RECORD STORE DAY 2014 AMBASSADOR: CHUCK D

Since 2009 when Jesse “Boots Electric” Hughes of Eagles of Death Metal declared himself our ‘Ambassador’, Record Store Day has been honored every year to add another powerful name to our stable of Ambassadors. This year the man who carries the title and the megaphone to tell the world about the greatness of record stores is the one, the only: CHUCK D.

Did we say we were honored? That word barely even covers it.



Over 27 years and 93 countries visited, as a professional lead vocalist of the RAP group Public Enemy, I don't go one single day without emphasizing that the genre of hip-hop is spawned from DJ culture. The founding members of Public Enemy were, and still are, DJs. The tool and fuel for DJs has forever been recordings. And where these recordings have long connected, with pros and fans alike, has simply been The Record Store, the connection point of listener and the recording.

The introduction of the available recording to the public had opened and webbed the sounds of the world across the planet long before the www. It has been influential to the creators of so many of the greatest recordings as well, sort of a second rite of passage after the live radio or TV performance. Motown's Berry Gordy had a record store, Elektra founder Jac Holzman had a record store, the STAX label had their Satellite Record Shop right next to their studio. Keith Richards opens a conversation with Mick Jagger as teenagers on a UK train platform because he had a stack of hot blues records in his arms after leaving a shop. Well you should have an idea of what I'm saying here.

The record store made musicians listen beyond themselves. It both complemented and supplemented the radio, in fact the best radio stations in the past followed the vibe of the record stores of their regions, thus growing and nurturing each other. The fans and listener had everything to gain, and if they wanted to get into making music, the Record Store turned into their first school and sonic passport out.

Do not get me wrong, I am a fan of technology, but I am a bigger fan of the music. I used to be a big fan of the industry of music when it, like sport, at least offered a seemingly fair field of play, no matter where one came from. Upon the growth of Hip Hop through vinyl-cassette-Cd-MP3 I long wanted, and advised, many Record Stores ways to adapt to surviving the ICE AGE. Like last year's Record Day Ambassador, the great Jack White, I concur with his view that people want to gather, share thoughts, and suggest music. There's few musical events more exciting than Record Store performances, whether it’s Grimey’s In Nashville, Criminal Records in ATL or Rough Trade in London. I've long thought The Record Store tour circuit is so necessary and rewarding.

In this age where industry has threaded the music sound with virtual sight and story I am honored to be called upon to be Record Store Day Ambassador of 2014. With the masses, neck bent into their smartphones, let all of us music lovers GPS our way into a reality that is the Record Store. It's worth a great try, let's do this...

Chuck D
Co Founder of Public Enemy
Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame 2013

Neil Young postpones release of Record Store Day boxset

Neil Young has delayed the release of his four-album Record Store Day boxset until November because he wants to focus on other projects.

Just 3,500 copies of 'Official Release Series Discs 5-8' were due to be pressed. As well as 'On The Beach', 'Tonight's The Night' and 'Zuma', it was due to include 'Time Fades Away', Young's rare 1973 album which he has previously refused to reissue.

A statement said the boxset is delayed "due to several other projects that Young has in the works that he wishes to focus on." Young has announced several such projects recently, including digital music player Pono, a second volume of memoirs to follow 2012's 'Waging Heavy Peace' and covers album 'A Letter Home', which is due for release on Jack White's Third Man Records in spring.

Don't worry, it's not coming out after all:

Official Record Store Day list...................

Paul Weller Brand New Toy Virgin/Harvest 7" vinyl 350

The link isn't working with Firefox/Adobe plug in right now. Are there ANY cool cd's?

I hope the Grateful Dead "Live At Hampton" makes it to CD. Even better if it's complete.

F@@k, I THINK I need this:

Bowie, David 1984 Picture Disc (b-side is 1984 live from the Dick Cavett Show) US/Canada Exclusive

I don't have a turntable.

You can always buy the Record Store Day turntable being sold on the 19th

RSD will be on April 19 this year, in case anyone is not already aware of the actual date.

The R.E.M. "Unplugged" vinyl box looks interesting, but I would want details before committing to pre-order it (don't know the likelihood of whether it would come out on CD eventually either)