Record Store Day 2019 Review

Record Store Day 2019 Review

It’s hard to believe Record Store Day 2019 was over a week ago already. So forgetting the annual debate and difference in opinions, let us remember what RSD is really about. As Mr Teeth reviews Record Store Day 2019 in Portsmouth at our favourite Pie & Vinyl.

What is Record Store Day?

Record Store Day, in essence, is what the name suggests, a chance to promote and support your local independent record store. However, the annual event often means different things to different people. For some it’s about trying to be first in the queue, camping out all hours for those highly sort after limited releases.

With labels distributing short runs of collectable records to around 200 independent stores in the UK, this often results in only a handful per shop. It’s no wonder then that some fanatics come for the pies and stay overnight ready to spend their hard earned money.

While there are the records themselves, ranging from re-releases to specially curated ltd editions and hidden gems, there’s much more to Record Store Day. It’s also the chance to bring the community together, often with likeminded souls just hanging about to discuss their passion for music.

The Torpedoes

Record Store Day at Pie & Vinyl

Previous years have seen our humble store collaborate with local traders and those responsible for a wider street party. Artists such as Smoke Fairies, Band of Skulls and Idles having all put in an outdoor appearance. While the street party wasn’t involved this year, Record Store Day 2019 at Pie & Vinyl became a much more intimate affair.

Those lucky enough to squeeze in, or listen from the other side of the window, were treated to a variety of live music. The early afternoon had acoustic performances from Channel Noir, a Portsmouth collective of musicians featuring Curl and the Torpedoes among others. Who, incidentally have an EP out as an audio response to the ongoing Brexit shenanigans.

Next up Emily Barker put in a delightful set with Marry Waterson. In part, to promote their own new album “A Window to Other Ways“. Emily herself no stranger to Record Store Day, as well as Pie & Vinyl regular. You can read Emily Barker’s previous thoughts on RSD following last year’s interview with Mr Teeth here.

Having met at a writing retreat, the partnership has a natural beauty about it. Stripped back, while combining Marry Waterson’s family folk heritage with Emily’s love of soul music.

Emily Barker and Marry Waterson

In contrast, the heavier rock n roll antics of Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind followed.  Jim isn’t normally one to tone things down, so even with Keith Richard’s 1964 Gibson Hummingbird acoustic in his arms, this was still a full band set.

It was, however, a chance to hear a couple of tunes up close and personal, from both “Super Natural” and latest album “The CollectiV”. Albeit choices, not exactly your standard family friendly, Saturday afternoon listening. Tracks such as “Satan’s Got his Heart Set on you” and “Sex Robot” sounding great, while Jones acted as though he was conducting an intimate sermon.

Mr Teeth managed to catch up with Jim Jones later that night, ahead of his gig at the Milton Arms Barn (click here for the full interview).

Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind

Tips for Record Store Day at Pie & Vinyl in 2020

It may be a while off, but with RSD2019 fresh in your memory, it’s worth remembering one or two things for next year. If you are looking to make some purchases, check the list ahead of the date for some idea of what may be available.

Those of you concerned by the influx of corporate hijacking, track down releases from independent labels or records being put out directly from the bands themselves. As for supporting Pie & Vinyl, remember that record stores are for life, not just Record Store Day.

If you can’t make it into the shop don’t worry, you can still order vinyl online with our favourite independent record store. So grab yourself some record store day leftovers or other indie record shop exclusives with Pie & Vinyl Online.