After much anticipation for Record Store Day 2011, we decided to stop by the Stop Smiling storefront yesterday at 1371 N. Milwaukee Avenue to take a peek inside Numero Group's pop-up store and to say hello to a few friends. The storefront itself was packed with people, and there were tons of records up for grabs at every corner. Although there have been some negative sentiments that were floating around with regards to Record Store Day, they definitely didn't put a damper on the day's festivities as people were bustling in and out of the store with rare finds and eclectic records. more ›

Soyoung has a recap of Record Store Day in a couple of hours, but we were hoping someone pulled a Duckie at one of Our Town's record stores yesterday. more ›

Among the 500 some-odd official Record Store Day releases set to hit stores tomorrow, one you won't find on the list will be Chicago-based Numero Group's Eccentric Soul 45." The record isn't an official RSD release--though their double LP "Local Customs: Pressed at Boddie" is (but more on that in a minute)--and will only be available at a store that doesn't exist now and won't exist by Sunday: The Numero Group pop-up shop. more ›

Intimidated by microgenres like crust punk, ambient black metal, blog-house, or anything with the words "proto," "post" or "bop" in its name? Want to delve into world of record stores, but don’t feel like spending an entire Saturday running around like decapitated poultry to get a good spot for a Record Store Day in-store, exclusive, or advanced release? Then we’ve got an idea for you. Behold, Chicagoist’s anti-Record Store Day campaign: "Shit I Do On A Normal Saturday." more ›

With less than a day before Record Store Day 2011 kicks off, this year, the buzz surrounding the annual celebration seems stronger than ever. So does the criticism. Chicago is home to some of the best record stores in the country, and with a music scene that's both vibrant and diverse, the interest in RSD gets particularly intense. more ›

When it comes to having awesome outlets for good music on wax and CD, by Rolling Stone’s estimation, Chicago is doing pretty well. The magazine’s recent list of “The Best Record Stores in the USA: The top 25 spots for unique vinyl and CDs, from San Francisco to Boston” shows Chicago’s record stores snagging three spots on the list. Wicker Park’s Dusty Groove came in at #3, Laurie's Planet of Sound in Lincoln Square landed the #11 spot and Lincoln Park-based Dave’s Records made the cut at #24. more ›

Record Store Day is tomorrow. No matter what your own personal thoughts are on the meaning behind this event, it's undeniable that artist and label participation are at an all-time high this year. Hell, Record Store Day even got Blur to produce their first new music in almost a decade (though it's sadly limited to 1,000 pressings so good luck on actually finding a copy)! more ›

It's no big secret that Tankboy is a little in love with local garage punk band Mr. Russia, though he's keeping quiet about their upcoming show because, well, he organized it. This might be a good opportunity play devil’s advocate and bash his beloved Mr. Russia, but damn it, they're just too good to hate. The Chicago four-piece has an undeniable knack for simple, brash, old-school punk, underscored by playfully cocky lyrics, thick bass lines and heavy drum beats. Further proof of their badassery is their ability to rock without the use of guitars (in fact they have two bassists) and a tendency to give their music away for free. more ›

In this digital age, it’s all too easy to download your favorite tunes with the click of a mouse. So it’s becoming more and more important to support independent record stores - those mom-and-pop shops that take pride in their selection of rare finds above their sales and profits. Next Saturday is the third annual Record Store Day, bringing together independently owned record stores and musicians to celebrate music in vinyl form in cities worldwide. In Chicagoland alone, there are over fifty participating stores, almost doubling the number from last year. more ›

Chicago rockers Wilco are all set to unleash a new DVD upon us. Titled Ashes of An American Flag, the film will consist of footage shot during their February 2008 tour. We figured it would heavily incorporate footage from their five night residency at The Riv, but according to Billboard, the footage was shot at the Tulsa, New Orleans, Mobile, Nashville, and Washington, D.C. shows. The DVD was set for a late April/early May release, but the band will give indie -retailers a head start by releasing copies to independently-owned stores for Record Store Day on April 18. Tweedy told Billboard:

My introduction to a lot of great music and to the 'music business' came from hanging around and eventually working at independent record stores in Belleville, Ill., and St. Louis many years back. It's the life I know. Nothing beats browsing in your favorite store, listening to music, finding something new or old that you've been searching for, being ignored by the store clerks, all that. And without these stores, there's just no way Wilco would still be around. They've been with us from the very beginning, through thick and thin. Even if I wasn't in a band, I'd still support Record Store Day. It's a great thing and I'm glad we could do something special with them for our DVD.

In an effort to battle big box retailers like Wal-Mart, Target, and Best Buy, a group of record store alliances have come together to sponsor smaller, independent retailers with an event creatively called "Record Store Day," happening Saturday, April 19. The Alliance Of Independent Media Stores, Coalition Of Independent Music Stores, Music Monitor Network, Newbury Comics, and Value Music Group Of Indie Stores have banded together to push shopping at 300 smaller record shops across the United States and United Kingdom. Numerous artists have jumped on board for the cause, including Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Wayne Coyne (of the Flaming Lips), and Patterson Hood (of the Drive By Truckers). more ›