Tower Records has been around for nearly twenty years in Dublin, surviving the implosion of the famous American music chain. It's now fully Irish-owned, and thriving. Like other record shops, it's brimming with excitement for Record Store Day – with Drop 1 taking place this Saturday, June 12.

Noting that last year's events were impacted by the global pandemic, Duty Manager Zac Stevenson of their flagship Dawson St branch says that "it's going to be nice that this one is just straightforward. You can pop in and get your records."

"It's split into two this year," he continues. "The spread also seems to have better titles this year compared to the last one too – interesting stuff is coming out on the first day."

Zac says that the special edition of Live, the 1972 Donny Hathaway release, is a must-buy for any music fan.

"The Donny Hathaway one for me is just amazing," he notes. "If you haven't heard it, it's one of the best live records ever. It sounds like a party! I feel like I'm in the crowd at that gig, even though it was in 1971. It's an essential for any collector."

He enthused about the event itself, joking that it's like a "hipster Paddy's Day."

"Not necessary the drinking part of it, more just the festive nature of the day for music nerds."

Tower Records can be found on Dawson St and O'Connell St in Dublin or at towerrecords.ie.