album stream: Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Part Two

Record Store Day // part two

So I said I was going to do a second part of my Record Store Day coverage, talking about the notable RSD releases -- well, I lied. Turns out that everyone else had the same idea, and due to my busy week, they beat me to it. I'm not going to do the same post as everyone else for two reasons: 1) I wasn't into most of the stuff that other publications picked. I've got my own taste, you've got your own taste, pick up what you think looks cool. RSD isn't about buying the rare vinyl that you think is going to be worth money down the road, it's about the music, maaaan. (If you want to see what other people think is cool, check out coverage from Spin, One Thirty BPM, Pitchfork, Stereogum) And 2) I don't want more competition out there looking to pick up the same releases I am. (Since, you know, so many people are reading this, and are also taking my word as gospel. [Seriously though, a pretty decent amount of people read my first RSD post. Thanks. Leave a comment.])

ANYWAY, enough of my babbling. Here are the in-store events in Portland.

Jackpot Records (downtown):
10am - Steve Turner (Mudhoney) // DJ set
2pm - Red Fang // in-store
4pm - DJ Anjali // DJ set

Everyday Music (eastside):
1pm - Steve Turner (Mudhoney) // DJ Set
4pm - Purple & Green // in-store

Everyday Music (downtown):
1:30pm - Hosannas // in-store
2pm - Zia McCabe (Dandy Warhols) // DJ set
3pm - Brush Prairie // in-store
4pm - Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside // in-store
5pm - Nurses // DJ set
6pm - White Hinterland // DJ set
7pm - Ancient Heat // DJ set

Music Millennium:
2pm - Deftones // autograph signing // Be one of the first 100 customers to buy their RSD release starting at 8am, and you'll get a wristband guaranteeing a place in line for the signing


Post a comment if you know any other worthwhile goings ons.

Have a Happy Record Store Day, everyone.

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Atlas Sound covers "I'm So Lonesome (I Could Cry)" (+ "Blue Moon")

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Record Store Day // part one

The 4th annual Record Store Day, every vinyl lover's favorite holiday, is only a week away. If you've never been, RSD is a world-wide event designed to get people into independent record stores. RSD features special albums for sale, live music, and lots of free swag and food. And maybe they're doing something right -- in 2010, overall album sales were down 13%, while vinyl sales were up 14%.

Almost all of the releases on RSD are limited editions, with runs numbered anywhere from a couple hundred to a few thousand. The RSD releases fall into 3 categories:
-Exclusives: available only at RSD (and soon after, eBay)
-Early releases: they'll be on sale at a later date, but you can get them at RSD first
-Regional/small runs: the rare stuff; they're not available everywhere

As a veteran RSD-goer (alright, I've been once), I'll give you some tips on how to make sure you get the releases you need. First off, you have to know what you want. This isn't the time to lazily peruse through the records looking for something that catches your eye -- people will snatch up all the good stuff before you get the chance. Check out a downloadable PDF of all the releases here, complete with format and rarity. Or if pretty pictures are more your thing, view the list here. I recommend jotting down your own list of the stuff you really want, and look specifically for those titles first (especially if they're rare), then check for other releases at your leisure later on. Don't bother buying rare releases with the intent of making a buck on eBay; enough other people do this that you won't make any money anyway, and it's completely against the spirit of RSD. Don't be a jerk.

Second, you have to know what time your record stores open. Most places have an earlier opening time for RSD, so don't just assume you know when your local store opens. Have an idea of where you're going to go throughout the day -- maybe some opening times are staggered, and you can hit up several stores as they're opening. At most stores, they will put out a little bit of stock at different times throughout the day, but the best stuff is out first for the early birds. You can check where your nearest stores are at the Record Store Day website, or see a list of the Portland record stores here. By the way, not every record store is created equal. Stores order only the items they want, though that doesn't necessarily mean they'll get everything they ordered. Bigger stores means bigger inventory, but also bigger crowds.

Finally, take advantage of the freebies. Last year, Everyday Music had donuts and MGMT record mats. Music Millennium had gift bags with CDs and 7"s. Jackpot Records had tons of free posters. I also picked up stickers, a RSD t-shirt, and tons of other swag -- not to mention the live performances. Bands and DJs will be playing in-stores all over. I haven't heard who's playing yet this year in Portland, but I'll update this as soon as I do. I recommend doing your record shopping in the morning, because in the afternoon and evening the in-stores start. Last year Mayor Sam Adams even had a DJ set.

Hope to see some of you out for Record Store Day this year. It's a good time even if you don't own a record player. Check back for my next post on what I think are some of the notable RSD releases from this year.

video: The Black Lips - Modern Art + Go Out and Get It!

garage rock + sea creatures + crazy imagery + the Black Lips = a few of my favorite things

I usually prefer my garage rock dirtier, but these guys can write a catchy song. Check out this 2 minute nugget.



Here's another one from their upcoming album, Arabia Mountain, due out June 6th.



Go see them June 14th at the Wonder Ballroom, but be warned if you're easily shockable - they might spit beer on you, kiss each other, or play a guitar solo with their dicks.

album stream: Javelin - Canyon Candy

Head over here to listen to a warped little chillwave spaghetti western album by Javelin. It'll be available at Record Store Day. I know I'll be picking it up if I run across it.

concert stream: LCD Soundsystem's final show

album stream: Panda Bear - Tomboy

Panda Bear's new album, Tomboy, is streaming on NPR now.