It’s almost Record Store Day again, that glorious time of the year where people flock to their local shops to see what deals they can snag up and what memories can be relived through music. If you’re one of the lucky ones that still own a record player or if you just enjoy collecting records, there are some releases that are just too good to pass up this year. With re-issues, debuts and remixes, there’s no way you can go wrong. For the complete list of vinyl releases coming out in 2012, check out recordstoreday.com.
Bruno Mars
The Grenade Sessions
Atlantic
This Record Store Day exclusive release from Bruno Mars, the young writer and producer, is titled The Grenade Sessions. The 10” LP will feature the album version of his catchy song, “Grenade,” as well as an acoustic version, a remix by Passion Pit and a Hooligans remix titled “Catch A Grenade.” The Grammy award-winning artist recently performed at Carnegie Hall with the likes of Elton John and Meryl Streep and even landed himself on the cover of Playboy.
Deerhoof/Of Montreal
Stygian x} Bisection
Polyvinyl
The Georgia and California natives that make up both Deerhoof and Of Montreal are taking their tour collaboration from the road to the 7”. Polyvinyl is releasing an exclusive Record Store Day split that features Kevin Barnes from Of Montreal composing some of his own lyrics over Deerhoof’s “Secret Mobilization,” as well as a new song by the experimental Georgians titled “Feminine Effects.” This is another split where Deerhoof has teamed up with another band to write lyrics over one of their songs instrumentals and is only available for a short period of time. Get it while it is available.
Eddie Vedder
Love Boat Captain/Wishlist
Monkeywrench
Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder will be releasing two songs from his Grammy-nominated solo album, Ukulele Songs, for an exclusive 7” 45 rpm vinyl. Recently, Vedder has had to push back his U.S. tour due to nerve damage suffered after a back injury early on in the year. Although tickets for his tour will be honored when the tour starts up in October, his May 3 appearance in New Orleans has been canceled. This Record Store Day exclusive will contain both “Love Boat Captain” and “Wishlist,” which were both recorded on the road in Minneapolis.
Fun.
The Ghost That You Are To Me
Atlantic
New York City’s indie pop sensations, Fun., are releasing a 10” gear-shaped gold picture disc for Record Store Day. This exclusive release will feature three acoustic songs: “We Are Young,” which features Janelle Monáe, “Carry On” and “Why Am I Not The One.” The trio has made quite an impact on the music world since their debut in 2008 after the breakup of vocalist Nate Ruess’ former band, The Format. Fun. is set to play Bonnaroo later this year.
Florence And The Machine
Shake It Out
Republic
The London-based band Florence And The Machine are putting out two versions of the band’s song, “Shake It Out,” specifically for Record Store Day. One of the versions that will appear on the 7” is the original while the other is the Weeknd Remix of the song. Their hit single, “Kiss With A Fist,” quickly helped the band build a solid fanbase here in the States. Their follow-up to their 2009 debut (Lungs), Ceremonials leaned in a darker direction than its predecessor in 2011. Because of the following the band has built, they’ve played some impressive shows, such as Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve as well as an online-only concert at the Ed Sullivan Theater.
Flogging Molly
Drunken Lullabies/A Prayer For Me In Silence
SideOneDummy
Flogging Molly has had quite a remarkable year. Their album, Speed Of Darkness, created such a buzz and has even been dubbed possibly one of the most important albums of its time. The disc, which is both highly political and multinational, is one of the band’s strongest releases to date. The Celtic rockers are currently on a U.S. tour, which will spread to Europe during the next couple of months as well. For their exclusive Record Store Day release, “Drunken Lullabies” and “A Prayer For Me In Silence” will be released on a 7”.
Grateful Dead
Dark Star: Europe ’72 Olympia Theatre – Paris, France 5/4/72
Rhino
Deadheads can rejoice once again! For the first time ever, the Grateful Dead will be releasing the longer and unreleased version of “Dark Star” on their LP, which also features “Drums” and yet another version of “Dark Star.” The disc’s image features a gargoyle with a crown of roses on its head staring out into the night sky. This edition is super limited, with only 4,200 being printed for Record Store Day, so keep an eye out for this legendary release or you may miss your chance.
Iggy And The Stooges
Live At All Tomorrows Parties
MVD
This 12” picture disc features songs selected by the band from their All Tomorrow’s Parties shows, as well as an exclusive interview with Iggy Pop by Greg Prato. The vinyl, which also features “1970,” “Night Theme/Beyond The Law,” “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” Open Up And Bleed,” and “Funhouse/No Fun,” will also come with a download card—so one can relive the magic over and over again while on the go. Make sure you get your hands on this exclusive release from Iggy And The Stooges.
Janis Joplin
Highlights From The Pearl Sessions
Columbia
The 10” LP is an exclusive Record Store Day vinyl release that complements the reissue of Pearl. Highlights From The Pearl Sessions gives the listener a gander inside what the recording sessions were like, as well as unreleased alternative takes of some of Joplin’s classic hits. Although the queen of psychedelic rock died at such a young age, her music still lives on today. Try to get your hands on this little piece of rock ‘n’ roll history before it is too late.
Joey Ramone
Rock ‘N Roll Is The Answer
BMG Rights Management
Another collection of songs are set to be released from Joey Ramone. The late drummer turned vocalist of the iconic punk rock band, The Ramones, has possibly the final installment of unreleased songs set to be released on Record Store Day. The 7” titled Rock ‘N Roll Is The Answer contains both “Rock ‘N’ Roll Is The Answer” and “There’s Got To Be More To Life.” Following the release of this exclusive vinyl will be his second solo album, Ya Know, which is said to be released in late May.
Katy Perry
Part Of Me (Thin White Duke Remix)
Capitol
She kissed a girl and liked it, had an intergalactic love, and even set off fireworks from her chest so what could bombshell Katy Perry do next? How about release something exclusively for Record Store Day! The pop singer will be releasing two remixes on her Part Of Me 12” pink vinyl. The first side on the release is a Record Store Day exclusive, “Part Of Me (Jacques Lu Cont’s Thin White Duke Remix) and the second side features “Tommie Sunshine’s Megasix Smash-Up.”
Kimbra
Settle Down EP
Warner Bros
New Zealand’s hot new singer/songwriter, Kimbra, will be releasing a disc with a new mix of her hit “Settle Down,” “Good Intent,” a live version of “Plain Gold Ring” that was recorded at Sing Sing, “Limbo” and Sam Sparro & Golden Touch’s remix of “Cameo Lover.” The young, sultry songstress is currently finishing up her North American tour before going to Australia for a few show dates before returning back to the States for another leg of her tour.
Mae
The Everglow
Tooth And Nail
The Everglow will be making its vinyl debut this Record Store Day. The album was first released in 2005 but then was reprinted in 2007 with an added three songs and a DVD. The 2005 release was their final one before signing to Capitol. At the moment, Mae is on an indefinite hiatus as of 2010. Their final tour consisted of all the original members of the band including both Mark Padgett and Rob Sweitzer. The double LP is a Record Store Day exclusive so grab it while you can.
Minus The Bear
Your Private Sky 7
Dangerbird
Minus The Bear will be releasing two tracks that didn’t make the cut for the band’s latest release, Omni. Both “Your Private Sky” and “South Side Life” will be on the 7” that will be released by Dangerbird solely for Record Store Day. The Washington natives have been known to produce funky and mellow yet energetic jams that are easy to latch onto. Still need more Minus The Bear in your life? Check out their website for more information.
Of Monsters And Men
Into The Woods EP
Republic
The six-piece indie folk band from Iceland will be putting out their Into The Woods EP on vinyl in honor of Record Store Day. The 10” LP will also feature a bonus track, “Sinking Man,” to make the release an extra special one. Recently, the band has put out their debut album, My Head Is An Animal, and hit the road on a practically sold out tour. The sextet’s cold and distinct sound makes them stand out among the others in the indie pop genre.
Taking Back Sunday
We Play Songs
Brookvale
Taking Back Sunday has had quite a year with both the release and success of their self-titled album. Now, for Record Store Day, they will be releasing a 12” LP featuring four songs; two recorded at Fingerprints and two recorded at Looney Tunes. The two tracks that were picked from those recorded at Fingerprints were “Ghost Man On Third” and “Your Own Disaster,” whereas “Faith (When I Let You Down” and “Great Romances Of The 20th Century” were recorded at Looney Tunes. Recently, TBS celebrated the decade anniversary of Tell All Your Friends and announced that they will be playing this year’s Vans Warped Tour.
The White Stripes
Hand Springs/Red Death At 6:14
Third Man Records
Jack White and Third Man Records have been taking the best tracks from The White Stripes’ catalog and releasing them. This time around, the pair of songs that were chosen was “Hand Springs” and “Red Death At 6:14.” Both songs are being released on a Record Store Day exclusive red and black vinyl. Both tracks were previously released on splits and compilations, but haven’t seen the light of day since 2000. Since the breakup of The White Stripes, Jack White has recorded his solo album and has invested time in his various side projects.
Paul McCartney
Another Day/Oh Woman Oh Why
MPL/Hear Music
Paul McCartney’s 1970 hit, “Another Day,” will be reissued as a special Record Store Day exclusive as well as the B-side to his solo debut, “Oh Woman Oh Why.” MPL/Hear Music seems to be preparing fans for the archive collection of Ram, which helped launch his solo career. McCartney recently has been on the road as part of his On The Run Tour, which is currently taking him through South America and Mexico and just last month, McCartney rocked London’s Royal Albert Hall for a fundraiser for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Various Artists
The Breakfast Club Soundtrack
UMe
One of the most iconic ‘80s music soundtracks is all set to be released. The Breakfast Club Soundtrack will be re-released as a 12” white vinyl. The timeless movie and its equally timeless underscore features songs by popular artists of the time such as EG Daily, Wang Chung, Keith Forsey, Karla DeVito and of course, Simple Minds. Make sure you thrust your fist into the air much like Judd Nelson did during the anthemic “Don’t You Forget About Me.”
Preteen Zenith
Rubble Guts & BB Eye
Good Records Recordings
A limited quantity of Preteen Zenith’s debut album, Rubble Guts & BB Eye, will be available this weekend. Each vinyl will be unique due to its coloring, design, and cover, which will be numbered and signed. Included inside each of the 2,000 pressed copies will be a CD-R of the album, which will be released a full month before its official May 29 street date. This isn’t one to be passed up on! Make sure you get your hands on this one-of-a-kind release before it’s too late.
