Record Store Day got a nice shout out on "American Idol" last night, but it didn’t come close to really capturing what the day is about.
After years of industry consolidation and various other struggles, some estimate between 60 and 70 percent of independent record stores have closed in the past decade.
"We really are worth seeking out now," says Douglas Mashkow, who owns CD Island in Rockville Centre. "There’s something special about every store now."
Hundreds of record stores and dozens of labels will celebrate Record Store Day on Saturday with various in-store specials and performances. Singer-songwriter Cass Dillon and dance artist Amber Rose Marie will perform at CD Island. At Looney Tunes in West Babylon, Jet Lag Gemini will perform and John "Bloodclot" Joseph of the Cro-Mags will sign copies of his new book.
Stars of all genres are supporting the effort.
"I buy CDs all the time. I'll go into a record store and just buy $500 worth of CDs -- I will!" says Bruce Springsteen. "I am single-handedly supporting what's left of the record business."
R.E.M., Vampire Weekend and Stephen Malkmus will release special singles that will be sold only at stores participating in Record Store Day. While Bjork will be handing out 3D glasses to watch her video for "Wanderlust."
"The indie record stores are the backbone of the recorded music culture," says Joan Jett. "It's where we go to network, browse around, and find new songs to love. The stores whose owners and staff live for music have spread the word about exciting new things faster and with more essence than either radio or the press. Any artist that doesn't support the wonderful ma and pa record stores across America is contributing to our own extinction."