Is Record Store Day Good or Bad for the Vinyl Community? 

I love and hate RSD. I love that I can get cool releases but hate the crazy gouging that goes on after the fact.

I've been into vinyl for years, and recently my daughter has gotten into it too. Thanks mostly to Taylor Swift. We did RSD at our local shop. We went way early, got close to the front in line and she got the Taylor Swift 7 inch and it was the best day of her life! The next day seeing that 7 inch going for 200$ I was just shocked! I understand supply and demand, but seriously, this flipping thing sucks! I'm glad to say we opened that thing and spun it at high volume! I scored a couple of things I wanted so all in all it was not bad.

Who the hell enjoys shopping in a crowd and waiting in line? I'll happily pay more to have room to breathe and some mental peace.

Flippers kill the vibe

I like RSD for meeting up with friends and familiar faces two or three times a year that I otherwise don’t see. I feel like the true spirit of RSD is lost though because people are only there for the RSD exclusives and not always buying non-RSD albums. The flippers - ugh!

Record store day STARTED out as a great idea. But within a few years things started going south once the bean counters in the towers took note of the funds being exchanged at the counters, not to mention the flippers. So they began the “carrot and stick” method with the music lovers, putting out marginal material the bootleggers had for eons for astronomical figures. And the “circus” aspect of it all with the “Will you get it? Will you be the lucky man? Round and Round she goes, folks!!” Just sickens me no end. I’d also like to find out if the people that drop four figures each RSD also come in and drop that much on an “ordinary” day. There’s the “proof in the pudding” moment. So anyway, no…Record store day needs to get back to its first years and do everything possible to reign in the greed and snobbery. Otherwise people like me stay away. Long live bootlegs, counterfeits and home taping!

RSD means discounts in my local store. No RSD exclusives in my shop sooooo, I like it! Plus I get to catch up with friends who visit the record store as we're a small community

Here's my suggestion: How about release cool variants for RSD, BUT do not release the edition numbers. That way flippers wouldn't know which records to flip, and real fans would actually get to enjoy buying the records they want without competing with scalpers. And please print enough copies if the artists are as big as Taylor Swift. Real record collectors will continue supporting their record stores not just on RSD, why should we suffer competing with scalpers?

Overhyped IMO. Sometimes there is occasional good releases but seems like a cash grab not really good for anyone except the labels.

if you only go to the record store on that day, you're a bad collector.

I didn't make the effort to go out on Record Store Day, but at 5am Pacific Time the next morning I was able to log onto different shops' websites from around the country and snag all the discs I really wanted at a fair "pre-flipper" price. I got the Mingus 3-LP set, the Ramones 80's box set, and Alice Cooper's Brutal Planet all at normal retail prices...and I'm supporting good brick 'n mortar stores to boot.

The prices in Europe were obscene this time around. That Doors boxset was $140! Everything else $60 minimum. Not sure any of it is worth it

I work in a used record shop and although we do sell some new vinyl, we've never really been tempted to take part in RSD. Our reasoning is that it is an awful lot of work for one day and our regular customers, that keep us going all year round, would have to 'join the queue' on our busiest day of the week and that's not something we really don't want them to have to do. Also we really don't want to be involved with those people we'll only see for that one day each year. They won't help pay the bills for the other 364 days of the year. My personal opinion on RSD is that it is generally garbage. There are some good releases each year and a shed load of tat that, like you say, ends up in the bargain bucket. I've never been to a shop on RSD, mainly because I'm usually working. I don't own a single RSD release in my collection and probably never will. I've yet to see anything that has ever interested me in the yearly lists. I find it sad that a lot of the people that attend RSD only buy records on that day. We get phone calls and visits all the time asking if we'll have such a such record that day from people we've never seen before and never see after. RSD lines the pockets of the fat man, not the record store owners. I could go on, but I won't. In my world, every day is record store day.

I will go to RSD after the madness and see what’s left. Usually some decent stuff. I refuse to stand outside for hours for the possibility of getting a record that may/may not be there. It seems good for small businesses, which is great. My local store brings in local bands to play, so it’s an event. Also, flippers are the absolute worst.

for me everyday is record store day ,im not rich but im managing to find awesome vinyl in my searching very frequent these days in the secondhand market

The flipper thing is over done. Sure hate what they do however they can only buy one copy each per store, and if they work it then so be it. A waster of energy I think. I’d say 25% of the releases are great plus lots of waste. But I have a great time meeting new and old friends so in the end I enjoy it ❣️

I only really care about RSD for things like Future's DS2 where I know it's a new album with not any other pressings planned so I figure i'll get it for fun. When it's a variant in a long list (looking at you RHCP) I tend to just kind of roll my eyes. But if it's genuinely something hard to find i'll take it

Well considering there's literally thousands of record store day 2022 Vinyl for sale on Ebay I'd wager 50% of customers who bought records were just flippers looking to sell overpriced vinyl to people that actually listen to them. Records store day seems to have evolved for resellers unfortunately . This gives me flashbacks of the early 90's with the sports card and comic book crash because everyone was collecting to resell and make money with all the variations so to many were made . One day I had cards and comics that were worth money and in a blink of an eye they were worth nothing . Vinyl will crash as it's become very simular , I give it another 5-8 years

Hate it. As I am disabled I can't partake in the event as I cant stand in line for hours.

I really enjoy RSD. I like going out early, waiting in line and hanging out with other record enthusiasts. My wife and kids aren't into it, so it's just one of the few times each year where I really get to geek out with others like me. The complaining about flippers is just that, complaining. I've been to every RSD since No. 2 and flipping is nothing new and exists in every hobby, and it exists in vinyl collecting throughout the year with any hot title that has low quantities. I've just accepted it and have moved on. As for your store, you need to do what makes sense for you. And I think you can be creative. There is a small shop by me that is also a largely used shop. They don't do the special releases, but the owner busts out some grails to piggyback off the day. (And I did wear your "Ask me about my record collection" shirt to my shop. Great conversation starter for the day.)

It is just overpriced colored vinyl for hipsters. Totally irrelevant.

I have never done RSD and probably never will. It’s like Black Friday, which I don’t do either. My brother goes so if there is actually something I want I ask him to try to get it for me. Most of the time there is absolutely nothing I want and have no interest in. Another great video.

I started collecting vinyl about three years ago. I avoided Record Store Day because I didn’t want to deal with the crowds, but this year Kirk Hammett released his solo EP ‘Portals’, and being a huge Metallica fan I had to have a copy. I live in Charlotte and have shopped at both Noble and Lunchbox, but had to go to a place called Repo Records because my daughter had an appointment nearby. I was thrilled to see several copies were left, and I was quite happy. The record is great, and I’ll be keeping an eye on next year’s releases.

“The flipper even hates the flipper, but they still flip.” -Dillon 2022

RSD probably was good when it started but nowadays I think it is one of the major factors that is feeding the price bubble on especially new records. I only buy used so it doesn't really affect me personally but a lot of people are going to be devastated once the bubble bursts. I did go to a record store on RSD but I go there every weekend anyways so I didn't go for RSD.

The Shop I Went to made a wishlist for every person online and pulled the records before they even got in the door. Once in, about 6-8 people at a time in the small shop, you still had time to browse remaining stock, which was plentiful. It was a good experience, no shoving and grabbing which for my first RSD was a concern. I even wound up buying a used CD and a new LP not RSD

I only started collecting this year and I had had a great day on rsd. Got 4 records so I was happy. Listened to them as soon as I got home 😎

The record store I worked at from 2012-2020 focused more on used records too! we did a focused RSD order I kinda would only order 1 copy of an album that seemed a gamble, and then stuff we liked and knew our customers would buy throughout the month we’d order multiples. I think we kept it modest at like a 3K to 6K max, too many releases that stores get stuck with. Also to counteract flippers we would price up the stuff that was already selling for more, then just drop price if it was a regular customer not a flipper. Oh ya we also had an out building we would open and would have maybe 5,000 bargain bin albums we’d pull out for special events so even a crate digger could come down on RSD and walk away with a u haul box of records for 100$ if they wanted. That was always fun, even people on a budget could dig through those for hours to find that one jem for a buck or two!

Dylan I’m with you on RSD. While I’m for anything that elevates this industry, I wish there was some event nationally that would promote shops like us who are into selling the vintage LP’s.

My buddy owns a small shop in town. Kind of does a semi RSD. But I’m with you..original is always a priority I question these people telling me that they can (70 years of tape deterioration) deliver a superior replication of what happened in 1952. I don’t buy it. You’re listening to processing Original is first with me BTW that art Pepper was a great sounding DULL tunes and performance..totally middle class bland jazz…and no art Pepper didn’t turn into Coltrane or shorter that day.. Hoax of the year Great recording Safe bland nothing recording

I don't care how much they bash it, it's at least 25% responsible for the vinyl comeback. Circa 2003, indie stores were hurting - CDs were dead and the 12 people who bought vinyl, weren't keeping their doors open. They could never imagine a line down the street waiting to buy stuff. I missed the very first RSD, but that's only cause I didn't know about it. From the first one I went to in 2009 till today, it's become a holiday for me. I missed getting the Blur on Saturday, so I got it on EBay. Everything else I wanted was there. Stop complaining, that's why divorces happen

I love it and hate it. I love being able to pick up something that I've been wanting for a long time, but I hate the gimicky colored vinyl and ridiculous prices. I hate the flipper, but only if I can't get a copy on my own.

BTW the Albert Ayler box is the first real time I’ve been denied.I’m pretty resourceful in several markets and got blanked…..hurts

I like RSD but I don't like tons of shoppers crammed in a small store with bad browsing etiquette. Same reason I tend to avoid record shows.

Have been buying records since I was a kid in the 80’s. Not a fan of RSD. It feels like generally speaking the whole modern vinyl boom is a false market similar to beanie babies or something. I would not expect things to stay at the value they are right now for the long haul. The creation of immediate demand based on shorting the supply is total manipulation by the industry. Same could prob be said for things like sneakers these days. It’s all lame corporate nonsense. I stick with my usual buying used. Hate where prices are now but some used deals are still out there occasionally. But as long as it’s trendy and people pay the prices will stay high. Just do not count on that lasting. Go ask a beanie baby collector who invested in the 90’s and now is stuck with piles of toys no one wants.

I participated in my first RSD ever this past weekend and from what I’ve seen from other peoples’ experiences it seems like I was completely spoiled. Instead of waiting in a queue overnight my store just had an online registration system. After they confirmed your registration they gave you a time to come to the store and a list to fill out of the records you wanted. I simply showed up ten minutes prior to my appointment, went into the store to shop while they gathered the stuff on my list, and in about five minutes I had a few used records and my RSD pile and I was done. Took all of 30 minutes and got everything I wanted and more. I imagine if I had to sleep overnight on the sidewalk and still wait 3 hours just to get in and find nothing I’d probably be a bit put off the whole experience.

I've only gone once and it was because there was something I was excited about getting. This year, not so much, so I don't mind missing out. So it depends on what's offered. Standing in line isn't fun but I met someone new and cool last time and heck, if it helps out the local store, that's a good thing. They also limit purchases to one per customer. No one likes flippers. But we like the re-issues or re-imaginings.

My local record shop participates in RSD and it is a great day. This year I did a variation of flipping, bought two albums at reasonable prices, listened to both, decided they were not for me and so put them on eBay, for Buy It Now prices that gave me a huge profit of £8 ($10) which after postage costs came down to £0 ($0). Both sold within minutes of posting and so hopefully they will go to people who missed out on RSD and not flippers. As others have said record stores aren't just for one day in the year, they are community hubs for all year round. Looking forward to June 18th when some of the late releases are made available.

I also work Saturday mornings so have never gone to rsd. This year I went to my first one in the afternoon and was able to snag a few that were on my list. Considering how much I had to spend for 4 records I can imagine how much the stores need to invest to stock any kind of inventory even at wholesale prices

I like it because its a fun focal point to gather music lovers together. And you can get some cool stuff.

Love your attitude towards RSD and your honesty. I’m pushing 69 this year and I still get an hour and a half early to get to my local shop. Green Light Music. This year the titles I wanted were very expensive. I had to pick and choose carefully. I passed up on the Dead and the Allman’s When I got home and told my wife, she gave me her credit card and told me to go back and get them. Good wife! I love your videos and hope to come down to your shop someday. Thank you brother

I was never a big fan of artificially manufactured "rarity."

RSD?... I dunno if good or bad... it’s “good” to me, when there something I want, which is seemingly less and less anymore… and I know I most likely can get 'em cheaper online after the fact (Though I know thats not the point of RSD) On another RU-vid channel the question was posed: “Did you get everything you wanted on RSD 2022?” One of the comments said (paraphrase): “Yes, I got all 27 albums I was looking for… Spent nearly $900.” This blew my mind, A) is it possible someone had 27 wants from one RSD list? Really? B) or is it just buying to buy? Or Flipping? I duuno, but puts it into perspective that there’s a lot of HYPE around RSD but Im not convinced it genuine or “worthwhile.” Whatever floats your goat though, I say.

Thanks for the heads up Dylan!!! I wasn’t even aware of the Shinki album. definitely going to have snag a copy of that record.

In Boston we call those people FLIPPAHS!

I think you pretty much nailed it across the board. Personally, I've enjoyed RSD for the last couple years. We do Repo, but Lunchbox does do a great job with it as well. Like you..just seeing people so excited about records and making a day/weekend of it is awesome. Not to mention the new collectors the news around RSD brings in.

good for you wanting the buyer to want to leave happy. cool. I have several stores near me, and it is just a cluster mostly negative experience. Start with a line. RSD just needs to NOT make such limited print runs, and that would make many more people happy. The bottom line now is, get on line to be happy which is pretty pathetic. Then the prices, so so so disappointed in The Dead......what a disgrace . The basic logic is folks miss their RSD album so they spend on other albums in the stores.....so I guess it is good for the shops then.

I love records stores, but that's the one day I will not go. No offense to anyone, because this is my personal collecting preference, but I feel like RSD releases are vinyl versions of tchotchkes. On any given day, there are tons of other things I'd rather own on record than anything released exclusively for that.

Why don't we have: Rock Day (focus on Rock records), Turntable Day, Albums Day (focus on LP albums), 45 singles Day... etc. :-)

I personally love it. Most years there are fewer than 3 releases I want, but I don’t care. I meet up with friends, grab lunch, and dig for records. It’s a blast, and the flippers not only don’t bother me, but more power to them. If they wanna get in line the night before just to snag the 3 biggest releases and go home and flip em, all power to them. I’m not gonna do it, so knock yourself out. Those of us (like your boy) can stand in line at Lunchbox for the RSD releases and then drop even more cash on that used 🔥 at Noble daddio!

I like it because it's providing the "people" with something they "want". What I don't like is the people who don't want to participate because of "capitalism" as if they are forcing people to spend their own hard earned money on whatever they want. Lighten up people.

Support your local Indie Record Stores! Long Live RSD!! It's all about community!

If i miss out, oh well, it's part of the fun.

I’ve attended it since 2009, it is a great event, and like anything that grows, changes come, inevitable. They can’t please everyone, but it has been a great part of vinyl growth

To me Record Store Day is kinda like New Years Eve. It's when all the amateurs go out and get stupid.

Always exciting to see the differences in the releases between Europe and the US. Also heartbreaking at times 😭🤗 greetings from Germany!

People who dump on it after once liking it are like band fans who hate their favorite band when they hit it big and have many more fans. .

To be honest, I enjoy RSD. This year I purchased 5 albums and they cost me some money!!! I paid £83 for the Bill Evans release it’s the most I’ve ever paid. I think £83 equates to approx 103US D. In total I spent £194 equates to approx 241US D. Was surprised with the costs this year.

re: Discussion of Record Store Day. I've said it before and I'll say it again - people are welcome to do what they do. Occasionally, there have been releases that I'm interested in (and I have copies of a lot of them -- although I've never gotten them day-of. There are often copies of the titles I want left over somewhere (and occasionally I used to get review copies of them, when they were first trying to get RSD off the ground, years ago) and I pick them up after the fact. I don't always find what I'm looking for (never did find a copy of the Nirvana Hormoaning reissue, when it came out on RSD, years ago), but I find enough.

RSD is my favorite holiday. I look forward to the unique and exclusive releases. Love Attic Records in Millvale PA.

I was only able to get the Morning Glory. I couldn't find the Inner Spirit.

i loved RSD about 10+ years ago. Small bunch of people outside the shop. Everybody got what they want and it was usually indie and underground records. These days? Sheena Easton, Rick Astley, Def Leppard------yeah NO. Stopped going to RSD and won't be going back. I did order a 7" yesterday from RSD but found it for list price so felt lucky to.

I enjoy going to RSD events as there's always some cool stuff to pickup on the day & usually if you go to right record stores, you might also find some cool released that did not totally sell out the week or weekend after. In the past I've been & was disappointed to miss out on a hot ticket item I want to pickup because flippers picked them up & sold them on at jacked up prices on eBay. Last RSD day I missed out on Foo Fighters/Dee Gees "Hail Satin" covers + live tracks LP & there was also a special event by HMV, who are a big chain store in the UK where they released a number of special repressings of classic albums to celebrate their 100 year anniversary. I really wanted to pick up a copy of "Hounds Of Love" by Kate Bush, which had been pressed on splattered vinyl, but missed out as flippers picked up tones of copies, which are still selling for £100+ on eBay. This time, I was lucky enough to pickup copies of "More Hot Rocks" by Rolling Stones + the 7" single of "The Lakes" by Taylor Swift, who is of course RSD Ambassador for 2022. I'm keeping that in my collection as I'm a quite big fan of Taylor's & am dead against flippers as I think they spoil the fun for everyone, but it's madness to see I spotted one sold on eBay for £154, which is insane + the RSD of 1989 by her, which was pressed on RSD in 2018 can be seen selling for £1,000+

I’m so tired of the RSD complaining. If it be flipping or whatever. Who cares? Bunch of complainers. You aren’t entitled to a Taylor swift record. If you want it, get in line.

Flippers hate flippers. You’re right, I hate doing it but I don’t care what anyone thinks, if I can make hundreds of spending a few bucks, I’m always going to do it 🤷‍♂️. Goes right back in the record community anyways

you got rid of the echoing. Nice! as for RSD, I don't care for it much. Havent had much issue tracking down my wants afterwards.

I went out to RSD and posted a video like average VC member with an opinion. It was cool getting out and digging but per usual I was more excited to see what was in the store that had nothing to do with RSD. I still like RSD but it's lost its luster. Not the same.

It gets hijacked by the same handful of mega successful artists every year, but I still think it helps boutique record stores stay in business. Btw, have you heard the 1977 album 'Detective'? They were on Zep's swan song label in the 70's, stompin' bluesy hard rock.

Used to love it! But, it has changed. It’s become a forum for record companies to exploit collectors with limited quantity releases. It’s a feeding frenzy for the flippers. I don’t go anymore!

Could you not celebrate your own version of RSD without the official RSD vinyl? After all, it’s about supporting independent record stores.

I like the premise of RSD, but I wish they would focus on more desirable titles rather than a lot of the junk they offer. There are many titles either out of print or that have never been released on vinyl that they could put out.

Demographics have a lot to do with "Record Store Day." There are pockets around the States that do well (especially in big cities, and around colleges and universities.) And, thank god, there are die-hards who will drive hundreds of miles to cop some groovy platters, too. God bless the vinyl community. Peace on earth. BTW... Is that really you at fifteen? Man, your hair migrated from your scalp to your jaw pretty quick.

I like RSD but seems like some record stores are using it as a cash grab in Sydney (Australia). One store selling Blur - Bustin' + Dronin' for $70, Another $90 and another $130 :(

I go when I can. I enjoy the day. Usually buy used even on RSD. Learned something with an Allman Brothers Band release. Bought it RSD paid $40 something for it, then 4or 5 months later same album was released for $27. the Art Pepper will be released by AS(pre-order already up for it) later this year in Stereo for cheaper. so I go , have fun, enjoy the day and wait it out.😊🤓

I avoid RSD like the plague, personally. It might've been cool at first but now it's just a money grab. Not by the mom 'n pop record stores, I don't begrudge them the chance to make money. But the labels and artists, there's too many variants, prices keeps going up, and a lot of times it truly seems like artists and labels are scraping the bottom of the barrel for stuff to put out on vinyl. Some random bootleg concert from 1982, demos, I mean who cares? And of course there's the flippers that you'd have to compete with. Hard pass. And RSD is like every month now! Seems like the pencil pushers have ruined it. I actually went to my LRS last month and to my chagrin realized it was record store day. Didn't turn around and leave, but definitely considered doing so, what with all the randos crowding my normally quiet little store. But few if any of them were bothering to paw through the used crates that I'm much more interested in than new pressings, so we were able to coexist. And my LRS made some money, so there's that. Maybe I'm just being a grumpy old man, but RSD isn't for me.

The funniest gripe I hear is, “there’s nothing on the list for me.” Seriously? Out of 342 releases, there’s no way they’re familiar with everything on the list. I bought 40 RSD releases last weekend. Many of my purchases were artists or albums I’d never heard of before the list dropped.

I had a huge problem with how badly they screwed over the Taylor Swift fans. I'm not a fan of her's personally but to not be able to print at least 10-20k more copies of her 7 inch? Come on, she's the ambassador and possibly the biggest pop star on the planet. I felt bad how tough it was for her fans to get her stuff. Idk, RSD in my opinion has gotten way bigger than the first time I went and I've only been a collector for almost a decade or so, so I haven't had too many RSD's. This was the first RSD where I was kind of like, is this worth it? I just paid 46 bucks for an Echo and the Bunnyman album. Crazy.

I do not buy much on RSD as I am too am more a second buyer for items I am still looking for. But I did succumb this year as I saw there was a five LP Grateful Dead set coming out. Live Empire Pool Wembley 4/8/72. It was £119.99 and I was in two minds at that price, but it was such a wonderful package and the setlist so damn good..I quickly said yes to it. and no regret now on paying so much. Having heard it all I can say is what a show. The only down side is that the 30 minute Dark Star is over 2 sides, but amazing music. Purchased mine in Rough Trade in Bristol and had to ask for it as it was out the back on not on display.

At first I thought Record Store Day was a great idea just like Comic Book Store Day. However it has become an event for the labels to sell gimmicky releases on picture discs or colored vinyl that would never sell the other 364 days of the year. Like you I’m a huge collector of original pressings of records from analog masters as well as CDs from when the album was originally released. Great channel and hopefully someday I can take a trip Charlotte, NC from Connecticut to checkout the store!😮

I have a question Dillon ?? Considering these are limited pressings. There is a certain store in PA. I'm not gonna name any names, but these people wind up with over 3000 RSD releases. They would have 150 Alice in Chains 50 Ramones box sets. How does a shop wind up with so many copies of super limited stuff and other shops sometimes can't even get a single copy of something ordered. I've seen this store wind up with 10% of total pressings for RSD titles year in and year out. I think that's crazy for titles that should be distributed nationwide to participating vendors on RSD that can't get a single copy.

I think RSD will eventually feel like what Twitter/Instagram is today compared to 10 years ago. People will still participate, but the whole concept will eventually get polluted with bad actors, bad policies, bad practices regarding quantities, etc. Quantities being my main issue. 2000 copies for a certain release?... Come on. That being said... I still enjoy record store day. At least for my local stores, they put out rare and great used records that are hard to find. And that's always worth standing in line for even he there aren't any RSD releases I want.

I live just outside Seattle on the east side. In 2003 I bought my first record at a vintage/record shop. Over the next 10 years or so I tried to support local shops exclusively. So many stores went under in the wake of Amazon and the changing tides toward digitization. Then around 2015 as records became fashionable again a few shops popped back up, but were soon crushed by the rapidly inflating prices for commercial space. Thankfully there is still a single record shop within about a 30 minute radius, and it happens to be 6 minutes from my house! It’s quirky and totally unorganized and the owner is cranky and the hours change week to week. The one thing that is saving the store is that he pays reasonable prices for good records, so people come in and accept store credit as payment then spend all the money back plus some. He also does a decent job of Record Store Day. I’ve only been able to make one, but there are a ton of local collectors who make it out just to support the store. I recently went in and was talking shop and he told me that between holiday sales and RSD sales it was the only reason he’s in the black! So I’m sure it doesn’t work for everyone, but I’m pretty sure it’s one of the only reasons I still have a record store so close!

Hell yeah Lunchbox Records! That's my brother's local and we went there for RSD about 13 years ago. Still need to hit up Noble the next time I'm in the area. I like to dig and your shop seems right up my alley. Until then I've got Papa Jazz in Columbia which I love. In general not a fan of RSD releases, mostly because I don't collect super popular hyped up stuff, which seems to be a bulk of it usually. No shade to the fans of it on tough. Like you said if it makes them happy it's all good.

I decided not to go to RSD because I had to work but I got everything I wanted from my local shops website when they put the leftovers up on Sunday. However, had to snag two from “flippers” on eBay at ridiculous price of course. I love RSD for the most part.

Dillon can I just say great video and I agree with everything you said (okay this is not my most critical comment!). For all the talk of a vinyl revival it is still a minority interest and nowhere near big enough that different factions should emerge and start cannibalising each other. So if anyone doesn’t like RSD, no need to knock it! The only credible argument I have heard against it is that it backs up the pressing plants, but I have no idea if it’s true, and even if it is, they are being backed up pressing records that people want (hence the RSD flippers) so maybe it’s worth it. It’s not as if they’re getting backed up making tins of baked beans, they’re still pressing records 24/7! So, peace, y’know…

Got the Pepper Adams album, opened it and one of the discs had rub mark that made noise. Because it was limited to 1,000 copies- tuff. Otherwise a "ok" Record Store Day this year.

Admittedly, RSD was a highly anticipated rush at the start. But over the years that excitement has faded. The selection of interesting releases seemingly has declined. I'm a blues collector and RSD's focus is elsewhere. Additionally, my local RSD shop does not order everything and blues is NOT a significant portion of his business. Even when I call in advance to urge him to order, he doesn't. As a result, I scan the RSD releases well in advance and, most often, let it pass.

Too many titles offered, prices out of sight., Once a year offering would be enough possibly small offering in December.

I love the fact that you don’t do RSD. Like you said, that’s not what you do. Yes, you have have a decent new inventory, especially titles that you don’t find everywhere. You’re used inventory is where it’s at! You get good titles every week and you price them right! That’s why I keep coming back!

I love RSD because it does its intended purpose: gets people into physical record stores. However like with anything, they aren't without their faults. Stores don't seem to receive the same amount of inventory and that can be frustrating when you're trying to get a record that's limited to 3,000 copies and a store 20 minutes away gets 10 and your store gets 2. Also really hate the flippers (looking at you, 7" Taylor Swift), but that's just the state we live in right now. The only thing I could see RSD doing to combat that is increase their quantities, but then that sort of defeats the purpose of getting people out to the stores early so they can try and snag one of those limited releases. Overall though, I really enjoy RSD and look forward to their releases every year. It's cool seeing what kinds of records they're finally getting pressed on vinyl simply because of RSD.

I've become neutral about RSD because I just don't care anymore. I don't have the energy to stand in line, whether it's for RSD or some estate sale that advertises records. I used to do all that stuff, but the closer you get to death, the less collecting red marble vinyl really matters. I'm super-jaded, what can I say? I have most of the records I want, so even digging has lost its allure. Of course, I don't have a cool shop in my area like Noble Records either. Some of my greatest memories from high school was driving to the used record stores after school and buying a bunch of music. Vinyl was 99¢ because CDs were new. Oh well. Get off my lawn.

In UK RSD is a bit of a non-entity really. Most of my purchases are via EBay, a couple of on-line stores and local shops which don't take place in the event.

Love RSD. I drive down about 4 1/2 hours to my favorite record store, camp out overnight and hang out with other record nerds. I've done this for 4 or 5 years now. There are some downfalls to the day, mostly scalper related, though.

Record Store is bad for me, all them people buy up all the good stuff and there is nothing left for me.

My rsd consists of me watching other people show all the rsd stuff they bought and thinking to myself "I wouldn't have bought any of that" In my neck of the woods rsd pretty much doesn't exist, I'd have to travel an hour + then deal with city traffic and parking to maybe find a store that participates, I can't be bothered, I've never felt that I've missed out on something I really want on rsd. My local record store owner wouldn't even know rsd was a thing, I'd have to describe what it was all about which watching his face screw up I can't believe how many "lost tapes" there are 😄 And how much "previously unreleased" crap there is

RSD is not fun any longer. The flippers get in line hours ahead of time just so they can toss things up on ebay for double (or more) what you would pay instore. The store makes a sale, sure, but does it sour the experience for the long-time collector? Absolutely. Which could mean loss of regular drop-in visits to the record stores when it's not RSD. I've also noticed the RSD vinyl release prices are 20-25% higher than any other new records are during the rest of the year. And finally, I'm SO tired of stores hoarding all the 'good' used product to put out only on RSD. Look, I go to multiple record stores multiple times a month, I'm missing out on stuff I would pay for at any time of the year because the once-a-year shopper stands in line and gets first crack at the 'rare' used stuff that they would miss out on because they can't be bothered to actually shop record stores during the remainder of the year. RSD started out as a laudable idea, but it's been soured to the point where I no longer look forward to RSD.

I enjoy it. There is always something to get and you get to hang out with likeminded people.

Not a fan.Went once 4 yrs ago as there were three albums I wanted.Got to store at 7am.Waited over 3 hours in the freezing cold to get in.Didn't get anything.Left pissed off and will never do it again.I did manage to get two of the records online when the record shops can sell them(not the @#$%$# flippers)

You are a flipper, as am I. Mutual hate? I don't have much of a view on RSD, I think I've picked up 1 or 2 Rsd Releases since it started, simply becuase the vinyls I tend to collect are not part of their offerings to date. I have wondered how much money stores make from it a few times, you do see a lot of vinyls left over!

I love independent record stores, so RSD seems great to me as it is great for the stores. On the other hand I hate the hassle of standing in line at the crack of dawn and would rather just wait and go later. Sure I miss some of the new drops but its just not worth it to me. I guess for me, every day is RSD!