Record Store Day 2015

Tomorrow is Record Store Day. Apart from the great offers and chances of getting your hands on some fine records, there is also the opportunity to catch a few live gigs around the country.


There are a few recommendations going round as to what to buy on Record Store Day. The Telegraph in the UK have compiled a nice list here. If you are looking for the best releases in americana and alt-country then check out Twang Nation's summary. I might be preaching to the converted here (in facet I'm sure I am) but the value of a record store goes way beyond just the stocking and selling of albums and singles. Record stores were, and still are for me, the heart of expanding musical knowledge. You might come across the odd artist on the internet that I'm sure that you wouldn't find in your local record store but, you cannot beat those recommendations from your local record store staff. So head on in today to your local store, browse the music and catch a few of the great live gigs that are happening. It just might make you want to come back.


This preview is going to have an Eirecana bias to it i.e. I'll be highlighting all the americana, alt-country, and folk musicians but do check out all artists and records on offer today. Everyone deserves a bit of support.

Dublin
Freebird Records have a number of live bands playing including Tomorrows, Lynched and more. Tower Records have a great line-up including Colm Mac Con Iomaire and The Urges on Saturday and on Sunday Mundy, The Mighty Stef. Spies, Cry Monster Cry, Fox Jaw, This Other Kingdom.

There is also Golden Discs around the city who have a fair few gigs going on in store. I'm leaving out a few record stores here but consult here for the full list.












Cork, Galway and Elsewhere
In MusicZone in Douglas, there are live sets from Live sets from Wasted Spaces (11am), The Shaker Hymn (12pm), John Blek & The Rats (1pm), John Spillane (2pm), and Raising Jupiter (3pm) as well as Fox Jaw. There is also a load of gigs happening in Golden Discs in Cork (though I dont know if that is a independent store). In Galway, there is a BYOB event in the city and Wingnut Records should have some decent record choices available.












So that's the summary. I have left out HMV's own event this weekend. As they are not a independent record store, they don't get to participate in Record Store Day. However the chain has gone ahead and organised "Record Fest". In fairness, they do have some great artists playing including The Mighty Stef, Buffalo Sunn ,Cry Monster Cry, Tucan, The Flaws, Riot Tapes and more on HMV Henry St. So make up your own minds on that one.