Record stores have become a dying breed in recent years for a number of reasons. Whether through the rise in illegal downloading, big box stores like Best Buy selling CDs at a loss to get people in their stores, or online music stores making it easier to buy online, the pasttime of losing yourself in a day of browsing and getting turned onto new music by knowledgeable clerks has fallen by the wayside. However, independent record store coalition The Music Monitor Network is trying to restore the cool factor of record stores by launching Metal Club, and they’re starting with an exclusive release of a live Metallica album.
On June 12, 2008, Metallica played a surprise show at The Basement, a 150-capacity venue below Nashville’s Grimey’s New & Preloved Music. On November 26 (aka Black Friday), Live At Grimey’s will become available exclusively at independent music stores participating in Metal Club. The nine-song album will be available on CD and also on limited edition two-disc 10″ vinyl with a gatefold jacket.
That’s one hell of a way to start things off for Metal Club. Essentially, it sounds like they’re taking the Record Store Day concept and spreading it throughout the year. According to the press release we got, it seems like they’re going to continue to release exclusive stuff, like live EPs, vinyl-only releases and box sets , as well as present in-store events, not unlike the Metallica show at Grimey’s. Their site also contains a record store locator. We’re very psyched about this. Anything that gets people back into record stores is a win. Growing up, independent record stores were more than a place to buy music – they were a community center that helped educate and shape our taste in music. If Metal Club can bring back that feeling and turn a new generation of fans on, it’s a big win for everyone. Live at Grimey’s track listing after the jump.
photo [via]
No Remorse
Fuel
Harvester of Sorrow
Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
For Whom The Bell Tolls
Master of Puppets
Sad But True
Motorbreath
Seek and Destroy
