photo: courtesy record store day
You're a rational planner, and you're an obsessive music collector. That's making it a struggle to figure out what to do tomorrow, on the sixth installment of Record Store Day, with more than 20 Chicago-area locations taking part.
Here's one way to help you pin down a starting point: the Gapers Block rundown of what's happening. Don't forget to enjoy some live tunes and eats while scoring the most obscure vinyl you can dig out of the bin.
To help narrow the agenda a little further, we're singling out a few standout RSD stops:
TURNTABLE TUTORIAL:
Not feeling like a pro when it comes to spinning vinyl? That's what the three Saturday Audio Exchange (1021 W. Belmont Ave.) technicians are for Saturday (and every day.) Get up close and personal with a turntable's arm placement and cartridge maneuvering during the clinic from 10:30–5:30. Be on the lookout for more than 1,000 records for just a buck apiece.
IN-STORE PERFORMANCES:
From the Bucket O' Blood (2307 N. Milwauke Ave.) Afternoon Drinking Party and Acoustic Show at 4 p.m. (BYOB), to shows by local rockers Twin Peaks, Beats, Pink Avalanche and Fake Limbs starting at 1 p.m. at Saki (3716 W. Fullerton Ave.), to live DJ sets all day long at KStarke Records (1109 N. Western Ave.), to live magic in the early afternoon at Dusty Groove (1120 N. Ashland Ave.), you really can't go wrong.
GIVEAWAYS:
Permanent Records (1914 W. Chicago Ave.) offers an exclusive LP release of Australian punk outfit Cuntz's debut album, Aloha, where 100 copies on white vinyl will be handed out. Groovin' High (1047 W. Belmont Ave.) will supply music-swag-filled goodie bags to early shoppers.
(FREE!) FOOD:
Dusty Groove will serve free coffee and bagels to those queuing up before doors open (that means before 8 a.m. Yikes.) Get your slider fix at Beverly Records (11612 S. Western Ave.) with noontime White Castles and Aldi pop, a visit from Chubby Wieners' wagon at Laurie's Planet of Sound (4639 N. Lincoln Ave.) (plus 10 percent off purchases at Half Acre Beer Company if you flash a Laurie's receipt), free hot dogs and pop at Record Breakers (above Reggie's Rock Club, 2109 S. State St.) and free munchies at Hyde Park Records (1377 E. 53rd St.).