Record Store Day 2012

Time to dust down that Thermos flask, extend your overdraft and start the countdown to Record Shop Day 2012!

You know the drill by now, Record Shops around the world will be stocking exclusive records and goodies that will only be available in store, on the day. If you want ’em, you got to go and queue up. If last year is anything to go by (when there were people outside Piccadilly Records when I left the Castle Hotel at chucking out time the night before) then you better start queuing now!

The list of exclusive items is bigger than ever and over 200 UK record shops are taking part. Best news is they seem to have sorted out the rather creaky website situation and RSD now has it’s own dedicated UK site. Check it out.

The list of exclusives is here, and very impressive it is too. There are some headline grabbing rarities from big hitters like Kate Bush, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Coldplay, The Cure and er…Candy Flip but plenty more highly desirable items from the more underground likes of Animal Collective, Field Music (covering The Pet Shop Boys), Factory Floor, Django Django, Gruff Rhys, J Dilla, King Creosote, Metronomy, Richard Hawley, PiL and hundreds more. Here is the full list.

I’m also pleased to report there are more participating stores around Manchester than ever before this year. Right in the thick of it of course will be Piccadilly Records and not only will they be stocking as many exclusives as they can get their hands on they’ll have DJ sets in store during the day from Mr Scruff, Andy Votel, Tim Burgess and more.

Just around the corner in the none-more hip Stevenson Square Eastern Bloc Records will also be carrying some exclusive releases, as will Beatin’ Rhythm just down the way on Tib Street. Up the road in Prestwich you’ll want to be knocking on the door of  the aptly named  Endless Music while in Bolton, the great  X-Records will have some goodies for you . Save Records at Bury Market (hang on a minute…why haven’t we got them on the site?!) will be getting in on the action too (Stall no.34 apparently).A bit further afield you can try the legendary Muze Music in Hebden Bridge, and Malcom’s Musicland or Townshend Music in Chorley.

Also taking part are ‘That’s Entertainment’.…yes the second hand CD/DVD/Games retailer currently on Market Street staring HMV in the face like David to it’s Goliath are getting in on the action…I suppose they’re a Record Shop too although just how ‘independent’ this fast growing national chain is,  is somewhat debatable. Perhaps they can hide their RSD exclusives in a vast pile of discount Simply Red and Toploader CDs and make a fun game out of it. Who knows, they might even hoover their carpets for the day.

Note that not all the items will be available in every store, so if you have a particular record in mind you’ll need to check with the store to see if they’re stocking it and remember you won’t be able to reserve any items in advance, it will be first come, first served. Piccadilly Records have published a full list of what they’ll be stocking, That’s Entertainment have said you will have to go and ask in store, and I suspect for the others you’re best bet is to give them a ring or call in before the day.

There are all sorts of related events around Manchester too, the excellent local promoters Wotgodforgot are putting on a fine bill of free live music at the Soup Kitchen and you can get discount on food and drink with a a Record Store Day handstamp from Piccadilly Records. Over the road, Kraak Gallery also have a RSD party with Tim Burgess hosting.  If you’re still standing, Common Bar will also be hosting the RSD after party with the Wet Play crew and Piccadilly Records staffers also manning the ones and twos.

Have a great day. You can’t always get what you want, but we hope you get what you need!