Hey y’all, it’s City Editor Aayat. After years of working behind the counter at CD Central, I’m here to give our newbie and veteran audiophiles the scoop on all things Record Store Day (RSD), which takes place tomorrow, April 20.
Whether you’re eyeing the Olivia Rodrigo/Noah Kahan covers, or the kitschy three-inch Beatles turntable, there’s likely something for all music fans.
What is Record Store Day?
RSD occurs two times a year: Once in the spring and again on Black Friday. Both times, musicians release limited copies of specific albums on vinyl. While some prints may get re-released in the future, once they’re gone, they’re gone.
If you’re perusing the list, you’ll notice three different release types:
- RSD Exclusive: Records only available at indie retailers
- RSD First: Records first available on RSD, but may be released online and in stores in the future
- RSD Limited Run/Regional Focus: Rare, very limited releases
Shop local
In Lexington, we have three stores that participate in RSD:
- CD Central, 377 S. Limestone | First come, first served
- POPS Resale, 1423 Leestown Rd. | Slots for early entry are filled, opens to the public at 12 p.m.
- The Album, 371 S. Limestone | First come, first served
Be sure to check out each store’s social media pages to stay up-to-date on any RSD-related news.
Aayat’s pro tips
Vinyl collectors are among the most dedicated, so my first tip is to have an idea of what you want before entering the record store.
Second, long lines are inevitable (I’ve seen people camp out with sleeping bags in the wee hours of the morning), so I also recommend grabbing your favorite breakfast + coffee and dress appropriately for the weather.
Lastly, remember that just because it’s on the RSD list, does not guarantee a store will have received it. This event is fun, but competitive, and stores cannot promise that they will have a copy of each release. Be patient, and call your friendly record store clerk so they can give you an idea of what to expect.
Happy collecting.
