Audiophiles, record heads, and crate-diggers, rejoice! Record Store Day (RSD) is coming up on Saturday, April 12.
If you’re new to the tradition, RSD is an annual celebration of independently-owned brick-and-mortar record stores around the world. Since 2008, staff, customers, and artists have come together to celebrate the unique culture of record stores and the roles they play in their communities—day-of festivities often include special RSD vinyls and CD releases, live performances, signings, and more.
While RSD is not (yet) an official holiday in Minnesota, local music lovers and retailers treat it as such. Take Electric Fetus in Minneapolis, for example, where fans line up outside the store overnight and in the early morning to be some of the first to get their hands on the exclusive releases.
Courtesy of Electric Fetus
If you want to partake in this year’s festivities, record stores in the Twin Cities and beyond will be jam-packed with special events throughout the day. First, here’s a look at just a few exciting RSD releases to add to your wishlist. (Titles vary among participating retailers.)
“Be Here Now” – Beck/George Harrison (RSD Song of the Year)
This double A-Side 12-inch single features the 2024 mix of George Harrison’s “Be Here Now” off his 1973 album “Living in the Material World,” as well as the first physical release of Beck’s cover of the song, originally released as an Apple Music exclusive.
“Fleetwood Mac” (Picture Disc) – Fleetwood Mac
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self-titled album, it’s being re-released on a picture disc for the first time this year.
“Ready, Set, Go!” (Live, Riverside Studios ’03) – David Bowie
This one-off concert by David Bowie in 2003 was broadcasted via satellite from London’s Riverside Studios to 50,000 fans in cinemas around the globe, making history as the world’s largest live and interactive music satellite event. The performance will be released for the first time this RSD—options include 180g heavyweight vinyl and CD, including a replica poster of the original event.
“On a Back Porch Vol. 1” – Grateful Dead
This archival album is a compilation of live versions of Grateful Dead classics, touching on all eras of the band’s music.
The second album from local favorite The Jayhawks has not been available on LP since its original issue in 1989—until now. This RSD release includes a 7-inch EP with four bonus tracks never featured on vinyl.
“Live At Glam Slam” – Prince & The New Power Generation
We’d be remiss not to mention this year’s RSD release from Prince, especially since it was recorded right here in Minneapolis. This 3xLP set comprises a complete concert performance from Prince & The NPG when they previewed the Diamonds And Pearls Tour at Prince’s Minneapolis club, Glam Slam, in January 1992. Broken out from the Diamonds And Pearls Super Deluxe Edition as a stand-alone piece, the performance clocks in at over 100 minutes of music.
Where to Celebrate
Agharta Records, St. Paul
If you follow Agharta Records on Instagram, you’ve likely been seeing some previews of the store’s RSD offerings. Shopping starts at 8 a.m. sharp.
Down In The Valley, Golden Valley and Maple Grove
Door open at 9 a.m. for both Golden Valley and Maple Grove locations, which will offer 99% of all RSD titles. VIP Record Club members will receive a $1 discount on RSD titles (minus 7-inch) and are allotted eight picks each time they get through the line, and non-VIP members will get six picks. Be ready with your list of titles when you get to the table, and staff will pull them for you. Visit Down In The Valley to join the club prior to the event.
Electric Fetus, Minneapolis
Per usual, Electric Fetus will be hosting a full day of activities on RSD. At 8 a.m., Fetus staff will start handing out numbers to guests lined up outside. Complimentary pastries and coffee from Hell’s Kitchen and cookies from Cookie Cart will be available, plus food for purchase from El Burrito Mercado’s food truck. The RSD-exclusive garage shopping experience will open at 9 a.m., in addition to the main retail space.
Courtesy of Electric Fetus
Fans can also attend an in-store signing event with The Linda Lindas, who will be in town for a sold-out show at First Avenue that evening. The band will be signing copies of their “No Obligation” vinyl (purchase required for the signing).
Throughout the day, enjoy live DJ sets from Jake Rudh, Cherry Cherry Boom Boom, A.J. Hilton, Andrea Swensson, and more. Don’t forget to grab a goodie bag from The Current and enter to win concert tickets and prize giveaways.
Know Name Records, Minneapolis
Know Name is celebrating RSD and the store’s 48th anniversary with an afternoon of live music. Catch performances from local bands OVRFWRD, The Heavy Sixers, Bloodline, and ELOUR.
Treedome, Rochester
Starting at 8 a.m., Treedome is offering free swag, free food, live music, DJ sets, and other festivities. Grab coffee from the Cafe Steam pop-up and enjoy performances from Dad Bod, The Reach Outs, Loud Mouth Brass, and other Minnesota artists.
View the full list of participating stores to find other RSD events and exclusives across Minnesota.
