Record Store Day 2010

Today is the fourth annual Record Store Day, which is practically a national holiday for a music geek like me.

“This is the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day and hundreds of artists in the United States and in various countries across the globe make special appearances and performances.”

I woke up early and spent the morning in line in front of some my favorite record stores in New York City, surrounded by like-minded individuals trying to get their fix. Vinyl records have seen quite a resurgence in recent years (I can’t remember the last CD I bought), and the day had over 150 new and exclusive releases, making today the largest single release day of 2010. Here’s what I picked up:

Top row, from left: The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love Silversun Pickups - Swoon

Middle row, from left: Hot Water Music - Live From Chicago 7" (Record Store Day Exclusive) Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Skeletons 7" (Record Store Day Exclusive) The Bouncing Souls - Jersey Pride 7" (Record Store Day Exclusive)

Bottom Row: Passion Pit - Little Secrets 7" (Record Store Day Exclusive)

Have you ever heard of Record Store Day? If you “participate”, what’s your favorite part or story?