I have to discuss my epic trip to the mini-Record Store Day last weekend because I wanted to wait to talk about it for a band that had a stronger association with the day and the people. Nothing against the Smashing Pumpkins…but the Black Keys are one of the few current bands who are still bonding with the record buying audience.
Black Friday was awesome. I honestly think there were more people at the store than there were for Record Store Day in April. I was 90 minutes early and was about 15th in line. I had my sights on 6 records: the Ryan Adams 7-inch, the Wilco EP, Tom Petty – Kiss My Amps, Pinback 7-inch, Iron & Wine – Morning Becomes Eclectic, The Byrds – 7-inch. When I got there, I discovered that the Ryan Adams didn’t get delivered…so I needed a replacement because. Just because. So I settled on the Janis Joplin 7-inch box set. Also because I was caught up in the moment of the day…and was just happy to be buying music again. Now, twice a year, Record Store Day brings the necessary importance to buying music. It’s brought back the fun. Part of buying music came with the experience of going to a music store and searching the bins, while talking to other music fans. It was a community feel that can’t be replicated online. The strongest online music communities online are ones who trade music for free.
I wish the music industry would concentrate more on the reasons why people want to buy music. People who are coming out in droves to buy music are your target audience. Why?…because they’re actually giving you money! Teenagers are the ones figuring out how to get around paying for the music. They’re also the ones who don’t care as much about the sound or the quality of the artist. They only like what is popular. Though it’s not their fault for being young and stupid and influenced by their peers, but why plant the musical seeds of mediocrity. The fans buying records are people who grew up on some of the best music ever made. That’s why they keep coming back! They like the best stuff. When you serve vanilla music…people will never be satisfied and will always be looking for what’s next instead of embracing the product.
The Black Keys get it. Thankfully there are still great bands out there who give a shit.
Here is the Black Keys – Surrender & Grab:
2. Ohio
4. Evil
5. Dearest
8. Here I Am
9. Her Eyes Are A Blue Million Miles
10. Summertime Blues
Buy the new Black Keys album, El Camino…now!!! It’s great…btw…