Record Store Day is a holiday celebrated on the third Saturday of April each year (April 19 in 2014) and is geared towards vinyl aficionados, 45″ collectors, and those who appreciate a good, old fashioned discount.
Originating in 2007, the internationally-recognized holiday is known for its annual supply of special-edition releases distributed to local vinyl shops, which are generally available in a very small quantities. Record labels worldwide participate by creating specialty recordings in limited batches to be collected, played, and many times unopened in order to maintain their original packaging value.
Crate diggers and vinyl collectors from all over the country journey to Detroit for its rare vinyl appeal. As the soul/funk/Motown/techno/hip-hop record capital of the world, Record Store Day offers Detroit collectors a chance to find rarities at a great price, as well as highly-anticipated releases from local labels.
Detroit Music Magazine has compiled a list of the best Record Store Day deals, performances, and parties in town. Happy Record Store Day Detroit!
Peoples Records | 4100 Woodward Ave., Detroit | Mon – Sat 11 am – 7 pm
Opened in 2003, People’s Records is a staple of Detroit crate digging. They specialize in soul, funk, and Motown rarities, especially used 45″ singles. Peoples Records doesn’t offer any Record Store Day Specials, but the shop’s reasonably priced selection of used wax is reason enough to visit. Expect to find Tamla singles and mixed boxes of 45″ classics at this vinyl Mecca on Woodward. 
Record Graveyard | 2610 Carpenter St., Hamtramck | Mon – Sat 11 am – 7 pm
Open since 2000, Record Graveyard is pretty self-explanatory. This quiet storefront is chock-full of classic used records, in addition to regularly-updated newer releases. The collection at Record Graveyard varies from deep jazz digs (lots of classic jazz), to new independent rock, to more classic rock anthems. This diamond-in-the-rough shop is offering 20% off all used records on Record Store Day, so don’t miss out. 
Found Sound | 234 9 Mile Rd., Ferndale | Mon – Sat 11 am – 8 pm, Sun 12 – 5 pm
Since 2012, Found Sound in Ferndale has supplied the Detroit area with a wide variety of vinyl, tapes, and music memorabilia. The shop’s impossible-to-miss front window display showcases the wide variety of new releases and old favorites that the store has to offer. In addition to nationally-distributed Record Store Day exclusive releases, the shop will open at 10 am, and feature live performances by Scott Mason, Wicker Chairs and Zombie Jesus and the Chocolate Sunshine Band. 
UHF | 512 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak | Mon – Sat 11 am – 8 pm, Sun 12 – 6 pm
UHF has been dishing out vinyl rarities since 2010 (including approximately 7,000-8,000 pieces of J Dilla’s personal collection in 2012). This one-stop-shop has everything an avid collector needs, including CDs, DVDs, and vintage turntables & receivers. Record Store Day is always an over-the-top event here, as a line usually forms before the store is even open. In addition to all Record Store Day exclusive releases, UHF will host live performances by Caveman Woodman, Voyag3R, The Oscillating Fan Club, and Feelings.
Hello Records | 1459 Bagley St., Detroit | Mon – Sat 11 am – 6 pm, Sun 12 – 4 pm
Hello Records has been a Corktown staple of vinyl collecting since 2009. The bright yellow building is nestled on a quiet neighborhood corner, but contains plenty of worthwhile vinyl scores. This shop consists of mostly used records, especially soul, funk, and hip-hop but also stocks a healthy selection of new world genres, such as reggae, jazz, and dub.
Hello Records is pulling all the stops this year for Record Store Day by featuring 50% off all used records, three for $1 used 12″ records, free beer (supplied by Motor City Brewing Works), and live performances by Detroit’s own DJ Dez Andres and Black Milk. Limited edition copies of Black Milk’s Glitches in the Break will be available.
Happy vinyl hunting Detroit! (Don’t miss Detroit’s own Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. at Royal Oak Music Theatre on Record Store Day, Saturday, April 19, at 8 pm!)