There is something irreplaceable about the indie stores – it’s getting that left field recommendation, seeing that stray 7” I’ve been searching for, that chance to actually talk to someone that shares your passion for music, and be immersed in the culture you love. If it wasn’t for my local record store, I would never have discovered so much great music. My record collection holds as many memories for me as a photo album, and I will never part with my thousands of CDs and LPs not matter how much of a pain in the ass they are to store and move.
- Adam Starr (Sr. Director of Marketing, Universal Music)
Record Store Day is an internationally celebrated day observed every year on the third Saturday of April. And guess what tomorrow is - that's right...tomorrow is the big day.
The idea behind Record Store Day? It's the one day that all of the independently owned record stores around the world come together with artists and fans to celebrate the art of music.
Record Store Day was officially founded in 2007 and is now celebrated globally with hundreds of artists taking part in the day by making special appearances, performances, meet and greets with their fans and the issuing of special vinyl and CD releases to mark the occasion.
This year's official ambassador of Record Store Day is Ozzy Osbourne.
Some of the special events planned for tomorrow include...
*The Experience Music Project in Seattle is kicking off Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses, an exhibit based around the grunge band Nirvana.
*The Flaming Lips are set to release a new box-set collection of their Warner Brothers albums issued under the title Heady Nuggs: The First 5 Warner Bros. Records 1992 – 2002.
*Sugar Hill Records will release a trio of Nickel Creek titles on deluxe vinyl.
*The Rolling Stones will be releasing a limited edition 7-inch of Brown Sugar.
*Foo Fighters have announced they are releasing a covers album.
*Radiohead will be releasing a two-song release that contains the songs "Supercollider" and "The Butcher".
*And in Ottawa, Ron Sexsmith will be performing songs from his latest release Long Player Late Bloomer from 12:00pm – 1:00pm at CD Warehouse’s 1383 Clyde Avenue location.
So in the spirit of Record Store Day...here is a list of 15 albums that shaped my musical journey...they take me back to a specific time and special place in my life. Simply put I can't imagine my life without music.
1. U2 - The Joshua Tree
2. Our Lady Peace - Naveed
3. Madonna - Madonna
4. Saturday Night Fever (soundtrack)
5. De La Soul - 3 Feet High And Rising
6. Oasis - (What's The Story) Morning Glory?
7. Maestro Fresh Wes - Symphony In Effect
8. The Smiths - The Smiths
9. Metallica - Metallica
10. Michael Jackson - Thriller
11. Phil Collins - Face Value
12. The Verve - Urban Hymns
13. Pearl Jam - Ten
14. Frank Sinatra - Frank Sinatra's Greatest Hits (1987)
15. Corey Hart - First Offence
I'd love to hear what albums are on your 'most favourite of all time' list...the ones that stand out in your ever changing musical journey. (And for the record limiting myself to only 15 choices...completely and utterly torturous.)
Printer-friendly version