Posted by marc April 14, 2016
RSD 2016

For the past five years I've woken up at an ungodly hour, strapped on my comfy shoes, drove down to the record store, and stood in line for two hours, then went across the street to the other record store and stood there for another hour. Record Store Day is the one day in mid-April where record labels distribute limited edition records or reissues of momentous and out of print albums to independent retailers. I've definitely struck out before - I'm thinking specifically of last year's rerelease of Brand New's Deja Entendu - but the chase was fun, as was talking with other people in line about what they were hoping to pick up. I'm sitting this year out, though.

Even just a few years ago, the vinyl medium appealed more to fans of alternative music - from folk to hardcore punk - than the mainstream. We saw releases from the heavy hitters and obscure guys alike. But over the past few years, more and more major labels have been piggybacking on the success of RSD, releasing pressings of nü metal albums, novelty songs, and classic rock records that are already in abundance. One might think, "Hey, the more the merrier," but that's not the case here. Independent record stores can only stock so much merchandise. Are they going to take a risk on carrying that old Buried Alive LP, or play it safe with a picturedisc pressing of a Top 40 album?

It's gotten to the point where I just can't justify getting up at 5AM on a Saturday. None of the bands I listen to are releasing anything original or otherwise compelling. (Just say "no" to remix EPs.) Maybe it's just a coincidence that my specific musical palate isn't being catered to this year, or maybe I'm getting old and crotchety. Either way, this year's RSD is a letdown. I'm hoping 2017's is more interesting, but I'm not holding my breath until next April. Oh well.

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