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It’d be too easy to copy and paste our coverage from last year of what local record labels said they’d be doing in celebration of the yearly Record Store Day, which falls this year on this coming Saturday, April 16.
In that post, we reported that while some D.C. record labels appreciate Record Store Day, they didn’t plan to go all out for it. This year, the case is pretty much the same—although there are a few sparks of activity worth accounting for.
The most notable is Sockets Records’ Bluebrain, who will be releasing a vinyl-only—and D.C.-only—7-inch with two sides. We’ve described the A-side, “The Pull,” and B-side, “The Push,” as, respectively “smooth but anxious” and ranging “from glitchy to lounge-like to totally Tron-appropriate.” But there’s an unexpected C-side, which is revealed only when the A- and B-sides are played simultaneously; the package is quite fitting for the cerebral fraternal duo.
Also available from Sockets will be a tape of children’s songs from Edie Sedgwick, which we described as a “split between catchy, repetitive tracks like ‘Boom Boom Baby’ and an ethereal, somnambulant B-side designed to put a child to sleep.”
Travis Jackson of Windian Records also sends word that “the Windian Caravan will be parked on 18th Street NW. We will have all of our singles and other swag,” while Fan Death Records notes “If it makes any difference, the new Screen Vinyl Image 7-inch just came out in time for Record Store Day.”
As for local record stores themselves, here’s a rundown of what some will be doing to partake in the festivities (the full listing also appeared in this week’s dead tree edition of Washington City Paper):
- Crooked Beat: Though the store won’t have the much-coveted Big Star release, it’ll have more than 200 other exclusive titles available—in addition to grab bags filled with promotional materials for the first 75 customers in line (five of ‘em will have a $25 gift certificate). Noon to 10 p.m. 2116 18th St. NW.
- Smash: Special releases like the Bad Brains 7-inch will be in stock, and Pabst Brewing Co. will be providing beer and swag. Says a Smash employee: “There will be a party atmosphere.” 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 2314 18th St. NW No. 2
- Som: To help man the crowd in the tiny 14th Street basement, not one but two Som employees will be on hand. Noon to 9 p.m. 1843 14th St. NW.
- Red Onion: At press time, Red Onion’s plans were still in flux, but there should be “snacks and treats for the kids,” says owner Josh Harkavy. Noon to 8 p.m. 1901-B 18th St. NW.
- Melody: The store is “definitely participating” and will be open regular hours. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 1623 Connecticut Ave. NW.
For more coverage of the rabid vinyl collector’s favorite day, see the ever-enthusiastic Vinyl District. And, Click Track reports, a map of local stores created by graphic designer and Crooked Beat employee Holly Tegeler is available—should you get lost somewhere between 14th and 18th streets NW looking for that elusive Bad Brains 7-inch.
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