It has become an annual ritual for me: as soon as the list of exclusive releases for Record Store Day is published, I drop everything and thoroughly examine the list. The result is usually the same: amidst a plethora of, in my opinion, unnecessary releases from the back catalog of major labels, there are a scant dozen interesting records and, at most, a handful of must-haves.
This year looks similar. I’ll highlight a few gems in the following article. Whether they all end up in my tote bag is, of course, also a matter of price. I fear that, after a glance at the price tag, some releases may find their way back to the record store shelf.
You can find a list of participating record stores on the Record Store Day website. You can check out the various lists of exclusive releases here: USA, UK, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Which record store (or stores) will you be visiting on April 20th? And what releases are on your wishlist? Feel free to leave a comment under this article.
Team Sleep – Team Sleep
THE highlight of this year’s Record Store Day. The sole (yet magnificent) album from the side project of Deftones’ frontman Chino Moreno. Released in 2005, but never on vinyl. I listened to it endlessly on CD back then, and it has been on the top of my vinyl wishlist for ages. Therefore, I hope to finally fill this gap on Record Store Day. The album will be released on golden double vinyl, including two previously unreleased tracks.
At The Drive-In – In/Casino/Out
I’m glad to already own this album on vinyl, but it definitely deserves a spot among the highlights for the upcoming RSD, as it hasn’t been reissued on vinyl since 2012! For Record Store Day “In/Casino/Out” will be released in a stylish edition on purple & green smoke vinyl, matching the cover. Even I am tempted to get my hands on this one. A must-have for any well-curated record collection.
Pearl Jam – Dark Matter
On April 19th, the new album by Pearl Jam is set to be released, just one day before Record Store Day. So it makes sense to consider putting out an exclusive RSD pressing that fans worldwide can acquire during the release weekend. As a regular pressing record stores only offer an edition on black vinyl, so the colored variant is definitely worth considering. Ultimately, it will depend on the price, as even the regular black vinyl is not particularly budget-friendly.
Mudhoney – Suck You Dry: The Reprise Years
As a grunge kid and fan of Mudhoney, I naturally perk up at this release. The 5 LP box set includes the three albums released on Reprise Records between 1992 and 1998, an EP and two bonus LPs featuring live recordings, B-sides and unreleased material. I’m not yet certain if this provides enough incentive for a purchase instead of owning the three albums individually. Again, it’s certainly a matter of price.
Spawn – The Album
Aside from “Judgment Night” this is probably the soundtrack I’ve listened to the most in my life. While ‘Judgment Night’ brought together hip-hop and rock acts, this one combines rock bands with electronic acts. Bands like Korn, Metallica or Incubus collide with Moby, The Prodigy or the Sneaker Pimps. A fantastic genre mix! So far, I’ve always missed out on getting the vinyl version. Maybe this year on April 20th.
Militarie Gun – Life Under The Sun
Militarie Gun probably delivered the best album of the year in 2023 with ‘Life Under The Gun.’ Hardly any album has captivated me as much. For Record Store Day, they are releasing an EP with five tracks featuring stripped-down versions of songs from the current album – including guest appearances by Bully, Manchester Orchestra, or Mannequin Pussy. It most likely has to find a place in my collection.
Frank Turner – Girl From The Record Shop
The ambassador for the german-speaking edition of Record Store Day is also represented with a release. The song, fittingly titled “Girl From The Record Shop,” is included in Frank Turner’s upcoming album ‘Undefeated’ and will be released on a limited edition 7″ single, with only 2000 copies available. Unfortunately, there’s no information available about the vinyl color.
Fool’s Garden – Lemon Tree
This song is probably known to almost everyone in germany who has ever tuned in to the radio. It’s an almost perfect pop song that won’t leave your ears after listening. For Record Store Day, “Lemon Tree” will be released as a picture disc in the shape of a lemon, containing a total of four songs. A quite amusing idea, in my opinion. My record collection can certainly use some Vitamin C.
Blur – Parklife
I don’t think much needs to be said about the album. On the occasion of its 30th anniversary (my goodness!), Parklife is now being released as the so-called “Zoetrope Edition”, featuring dogs running across the record. The vinyl looks quite fancy, as you can see from this Instagram reel. For hardcore fans, it’s probably a must-have, and for everyone else who doesn’t already own the record, it’s definitely worth considering.
The Hives – Black And White Album
I saw the band live shortly before the release of the album, and they absolutely rocked the house. What a live energy! Now, the fantastic ‘Black And White Album’ is available on vinyl for the first time since its release in 2007. Presented on black and white vinyl – plus a poster. It definitely must be added to the collection!
G.B.I. – The Regulator
The release might quickly get overlooked in the extensive list, as the name G.B.I. is likely unfamiliar to many. Behind it are Dave Grohl, along with Charlie Benante and Scott Ian from Anthrax. While recording the new album for the thrash metal legends, the trio recorded a cover of a Bad Brains song last year, which is now being released on a 7″ single. The entire proceeds will go to support the ailing Bad Brains singer, H.R. The release is not currently listed on the German list, so it essentially stands apart from the competition here.