Record Store Day is a bit of a clusterfuck now.

Saturday, April 18 is the yearly event that vinyl fanatics go crazy over. What began as a scroll of brand new wax announcements has unraveled into something far larger now. There’s a long list of exclusives, re-presses, first presses, and all sorts of free goodies. While Newbury Comics is busy shelling out free candy to keep your already jittery self wound up, some of Boston’s best underdogs are serving up rarities you don’t want to miss. Because of the nature of the day, however, many of us do.

We’ve come up with a cheat sheet to get your through the day from start to finish, no matter what you’re looking for.

When you’re done checking out one record store, go to another. This day is about appreciating local stores, so seize the opportunity to explore Boston’s lesser known spots. Most importantly, make sure you ask questions. Record store owners see all of their vinyl come in and out. They have thousands of under-appreciated records in their brain that they hope others will purchase and love as much as they do. If you don’t have hours on end to browse the racks, we took the time to hand pick some vinyl we’re eyeing ourselves.

Have fun out there, sport, and remember to play safe. No one likes a broken record.

Must Visit:

Armageddon Shop

12 Eliot St.

Cambridge, MA 02138

Deep Thoughts

138 South St.

Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Cheapo Records

538 Massachusetts Ave.

Cambridge, MA 02139

In Your Ear

957 Commonwealth Ave.

Boston, MA 02215

Nuggets

486 Commonwealth Ave.

Boston, MA 02215

Somerville Grooves

26 Union Square

Somerville, MA 02143

Stereo Jack’s Records

1686 Massachusetts Ave.

Cambridge, MA 02138

Weirdo Records

844 Massachusetts Ave.

Cambridge, MA 02139

Must Ask:

“Are there any special releases today that you’re eyeing?”

“What is everyone overlooking?”

“Which classic albums should everyone own on vinyl?”

“What advice do you think every buyer should know?”

“All the copies of ______ are gone. What’s another band that sounds similar that I should check out?”

Must Grab:

A-ha – Take On Me

Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy & Broeder Dieleman – Split 7″

Brand New – Deja Entendu

Buena Vista Social Club – Chan Chan 7″

Built to Spill – Untethered Moon

David Bowie – Changes picture disc 7″

Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear heart-shaped 7″

Grizzly Bear – Horn of Plenty

The Jesus & Mary Chain – Psychocandy: Live at Barrowlands

Jurassic 5 – Quality Control wood boxset

The Lemonheads – Bored on the 4th of July

Oneohtrix Point Never – Commissions II

Polaris – Music From The Adventures of Pete and Pete

Steve Reich – Music For 18 Musicians

Ride – OX4

Run The Jewels – Record Store Day Release

Swans – 12″ EP

Todd Rundgren / Lindstrom / Emil Nikolaisen – Put Your Arms Around Me

Shugo Tokumaru – Night Piece

William Tyler – Deseret Canyon

Various Artists – The Darjeeling Limited OST

Various Artists – When I Reach That Heavenly Shore: Unearthly Black Gospel 1926-1936