To get the celebration going a little early for Record Store Day 2012 this Saturday April 21, here's my Top 10 Fave Record Stores that I've had the pleasure to visit, hang out in, and shop at. These are stores that have survived through the ages despite the odds.
1. Red Cat Records, Vancouver BC. An artist-owned-and-operated musical community centre in the heart of Main Street that exudes warmth upon entry.
2. Fred's Records, St. John's NL. I love this store! It's been a classic St. John's landmark for over 30 years, and is hugely supportive of local, indie, and traditional NFLD music.
3. Back Alley Music, Charlottetown PEI. Besides an amazing selection of music and musical instruments, this awesome gathering place serves SOUP every third Saturday!
4. Soundscapes, Toronto ON. Easily makes the list for their second-to-none window displays. Check 'em out.
5. Freecloud Records, Edmonton AB. This store recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Their secret? "Staying true to vinyl in spite of all the pretenders to the throne". - owner Richard Liukko.
6. Sonic Boom Music, Toronto ON. Staggeringly supportive of local independent releases with constant free in-stores complete w/ beautiful silk screened posters.
7. Taz Records, Halifax NS. This is the store that stocked the influential records that fuelled the Halifax Pop Explosion of the early 1990s, and they're still rockin' 20 years later.
8. Cheap Thrills, Montreal QC. Mon dieu! This joint has been in business an insane 40 years and lived through all of Montreal's music madness through the generations.
9. Ditch Records, Victoria BC. A tidy, beautiful, thinking-person's indie record shop. I love to eavesdrop on the hipsters while cruisin' the crates.
10. Zulu Records, Vancouver BC. It's no hyperbole to call this giant music emporium the heart of Vancouver's West Side, still beating strongly after 30 years.
All ten of these stores have events in their shops this Saturday for Record Store Day, almost all featuring amazing line ups of free live music performances.
This brings us to our...
Poll Question of the Day:
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE RECORD STORE?
Is there a good record store in your neighbourhood? What brings you in to the store? Records? Concert tickets? Merchandise? Where do you buy your music? Will you be taking part in Record Store Day?
Let me know by commenting on our blog, emailing me directly grant.lawrence@cbc.ca, or tweeting us @cbcradio3. Listen to the conversation today on Grant Lawrence Live on CBC Radio 3.
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