“The indie record shop is a global institution. It’s a place that reflects history, the current state, and at times, can predict the future. Identities are formed and molded at record shops when one discovers an artist, an album, a genre, that moves them to no end. It’s a venue for human contact; a social HQ for all music fans and fans of all music. Music fans, record collectors, DJs, and recording artist, now have a responsibility to keep this institution alive – more than just a mere ‘shop’ is at risk of extinction.”
– Sam Fogarino, drummer for Interpol (Fogarino has also played with Magnetic Morning, The Holy Terrors, and Napoleon Solo)

Damn straight. And this Saturday marks the 5th annual Record Store Day, or “RSD” for the acronym-inclined amongst us. The event was originally conceived by Chris Brown (an employee of an indie record store…not that Chris Brown) as a way to honor the beauty and artistry of music, as well as bring together the community of independently owned record stores. The first RSD took place back on April 19, 2008. I was so young.

Now, I’m no fool: I know that we live in the age of the Internet, where music has evolved from a collection of records and CDs into a stockpile of digital downloads. But I am a big believer in the preservation and revitalization of music in vinyl form, along with the supporting of independent shops that sell such wondrous goods. These record stores, gathering places of living breathing music appreciators (and yes, critics), provide the sense of community that seems to be quickly disintegrating elsewhere. They can also be places of great discovery. Because let’s be honest: ’tis a far more enjoyable experience to wander the aisles of a shop, flipping through actual records, and listening to music to see what catches your interest than it is to click on that smug “based on your last purchase, you might enjoy XYZ” link that web-based retailers love so much. You don’t know my inner thoughts and desires, Amazon! Wait. Or do you?

RSD has grown quite a bit over the last few years, going from national to international levels. And this year’s list of RSD offerings is quite extensive. Releases include work from such artists as:  M83, Bruce Springsteen, The White Stripes, Dirty Projectors, Sigur Ros, St. Vincent, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Leonard Cohen, Eddie Vedder, Sufjan Stevens, Neon Indian, Janis Joplin, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Arcade Fire, Esparanza Spalding, Ryan Adams, and even Jimmy Fallon.

Now, when planning your trip (and shopping list) keep this in mind: while many of the titles released as part of RSD are exclusive only to that day and will not be reproduced or made available in the future (unless of course you troll eBay for re-sells), there are a number of records that will be released on both RSD and at a later date. The latter, therefore, are items not exclusive to RSD. They are mostly efforts on the part of labels trying to capitalize on the promotional benefits of the event and, you know, hoping you don’t know the difference between theirs and the more exclusive limited releases. So if you don’t want to fall into the trap of uninformed consumer, do your homework. Check out this year’s participating record stores and then the complete breakdown of 2012’s RSD releases, which specifies which is which.

Of course, what makes it onto your wish list is only for you and your wallet to decide. But in case you need a little help narrowing things down from the vast offerings of the day, below is a small sampling of some of this year’s most anticipated releases.

Happy Record Store Day!

The Flaming Lips, The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends 

Possibly the most buzzed about (and therefore, hardest to get your hands on) RSD-only release. This double LP from the psychedelic rockers features collaborations with everyone from Bon Iver to Nick Cave to Ke$ha.

 

Miles Davis, Forever Miles (12″)

A 12″ LP that captures five knock-your-socks-off performances spanning the 50s, 60s, and 70s from the legendary jazz musician. A RSD exclusive and a major get.

 

 

Mastadon/Feist (split 7″)

Feist covers Mastadon. Mastadon covers Feist. An odd collaboration between a heavy metal band and an indie singer/songwriter darling … but in a good way.

 

Matt Chamberlain, Company 23 (12″)

A solo vinyl release from lauded drummer/sound engineer Matt Chamberlain. This is a guy with an impressive CV, who’s work covers a broad spectrum of artists, including: Critters Buggin’, Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, Elvis Costello, Sugarland, Pearl Jam, Regina Spektor, Jon Brion, The Wallflowers, Carrie Underwood, David Bowie, Tori Amos, and Morrissey. To name just a few. NPR Music even named this release as part of their “13 Reasons to Visit Your Local Record Store On Saturday”.

 

The Civil Wars, “Billie Jean” (7″ vinyl)

The country-folk duo of Joy Williams and John Paul White perform their version of Michael Jackson‘s “Billie Jean”. Awesome.

The Civil Wars will also be releasing a recording of their live show on June 14, 2011 at the famous Amoeba Music in Los Angeles (Live at Amoeba). And though this is a CD, it’s still a limited edition one-time pressing, where a portion of the profits from the CD’s sale go towards supporting Record Store Day.