Record Store Day is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this year and this Saturday, April 23rd is when it’s happening.
Record Store Day is back in full force this year after scaling things back the past couple years due to the pandemic.
In 2020 & 2021 Record Store Day had been split into three smaller drops but this year most Record Store Day releases will be coming out on April 23rd. There will be a smaller drop on June 18th for titles that weren’t ready in time for the April date.
Like everything these days, the record industry is backlogged due to supply chain issues, shipping delays and work shortages. So, some things will be delayed but there will be hundreds of titles to choose from this Saturday April 23rd.
Record Store Day is the biggest business day for indie record stores, and they are ready to get the music to the people.
I thought I would highlight some RSD titles that might have flown under the radar that you should keep an eye out for while hitting the record stores this weekend.
I will list these titles in no order and include a brief description of the title from the official RSD website.
The Rubinoos – Self-Titled
“The Rubinoos’ self-titled debut album is a power pop classic containing the hit "I Think We're Alone Now," as well as the anthemic "Rock And Roll Is Dead," which in the context of the disco-era in which this album was released, was almost accurate. At the time of release, the influential New York Rocker declared the album, “The best pop album of the decade.” (editor’s note; In 1978 or 1979 - he was still drinking & smoking pot then, so sometimes things are a little hazy - Ricki C. saw The Rubinooos open for Elvis Costello & the Attractions at the Columbus Agora and he reports it was one of the best double-bills he’s EVER witnessed.)
Yep Roc Records is proud to be reissuing this classic album on limited edition translucent yellow vinyl (in homage to Beserkley Records)!
Detective – Detective
“Formed in 1976, Detective featured vocalist Michael Des Barres, guitarist Michael Monarch (Steppenwolf), bassist Bobby Pickett, ex-Yes keyboardist Tony Kaye, and drummer Jon Hyde. The band signed to Led Zeppelin's Swan Song label and released their self-titled debut album a year later. The album is being remastered from original analog tapes for its first vinyl pressing since 1977. Limited to 3,000 units worldwide and pressed on color vinyl, the record will be available exclusively for Record Store Day 2022. The reissue includes new packaging with an updated back cover, new liner notes and an insert.”
The Sheila Divine – Where Have My Countrymen Gone
“Where Have My Countrymen Gone is the second album from Boston indie rock heroes The Sheila Divine. A full twenty years after the album’s release, it will finally receive its long-overdue debut on vinyl, complete with a download card featuring previously unreleased bonus tracks. This limited edition color vinyl pressing is available exclusively for Record Store Day 2022.”
The Knack – Live at The House Of Blues
“Recorded at the House of Blues in Los Angeles at the launch event for Smile Records and release of band's last studio album, on Sept. 25, 2001, just 2 weeks after 9/11. Discussions were held with the band, management, distributor, and House of Blues, all of whom were very concerned with the timing but after talking pros and cons, it was agreed that the show should go on, as a show of strength.
This 18 track set includes cuts from the band's recording career with eight tracks from their ground breaking best-selling debut album, 'Get The Knack' including "My Sharona", "Good Girls Don't", "Frustrated" and five others. Features a cover of the Monkees "Last Train To Clarksville" and a blistering medley of "Tequila" into the Doors "Break On Through (To The Other Side)". It's a must have for loyal fans of the highly revered power pop legends. Double LP set is pressed on baby blue vinyl.”
Jazz Sabbath Vol. 2
“Longtime Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne keys and guitar player Adam Wakeman (as Milton Keanes) is back with Jazz Sabbath Vol. 2.
According to the liner notes, the UK jazz trio Jazz Sabbath were recording two albums in 1969 when disaster struck. Their debut album was cancelled, and their second album shelved; leaving room for a certain band from Birmingham becoming famous by playing metal versions of their jazz songs; claiming they were their own. Jazz Sabbath were powerless to do anything about it.
The discovery of their debut album master tapes and the following re-release of the album in 2020 has changed everything. With the truth finally out there and the Birmingham band exposed as musical charlatans, Milton Keanes and colleagues have reunited and finished recording their second album. This album contains the songs in their original form, replenished with 52 years of experience, vigor... and rage.
The tranquil “Symptom Of The Universe,” the full eight-minute version of “Paranoid (not that metal afterthought version everyone knows) and of course the song that other band so blatantly named themselves after.
This limited translucent natural vinyl MONO edition for Record Store Day 2022 comes with a bonus track, a bonus DVD and alternative artwork.”
The Muffs – New Improved Kim Shattuck Demos
“A vinyl release of demos made by the late Kim Shattuck for The Muffs’ Really Really Happy album, with liner notes from The Muffs’ Ronnie Barnett. “
Those are some titles that may be a little tough to get because they have smaller quantities pressed. Fear not, because there are some heavy hitters that you should have no problems finding.
Here are a few of those to be on the lookout for….
Stevie Nicks – Bella Donna (Expanded Edition)
“This double vinyl version for Record Store Day 2022 includes the remastered original album and an LP of studio outtakes, B-sides and demos, many for the first time on vinyl, from the 2016 Bella Donna Deluxe Edition.”
Ramones – The Sire Albums (1981 – 1989)
“A seven LP box set of albums (Pleasant Dreams, Subterranean Jungle, Too Tough To Die, Animal Boy, Halfway To Sanity, Brain Drain) and a neon pink splatter vinyl LP of rarities, all pressed on vinyl for the first time since their original release. Presented in a numbered slipcase with a sticker sheet included.”
Pete Townshend – Face The Face
“This show was recorded for the German TV series Rockpalast in Cannes in January 1986. Pete Townshend’s Deep End were touring in support of his solo concept album “White City: A Novel”. Several of the musicians that appeared on the album were featured in the line-up of the Deep End including Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour on lead guitar. The set list has tracks from the “White City” album, other Townshend solo tracks, Who classics, David Gilmour’s song “Blue Light” and a couple of surprises.”
Pixies – Live At Coachella 2004
“After a decade-long hiatus, alternative rock legends Pixies reunited for a triumphant set at Coachella 2004. Hitting the stage before a headline set by Radiohead, Pixies delivered a now-iconic performance packed full of classic tracks including ‘Where Is My Mind?’, ‘Here Comes Your Man’ and ‘Debaser’. Now released on vinyl for the very first time, this Record Store Day exclusive features the epic 20-song set pressed on two 140g yellow and orange marbled vinyl with an etching on side D. First time on vinyl. “
The Doors – LA Woman Sessions
“A breakout standalone 4LP set, curated by Bruce Botnick, made up of over 2 ½ hours of outtakes from the bonus content from the 50th anniversary set. “
The Replacements - Unsuitable for Airplay: The Lost KFAI Concert (Live)
“One of the earliest soundboard recordings of the band, featuring the original lineup of Paul, Bob, Tommy and Chris as captured by Twin/Tone’s mobile unit on January 23, 1981, at the 7th St Entry in Minneapolis, MN.
The concert took place as the band was in the midst of working on their debut album Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash and the show’s twenty-seven song setlist is packed with evolving versions of classic songs that would appear on that album, other early numbers that were never released plus choice covers of The Heartbreakers’ “I Wanna Be Loved”, Slade’s “My Town”, The Kinks’ “All Day And All of the Night”, and Dave Edmunds’ “Trouble Boys”, among others.
Limited edition 2LP set on 140-gram vinyl for Record Store Day 2022.”
As you can see there are lots of great titles coming out and this is just a small sampling.
Columbus is a great record store town and many of them will carry Record Store Day titles. Some shops don’t carry the limited RSD titles but are still stocked with amazing inventory, new and used.
So, go out and support your favorite store on Record Store Day. They will be happy to see you.
Scott Carr is a guitarist who plays in the Columbus, OH bands Radio Tramps and Returning April. Scott is also an avid collector of vinyl records and works at Lost Weekend Records. So...if you’re looking for Scott....you'll either find him in a dimly lit bar playing his guitar or in a record store digging for the holy grail.