Vinyl records can make for geeky art objects, as can be seen in this gallery of Record Store Day special releases. The covers and limited-edition picture discs look cool as thumbnails – blow them up for closer analysis.
Aside from all the audiovisual collectibles up for sale, Record Store Day gives indie shops nationwide a chance to magnetize their community's musical support with a day of contests, giveaways and in-store concerts. (Find a participating store near you.) The annual event also offers major and minor labels a way to boot up, and reboot, bands and brands. Like, say, The Clash, whose odd Record Store Day remix of "London Calling" is included above.
Record Store Day can even reboot epochs, depending on how far you want to nerd out. This year's crop of limited-run vinyl collectibles leans pretty heavy on the '80s, led by post-punk pioneer Public Image Ltd.'s first new material in 20 years. But who can argue with a lullabye album stuffed with covers of songs by The Smiths?
Scan that strange special release and many more above or on Record Store Day's official website. Then let us know in the comments section below if you're still loving vinyl – and which special releases you're hot to get your hands on this Saturday.
