Record Store Appreciation Day Today [PHOTOS]

Whether you like the "warm" sound that only comes from a vinyl record, or the crisp perfection of an album on compact disc, this is the day for you!

I'm talking "6th Annual National Record Store Appreciation Day."

Its a celebration of everything that surrounds the more than 700 independently owned record stores in the United States (and many more now taking part around the world).

The day can feature live music, also official record store day promotional giveaways, and record deals that can only be found in the indie stores!

HUNDREDS of limited edition albums are being featured, including singles from "Jersey's Favorite Artists" like Bon Jovi and Paul McCartney!

Some of the official offerings today that appeal to us fans of "Jersey's Favorite Hits" include:

Aerosmith, various 12 inch lps and dvds

Bon Jovi Live, 12 inch picture disc

David Bowie, various 7 inch vinyl & picture discs

Joan Jett, 12 inch yellow vinyl

OMD, various cds, dvds, and 7 inch vinyl

Paul McCartney, Maybe I'm Amazed 12 inch single

Rolling Stones, 5x5 EP, 7 inch EP

For a complete list of official record store day offerings, by artist, click here!

Independent Record Stores around New Jersey are participating, in cities including:

Asbury Park, Bordentown, Fords, Hackensack, Hoboken, Jersey City, Ocean City, Princeton, Red Bank, Trenton, Union and Wayne.

For a complete list of stores, click here, and enter New Jersey in the "state" field!

No, you don't have to be (quickly) jetting off to London (but it would be nice), to take advantage of great deals. From a British press release:

"McCartney and Bowie feature among a list of some of the UK's biggest bands and artists supporting the 2013 event with special releases and rare tracks made available in over 200 record stores across the UK. Fans of David Bowie will be able to purchase a 7" vinyl copy of 'The Stars (Are Out Tonight)'/'Where Are We Now?' limited to 1,000 copies. Additionally, there will also be 1,000 pressings of the four-track 'Bowie 1965!' EP on seven-inch plus 2,000 seven inch picture discs of 'Drive-In Saturday'. Meanwhile, Paul McCartney & Wings will release a live version of 'Maybe I'm Amazed', originally released in 1976 as a radio promo single, on 12" vinyl." You can read more about England's celebrations, by clicking here.

So, as you can see, the excitement of this day has spread beyond our shores...

As Big Joe always says: "Go out and support your local, New Jersey musicians!" To this,  I'd add, show some appreciation and support for your local, New Jersey record store!

Click the link above, and check out the independent record store in your town!

Enjoy the camaraderie...and the special deals, too!

And...HURRY...supplies are LIMITED!