Ask vinyl enthusiasts what’s special about their collection—and then order another drink because you’re in for a passionate lesson on record-bin diving, rare releases, cover art, reissues, mint ratings, analog vs. digital audio superiority, and the nuances of the recording and pressing process.
Every year, on the third Saturday of April, audiophiles get their own holiday in the form of Record Store Day. Charlottesville record retailers celebrate with special appearances, limited editions, discounts, and more. Here’s what local shops have planned for the LP crowd this weekend.
Sidetracks Music
310 Second St. SE.
sidetracksmusic.net
Around the corner from the music landmark Pink Warehouse, Sidetracks will open at 9am on Record Store Day with hundreds of titles from John Prine to John Coltrane. “We’re hoping to have live music on the porch by The Falsies around noon,” says owner Cal Glattfelder. “RSD is a great thing, and always our busiest day of the year.”
Hello Goodbye Records
Behind Tavern & Grocery,
108 Fourth St. NW.
hellogoodbyemusic.com
HGR is turning the day into a party with independent record sellers, vintage clothing seller 3 Wrong Turns, and Tribute Coffee in an extended celebration. On Sunday, the shop hosts a WTJU Vinyl Takeover. “What we’re most excited for is a very limited Record Store Day release of the Salad Days documentary soundtrack that Daniel and I are releasing via our Hello Goodbye Records [label],” says co-owner Lindsay Fitzgerald. “I have three other special RSD releases as an associate producer with my archival production work with Elemental Music—Freddie King, Bill Evans, and Cecil Taylor (plus one more that’s only being released overseas, Michel Petrucciani).”
Melody Supreme
115 Fourth St. SE
cvillemelodysupreme.com
A well-curated shop, “Melody Supreme isn’t a dusty record store full of recycled never-know-what-you’ll-get used vinyl,” says the store’s website. Open every day and located just off the Downtown Mall, this vintage-record goldmine has been impacted by recent (temporary) street closures, which means foot traffic is more crucial than ever.
Plan 9 Music
188 Zan Rd.
plan9music.com
It’s business as usual at Plan 9 Music, a retailer that’s been supporting independent music for more than 40 years. “All RSD releases are special and limited, so [we] don’t want to give one artist a preference over another,” a store contact told us. “The staff here all have varying musical tastes. There are no local C’ville artists in the RSD mix this year. And, our shop is small so there is no room for live events.”
