We chat with John Siviour from Rerun Records & Photography about this year’s Record Store Day and what goodies they have on offer.

Stephanie, Carmela, John from Rerun Records & Photography. Image supplied

Rerun Records & Photography is home to one of Adelaide’s largest collections of retro vinyl and an unmatched archive of historical Adelaide prints and photographic accessories.

Beginning life as a market stall, Rerun found its long-term home in Renaissance Arcade in 2010. Since then the store has been a major player in the local vinyl scene, buying, selling and exchanging records from all genres and eras.

Not only does Rerun have an incredible selection of vinyl up for grabs, but the store stocks rare and collectible vinyl in 7” 12”, LP and box set formats. You can literally spend hours flipping through their extensive selection of vinyl and are always guaranteed to find something you like.

As one of the state’s longstanding record stores, Rerun has been involved in RSD for over a decade, but that hasn’t diminished their enthusiasm for the day. Ahead of this year’s event, we chatted with Rerun’s John Siviour about some of his favourite RSD memories and what vinyl lovers can expect when they pop in this Saturday.

How excited are you to be involved in RSD for another year?

Very excited! It seems like only yesterday we were unpacking records for the last record store day. It’s a great opportunity for vinyl lovers to get out and explore local brick-and-mortar shops. Put a face to the people who run independently owned shops rather than franchise outlets.

How have you seen the event grow and change over the years?

RSD as an event has become more mainstream, with more artists releasing special RSD vinyl and more customer interest in RSD stock. Over the years we have seen a more diverse crowd shopping for vinyl, young and old and family groups.

What do you have planned for RSD this year?

Throughout the day we will have a large range of special release vinyl on offer, ten giveaway bundles of randomly selected original pressed vinyl and extended trading hours (9am-6pm).

It’s also a great way for us to meet with customers and discuss their musical interests.

Can you reveal any exclusives you might be slinging on the day?

We have received supplies of RSD black 2LP + 7” numbered limited edition 25th anniversary vinyl of Nightmares on Wax’s Carboot Soul RSD 140g 12” picture vinyl of Blur’s Parklife and RSD 140g 12” purple vinyl of the soundtrack Even More Dazed and Confused.

We anticipate a significantly wider range of vinyl in the week leading up to RSD.

How important is RSD for both the industry and music fans?

For music fans, RSD provides opportunities to source limited and unique pressings. The day creates opportunities for artists to share new and exciting works with their fans. RSD also creates an environment where the record-listening public can source a plethora of special releases and has helped to generate a resurgence of interest in vinyl.

What does RSD mean to you?

It’s a bit like a music festival: intense interest in special releases, a degree of uncertainty about what stock is available and large numbers of customers through the door on the day. Early morning queues, standing in line and frenetic activity to be first in the door to find a specific vinyl.

What are some of your favourite memories from RSD over the years?

Last year there was a staggering number of people lining up for the RSD Taylor Swift release, which sold out in the first hour. It’s also great to see the surprise on people’s faces when they come in looking for something that they can’t find but walk out with a record gift bag. One of the best things about the day, in general, is the increase in the number of customers who make a day of it visiting independent record stores throughout the city.

What are five records everyone should have in their collection and why?

These five albums are some of our favourites, because they still sound great after many years of playing, with memorable lyrics and unique musical style.

1. Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here

A melancholic tribute to Syd Barret and a follow-up album to Dark Side of The Moon. Its themes include success, greed, fear, loss, guilt, mental collapse, the downside of the music industry, and burnout following the huge success of Dark Side of the Moon. The music was extending musical boundaries for its time and the artwork remains memorable.

2. Aretha Franklin – Respect (7” single) – also on Aretha’s Greatest Hits

Written by Otis Redding in 1965 and made famous by Aretha Franklin, ‘Respect’ was a feminist anthem of the 1970’s and a song of empowerment set against the background of the USA / Vietnam War. The themes of social and political struggles, the civil rights movement, and racism and sex discrimination, that flow through the song are still just as relevant today.

3. Funkadelic – Maggot Brain

Full of grotesque imagery as described by George Clinton, Maggot Brain touches on themes such as the concept of fear, class conflict, anti-war and free love. It’s emotionally and visually engaging. Grooves are slow, heavy, and intoxicating with fuzzed-out guitars, explicit lyrics, and extended guitar solos.

4. Amy Winehouse - Back To Black

This album blends old school 1960’s jazz, R&B and hip hop resulting in a nostalgic soul sound, strongly supported by The Dap-Kings tight instrumentation. The album is full of upbeat melodies contrasted by dark lyrics about addiction, separation, and heartbreak.

5. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - The Boatman’s Call

This album is stripped-back and piano-driven. It embraces Nick Cave’s softer side and is a change of direction from earlier works. Written about his own personal experiences, the album reflects on love and loss.

You can find all the details about Rerun Records & Photography’s RSD here.

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