So it’s almost that time again – the third Saturday in April is nigh! This can mean only one thing for the physical format enthusiasts amongst us (read as vinyl geeks) – there’ll soon be a boatload of extra special exclusives via RECORD STORE DAY.

Now, much has been made over the past few years about the relevance of RSD, or the perceived lack of it, by various corners of the music loving world. Mostly along the lines of “Waah waah waah Record Store Day is rubbish! Physical is DEAD, what’s the point?!” Or: “BOOOOOO! How dare you?! You mp3 loving HEATHEN, it’s your fault, you’re ruining EVERYTHING!”

(Granted, that’s a rather concise summation – you can find far more detail on last years internet based noisemaking and it’s plethora of angry responses here)

For all of the impassioned pleas, and despite the more negatively minded naysayers of years gone by – 2012 marks the 5^th year of International RSD and it’s a huge comfort to watch it become even bigger and better than before. With an increased number of participating stores, an ever growing commitment from artists and labels alike, and more over, a palpable excitement from those of us who do celebrate the day – I can’t help but sit back and gleefully plan my shopping list. What’s more is that today, Friday 20^th April, marks the launch of the New Official Record Store Chart – in association with the Official Charts Company – aiming to reflect the resurgence in physical sales that independent retailers have contributed to over the past couple of years.

I’ll not go into too much detail as to why I love hearing, and seeing, my favourite artists on record – as it would stretch far beyond the characters I’m confined to. I will say one thing though; you don’t only love your Mother on Mothering Sunday, or your Dad on Father’s Day. You wouldn’t only be nice to your loved ones on St Valentines either… Yes, Record Store Day does have some novelty value, and yes, big labels can be seen to ‘cash-in’ via back catalogues – but anything that focuses on the importance of supporting your independent retailers, and the artists within, has to be a good thing – whichever way you look at the event itself.

It’s an ethos that we here at amazing are extremely proud to support, and one that many of the artists on amazingtunes.com, and of course those amongst our playlists on Amazing Radio, are heavily involved with. Below are just some of the highlights from those that are new and emerging in this year’s exclusive product list. Happy hunting!

Beach House

Lazuli
7″ Blue/opaque vinyl
Label: Bella Union

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Beth Houghton Jeans & The Hooves Of Destiny

Atlas
7″
Label: Mute

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Django Django

Storm
7″
Qty 500
Label: Because

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Field Music

Actually, Nearly
A: Heart
B: Rent
7″ white vinyl
Qty: 500
Label: Memphis Industries

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NZCA/Lines

NZCA/Lines
LP White Vinyl (+MP3 Insert)
Label: Loaf

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Oberhofer

Time Capsules II
LP
Qty: 300
Label: Glassnote

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Slow Club

Paradise
LP
Qty: 500
Label: Moshi Moshi

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Stay+

Dandelion
10″
Qty: 200
Label: Fourth Wave

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The Heartbreaks

Funtimes
Label: Vinyl Music

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The Jezabels

Rosebud
7″

Label: Play It Again Sam

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Tom Williams & The Boat

Teenage Blood
LP & 7″
Qty: 140
Label: WBR/Moshi Moshi