Yesterday was a great celebration for music fans and record enthusiasts around the world. Special limited-edition vinyl releases, in-store performances, and free swag from the stores themselves. A joyous day that I wish never had to end.

I had to get to the record store early because I had to be at work by 11. I rode the bus over to Saki and walked in five minutes after opening only to be greeted by a nice long line. I was happy to see that so many vinyl appreciators were able to make it out so early. But, when the guys started scratching releases off the list as inventory ran out, I got a little sad. Just a couple minutes after I got there the White Stripes releases were gone. By the time I made it to the head of the line, only one item from my original list remained.

That didn’t bother me, though. For my own, personal Record Store Day celebration, I ended up with the following: Mates of State‘s re-release of the 2003 LP Team Boo, a 7″ single of Yeasayer‘s “End Blood” and the 12″ single re-release “The Past is a Grotesque Animal” by Of Montreal.

And that’s ok. Record Store Day is a bit of a crapshoot. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t quite win as much as you could have. The funny thing about Record Store Day is that the only way to actually lose is to not participate. I urge everyone out there who didn’t join in this year to make a point of at least stopping by a local record store when the time comes next year. Or just go to one now.

On top of all the great music they had for sale yesterday, Saki also had a great lineup of in-store performances. I didn’t get to see much because I had to work. I missed Chaperone (dammit!), but I hear there were no cookies or kettle corn, so that eases the blow a bit. I also missed The 1900’s. I really wanted to see them, but I guess I’ll have to catch them next time.

I did get to see one band I’ve been trying to see for a while, In Tall Buildings. I’ve been told many times to listen to them by friends, but hadn’t got around to it just yet. They were stripped down at Saki, just Erik Hall and a drummer performing Black Keys-style (except I like these guys way more than Black Keys).

They played the A-side and B-side of the single they released for Record Store Day, and did a few more songs off of their self-titled record that came out on Whistler last year. I was quite taken with Erik Hall’s voice and ability on the guitar. The soundsystem at Saki isn’t mind-blowingly great, but In Tall Buildings made it sound like it could be.

They finished their set with this cover of Neil Young’s “For The Turnstiles.” I couldn’t think of a more fitting end:

Keep that performance in mind next time you’re trying to think of a reason not to trudge out to a record store. Supporting local music keeps bands like In Tall Buildings, Chaperone, The 1900’s, and This Is Cinema going. It’s up to us to decide whether or not these bands make it. Instead of acting as some sort of “death panel” for these bands, why not chip in five bucks and see them perform or buy a copy of their cd?

So I’ll see you next year, when I assume the ambassador for RSD 12 will be Tyler, the Creator and Odd Future and Rebecca Black will be playing all the in-stores via hologram.