Record Store Day 2014

Black text and an illustration of two dogs listening to a record and drinking coffee on a white background

A concept created during a gathering of independent record store owners in 2007, Record Store Day is now known as a celebration of independent records stores and the "unique culture" that surrounds them. The first Record Store Day took place on April 19, 2008 and is now celebrated annually by participating stores on every continent except for Antarctica. Usually marked by in-store concerts and special vinyl releases for purchase, the events are intended to bring together record store employees, patrons, and both small and large label artists. This button marks the 2014 Record Store Day event held by Criminal Records which is a locally owned and independently operated record store located in Atlanta, Georgia. The illustration appears to play off the iconic cover art for indie rock band Sonic Youth’s first major label album, Goo, which was released in 1990 and portrayed a mod couple wearing sunglasses and smoking cigarettes. The Criminal Records button illustration also contains the iconic image associated with legendary rap group Public Enemy which depicts the silhouette of a man caught in a crosshair. Interestingly, Chuck D. of Public Enemy famously lends his voice to the track "Kool Thing" on Sonic Youth's pivotal Goo album. The following link is footage of the Criminal Records 2014 Record Store Day event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL6ybnrX7gQ