April 18th will mark The UK’s eighth annual Record Store Day, where independently owned record shops throughout the country will come together with artists to celebrate music and the importance it has. Special vinyl and CD releases account for the majority of the excitement surrounding Record Store Day, but there will also be tonnes of performances in stores stretching from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
At first glance, it may seem as if Record Store Day is perhaps a small-scale affair. This is not the case. Over 200 stores will be participating, and a massive 592 exclusive releases have been scheduled just for RSD 2015. Here are the ten we’re most excited for:
1) Foo Fighters – Songs From The Laundry Room
A 10” featuring four unreleased demos and covers from Dave Grohl and co, recorded in the late 90s at The Laundry Rooms recording studio in Seattle. Only 1500 copies will be produced.
2) Happy Mondays – Pills Thrills n’ Bellyaches
A special orange vinyl of the Madchester group’s 1990 release, to coincide with its 25th birthday in April. Only 1000 copies to be released.
3) Johnny Marr – I Feel You
Former God-like genius Johnny Marr covers Depeche Mode’s 1993 classic for RSD 2015. The B-side is a live version of The Smith’s ‘Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want.’ Limited to 1000 copies
4) Mumford and Sons – Believe / The Wolf
RSD is the first chance for Mumford and Sons to offer a sample of their third studio album, Wilder Mind. 1000 copies to be made.
5) Peace – Peace
A special 12” picture disc is set to be the Worcester lads’ contribution to RSD 2015. Mysterious.
6) The Prodigy – Ibiza
Taken from their new album and featuring none other than Sleaford Mods, this 7” pressing will be glow-in-the-dark! 1200 copies set to be produced.
7) Sex Pistols – Never Mind The Bollocks
The legendary 1977 debut album is going to be released once again, but this time as a limited edition picture disc. Just 1000 copies of this punk masterpiece will be available.
8) A-ha – Take On Me
Norwegian synthpop. 1985. Morten Harket. Special 10″ picture disc. Need I say any more?
9) Jimi Hendrix – Purple Haze / Freedom
A reissue of what is arguably Hendrix’ best ever release -1967’s ‘Purple Haze’. Pressed on a very fitting 7” purple vinyl. Get your hands on one of the 1000 copies.
10) Vampire Weekend – Step
A special remix of the track taken from 2013’s Modern Vampires of the City, pressed on a white 12”. You’d better STEP on it as there will only be 500 copies available.
To see the full list of Record Store Day releases, click here.
To find out where your local participating stores are, click here.
Words by George Birch