I almost didn’t get this one on record store day.  I was searching through the RSD bins at Shake-It when a girl was trying to find the correct place to put this back in and I told her not to bother, cuz I’m taking it!  Later found out that was the last one and I later saw her and told her and gave her a high five.  So thank you nice girl from Shake-It.  This is a cool release.  It’s a split but also has both artists playing together.  Side A is a Ra Ra Riot cover of Steve Winwood’s “Valerie” featuring a solo from guitar master Delicate Steve.  Side B is a Delicate Steve instrumental cover of Brian Eno’s “The Big Ship”, I’m not sure how this features Ra Ra Riot (but I believe them when they say it does).  The 7” is a white vinyl that is hand marked number 182 of 500.  It’s Record Store Day exclusives like this that is what the entire day is about (other than supporting local record stores).  Check out the video below of Ra Ra Riot and Delicate Steve talking about their collaboration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I4b2S7mgxE

This was probably the first real album I was openly exposed to NOFX.  I knew I enjoyed it more than what I had thought.  A few years later, I couldn’t escape the songs and needed more.  It wasn’t until I purchased this clear blue vinyl on Record Store Day at Omega Music and listen to it that I realized how influential this album was to my love of NOFX.  I don’t think I would take away a song on this record, even “Clams Have Feelings Too (Actually They Don’t)” which came as a b-side to The Decline.  This is a pennacle album in the NOFX discography.  Want proof?  Look no further than “Theme From A NOFX Album” (well maybe a little further, it’s the last song on the album).

I have almost too many Mates of State records, but there is something about that limited Record Store Day release and the fact this is a cover album that I just could not resist.  I picked this up while at Shake-It records after waiting for an hour to get inside in the cold and sprinkling rain.  The things I do for love (of vinyl).  This mixtape was the first time it was released on vinyl and it came in 180-gram clear vinyl.  It was also limited to 1,500 copies. As far as the covers go, I did not know most of the songs.  It was neat to hear them branching out to different styles of songs while still keeping their signature sound.  Clearly this is a fanboy Mates of State release.  And I guess this made it official me and my girlfriend are fanboy and fangirl.

If I would have made list of my Top 10 albums of 2005 in 2005.  The Everglow would be near the top of the list. So you can imagine how excited I was when I found out that this album was getting the royal Record Store Day vinyl release. This album takes the concept album even further.  The intro and outro help set the feel of a children’s book on tape.  Combine that with the beautiful songs and the children’s book style artwork and you have a full on album experience.  The vinyl release is a 2LP double gatefold that i got from Shake-It Records.  Take a trip down memory lane and get a glimpse into the childlike wonderment of the album with the video for “Suspension” below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9FVLLHrXNI

I’ve been a fan of The Loved Ones and have not heard lead singer Dave Hause’s solo efforts yet.  You combine that fact with the feelings of missing Dave Hause’s opening set while on tour with Lucero and the almighty brand of Record Store Day Exclusive.  Next thing I know I’m in the check out line at Shake-It Records purchasing this like some kind of out of body experience.  This comes with 2 originals and 2 covers.  The covers are “Whistles In The Wind” by Flogging Molly and “The River” by Audra Mae.  Even though I did not find the more limited color release, the music more than makes up for it.

I first heard of this band a couple years ago after hearing their catchy tune “Lust For Life” and my affection did not go any further.  After hearing some excellent things about this record I decided to check it out.  This album creeps on you.  It took nearly a year before I was absolutely hooked on this album.  It could very well be one of the best records in 2011.  This has been teasing me for awhile at Omega Music and what a great push and affect Record Store Day has to buy those albums you’ve been wanting to for awhile now.  This album is a double gatefold 2LP (one in white and the other black).  This record is not afraid to let out some soft ballads or a screeching guitar riff.  If you like indie rock and have some strong classic rock leanings look no further than the Father, Son, Holy Ghost.

I’ve posted about my two favorite Anberlin records in the past.  But without this 2005 release, I would have never even listened to them.  I became a fan back in college walking around campus to the illegally download album.  I owed it to the band, the album, and myself to purchase this. That is the funny thing about this year’s RSD.  It was filled with past albums from bands I loved years ago.  I can’t resist some of my favorite albums from the past. Especially on Record Store Day!

Fun Fact:  the single “The Feel Good Drag” was re-recorded and released as a rock radio hit years later on their album New Surrender (I don’t have that one!)  Next?!  Maybe…..

Short, Sweet, and Soulful.  3 words that come to mind when listening to Alabama Shakes’s debut album.  I didn’t realize at first that this is a woman singing until I started listening to the lyrics.  I couldn’t stop listening to this album. Soo…..I had to buy it. Right?!   It was my very last find/purchase of Record Store Day 2012.  I was checking out at Omega Music and I look up on the wall at a very white faint record.  I had to ask the clerk if that was the Alabama Shakes record and if so I wanted it.  This record was meant to be here.  It spoke to me more than three words I used to describe it could ever.

After 458 posts,  I’ve nearly posted every record I own except for 7”s, 10”s, and other rarities.  I plan on getting to those as quick as I can.  Some of these may be more difficult to post about considering the circumstances of these records.  All that’s left is my most recent purchases from Record Store Day.  I figured since I’m caught up and was unable to highlight my RSD purchases in years past.  I figured I would take the opportunity.  After the RSD purchases are posted, I will follow with the albums I won from a raffle sponsored by a local band Me & Mountains on RSD at Omega Music. I hope you’ve enjoyed this long journey with me.  I will be doing less posts and more recent purchases the closer I get to posting the entire collection.  Thanks for reading and maybe listening along.

I freaked out at first when I found out this sold out online in a few hours and I missed the the train.  Luckily I found this not too long after.  The freak out was due to the immense admiration and emotional connection I have to this album.  I started listening to this record at the same time I fell in love with my girlfriend. So a lot of these early feelings on the record are intertwined with my early memories of our relationship.  I even gave this cd to her on our 2nd anniversary.  This double gatefold is filled with the ever flowing talent of Dustin Kensrue.  He’s able to show his folk rock leanings for the first time and allow himself to write soulful music.  8 songs is a tease.  I’ve been waiting 5 years for more Dustin.  Let’s do this.