Party Like It’s 1979

Many have predicted the death of the record store, a prediction also lain upon the head of Miami’s own Sweat Records, and yet, after two Winter Olympics, the rough beast keeps on slouching toward Bethlehem. One of the reasons the place has survived is the rebirth of the vinyl record, that inimitable combination of art, nostalgia, and tone that seems to only improve with brevity. For instance, why are seven-inch singles so much more fun to own than full-length double-gatefold LPs?

If you know the answer, you’ll probably be celebrating International Record Store Dayat Sweat Records, a party that also commemorates the store’s fourth anniversary. Many of the bands you love and worship are releasing or re-releasing exclusive vinyl material for the occasion, including Radiohead, Tom Waits, the Stooges (re-release of “1969” on picture-sleeve seven-inch? We think we just crapped our pants), the Smiths, Pavement, Neil Young, Modest Mouse, Bad Religion, Elvis Costello, Flight of the Conchords, Iron and Wine, the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, and so on and so forth. Storeowner Lolo Reskin has also booked electronic act Panic Bomber and will be serving beer, wine and of course, her famous cupcakes.
Sat., April 18, 2009