By Matthew Hersh

Billy Squier enjoyed most of the 1980s as a rock star: his multiple chart-topping, riff-oriented, stripped down guitar rock produced three albums certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, and successful tours. Squier’s hard rock/power pop combination resulted in hits including “The Stroke,” “Lonely Is the Night,” and “Everybody Wants You,” cultivating a following that still exists today, and his songs have been classic rock staples for decades.

Then, the ’90s came. Squier, a musician’s musician whose focus is equal parts melody and musical production quality, was at the mercy of his label. Capitol Records, which released Squier’s 1993 album, Tell the Truth, and vowed to put no promotional effort into it due to rock music’s growing grunge trend at the time.

“They told me it was the best record made that year that no one would hear,” Squier said. “It was a travesty. By cutting off this record, they deprived a new
audience of a rock and roll experience.”

This led Squier to walk away from the music industry. “People just didn’t hear this record and I always wanted to put it out because it never had a chance,” he said.

Until now.

Squier will be in Princeton on Saturday, April 18, at the Princeton Record Exchange (PREX) for National Record Store Day, created to celebrate the culture of the independently-owned record store.

“On this special day, hundreds of limited-edition titles are exclusively available at brick-and-mortar record stores like PREX,” said Jon Lambert, PREX owner. “It’s the only day I know of in Princeton when hundreds of fans line the streets for hours.”

Among the titles fans will be waiting to pick up is the special edition, Record Store Day double vinyl issue of Squier’s Tell the Truth, newly released by Flatiron Recordings. Considered Squier’s “lost” 1993 album, this is the first time the album will be released on vinyl. Produced by Mike Chapman (Blondie, The Knack) the reissued set features expanded content, including alternate mixes and unreleased tracks. The limited-edition release serves as a “back to basics” final album for Capitol.

Squier wanted to take this show on the road as gratitude for fans who had waited. “We wanted to do some in-store appearances for this, and I kept thinking of places in New York and Boston, but I kept hearing one of the best record stores in the country is here in Princeton, and he told me about the Princeton Record Exchange,” he said.

It was the independent work of both Flatiron and writer Patrick Walsh, who wrote the liner notes to Squier’s vinyl reissue who suggested PREX. And why? As it turns out, both live in Princeton. “There was something in the air with this record. It was an illuminating moment,” said Squier.

Tell the Truth was a labor of love, Squier said, whose recording took place throughout New York City studios. Album details show recording taking place at the Magic Shop, The Power Station, and Clinton, with overdubbing taking place at Electric Lady Studios and RPM. Squier recalled writing strong songs with the record, recorded with a host of seasoned musicians, including his original band from his seminal 1981 release, Don’t Say No. The musicians — coupled with Chapman’s production and mixing by Kevin Shirley, who went on to produce the Black Crowes, Iron Maiden, and Rush — turned out a record that ended up being “a really good package,” Squier said.

Mastered by engineering titan Bob Ludwig, “the record blows me away every time,” Squier said. “I don’t run around trumpeting how great I am, but this is amazing! I feel it’s a more enveloping, fuller sound, particularly with the double vinyl where the music dynamics really spread out. Streaming sounds different. Vinyl is better and this record is killer.”

“This might be my best record, and it’s certainly one of my favorites,” Squier said, adding that meeting fans and getting to hear their experiences is what he looks forward to in Princeton.

“You know, fans complete the circle, and I love talking with them,” said Squier. “I always say I don’t just make music. It’s for my fans and without them, my journey is not complete.”

Record Store Day attendees are asked to begin lining up at PREX, 20 South Tulane Street, at 9 a.m., Anyone who wants to meet Squier will be issued a wristband, The actual meet and greet will take place at around 1:30 p.m., according to PREX’s Lambert. Fans can leave and return once receiving their wristband. For more information, visit prex.com or facebook.com/princeton.record.exchange.