RSD needs to morph into a monthly "First Saturdays" type of event.
Releasing exclusives to indie retail is a great thing, but there is no
reason for everybody to do it on the exact same day, once a year.
Fostering a healthy indie retail ecosystem requires more than one day
out of the whole year.
Much as heavy partiers consider New Year's Eve to be "Amateur Night",
RSD is kind of a BS event that real record store denizens would do
well to avoid.
They want me to line up early so I can overpay for a plaid picture
disc of the "Clueless" soundtrack? No, thanks.
Everything Tom said in his first post regarding the secondary market
and clogged-up pressing plants is accurate, in my experience. (I work
for a label.)
I don't think RSD or "the vinyl revival" will peter out any time soon,
but it needs to evolve into something that actually benefits the
little guys, by which I mean brick & mortar indie retail and small
labels.
The irony of a small indie having to bump street dates due to a lack
of product caused by majors hogging press time with tchotchkes like
two zillion 'Ghostbusters' picture discs, is painful.
Good record stores are based on a well-curated selection overseen by a
knowledgeable and trustworthy staff, not access to some
rare/special/colored/limited/buy-it-now piece of crap.
Good record stores have *personality*.
The once-a-year "Big Event" seems to be hyping up competitive
consumerism rather than fostering thoughtful, long-term listening and
collecting.
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