Probably started off as a good idea, but what I don't get is 1) how did people NOT foresee 'speculators' scooping up copies to sell for stupid money online? 2) I could see the point if someone issued some exclusive, vinyl-only/record store-only NEW release on the day (I guess some do), but you're mostlyt looking at albums you can get for a few quid on CD being reissued as a four-7" box set, or on 'highest-quality 180grm' vinyl (Trout Mask Replica is one of yesterday's offerings, FFS!)
Reminds me of those industrial estate operations in the '90s that would churn out cheapo compilations (reggae, Ibiza hits, etc) with much of the same content, repackaged.
Apparently Crass had a free flexi available yesterday. Can't wait to see that one hit Discogs.
I bought one RSD release a couple of years ago, but that was a year after it came out, and in a shop in Tokyo. Also been to an RSD IN Tokyo but couldn't even move around the store, so gave up. Remember an unsold rack full of represses of Lee Perry's Disco Devil 12" (probably with download codes and on 180grm vinyl)
The irony about Rough Trade - go to all the hassle of pressing your own vinyl as a complete 'outsider' artist and approach a record shop like Rough Trade East on any other day of the year, and you'll be treated like you've got the plague.