Record Store Day, the annual celebration of vinyl and the shops that sell it, takes place this year on Saturday 13th April. On that day, all across the globe, eager vinylphiles will form queues outside their favourite record shop, with those present crossing their fingers that they'll be able to procure that yearned for item from amongst the large array of shiny delights on offer this year.
Southsea's famed Pie & Vinyl has, since it first took part in Record Store Day, seen an ever growing number of punters pitching up outside its doors, all keen to get their mitts on that special pressing. Some get there early, some mosey along in the afternoon and a hardy few wait overnight to ensure they don't miss out.
For the
past few years Castle Road, where P&V proudly sits, has joined in with the RSD celebrations by closing itself to traffic and hosting an array of local traders, artisan comestibles and live music. This year marks the fifth such takeover and, though no artists have yet been announced, whoever plays will be joining such alumni as Emily Barker, Jerry Williams, Blenaevon, Plastic Mermaids, Smoke Fairies and IDLES (no, really).
Even if vinyl isn't your thing (I know, but there are some folk who prefer CDs or, yes, even cassettes) it's well worth a visit to enjoy the ambience of a Southsea street showing its best garb, procure a gourmet cheese toastie or even replenish your supply of hot sauce (and best of all it's completely FREE to attend, which is nice).
This year's instalment of the annual celebration of all things round & shiny and the beloved shops that sell them, Record Store Day, will soon be upon us. On Saturday 13th April, at locations all across the land, people will be standing in line, waiting for the doors to open on their local vinyl emporium. Many will have been waiting outside their favourite shop for hours, perhaps even overnight, just to get their mitts on THAT reissue, THAT special pressing, THAT longed for release that they need to fill a specific hole in their record collection.
The selection of records, the long list of vinyl delights, is invariably a mouth-watering selection of gems that covers near all genres and styles of popular (and not so popular) music. Each year the list of records grows, a spreadsheet of wants that no doubt causes consternation for Bank Managers all over the country. The list of RSD records is released ahead of time, to both give the shops ample opportunity to request their preferred stock and us punters a chance to drool as we scroll through the mammoth spreadsheet of temptations.
The 2019 RSD list will be announced this Thursday, 28th February, and to mark the occasion Southsea's treasured Pie & Vinyl is hosting its own RSD launch event, spinning vinyl (and you're welcome to bring your own for a go on the decks), giving away cider from RSD partner Friels and, of course, offering a special selection of pie-tastic meal deals.
The following day, Friday 1st March, the fun continues over at Portsmouth's newest venue The House of Rapture. Havant Nu-Eyed Soul outfit Barbudo are launching their new EP, Sunshine. For a taste of what the band has to offer check out previous single Secret Admirer via the SoundCloud embed:
Entrance to EP launch party is £6 on the door, though entrance is FREE if you pre-order the new release via Pie & Vinyl. Doors open at 1930 and, I have no doubt, a good time will be had by all.
