The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.
Thursday April 16, 2015
Vinyl’s tainted day, a Syd Barrett classic
Details, sordid details
Record Store Day, which I feel falls around 4/20 every year by design, celebrates vinyl and the independent stores that sell them. Bands release special albums, shops hold live shows, and other festivities happen across the country.
Unfortunately things tend to go downhill when anything becomes too popular. Since vinyl has become trendy the scene has been overrun by frauds who only like it because it’s cool. These people pack stores on RSD to the point that it becomes uncomfortable. Furthermore, because many of the special releases are so limited, many go out just to buy them and immediately go and sell them on eBay for jacked up prices.
That’s not to say that it isn’t worth going out for Record Store Day. Hell, I’ve heard that it keeps many shops in business, so it at least does that. It’s also fun (in a sadistic sort of way) to try and beat the crowds and find stuff you might like.
For stores that are participating around the Twin Cities, click here.
Ode to a dead guy
One special Record Store Day release that I hope to find is a 45 with Syd Barrett’s original version of my favorite song of his, “Dark Globe,” along with R.E.M.’s cover on the flip side. Here’s the original in all its glory. Long live Syd.
Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He is also a contributor for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.
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