Last Saturday, April 21, was the fifth annual national Record Store Day, a goldmine of an event for vinyl record aficionados. The Triangle and its various record stores made sure to cater to these record buying needs and planned a day full of events that were perfect for anyone on the music spectrum. As I embarked on a RSD adventure that included stops at Bull City Records in Durham, All Day Records in Carrboro and CD Alley in Chapel Hill, as well as lunch from a taco truck and a refreshing Locopop to finish it all off, I found a surprisingly large turn out. But the most important thing Record Store Day 2012 did for me was remind me how marvelous and robust the Triangle's music community truly is in these parts.
From the lines of dedicated fans winding outside the doors of the compact stores to the special offers and familiar faces inside, Record Store Day 2012 was a success in my book, especially when considering that many stores sold out of the special releases. In some ways, it's a musical treasure hunt, like those who plan their wish lists well in advance and make sure to be first in line. I've never had the opportunity to participate in the event before, but found it to be a great experience and fun for growing my newly started record collection. And when you throw in the food treats I had throughout the day like tacos de pastor, a pomegranate-tangerine Locopop and a mini-cupcake with cream cheese frosting, my stomach and my ears found happiness on this adventure.
Here is the final list of the records I snagged up include:
*Bowerbirds' 7" In The Yard/Always an Ear to Bend
*Gross Ghost Brer Rabbit
Fleetwood Mac, Fleetwood Mac
*Lilac Shadows' A Shallow Madness EP cassette
*Lonnie Walker/Future Islands 7" Love Turn/The Ink Well
The Tallest Man on Earth 12" King of Spain
*denotes local band
