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4/7/2025 0 Comments

OBX Record Store Day 2025: The List

It's that time again and we've got our entire title sheet ready for you before the event THIS SATURDAY, April 12th! Remember, the doors open at 9:00AM but the line will very likely start well before that! If you are coming for Taylor Swift, we have A LOT of copies but she does sell out. Her last RSD release was sold out by 12pm, so we recommend getting there early for her. All other titles that we believe will sell out quickly are marked on the list below with a RED asterisk (*). 

If this is your first time to Record Store Day on the Outer Banks: we recommend bringing a chair for the line. We will have treats, tea and coffee available for our customers who are waiting, too. The releases are IN ADDITION to our already existing inventory of NEW & USED vinyl records. The event is first come, first serve. There are no holds. One title per person, but you can buy different titles - meaning, you can buy as many records as you want, but you cannot buy up ALL of the same record. You only can have ONE Taylor Swift. If we find out that you are stuffing the line in order to by multiple copies, we will ask you to leave as this jeopardizes our ability to host the event each year.
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NEW RELEASES IN THE SHOP THIS WEEK:

Below is a downloadable PDF should you want to zoom or print it out for the event.
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
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3/25/2025 0 Comments

NEW RECORD RADAR: February

Here's my February new record re-cap! It was a fun month!
Panda Bear - Sinister Grift - OBX Record Store
Panda Bear - Sinister Grift
Noah Lennox, aka Panda Bear of Animal Collective, leans into his inner "Beach Boy" by crafting SINISTER GRIFT, a record full of buoyant, sun soaked beach jams. It’s like taking an edible and floating in the pool while listening to some Bob Marley to treat the heartbreak.

​It’s an excellent record that I’ll be spinning all summer long.
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8.5 out of 10
Sam Fender - People Watching - Outer Banks Record Store
Sam Fender - PEOPLE WATCHING
PEOPLE WATCHING captures Sam Fender at a new crossroads as he tries to come to grips with his newfound fame while clinging to his Working Class upbringing and identity.

​Every song soars with heartland rock, evoking Springsteen as he returns to his hometown to find it all in disarray. PEOPLE WATCHING is big, anthemic and full of feeling and shows Sam Fender is proving his mettle as one of the best Rock musicians in the world.

8 out of 10
Sharon Van Etten S/T - Outer Banks Record Store
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory - S/T
A gothic rock turn from singer/songwriter Sharon Van Etten, but at times sounds a bit thin. The album features a very heavy use of synths that makes many of the songs feel “samey”.

​There’s not much that makes this album feel engaging. A little more time in the studio to fill out the sound would have helped.

6 Out Of 10
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Bartees Strange - HORROR
Bartees Strange is best known for his ability to make each of his records a tapestry of interwoven genres by effortlessly hopping between rap, rock, folk and electronic. He takes a more steady approach with his new record, HORROR, by sticking to an Indie Rock formula that rarely crosses outside of its sonic boundaries.

Lyrically, he remains as engaging as ever as he mines his personal fears and lays them bare, but as brave as the lyrics are, I just wish he had been the same with the music compositions.

7 Out Of 10
Here are a few singles that dropped in February that I really enjoyed, too!
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Bon Iver - EVERYTHING IS PEACEFUL LOVE• Laura Jane Grace - YOUR GOD (GODS DICK)
Ben Kweller - DOLLAR STORE (FEAT. WAXAHATCHEE) • Doechii - NOSEBLEEDS
Destroyer - HYDROPLANING OFF THE EDGE OF THE WORLD• PUP - HALLWAYS
Lucy Dacus - ANKLES • Perfume Genius - NO FRONT TEETH (FEAT. ALDOUS HARDING)
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2/8/2025 0 Comments

New Record Radar: January 2025

I've been wanting to share a few records that are on heavy rotation at the shop. I've put together a few thoughts on each one below and a little playlist if you'd like to listen in with me! As we move into 2025, my hope is to do more of these so folks can get a better understanding of my passion for music and maybe introduce you to something new and surprising!
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Ethel Cain - PERVERTS
​Ethel Cain pulls off a massive creative swing by creating an album full of ambient drone metal that wrestles with shame and love that may leave most fans in the cold.

​PERVERTS wears its horror influences on its sleeve with its oppressive “Lynchian” soundscape and the overwhelming sense of unease of the 2023 film, Skinamarink. If you can penetrate the iron heart of this EP, you’ll be rewarded. 

8.5 OUT OF 10

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Lambini Girls - WHO LET THE DOGS OUT
This queer punk duo out of the UK hit the ground running with their debut album that's thunderous and confrontational, in all the right ways.

​Fans of IDLES will be right at home as Lambini Girls take aim at social injustice, the predatory nature of the Upper Class, misogyny and homophobia.

7 OUT OF 10

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Mogwai - THE BAD FIRE

Mogwai creates an incredibly well textured post-rock record in THE BAD FIRE that revels in euphoric, dreamy highs and seismic, shattering lows.

​It’s a timely album with Mogwai contextualizing the world around us as beauty in turmoil and asks if it is all past the point of no return.

7.5 OUT OF 10

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Mac Miller - BALLOONERISM
It’s evident that the 2nd Posthumous record from Mac Miller, taken from recordings around 2014, has had a lot of care poured into it. It’s 70’s Lounge Jazz fits well with the free flowing musings where Mac delves into his psyche, hoping to mine hard truths about addiction and fame. It’s another bittersweet reminder of the immense talent that Miller encompassed and of his absence.

​8 OUT OF 10

Here's a few singles that have recently dropped that are on my radar, too. You can listen to these on this handy playlist I put together.
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Blondshell - T&A • JPEGMAFIA - PROTECT THE CROSS • Deafheaven - MAGNOLIA
Craig Finn - PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE • Viagra Boys - MAN MADE OF MEAT
Jesse Welles - HORSES • Black Country, New Roads - BESTIES
Japanese Breakfast - ORLANDO IN LOVE • Sam Fender - PEOPLE WATCHING
Lucy Dacus - ANKLES • Destroyer - BOLOGNA (FEAT. FIVER)
Julien Baker & TORRES - SYLVIA • Jason Isbell - BURY ME
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1/8/2025

His & Her: Top 50 Albums of 2024

I've been agonizing over this Top 50 albums of 2024 list the past few weeks, with this being the 4th revision, and my final one because Abbi says I gotta stop ruminating over it. Knowing myself, these rankings may change in the future, but as of January 8th, 2025, this is the best representation of my Personal Favorite Albums of 2024. Abbi and I have listened to most of my Top 10 albums, at least 20 plus times, cause what else are we going to do while we work? I could have gone much higher than the final 50 album count, but I can honestly say that all 50 are of fantastic quality and deserve at least one listen. 

​I also wanted to capture some of Abbi's Top Albums as she has such a different ear than I do, and many on her list I have yet to listen to and will be taking a deep dive there in the next couple of weeks. There is some overlap because (fortunately for us) we like a lot of the same artists and music. So here's our top albums and we even made you all a playlist with our favorite songs from this year!
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SuddenPicture
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11/26/2024

RSD: Black Friday 2024 • The List

Hey friends! We have the list of EVERY Record Store Day exclusive title we will have this year for Black Friday! THIS FRIDAY! This list is in addition to our already existing inventory & we will also have the NEW RELEASES of The Cure, Zach Bryan, Charlie XCX, Father John Misty, TV On The Radio & more!

Many of these RSD specific titles are limited to the same amount for every store across the US due to high demand. So, if you're coming for any of the records in RED then be sure to get here early. Last year's Black Friday line started in the very early hours of the morning, so plan accordingly. Remember: first come, first served and we will limit you to one title of each release. (meaning you can't buy all of the Olivia Rodrigos, you only get one per person!) 

Some line etiquette: when you come in the door, please follow the line. Do not break around others as we want to honor anyone who camped out and since the number of pressings are limited, it's important we do this a few at a time. Our line moves very quickly and we usually get through about 70+ folks very quickly so be patient, and considerate of each other!

We will have coffee, tea and treats for those coming up to stand in line early/overnight. If you're new to this event, we have a lot of fun and we keep the line moving so everyone can get in and out. We cannot hold any items, no matter who or why. It's part of the national Record Store Day rules. See you there!
rsdbf24-revised-final-downloadable.pdf
File Size: 27822 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Outer Banks OBX Record Store Day Flyer

4/17/2024

Record Store Day 2024 • The List

Hey friends! We have the list of EVERY title we will have this year for RSD 2024 on April 20th! THIS SATURDAY! This list is in addition to our already existing inventory & we will also have the NEW RELEASES for Pink Floyd, Taylor Swift, Pearl Jam & more!

Many of these are limited to the same amount for every store across the US due to high demand. So, if you're coming for those then be sure to get here early. Last year's event line started in the wee hours of the morning, but last year's Black Friday event started around 5:00 am. Remember: first come, first served and we will limit you to one title of each release. (meaning you can't buy all of the Olivia Rodrigos, you only get one per person!)

We will have coffee, tea and treats for those coming up to stand in line early. If you're new to this event, we have a lot of fun and we keep the line moving so everyone can get in and out. We cannot hold any items, no matter who or why. It's part of the national Record Store Day rules. See you there!

An easier to view PDF is attached below if you want to print it out & bring it with you.
rsd2024-flyer-final-shared.pdf
File Size: 31789 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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11/14/2023

RSD: Black Friday 2023 • The List

Alright friends, we have the list ready for everyone. We got just about everything we asked for this go around and we are most pleased. There are a few items on here notated with a * these titles are in very high demand and we have a limited quantity. Many of these are limited to the same amount for every store across the US due to high demand. So, if you're coming for those then be sure to get here early. The April event line started in the wee hours of the morning, but last year's Black Friday event started around 7:00am. Remember: first come, first served and we will limit you to one title of each. (meaning you can't buy all of the Olivia Rodrigos, you only get one per person!)

We will have coffee, tea and treats for those coming up to the stand in line early. If you're new to this event, we have a lot of fun and we keep the line moving so everyone can get in and out about their day. We cannot hold any items, no matter who or why. It's part of the national Record Store Day rules.

​All of these titles are IN ADDITION to our large selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, and cassette tapes.
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Download a PDF version of this list below for those who need it to be in a larger size.
RSDBF-revised-final.pdf
File Size: 53301 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

4/19/2023

Record Store Day is here! Update & Final List For Saturday

We're excited to announce that all of the product we will have for Record Store Day has arrived! We are only missing 4 titles we requested due to demand nationwide, and 2 titles that have been moved to the next Record Store Day event in November (tentatively) including Jerry Lee Lewis. Sadly, we will not be getting Maya Hawke, Kip Moore, Alex Chilton & James Moore despite being initially allotted those titles. The decision was made at a national level to only send those to larger stores in higher density metros.

All that said, we got everything else we asked for!!! We even got more copies of the 1975, Husker Du & Porcupine Tree than we expected. We were told most stores would only get 1 copy of each of these due to demand, but we will have more than one copy in the shop of those highly anticipated titles! We aren't allowed to share how many we got, BUT if you really want one of those - get in line early. Alright, here's the full & final list we will have in the shop on Saturday - can't wait to see all of you!

REMEMBER: doors open Saturday, April 22nd @ 9am. First come, first served. No holds. We will have A LOT of Taylor Swift, but it's really a hot one this year so we could sell out early.  First 20 customers will get official Record Store Day swag bags & Sudden Light Record goodies. 

<
< PDF Version of the list here >>
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You can RSVP below & get a Facebook Event reminder for Saturday. The RSVP helps us plan for snacks & beverages.
Can't wait to see all of you THIS Saturday!
RSVP ON FACEBOOK

2/16/2023

OBX RSD 2023: List is live!

Alright, the Record Store Day 2023 list is now live! Send me an email or a message on Instagram with your wishlist. I'll be putting the order in a couple of weeks, but don't be shy. 

If you've never done Record Store Day - here's how it works:
- Exclusive record, CD & cassettes are available ONLY to independent record stores. 
- We will order what we think our customers really want, but nothing is guranteed and we cannot do any holds or pre-orders.
- We will know about about a week beforehand what the store will get and how many, so keep a look out for that list.
- Doors open at 9am but the line started at 7am last year, so if you really want something - get here early.
- We'll have snacks and drinks for those in line, and fortunately the deck is covered so you don't have to worry about rain!
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RSVP on Facebook

11/17/2022

RSD: Black Friday • What's In Store

Here's the full list of what we will have available in the record store on Black Friday 2022. 

A few important notes: 
  • We will open early at 9:00am on Black Friday. Come prepared for a line, but we hope to keep it going quickly. If the line is significant, we will allow 3-4 shoppers at time.
  • First come, first serve. This isn't our rule, but we believe it's a good one. We are not allowed to hold any titles for anyone. 
  • Don't come thinking you're going to clean us out - we will be reasonable with large hauls but if we get even a whiff of thought that you're scalping titles to flip them for double on e-bay, we won't sell them to you.
  • We only have 2-3 of each of the box sets. If this is an item you want, come early. This year's box sets are noted with BXS on the list below.
  • First 10 purchases will get some FUN swag bags! These will be filled with fun record/music items, some of Abbi's teas, and includes one of our happy yellow tote bags. 
  • We will be providing tea and snacks, please RSVP on Facebook so we can get an idea of how many folks will be coming.
  • We are located UPSTAIRS at Jockey's Ridge Crossing, right next to the restrooms.
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Sudden Light Records • OBX Record Store
3933 S. Croatan Hwy, MP 12.5, Upstairs
Nags Head, NC 27959

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