How to celebrate Record Store Day in the Twin Cities

A vinyl record factory
A machine pressed colored vinyl albums at the Optimal record plant on February 11, 2015 in Roebel, Germany. According to industry data, over 9 million vinyl records were sold in the U.S. in 2014, up 52% from the same period the previous year.
Adam Berry | Getty Images

Today, it sounds better on vinyl.

It's Record Store Day, an annual celebration of independent record stores around the world. The event launched in 2007 as a way to recognize the role local shops play in the music world.

Every year, artists issue limited edition Record Store Day vinyl releases that are only available at independent shops.

Only a few copies are shipped to each store, leading some hardcore fans to camp out in anticipation. This year's list of exclusive Record Store Day releases includes music from Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, Willie Nelson and more.

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Three ways to celebrate Record Store Day in the Twin Cities

1) Caffeinate yourself at Treehouse Records

Getting the best that Record Store Day has to offer can mean getting up early. That's why Treehouse Records is serving free coffee along with their coveted vinyl collection. The store is also hosting a live performance from Cory Branan.

And don't forget the freebie: To celebrate local musician Charlie Parr's new album, Record Store Day customers can request a free 7" record featuring two new Parr songs.

2) Spend the day listening to local bands at Hymie's Vintage Records

Hymie's is celebrating Record Store Day with their fifth annual block party. They'll have fourteen local bands playing on two stages, including Chastity Brown, Pennyroyal, Brian Laidlaw & The Family Trade and more.

Did we mention the crates of free records? Hymie's spring cleaning means you can pick up some records for free at the block party.

3) Raise a toast to Record Store Day, thanks to the Electric Fetus

Music lovers looking to squeeze into The Electric Fetus will need to get in line. The shop will hand out numbers to patrons as they wait their turn to browse the exclusive releases.

And the shop has something new brewing this year: It teamed up with Dangerous Man Brewing to create a limited edition Record Store Day Beer.

According to The Electric Fetus, "Record Store Day Beer is a light, crisp, session-able Golden Ale that has notes of Belgian flavor, mirroring the earthy, spicy smells of the incense that are so quintessentially Electric Fetus. The beer finishes with light citrus hops for a clean finish that is not overly bitter. It's perfect spring vinyl listening beer."

Record Store Day Beer is available exclusively at the Dangerous Man Taproom; vinyl fans can bring their receipts from The Electric Fetus to get a discount on the brew.