No Country’s Guide to Record Store Day 2018: Where to Go, Who to Watch, What to Buy

What started as an annual celebration of all things vinyl, marked largely by niche indie releases and celebrating independent stores, has ballooned to become a cultural phenomenon, now in its eleventh year, known as Record Store Day. Set to take place this Saturday, April 21, the music lovers’ holiday not only brings a massive number of new, collectible, and limited edition releases and re-issues from artists small and large, but, also, includes tons of festivities at independent record stores across the nation. Being the music obsessed city that we are, Nashville goes all out every year, and there are so many happenings that it’s hard to keep track. That’s why we put together this annual guide, detailing all the stores, sales, performances, events, and releases you can should be privy to in order to help navigate RSD. Read on for more, and start planning your day!

GRIMEY’S

As Nashville’s largest and best-known independent record store, Grimey’s has definitely become the destination for all things Record Store Day. That has its pros and cons; you’ll have to plan to arrive very early (a few people even camp out overnight), and fight through large crowds to find your coveted wax. On the flipside, the selection is amazing, there are all kinds of extra goodies, and there’s plenty of free fun to be had, including performances from an impressive slate of artists. This is also the shop’s last RSD before moving to a new East Nashville space.

WHERE: 1604 8th Ave S; RSD releases will be in Grimey’s Too (on the right-hand side), there will be a “big-ass sidewalk sale” outside, and live music will take place in the back lot behind Grimey’s, with The Basement open for your drink needs.

WHEN: Sales will officially begin at 10 a.m. (when both stores open), but the line could start forming as early as Friday night. The lot behind Grimey’s Too is open for anyone who intends to camp (with port-a-potties provided), and the line will form behind the back deck in the morning, with the staff providing coffee and donuts, plus an early DJ set, once they arrive. Music kicks off shortly after, with performances running all throughout the day.

Here’s the performance schedule:

11:00am – WXNA DJ
12:00pm – Ornament
12:30pm – pimpdaddysupreme DJ set
01:00pm – Nectar
01:30pm – WXNA DJ
02:00pm – Bebe Buell
02:30pm – Richard Lloyd DJ set
03:00pm – Steel Guitar Tribute to Sweetheart of the Rodeo feat LLoyd Green & Jay Dee Maness
03:30pm – Megan Barry DJ set
04:00pm – Ashley Monroe
04:30pm – WXNA DJ
05:00pm – The Wild Feathers

WHAT: Expect to find virtually every release on the official Record Store Day list, and a few that aren’t (limited to one per customer). Plus live music, food and food trucks (Smoke Et Al, Good Ol’ Sloppy Top), drinks, free swag, the participation from local groups like the ACLU and Southern Girls Rock, an early voting push from BriteHeart, and tons of enthusiastic music lovers.

WHO: Grimey’s will feature performances from The Wild Feathers, Ashley Monroe (whose new Dave Cobb produced album drops the day before), a steel guitar tribute to The Byrds’ Sweetheart Of The Rodeo led by Lloyd Green and Jay Dee Maness (who both played on the original record), Bebe Buell, Nectar, and Ornament, plus DJ sets from WXNA, former mayor Megan Barry, Television’s own Richard Lloyd, and pimpdaddysupreme.

WHY: If you want the biggest, busiest, most comprehensive Record Store Day experience, Grimey’s is the spot. It’s an especially good choice if you’re not as bent on finding all of your record picks (they’ll go quick), and simply want to have a fun time and catch some live music. It’s also a chance to say goodbye to Grimey’s’ iconic 8th Ave location.

THE GROOVE

Smaller but just as well-curated, East Nashville’s The Groove has definitely developed a reputation for throwing a solid Record Store Day shindig every year, and this year they’ve once again partnered with Acme Radio Live and several food and drink sponsors to make it extra cool. They’ve got almost just many bands and RSD releases (in availability, if not quality) as Grimey’s, but with a somewhat smaller crowd to deal with.

WHERE: 1103 Calvin Ave; RSD releases will be inside, while additional sales items and festivities are planned for outside.

WHEN: The Groove will open at 10 a.m., but expect the music to kick off at noon.

Here’s the performance schedule:

12:00pm – Five Ton Faces
12:50pm – Oddnote
01:40pm – Eagle Johnson & Clean Machine
02:30pm – DeRobert & the Half Truths
03:25pm – Jeff Carl
04:20pm – Diamond Carter
05:15pm – Liz Cooper & the Stampede
06:10pm – Okey Dokey
07:05pm – *repeat repeat

WHAT: Most RSD releases will be available. Additionally, there will be a 15% off storewide sale for all non-RSD vinyl, cassettes, and CDs. There will be also drinks (from Good People Brewing, Yee-Haw Brewing, and Love + Exile Wines) and food (The Gambling Stick, The Rolling Feast, and Porter Road Butcher) on site, along with activities, prizes, and other surprises.

WHO: *repeat repeat, Okey Dokey, Liz Cooper & the Stampede, Diamond Carter, Jeff Carl, DeRobert & the Half Truths, Eagle Johnson & Clean Machine, Oddnote, and Five Ton Faces all perform.

WHY: If you want to stick close to the east side, potentially have less of a crowd vying for the same items, or if The Groove’s music lineup is more your cup of tea, this could be a slightly less intense alternative to Grimey’s (and you might even save enough time to slip to another store).

FOND OBJECT (RIVERSIDE VILLAGE)

Nestled in Riverside Village, Fond Object is as much a record store as it is a neighborhood hangout. They have a petting zoo, carry vintage clothing, host awesome non-music events, and are genuinely just great – and now with two locations, they’re taking the opportunity for twice the awesome. Like The Groove, you’ll have slightly smaller crowds to contend with than Grimey’s, but their selection should still be on par with both (if a little more randomly scattered about, in our experience).

WHERE: 1313 McGavock Pike; RSD releases will be inside, while music and activities are happening around back. There’s a whole separate celebration at the downtown location as well (see below).

WHEN: The shop opens at 10 a.m., with vendors and other activities beginning around noon.

Here’s the performance schedule:

12:00pm – Tim Easton
01:00pm – Sad Baxter
02:00pm – Steelism
03:00pm – Country Westerns
04:00pm – Ri¢hie
05:00pm – Peter Pan Band
06:00pm – Idle Bloom
07:00pm – Cherry Blossoms
08:00pm – Ornament
09:00pm – R Stevie Moore

WHAT: Fond Object always carries pretty much all of the RSD releases, and tend not to see quite the crazy early crowds (don’t expect to show up to no line though). In addition to a great slate of music (if you count both shops, their lineup is unrivaled), expect food (Two Boots, Bao Down, Busan Bop, King of Pops), drinks (Rebel Yell Bourbon, Little Harpeth Brewing), some cool local vendors, and more.

WHO: R Stevie Moore, Ornament, Cherry Blossoms, Idle Bloom, Peter Pan Band, Ri¢hie, Country Westerns, Steelism, Sad Baxter, and Tim Easton all all set to rock the backyard, with a whole different lineup on tap for downtown.

WHY: Fond Object always has an amazing sense of community, and if your idea of a perfect Record Store Day is kicking it with fellow east siders somewhere more low-key, and likely still have a good shot at snagging some exclusive releases, this is your spot.

FOND OBJECT (DOWNTOWN)

Last year’s Record Store Day marked the grand opening of Fond Object’s downtown, 4th Ave location, and in the year since, the space has really come into its own with excellent shows, stock, and a community vibe to rival the east side original. Like Riverside, Fond Object Downtown will offer the full RSD experience, so it’s really just a matter of which side of town you want to be on, and what performers you’re most interested in (or planning your proximity to other shops).

WHERE: 535 4th Ave South; RSD releases will be inside the shop, and it sounds like the music likely is too, though wander around back if you don’t see an inside stage.

WHEN: Like Riverside, the shop opens at 10 a.m., while live music begin at noon.

Here’s the performance schedule:

12:00pm – American Dream
01:00pm – Microwave Mountain
02:00pm – Heinous Orca
03:00pm – Lasso Spells
04:00pm – Ttotals
05:00pm – The Minks
06:00pm – Lawndry
07:00pm – Billy Bennett
08:00pm – Black Venus
09:00pm – Olivia Jean

WHAT: Splitting the stock between two stores seemed to work fine last year, and if anything, it just means less crowd with the same chances of finding what you’re looking for. Like the east side shop, 4th Ave will have an all-day slate of bands, food (Two Boots, Bao Down, Busan Bop, King of Pops), drinks (Yazoo Brewing, Cathead Vodka), vendors, and more.

WHO: With music split between both (unlike last year, where rain forced the music to combine), downtown’ll be less cramped, with a great lineup of Olivia Jean, Black Venus, Billy Bennett, Lawndry, The Minks, Ttotals, Lasso Spells, Heinous Orca, Microwave Mountain, and American Dream (and be sure to check out the Riverside lineup above).

WHY: We love Fond Object, and now there’s twice as much to love. You really can’t go wrong with either shop, though this one’s closer to Grimey’s and Third Man if you’re trying to make it a full day.

VINYL TAP

Last year, Vinyl Tap was still pretty new, and we’re excited to report that they’re going strong for their second Record Store Day, and able to participate with official, exclusive releases this year (last year they were ineligible). Part bar (with an excellent craft beer selection) and part immaculately curated record store, they’ve also become a great destination for hosting local music. Since it’s their first time stocking RSD releases, we don’t have experience with the selection, but we expect this to be a comparable choice to Fond Object in crowd size and accessibility.

WHERE: 2038 Greenwood Ave; RSD releases will presumably be in the shop area, and music could be inside, outside, or both, but it’s not a huge setup, so it’ll be easy to figure out.

WHEN: The shop will open at 10 a.m., and music starts at 1 p.m.

Here’s the performance schedule:

01:00pm – Sun Brother
02:00pm – Telefones
03:00pm – Rales
04:00pm – Patrick Damphier
05:00pm – Nightingail
06:00pm – Desert Noises
07:00pm – The Medium

WHAT: Combining wax and drafts, Vinyl Tap is well stocked with great vinyl and greet beer. Aside from their RSD stock, there’s a 15% storewide sale on everything else, plus drink specials from Tito’s vodka, beer from Dogfish Head, including their collaboration with The Flaming Lips, Dragons and Yum Yums, and the typical sandwich fare.

WHO: The Medium, Desert Noises, Nightingail, Patrick Damphier, Rales, Telefones, and Sun Brother, curated by the fine folks at Cold Lunch.

WHY: It’s close enough to other east side stores that you could easily try more than one spot, in case you’re having trouble tracking down a certain release. As it’s their first time stocking RSD exclusives, we’re unsure about the morning line, but it’s not likely to be as long as some of the more established shops.

THIRD MAN RECORDS

Third Man Records does not officially sign the Record Store Day pledge, and that’s because they don’t carry releases from outside artists. While this might be a turnoff from those of you with long shopping lists, the Third Man-obsessed will surely find plenty to salivate over in TMR’s always-unforgettable Record Store Day celebration and in-house RSD releases (which are also available at other participating record stores, though typically not in the same exclusive color variants).

WHERE: 623 7th Ave S; Releases and activities will take place in-store, on the patio, and around the shop, with music in the Blue Room.

WHEN: The shop opens at 10 a.m., and music will begin at 12:30 p.m., with doors opening at noon.

Here’s the performance schedule:

12:30pm – Dancers
01:15pm – Teddy and the Rough Riders
02:00pm – Soccer Mommy

WHAT: Third Man will release a mahogany 7-inch of  two non-album, never-before-heard tracks from Joshua Headley, “Broken Man” b/w “Singin’ a New Song,” a clear/pink split 12-inch from Los Lobos and The Shins called Los Lobos vs. The Shins, featuring three distinct versions of their song, “The Fear,” and a purple 7-inch of Frank Wilson’s “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do),” pegged as “the ‘holy grail’ for both Motown and Northern Soul collectors.”  There will also be some new, exclusive merch available, plus live music in the Blue Room. While we haven’t seen further specific info this year, there’s usually food and drinks available, and additional activities around the Third Man complex as well.

WHO: Soccer Mommy, Teddy and the Rough Riders, and Dancers are slated to perform.

WHY: If you’re looking to snag one of Third Man’s enticing, exclusive releases or you’re a TMR and/or Jack White devotee, this is a Record Store Day experience like no other.

ADDITIONAL RECORD STORES

The Great Escape (111B Gallatin Pike N & 5400 Charlotte Ave) – Often overlooked, comic book/toy/music chain The Great Escape tends to stock a decent selection of vinyl at both their Charlotte Ave location and Madison superstore. They do officially participate, so while you might not find all RSD exclusives, their 7 a.m. opening time could make them an attractive first stop. Additionally, both stores are offering 20%-50% off of used releases, the Charlotte location will have DJs throughout the day, all stores will be giving away freebies, and, following RSD, it sounds like TGE will began stocking new vinyl once more- a cool fact to keep in mind going forward!

Luna Record Shop (230 Franklin Rd; Franklin) – Nestled in The Factory at Franklin, well-curated, boutique record store Luna will open at 8:30 a.m., and are offering both RSD exclusive and a 20% sale on used vinyl for their third year participating in the holiday. Though small, their selection is great, and this year they’ve ordered their most RSD inventory yet, so this is obviously a solid bet if you live closer to Franklin and don’t want to trek to Nashville.

Boulevard Record Shop (2006 Belmont Blvd) – Student-run Belmont area record shop Boulevard is getting in on the fun, hosting both free acoustic daytime and ticketed evening performances (lineup here). We’re not sure what all they’ll have new release-wise, but they’re definitely stocking RSD stuff, and with an 8 a.m. opening time, they’re one of the earliest options in Nashville proper, and especially convenient for Belmont students.

McKay’s Books (636 Old Hickory Blvd) – Mostly known for their used selection, McKay’s does officially participate in Record Store Day, so they’ll stock some exclusive releases (though we’re unclear on how many). Their RSD event is simply vinyl-focused, with no extra actives planned, but they also open at 9 a.m., a bit earlier than most, and have a massive selection of non-RSD items to pursue as well.

The Vinyl Bunker (144 5th Ave N) – Situated in a parking structure not far from The Ryman, downtown underground record shop and Muddy Roots Music home base The Vinyl Bunker first got in on the RSD action last year, and they’re planning to do so once more this year. In addition to exclusive releases, they’ll have WXNA DJs spinning all day, and they’ve teamed up with The Flying Saucer to offer special pints for anyone who brings in a receipt (plus Pabst Blue Ribbon and Spider Monkey Tequila on site). They may not have everything you’re looking for, but it’s a little more under the radar, and opens at 10 a.m.

CD Warehouse (2143 Gallatin Pike N) – Chain store CD Warehouse officially participates in Record Store Day, though it’s unclear how many new offerings they stock- the Madison location opens at 7 a.m. for you earlybirds (and it appears other are locations are no longer in operation).

Atomic Nashville (1603 Riverside Dr) – East side indie book, music, and art shop Atomic has moved to the Five Points area since last Record Store Day, and continues to stock all-local vinyl. They’ve never officially participated in RSD, and that seems to be the case once more this year, however they still like to get in on the fun, hosting free performances throughout the day, opening at noon. If you want to check out their new digs, you can catch Tim Easton, Scot Sax, Suzie Brown, and Sarah Peacock.

Alison’s Record Shop (994 Davidson Dr.) – West side destination Alison’s Record Shop won’t be stocking any new RSD exclusives, but their impressively curated selection of vintage vinyl will be on sale for 20% off. They open at their regular 10 a.m. time, and while there doesn’t seem to be anything else planned this year, if you’re on that end of town, it’s still another cool local shop to support.

Ernest Tubb Record Shop (417 Broadway) – Country-leaning downtown record store Ernest Tubb officially participates as well, though it appears that they almost exclusively (and unsurprisingly) order country releases. If that’s all you’re looking for, it would certainly be a unique RSD option. Doors open at 10 a.m.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Shop (222 5th Ave S) – Did you know the Country Music Hall of Fame has a gift shop that sells vinyl? A testament to how much RSD has grown, they started getting in on the action as well, and, while they apparently will have exclusive releases, probably don’t expect to see them stock a bunch of punk, hip hop, and metal for the occasion. Expect the usual 9 a.m. opening.

ADDITIONAL LIVE MUSIC

TWiN – Get the full weekend rundown on evening shows in our This Weekend in Nashville feature.

LOCAL RELEASES TO LOOK OUT FOR

You can always count on some quality Record Store Day releases from Nashville (and Nashville-conncected) artists! Here’s a rundown on some of the best:

Bobby Bare – Things Change LP
Brothers Osbourne – Port Saint Joe LP
Eric Church – 61 Days In Church –Covers LP
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Welcome to 1979 12″
John Carter Cash – We Must Believe In Magic 2xLP
Johnny Cash – At Folsom Prison: 50th Anniversary Elegacy Edition 5xLP
Johnny Cash – I Love You Because / You’re The Nearest Thing To Heaven 7″
Joshua Headley – “Broken Man”/”Singin’ a New Song” 7″
The Kills – Live at Electric Lady Studios LP
Lady Antebellum – Heart Break 7″
The Lone Bellow – Live at Grimey’s 10″
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives – Way Out West – Desert Suite (Trip One) 12″
Robyn Hitchcock – Robyn Hitchcock & His LA Squires 7″
Ron Gallo – Really Nice Guys LP
Steve Earle & The Dukes – Live from The Continental Club 2xLP
Taylor Swift – Fearless Platinum Edition 2xLP
Taylor Swift – 1989 LP
Taylor Swift – Taylor Swift LP
& more!

NATIONAL RELEASES TO LOOK OUT FOR

Record Store Day has morphed into a lot of fluff and obvious cash grabs. While this is far from complete, here’s a list of some interesting national releases from the full list we think might be worthy additions to your vinyl collection; a mix of rarities, overdue re-pressings, first time runs and more:

AC/DC – Back in Black cassette
Anywhere – Anywhere II LP
Arcade Fire – Arcade Fire EP
The Beau Brummels – Bradley’s Barn 2xLP
Bert Jansch – LA Turnaround LP
Big Audio Dynamite II – On the Road Live ’92 12″
Black Moth Super Rainbow – Backwash 7”
Bleachers – MTV Unplugged LP
Bobby Gentry – Live at the BBC 12″
Brian Eno with Kevin Shields – The Weight of History + Only Once Away My Son 12″
Cam’Ron – Purple Haze 2xLP
Car Seat Headrest – Twin Fantasy (Mirror To Mirror) 2xLP
The Casket Lottery – Anthology 3xLP
Celtic Frost – Tragic Serenades 12″ Picture Disc
Cheech & Chong – Up in Smoke (40th Anniversary) 7″
Cheikh Lô – Né La Thiass LP
Chet Faker – Thinking in Textures LP
Circle Jerks – Gig LP
Courtney Barnett – “City Looks Pretty”/”Sunday Roast” 12″
Courtney Barnett – The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas LP Picture Disc
The Cure – Mixed Up 2xLP
The Cure – Torn Down (Mixed Up Extra) 2xLP Picture Disc
Cyprus Hill – Black Sunday Remixes LP
Dave Grusin – The Friends of Eddie Coyle OST LP
David Axelrod – Song of Innocence LP
David Bowie – Bowie Now LP
David Bowie – Welcome To The Blackout (Live in London ’78) 3xLP
David Bowie – David Bowie 2xLP
David Bowie – Let’s Dance (Full Length Demo) 12″
Descendents – Who We Are 7″
Dessa – Quinine 7”
The Durutti Column – Another Setting LP
Dwarves – Lucifer’s Crank EP
Ella Fitzgerald – Ella at Zardi’s 2xLP
Ennio Morricone – Autopsy 2xLP
Eurythmics – 1984 (For The Love of Big Brother) LP
FIDLAR – FIDLAR LP Picture Disc
First Aid Kit – You Are the Problem Here 7″
The Flaming Lips – The Story of Yum Yum and Dragon 7″
Fleetwood Mac – Tango In The Night Alternate LP
Frank Zappa – Lumpy Gravy b/w Primordial LP
The Good Rats – Tasty LP
Grant Green – Slick! Live at Oil Can Harry’s 2xLP
Iggy Pop – Live at The Ritz, Nyc 1986 2xLP
J Dilla – Ruff Draft: Dilla’s Mix 2xLP
Jeff Buckley – Live at Sin-e (Legacy Edition) 4xLP
John Williams – Star Wars: The Last Jedi 10″
Johnny Mathis – I Love My Lady LP
Johnny Thunders – So Alonesome LP
Kenny Loggins – The Return to Pooh Corner LP
Kevin Morby + Waxahatchee – “Farewell Transmission”/”Dark Don’t Hide It” 7″
The Kinks – Phobia 2xLP
Kreator – Behind the Mirror LP Picture Disc
Lalo Schifrin – Enter The Dragon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) LP Picture Disc
Led Zeppelin – “Friends”/”Rock And Roll” 7″
Living Colour – Live at CBGB’s 12.19.89 2xLP
Lloyd Green and Jay Dee Maness – Journey To The Beginning LP
The Lurkers – Fulham Fallout LP
Mac DeMarco – Old Dog Demos LP
Mac DeMarco/Shamir – Beat Happening Covers 7″
Madonna – The First Album LP Picture Disc
Madonna – You Can Dance Vinyl
Marlo Thomas & Friends – Free to Be You and Me 2xLP
Mastodon – Emperor of Sand LP Picture Disc
MC5 – “I Can Only Give You Everything” b/w “I Just Don’t Know” 7″
MC5 – “Looking at You” b/w “Borderline” 7″
Miles Davis – Rubberband 12″
Motörhead – Heroes 7” Picture Disc
Nas – illmatic: Live From The Kennedy Center 2xLP
The National – Boxer Live In Brussels LP
Neil Young – Tonight’s the Night Live at The Roxy 2xLP
The Notorious B.I.G. – Juicy LP
Parquet Courts – “Mardi Gras Beads”/”Seems Kind of Silly” 7″
Patton Oswalt – Annihilation 2xLP
Pink Floyd – Piper At The Gates of Dawn (Mono) LP
Plush – Fed 2xLP
The Police – Roxanne 7″ Picture Disc
Prince – 1999 LP
Quicksand – Triptych Continuum 12″
Rage Against the Machine – Live at the Democratic National Convention 2000 LP Picture Disc
Ramones – Sundragon Sessions LP
The Regrettes/The Distillers – Side By Side 7″
Richard Lloyd – The Radiant Monkey LP
Richard Lloyd – Lodestones LP
Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock – It Takes Two (30th Anniversary Edition) LP
Robert Glasper – Robert Glasper x KAYTRANADA: The ArtScience Remixes LP
Run the Jewels – Stay Gold Collectors Edition box set
Serge Gainsbourg & Michel Colombier – Le Pacha OST LP
The Shins V. Los Lobos – The Fear 12″
The Skatalites – Hi-Bop Ska LP
Soul Asylum – Live from Liberty Lunch, Austin, TX, December 3, 1992 2xLP
Soundgarden – A-Sides 2xLP
Spectrum – Highs, Lows, and Heavenly Blows LP
The Stooges – The Stooges (Detroit Edition) 2xLP
The Streets – Remixes & B-Sides 2xLP
Sufjan Stevens – Mystery of Love EP 10″
Sun Ra – Astro Black LP
The Sundays – Reading, Writing And Arithmetic LP
Superchunk – “What a Time to Be Alive (Acoustic)” b/w “Erasure (Acoustic)” 7″
Thelonious Monk – Monk LP
Teenage Bottlerocket – Warning Device (10th Anniversary Edition) LP
Tim Armstrong – A Poet’s Life LP
Touché Amoré – Demo 12″
Uncle Tupelo – No Depression– Demos LP
Various Artists – Studio One Dub Plate Special 7″ box set
Various Artists – Twin Peaks (Limited Event Series Soundtrack) (Score) 2xLP Picture Disc
Various Artists – Twin Peaks (Music from the Limited Event Series) 2xLP Picture Disc
The Who – The Kids Are Alright 2xLP
The Wipers – Live At The Met, December 31, 1982 LP
Wu-Tang Clan – Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) cassette
Yung Wu – Shore Leave LP
& more!

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