Brewerytown Beats | photo by Ben Wong for WXPN | brotherlylost.com
Your guide to Record Store Day 2019 in Philly and beyond
Record Store Day returns this Saturday, April 13, celebrating the unique culture of independent record stores and the role they play in their communities. This year brings over 400 official exclusive releases from artists like Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Courtney Barnett, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Robyn, Jeff Tweedy, Herbie Hancock and many, many more.
Most stores in the area will have a selection of the special titles in stock, but a few have some other events planned to celebrate the day, from live in-store performances to special promotions and giveaways. Whether you want to wait outside in the wee hours of the morning for the special releases, or you’d just like to stop by your local record store and browse, check out the roundup below to see what the region’s indie record stores have going on.
Repo Records — 506 South Street, Philadelphia
South Street landmark Repo Records’ new location (just down the street from their old spot) gives them a roomier space for their annual Record Store Day live performances. Kahlil Ali, Vixen77, and Florry will perform from 6:30 to 8:30. The store will also open two hours early, at 9 a.m., to give early risers a shot at some of the special releases, which are available on a first come, first served basis; free refreshments will be available after 5. // INFO
Main Street Music — 4444 Main Street, Manayunk
This Manayunk favorite’s Record Store Day highlight is full band, acoustic set from Baroness, which has already sold out. But even if you didn’t get a wristband in time, there’s plenty more live music to see — Chris Forsyth, Rosali, and The Tisburys will each perform sets throughout the afternoon. Fat Head’s Brewery will be in the store with free beer samples, and shoppers can earn “Main Street Music Bucks” with every $50 they spend. // INFO
Vinyl Revival — 35-37 N. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne
This suburban spot has partnered with WPHL-dB URock Radio Philadelphia to host a reggae-inspired day of in-store performances by Kevin Tarzanin, Eddie Everett, and Three Fourteen. Store hours will be extended from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with refreshments for shoppers throughout the day. Vinyl Revival will also give out free Record Store Day promotional materials with purchases. // INFO
Milkcrate Cafe — 400 E. Girard Ave., Philadelphia
Over in Fishtown, coffee shop/record store combo Milkcrate Cafe will open at the literal crack of dawn, and they’ve lined up an impressive roster of DJs to spin tunes all day long. There’ll also be free giveaways and a “secret stash of over 1000 used and rare pieces.” // INFO
Inner Groove Records — 798 Haddon Ave., Collingswood
Across the river in Collingswood, enjoy free Philly soft pretzels and giveaways throughout the day at Inner Groove, and mention the shop’s recent Facebook post for a special discount on all vintage vinyl and accessories. // INFO
Digital Underground — 732 S. 4th St., Philadelphia
Most stores only stock a selection of RSD releases, but this Queen Village gem has gone all out and ordered in *every* release, and they’ll stay open for 12 hours to give shoppers plenty of time to peruse. // INFO
Siren Records — 25 E. State Street, Doylestown
Though the long-running Bucks County music retail hub doesn’t have any instore performances on deck for this RSD, they have been posting some of the exclusive releases they’ll have in stock on their Instagram…including live records from hometown heroes Dr. Dog and The Wonder Years, reissued collaborations between John Cage and Sun Ra, as well as Fela Kuti and Roy Ayers…and the Office Space soundtrack on vinyl? // INFO – John Vettese
Brewerytown Beats — 2710 W Girard Ave
Among the many reasons we love Brewerytown Beats is the fact that they don’t buy into the hype and hoopla surrounding Record Store Day and its limited releases that you didn’t think you needed but I guess maybe you did because it’s right there staring at you from the racks? Nah. RSD is just another day of business for BB…but they do love a good gimmick. Last year, they lined their sidewalk with crates brimming with unsleeved 45 RPM records that were selling for $10 per crate. No word what, if anything, they’ll be doing this year, but if nothing else, a dig through their legendary dollar bin would be in order at some point on Saturday. // INFO
Other local stores carrying Record Store Day releases and running special promotions include Hideaway Music, Phidelity Records, Long In The Tooth, Shady Dog Records, and MaTones Music. Find lists of participating retailers and this year’s special titles at recordstoreday.com.