Every year, local indie music shops are flooded with exclusive, limited edition inventory for the nationwide celebration of Record Store Day, not to mention select titles offered earlier than their official release date. And pretty much everyone, from unsigned indie artists to huge label stars, has gotten involved in the indie store-only release action.
I’ve been eyeing a few re-issues — a 10th Anniversary remastered 180-gram vinyl pressing of Satanic Panic in the Attic, of Montreal’s psych pop breakthrough — as well as an RSD exclusive Django Django 7” release featuring the spastic UK dance band covering the Monkees’ “Porpoise Song” (from the tripped-out film Head). Because of limited quantities on any given title, no one shop can make any guarantees about what they’ll actually be carrying, or how much of it — the orders are placed and fingers are crossed until the shipment arrives. That’s why showing up early on Saturday to your shop(s) of choice — and joining the inevitable line of folks waiting for the doors to open — is essential, especially if there’s something in particular you just HAVE to have. Plus arriving early ensures you find something you probably didn’t expect, before the wave of masses hit and all the best stuff sells out.
The area’s five biggest indie shops are carrying RSD releases in addition to hosting live music (some all day long), giveaways, specials and sales, and various other offerings. Details below. For more info on choice RSD releases, click here for our RSD Edition of New Music Tuesday.
BANANAS Doors at 9 a.m., with prizes and giveaways throughout the day, a food truck serving breakfast and lunch, 15 percent off all used merchandise, and music from open to 6 p.m. by DJ Tyson Mink (9-11 a.m.), S2E aka Sam Esser (11:30-1 p.m.), Lauris Vidal (1:15-2:45 p.m.), the Anderson Brothers (3-3:45 p.m.), Luxury Mane (4-5 p.m.), and Orange Gravity (5:20-6 p.m.). 2887 22nd Ave N., St. Petersburg, 727-327-4616.
DADDY KOOL Doors at 8 a.m. DK sets up its usual vast sidewalk sale and offers specials in the store that change hourly. Infinite Skillz spin tunes with his Base Inc. crew in front of the store (noon-3 p.m.), and both of DK’s neighboring venues present free live music in conjunction with RSD beginning between 7 and 8 p.m. At the Local 662, tbt’s Ultimate Band List Showcase features Good Graeff, Flower’s Bluff, Mark Etherington, Archaic Interest, and Sonic Graffiti, while Fubar presents Madame Albatross, One Trip Little, Luxury Mane, Empire Cinema, yogurt smoothness, ULCER and DeadLift. 666 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-5665.
PLANET RETRO Doors at 9 a.m. In addition to RSD merch, day-long specials on all used vinyl, a sidewalk sale, free beer, food, raffles and giveaways, 13 bands rage Planet Retro’s standing room stage from 11 a.m. to 11 .p.m.: Blast and the Detergents, Sonic Graffiti, Kevin K Band, Funeral Dazies, Shitcan Dirtbag, Fevers, God Harvest, Old Tuners 'N Punk Duders, Little Jerks, Broseph Skalin, Kyle Chason, Mountain Holler and Kristopher James. DJ's Earl Grae, Kalani, Pink, Rozak and Jihad spin outside the store, free beer, food, raffles and giveaways. 2414 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-218-7434.
MICROGROOVE Doors at 9 a.m., with live music from 1 to 5 p.m. by The Heavy Metals (1 p.m.), Radarmen (1:50 p.m.), King Of Spain (2:40 p.m.), Empire Cinema (3:30 p.m.) and Fistful (4:20 p.m.). Beer supplied by PBR (once the music starts). 4906 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-667-7089.
MOJO BOOKS & RECORDS Doors at 8 a.m. Mojo alleges 400-plus RSD releases in addition to DJs spinning until 3:30 p.m., at which point the in-stores start. Eleven artists perform this year (in order of appearance): Kersey Williams (3:30 p.m.), DieAlps! (4:15 p.m.), Y Los Dos Pistoles (5 p.m.), Empire Cinema (5:45 p.m.), Ophelia (6:30 p.m.), Heavy Metals (7:15 p.m.), Jensen Serf Company (8 p.m.), Sweet Divorce (9 p.m.), David Vassalotti of Merchandise (solo set, 9:45 p.m.), Coldskin (members of Merchandise & Von Dagger, 10:30 p.m.) and Blood Wave (11:15 p.m.). A vegan bakesale to benefit animal nonprofits, storewide sales and specials, PBR, freebies and other goodies round out the day’s offerings. 2540 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-971-9717.
