Record Store Day Preview

Calling all audiophiles! Record Store Day is less than a week away, and believe it or not, this year is gearing up to be even better than the last.

For those of you unfamiliar with the growing tradition that is RSD, here are a few facts that'll show you just how important the third Saturday in April is for music lovers, record stores, artists and collectors alike. As stated on the official RSD website, "This is the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music."

Basically, RSD is a chance for everyone to score something great. Whether that be the insane savings on vinyl and CDs, grabbing an exclusive RSD release from one of your favorite artists, catching an in-store performance, a meet-&-greet with your idols or simply just helping out your local independently owned record store, RSD is designed for those who believe music isn't just a hobby, it's a way of life.

And 2011's RSD, taking place this Saturday, April 16, will bring together some truly unforgettable releases and events. In terms of vinyl, there are enough alternative/punk bands releasing records and/or splits, that will have your needle wearing thin in the weeks following Saturday's events.

The heavy hitters this year are undoubtedly Anberlin, who are having what's arguably their best record, Cities, released on 2LP for the first time ever. In addition to the Florida five-piece's contribution, emo-rock godfathers Jimmy Eat World are releasing Bleed American - Deluxe (32 tracks in total) on 3LP black vinyl.

If that's not enough, look for special/exclusive releases from A Day To Remember, Circa Survive, Death Cab For Cutie, Rise Against, Green Day, Manchester Orchestra, Kings Of Leon, My Chemical Romance, Transit, Of Montreal and many more. And remember, a lot of these releases will only be available on RSD and at at your local record store.

But RSD isn't just about buying a few new records. There's always a ton of free swag to be had from the countless giveaways and contests across the country. And don't forget about the in-store performances. From New England to California, bands like Between The Buried And Me, Transit, Thursday, D.R.U.G.S., VersaEmerge and hundreds more will be holding concerts and autograph signings for fans. For a full listing of bands, venues/stores and times, click HERE.

So get ready. The weekend is fast approaching, and you don't want to miss all that's in store for this year's RSD. Whatever it is that drew you into loving your music scene - the concerts, the collectibles, the music, meeting your favorite band - will all be celebrated this coming Saturday. Get stoked.

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For a look back at the last few years of RSD click: 2009, 2010

Be sure to follow Backstage Press on Twitter for our RSD updates when we're in Boston this year.

And we want to know, what are you most looking forward to on RSD 2011?

Anberlin Interview/CD Review

This coming Tuesday is a big day for Florida alt-rockers, Anberlin. It marks the release of their fifth studio album, Dark Is The Way, Light Is a Place.

Probably one of the most up and coming bands from the scene, Anberlin are starting to make waves in pop radio markets. This no doubt started with the re-release of "Feel Good Drag" off their 2008 album, New Surrender. And coming into this record, it's clear the boys haven't slowed down.

The 10-song album explodes on the first track, "We Owe This To Ourselves." In classic Anberlin fashion, the guys have melded melody with extremely technical guitar playing straight through the song's breakdown. Post breakdown is met with Nathan Young's signature tight drumming which leads into a lone piano playing the track out.

Though "Owe This" might sound reminiscent of Anberlin's earlier work on Cities, guitarist Christian McAlhaney told Backstage Press that the band didn't want to put out more of the same thing.

"We just tried a lot of different stuff, a lot of different instrumentation," said McAlhaney. "I mean there's one song that has almost a Latin beat, which is totally bizarre. We've never done that. We're just trying new things, really."

That idea of trying new things can best be heard on tracks like "Closer and "Art of War." The latter even opens with a mixture of electronic beats and an organ.

Lyrically, Dark is well, darker. It seems that lead singer Stephen Christian took an extremely personal approach in writing this album as evidenced in "Pray Tell." Are you hiding secrets from me?/ Is there more to this life than I can see?/ What will I find out over time?/ waiting for the moment to arrive.

Avid Anberlin fans should be happy with the record. All your classic Anberlin elements are there. Dark is a fast-paced, catchy album that's just as radio ready as it is stage ready. Simply put, it's a must have.

Songs to Download: We Owe This To Ourselves, Pray Tell, Art of War

Summer 2010 Music Tours

With summer right around the corner it's time to gear up for this year's slew of shows in the sunshine. If you're not up to date on who's playing when, just take a look below for some of the best shows/festivals that summer 2010 has to offer.

Anberlin

May 28th - Higher Ground, South Burlington, VT

May 29th - Northshore Mall, Peabody, MA (FREE SHOW!)

June 1st - Toad's Place, New Haven, CT

Even though Florida-based rockers Anberlin are busy working on their new album, they've decided to do a small tour to welcome in the summer months. They'll start off their New England run in Vermont before heading to Mass. as part of the Journey's Backyard BBQ Tour, a five city skate/BMX tour featuring both athletes and bands from across the country. Anberlin will be sharing the stage (at the Northshore Mall of all places) with Mayday Parade for the free show. Three days later the quintet will be in Connecticut alongside Story Of The Year and Terrible Things. These are some shows you don't want to miss!

Taking Back Sunday

June 25th - House of Blues, Boston, MA

As part of one of the shortest tours ever, only six shows nationwide, TBS are setting out for their first round of shows with original members John Nolan and Shaun Cooper back in the lineup. Lucky for New England, they're hitting Boston's House of Blues. No word on openers just yet. Tickets are still available, though the special VIP packages are all sold out. This will be a must see for any TBS fan.

Paramore

July 27th - Oakdale Theater, Wallingford, CT

July 28th - Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA

Aug 3rd - Meadowbrook US Cellular Pavilion, Gilford, NH

The Honda Civic Tour has built itself on solid pop-punk lineups year after year, and 2010 is no different. Paramore are headlining this summer's tour alongside scene staples New Found Glory and Tegan and Sara for what's set to be one of the best shows all season. With three chances to see this tour in New England, you've got no excuses for missing it.

Green Day

Aug 12th - Comcast Theater, Hartford, CT

Aug 16th - Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA

Still busy touring to support their latest release, 21st Century Breakdown, Green Day are bringing out fellow punk rock lifers AFI for a late summer romp through the US. With both bands developing massive followings that carried over from the 90s, these shows will definitely draw out an eclectic crowd that will be as fun to watch as the bands.

Vans Warped Tour

July 11th - Comcast Theater, Hartford, CT

July 13th - Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA

Who could forget about the best tour of every summer? Warped is back for its 16th year, and has two stops in New England. With a lineup to suit anyone's tastes, tickets should go fast. Where else can you see The All-American Rejects, Motion City Soundtrack, Four Year Strong, Bring Me The Horizon and The Rocket Summer in the same day?