With the holidays just around the corner, the dreaded search to find the best gifts is on. Thankfully, this year you don’t need to search far. Record Store Day, widely known to be in April, also has a second day dedicated to those with a passion for records. This year’s Black Friday, Nov. 28, marks Record Store Day, and the perfect excuse to ravage through vinyl collections for a great gift to give to the music-lovers in your life. So while you’re out fighting your way through the Black Friday crowds for the perfect present, here’s a list of the top anticipated releases to keep in mind:
Against Me!, The Daytrotter Sessions; Total Treble
In late May earlier this year, lead singer Laura Jane Grace of Against Me! made a solo appearance at Daytrotter, resulting in the greatly anticipated record, The Daytrotter Sessions. This 7” RSD exclusive release, featuring two tracks with Atom Willard, is raw and searing with passion as Grace forges through fan favorites, such as “Transgender Dysphoria Blues.” The genuine fervor makes The Daytrotter Sessions a RSD must-have.
David Bowie, Sue (Or In A Season Of Crime); Legacy
There’s no better way to celebrate music than by intertwining the old with the new. David Bowie is doing just that with the release of his new single, “Sue (Or In A Season Of Crime).” This 10” vinyl previews his newest tracks, which will be featured on his compilation album Nothing Has Changed, a highlight of popular tracks from throughout Bowie’s musical career.
Beatles, Long Tall Sally; Parlophone
Long following its original release June 19, 1964, Long Tall Sally, the Beatles’ fifth EP, is being re-released as a RSD exclusive. The significance of this EP dates back to the band’s beginnings, with the title-track being one of the first songs Paul McCartney sang for John Lennon the day they met. This classic re-release also features “Matchbox” with Ringo Starr on lead vocals. With the limited scope of its availability, be sure to pick yours up fast.
Hozier, In The Woods Somewhere; Columbia
With an alluring fusion of soul and blues, singer-songwriter Hozier is continuing to establish his ever-growing popularity with the release of his 10” vinyl, In The Woods Somewhere. The record, comprised of songs not initially available on the release of his self-titled debut album, boasts the Ireland native’s deep-rooted passion and blues. Featuring the limitedly available track “Arsonist’s Lullaby,” it also contains his captivating unheard cover of Willie Dixon’s “My Love Will Never Die” that will leave you wanting more.
Judas Priest, 5 Souls; Epic
Following their July release of Redeemer Of Souls, the heavy metal veterans of Judas Priest are releasing another hard-hitting EP, 5 Souls, as a 10” RSD exclusive. Not previously available on vinyl, the EP includes a number of bonus tracks from Redeemer Of Souls, bound to excite any classic metal fan. With the high demand and limited quantity of records available, 5 Souls will make the perfect addition to your record collection.
The Grateful Dead, 11/18/72 Hofheinz Pavilion, Houston TX; Rhino/Elektra
Transporting you back to their standout Houston performance on one of their most renowned tours, this 12” The Grateful Dead record is not one to miss. Their praised rendition of “Playing In The Band,” which plays for more than 25 minutes, is an exclusive highlight. Mastered from their original analog recordings, the authenticity of this vinyl will make you feel as though you were at the concert every time you play it.
Metallica, Lords Of Summer; Blackened
Hot off of the Nov. 24 release of the Blu-ray, 10-year anniversary edition of their 2004 documentary, Metallica: Some Kind Of Monster, the band is following it up with the release of their record, Lords Of Summer. The limited edition, 12” vinyl contains the studio version of their song “First Pass,” as well as the coveted live version from their Rock In Rome Sonisphere Festival performance from last July. With the record’s limited status and featured laser etching of the band’s logo, be sure to pink up your copy before they’re gone.
The Ramones, Morrissey Curates The Ramones; Rhino/Sire
Following the recent passing of Tommy Ramone, the last surviving original member of The Ramones, this 12” record acts as a tribute to the band with a compilation of their best songs, according to Morrissey. A dedicated fan himself, the aim of the vinyl is to encompass the experience of his first time hearing the band through a tracklisting featuring some of their early works, such as the classic “Suzy Is A Headbanger.” The sentimentality and nostalgia of the record is drawing, and a staple for any punk fan.
The Acacia Strain, The Dead Walk; Prosthetic
This pressed edition of The Acacia Strain’s 2006 breakthrough album, The Dead Walk, is one to grab while you can. Never before available on vinyl, this album was the first to get The Acacia Strain featured on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart, and features fan-favorite tracks like “Angry Mob Justice” and “Demolishor.” With a limited 1,000 copies available in the exclusive “piggy pink” colored vinyl, you know the record will be in high demand.
Imagine Dragons, Night Visions; Interscope
Never before available on vinyl, this RSD First Release version of Imagine Dragons’ debut album, Night Visions, is bound to be a standout on Black Friday. Featuring hit tracks like “Radioactive” and “Demons,” Night Visions also won the 2014 Billboard Music Award for Top Rock Album, a feat to be recognized amidst the usual pop-centered radio singles. Imagine Dragons’ high praise, the album has appeared consistently in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 every year since its original 2012 release, indicating copies will sell out fast.
Other Notable Releases:
- Bleachers- Strange Desire (The Demos)
- The Flaming Lips- Imagene Peise- Atlas Eets Christmas
- Green Day- Tune In, Tokyo
- Korn- Korn
- Echosmith- Cool Kids
- Five Finger Death Punch- Purgatory
- Jimi Hendrix- Hear My Music
- 5 Seconds Of Summer- 5 Seconds Of Summer
- The Kinks- Muswell Hillbillies
- The Doors/Peter LaFarge- Honor The Treaties
- Mastodon- The Motherload
- Chvrches- Under The Tide
- Joan Jett & The Blackhearts- Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
- They Might Be Giants- Flood
- Mewithoutyou- Eastenders Wives
- Ronnie James Dio/Dio & Friends- Dio And Friends Stand Up And Shout For Cancer
- Ed Sheeran- Thinking Out Loud/I’m A Mess
- The Velvet Underground- Live MXMXCIII
- Johnny Thunders- Looking For Johnny
- The Afghan Whigs- Gentlemen At 21
For a full list of releases, or to find a participating record store near you, visit recordstoreday.com.
