RECORD STORE DAY 2025 AT LAVENDER VINYL IN OGDEN: MY STORY
NEWS | REVIEW
Lavender Vinyl storefront on Record Store Day 2025. Photo by Deann Armes
“Damn the Man. Save the Empire!” is a phrase from one of my favorite movies from when I was younger about a little local record store just trying to survive the big corporate stores. Ever since seeing “Empire Records” for the first time, I wanted a record store like that. Now living in Ogden, I have one.
On April 12, four days after Rex Manning day (from the movie), I got to wake up at the crack of dawn and go to Lavender Vinyl, our local little record store to stand in line and receive a ticket and a doughnut. After waiting in line and eating the complimentary pastry, I got to enjoy my morning on 25th Street until the festivities kicked off at 10 a.m.
As they called folks up to the line using tickets distributed earlier, the crowd milled about, talking about what special release they wanted and reminiscing about previous Record Store Days. I was there for Rage Against the Machine, but when there are so many great releases it’s easy to find new treasures.
The hit for me was a Cyprus Hill Live from the Fillmore album – a reminder of one of my favorite venues where I grew up in Denver.
As always, the Lavender Vinyl team was there to help and recommended an awesome exclusive Record Store Day release, a sci-fi-esque rock opera “The Sword” by Warp Rider. It’s a blast to listen to on a Saturday morning.
Some of the more popular albums sold out quickly, and despite missing out on The Struts and being #70 in line there were still plenty of choices.
After grabbing your RSD release albums outside there was more inside the shop: record accessories, Lavender Vinyl merch, and my personal favorite, The LQ queer zine showcasing poetry and art from the local LGBTQ+ community.
I’ve been listening to vinyl since and dreaming of the next Record Store Day. “Damn the Man. Save the Empire” and long live Lavender Vinyl.
Lavender Vinyl is located at 123 25th Street in Ogden, Utah. They have several upcoming special events including a Record Market at Ogden’s Own Distillery on June 8. Check their Instagram page (@lavendervinyl) for details.
Inside Lavender Vinyl on Record Store Day 2025. Photo by Deann Armes
