Drop That Needle: Record Store Day is here.

Music lovers, rejoice! One of the best days of the year is upon us this weekend. In an era of big-box retailers and online shopping, the independent record store is an institution that is still near and dear to many people. Two years ago, a group of people came together and created Record Store Day as a way to celebrate the unique culture provided by these purveyors of music. The third Saturday in April has now been established as Record Store Day. What’s that, dear reader? That’s this Saturday, April 18th? We always knew you were bright.

Special vinyl and CD releases, along with various other promotional products are made exclusively for the day and distributed to the more than 700 independently owned record stores across the United States and around the world. In addition, many of these shops hold special in-store events, giveaways and concerts. Houstonist called around and found out about some special events at the shops around town.

Cactus Music

2110 Portsmouth

12:30 pm In-Store performance by The McKenzies
2:30 pm In-Store performance by The Octanes.
7-10 pm Record Ranch gallery opening from 7-10 pm: Paintings from Will Johnson (of Centro-Matic and South San Gabriel). Johnson will play a set of songs from his upcoming record at 7:00 pm.

Vinal Edge

13171 Veterans Memorial Drive

9:00 am - Opening early, making 9 new crates of records available.
First 50 customers get 10% off their total purchase.
Record Store Day Raffle - giveaways include a $50 gift card, Vinal Edge t-shirts (designed by Austin’s Daniel Johnston) and more.
Buy one get one free on all used 7” records and CDs.

Sig’s Lagoon

3710 Main