Maybe we’re just getting old, maybe it’s the election making everyone feel slightly uncertain but some of these weekend’s events have a nostalgic feel about them. First, it’s record store day - meaning that music fans all over country will be turning off Spotify (or maybe even TIDAL, who knows…) for a whole day dedlcated to proper traditional bricks and mortar shops. For the full experience get down to Berwick Street in London (location Sounds of The Universe, Phonica) for a sound system and street party vibe. Elsewhere, it’s back to your early teens for the Pillow Cinema, while Liverpool creatives are paying tribute to the best after-you’ve-had-your-tea treat of all time The Simpsons, at a new exhibition.
**The place to pick up some exclusive records… **
*Record Store Day @ Various locations, UK *
Sat 17 April
Your local record store could be one of many types. It could be the kind that has reinvented itself with coffee and photo booths and exciting live performances. Maybe it’s the type that hasn’t changed since the 1990s, where the staff are friendly but slightly intimidating because some of their favourite tracks are rare Japan-only b-sides of the people you’re going in and saying are your ‘favourite bands’. Perhaps they specialise in limited runs of 12” that are really only owned by DJs and you never couldn’t quite figure out what it was in a club. This weekend though, intends to brings some (but not all shops- see below) together for a celebration of independent retail. There will be a lot of special releases - for highlights see here) plus events including DJ sets, live music and full on street parties. If you can't stand what the vinyl revival has meant for some small labels then shops including Rye Wax and YAM records (they have a section exclusively for ‘baby makers’ in Peckham are clubbing together for something different).
**The cinema for snugglers… **
Pillow cinema @ Old Shoreditch Underground Station
Sunday April 17
Are you the type of cinema goer that always tries to find the seats where nobody else is sitting? Even if that means you’re in the front row craning your neck up at a way too giant Channing Tatum? Do you actively seek out films at times when nobody else will be there lest you bump elbows with your neighbour? Then the Pillow cinema is definitely not for you. Cutesily described as “the cosiest cinema experience this side of a fluffy cloud” guest nestle down on ‘fatboy’ beanbags under complimentary blankets (unfortunately they don’t provide a complimentary date) to snuggle up and watch films in the former Shoreditch Underground station. This Sunday expect things to get extra ‘awww-y’ as they show a double bill of 10 Things I Hate About You and the charming Grand Budapest Hotel.
The art exhibition if you have a Simpsons quote for every situation…
*No Homers Club @ Constellations, Liverpool *
Starts April 17
What’s the most quoted, screen grabbed and loved TV programme on The Debrief’s Twitter timeline? Something like Girls? Broad City? The new season of Game Of Thrones? Nahhhh, after all these years it is still The Simpsons. A collection of artists, computer games designers, musicians, costume designers, writers and DJs from around Liverpool noticed the same thing because this weekend Constellations is hosting the ‘No Homer Club’, an exhibition of Simpsons inspired art that they say will result in 'the largest shortage of yellow & blue paint the North West has ever seen.' In keeping with the theme, there will also be donuts, zines and comic books on sale.
**For new comedy… **
*Russell Brand Stand Up: A Trew Work In Progress @ The Proud Archivist, London *
Sat 17
Russell Brand takes time out from political campaigning and setting up worthwhile cafes to develop what he was known for best with a new stand up show with a series of performances at the Proud Archivist. Despite him having as many detractors as he does fans (with good reason) tickets sell out quickly so keep an eye on Russell’s twitter feed to be in with the chance of heading to down to see what’s in development.
**The talks to book now… **
The Trouble Club @ Kingly Court, London
Various Dates
The Trouble Club is back for good, and with it a full schedule of new talks, discussion groups and events (as well as, of course, a social space). Grab a membership this weekend and book now for upcoming events including the Art School Girls Club (for women in art and design education) a fan fiction workshop with the novelist, critic and playwright Bonnie Greer and Judith Watts ('now working on a PhD in the Mills & Boon archives to become a Dr of Desire”' they say) plus plenty of all things political in the build up to the general election on May 7.
The DJ tour you’ll wish you were on too…
*Eclair Fifi, Nina Las Vegas & Joseph Marinetti *
London, The Nest April 17
Glasgow, The Art School April 18
Edinburgh, Sneaky Pete’s April 19
LuckyMe favourite Eclair Fifi is on a EU tour backed by Australian DJ supreme Nina Las Vegas and fellow LuckyMe crew Joseph Marinetti, and this weekend it arrives in the UK! Get down the front and move in London, Glasgow and Edinburgh this weekend or, if you can’t make it, listen to her recent Rinse FM show with Hudson Mohawke. It’s huge.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.