We've already filled you in on details of Rhino's upcoming live release from WAR, but that's not all coming from the label. Rhino's annual Start Your Ear Off Right vinyl campaign has already commenced at independent retailers and select Barnes and Noble locations. This year's slate encompasses releases from Dream Theater, Ramones, Fleetwood Mac, ZZ Top, Grateful Dead, Rush, and others.
Below, you'll find the complete list of SYEOR titles due this month, including those which arrived last Friday, January 3. All descriptions have been provided by Rhino.
January 3
The English Beat, Special Beat Service (Standard Version)
1LP on 140-gram Silver vinyl
A dynamic fusion of ska, pop, and punk influences and includes the standout hits "I Confess" and "Save It For Later," pressed on color vinyl.
Dream Theater, Awake
2LP on 140-gram Clear vinyl
Awake is the third studio album by Dream Theater, released October 4, 1994 and is the final full-length album featuring original member and keyboardist Kevin Moore.
Dream Theater, Falling Into Infinity
2LP on 140-gram Clear vinyl
Originally released September 23, 1997, the fourth studio album by Dream Theater featured a more straightforward rock feel and was the first album to feature new keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Alice Cooper, Whitesnake).
Dream Theater, Images & Words
1LP on 140-gram Clear vinyl
Originally released on July 7, 1992, Images & Words is Dream Theater's second studio album and the first to feature vocalist James LaBrie; this album went gold. Also features their biggest hit, "Pull Me Under."
Dream Theater, Metropolis Pt. 2
2LP on 140-gram Clear vinyl
Originally released October 26, 1999, this now-legendary concept record was the first to feature new keyboardist Jordan Rudess.
Fleetwood Mac, Live at The Record Plant (December 15, 1974)
2LP on Transparent Red vinyl
Featuring the classic early-era Fleetwood Mac tracks "Hypnotized," "Oh Well," "Future Games," "The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)" & more. [Previously available on CD as part of the 2020 box set Fleetwood Mac: 1969 to 1974.]
Lindsey Buckingham, 20th Century Lindsey
4LP Boxed Set on Black vinyl
Features the studio albums Law and Order (1981), Go Insane (1984), and Out of the Cradle (1992), joined by 20th Century Rarities, an eight-song compilation of non-album tracks containing hard-to-find mixes and soundtrack contributions, like "Time Bomb Town" (Back to the Future, 1985) and "Twisted" - his duet with Stevie Nicks (Twister, 1996).
Ramones, Brain Drain
1LP on Black vinyl
The 11th studio album by the Ramones was released on March 23, 1989 and is the last Ramones album to feature DeeDee Ramone.
Ramones, Halfway to Insanity
1LP on Black vinyl
Originally released on September 15, 1987, Halfway to Insanity is their tenth studio album and the last to feature drummer Richie Ramone.
Ramones, Too Tough to Die
1LP on Black vinyl
Originally released on October 1, 1984, Too Tough To Die is the eighth studio album from the Ramones and the first to feature Richie Ramone on drums.
ZZ Top, Fandango! (Rhino High Fidelity)
1LP on 180-gram Black vinyl
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ZZ Top's fourth album which was originally released on April 18, 1975 with both live and studio tracks. Featuring hits such as "Tush," "Blue Jean Blues," and more!
ZZ Top, Rio Grande Mud (Rhino High Fidelity)
1LP on 180-gram Black vinyl
A blues-infused rock album that showcases the band's evolving sound and tight musicianship. From the catchy "Francine" to the groove-filled "Just Got Paid," the album blends bluesy guitar riffs with energetic rhythms.
ZZ Top, Tejas (Rhino High Fidelity)
1LP on 180-gram Black vinyl
ZZ Top's sixth studio album, where the band explored incorporating modern equipment in their creative process, features the singles "It's Only Love," "Arrested for Driving While Blind," and more!
ZZ Top, Tres Hombres (Rhino High Fidelity)
1LP on 180-gram Black vinyl
ZZ Top's breakthrough chart-topping 1973 classic mix was the band's first time working with producer Terry Manning at Ardent Studios in Memphis, reinforcing a new direction of Texas to Tennessee rock 'n' roll spirit. Featuring hits such as "La Grange," "Jesus Just Left Chicago," "Waitin' For The Bus," and more!
ZZ Top, ZZ Top's First Album (Rhino High Fidelity)
1LP on 180-gram Black vinyl
A mix of bluesy rock tunes with a touch of boogie and Southern charm, from the upbeat "Brown Sugar" to the gritty "Certified Blues," the album showcases ZZ Top's unique style and Billy Gibbons' distinctive guitar work.
January 17
Grateful Dead, Grateful Dead (Skull & Roses)
2LP on Translucent Lemonade vinyl
"For the Grateful Dead's second live album, released two years after its predecessor, LIVE/DEAD, the band delivered an equally magnificent but entirely different Grateful Dead sound. Whereas LIVE/DEAD was a perfect sonic encapsulation of the band at the peak of their Primal Dead era, SKULL & ROSES captures the quintessential quintet, the original five-piece band, playing some of their hardest-hitting rock 'n' roll ("Johnny B. Goode," "Not Fade Away"), showing off their authentic Bakersfield bona fides ("Me & My Uncle," "Mama Tried," "Me & Bobby McGee"), and some originals that would be important parts of the Dead's live repertoire for the next 24 years ("Bertha," "Playing In The Band," "Wharf Rat"). Of course, the Dead were never defined by one specific 'sound,' and amongst the aforementioned genres and styles the band brought to this album, they also delved deeply into their psychedelic, primal playbook with an entire side dedicated to their 1968 masterpiece 'The Other One.' This is one of the most deeply rich and satisfying tracks preserved on an official Grateful Dead album, up there with LIVE/DEAD's "Dark Star" and EUROPE '72's "Morning Dew." SKULL & ROSES sounds as fresh today as the first time I heard it in 1985, and as fresh as it was upon its spectacularly well-received release in 1971." - David Lemieux
January 24
Yes, Fragile (Steven Wilson Remix)
1LP on Emerald Green vinyl
Available for the first time on vinyl, an exploration into Yes' breakthrough 1971 fourth studio album, Fragile, remixed by Steven Wilson. Includes hits such as "Roundabout," "Long Distance Runaround - The Fish," and many more!
January 31
Allen Toussaint, Southern Nights (Rhino Reserve)
1LP on 180-gram Black vinyl
Originally released in 1975, this is a celebrated album showcasing Toussaint's signature blend of funk, soul, and R&B. The title track later reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles by Glen Campbell and made its way to the Louisiana state song list. The album also features standout tracks like "Last Train" and "Worldwide," highlighting Toussaint's innovative style. Notably, Toussaint's use of rich, orchestral arrangements on this album contributed to its critical acclaim and lasting influence.
The Cult, Beyond Good and Evil
2LP on Red & Bottle Green vinyl
Originally released in 2001, The Cult's Beyond Good and Evil showcases the band's return to their signature rock sound while incorporating modern elements. The track list includes energetic songs like "War (The Process)" and "Take the Power," along with more introspective tracks such as "Breathe" and "Nico" as well as four bonus tracks. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering The Cult for the first time, "Beyond Good and Evil" is a must-have addition to any rock music collection.
Eddie Hazel, Game, Dames and Guitar Thangs (Rhino Reserve)
1LP on 180-gram Black vinyl
A must-have for funk rock fans, showcasing Hazel's iconic guitar work and smooth vocals. Known for his groundbreaking role in Parliament-Funkadelic, Hazel delivers standout tracks like "California Dreamin'" that blend funky grooves with a rock edge. This album is a hidden gem that captures Hazel's innovative spirit and is perfect for collectors and enthusiasts. Read more here about Rhino Reserves, Eddie Hazel, and Allen Toussaint!
Rush, Counterparts
1LP on 180-gram Black vinyl
Counterparts followed with continued success, landing at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 - one of the band's highest-charting albums. The record was certified platinum and received a 1994 GRAMMY Award nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for their track "Leave That Thing Alone."
Rush, Presto
1LP on 180-gram Black vinyl
Presto is Rush's thirteenth studio album and their first with Atlantic Records. The gold-certified record reached No. 16 on the Billboard charts, marking a more guitar-centric sound for the band.
Rush, Roll the Bones
1LP on 180-gram Black vinyl
After a brief hiatus, Rush emerged with the commercial and critical success Roll the Bones. Peaking at No. 3 in the U.S., No. 10 in the U.K. and No. 11 in Canada, with the title track reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
Rush, Test for Echo
1LP on 180-gram Black vinyl
Rush released their sixteenth album, Test for Echo, in 1996, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard chart and the title track taking the No. 1 spot on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
Various Artists, Stax Volt - The Complete Singles 1959-1968: Vol. 1
3LP on 180-gram Black vinyl
The vinyl debut of The Complete Stax/Volt Singles 1959-1968! As one of two major mid-century R&B studios, Stax and Volt demonstrated the evolution of R&B in the U.S., delivering a comprehensive map of gritty, deep Southern soul. This set is a master class in deep southern soul. The collection was remastered from the original Stax/Volt mono single masters. In a few cases, the tapes were lost, and original disc sources were used. Analog-to-digital mastering was done with a specially modified and restored Ampex 350 full-track mono machine with original tube electronics. All equipment in the transfer process was chosen specifically to recreate the Stax sound on today's stereo systems without compromise.
Ish says
who is the market for this? total pass on any medium, much less vinyl.
Al says
I got the Dream Theater releases as part of the box set from Rhino last year. I really only wanted “Images” and “Scenes”. If I’d know stand-alone releases were coming I’d have waited. Nonetheless they sound really good. “Images” could sound better but might be how it was recorded originally.
I got the Lindsey Buckingham set from Rhino also last year. Those all sound fantastic. Really nice set.
Dustin says
I realize these artists sell for them, but I wish they'd release more than the same artists in things like this. I would like more vinyl from Faith Hill, Bette Midler, Michelle Branch, Peter, Paul, and Mary, Carly Simon, Tracy Chapman, etc. Maybe these all won't be heavy hitters, but I'd like to think Faith Hill would be.
Robert Bowman says
When The Complete Stax-Volt Singles 1959-1968: Vol. 1 boxed set arrived in 1991, it was nine CDs (244 songs). At just a meagre three LPs, the latest version is going to have plenty of omissions to properly tell the story of one of greatest soul labels of all time. Rhino should have renamed the collection something else.
Brad Sonmor says
I really wish they would reissue the Blues Brothers catalog on vinyl. Those Friday reissues are s**t.