Record Store Day started out in 2007 and continues to forge ahead, partly due to a resurgence in the popularity of vinyl, but also because of a collective re-think about the current situation with bricks and mortar shops – always a better alternative to sitting alone in front of a computer screen downloading poor quality mp3s.
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Canberra's few remaining independent record stores have stayed on track despite the wild swings of a fickle market.
Record Store Day this Saturday is mostly about celebrating the communal vibe of record shops where music fans can walk in with the intention of leaving the daily grind behind for a few happy moments and then walk out with first-rate recordings tucked under the arm to extend that happiness a little more.
The stats reveal record sales – previously regarded as having been consigned to the dustbin of history – have been on the rise in recent years largely thanks to 'dinosaur' bands like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, which punk rockers of yesteryear had written off in a fit of self-righteous anger, but nevertheless continue to offer the sweet thrill that only top shelf art can give.
With this in mind, Record Store Day started out as a way to acknowledge the many pleasures of record shops when the right stuff is on the shelves which local music retailers are keen to promote.
Landspeed Records in Garema Place arrived on the scene in 1994 and has been actively stimulating the senses ever since.
Co-owner Byron Budak emphasises the social aspect of music browsing when I ask what the significance of Record Store Day might be.
"Record Store Day is a celebration of all that is wonderful and diverse about independent record stores," he says.
"They are a social hub where people can browse the racks and connect with other music fans. Each independent shop is unique and almost like an art gallery curated by the staff and customers. The old masters are always in stock and are supplemented by modern movements in music."
I don't mind the 'old masters', and in this respect record stores are a collection point for a myriad of sounds from many eras and genres that cohabit in the one place to provide some kind of order to the general chaos of everyday existence.
Songland Records owner 'Frog' is similarly thoughtful about record shops offering something meaningful beyond commercial imperative.
"Like all anniversaries, I'm hopeful that Record Store Day reminds people to give some thought to the unique value of physical stores," he says.
"Record stores are unlike most retail environments – they are a meeting place, a venue for discussion and introduction."
Two record stores in two different parts of Canberra, but the desire to bring people together to enjoy the good stuff is a common ideal.
Anyone who would rather converse with human beings than a computer screen should get off the couch this Saturday and check it out.
Record Store Day is celebrated on April 18.
Landspeed will also hold a second hand vinyl sale with over 2000 quality second hand records for sale.
