Record Store Day 2017

The 10^th Annual Record Store Day is this Saturday, April 22. In 10 years, vinyl enthusiasts, collectors, surface noise aficionados, and music lovers of all tastes have rallied around their local record shops n support of the beloved format. When they arrive, those record stores will offer unique merchandise, discounts, and some coveted limited releases that you can only expect to see on Record Store Day.

No matter what your musical tastes, you can find a suitable sound pressed into vinyl. From Tijuana Brass to Ty Segall, there’s bound to be something that tickles your fancy. Here in Birmingham, you have a few wonderful record stores to visit. Check them out:

Seasick Records
The doors at Seasick open at 8 p.m., with some steady foot traffic expected for the day. Unsurprisingly, RSD has proven to be one of the calendar high-points for the young record store. “Last year was our best day yet,” says owner Dan Drinkard. “It was our best Record Store Day and our best single sales day.”

You can find the day’s limited releases in addition to some unique merch like prints by Yellowhammer Creative. Seasick will also offer vinyl of the live recording of their Null andGT in-store concert. “We’re pretty excited to have something ofour own like this,” says Drinkard. “In the future, we hope to do more like that.” Proceeds from the record will go to Girls Rock Birmingham.

Several DJs will spin records throughout the day, including Sauze, RyNea Soul, BMR’s Audiovore, St. Paul & the Broken Bone’s Jesse Phillips, and even Birmingham Mayor William Bell.

Like free stuff? How about free donuts! Free coffee by neighboring Crestwood Coffee! There will be ticket giveaways for some upcoming shows including Sloss Fest. Birmingham Mountain Radio will also hold a turntable giveaway in case you grabbed all those records with nothing to play them. First things first.

It’ll be warm no doubt, so cool off with shaved ice courtesy of Ono Ice.

Nearby, The Filling Station will be spinning new records as God People takes over the taps. Grab a bite after hitting up Seasick, why not.

Charlemagne Record Exchange
The longest-running record store in town has plenty to offer for Record Store Day. Even if you’re there for the limited releases, take a moment to browse. They’re taking 20% off all used merchandise, folks. While you’re there, sign up for a chance to win two tickets to Brian Wilson’s show at the BJCC next month.

Charlemagne is up and running from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., so that’s plenty of time to explore all of B’ham RSD participants, grab some baklava at the Lebanese Food and Culture Festival, and snag that special release you’ve been waiting for.

Renaissance Records
A few steps away from the Storyteller fountain in Five Points, Renaissance Records maintains an impressive stock of used and vintage albums. Of course, they’ll have a selection of RSD limited releases as well.

If this Record Store Day is your first step into the world of vinyl, Renaissance has you covered. They carry turntables like the famed Audio-Technica. They’ll also be open earlier than usual for the event. Renaissance will open their doors Saturday at 8 a.m.