Come tomorrow, Seattle will once again find itself in the throes of Record Store Day, subjected to the motley hordes of hungry vinylvores swarming over limited edition releases and autographed LPs, loving every minute of it.
Whether you’re an RSD pro with a set gameplan or someone who only recently learned the term “vinyl” refers to something other than a terrible material to make pants with, do yourself a favor and take a glance at what some of our local record-slingers have in store for their beloved patrons.
DOWNTOWN
Holy Cow Records
While navigating the catacombs of Pike Place Market and locating any one specific shop is a reward in itself, intrepid explorers will be further treated to select special releases and 20% to 25% off purchases at Holy Cow Records. Tally-ho!
1501 Pike Pl, Ste 325; 206.405.4200
QUEEN ANNE
Silver Platters
Silver Platters will be all about in-store performances tomorrow, featuring Will Hoge, Gravel Road and Genius, among others, in their Queen Anne location, while Northgate visitors can join Light in the Attic and Fin Records for a vinyl listening party from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. All locations will open one hour early at 9 a.m. and offer 15% off all regular and clearance new and used vinyl, save RSD titles, as well as various giveaways. Check here for a more detailed schedule of events.
CAPITOL HILL
Everyday Music
This local chain will be seducing slim wallets all day by offering 10% off all new, regularly priced vinyl and 20% off all used vinyl, their impressive 12-hour schedule of DJ sets punctuated by Skull Candy headphone giveaways.
Porchlight Records
Between the $3 Dead Guy Ales, the dashing Otter-emblazoned slipmats and the indie-heavy selection of RSD releases, it’s pretty difficult to come up with any legitimate reason not to swing by Porchlight. Check out their list of available releases here.
FREMONT
Jive Time Records
That bizarre itching sensation directly behind your left eye could be a horrific parasite, or it could just be your “free stuff” sense tingling in anticipation for this awesome hand-screened poster Jive Time is throwing in (for free) with every purchase (while supplies last), in addition to offering 20% off all records and CDs.
BALLARD
Bop Street Records
The friendly folks at Bop Street are standing out from the crowd this year by creating a tax-free oasis for Seattle record shoppers by paying the sales tax on each of tomorrow’s purchases, making that $12 EP exactly $12.
Sonic Boom Records
It’s all about first come first serve at Sonic Boom tomorrow: no reservations, no holds and only one copy of each title per person. A massive list of available releases should ease most tensions, however, and any cutthroat shopping offenses will be forgotten over the course of Skull Candy headphone giveaways and the Jack White Album Listening Party at 2 p.m. Stick around for an in-store performance from Star Anna at 4 p.m. and autographed copies of her 7″ RSD release.
U DISTRICT
Neptune Music Company
If long lines and crowded aisles don’t float your boat, cruise on into Neptune Music Company, where you’ll find a low-key atmosphere and a diverse selection of used records, all marked down by 20%. 4344 Brooklyn Ave NE; 206.632.0202.
SODO
Radar Hair & Records
Combination record store/hair salon, Radar Hair & Records will be keeping it simple this year by offering 20% off all their vinyl, as well as a moderate stock of turntables, ranging from retro-inspired to portable. The David Lynch Foundation’s “Music That Changes The World” will also be up for grabs.
WEST SEATTLE
Easy Street Records
Easy Street will be opening their West Seattle shop at 7am tomorrow, so [insert terrible joke about the early bird getting the limited release LP here]. Aside from the limited releases, Easy Street will be hosting the Lance Mercer Photo Exhibition throughout the day, and The Young Evils are scheduled to play at 7:30 p.m., followed by Reignwolf at 9 p.m.
Staying closer to the city? Easy Street’s Queen Anne location will be featuring Dierks Bentley at 1 p.m. and Brad at 4 p.m.
