Record store day fun

The Drums + The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Other Music – April 18

Balloons clung to the ceiling and the aisles  were shoved to the side in preparation for Other Music’s free show to celebrate Record Store Day. The line outside  already stretched halfway down the block by the time that I arrived, but luckily, I was able to cram in at the back.

The sets by both The Drums and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart were rather short and I can’t say the sound quality was great, but excitement still filled the air. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart even showcased a few new songs, which was pretty exciting.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

POBPAH set list
1. Come Saturday
2. 103
3. You Say It’s Not Real
4. Say No to Love (soon to be released 7″ single)
5. A Teenager In Love
6. Higher Than the Stairs
7. Heaven’s Gonna Happen Now (new song)
8. The Heart in Your Heartbreak (?)
9. I’m With You

Record store day… Yay!

Yep, it’s that time again, and for the first time, I actually have a record player, so I am pretty excited to take part in the day of festivities.

Records - not just a thing of the past

Over the past couple of years, record players really seem to have been enjoying a comeback, which is pretty exciting. I see the need to have vinyl as almost countercultural. The size of music has constantly been shrinking, and MP3s almost make music invisible. MP3s are great for on-the-go listening, but to me, they seem out of place at home when music no longer needs to be portable. MP3s also have the unfortunate tendency to belittle music. They create music ADHD and encourage listeners to change a song quickly at the touch of a button instead of lingering on an artist and listening to their album all the way through as they intended.

Nellie McKay: "Independent record stores are aural cathedrals, havens for those who find music as much a spiritual endeavor as passing entertainment."

If you (like me) live in New York, you’re in luck. You have your pick of stores to visit today. Other Music and Soundfix in particular seem to have some good stuff in the works. Check it out – and check it out early to snatch up some of the special RSD limited releases! Finish off the day with live performances by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and The Drums at Other Music at 9pm (get there early!)