Hey y’all, it’s City Editor Aayat and after years of working behind the counter, I’m here to give our newbie and veteran audiophiles the scoop on all things Record Store Day, which takes place Saturday, April 22.
Whether you’re a Swiftie eyeing the new “folklore: the long pond studio sessions,” LP or a Deadhead eager to relive the glory days of the Grateful Dead, we’re here to give you guidance on how to have a great Record Store Day.
What is Record Store Day?
Record Store Day occurs two times a year: once in the spring and again during 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.
Do your homework
In Lexington, we have three stores that participate in Record Store Day:
- CD Central, 377 S. Limestone | First come, first served
- POPS Resale, 1423 Leestown Rd. | Register here
- The Album, 371 S. Limestone | First come, first served
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 start lining up 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 Record Store Day 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. However, call ahead and your friendly record store clerk can give you an idea of what to expect.
