The story of Lilliput Records is almost as fanciful as the inspiration for its name. There’s no other word for it when two longtime employees swoop in to save a beloved local shop from disappearing forever. This Saturday, the fairy tale will continue as Lilliput celebrates its first official Record Store Day.
The new setup rose from the ashes of the Exclusive Company, which closed all of its locations last April following the death of founder James "Mr. G" Giombetti. I was a frequent visitor to the Madison storefront on State Street and found my way into the Farwell Avenue version a few times when I lived on the East Side post-college. Admittedly, I hadn’t been back since it flipped to Lilliput and was happy to rectify that on a sunny Tuesday ahead of Record Store Day.
After navigating the familiar, slightly convoluted entryway, I began a slow exploration of the music lover’s paradise built by co-owners Tanner Musgrove and Brian Kirk. The sprawling space feels infinite when you stand at either end, making you feel like no matter how much time (or money) you set aside for the visit, it wouldn’t be enough. The far-reaching rows of music make it hard to imagine them not having what you’re looking for, while the DNA of the place indicates that if it’s not there, they’ll figure out how to get it for you.
When I finally looked past the sheer size of the album inventory, I started to notice everything else on offer: the performance space along the back wall; the turntables, speakers and receivers on display; shelves and hanging racks of merch. Despite its name, Lilliput Records is a music store.
The Record Store Day planned by Musgrove and Kirk reflects that all-inclusiveness. They have entertainment lined up from the moment doors open at 7 a.m., sales on all kinds of inventory, partnerships with neighborhood businesses, raffles — in short, an all-day party for music lovers at a store that loves music.
Entertainment schedule
- 7-9:30 a.m. — WMSE’s Von Munz (DJ set)
- 9:30 a.m.-noon — Milwaukee Record guys (DJ set)
- Noon-2:30 p.m. — Cody Kimb (DJ set)
- 4-4:45 p.m. — William Seidel (of Dramatic Lovers, Decibully, Camden)
- 5:15-5:35 p.m. — Heather the Jerk
- 6:30-7:15 p.m. — Doubter
RSD deals
Clearance and Record Store Day titles excluded from sales. Limit of one copy per Record Store Day title.
- 10% off new CDs, LPs and pre-owned LPs
- 25% off pre-owned CDs
- 20% off new DVDs, Blu-Rays and Criterion (excludes special orders)
- 55% off pre-owned DVDs and Blu-Rays
RSD raffle items
One ticket for every $50 spent.
- Tickets to The New Pornographers, Brights Eyes or The Flaming Lips
- “Golden Tickets” to any show at X-Ray Arcade (excludes sold-out shows)
- Merchandise from Milwaukee Record and WMSE
- Bandit MKE gift card
- Twisted Plants gift card
- Summerfest tickets
- Nirvana’s Nevermind super-deluxe 30th anniversary 8LP/7-inch
- Lilliput starter pack (tote bag, gift card, stickers, t-shirt)
Partner deals
Available when you present a Lilliput receipt from April 22.
- $1 off orders at Nomad Coffee Bar & Pub
- Nomad Coffee Bar pop-up in the store
- 10% discount at Twisted Plants
- 20% discount at Bandit MKE
