What began as an effort to save independent record stores has evolved into an almost full-fledged international holiday for music lovers, and 2015’s year’s Record Store Day this Saturday promises to be the biggest yet at our local record shops. Seldom does commerce and art and bonafide happening intersect so beautifully as on Record Store Day, and in shops all over Western New York music fans will converge in search of deals, new and esoteric special releases, and the bonhomie one finds when lovers of vinyl come together to celebrate something they hold special. Is it too much to call Record Store Day an almost religious observance? Certainly, but with the shared reverence, goodwill, joyful expectation, hand shaking and good tidings, it’s not far off. To help you get your good feels on this Saturday, here’s our annual guide to Record Store Day in WNY 2015.
Of course many of you music lovers of already plotted your RSD 2015, so feel free to share this with friends and family so they can get in on the fun and spend some money in our local record shops who’d love the business. Even if your sister, square brother, or bowling teammate isn’t in the hunt for the colored vinyl special release or in possession of a turntable to play it on, Record Store Day really is a holiday for music fans of all stripes, and a fantastic excuse to hit up a record store to see what’s going on and pick something up. Record Store Day is the perfect day to check out the staff picks, or listening stations at the University Plaza Record Theatre (just like the ones they used to have at New World Records), or just ask somebody what’s good right now. On a day like today, there’s so many good vibes in the air, you’ll never know what you might discover. It’s a celebration. Enjoy yourselves and we’ll see you Saturday.
First things first, here’s the OFFICIAL LIST OF RSD 2015 RELEASES.
*It should be noted that all the above stores and Hi-Fidelity have all pledged to play fair and honorable on Record Store Day. No price gouging, no RSD special releases for eBay auctions, and all purchases have to be made in person. This is not to say that other stores won’t be playing fair on RSD, just that these retailers have specifically signed on to do RSD the way it’s intended.
Participating Buffalo Record Stores:
Black Dots, 223 Lafayette at Grant, 10am doors open
Black Dots will celebrate their 2nd RSD with specials, vegan cookies (while supplies last), streetside catering by GG’s Franks, and live music starting at 5 PM featuring Del Paxton, Cages, and Bryan Johnson & Family.
Record Theatre, 1800 Main at Lafayette, 9am
The original Record Theatre location opens its doors at 9 AM sharp for the annual gentle stampede of good natured music fans and cool jams on the PA, along with lunchtime catering by Lloyd’s and R&R BBQ trucks, suds from Community Beerworks starting at noon, and the chance to hang out with Yellowcard at 4 PM and 107.7 Alt Buffalo’s DJ Axe.
Record Theatre, 3500 Main in University Plaza, 9am
The University Plaza location will feature specials, brunch and lunch from the Whole Hog and 716 Club food trucks, and live music all day:
10am SLEEPY HAHAS
11am WILD THINGS (NICHOLAS 901-4704)
11:50am Colin Griffin (of Parade Chic – solo)
12:30pm PINE FEVER
1pm HANDSOME JACK
2pm GOVERNESS
2:30pm HOT BLOOD
3pm BATTERY ELECTRIC
4pm “THIS”
5pm HOUSTON GARDWELL COLLECTIVE
6pm DOLLAR DIPLOMACY
Spiral Scratch Records, 291 Bryant between Elmwood and Ashland.
As always Spiral Scratch is going all in for RSD, with deals, live music (tba), the RnR BBQ truck, and free Spiral Scratch tote bags for purchases over $35 (while supplies last).
Participating Tonawanda Record Stores:
Hi-Fidelity Records, 61 Main St,
This store opened in the heart of the City of Tonawanda down the street from Cats Like Us last fall making this their first RSD. Specializing in classic rock and vinyl, they also sell and repair audio equipment.
M & B Record Exchange, 207 Delaware St
The Northtowns are well represented this year, and this Tonawanda mainstay will once again be participating in RSD.
Music Matters, 248 Meadow, North Tonawanda.
Music Matters is a gritty and funky store and it’s a lot of fun. Also, you don’t need food trucks when you’ve got a Ted’s down the street.
Participating Niagara Falls Record Stores:
Music Matters, 527 Cayuga Dr
No RSD specials, but owner Rob Borque says they’ve just acquired 200 LPs so feel free to check it them out.