By Jessica Klinner
Record Store Day has finally arrived. For vinyl lovers, RSD is the equivalent to Christmas Day. Every year artists and bands release special edition albums and singles specifically for Record Store Day. Thanks to Rad Vinyl Records and More, Montgomery now has a resident record store to help local vinyl enthusiasts take full advantage of Record Store Day without having to travel to another city. Take a look at 10 Record Store Day releases that I think are worth checking out this year.
1. Fun.- Point and Light (10-inch on rainbow splatter vinyl)
The 10-inch rainbow splattered vinyl pressing of Point and Light is a necessity for any Fun fan. It features unreleased demos from their first album, Aim and Ignite. It’s always interesting to hear demos of songs to see how they developed into the album versions. If you’re a fan of Fun, you will not be disappointed by this special release.
2. Paramore- “Ain’t It Fun”
Paramore’s most recent single, “Ain’t It Fun,” is slowly taking over the airwaves. The special Record Store Day 12-inch vinyl release appears to be a broken record because of the half black and half clear design. Lead singer Hayley Williams designed the unique looking vinyl herself. If you’re familiar with the music video for “Ain’t It Fun,” the broken record design will come as no surprise.
3. Green Day- Demolicious
Demolicious is a collection of 18 demos recorded by Green Day in 2012 while they were recording their Green Day ¡Uno!, Green Day ¡Dos! and Green Day ¡Tres! album trilogy. The release will also include an unreleased track called “State of Shock” and an acoustic version of the song “Stay The Night” from Green Day ¡Uno!. The two-disc set will be available on CD, cassette and clear or red vinyl.
4. Nirvana- “Pennyroyal Tea”/ “I Hate Myself And I Want To Die”
The 7-inch release features one of the standout songs from Nirvana’s 1993 album, In Utero. The track was supposed to include a grungy B-side called “I Hate Myself And I Want To Die,” but the original release was cancelled after lead singer Kurt Cobain’s death. This month marks the 20th anniversary of Cobain’s death, and this release is a great way to commemorate it.
5. Death Cab For Cutie ft. Magik*Magik Orchestra- Live 2012
This double LP documents Death Cab For Cutie’s 2012 tour with Magik*Magik Orchestra. With hits like “Transatlanticism” and “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” on the track list, it will make you feel like you’re experiencing the concert first hand. This release needs to be at the top of your list of Record Store Day purchases.
6. American Authors/The Mowglis- “In A Big Country”/”You Make My Dreams Come True”
This split 7-inch vinyl features breakout band American Authors and their friends in The Mowglis. The bands took two classic pop songs and put their own spin on them. The two bands have spent a lot of time together this year on tour so releasing a split vinyl for Record Store Day was an appropriate and smart move.
7. The Ramones- Meltdown with the Ramones
Meltdown with the Ramones was released in 1980 in the U.K. as a promotional-only sampler. For this year’s Record Store Day, it is being released in the U.S. on navy vinyl. This record is essential for any punk rock or Ramones fan.
8. Hank Williams- The Garden Spot Programs 1950 EP
The Garden Spot Programs 1950 EP features previously unreleased performances from country icon, Hank Williams. The special Record Store Day release includes tracks like “Lovesick Blues” and “Mind Your Own Business” from a radio broadcast in the 1950s. Since Williams was a native of Alabama, you should almost feel obligated to pick up this record.
9. Bastille- Of The Night EP
Bastille’s Of The Night EP, a 10-inch picture disc, features the title track, a live version of their song “Oblivion” from 2013’s Bad Blood and two remixes of “Of The Night.” The U.K. natives have made a name for themselves in the U.S. after the release of their debut album last year. It’s a shame this EP is limited to 2000 pressings because it is sure to be an incredible release.
10. Cage the Elephant- “Take It Or Leave It”/ “Jesse James”
Kentucky rockers Cage The Elephant are releasing a limited edition 7-inch vinyl for Record Store Day. This 7” will include the songs “Take It Or Leave It” and “Jesse James” from the Melophobia sessions. If you can get your hands on one of the 1500 copies being released for Record Store Day, consider yourself very lucky!