Discussions elsewhere recently focus on the rise in record sales. Along with whether it’s right or wrong to buy a piece of vinyl when you don’t own a turntable. Then there are the endless articles on the romantic relationship us long-time music lovers have with our beloved 12 inches. Meanwhile, here in sunny Southsea Record Store Day has become much more than that of our treasured little Pie & Vinyl Record Cafe.
The above conversations may well have taken place and of course at great length, but with RSD 2016 being a repeat of last year (in that it now ties in with Castle Road Spring Market) there was a definite community feel about the place, as those who spent many an hour queuing for that sort after release mingled with people who just love a free event with good music.
It’s this spirit that helps make the day even more special – beer and food supplied by local bars and restaurants, market stalls selling crafts and t-shirts, galleries displaying their art work and residents congregating to embrace each others company, all topped off with live music curated by my dear friends over at Pie and Vinyl.
After all, today as it’s name suggests is about celebrating the independent Record Store, not necessarily the music from which you purchase. However this is where my article takes on a more global perspective of the day in question, it appears to me that the emphasis has shifted somewhat and is now just as much about introducing a new breed of record buying public as it is the labels cashing in on a marketing venture.
Last year I recall some of the first purchases at Pie and Vinyl were for the Frozen soundtrack on picture disc and the latest One Direction record, which whilst the skeptical among us frown upon the likes of Simon Cowell and Disney getting their grubby little mitts on our day others believe it’s a good way of encouraging the mainstream to take an interest in a different way of life.
This year too was no different, for whilst it would be impossible not to acknowledge David Bowie’s legacy on such an occasion, when it comes to flicking through several copies of his albums reissued on “limited” vinyl you couldn’t help but think maybe the corporate world is up to it’s old tricks and slowly taking over.
That said there were still plenty of rarities to purchase and although my wallet turned down the chance to nab the live Public Image Ltd album on double clear vinyl, it did allow a purchase by the Valentines (a 1960’s band featuring Bon Scott prior to joining AC/DC) although I must admit this too is a re-hashing of previously available music… but that’s not the point, honest.
As for any of the live music I managed to catch (of which there is more to come the following day) well the Smoke Fairies provided a great set with a full band, whilst Band of Skulls stripped theirs back to an acoustic performance, Blaenavon were somewhat of a new discovery and old time local legends Emptifish made their much anticipated return to the stage.
So remember kids, Record Store’s aren’t just for Record Store Day and music isn’t just a passing trend, as for most of you and most certainly yours truly, it’s more than that, it’s a way of life.
Love music, love life.
Mr Teeth
