The premise of Record Store Day is pretty simple: offer exclusive records for a one-day only sale at independent record stores. During its usual April appearance, it's more about getting people into these stores, shopping and talking with each other. Black Friday is a bit different though; in this case it's about reminding people that local shops can provide just as much shopping incentive as the big boys.
If this was the April Record Store Day, we'd probably be giving you a list of local bands playing at the stores, free food and other wacky events, but seeing as how it's the busiest shopping day of the year, most stores in town are keeping it pretty simple. They do have a little incentive for deals still. Twist & Shout is raffling off a USB turntable and giving away swag bags to the first fifty people that spend over $150, while Independent Records on Colfax will have Michael Franti performing and signing, and all the indie shops in town will have some kickass records.
The records are pretty diverse, too. It's not as if you have to be a fan of indie-rock to find something to like here. You'll find a live Metallica double 10-inch, a numbered, never before released U2 single, Cee Lo's "Fuck You," including an instrumental version, and much, much more.
If you're the type to spent the morning camped out in front of Sears at 3 a.m., Record Store Day might not seem like your cup of tea, but even if the independent shops can't sell you a washer and dryer for $399, we're pretty certain there's at least one U2 fan on your shopping list that'd love an exclusive single.
