The Word: Record Store Day Special

Despite predictions that CDs, then MP3s and streaming, would render vinyl obsolete, record sales reached an 18-year high in 2014, at 1.29 million. And, with the UK’s first weekly vinyl chart having just been launched by the Official Charts Company, it would seem that vinyl sales are set to continue soaring.

Record Store Day came into being in 2007 when over 700 independent stores in the USA came together to celebrate their unique culture. The UK followed suit, and 2015 will see the eighth celebration of the UK’s unique independent sector. Although mixed feelings surround the day and how popular it’s become, I will most certainly be celebrating this day when independently owned record shops come together with artists to celebrate the art of music. Supporting independent stores and artists, live music, drinking outside (in the sunshine, hopefully) and lots of exciting new vinyl releases and special re-releases – what’s not to love?

To celebrate this Record Store Day (Saturday, 18 April), we’ve collected a range of quotes from some good folk who work in independent shops, and a couple of thoughts of our own, on all things vinyl…

“The indie record stores are the backbone of the recorded music culture. It’s where we go to network, browse around, and find new songs to love. The stores whose owners and staff live for music have spread the word about exciting new things faster and with more essence than either radio or the press.” Joan Jett

First Vinyl Bought:

“Summertime City by Mike Batt. He did all the music for the Wombles. I must have been about 9 or 10. I must have connected the voice as I had a Wombles cassette and played.” Phil, Sister Ray, London

“Tapestry by the almighty Carole King. A very special album for me as it’s one of my mum’s favourites, so grew up listening to it a lot.” Mari, Gigslutz New Music Editor

“Ray Charles – What’d I Say” Duncan, Reckless Records, London

“Little Pink Stars 7″ by Radish!!! First vinyl long player was a Nirvana bootleg with some rare tracks on. Not sure what happeneed to that, but it was great. I got it from the now defunct Hot Rat Records in Sunderland. They also used to sell me tickets for gigs at Newcastle Riverside when I was 14. Legends.” Steve, Gigslutz Editor and main man!

“Neil Young – After The Goldrush LP” Matt, Bridport Music

“Used : a-ha – Scoundrel Days. New – Temples – Sun Structures” Dan, Review Editor, Gigslutz

“Deep Purple – Black Night 7″” Steph, Bridport Music

Favourite Record:

“Oasis – Whats The Story, Morning Glory? December, ’95. Got that from Our Price, Washington. I followed it up by necking shit loads of brown ale and white lightning cider and being sick listening to it.” Steve

“Impossible to say! But today it’s either Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart or The Beatles – Revolver” Duncan, Reckless Records

“Changes from day to day… Today its Sandinista by The Clash. Got it for Christmas one year.” Phil, Sister Ray

“Jack White – Lazaretto” Dan

“The Beatles – White Album” Piers, Bridport Music

“Has to be The Beatles – Abbey Road. Another one filled with nostalgia for me!” Mari

“David Bowie – Aladdin Sane” Steph, Bridport Music

Release Most Looking Forward To This RSD:

“There’s a live Killing Joke album recorded a few years ago when they were really on fire. That and the A-ha Pic Disc of ‘Take On Me’ – I really loved that song, its perfect pop & fell in love with the girl in the video!” Phil, Sister Ray

“Luke Abbott – Music For A Flat Landscape 12″” Matt, Bridport Music

“I doubt I’ll have the money or patience to get it, but… Foo Fighters – Songs From The Laundry Room. Sounds pretty special for a long-time fan girl like me!” Mari

“Anything that’s sticking to the spirit of the uniqueness and one-off-ness of Record Store Day without being record-company-waffle.” Duncan, Reckless Records

“CHVRCHES – Get Away/Dead Air” Dan

“Family – Scene Through The Eye Of A Lens 7″” Piers, Bridport Music

Vinyl Is The Most Superior Format Because…

“It’s the original and the best!” Matt, Bridport Music

“…it just fucking is.” Phil: Sister Ray

“Treat it properly and it sounds the best!” Duncan, Reckless Records

“I enjoy sitting down, listening properly and reading the sleeve.” Piers, Bridport Music

“It just feels and sounds great!” Steph, Bridport Music

On How Business Has Changed/Developed Over The Last Five Years:

“We have evolved from just selling CDs, DVDs, vinyl etc to being an all round music shop: stocking musical instruments, music books, radios, accessories & much more. This has enabled us to continue being here and doing what we love!” Steph, Bridport Music

“Vinyl has re-established itself as being much more desirable than CDs.” Duncan, Reckless Records

“Business has changed because people are consuming music in many different ways: physical, download and streaming. Luckily vinyl is on the up because it’s a classic format that not only sounds good but looks great too. I think we can write off the DVD in the next 5 years and CD in 10.” Phil, Sister Ray

Many thanks to those at Sister Ray, Reckless Records and Bridport Music, who answered our questions. Here’s what you can expect from them on Saturday:

Berwick Street, London (Sister Ray and Reckless Records)

Bridport Music

And, if you’re in Sunderland, Steve stongly recommends Frankie And The Heartstrings’ store!

So, come Saturday, get down to your local independent record shop and support the cause! See a full set of the day’s releases here.