Record Store Day returns with two drops this year on June 12 and July 17! This year’s RSD ambassador was recently announced as Noel Gallagher, of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and former songwriter, guitarist, and co-lead singer of Oasis.
The annual celebration of independent record stores and largest catalyst for the resurgence of vinyl, was formerly held on a singular date in April, but has since adapted to accommodate safety during the pandemic. Last year after multiple delays due to COVID-19, the event was eventually reformatted into a three-part series with special drops spread across August 29, September 26, and October 24. Vinyl-lovers were encouraged to make purchases for delivery or store pick-up to show their support for their favorite local record stores.
At the height of the pandemic, many crate diggers turned to the internet to connect with their counterparts through a variety of social campaigns. Both RSD (Record Store Day) and the UK retail industry came together to show record store love and make it as easy as possible for consumers to find and purchase the records they craved from their favorite retailers.
This year’s drops are expected to be more akin to prior years as we approach the summer with a bit more hope than in 2020. Check out some of these special gems from the likes of Al Green, Cautious Clay, The Glitch Mob, Lupe Fiasco, The Allman Brothers Band, Ani DiFranco and so many more. Head over to Recordstoreday.com to find a participating store near you. Mask up, bring some hand sanitizer, stay safe and whatever you do… don’t damage the vinyl.
JULY 17
Allman Brothers Band – The Final Note (Allman Brothers Band Recording Company)
The last performance with Duane Allman recorded live on October 17, 1971 in Painters Mill Music Fair Owings Mill, MD. Vinyl includes an additional bonus track from 1971 Austin, TX. This limited release is numbered.
Ani DiFranco – Ani DiFranco (30th Anniversary Edition Color 2LP) (Righteous Babe )
Originally released in 1990, Ani DiFranco’s first album is so revolutionary that the purveyors of status quo install women’s music sections in the dusty corner of their stores in order to hide it. Dorm rooms coast to coast transform into audio dub houses where young women with aching arms scratch out handwritten labels and personal letters like “you have to hear this.” These quasi-booking agent and pirate distributors work long into the night purchasing greyhound tickets for a certain young Folksinger to come play at their school. Today. Folk and poetry prevail. Vulnerable stories arm themselves as powerful songs on Ani DiFranco’s self-titled first solo record.
Ann Peebles – This Is Ann Peebles (Fat Possum)
Ann Peebles first album, and first pressing since it’s original release in 1969. remastered and pressed as a violet vinyl.
Anthrax (Megaforce Records)
Exclusively for Record Store Day, get a branded Anthrax Crosley 3″ RSD turntable.
BJORK X THE HAMRAHLÍÐ CHOIR – “Cosmogony” Record Store Day Exclusive (One Little Independent)
In early November 2020, the singer teamed up with the choir she was a member of as a teenager to unveil new versions of her tracks Cosmogony, Sonnets and others. “Cosmogony” originally appeared on Björk’s Biophilia album from 2011. However, this alternate a cappella rendition was conceived more recently during Björk’s “Cornucopia Tour” with the Hamrahlid Choir in 2019. Composed by Björk and set to the words of an E. E. cummings poem, ‘Sonnets’ was originally a choral piece taken from her 2004 vocal album Medúlla.
Christian McBride Trio – Out Here (Mack Avenue)
The vinyl version of GRAMMY-nominated 2013 release. The limited edition release is numbered and pressed into a two disc set on purple vinyl.
Cro-Mags – The Age of Quarrel (Rock Hotel/Astor Place)
Cro-Mags is one of the fundamental names for the birth of the so-called “crossover thrash” subgenre, which synthesized thrash metal and hardcore punk. Cro-Mags’ first full-length, “The Age of Quarrel,” released in 1986, is one of the first albums where the unadulterated energy of hardcore punk is filtered through the aggression and the fury of thrash metal.
Dave Davies – Bug (Green Amp Records / Red River Entertainment)
If Dave Davies did nothing more than create the slash-and-burn power chords of the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” he’d earn a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As it is, the younger Davies brother has accomplished much more. Davies brings the idea of benign aliens a little closer in a collection that recalls some of the best trends of the ’60s and ’70s. The songs are engaging and show Davies to be a writer of considerable skill and wit, but they’re somewhat stuck in the way-back machine.
Fallujah – The Harvest Wombs (Unique Leader)
The definitive 2011 debut that set the benchmark for the new emerging wave of Technical Death Metal. Like an ethereal journey into the deep cosmos, Fallujah’s ’The Harvest Wombs’ is an equally beautiful and terrifying lesson in how Melody and Brute force can be balanced to perfection. Available for the first time on Gatefold vinyl in deep green and black burst, this 10 year anniversary edition is the definitive vinyl version of this amazing album.
God Forbid – Determination (M-Theory Audio)
In celebration of the album’s 20th anniversary, M-Theory Audio presents the first-ever vinyl release of Determination, from God Forbid. The band was a major player within the New Wave of American Heavy Metal movement of the early ’00s. God Forbid disbanded several years ago, but guitarist Doc Coyle has also remained a prominent member of the heavy metal community through his involvement in the band, Bad Wolves. This new issue of the record will also include an expanded layout with new liner notes from Doc Coyle, and rare photos and memorabilia. The original 2001 release of Determination was the band’s first release through Century Media Records, but M-Theory Audio’s new issue will mark the album’s first-ever vinyl release, and will also include the bonus track, “Mind Eraser.”
Hot Tuna – America’s Choice (Friday Music)
First time ever on colored vinyl or 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl this RSD pressing will be available in yellow or blue vinyl.
Joey Molland – Be True To Yourself (Omnivore)
With an added layer of exclusivity this orange colored vinyl will be hand numbered and 100 random inner sleeves will be signed by Joey for an added treasure hunt.
John Prine – Stay Independent: The Oh Boy Years Curated By Indie Record Stores (Oh Boy Records/Thirty Tigers )
A collection of songs from the Oh Boy Records catalog curated by Independent Record Stores.
King’s X – Manic Moonlight (Svart Records)
First time on vinyl, 2000 copies, hand numbered, neon orange vinyl.
Rahsaan Roland Kirk – Live at Ronnie Scott’s, London 1963 (Gearbox Records)
Previously unreleased recording from the legendary multi-instrumentalist Kirk, cut directly from tape and issued as a 200gram premium pressing with Gearbox’s famous production values. Kirk’s influence and following reaches far beyond Jazz. Hendrix idolised him and it’s easy to see why. His appetite for ripping up the rulebook has brought kudos and admirers from all sides, giving him a status and respect that ensures an unearthed, never before released recording such as this added importance.
Richard Pryor – Richard Pryor (Omnivore)
The collectible picture disc from legendary Richard Pryor.
Small Faces – Complete Greatest Hits! (Immediate Records / Charly)
For the first time ever, all of the Small Faces classic Decca and Immediate singles from 1965-1969 are included on 1-LP. Every 7-inch single a-side is here and all have been newly remastered to vinyl by Nick Robbins at Soundmastering Studios in London under the supervision of surviving Small Faces member Kenney Jones. Kenney Jones also pens a touching introductory sleeve note. The LP sleeve features previously unseen photography from the two legendary photographers most associated with the band during their career – Tony Gale (Decca, front cover) and Gered Mankowitz (Immediate, back cover). Pressed on red, white and blue “Mod” splatter-vinyl and limited to 3,000 copies worldwide exclusive to Record Store Day 2021, this LP will not be repressed. Each LP will also come with a colour postcard with the LP cover artwork, hand-signed by Small Faces drummer Kenney Jones on one side and a facsimile of a Decca band member biography on the other side. The Small Faces ended in 1969 when Steve Marriott left to form Humble Pie and Kenney Jones, Ronnie Lane and Ian McLagan formed the Faces with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Lane. Members also later went onto playing with The Who, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and many more. The Small Faces were, as Pete Townsend lovingly called them: “A place of joy in the early UK music scene. A complete delight.”
The Monkees – Missing Links Volume 1 (Friday Music)
180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl in a surprise color never on vinyl, will include four bonus rare Monkees tracks, never before included on original albums or singles. Recordings are from the Colgems Records archives featuring all 4 Monkees: Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork. Mastered for first time audiophile by longtime Monkees curator and associate Joe Reagoso. Vinyl color will be a surprise in either translucent red or translucent yellow.
The Monkees – Missing Links Volume 2 (Friday Music)
Another set from the Colgems Records archives featuring all 4 Monkees: Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork. Mastered for first time audiophile by long time Monkees curator and associate Joe Reagoso. Vinyl color will be a surprise in either translucent orange or opaque red.
The Monkees – Missing Links Volume 3 (Friday Music)
Another set from the Colgems Records archives featuring all 4 Monkees: Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork. Mastered for first time audiophile by long time Monkees curator and associate Joe Reagoso. Vinyl color will be a surprise in either translucent blue or emerald green.
The Sweet – Platinum Rare Platinum (Prudential Records)
Rare captures the four founding and original members of the legendary Glam/Hard Rock band The SWEET. This rare collection comes from the personal vault of Sweet lead guitarist Andy Scott. Sweet fans world wide will be amazed by the rarity of the alternate takes and mixes. Many of these listed tracks never saw the light of day on any SWEET release which will make this collection incredibly in demand for the starving classic SWEET/Vinyl collector looking for more rarities. This is a must-have for any glam/hard rock collector.
Toby Redd – In The Light (Prudential Records)
Fans of the Red Hot Chili Peppers will love this rare and recently discovered audio gem. Legendary RHCP drummer, Chad Smith was also a member of Detroit-based band Toby Redd. Toby Redd, was a fan favorite in the Midwest headlining larger club venues and festivals during the mid 80s. The LP “In The Light” from 1987 features a fan favorite that received its share of radio play “Every time I Run.” This Record Store Day exclusive comes on red vinyl to celebrate one of the greatest bands to emerge out of the Motor City in the 1980s.
JUNE 12
Al Green – Give Me More Love (Fat Possum)
Enjoy the archival recordings from Al Green, recorded for Hi Records and accompanied by new orchestral arrangements, etched on pink vinyl.
Apollo Brown, Planet Asia, Gensu Dean, Guilty Simpson – Stitched Up & Shaken (Mello Music Group)
Detroit’s Apollo Brown and Cali Agent’s Planet Asia take side A of this special edition Hip-hop vinyl. Meanwhile SP1200 beat wizard Gensu Dean and Motor City MC Guilty Simpson handle the B-Side tracks.
Canned Heat – Canned Heat Blues Band (Trans Gold Vinyl/Limited Anniversary Edition) (Friday Music)
For the first time ever on vinyl, get this special limited edition translucent gold pressing of Canned Heat’s 1997 super rare Canned Heat Blues Band album. This album captures the historic boogie band in a true blues and country blues setting featuring the original band’s Fito de la Parra, Henry Vestine, Larry Taylor plus Junior Watson and Robert Lucas. Tried and true blue renditions from the pens of Elmore James, Sonny Boy Williamson, Alan Wilson of Canned Heat, plus newer originals from the band.
Cautious Clay “Prototype 3000” (Cautious Clay)
American singer-songwriter Cautious Clay covers Outkast’s “Prototype.” The B-Side will feature a never-before-released original track from Cautious Clay.
Engine Kid – Everything Left Inside (Southern Lord)
Six LP box set of every recording from ‘90s metal/punk/indie band: Engine Kid featuring sunn O))), Thorr’s Hammer, Goatsnake, and (Southern Lord owner) Greg Anderson. The full set has been remastered and includes many unreleased/unheard recordings as well as incredibly rare releases. Printed at Stoughton printing, the set includes gatefold jackets and foil stamped embossed box and an extensive 12 page booklet.
Frankie and the Witch Fingers – Brain Telephone (Greenway Records)
Remastered from original source tapes, this Frankie and the Witch Fingers RSD Exclusive color vinyl edition of 3000 pressings includes new art, spot UV covers and new full color inserts that line up across the four reissues to create one complete image. Spot the RSD hype sticker on shrink for the record that has been out of print for years and newly acquired by Greenway Records.
Jeff Russo – The Umbrella Academy, Season 2 [Music From The Netflix Original Series] (Lakeshore Records)
A 12″ LP of Season 2 Of Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy, pressed on black and white striped vinyl.
Jonathan Winters – Unearthed (Comedy Dynamics)
In partnership with the Jonathan Winters estate, Comedy Dynamics has produced his first posthumous release, a three-LP box set that includes a mix of Jonathan Winters’ classic albums, in the form of their original never-before-heard uncut demo tape recordings, along with rare and unheard material, including an essay by Dan Pasternack, scans of journal entries and other ephemera. Includes liner notes from Billy Crystal, Jimmy Kimmel, Carol Burnett, and Patton Oswalt.
King’s X – Tape Head (Svart Records)
For the first time on vinyl, American rock band King’s X is releasing 2000 copies, hand numbered, on transparent pink vinyl.
King’s X – Please Come Home… Mr. Bulbous (Svart Records)
Another exclusive from King’s X, Please Come Home is on vinyl for the first time with2000 copies, hand numbered, and pressed on yellow vinyl.
Lemonheads – Hate your Friends (TAANG!)
Find the debut LP from American alternative rock band THE LEMONHEADS pressed on yellow vinyl.
Lupe Fiasco – HOUSE EP (1st and 15th too)
The project was born by Lupe pulling a beat off of Twitter posted by Kaelin Ellis with the caption, “get this to Lupe.” The two connected to work on music together and created the HOUSE EP. The title of the EP is HOUSE because they recorded the entire project while in the house (due to COVID-19). Artwork for the EP is an original painting of Philip Johnson’s iconic Glass House, and liner notes were written by the painter’s son who is a good friend of Lupe. This release has been previously available on cassette.
Mega Ran – Mega Ran 9 (MRI)
For the first time Mega Ran’s iconic album Mega Ran 9 will be available on vinyl with brand new album art by tattoo artist, Inksworth.
Negative Approach – Tied Down Demo (TAANG!)
American hardcore punk present the original mix of their LP Tied Down Demo pressed on green vinyl.
Neon Christ – 1984 (Southern Lord)
Archival release of the legendary Atlanta, Georgia punk band features William Duvall who is now the current singer of Alice In Chains. The Record Store Day release comes with an extensive booklet with photos and liner notes presented in a stoughton gatefold jacket.
Pepper – In With The Old (Volcom Entertainment)
Long out of print this 12″ vinyl of Pepper’s 3rd album, In With The Old is pressed on a translucent ruby red vinyl in single LP jacket. The release is limited to 2100 exclusively for RSD and is displayed with a special silver mirror board gatefold.
Peter Holsapple & Chris Stamey – Our Back Pages (Omnivore)
Get the vinyl album from Peter Holsapple & Chris Stamey previously unavailable on LP.
Richard Hell And The Voidoids – Destiny Street Demos (Omnivore)
The punk classic is finally available as the artist originally intended. Package contains new liners for Richard Hell outlining the Destiny Street saga.
Robert Palmer – Sneaking Sally Through The Alley (180 Gram Emerald Green Audiophile Vinyl/Limited Edition) (Friday Music)
The dynamic debut album from 1974 is now available in this limited edition first time ever emerald green vinyl, features smash hits “Sneaking Sally Through The Alley,” “Sailing Shoes” and stellar Allen Toussaint classic “From A Whisper To A Scream.” Musicians include Stevie Winwood, Lowell George, The Meters, Bernard Purdie, Richard Tee, Cornell Dupree & Simon Phillips.
Slightly Stoopid & Friends – Live At Roberto’s TRI Studios (Stoopid Records)
Join Slightly Stoopid as they lay down their grooves at Bob Weir’s (Dead & Company) TRI Studios. The band brought along some of their good friends (Karl Denson, Don Carlos, Ivan and Ian Neville of Dumpstaphunk), to perform stripped down and intimate renditions of “Closer To The Sun,” “Wiseman,” “Devil’s Door,” “I Know You Rider (featuring Bob Weir)” and many more. Funny man, Tommy Chong, co-hosted the session and supplied some of his legendary “wisdom.” The pressing is numbered in silver foil pressed on a silver and black smoke vinyl.
Stryper – God Damn Evil (Frontiers Records)
The Record Store Day exclusive color vinyl includes a Japan bonus track pressed for the first time on LP.
The Bruisers – The Bruisers Singles Collection 1989-1997 (TAANG!)
The Bruisers is Al Barr’s project prior to joining the Dropkick Murphys.
The Fixx – Reach The Beach (180 Gram Translucent Blue Audiophile Vinyl/Limited Editon/2 Bonus Tracks) (Friday Music)
Available for the first time, get the 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl edition of The Fixx’s biggest album from 1984. In addition to their smash hits “One Thing Leads To Another” and “Saved By Zero,” this limited edition release also contains two new bonus tracks not on the original album, “Going Overboard” and the hit single “Deeper and Deeper (long version)” from the 80’s rock musical movie “Streets Of Fire.”
The Glitch Mob – Drink the Sea / Drink the Sea (Ambient Version) (Glass Air)
2020 Remastered pressing of Drink the Sea (2xLP), in a brand new exclusive colorway, packaged with an exclusive ambient version of the album by Superposition (never before pressed and in an exclusive color).
Tom Tom Club – The Good The Bad And The Funky (Nacional Records)
Making its vinyl debut on a color variant, The Good, The Bad and The Funky was originally released on CD only in 2000 and was the band’s 5th and last full-length studio album. The LP features cover versions of Donna Summer’s “Love to Love you Baby” and Lee Perry’s “Soul Fire” with guest appearances from the late reggae great Toots Hibbert and legendary funk keyboardist/Talking Heads collaborator Bernie Worrell. The track “Who Feelin’ It,” was featured as a remix in the soundtrack of the 1999 film American Psycho. The album hasn’t been available in over 10 years and has never been available on vinyl or digital services until now.
Tommy Bolin – Energy II (180 Gram Orange Vinyl/Limited Edition) (Friday Music)
For the first time ever on vinyl, this never-issued commercial album from Tommy Bolin’s early days with his could-have-been mega band Energy. Remastered from the official Tommy Bolin Archives.
Triumph – Allied Forces 40th Anniversary (Round Hill Records)
In celebration of the 40th Anniversary, recording packages include 2x LP Gatefold of Live from Cleveland (remastered and available for the first time on vinyl), a 12″ picture disc of original Allied Forces, and 7″ “Allied Forces” from the upcoming Tribute album.
Various Artists – Just Leg It!!! “19 Party Instrumentals for Grown Folks” (Big Legal Mess/Fat Possum)
This compilation of party time dance tunes from Memphis, TN and North Mississippi is produced, recorded and mixed by Bruce Watson (Fat Possum/Big Legal Mess). Each side is dedicated to the location in which it was recorded. Side A – “Memphis Side” and Side B – “Mississippi Side” consisting of artists such as producer/engineer Matt Ross-Spang (Jason Isbell, John Prine, Elvis Presley), Jimbo Mathus (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Andrew Bird), and Matt Patton (Drive by Truckers). Producer Bruce Watson would hold get-togethers at his studios both in North Mississippi and more recently Memphis, TN to record his musicians/friends in an “anything goes” atmosphere. Pulling inspiration from old 45’s from Bruce’s personal collection, he’d capture the musicians recording together on the fly, trying to conjure some of the magic from those old recordings while adding a bit of magic of his own. About 15 musicians in all make up the roster for these recordings that were made over a six year period.
