New movement evokes classic America ideals
In the 20th century, the vinyl record was a mainstay in the music industry and a key part of the success of many locally owned small businesses. But because we simply don’t have time anymore to pick up a record and play it, let alone purchase the albums at a store, many have tried to rekindle that magic Saturday, April 20, the unofficial holiday Record Store Day.
Record Store Day has gained major traction over the past few years with record stores around the country offering deals and celebrating physical media, and it’s something many in the music community are beginning to support. Artists like former White Stripes front man Jack White will partake in the festivities by releasing new exclusive material or rereleasing classics on vinyl, thereby bringing the focus of the consumer back into the local community.
For these privately owned shops, Record Store Day helps Americans rediscover the charm of shopping locally and keeps money within the community. Digging through dusty crates and searching for a diamond in the rough represents everything that is great about American consumerism and its artistic endeavors.
Record Store Day should be commended for its efforts to bring people back to locally owned record shops. It is admirable the music industry is not leaving vinyl records behind. There’s an immeasurable wonder that comes from going into a store and leaving with something totally new and unexpected — all music enthusiasts and small business owners alike could agree with that.