Record Store Day @ Vintage Vinyl and Euclid Records, St. Louis, MO

Words and photos by Duane Clawson

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, there is one thing you can count on: Record Store Day! Over the past few years, Record Store Day has gained in popularity as major record labels have now joined the fray, producing new music and re-releases for this day of honoring the nearly extinct mom and pop record shop. St. Louis is certainly in tune with desires of the public and is fortunate enough to support two major record stores, Vintage Vinyl and Euclid Records. Both stores are great supporters of local musicians and up and coming national acts, as they frequently have in-store performances, that are free to the public. As customary on Record Store Day, many record stores try to provide a headlining act that may be regionally well known or nationally known. This year included Metallica (Berkley, CA), the Mavericks (Kansas City), and Mumford & Sons at our very own Vintage Vinyl! Regional favorites, the Bottle Rockets, played a headlining set at Euclid Records.

Record Store Day for me is also a time to catch up with the local music scene that is teeming with talent. I started my day at Euclid Records catching the newly-formed band, Drew Franklin and the Sugar Kings. It was good to see Drew Franklin back out and performing in the St. Louis area, as he was recently diagnosed with and treated for cancer. The hard rock sound of Bent followed who paid homage to the fallen Motorhead frontman, Lemmy, by covering “Overkill”. A big thanks to 4 Hands Brewing Company for providing free City Wide beer to those in attendance.

Unfortunately, MTC MAG could not gain access to Mumford & Sons' in-store performance at Vintage Vinyl. But fortunately for me, some of the finer local musicians were playing outside the store after the Mumford & Sons crowd cleared out. The sunny afternoon was a great setting for the River Kittens acoustic set and their soothing harmonies. I can say with great certainty that this will not be the last time I see the River Kittens! In sharp contrast, Little Big Bangs, who followed the River Kittens, with their brand of post punk sound the showcased the diversity in the St. Louis music scene. In even sharper contrast, Brother Lee and the Leather Jackals brought their booze-fueled rock to the corner of Delmar & Leland. Always a treat to see Brother Lee doing their thang, as they inject an unpredictable element into the music that they make. To wind down my coverage of RSD, I took in the soothing rap of Far Fetched, part of an independent music and art imprint based in St. Louis. As their slogan is “creating thought-provoking, honest, and innovative content for all”, they certainly nailed it with this description. Thanks to both Vintage Vinyl and Euclid Records for hosting another successful RSD, and of course, the free beer! Photos from day's events are below: