5 things to know about Record Store Day in Charlotte

Whether you’ve been a record collector since the ‘60s, or you’re riding the wave of the vinyl resurgence, you can celebrate Record Store Day 2018 at Lunchbox and Repo Records this Saturday in Charlotte.

Five things to know before diving in:

You’ll have the chance to grab a limited edition LP from a few iconic artists.

On Saturday, Lunchbox and Repo Records will bring in plenty of limited and rare vinyl releases. You can snag Arcade Fire’s seven-track debut EP on transparent blue vinyl. You may even get a chance to grab David Bowie’s Welcome To The Blackout (Live London 1978), Let’s Dance (Demo) or a rare promo album, Bowie Now, which will be available on vinyl for the very first time.

Records from Mac Demarco, Run the Jewels and Pink Floyd are among many of the other exclusive releases.

What about lesser-known releases?

Sure, plenty of music lovers will be lining up for releases from AC/DC, Taylor Swift or Madonna, but the Lunchbox Records staff is “really excited” about the independent releases, including the Search for Animal Chin soundtrack, The Sundays LP, Uniform Choice LP, the Lyrics Born album, the David Axelrod album and a few others.

Whether you’re searching for a mainstream record or an underground release, get in line early on Saturday.

There’s a limited number of copies of every release, some fewer than others. Dumptruck’s Wrecked LP on transparent blue colored vinyl is limited to 200 copies while Motorhead’s Heroes 7-inch is limited to 500. Don’t wait — once they’re gone, they’re gone.

And remember, Record Store Day items are limited to one per customer per title – rules are rules.

Don’t expect a Black Friday-type mob.

While some record stores in the U.S. will open their doors before sunrise on Saturday, Lunchbox and Repo Records will open at a reasonable 9 a.m.

Don’t be deterred by the mob-like images of Record Store Day online. The Lunchbox staff assures shoppers, “The celebration will be organized. There is no chaos, pushing, fighting or whatever else people associate with sales and a line.”

Oh, and you’ll get a free Lunchbox Records tote with purchase.

Shop the other sales.

Even if you’re not interested in the Record Store Day releases this year, stop in and enjoy the other sales at Lunchbox Records. Everything in the store, excluding RSD titles, is on sale. If you’re looking to upgrade your turntable or still collect cassettes, this is the time to shop.

Wait around and enjoy the show.

Don’t drive home too fast. Stick around into the afternoon at Lunchbox Records for a free show from Mt. Joy at 2 p.m. The indie rock band will perform a 90-minute set at Lunchbox before they join Anderson East at the Music Factory later in the evening. All ages are welcome, and everyone will have a chance to win a signed copy of the band’s debut album.

Lunchbox Records is located at 825 Central Avenue and Repo Records is located at 3325 Commonwealth Avenue.