Confession: I Didn't Go to a Record Store on RSD

I missed Record Store Day this year. As some of you know, I was banned last year from my local record store for good behavior. I did nothing wrong. The owner's brother started lecturing me rather angrily on how to remove a record from a jacket and it escalated out of control from there.

In any case, I hope everyone had a good time. I"m sitting on too many unplayed records you want me to review so I didn't think it would be a good idea to travel a long way to buy some of the offerings and perhaps deprive someone else of something they really wanted when I'm hardly wanting for records.

At least one record was analog sourced: a 7" Frank Zappa single. Frank's vaultmaster Joe Travers alerted me to it. You can watch the video here (and while you're there, don't miss Frank on The Steve Allen Show from 1963 back when Steve was still funny):

COMMENTS
adidino's picture

Which store? You allowed to say?

Michael Fremer's picture
http://www.analogplanet.com/content/record-store-day-ruined-grumpy-old-man
adidino's picture

I'm going there this weekend to "thumb" through some records Stir up the pot a little.. :)

Paul Boudreau's picture

The only reason to confess is if you've done something wrong. The whole guilting idea that "one should not resell Record-Store-Day items" is silly - would anyone criticize selling a car after a few days that someone had bought? No one would give it a second thought.

audiof001's picture

Well, if you stood in line for hours and missed getting the limited run lp you wanted because some 'silly' profiteer snapped up the lp to sell on eBay, you wouldn't think it 'silly'... you'd be pretty damn pissed... and give it more than a second thought. Just sayin'.

Paul Boudreau's picture

there and now I choose not to wait in line. "Just sayin'."

audiof001's picture

RSD honors all those indie shops who kept vinyl alive during the dark days of 'perfect sound forever.' We've all benefitted from these store sticking it out to this time of vinyl resurgence. Granted, some of the prices asked for some RSD items are crazy (Neil Young and Led Zep stuff always pricey). Still, we don't have to buy a thing. The way I see it, there's always something to pick up in support and as a way of thanking the indies for sticking by us. While I see the Chet Atkins 'My Brother Sings' lp on eBay, I'll choose to walk the mile down to Hoboken and buy it from Tunes. A little cash in the right direction might help keep them around.

Paul Boudreau's picture

my local record was around (Melody Records at Dupont Circle) I'd go there on RSD but invariably things were pretty well picked over, meaning that I had to resort to eBay to find all of what I wanted. Naturally eBay was what I used for UK RSD items, since I wasn't prepared to hop on a plane. Once Melody closed, I decided to go completely with eBay. If you're patient enough, you can sort out the greedheads from those trying to make a little profit, which I'm willing to pay.

audiof001's picture

Still, I'd rather throw a little support toward an indie shop. Besides, walking the mile to the shop gets me a little exercise - and there's always the bus.

Paul Boudreau's picture

I get it. If I had a record store a mile away, I'd do the same. Every RSD item I buy on eBay has already been purchased at a record store, though, so the support has already occurred.

jblackhall's picture

I picked up a copy of "My Brother Sings" by Chet Atkins and according to the Sundazed cover label, it was cut from the original STEREO master from 1958! Haven't listened to it yet, but I thought it seemed pretty cool. Apparently it's a fairly rare original album to find. Michael, if you find out any further info on the album, I'd love to hear more!

Michael Fremer's picture
Perhaps the original tape was the source, but if it's typical Sundazed it was cut from a CD resolution file, though sometimes Sundazed does go from tape--especially when the tapes are at STERLING for other projects. Please let me know who did the actual lacquer cutting if that info is in the lead out groove area.
jblackhall's picture

I'm not at home, but it looks like Kevin Gray according to this post: http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/chet-atkins-my-brother-sings-rsd-2...

jblackhall's picture

I'll post the full matrix and photos when I get home if that helps.

jblackhall's picture

Black RCA Victor Living Stereo labels
On label: LP 5496 (88875038481A)
Lead out (etched): LP5496 88875038481-A KPG@CA 23469.1(3)

I don't see any U with a circle around it, if your later comment was directed toward me.

Michael Fremer's picture
For $19.95 will review.
jblackhall's picture

Looking forward to the review!

Jazzfan62's picture

I'm not participating in these any more. I went to a major record store 2 hours before they opened last year. There were more than a hundred people in line already. By the time I got to the records there was nothing left. I talked to the record store owner, and he thinks people are coming early to get pick up the high demand records to turn around and sell them on EBAY for a profit. Another well-intended fun event that gets abused by profit hunters.

jblackhall's picture

Mikey, this Chet Atkins is a seriously impressive RSD release. It sounds phenomenal, includes a four page book made by Sundazed that gives more info about the album and includes a snap shot of the master sheet and an internal letter Chet wrote in 1962 to RCA about finding the missing tape. Pick this up if you see it left over from RSD.

rakalm's picture

I wanted this yesterday, meaning RSD the 18th and my store showed 1 copy in stock. They couldn't find it, I went back today and got, a steal for $20. Can't wait to hear it. Thanks for the info., I haven't opened mine yet. I was impressed that it was never officially released but a leaked original sold for $8100. Hope it's good.

otaku2's picture

I went to two stores in Park Slope Brooklyn. I got there in the early afternoon and there were dozens of RSD disks to purchase at both stores.

pmatt's picture

I'll pass. There's a lotta great records and tacos out there without having to wait for hours in a line.

Jumping Bean's picture

Anyone know the source/mastering info on the Zombies release for RSD? I didn't pick it up just because to me there's no point in digital 60s music, and the release information made no mention of how it was cut.

azmoon's picture

was always funny.

Rudy's picture

I agree prices are out of hand. The store I purchased at had everything store-wide at 20% off, RSD items included, so that did help a lot at the register. I did notice how outrageous some of Rhino's items were--the prices for one of the LPs I looked at (the Jaco Pastorius compilation), and the Dionne Warwick/Stranglers 7" single, were absurd. So, guess which items were still plentiful by the time I left. Yep, the Rhino. The record labels also need to realize that this is not an opportunity to gouge people on pricing.

Capitol should also be ashamed for the quality of the Sinatra "Songs For Young Lovers" 10" replica LP. Mine is so noisy that it is unplayable. Yet it cannot be exchanged, so I'm basically screwed. You'd think several decades after the long playing record was invented, that someone would learn how to press a quiet disc...

Michael Fremer's picture
Let me know...
Rudy's picture

I gave it a look with my good glasses on. Did you mean the U would be in the deadwax? I didn't see anything there except for some stamped (not hand-printed) matrix numbers.

But, I took a closer look and holy crap...there is some really pathetic quality control here. Side two has numerous tiny scratches on it, definitely from mishandling. I know faint scratches won't harm anything, but these certainly look questionable. Side one, which I only played briefly (since it sounded so bad), there is a really odd haze through the first two tracks. No-fill? It almost looks like it, yet the sound is more of a "swoosh" than the crackle I've heard with other no-fill.

If I can somehow photograph all this, I will. I have enough lighting to adjust, that I can probably get something usable to post here.

Now I'm hearing others own this and aside from some minor ticks, the vinyl is fine, and it is one of the better sounding Sinatra releases available. Just wish there were more--I really want to keep this and like it, but it's useless in this forlorn condition.

The Bee Gees 12" single was flawless, by the way...

Rudy's picture

Here is the "quality" of my Sinatra 10":

http://1drv.ms/1HUiRnV

Sorry it's an MP3 file recorded under less than ideal conditions (basically, line-in through a laptop--I don't do needle drops anymore), but it's clear enough to hear the "quality" of what Capitol is pressing these days. Listen especially near the 5 minute mark.

I'm making the store take it back, or will file a dispute with my credit card company. (Glad I didn't pay cash.) This is crap. For what they charge, there is no reason to put up with it.

Charging the DSLR battery right now...photos to follow.

Michael Fremer's picture
let me know.
Rudy's picture

I mentioned this in my first reply, but it got sort of buried. ;) No circled "U", and nothing but stamped matrix numbers that I can see.

I just finished up a brutal semester, so haven't had a chance to photograph the deadwax or the vinyl's defects. I'll try to get on it this evening if anyone's interested.

J.D.'s picture

New Year's eve offers a chance for normal everyday people to become the effervescent dorothy parker of their dreams. Doesn't always work out so well.

Record Store day is similar; novices and once-a-year contestants vie for party treats and silly activities (waiting in line ??) that no veteran would care to entertain.

Like New Years, RSD is for amateurs, or beginners. A nice arrangement, I've gotta say. Leaves most of the rest of the time for the professionals.

Swervn's picture

Some of my vinyl, purchased new by me, is more than 50 years old. I have been collecting, and more importantly, listening to vinyl for a very long time. I don't believe I would consider myself a vinyl beginner. Participating in Record Store Day can be quite a chore. Not necessarily for the faint of heart. I arrived this year at 4:30am for a 10 am opening. And I was 9th in line. I was hoping I was far enough up to be able to get a copy of the very limited Grateful Dead box set. I have found over the last few years that some of the RSD "exclusive limited editions" to be not so limited when another pressing is released a few weeks later (case in point the Last Waltz by the Band). I have found though that the Grateful Dead releases are indeed exclusive and Record Store Day or Ebay are the only sources. As I like to keep my Grateful Dead collection as up to date as financially feasible, Record Store Day is a now biannual activity. This weeks addition, (I was successful) is quite a treat. I had purchased it in HiRes download 24/192 and now can compare the two and the vinyl wins.
So while we amateur and beginner RSD participants may seem foolish to some, we are a very welcome boost to the bottom line for our local independent record stores, and some of us tend to crowd out the "scalpers". We also get first crack at some pretty nice limited edition vinyl. Would hate to be a "professional" and miss out.....

Just sayin...

J.D.'s picture

Heartfelt reply, there. Your call all around. However :

First, one man's rarities are not always another's.

Second, think we've seen, over these many years, that the record industry will bring out, again and again, almost everything that can be recorded. There are formats waiting for us that we haven't even dreamed of. What you can't find on vinyl or cd you can find in download... *most* of the time.

Third, as regarding ultra-niche Completist rarities, you're on your own there, wanting to have sixty-bazillion kaleidoscopic renderings of 'Sugar Magnolia' or whatever. Okay, you're not on your own, but you're .. uhm .. welcome to it. And to the particular kind of crowd that comes with it.

Fourth, the professionals keep record stores in business THE OTHER 364 days of the year. So please, no need to feel so very philanthropic about RSD.

Fifth, I think the New Years analogy holds up very well. Even professionals have to go out and drink on New Years eve. A minute segment though, amidst the majority of Amateurs, who make the experience.. pretty ridiculous, all in all. So too, RSD.

Good luck with that Four-In-The-Morning thing. I'll be holding séances with Jerry in my planetarium before I see that hour getting me out to pick up picturediscs, promo material and one-off product that may or may not be worth it.

Time in line is better spent in the bins and crates, the rest of the year. YMMV.

VictorV's picture

I went to RSD had fun, I am 50 years old and got my first record when I was 8. Smoke on the Water the 45, took it to show and tell. Started listening to my older brothers and sisters records when I was 5 and my dads sweet, Reel to Reels, some of them I still have since they have long given up on LP's. Point is this, Record Store Day is what you make of it. It reminded me of waiting in line for concert tickets when I was a kid and talking about music with strangers. The guy behind me was my age and the guy and girl in front of me in their 20's. I had cool conversations with both of them. The best part was I got what I was after and it was a nice excuse to hang out in the city.

utahusker's picture

Condescend much?

conjotter's picture

I waited in line for about an hour. Most of the folks were half my age, and were very excited and very chatty about the new releases and the 20 per cent off on the rest of the stock. I picked up a few RSD releases (my favourites are Steve Reich's Music for 18 Musicians and Bruce's "Darkness On The Edge of Town" reissue.) The youngsters were buying everything under the sun. Very promising for the future.

sharris55's picture

My son and I hit a different store than last year. No line at noon and plenty of RSD stock left. They were out of the Jethro Tull Live at Carnegie 1970 (but they will try to find me a copy - put me on a list)that I definitely wanted to grab. I picked up the Chet Atkins mainly because it was a Living Stereo and then put it back thinking the singing might ruin it. Based on feedback here I guess I blew it! Did get a Everly Brothers "15 Everly Hits" on Cadence that was not bad (a little noisy between cuts). And a Robert Plant 10 inch "More Roar" EP. The store had a DJ spinning jazz, a vendor out on the sidewalk selling paraphenalia and nashiki (sic?) shirts. Also scored a neat RSD poster suitable for framing. A very pleasant excursion. Now I wonder if that Chet Atkins is still there.....

Billf's picture

Try Bull Moose website!

stephsrecords's picture

Maybe we can use our influence to get more RSD releases to reveal their mastering source and process. I just posted on the RSD FB page. Maybe they'd take note?

Bob Levin's picture

The pink & white splatter MC5 "Kick Out The Jams" single. It was stuck to the PVC sleeve and effectively unplayable. I put a record spider and a thumbtack through the middle and nailed it on the wall. I kid not. Very decorative.

alphaGT62's picture

When in Richmond be sure to visit Plan 9 Records. They have been open for 30 or 40 years maybe? As long as I remember. Always a pleasure to visit Plan 9 in Richmond, VA. I have never left there empty handed!

marmil's picture

Hey - otaku2 - where are there 2 record stores in Park Slope. Is 1 the place on 5th Ave. that has boxes and boxes of stuff? If so, where's the other one. If not, where are both of them? Tks.

Marc

Blue Note's picture

and was looking for other, non-RSD vinyl, the store, Record and Tape Exchange in Fairfax, had cleverly intermixed RSD items with their better quality used (although RTX often sells shit-condition vinyl...) that they must either sell on ebay or save for some event or other, a huge amount of interesting used records were to be found. Only problem, there were a fair number of <30 y.o.s in the store, talk about rude mofos, pushing and shoving, absolutely no courtesy, which seems inordinately common with that generation, just chaotic for the number (around 15, not a lot) of people there. I saw this same, but many more times magnified at a record show in Rossyln, pushing, shoving, jumping right in front of you, just unnecessary rude actions by the same <30 crowd. And the dealers, what a load of trash many of them were selling! Never going to another record show again in DC! (and for those who say "good riddance", well it will be my kind that more supports the indies more than the fickle twice-a-yearers...)

Chuck's picture

I did go to a record store on RSD, and got all five of the LPs/EPs on my wish list (in line about one hour before 9:00 AM opening, one of 200+ customers). And returned two of them the next day, one with a pressing flaw that caused my V15 Type IV to mistrack several times in succession, and the other with a repeating pop caused by a visible scratch extending about halfway through the first track on the second side. Neither item could be exchanged--limited quantities, remember?--but kudos to my retailer (Zia Records, Phoenix AZ) for taking both back and giving me a store credit.

I still have hundreds of LPs and 45s, and two working turntables to play them on whenever the spirit moves me. But I don't miss the days of wondering which of my new purchases would play without flaw once I got home, and this year's RSD reminded me why most of my 3000+ collection is on CD, not vinyl.

USER NOTE: My RSD copies of the Decemberists' PICARESQUE and the Weepies' new album SIRENS each included a download code for the album's contents; the PICARESQUE download also included a Decemberists concert from 2005. Bravo to these bands for not making me choose between 180-gram vinyl and digital convenience.

X