Record Store Day in Scotland

Despite a reported revitalisation of album sales in the UK and USA in the past year, you’d be foolish to think that the annual Record Store Day celebrations would become a moot point. Sadly, your average independent record store seems unlikely to glean much exposure, or cash, from the abundance of Adele albums nestled in Tesco shopping baskets or winging their way to letterboxes courtesy of one-click Amazon.

So, the fourth annual Record Store Day continues unabated by the foibles of an industry in habitually-reported, terminal decline. Yet, like those analysts who have always predicted that vinyl will outlive CD, can the humble indie outlet survive where the multi-million pound high street store cannot? Record Store Day answers that with a resounding ‘aye’, by rallying the troops to provide an experience that can’t be replicated by a large warehouse more accustomed to selling you bread, milk and Ginster’s pasties.

The main part of the pull is, of course, the exclusive record releases and in-store shenanagins that make up the bulk of the day itself. On home turf, the venerable Avalanche Records will be getting all Blue Peter on our asses with Ryan Hannigan of Star Wheel Press showing punters how to make their own album covers. There will also be performances from some friends of the store, including Withered Hand and ballboy along with an after-store party at Electric Circus featuring Hannigan's band (plus a special guest you probably don't want to miss in this intimate setting).

If you’re looking for your day to be a little more ‘club-orientated’, then a trip to Underground Solu’shn should prove a deft choice. The vinyl mecca on Cockburn Street will be showcasing some vinyl-only DJ sets from local talents such as Stephen Brown (Transmat), Craig Smith (6^th Borough Project) and River of Slime (De-Fence). Owner George MacDonald sums the ethos up nicely: “All of these artists have releases on our shelves and are integral to Edinburgh’s home grown, internationally recognised scene.”

Meanwhile, over in Glasgow, the ever-reliable Monorail will provide a “friendly, inclusive, record buying environment for customers old and new,” claims former Pastels frontman and Monorail partner Stephen McRobbie. Sounds like business as usual then. More specifically they have announced in-store performances by Mr Edwyn Collins, plus Malcolm Middleton under his current Human Don’t Be Angry guise, along with Organs of Love and Snowgoose as well as offering home-baking, quizzes and even some entertainment for the kiddies. Muso mums and dads rejoice!

Like many other outlets, Monorail intends to have a full catalogue of exclusive RSD releases. Cherry-picking from a frankly exhaustive list that runs from ABBA to Zomby, expect to find your local indie store bulging with goodies. Tenth anniversary album releases from James Yorkston and Mclusky along with a first-time vinyl pressing of Admiral Fallow's debut are ones to look out for. There will be a small glut of re-pressings from the likes of Refused and The Cure, while Battles, Animal Collective and Hot Chip all dole out some nice 12” singles.

The good ol’ 7” gets a spin, or forty-five, from the likes of Django Django, M83 and St. Vincent, while the first two Tortoise singles enjoy a fresh airing on the humble format. “Ignore the doom-mongers,” warns McRobbie. “Music’s never been more exciting.” True that, and Record Store Day stands as a timely reminder.

Competition

We've teamed up with the good people at Chemikal Underground and Monorail to give away an arm load of Chemikal swag to one lucky winner on Record Store Day.

All you need to do is be the first person to swing by Monorail on Saturday, 21 April, pick up the album that meets the following criteria and take it to the till:

Recorded in Memphis and released in 1993 on a former folk label which also includes The Doors and Metallica on its roster.

Limited to one winner only. Competition runs exclusively on 21 April 2012. For full terms and conditions see www.theskinny.co.uk/about/terms.