Chicago, IL | Music Direct to give away boxes of used records at event at Chicago warehouse later this month: Audiophiles rejoice—later this month, Music Direct is giving away boxes of used records at its warehouse in Chicago’s Bowmanville neighborhood. Music Direct announced Thursday that it is closing its used record division to focus on new vinyl and hi-fi gear, and thus, their inventory of used records is going for free at a five-hour event. The giveaway will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Music Direct Warehouse at 1811 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Music Direct said 33 1/3 LP records will be pre-sorted by genre—rock, country/folk, classical, soundtracks, comedy, pop vocals, and jazz among them. Those who come to the warehouse for the event can choose a mystery box. The used record inventory will be in a giveaway box whether it’s worth $1 or $20, Music Direct said.
Shoreham, UK | Shoreham’s Slipped Discs is closing with a record sale on National Album Day: …James said “It’s a shame, it was launched in April 2024, and I’ve been battling with the decision to close it through most of this year due to a bit of downturn in sales. We had a very good Record Store Day event in April at both stops, we had alot of attendees, and big queues in both stores running down the street. Unfortunately these events don’t help throughout the year, and alot of people come on them, and don’t return until the following event or events, another being the Black Friday at the end of November. …A problem with new releases is that alot of the bigger labels, in particular, Universal, are offering records direct to customers before release date, which then impacts the sales for independent stores as we have to sell on the day of release. Labels aren’t making it as easy as they could do.”
West Bend, WI | ‘Wish lists’ granted for Taylor Swift fans celebrating new album release at West Bend record store: The Beat Goes On Records hosted a midnight release party for Swift’s 12th album, bringing together local fans who said the community aspect makes the experience special. Taylor Swift fans put away their typewriters in exchange for shimmery gel pens as they celebrated the release of her 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl, at Beat Goes On Records and More in West Bend. Owner Joe Zaremba understands why Swift’s fans congregate when she releases new music. “12:01, the register is on, we already know people are coming and they’re giving us all sorts of positive responses,” he said. “Music always brings people together.” Swifties in Washington County had midnight on Oct. 3 circled on a map to pick up their vinyl at their local independent record shop.
UK | Rough Trade partners with Vans to introduce vinyl records range in select stores: Rough Trade has joined forces with Vans to bring a selection of vinyl records to three Vans stores in London and Paris. For nearly 50 years, Rough Trade has been more than a record shop—a cultural hub where music fans connect with the artists shaping their world. Since opening in West London in 1976, Rough Trade has championed counterculture, community and creativity, with live in-store performances from legends such as Beastie Boys, PJ Harvey, Blur, Queens of the Stone Age, Björk, Jack White and Little Simz. With a fierce commitment to the physical format and the discovery of new music, Rough Trade continues to be a trusted space for fans to find the records that matter. …Handpicked by Rough Trade, the 50-strong vinyl selection landing in Vans stores is designed to surprise and inspire, blending underground breakthroughs, cult favourites and timeless classics. Expect records that spark conversation, soundtrack rebellion and celebrate craft.
Merry Something to You: Rhino Announces Record Store Day Black Friday Slate with Devo, Joni Mitchell, Alice Cooper, The Doors, Grateful Dead, Randy Newman, More. TSD is kicking off our look at this year’s Record Store Day Black Friday releases, due at participating independent record stores on November 28, with a typically packed slate coming from Rhino. With over 30 titles, the label has brought out the heavy hitters (many of which are RSD mainstays) including The Doors, Fleetwood Mac, Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, Todd Rundgren, Van Halen, and more. We’ve also included a handful of releases from Rhino sister labels such as Warner (with a Tom Petty live collection) and Elektra (an EP from modern-day superstar Bruno Mars). Visit here for a list of participating Record Store Day retailers and watch this space for more RSD BF news!
UK | Interesting releases for Record Store Day Black Friday: This week saw the announcement of the releases for Record Store Day Black Friday. While in the States Black Friday is a big deal taking place the day after Thanksgiving in the UK it is somewhat seen as a manufactured retail celebration. There are some interesting releases including a ten inch single from Billie Eilish and a seven inch from Chappell Roan, while from decades earlier there is a 1:1 replica of the 1975 UK Led Zeppelin 7” promo Trampled Under Foot backed with Black Country Woman. There will be big demand for the Ghost picture disc of Skeleta while on the local band front Young Fathers release a tenth anniversary version of White Men Are Black Men Too. Later this month on Saturday October 18 it is National Album Day and this year there is a rock theme. Unfortunately this day is not organised by ERA, the Entertainment Retailers Association, which organises Record Store Day, and it has already disintegrated into total chaos.
Saratoga Springs, NY | Saratoga Record Riot returning to Saratoga Springs: Music lovers, the time has vinyl-ly come. The Saratoga Record Riot is returning on Sunday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Broadway. The event features vendors like Iris Records, Ed from Sweet Side Records, Ross Marvin, Patchoulie Julie, and more. Attendees can browse thousands of vinyl records, CDs, and 45s from over 60 tables and discover new music in the physical form. The Record Riot takes place twice a year, returning in 2026 on February 22 and October 18. Admission is $5 for regular entry, but early admission is $15 at 9 a.m. and super early admission is $25.
Madonna announces ‘Bedtime Stories’ 30th anniversary EP with early demos and rarities: ‘The Untold Chapter’ is coming next month. Madonna has announced the release of a special ‘Bedtime Stories’ 30th anniversary EP with early demos and rarities. The EP will be released on November 28 while the original ‘Bedtime Stories’ will also be released on limited-edition silver vinyl. Originally released in 1994, Madonna’s sixth studio album went on to sell over seven million copies worldwide and featured hits including ‘Take a Bow’, ‘Secret,’ and ‘Human Nature.’ On the album, she infused elements of R&B and dub with her classic brand of pop and enlisted the likes of Björk, Babyface and more for production work. At eight-tracks long, the EP include early demos, alternate versions, and rarities that “trace the evolution of ‘Bedtime Stories’ R&B-influenced sound,” according to a statement.
Danzig’s First Four Studio Albums Reissued On Vinyl: The first four albums from iconic heavy metal band, Danzig, are reissued on vinyl for the first time since their original releases. These LPs, Danzig (1988), Danzig II: Lucifuge (1990), Danzig III: How The Gods Kill (1992), and Danzig 4 (1994), include gatefold jackets, printed sleeves, and come on black, standard weight vinyl. These four albums remain standouts within Glenn Danzig’s celebrated discography. Danzig arrived after the songwriter’s first two projects, Misfits and Samhain, had run their respective courses. Danzig, released in 1988, marked the first release on Rick Rubin’s Def American Recordings, now called American Recordings.
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