Record Store Day 2021 Drop 2 – Sat. July 17

In another positive sign of returning normalcy, Record Store Day returns this Saturday to your favorite neighborhood independent record store, with the final of two “drops” of exclusive and rare releases.

Planned in the midst of the global pandemic, thisbest day of the year for music collectors is to be wisely split into two dates this year, making the most sense fiscally and socially responsible, while also giving production plants a chance to meet customer demands.

In addition to Saturday July 17, June 12 also served as a RSD release day and there are likely some limited releases left over from that day at your favorite indie store.

Titles available are all listed on the official RSD website but availability will vary depending on the store and their ability to receive what they pre-ordered. Additionally, rules and social protocols will likely be taking place, from mask wearing, to limiting quantities, browsing time and in-store capacity, so check with the preferred establishment of your choice.

In Minneapolis/St. Paul, Electric Fetus will be handing out early line numbers and selling out of their back garage, while Down in the Valley features grab bags and giveaways and will be partnering with Broken Clock Brewing for an exclusive lime-tinged beer.

In Kansas City, Josey Records completes their first RSD at their new location (just a block from the old one), Mills Record Co. will be handing out early wish lists to fill out then have their staff shop for you, while Love Garden in Lawrence will randomize the lining up order with a lottery system.

Each year, the event also selects a celebrity Record Store Day Ambassador and this year, it is
musician/ comedian/ actor/ writer/ late- night- talk- show- bandleader Fred Armisen (who also releases a new EP as part of the July 17 drop).

“I‘ve been completely lost in records for most of my life”,Armisen said, “They have defined the way I see the world and how I remember different years in the past. As I moved to different cities throughout my life, I never stopped collecting records. That also goes for CDs.”

Though the releases are primarily on vinyl, there are a few on CD, as well as on another “thought-dead” format, the cassette.  With 162 titles coming this Saturday, there are far too many to mention, but here are a few highlights:

(click any image to enlarge)