it on the shelves, and the cashier was even surprised at how difficult it was for me to find.
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness – The Smashing Pumpkins (Reckless Records): Smashing Pumpkins’ Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness has been my white whale vinyl for more than a decade. I check stock on the website of my local Chicago shop, Reckless Records, every couple of weeks and today I was gobsmacked to see they had the four-LP box set that the band released in 2012 at their Belmont location. I waited in line for 30 minutes, and although the purchase had nothing to do with Record Store Day releases, I knew if I waited any longer, it would be gone. The guy at the shop said it was the first time he’d seen one hit the floor in 10 years.
This record store day I went out hunting for The 1975’s live record and The Midnight’s live record. While originally unsuccessful for both at first, I sourced The Midnight’s record from a store near my cousin in North Carolina. I was at Wanna Hear It originally and didn’t want to leave empty handed and picked up Metallica’s 72 Seasons, Crosses’ Permanent.Radiant and Vanna’s Curses. The 1975 is the greatest band in the world and I won’t sleep until I own the record!