Since its inception in 2008, Record Store Day has become a cultural phenomenon, drawing attention to independently owned record stores worldwide. Initially conceived to celebrate and support these local institutions, it has grown to encompass a wide array of events, special releases, and community gatherings.
The day is a reminder of the important role record stores play in their communities. They are not just places to buy music. They are cultural hubs where people connect over a shared love of music. The staff, customers, and artists contribute to making Record Store Day a unique and cherished event.
This year's Record Store Day promises a plethora of exclusive releases that will excite music enthusiasts. Highlights include A-HA's Hunting High and Low-The 1984 demos, a crystal clear vinyl pressing of the band's original demos. This edition features unseen images and a design evocative of its 1985 release, including demos of hits like "Take On Me" and "The Sun Always Shines on T.V."
Tori Amos fans will be thrilled with Diving Deeper Live (Bonus Tracks), a limited edition vinyl featuring four additional live recordings from her '22/’23 Ocean to Ocean world tour. This release is limited to just 2,500 copies and includes a signed art card by Tori.
Check out David Bowie's double LP Ready, Set, Go! (Live, Riverside Studios '03). On September 8th, 2003, David Bowie created a groundbreaking moment by orchestrating the most extensive interactive music satellite broadcast ever witnessed. The exclusive concert was transmitted via satellite from London's Riverside Studios, reaching 50,000 viewers across 86 theaters in 26 nations worldwide, from Hong Kong to Helsinki, captivating audiences with an unprecedented live showcase of his newest album, Reality.
Record Store Day 2025 marks the debut release of this performance, offered on 180g heavyweight vinyl and CD formats, complete with a reproduction of the original event poster.
There will be special releases from Black Sabbath, Fleetwood Mac, Peter Gabriel, The Killers & Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Ice Tea, Grateful Dead, Sam Smith, and so many more. For a full list of what is being released, visit https://recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases
Don't forget to support your neighborhood vinyl shops. Back Around Records, located at 1 Market Square, offers a vast collection of albums from floor to ceiling. You'll find selections matching any musical preference or style. 2nd & Charles, at 1920 Skibo Road, also offers a nice variety of vinyl. To see a full list of record stores nearby, visit https://recordstoreday.com/Stores
In recent years, physical media, especially vinyl, has seen a resurgence in popularity. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including the tactile experience of handling physical records and the superior sound quality many audiophiles believe vinyl provides.
Moreover, physical formats offer a sense of nostalgia and a tangible connection to the music that digital formats often lack. Collectors and new generations of music lovers alike are drawn to the unique artwork, liner notes, and the overall experience of owning a physical piece of music history.

(Photo: The interior of Back Around Records at 1 Market Street. Photo courtesy of Back Around Records' Facebook Page)