The Wake

Photo by Ben Lansky

April 19 is not a day to celebrate a historical figure or a particular religion. April 19, ladies and gentlemen, is a day devoted to the appreciation of independent record stores. It is the day known as Record Store Day. We all know the great saga of the rise and fall of 45’s, 78’s, records, cassette tapes, and CDs. Like many music fans, I find that these tangible musical resources have much more to offer than impersonal and detached mp3s and digital music files. It is hard to believe that some day we may not be able to peruse the shelves at the Electric Fetus, enjoying the sound of CD cases clicking up against one another as we shuffle through our favorite genre, looking for the perfect small party dance music. Many people in the music and recording industry have noticed the ominous artistic and economic pit created by digital music, so they decided to create a day where the “culture and unique place” record stores have in our communities can be fully celebrated and appreciated.

An endeavor that involves naming and labeling an ordinary day with a theme can be a difficult task. There is no doubt that a large amount of physical, economical, and ideological support is necessary. Fortunately for record stores, they make all their money from musicians who usually care about their music more than most other things. Musicians from all around the world recognize this day as a pledge to their passion and the significance of local record stores as a counterpart to their success. From composers to producers, words have been spoken in defense and praise of Record Store Day. One of the largest testimonials comes from Metallica, who have gone so far as to make a special appearance and in-store signing at Rasputin Music in San Francisco, California. Metallica’s in-store facade is the first of this type of public appearance the band has taken part in since 1998. If that doesn’t make an imprint on music fans globally, maybe the acknowledgements of Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Yorn, Billy Bob Thornton, or Regina Spektor will catch their attention.

Of course, you may be wondering what there is to do in celebration of a day that is devoted to flat, circular objects. Thanks to passionate music shop owners and musicians, April 19 is going to offer plenty of ways to commemorate the holiday. First of all, several artists are offering special deals at record stores. Vampire Weekend, for example, will put out a 7” single and Stephen Malkmus is planning on releasing a 10” limited edition single with two songs on it. Of course, if you want to take advantage of these offers you have to go to your local record store on Record Store Day. If record stores aren’t usually your thing and you normally rely on Best Buy, Target, or worse, the internet, you may be unaware of the stores located right around campus and in the greater Twin Cities area. Do yourself a favor and check one out on April 19. If you want to get a taste of what non-mainstream record stores are like, you should head over to Hymie’s Vintage Records, Treehouse Records Inc., Know Name Records, or Extreme Noise Records. However, if you’re feeling a little self-conscious about your music tastes and still want to buy the latest pop hit from time to time, you could also check out the renowned Electric Fetus or Cheapo Records. Both offer a great selection of music and an atmosphere that makes you feel a little more hip than usual.

On April 19 take a break from studying, work, or whatever else you may be doing and take a moment to picture the world without tangible music albums. Imagine never being able to feel that sweet satisfaction of buying a CD or record you really wanted, or being unable to make a day out of browsing through the racks at Cheapo. Then, head on over to your local record store and truly appreciate the service that could so easily disappear. On Record Store Day, everyone should collect the little money that they have in their wallets and put it towards the art form and entertainment we call music. May the source of musical salvation be with you on Record Store Day!