A lot has changed in the world since COVID reared its ugly head. One of the biggest changes: physical togetherness.
When Record Store Day debuted 13 years back, part of its mission was to bring the vinyl community together—collectors and enthusiasts of all walks of life, gathering at local records stores, snatching up limited-edition titles and enjoying various special events.
To keep everyone safe, RSD 2020 opted to change things up a bit, holding the annual celebration on three days spread out over a three-month period—instead of the regular April date—in an effort to reduce crowds in stores and employ social distancing.
The first pandemic-era RSD 2020 on August 29, was a huge success. Folks still came out to score sought-after titles, despite long lines (adhering to COVID regulations). Enthusiasts also celebrated virtually.
According to Discogs, the first of the three RSD 2020 numbers reported were up from 2019: There were 60,571 orders compared to 42,929 in 2019 (41.1 percent increase), which translates to 78,680 individual records sold in 2020 compared to 53,481 in 2019 (47.12 percent increase). Keep in mind, these numbers are from just one weekend.
Discogs reports that 2020 vinyl sales are up across the board: Over 5.8 million records were sold between January and June 2020 (a 33.73 percent increase) compared to the same period in 2019.
RSD 2020: Part II goes down tomorrow, Sept. 26. RSD 2020: Part III is Oct. 24.
Monterey Peninsula has three record stores. Visit their website or give them a call to see if they are participating in RSD. Even if they aren't officially participating, you can show your support.
Vinyl Revolution (309 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove :: 831-646-9020)
Recycled Records (604 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey :: 831-375-5454)
Siren (527 Ramona Ave., Monterey :: 831-920-2801)
Here are a few notable releases dropping tomorrow (see the full list):
Johnny Thunders & Wayne Kramer: Gang War!
The New York Dolls guitarist Johnny Thunders and MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer formed Gang War after meeting in Detroit in 1979. Both rockers were train wrecks, so the project was ill-fated from the get-go. They disbanded after a year. They did, however, record some tunes and toured a bit, but were unable to score a record deal. The two-LP, limited-edition set boasts
rare demos, Thunders’ tracks and MC5 covers.
Screamin' Jay Hawkins: …What That Is!
Groans, scats, grunts and drama define Screamin' Jay Hawkins' vocal style, while his image is laced in grim dark humor and with a dash of voodoo. The R&B showman, with a penchant for shock value, is widely known for his 1956 hit ''I Put A Spell On You."
…What That Is!, one of two Hawkins records released on Jack White's Third Man Records label for RSD, is a live recording from a 1969 show at Club Amigo in North Hollywood. The stellar backing band includes Earl Palmer on drums and special guest Herb Ellis.
Behind The Dykes: Beat, Blues and Psychedelic Nuggets from The Lowlands 1964-1972
You may have never heard of The Sandy Coast, Nou& or The Sound Of Imker—these are some of the Dutch bands that followed closely behind Netherlands' groups who made it to the Billboard Hot 100. Many of the bands on this two-LP collection released singles and albums that have become highly sought-after records, worldwide. Tap into a collection of killer music you probably would never hear otherwise. That's how rare some of these bands' records are.
Hank Williams: March of Dimes
The first vinyl release ever of Hank Williams' 1951 March Of Dimes performance is produced on a vibrant 10” red vinyl. The five tracks include classics "Lovesick Blues," "Moanin’ The Blues," a solo track by Audrey Williams and a rare PSA read by Williams about "infantile paralysis."
The Allman Brothers Band: Fillmore West 1-31-71
One of the Allman's many killer shows is now available for the first time on a two-LP vinyl. Duane Allman was still kicking at the time, and masterfully delivers slide solos that make us want more. Concert standouts include many sprawling favorites: "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed," "Dreams" and "You Don't Love Me."
Lee Fields: Let's Get A Groove On
It's hard to believe that Lee Fields' funk classic has been out-of-print for over a decade. The Let's Get a Groove vinyl features an exclusive, RSD green splatter, a soulful and sexy taste of what listeners can expect when they drop the needle.
The Daptone release comes from Desco Records' vault, remastered for the first time since it dropped in 1998.
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