With digital formats and online downloading rapidly replacing tangible music forms like vinyl and CDs, record stores might seem like a dying breed to some. But for those who still enjoy the crackle of their favorite records, Record Store Day on April 17 (www.recordstoreday.com ) is a chance to literally get your hands on some music -- new and old -- with discounts, rarities and Record Store Day exclusives.
Despite media trends, Atlanta still has its fair share of thriving independent record stores. From classic and indie rock to hip-hop and R&B, here’s a look at what some of Atlanta’s record stores have to offer this weekend.
Criminal Records
One of Atlanta’s biggest sources of music, comics, vinyl toys and other pop culture gems, Criminal Records celebrates Record Store Day in grand fashion. In addition to featuring an abundance of Record Store Day exclusive releases, this Little Five Points favorite will also have a full day of live music starting at 10 a.m. and including such high profile local bands as Venice is Sinking, Those Darlins, Social Studies and Janelle Monae, as well as a screening of “We Fun: Atlanta GA Inside/Out,” a documentary about Atlanta’s underground music scene available on DVD only at independent retailers beginning April 17. Criminal will also have an exclusive Rodriguez 7-inch that includes a ticket to his 11 p.m. in-store performance.
1154-A Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta, Ga. 30307, 404-215-9511. www.criminalatl.com
DBS Sounds I & II
Serving the south side with hip-hop, neo-soul, R&B and gospel, DBS Sounds celebrates Record Store Day at both of its locations with musical performances, meet-and-greets, food and special offers. Those scheduled to appear at one or both locations include recent signee of Jay-Z’s RocNation Alexis Jordan, Christopher Henderson, Grammy-winning songwriter best known for penning Jamie Foxx’s “Blame It (On the Alcohol)” and numerous up-and-coming hip-hop and gospel performers.
6610 Highway 85, Riverdale, Ga. 30274, 770-997-5776; 4841 Jonesboro Road, Forest Park, Ga. 30297, 404-366-9400. www.dbssounds.com
Fantasyland Records
This Buckhead mainstay has been a treasure trove of new and used vinyl, CDs, concert posters and other music memorabilia for more than three decades. The list of limited-edition releases Fantasyland is stocking for Record Store Day leans more toward classic rock, with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, the Rolling Stones and John Lennon. But the store will also have special releases from Atlanta metal favorite Mastodon, Queens of the Stone Age, MGMT, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and a reissue of R.E.M.’s 1982 EP debut “Chronic Town.”
2839 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta, Ga. 30305, 404-237-3193.
Moods Music
Little Five Points’ home for underground soul, hip-hop and R&B, Moods will have storewide specials and discounts all day on Record Store Day. But starting at noon there will also be performances by the likes of Algebra, Anthony David, P.J. Morton and Julie Dexter.
1131 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, Ga. 30307, 404-653-0724. www.moodsmusic.net
Wax ‘N’ Facts
What this tiny record store lacks in size it more than makes up for in its plentiful collection of obscure CDs and vinyl. And even though Wax ‘N’ Facts always keeps its prices affordable, it will have even more great deals on Record Store Day. In addition to stocking a large selection of that day’s special releases, there will also be a few freebies and a $1 LP and CD bin behind the store. And local artists such as Slim Chance, Kevin Dunn and Tom Gray of Delta Moon (best known for writing the Cyndi Lauper hit “Money Changes Everything”) will perform solo acoustic sets.
432 Moreland Ave. N.E., Atlanta, Ga. 30307, 404-525-2275. www.waxnfacts.com
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