Tag: Record Store Day

LISTEN: Dom Flemons, “Hot Chicken”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Dom Flemons
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona; now living in Washington D.C.
Song: “Hot Chicken”
Album: Prospect Hill: The American Songster Omnibus
Release Date: February 28, 2020
Record Label: Omnivore Recordings

In Their Words: “In 2012, I was in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, doing a tintype photo session with photographer Bill Steber. Knowing that I was in the area for a few days, Bill recommended that I try one of the best-known regional dishes, hot chicken. After the session, I made my way over to the strip mall in East Nashville, Tennessee, where Prince’s Hot Chicken, the original restaurant, was located. I was fortunate to have my friend Bill prepare me for what I was about to encounter with this amazing dish. He explained that it would take me on a mystical journey if I ordered the extra hot. So, I decided to indulge in the medium-hot flavor and I was instantly inspired to write this song.

“This hokum song is reminiscent of the 1930s era of music that was developed by songsters like Thomas A. Dorsey, Tampa Red, Bo Carter, and Papa Charlie Jackson. Songs like these use small lyrical vignettes to frame a chorus that has a free changing meaning throughout each verse. The vignettes I’ve created incorporate a lot of animal imagery and parables, which is a strong part of early African American music and folktales. This version from What Got Over (a 2015 EP released for Record Store Day) features my vocals and harmonica accompanied by a muscular guitar vibe from Guy Davis. Here’s something I shared in my podcast about the song in a special bonus episode of American Songster Radio.” — Dom Flemons, The American Songster

Photo credit: Timothy Duffy

BGS WRAPS: JD McPherson, “Red Bows (For A Blue Girl)”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: JD McPherson
Song: “Red Bows (For A Blue Girl)” (single)

In Their Words: “‘Red Bows (For A Blue Girl)’ was a title I had while writing the Socks album in 2018, but I never followed through with the idea. I have a couple of those. The idea came up to put out a 45 for Record Store Day, and it seemed like a good time to bring that tune to life. It’s about buying your special lady friend a nice gift for Christmas to cheer her up, but the character of the song is so manic, it’s no wonder the gal is down in the dumps! Love the maracas and background vocal shouts on this one; super fun to record. It’s been a blast to play live.” — JD McPherson

What We’re Buying on Record Store Day 2016

Posted on by Editor

Ah, record shopping … There's nothing quite like the thrill of sifting through crates of old vinyl and finding a hidden gem — except, of course, the thrill of shopping on Record Store Day. A vinyl lover's Christmas, each Record Store Day brings with it tons of new and exclusive releases. We like to approach Record Store Day with a plan of action, because nabbing the coolest new picture disc or the most sought-after reissue — while certainly rewarding — isn't a task for the faint of heart.

To help you plan your own Record Store Day 2016, check out our list of all the rad new releases we're hoping to snag, ideally at one of our favorite independent record shops. And for a comprehensive list of what's available on Record Store Day (and to find an independent record store near you), click here.

Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, The Criteria Sessions (Rhino)

The second offering from Rhino's Play the Blues, this LP, limited to 3,500 pieces, features two of our greatest bluesmen together on songs like "Tears, Tears, Tears" and "Sweet Home Chicago."

Johnny Cash, All Aboard the Blue Train with Johnny Cash (ORG Music)

This 1962 Johnny Cash album has been out of print for years now, but is making its return with a 3,000-piece blue vinyl run.

Brandi Carlile, Live at KCRW 'Morning Becomes Eclectic' (ATO Records)

A 2,500-piece Record Store Day Exclusive, this six-song live EP from Brandi Carlile features performances of "The Things I Regret" and "The Eye."

Brandy Clark/Sheryl Crow, "Girl Next Door"/"Homecoming Queen" (Warner Bros.)

On this limited-to-3,000 colored (You get red, blue, or yellow … it's a surprise!) 7-inch, you not only get two tunes from Nashville darling Brandy Clark, but also Crow's take on Clark's song "Homecoming Queen."

Shawn Colvin & Steve Earle, "Wake Up Little Susie"/"Baby's In Black" (Fantasy)

Two covers from two master songwriters make it onto the 2,000 copies of this 7-inch, which features Colvin and Earle duetting on the Everly Brothers' "Wake Up Little Susie" and the Be

Bob Dylan, "Melancholy Mood" (Columbia)

Unless you caught Dylan on his recent Japanese tour, this is your first chance to snag one of these beauties — red vinyl EPs featuring four tracks from Dylan's upcoming album, Fallen Angels.

Jay Farrar, Sebastopol/thirdshiftgrottoslack (Transmit Sound)

This is a must-have for Jay Farrar fans (and it's limited to 1,000 pieces, so get in line early). It's the first time Farrar's Sebastopol has been pressed to vinyl, and also includes a five-song EP.

Emmylou Harris, Wrecking Ball Deluxe Vinyl Version (Nonesuch)

A deluxe version of a fantastic Emmylou Harris album? Sounds like reason enough to try and snag one of the 5,000 three-LP sets.

Kid Millions, Beyond The Confession: Kid Millions Reworks Harry Taussig (Tompkins Square)

You've never heard primitive guitar music like this, reimagined and remixed by drummer Kid Millions.

Langhorne Slim & the Law, Live at Grimey's (Dualtone Music)

We love Langhorne Slim and we love Nashville's famed independent record store Grimey's, so we sure hope we snag one of the 1,500 copies of this eight-song live album.

Madisen Ward & the Mama Bear, Live at Grimey's (Glassnote)

More Grimey's! Madisen Ward & the Mama Bear! If you didn't make their in-store performance (or if you did and want to relive it), you can listen to it anytime you'd like if you grab one of these 1,500 EPs.

Jason Molina, The Townes Van Zandt Covers (Secretly Canadian) 

Jason Molina and Townes Van Zandt aren't often mentioned in the same breath, but this two-song EP, limited to 3,500 copies, proves maybe that shouldn't be the case.

Graham Nash, This Path Tonight (Blue Castle Records)

Our Artist of the Month is releasing a deluxe version of his new album on Record Store Day, complete with bonus 7-inch. 

Elvis Presley, I'm Leaving: Elvis Folk-Country (Legacy)

Culled from RCA Studio B sessions held between 1966 and 1973, this limited edition LP features 12 of Elvis's greatest contributions to country and folk.

The Rough Guide to Unsung Heroes of Country Blues (World Music Network)

Whether you're a longtime blues fan or looking to learn more about the genre, this limited edition compilation — complete with a digital download card — doesn't disappoint. 

Various Artists, The Other Side of Sun: Sun Records Curated by RSD, Volume 3 (ORG Music)

In the third offering of Sun Records Curated by Record Store Day, we get a taste of some lesser-known recordings from the famed label, including tunes from Betty LaVette and Soul Suspects.

Muddy Waters, Hoochie Coochie Man– Live at the Rising Sun Celebrity Jazz Club (Justin Time)

Muddy Waters had one of the greatest backing bands around, and this two-LP live set — pressed on colored vinyl and limited to 2,000 pieces — is an amazing document of an amazing group of musicians.

Lucinda Williams, Just a Little More Faith and Grace (Highway 20)

Get some alternate takes from Lucinda Williams' excellent new album The Ghosts of Highway 20 on this three-song EP, limited to 3,000 copies.

Lede photo via Marc Wathieu via Foter.com / CC BY

5 of the Coolest Independent Record Stores in the U.S. of A.

Posted on by Editor

As you may know, Record Store Day is a mere 10 days away, taking place April 16 at independent record stores across the country. Whether you're an RSD veteran or new to the vinyl-themed holiday, you'll want to start planning your stops and your shopping list now to make the most of all the day has to offer. To help out, we've put together a list of a few of our favorite independent record stores in the United States. Look for a guide to must-snag RSD 2016 releases next week.

Rough Trade – New York City, NY


Photo credit: David Hilowitz via Foter.com / CC BY

With stores in London, Nottingham, and New York City, Rough Trade is one of the most respected independent record stores worldwide. At the New York location, you'll find the best new indie LPs around, a small section of used albums worth sifting through, and live performances galore.

Amoeba Music – Los Angeles, CA


Photo credit: chrisjtse via Foter.com / CC BY-ND

One of the most famous regional chains of record stores in the country, California's Amoeba Music boasts locations in Hollywood, San Francisco, and Berkeley. The Sunset Boulevard shop has an entire room just for jazz music, so this one's a can't-miss for jazz fans.

Grimey's – Nashville, TN


Photo credit: Zepfanman.com via Foter.com / CC BY

Grimey's is an intergral part of Nashville's booming music scene, growing to include a small empire of record stores and venues since opening their first location, which sells both new and used music, in 1999. The store's Record Store Day events, which have featured everyone from the Avett Brothers to Paramore, are not to be missed.

Dusty Groove – Chicago, IL


Photo credit: KyleAkerman via Foter.com / CC BY

It should come as no surprise that Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood is home to one of the city's best record shops. Dusty Groove has an extensive selection of LPs from all genres, including harder-to-find world music and lots of hip-hop.

Criminal Records – Atlanta, GA


Photo credit: Free Photo Revolution via Foter.com / CC BY

Atlanta's got a bad rap for its traffic, but the Little Five Points neighborhood is a quiet, quirky haven in the middle of the chaos. Criminal Records is one of many local shops in the small, artsy annex, and it's worth a visit for both its new and used offerings.

Waterloo Records and Video – Austin, TX


Photo credit: Beth Cortez-Neavel via Foter.com / CC BY-ND

An Austin icon, Waterloo Records & Video is known just as much for its huge selection of used music as it is its dedication to supporting local artists, both through its local music section and its frequent in-store performances.