Record Store Day preview

Posted by Andrew Hertzberg

Record Store Day is huge. Like, really fucking big. It would be impossible to condense all of the useful information on releases and where to get them in to one concise blog post. In fact, the immensity and excess of RSD has been the shot of a couple posts of criticism this year. Alas, those arguments are too big for here and now. Rather, we’d like to give a rundown of the more worthwhile going-ons in and around the city this Saturday, April 16th. For a full list of participating stores and albums to be had, check out the RSD site and for our picks, read on. Don’t say I didn’t warn you:

• Permanent Records starts things off at midnight with a quite a few incentives to join them. Besides a chance to get a head start against the crowd, free goodie bags are offered (while supplies last), live performances by Silver Abuse and Bad Drugs, a Zaireeka listening party (which are pretty far out), and even the possibility of free beer and pizza.  

•  While Laurie's Planet of Sound opens at 9 AM Saturday (giving away tote bags filled with goodies to the first 50 customers), the music kicks off Friday night with Mike Watt of the Minutemen and fIREHOSE (keep on an eye on the Facebook page for the time). Then all next day are quite a bit of live performers and DJs. Check the link above for full details.

• Reggie’s is opening up at 10 AM to fit your South Side RSD needs. Taking advantage of their live venue / record store setup, they will have live music playing all day including Ornery Little Darlings, Hemmingbirds, Darling and much more. Oh, and did I mention everything is 10% off?

• Taking over Wicker Park is Bloodshot Records. Beginning at noon at Big Star, Bloodshot staff spin tunes and host giveaways, as well as a Ha Ha Tonka acoustic performance, drink specials, a screening of Exene Cervenka’s film ‘Bad Day,’ and of course, some damn good tacos. After, move across the street to Subterranean for Ha Ha Tonka’s official record release show. 

• JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound bring a bit of soul to Forest Park’s Cyklopx Records. This free instore starts at 1 PM. Beforehand, fill up on free coffee and homemade donuts and a chance to win Arcade Fire tickets, autographed posters, and more.

• The award for most communal involvement on RSD goes to Saki Records in Logan Square. Not only are some amazing local bands playing including Distractions, the 1900s, In Tall Buildings and more, but make sure to hold on to your receipts to redeem free coffee, beer, guitar merch and more from local outlets. Full details and music lineup on their site. After the record store closes, head to the Burlington for a free PBR with your RSD receipt, as members from the Saki staff, CHIRP, the Runnies and Rabble Rabble spin tunes.

• Of course, no mention of anything involving Chicago records stores would be complete without local powerhouse Reckless. For those that can’t wait until next Wednesday for the new White Mystery album, it’ll be there. And live performances? Tyler Jon Tyler, Joan of Arc, the Singlemen Affair and more rock Milwaukee Ave; Cult of Youth, Owen and others hit up Lakeview; Roommate, Slow Witch and possibly more TBA take down the Loop. 

• And for those looking for a more eccentric RSD experience, read about what the Numero Group has in store on the AV Club’s interview with Ken Shipley. Hint: guerrilla record shop.