Record Store Day’s B Side

Here we go again, Corvallis, the second scheduled Record Store Day drop is coming up and you won’t want to miss it. We covered the last drop in June, and we’re back for another go ‘round the turntable. 

Record Store Day — usually held in April and November — is an event that encourages us to support our community’s physical stores by buying our favorite tunes on vinyl  — as if we needed an excuse. Every year, artists around the world release exclusive, limited albums that can only be purchased at your local record shop.  

Here’s what you can expect and where to buy your newest addition to the collection. 

If you’re into some folksy music, check out Amigo the Devil or The Allman Brothers Band. Even classic rock such as The Cure or The Foo Fighters might hit the spot. If you’re seeking the biggests names in modern music like Bastille, Denzel Curry, or Earthgang, there’s a strong chance that you’ll be able to find your own unique, limited press vinyl this month. The full list of what’s dropping can be found here 

Wondering where to find these great artists?  There are two great Corvallis options, each of which will have their own unique selections that are hand-picked by the owners.  

Happy Trails Records can be found at 100 SW 3rd St. with their doors open from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day of the week except Sunday, when they’re open from noon to 6 p.m. Last month, they had an awesome selection with a wide variety of new vinyls.  

Alternatively, you could scoot on down to Pre Atomic Records for another great selection. Last month they opened their doors extra early to accommodate the influx of customers, though there’s no signs as of now whether they plan to do so again. Pre Atomic Records can be found at 425 SW Madison Ave. and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, with shorter hours on Tuesdays.  

If you want to hear from Fred Armisten, RSD’s ambassador of the year, on how important vinyl is to him, his thoughts are here.  

While the split drop between two months was originally designed to prevent overly large crowds from forming in the midst of a national pandemic, this seems like a great idea. So I propose a new holiday — National Record Day 2: Electric Boogaloo. A day on which we may gather with fellow enthusiasts and newbies alike to appreciate the importance of music to community and breaking down barriers between otherwise unalike people. Because that’s what makes brick-and-mortar vinyl stores unique. 

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