Four reasons to take part in Record Store Day

A customer flips through Joan Jett albums at Mojo Vinyl Records in Roswell. STAFF / 2015 photo

Credit: Jason Getz

Credit: Jason Getz

A customer flips through Joan Jett albums at Mojo Vinyl Records in Roswell. STAFF / 2015 photo

Regardless off the weather, some Saturdays are perfect for hanging out in a record store.

April 16 is Record Store Day, when independent owners, employees and fans celebrate the culture surrounding record stores and the role these businesses play in communities.

There are about 1,400 independently owned record stores in the United States, and thousands more around the world, according to recordstoreday.com.

Here are four reasons to pay homage to the record store today:

1. There is probably one near you

At least 30 independent record stores in the Atlanta area are participating, along with nearly a dozen more throughout the state. For the complete list, click here.

2. Metallica is your Record Store Day 2016 ambassador

"Independent record stores are part of Metallica's DNA," said drummer Lars Ulrich. "They have been pivotal in shaping each one of us into the music fanatics we've all become. We could not be any prouder to be Record Store Day Ambassadors for 2016 and are looking forward to screaming from every rooftop the next few months about everything independent record store and beyond." To read more off Metallica's statement, click here.

3. New music

Exclusive music from the Bee Gees, Justin Bieber, Sex Pistols and dozens more will be released in honor of Record Store Day. For an extensive list of what you can expect, click here.

4. Disney turntable

Introduce your child to records on the Mickey Mouse Crosley Cruiser turntable for 2016, available at independent record stores April 16. To see the video about the turntable, click here.

"The Independent Record Store is the reason why i STILL do music," DJ Jazzy Jeff says on the Record Store Day website. "It seems like they're the only ones that Really care about the real music lovers ... we need them ... they're our balance to all of the music we are FORCED to listen to ... they're the only ones that may still suggest something NEW and FRESH instead of just what's popular."