Christmas Day for vinyl lovers is right around the corner. Record Store Day (RSD) is coming.
Now almost twenty years old, RSD is an international phenomenon that offers exclusive content initially available only through independent record stores. Hundreds of albums, EPs, and singles will be on offer. Much of it will be old live recordings that have only existed in bootleg form until now, compilations of rarities and demos, remastered classics. Some will be relatively new. All genres will be represented.
Though the event is primarily geared at collectors and serious audiophiles, RSD has gained wider appeal as vinyl has grown in popularity. Whether you still have your original Beatles releases in pristine condition or are just taking your first step toward building a collection, RSD is probably going to have something to interest you.
Record Store Day will be held on April 12, 2025
And if you are interested in more than the music itself, you are likely to be hooked by the packaging. Many of the actual platters will be in bold colors. There will often be new photos and liner notes. RSD releases can be both excellent music and intriguing objets d’art.
Hundreds of records will be available at your participating store on Saturday, April 12. Since there will be limited copies of everything, you may not be able to find what you are looking for at any given location, so it might be wise to check with your store in advance if there are any particular titles you are dying to acquire.
As for me, I always make a wish list. Then, I try to exercise some restraint and restrict myself to buying just a few. Here’s my top dozen for RSD 25. In alphabetical order…
More Acoustic Junk by Cowboy Junkies
The Junkies original Acoustic Junk was a limited release live album from 2009. Five of the original songs appear along with five new tracks, mostly released on their Nomad Series collections. I am most interested in hearing a stripped-down acoustic version of “Unanswered Letter,” which I anticipate will be better than the more ornate version I have already heard.
Hindu Love Gods by Hindu Love Gods
The legendary team-up of Warren Zevon with three-fourths of R.E.M. produced this one great disc of rocking covers. The RSD release is printed on heavy 180 g vinyl and features blues classics like “Crosscut Saw” and “Junko Pardner” along with covers of Prince and the Georgia Satellites.
Live From Austin City Limits by Brittany Howard
You’ll notice most of the selections are of a certain vintage. Don’t let that fool you into thinking there is nothing new on offer on RSD 25. Charli XCX and Gracie Abrams both have modern pop available. There are plenty of others. But I’m a sucker for Howard’s high-powered rock & roll. I’ve never caught her live, so I am very eager to hear this. Plus, it’s out on Electric Blue vinyl.
Hard Time Killing Floor by Skip James
I usually don’t pick favorites. Today, I’ll make an exception. This is the one album I want more than any other. James is the most excellent delta blues performer, and I include Robert Johnson in that statement. 14 of his seminal early blues recordings have been cleaned up for this release. From the opening haunting strains of “Cypress Grove Blues,” I know I’ll be hooked.
And the Wind (Live and Loose!) by M.J. Lenderman
This was released in 2023, and no information is currently available on this new vinyl version. But it is such a good album by such a remarkable young artist that I want it. The fact that I am seeing him live a month later may have something to do with that.
Live at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco by The Meters
The funk pioneers from New Orleans run wild on this double live album from 1975, including a 20-minute jam – “A Minor (Middle of the Road)” and their mid-‘70s hits “Just Kissed My Baby” and “Hey Pocky A-way.”
Live 1976 by Joni Mitchell
Culled from her national tour in 1976, this triple album features 25 of the singer-songwriter’s hits along with deeper cuts. I’ve never seen Mitchell live, so this will have to fill that gap.
The Last Rock ‘N’ Roll Tour by Graham Parker and The Figgs
I’m a sucker for Graham Parker. I’m a sucker for liner notes by the artists involved in the record. And a double-album on pink vinyl? Yep, it’s on my list. This album was initially released in 1997 when Parker enlisted the upstate New York power pop band Figgs to back him on a tour. 22 songs at 78 minutes – just great rock & roll.
Viva Doc Pomus – Songs for Elvis (the Demos) by Doc Pomus
The biggest rarity on my list is Doc Pomus, who is on the Mount Rushmore of early rock and roll songwriters. This double disc collects 31 original demos that Pomus and writing partner Mort Shuman prepared for Elvis Presley. It has hits like “Viva Las Vegas” and “(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame.” It also has a bunch of titles I do not recognize. I don’t know how good this will be, but it should be a fascinating listen.
Tim by The Replacements
I got a great live album by The Replacements at RSD 24, so I may revisit one of my favorite bands. This release features two versions of their iconic 1985 album Tim: the original remaster and the highly acclaimed Ed Stasium remix. And it’s on transparent purple.
Bolan B-Sides by T. Rex
You may be aware that I have been on a bit of a glam kick recently. One thing it has taught me is that pretty much everything Marc Bolan recorded in the 1970s—even the lesser-known B-sides—is worth a listen. This collection collects 21 such songs on glam-worthy crimson and midnight blue.
Houston Music Theatre, live 1967 by the 13th Floor Elevators
If you are a fan of psychedelia, you need a 13th Floor Elevators disc in your collection. This one, which contains many of their best-known songs, comes on Blue and Black Marble Effect vinyl. It's cool to listen to and cool to look at.
There are probably 30 other albums on my B list, but I’ll have to resist the urge to be greedy. That especially applies to a new metallic silver release of Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music, which I personally find unlistenable. But – it’s Lou Reed.
Record Store Day is a lot of fun, but it really requires you to get your priorities straight. You can check out all the offerings and get links to participating stores here. Happy hunting.