“if you ever get lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends.” –Miss Penny Lane, Almost Famous

It’s the records themselves, the songs that are on them, the liners stuffed inside with thank yous and photos and nuggets of info. Records feel like old friends.  And new ones too.  So many people are making vinyl again, and a lot of it is really nice vinyl too.  Thick and colorful and full of beautiful artwork.  At Park the Van, we’re doing our best to make vinyl for as much of the music we put out as possible.  Thank you so much for demanding it and letting us know you want it, by buying it! 

“They” all tell us that this is a dying concept, the idea of selling music and people buying it.  And, we’re not gonna sugar coat it, this is tougher than ever!  But, there’s so much to be excited about, so many great records, so many people that really care a lot about all of this.  Record Store Day is an amazing symbol of the importance of this greater music loving community.  If us music lovers were Water Buffaloes, record stores would be the lodges, and record store employees are the Grand Pubas.  They should all get those awesome hats.

If it’s possible at all for you, please take the time to go to your local mom n pop owned community record store and hang out today, 4/18/09.  Don’t have any money to spend like so many of us right now?  That’s alright, just go and hang out.  Be a part of the solidarity that this worldwide event has become.  It kind of feels like a birthday party for music.  Music is your friend.  Go to the record store and visit it. Celebrate its birthday. Or maybe re-birthday?

www.RecordStoreDay.com