Record Store Day is upon us this weekend, the day set aside by, well, record stores, to showcase their goods, and debut a whole mess of exclusive collector items. Phoenix-area shops are planning all sorts of special events to sweeten the deal. In the interest of full disclosure, I've got to mention that I work for Zia, but I strongly encourage everyone to split their time visiting all of the unique events at each unique store.
Despite the current economic situation nationwide, we've got a wealth of great stores here in the Valley. Don't take my word for it: Here are a few from Tech N9ne, horror rapper extraordinaire, on what makes these stores so vital: "Indie stores create their own unique atmosphere within their stores
giving their customers a true sense of what the music is about instead
of cookie cutter stores that all look alike, carry the same product, and
have the same guy who is selling me a washing machine telling me what
the hottest new record is."
Amen, Tech. Now here's what's going down at various stores across Phoenix...
Stinkweeds (12 W. Camelback, NW Corner of Central and Camelback)
Indie-stalwart Stinkweeds opens early at 9:30 on Record Store Day. Following Saturday's "Sing A Long For Kids," live music kicks off at 1:00 pm, and features a stellar line up, including Green Lady Killers, Necronauts and What Laura Says in the parking lot. Add free BBQ as well as sweet goodie bags, and you've got a pretty stellar day.
Revolver Records (918 N. 2nd Street, Phoenix)
Downtown hideaway Revolver Records promises "live music" all weekend, but their Sunday night series "Outer Bounds of Sound (Record Store Day Weekend Edition)" looks particularly promising, with sets from Glochids, Weird Candy and more. Free.
Zia Records (various locations, Valley-wide)
Zia Records' Phoenix-area stores will host a big chunk of acts from River Jones Music Label on Saturday, including New Times cover-girl Courtney Marie Andrews. Click here for set times, details, etc. And if you're one of many who will be at Coachella on Saturday, fear not, because the Zia Records store at Coachella will have all the exclusive items, as well as signings from nearly 70 Coachella performers.
Eastside Records (217 West University Drive, Tempe)
Ever contrarian, Tempe's Eastside Records will be hosting a "fuck that spectacular" featuring troublemakers Pigeon Religion and Eddy Detroit of Sun City Girls. While you're there, see if you can find the recently released Assophon Records pressing of Detroit's "Immortal God's." It'll blow your mind, especially if you're unfamiliar.
And don't forget about Rockzone Records, who will be having a store wide sale (though sadly, no exclusive items) and Hoodlums, who will be hocking all the exclusive stuff in full force.
Happy Record Store Day!
