Record Store Day is the brainchild of the owners of Criminal Records in Atlanta and Bull Moose Records scattered all over Maine. Since then (2007) it has grown and evolved into a beast that is hard to fathom, even expanding to the traditional Black Friday (Nov. 29). The original Black Friday was originally a crash in the price of gold in 1869 but later gained a meaning of when small businesses all across the country went from being unprofitable to profitable (from ‘in the red’ to ‘in the black’). And this still fits the bill in terms of Wax Trax’s financial well-being.
In a slightly broader sense, it’s a chance for the major labels to venture into their back catalogs for undersung LPs, trotting them out to see who cares. In another sense it’s a way for new artists etc. to hype their releases in a different way, maybe gaining a bigger audience (or not). In yet another sense, it’s an excellent day to pay homage to your local record shop for everyone all across the country.
At Wax Trax we try to walk the tightrope of curating the most worthy of these releases, steering clear of the most self-serving of them, while also celebrating Denver’s music scene and celebrating all the hard work we do to create a great record shop. Check out our events page for happenings on this big day, and here are just a few of the staff’s picks of what’s good this year:
1. Big Freedia – Hitz Vol. 2 (2010 – 2020) LP
Picked by Jonny Rodriguez
A collection of hits from the original Queen Diva who helped bring New Orleans bounce out of the underground. Anytime Freedia hops on a track it’s pure raw energy. Not available on any streaming services and limited to 1000 copies on pink vinyl. Enjoy!
2. Various – The Elephant 6 Recording Co. Soundtrack LP
Picked by Pete Stidman
I am fascinated by how excellent music scenes develop, and this one happened to have caught up several Wax Trax staffers in its maelstrom. If you weren’t there, you’ll want to watch this excellent documentary to discover why you want this. In short, it was an incredibly creative and influential label that produced a wide range of music from highly experimental stuff like Dixie Blood Moustache (a 12-woman kitchen appliance orchestra), to the Apples in Stereo a Denver band that pulled the Beatles White Album into the 90s using ingenious fuzz inventions, and Oliva Tremor Control who took that sound into more experimental territory. Mainly though, these kids got really weird and that is good.
3. Djo – DECIDE (Deluxe) LP
Picked by Daisy Spinelli
Daisy is delighted about the Djo – DECIDE (Deluxe) Drop. Daring dives into demonstrably divine dynamics and danceable drums? Delicious!
4. Grateful Dead – Veterans Memorial Coliseum, New Haven, CT 5/5/77 LP
Picked by Nick Tassinari
Everyone always applauds Cornell 77…. but that whole spring tour is fire.
5. Bobby Shmurda – Shmurda She Wrote EP
Picked by Yulia Macaroni
In these dark, dismal days, I often find myself in search of some great beacon of hope. But then I remember that Bobby Shmurda was freed from prison and I feel a lil better. I guess.
5.Angelo Badalamenti – Music for Film and Television LP
Picked by Nico Tobón
Spoopy ethereal arrangements previously only available on CD!
To learn more about our RSD Black Friday festivities, visit our website.
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