Of all the made-up holidays on the modern calendar, Record Store Day is one of the finest. When else do you get to queue up in the cold of the Cleveland spring for the chance to buy the limited edition 7″ which defines you as a person? It’s special like that. And I have little doubt that this year’s edition, on April 20th, will be any different. Isn’t our Cleveland spring wonderful?

Of course, Record Store Day is also an opportunity to celebrate those independent music retailers who still kick out the jams in defiance of those who say the LP is dead. For music stores, Record Store Day is Black Friday, the one day of the year which can ensure their future sustainability for years to come.

Here in Cleveland, we’re blessed with record stores like Music Saves, My Mind’s Eye, Blue Arrow and Hausfrau. On Waterloo, the North Collinwood home to Music Saves, Blue Arrow, and the Beachland Ballroom, Record Store Day also becomes a celebration of the Cleveland music scene in general, with free performances up and down the street. Even the most jaded can appreciate friends and free music. And, limited edition 7″ records. It all comes back to those limited editions, doesn’t it.

The full list of releases is out and even cursory glance indicates severe damage to my bank account. Here’s a sampling of just some of the releases slated for April 20th:

A Place to Bury Strangers – Strange Moon 12″ (Dead Moon covers)
At the Driver In – Relationship of Command (reissue)
Double Dagger – 333 + If We Should Loud Enough (DVD)
Elliott Smith – Alternate Version from Either/Or 7″
Flaming Lips – Zaireeka (LP reissue)

Husker Du – Amusement 7″
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts – S/T (reissue on yellow vinyl)
Moby and Mark Lanegan – The Lonely Night 7″
Moon Duo – Circles Remixed
Superchunk – Void b/w Faith 7″

The Black Keys and the Stooges – No Fun 7″
The Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die 2XLP (reissue)
Ty Segall – Ty Rex 2 7″
Various Artists – No Alternative 20th Anniversary Edition
Various Artists – Sub Pop 1000

The White Stripes – Elephant 10th Anniversary Edition

Note, not all participating stores will carry all titles. Locally, both My Mind’s Eye and Music Saves will bring in most of what you’re eying, while Blue Arrow Records tends to stock a smaller selection of reissues. And, the best way to find out what you’re favorite store will have in stock, is to follow them on Facebook. Here’s Music Saves. And these links take you to My Mind’s Eye and Blue Arrow.