2020 has been a bit of a rollercoaster and Record Store Day 2020 is no exception: once scheduled in April, it moved forward a few months, and is now spread out across three Saturdays in the summer and fall. The Record Store Day Drop in August proved a success and round two, set for tomorrow, September 26, is sure to please fans of all genres and eras. It's a diverse list full of exciting releases that you can only find through your local brick-and-mortar record store (or through their online storefronts as RSD has relaxed their rules given the COVID-19 crisis). To find out your nearest participating record shop, click here, and keep scrolling for a guide to our most anticipated releases for Record Store Day Drop 2 (with all descriptions based on those provided by the issuing labels)!
Allman Brothers Band, The Fillmore West 1-31-71 [2LP + glow in the dark poster, 6000 copies] (Allman Brothers Band Recording Company)
Available for the first time on vinyl, this 2LP set is culled from the critically acclaimed Fillmore West '71 4CD box set. Prepared from reel-to-reel soundboard masters, Fillmore West 1-31-71 presents The Allman Brothers Band in high gear. Comes with numbered limited edition glow-in-the-dark poster.
Robbie Basho, Selections from Song of the Avatars: The Lost Master Tapes [LP, 1000 copies] (Tompkins Square)
Robbie Basho (1940-1986) is widely regarded as one of the progenitors of what's commonly known today as American Primitive guitar. Growing up in Maryland alongside neo-traditional guitar explorers John Fahey and Max Ochs, Basho's path would take a decidedly different turn, bringing Hindi, Indian, Japanese and Native American musical traditions into his work. His albums for Takoma and Vanguard have left an indelible trail of influence across generations of musicians, from William Ackerman and Pete Townshend to Ben Chasny and William Tyler. Now, a large cache of unheard Basho tapes recorded throughout his career, ranging roughly from 1965-1985 has been found. By arrangement with Basho's estate and the original custodians of the tapes, Tompkins Square is set to release Song of the Avatars: The Lost Master Tapes, a 5CD set of previously unreleased material. The label will release a single disc vinyl LP first - exclusively for RSD. The set includes notes by Barker, Henry Kaiser, Steffen Basho-Junghans, Glenn Jones and Richard Osborn, as well as many unseen photographs.
Lenny Bruce, Lenny Bruce Is Out Again [LP, 1000 copies] (Comedy Dynamics)
A rare recording of Lenny Bruce, fully authorized by Lenny's daughter Kitty Bruce, unlike the majority of the bootleg material that has been released in the past. This release was only ever sold in limited copies at clubs, directly by Lenny to fans.
The Black Crowes, Jealous Again [12", 7500 copies] (UMe)
A re-issue of The Black Crowe's "Jealous Again" 12" vinyl single to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic Shake Your Money Maker album. Features the hit single "Jealous Again" on Side A, backed with "Waitin' Guilty" and "Thick N' Thin" on Side B.
Solomon Burke, Back to My Roots [LP, 1500 copies] (Anagram)
Solomon Burke was an American preacher and singer who shaped the sound of rhythm and blues as one of the founding fathers of soul music in the 1960's. Originally released in 1976, Back To My Roots was his debut album on the legendary Chess Records label, a well-known imprint devoted to the best Blues, R&B, Funk and Soul music. After a long stint on Atlantic and MGM Records, Solomon Burke signed for Chess to work with the wonderful producer Herman Rush who wrote and produced this sensational album.
Brandi Carlile, A Rooster Says [12", 12000 copies] (Elektra)
RSD 2020 Ambassador Brandi Carlile has strong ties to her hometown Seattle. Her release pays tribute to one of the region's most legendary bands, and one of her strong influences: Soundgarden. Contains covers of "Black Hole Sun" and "Searching With My Good Eye Closed." Side B will contain an etching.
Suzanne Ciani, A Life in Waves [clear LP, 1000 copies] (Earth Libraries)
If you watched television, went to the movies, or listened to radio in the '80s and '90s, you probably heard Suzanne Ciani's work whether you knew it or not. Suzanne is a five-time Grammy award nominated composer, electronic music pioneer, and neo-classical recording artist whose work has been featured in countless commercials, video games, and feature films. A Life In Waves explores Suzanne's life and innovations through her own eyes, offering a feminine glimpse into the world of electronic music.
With other 15 albums spanning 40 plus years, countless commercial scores and sound designs, Suzanne's catalog is among the most rich and varied of any artist working today. With selections ranging from Suzanne's early modular experimentations, to her commercial sound design, to her romantic synthesizer works, to her delicate piano compositions, this soundtrack is the only collection of its kind. Like the film, it's a journey into Suzanne's mind, and a career-spanning exploration of this genre-defying artist.
Willie Colón, Cosa nuestra: 50th Anniversary Edition [LP, 2000 copies] (Craft Recordings)
50th anniversary reissue of Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe's first-ever gold-selling record. Featuring singles "Che Che Colé," "Juana Peña," "Te Conozco" and "Ausencia." Cut from the analog master, pressed on 180-gram vinyl and housed in a tip-on jacket.
Coolio, Gangsta's Paradise: 25th Anniversary (Remastered) [2LP red, 1500 copies] (Tommy Boy Music)
2020 marks the 25th Anniversary of the release of Gangsta's Paradise - the second studio album by rapper Coolio, released on November 21, 1995. It is Coolio's best-selling album, with over three million copies sold in the United States. The album produced three singles, "Gangsta's Paradise," "1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin' New)," and "Too Hot". Includes previously unreleased bonus material. This Edition exclusive to Record Store Day Drops.
The Doors, The Soft Parade: Stripped [clear LP, 12000 copies] (Elektra/Rhino)
Limited and numbered edition of material previously only available on The Soft Parade 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition box set. These include newly remixed "Doors Only" versions of five tracks where the horns and strings have been removed ("Tell All The People," "Touch Me," "Wishful Sinful," "Runnin' Blue," and "Who Scared You.") The set also features three of those stripped-back versions with new guitar parts added by Robby Krieger ("Touch Me," "Wishful Sinful," and "Runnin' Blue"). Mixed by Bruce Botnick. Pressed on vinyl for the first time.
Feminine Complex, The Livin' Love [pink 2LP or CD, 1400 copies each] (Modern Harmonic)
Nashville, 1966: five young girls teach themselves their instruments playing along to the radio. Initially named The Pivots and by the end of '67 christened as The Feminine Complex, they were playing out and developing a local following including radio and television appearances. They created their own versions of popular songs, a style that reflected their need to express their own experience of girlhood. Gender bending 'boys' songs' they simply changed the lyrics, modifying the major characters and pronouns creating a space for themselves inside the music where they were able to become the agents of their own wishes, needs and desires. Come '68, they appeared on NBC's nationally syndicated Showcase '68, hosted by Lloyd Thaxton paving way to their cult status.
It is not allegorical to say that in some way, they widened the entrance to the historical vacuum that a generation later would come to be filled by Riot Grrrl and rock 'n' roll camps for girls. The Feminine Complex were not just a good band because they were girls, or because they were the first girls. They are a good band because they are. Lucky for us, we have these recordings, so we can continue to hear why. Modern Harmonic's reissue features the original '69 album plus 11 originally unissued tracks, available as a 2LP set on pink vinyl or on CD.
Fleetwood Mac, The Alternate Rumours [LP, 16000 copies] (Rhino)
The album of alternate takes mirroring the original album, from the Rumours deluxe edition. Alternate takes include early versions and alternate versions for "Gold Dust Woman," "The Chain," "Don't Stop," "Dreams" and "Second Hand News." On vinyl for the very first time.
Jerry Garcia, The Very Best of Jerry Garcia [5LP, 4000 copies] (ATO)
This 5LP set salutes one of the most legendary figures in American music, beloved Grateful Dead guitarist, vocalist and eternal goodwill ambassador, Jerry Garcia. Outside the realm of the Dead, Jerry pursued a broad array of folk, bluegrass, blues, and roots rock side projects that enriched his storied career. LPs 1-2 span 1972-1982, pulling highlights from all five of Jerry's studio records. LPs 3-5 boast more than 76 minutes of rare live gems from a range of line-ups spanning 1973-1990.
Jimmy Giuffre 3 & 4, The 3 & 4: New York Concerts [2LP, 1500 copies] (Anagram/Elemental)
The release of the two remarkable 1965 New York Concerts performances offer a rare and revelatory glimpse into that discographical dark period. This captivating double LP set would be valuable solely for the brilliant music, which finds Giuffre leading otherwise undocumented trio and quartet line-ups that advance his experiments in counterpoint and abstraction from the chamber-like Free Fall into even more adventurous avant-garde territory. But it also offers much-needed insight into one of jazz's most innovative thinkers at a key moment in his development. 180-gram vinyl.
Ellie Goulding, Lights 10 [2LP, 4120 copies] (IGA/UMe)
Ellie's debut album, Lights, catapulted her to international fame ten years ago, fueled by the hit singles "Lights," "Starry Eyed" and Ellie's stunning cover version of "Your Song" by Elton John. This double-disc vinyl includes the deluxe album tracks as well as six remixes on vinyl for the first time. Pressed on 180-gram recycled vinyl and printed on 100% recycled board.
Parish Hall, Parish Hall [LP, 1500 copies] (Craft Recordings)
50th anniversary reissue of Parish Hall's blues-influenced power rock debut on Fantasy Records. All-analog mastering from the original tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, pressed on 180-gram black vinyl and housed in a single tip-on jacket.
Screamin' Jay Hawkins, ...What That Is! [orange LP] and Because Is In Your Mind [white/blue LP] (Third Man Records)
Jalacy J. Hawkins, better known as Screamin' Jay Hawkins, was born on July 18, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio. As a young man, he played piano, boxed in local championships and learned opera at the Ohio Conservatory of Music. Although initially pursuing opera after returning from serving in World War II, Hawkins eventually sharpened his focus on the darker side of R&B and jazz, using macabre stage props, absolute wildman persona and expert voice imitating the blare and squeal of saxophones. His most notable chart-topper was the boozy, raucous 1956 hit ''I Put a Spell On You,'' which was banned by many radio stations for its suggestive groans and grunts. All things considered, Screamin' Jay Hawkins is considered one of the earliest pioneers of what would become shock rock.
Recorded in 1969, years following his big hits, Screamin' Jay Hawkins' third album ...What That Is! showcases Hawkins in one of his most rowdy and compelling stages of his artistic career. With a killer backing band featuring the great Earl Palmer on drums for most of the cuts and Herb Ellis guesting on a few. We find Jay singing about life, love and loss as well as feasting Mau Maus and pain, REAL PAIN. What That Is! will be pressed on 180-gram Fluorescent Orange colored vinyl exclusive to RSD inside a direct-to-board LP jacket.
Hawkins' fourth album, Because Is In Your Mind - recorded in 1970 - finds the artist at a point of transition. Although Jay had found commercial success and his sales surpassed one million units, he had grown somewhat weary of his shock/voodoo/bogeyman persona and wanted to be taken more seriously as a singer. Luckily for us, Jay only tones down the yelling and the crooning and the grunting and the groaning marginally. The tracks here are every bit as wild as you would hope and a bit more mature (note: a very little bit). Because Is In Your Mind, also known as Armpitrubber, is packaged in a wonderfully psychedelic painting by Karl Wirsom of the hugely influential Chicago art collective The Hairy Who. The album is pressed on 180-gram opaque white/blue Mixed colored vinyl exclusive to RSD presented in a direct-to-board LP jacket.
Jimi Hendrix, Message To Love / Changes [red/yellow 7", 10000 copies] (Capitol/UMe)
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsys final album, this 7" is the first official U.S. single. With new artwork by Experience Hendrix. Pressed on red and yellow splattered vinyl.
Paul McCartney, McCartney (50th Anniversary Half-Speed Mastered) [LP, 7000] (UMe/MPL/Capitol)
One of the greatest solo debuts in rock history, Paul McCartney's McCartney, will receive a special 50th anniversary release in a limited-edition half-speed mastered vinyl pressing for Record Store Day. Originally released in April 1970, one month before The Beatles' swansong Let It Be, McCartney saw Paul getting back to basics. Writing every song and playing every instrument (with backing vocals from Linda McCartney), the eponymous album represented a creative rebirth, bursting with new ideas, experiments, playfulness and freedom.
Sonically, McCartney's bare-bones home recording aesthetic imbued the album with an authentic lo-fi spirit, a much sought after sound that continues to retain a contemporary edge 50 years on. The 50th anniversary Record Store Day limited edition of McCartney was pressed from a master cut by Miles Showell at half speed using the original 1970 master tapes at Abbey Road Studios. It was made as a vinyl specific transfer in high resolution and without digital peak limiting for the best possible reproduction.
Melanie, 1974 At Drury Lane: Melanie With the Incredible String Band [LP, 1000 copies] (Burnside)
In London's West End, on a warm summer evening in June 1974, Melanie invited Mike Heron and Robin Williamson of the Incredible String Band to help her deliver a performance like none other. They were, in her words, spoken during the concert, "my very, very favorite band." This is an unforgettable night of music that will touch enthusiasts of every genre. The original reels were saved from decay in 2019 and now, restored and mixed for the first time, the music and magic from that night are a must for every record collection.
Charles Mingus, Mingus Ah Um: Redux [2LP, 2000 copies] (Get On Down)
Mingus Ah Um, the artist's 1959 debut for Columbia, is one of the most consequential albums in jazz or any other genre. The release is part of the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," "Boogie Stomp Shuffle," "Open Letter To The Duke"...the release is packed with classics and is a best-selling release to this day. For Record Store Day 2020, Get On Down presents Ah Um Redux, the full Ah Um record as you know and love it with a second LP featuring alternate takes from the session previously unreleased on vinyl, all housed in a gatefold jacket.
The Notorious B.I.G., It Was All a Dream: The Notorious B.I.G. / 1994-1999 [clear 9LP, 2000 copies] (Atlantic/Rhino)
9LP box set featuring Biggie's four albums - Ready to Die (2LP), Born Again (3LP), Life After Death (2LP), and Junior Mafia's Conspiracy (2LP) -- bundled together for the first time, pressed on clear vinyl and housed in a boxed set. For both Life After Death and Born Again, this is the first time digitally remastered audio has been available on any physical release. This package includes biographical liner notes from veteran hip-hop journalist and author Kathy Iondoli and artwork by Grammy-winning artist Masaki Koike.
Ol' Dirty Bastard, Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version (25th Anniversary Edition) [blue/yellow/white 9x7", 3000 copies] (Elektra/Rhino)
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the debut album of Wu-Tang Clan founding member Ol' Dirty Bastard, Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, Rhino and Elektra are releasing a 25th anniversary 7" singles box of the recently platinum-certified release (originally released on March 28, 1995). Limited to only 3,000 individually numbered copies worldwide, this release will be pressed on blue, yellow and white 7" vinyl.
Ramones, It's Alive II [2LP, 8000 copies] (Warner/Rhino)
The special edition 40th anniversary release It's Alive II includes a live show recorded in the U.K. - live at Victoria Hall, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, Dec, 29, 1977 - prior to the original New Year's Eve live performance recorded at the Rainbow Theatre, Dec, 31, 1977. It's Alive II has been mixed by original Ramones engineer and producer Ed Stasium. Exclusive for Record Store Day 2020 on double heavyweight, numbered vinyl with a "Gabba Gabba Hey" etching on Side Four.
The Replacements, The Complete Inconcerated Live [3LP, 8500 copies] (Warner/Rhino)
The Complete Inconcerated Live features a complete live show recorded at University of Wisconsin in 1989. Pressed on 140-gram black vinyl.
The Residents, Icky Flix: Original Soundtrack Recording [orange/yellow 2LP, 1500 copies] (New Ralph)
First-time-ever release for the complete alternative soundtrack to the group's seminal 2001 video collection. Released to mark the turn of the new millennium in 2001, the Icky Flix DVD showcased The Residents' award winning videos in glorious Technicolor. To accompany those icky old films, the group also produced brand new recordings of each of the twenty songs, providing an alternate new soundtrack to some otherwise ancient visual material.
The Rolling Stones, Steel Wheels Live: Rock and a Hard Place (Atlantic City) / Almost Hear You Sigh (Tokyo) [10" picture disc, 2500 copies] (Eagle Rock)
These live tracks from The Rolling Stones are featured on the new Steel Wheels Live: Atlantic City New Jersey deluxe box set . "Rock In A Hard Place" was recorded live in Atlantic City and "Almost Hear You Sigh" in Tokyo.
Britney Spears, Oops!...I Did It Again (Remixes and B-Sides) [12" baby blue, 4600 copies] (Jive/Legacy)
Only a year after the success of her debut album ...Baby One More Time, Britney Spears' sophomore album was another offering of pop perfection for the TRL generation, setting a years-long record for the highest first week of sales by a female performer. Oops!...I Did It Again was no accident - and to celebrate its 20th anniversary, this new collection features four rare remixes of the hits "Oops!...I Did It Again," "Lucky," "Stronger" and "Don't Let Me Be The Last To Know," plus four rare songs from the album sessions only released outside the U.S., including a cover of The Jets' classic ballad "You Got It All."
The Unrighteous Brothers (Orville Peck and Paul Cauthen), Unchained Melody / You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' [7", 2300 copies] (Lightning Rod Records)
Masked country artist Orville Peck joins Paul Cauthen for two jukebox classics. As The Unrighteous Brothers, the duo of hardcore troubadours make an updated classic that showcases both artists' booming baritone. Produced by Butch Walker and Beau Bedford, the songs were cut in Nashville at the legendary RCA Studio A. Available for the first time on any physical format.
Roger Waters, et. al., The Wall: Live In Berlin [clear 2LP, 8000 copies] (Mercury/UMe)
To herald the 30th anniversary of one of the most symbolic concerts of all time, for RSD 2020, UMe and Mercury are releasing a limited clear vinyl run of the landmark 1990 Berlin version of The Wall, Roger Waters' landmark concept album. Recorded in the former "no-man's land" between the Brandeberg Gate and Potsdamer Platz in Berlin just eight months after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the live spectacular was watched by over 500,000 people. A string of special guests makes this a truly unique recording: few records can boast a range of stellar talent such as Van Morrison, The Band, Cyndi Lauper, The Scorpions, Jerry Hall, Sinead O'Connor and Joni Mitchell. Transferred at Abbey Road and offered in 180-gram vinyl, it is an opportunity for many to reacquaint themselves with an absolutely unique reading of Pink Floyd's towering 1979 concept album.
Hank Williams, March of Dimes (1951) [10", 2000 copies] (BMG)
Hank William's complete 1951 March Of Dimes performance presented for the first time on vinyl, featuring a new restoration and mastering of the 16" radio transcription disc. Features five songs, including "Lovesick Blues" and his then-current hit, "Moanin' The Blues." The disc also includes a solo track by Audrey Williams and a dual narrative on a Luke The Drifter track, plus a rare PSA read by Hank about Infantile Paralysis. Produced by Cheryl Pawelski with restoration and mastering by Michael Graves. Together, they earned a Best Historical Album Grammy award for their work on Hank Williams' The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 in 2015.
Camille Yarbrough, The Iron Pot Cooker [LP, 1500 copies] (Craft Recordings)
First ever vinyl reissue of this rare and highly collectible album released on Vanguard in 1975. Features the song "Take Yo' Praise" that was sampled in the hit Fatboy Slim song "Praise You."
The Yardbirds, Roger The Engineer: Stereo & Mono [white 2LP, 1500 copies] (Demon)
Available exclusively to RSD 2020, Roger The Engineer is the 1966 studio album by The Yardbirds. Featured in both Rolling Stone's original list of the 500 greatest albums of all time and Robert Dimery's book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Recorded by the classic era line up of Jeff Beck, Keith Relf, Jim McCarty, Chris Dreja and Paul Samwell-Smith, the band began exploring new sonic territories, pushing their blues-rock sound into the realms of avant-garde, psychedelia and Indian music. This newly expanded edition includes the classic studio album on LP 1 and a collection of 1966 studio recordings on LP 2, housed together in an alternate sleeve inspired by an ultra-rare 1966 EP cover.
Various Artists, Dance Craze and This Are Two Tone [LP, 2000 copies] (Chrysalis/Kobalt)
Chrysalis will release a pair of new half-speed mastered compilation reissues exclusively for RSD as part of the Two Tone Records 40th anniversary celebrations. The soundtrack of the live movie Dance Craze features exclusive live recordings by The Specials, Madness, The Selecter, The Beat, Bad Manners and The Bodysnatchers. This is the first vinyl repress since its original release in 1981.
This Are Two Tone was the first Two Tone compilation from 1983 and features singles by The Specials, Madness, The Selecter, The Beat, The Bodysnatchers, Rhoda Daker and The Swinging Cats. This is the first vinyl repress since its original release in 1983.
Various Artists, Hackers: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [2LP, 2500 copies] (Varese Sarabande)
The definitive soundtrack to the film Hackers, featuring tracks from the film that were not included on the original soundtrack, including "Protection" by Massive Attack, "Open Up" by Leftfield, two tracks by Guy Pratt, "One Combination" and "Grand Central Station" featuring David Gilmour, as well as "Hackers Suite" performed by composer Simon Boswell. The double LP release comes in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the film. The package includes new notes from director/producer Iain Softley and unreleased photos of the cast.
Various Artists, Hi Tide Groove: DJ's Choice 1969-1981 [red/blue LP] (Fat Possum)
Japan's top funk DJ Daisuke Kuroda presents a deep quest for rare grooves from the 1960s and 70s. From the deep soul of Al Green and Ann Peebles to the more obscure Africano and Jean Plum, this compilation was selected to allow you to discover new and unprecedented tracks from the Hi Records catalog.
Various Artists, Nativity In Black: A Tribute to Black Sabbath [color LP, 2500 copies] (Real Gone Music)
Hard to believe in this day and age, but this killer 1994 Black Sabbath tribute comp was never released on vinyl in the U.S.! The record went gold, and features the one and only performance ("The Wizard") by the Bullring Brummies, which takes the term "metal supergroup" to a whole new level: Rob Halford from Judas Priest, Scott "Wino" Weinrich from The Obsessed and Vitus; Fight guitarist Brian Tilse, and Geezer Butler and Bill Ward from Black Sabbath themselves (not to be undone, Ozzy sings with Therapy? on "Iron Man")! Megadeth got a Grammy nom for their cover of "Paranoid," too. Colored vinyl release limited to 2000 copies in the U.S. and Canada, exclusive to Record Store Day
Various Artists, Wilcovered [2LP, 2500 copies] (Renew Records/BMG)
A loving tribute to Wilco from the November issue of Uncut magazine, this collection comprises 19 Wilco covers recorded by notable artists such as Courtney Barnett, Kurt Vile, Sharon Van Etten, Low, Cate Le Bon and Parquet Courts, including one previously released version of "Jesus, Etc." by Norah Jones' band Puss N Boots and one recently unearthed (but never released) cover of "Casino Queen" by Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top fame. There is not a weak moment on this album and many outstanding ones. Sure to appeal to the rabid Wilco fan base the CD which accompanied the magazine sold out quickly and is no longer available.
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