Wow! And just like that, another year has flown by. Just a few weeks before The Second Disc hits its 12th anniversary(!), this Christmas Eve it is our custom to look back on the last 12 months and take some time to think fondly of the music, magic, memories and friends that made our lives worth living. As if last year wasn't unconventional enough, 2021 packed more pop, clicks, skips and distortion than the most misguided vinyl pressings. We got vaccinated, we got boosted, we tentatively
The Second Disc's Picks for Record Store Day Black Friday 2021
From all of us here at Second Disc HQ to all of you, we hope you've enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving in the company of beloved family and friends. (And with plenty of delicious food, too!) Now, Record Store Day's annual Black Friday event is upon us, so we're spotlighting a dozen of the most eagerly anticipated releases arriving to your local independent brick-and-mortar record shop! Here are our personal picks for RSD BF must-haves; visit Record Store Day's official website for a list of
Release Round-Up: Week of October 22
Welcome to this week's Release Round-Up! The Rolling Stones, Tattoo You: 40th Anniversary Edition (Polydor/Interscope/UMe) 4CD + Tattoo You Picture Disc Vinyl: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada 1CD (Album Remaster): Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada 2CD (Album Remaster and Lost & Found): Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada 5LP: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada 1LP (Album Remaster): Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada 2LP (Album Remaster
The Weekend Stream: October 16, 2021
Prince, Do Me, Baby (Demo) (NPG/Warner) (iTunes / Amazon / Spotify) A surprise release on Thursday for the 40th anniversary of Prince's Controversy (1981), the Prince Estate has issued a demo recording of "Do Me, Baby," recorded during the studio sessions for Prince's self-titled sophomore album in 1979. (As such, it sounds less like a demo and more like a studio version in league with that album.) It's a fascinating recording that again highlights The Purple One's genius - and it's also
Release Round-Up: Week of October 1
Welcome to this week's Release Round-Up! Neil Young, Official Bootleg Series Vol. 1: Carnegie Hall 1970 (Reprise/Shakey Pictures Records) 2CD: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada 2LP: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada The Neil Young Official Bootleg Series launches with Carnegie Hall 1970, featuring Young's debut at the venerable venue on December 4, 1970 (the early show). Carnegie Hall 1970 will arrive on double vinyl, double CD, and digital formats (including high
Still Have Faith: ABBA's "Voyage" Begins with Brand-New Album in November
Mamma mia! ABBA is back. 40 years after the November 1981 release of The Visitors, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Faltskog, and Anni-Frid (Frida) Lyngstad have done what was long thought highly unlikely. The foursome has reunited to record a brand-new album of ten original songs. The album, Voyage, shares its title with the concert residency that will begin in May 2022 at a custom-built London arena featuring avatars, erm, ABBAtars, created using state-of-the-art motion capture
Always Love You: Elton John Welcomes Stevie Nicks, Stevie Wonder, Brandi Carlile, Glen Campbell and More to "The Lockdown Sessions"
Earlier today, Elton John announced a new album, his first new studio release since 2016's Wonderful Crazy Night. A spiritual successor to 1993's Duets, The Lockdown Sessions features Elton's collaborations with 16 diverse artists ranging from the late Glen Campbell and legendary Stevie Wonder and Stevie Nicks to current hitmakers including Lil Nas X, Miley Cyrus, and Nicki Minaj. The album was borne out of the many guest appearances Elton made on various records during the COVID-19 pandemic.
And That's Just What They'll Do: Nancy Sinatra's "Boots" Returns from Light in the Attic
Earlier this year, Light in the Attic launched its Nancy Sinatra Archival Series celebrating the musical legacy of the vocalist behind such classics as "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'," "How Does That Grab You, Darlin'?," "You Only Live Twice," and the duet "Somethin' Stupid" with her famous father. On September 17, the series will continue with a CD, vinyl, digital, and 8-track (!) reissue of Nancy's debut album, 1966's Boots, originally issued on the Reprise label. Boots was, of course,
Are You That Somebody: Blackground Records Catalogue, Against All Odds, Coming Back Into Print
It's the reissue announcement a generation wanted but nobody expected - and it's honestly hard to parse how to feel about it: Blackground Records will release its long out-of-print catalogue, including albums by the late R&B singer Aaliyah. Record producer Barry Hankerson started Blackground in the '90s as a vehicle to score his niece, Aaliyah Haughton, a record deal. After years of being turned down, Jive Records signed the 15-year-old singer, and debut Age Ain't Nothing But a Number
(Re-)Enter Sandman: Metallica Expands "The Black Album" to Epic Proportions, Releases All-Star Charity Tribute Album
Metallica's self-titled 1991 album - otherwise known as The Black Album - turns 30 this year, and the band isn't about to let that milestone go unnoticed. The Black Album gave the band its first chart-topping album in ten countries, including the U.S. where it spent four weeks atop the Billboard 200. It also yielded a string of singles led by "Enter Sandman," a No. 16 hit on the Hot 100. To date, Metallica remains the biggest-selling album in the history of Nielsen's SoundScan, a testament to
Short Takes: The Beatles Confirm Release Date of "Get Back" Film, Diana Ross Releases First Single from Upcoming Album
Director Peter Jackson's long-awaited documentary The Beatles: Get Back finally has a confirmed home and release date. Today, Walt Disney Studios, Apple Corps, and WingNut Films Productions revealed that Get Back will not be released as a traditional theatrical film but rather will take the form of a three-part series, with each part clocking in at roughly two hours. Part One of the Academy Award-winning filmmaker's in-depth examination of the Let It Be period will debut on November 25 on
Everybody Cut Loose: Sony's RSD Line-Up Features Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Prince, Miles Davis, Kenny Loggins, More
After last week's initial announcement, we'll be periodically continuing our look at the releases for the upcoming Record Store Day events on June 12 and July 17. Today, we're focusing on our friends at Legacy Recordings. The label has a robust slate for both Drops with many familiar faces including Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Kenny Loggins, Prince, Miles Davis, and the legendary artists and musicians of Philadelphia International Records. Visit RecordStoreDay.com for a list of participating
Release Round-Up: Week of March 19
Welcome to this week's Release Round-Up! Neil Young, After the Gold Rush: 50th Anniversary [Vinyl + 7" Box] (Reprise) (Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada) This 50th Anniversary remastered edition of Neil Young's classic album was released on CD in December; now the vinyl version arrives. The set includes two different recordings of the outtake "Wonderin'" on the bonus 45. The A-side was recorded in March 1970 in Topanga (previously heard on Archives Vol. 1) while the B-side is
Classic Bad Brains Albums to Get Definitive Reissues in 2021
Legendary punk band Bad Brains will embark on a special "re-everything" of their seminal catalogue, having formed a new label to be distributed by Org Music. Founded in Washington, D.C. in 1977, the band initially known as Mind Power transitioned from jazz fusion to a fast-paced, rhythmic form of rock (known today as hardcore) along with elements of reggae and funk. Vocalist Paul "H.R." Hudson, his brother Earl on drums, guitarist Gary "Dr. Know" Miller and bassist Daryl Jenifer comprised the
Deluxe Edition of Linkin Park's Debut 'Hybrid Theory' About To Break
One of the bestselling albums released in 2000 is getting revisited in a big way this year: Linkin Park's debut album Hybrid Theory. The first album from the California rap/rock combo will be reissued October 9 in three rarity-packed editions for its 20th anniversary. A 2CD version pairs the original album with a bonus disc featuring a dozen B-sides, demos, live tracks and remixes from various European-only CD singles. A bigger 4LP box set features those albums alongside a 2LP reissue of
Star Star: The Rolling Stones Announce Reissues of "Goats Head Soup," Including Deluxe Box With Surround Sound Mixes
Though it sometimes gets lost in the shuffle among the more critically lauded Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main Street, The Rolling Stones' 11th album, Goats Head Soup is worthy of reappraisal - and that time has finally come, as The Rolling Stones and UMe have announced a set of reissues slated for September 4 featuring new mixes, demos, alternate versions, and live material across a number of configurations. Released in August 1973, Goats Head Soup was recorded across the world, with
Oops! Legacy Recordings Reissues Britney Spears' "Oops!...I Did It Again," Releases Remixes and Rarities EP for 20th Anniversary
Britney Spears' 2000 sophomore album Oops!...I Did It Again celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this month. To mark the occasion, Jive Records and Legacy Recordings have planned three new editions for later this year. A commemorative vinyl picture disc will be available at all retail outlets, while Urban Outfitters will carry two exclusive releases: a limited edition clear vinyl release with purple and gold swirl; and a limited edition cassette with purple shell and gold ink. All three hit
Make Her Wish Come True: Legacy Celebrates 25 Years of Mariah Carey's 'Merry Christmas'
One of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time is getting the deluxe treatment today with Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings' 2-CD reissue of Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas in time for its 25th anniversary. Carey's fourth album and first holiday effort (the sequel Merry Christmas II You arrived in 2010) teamed the chanteuse with producer-arranger Walter Afanasieff (Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Johnny Mathis), among others, on a sparkling set of original songs and holiday classics.
Detour: The Who Announce New Album "WHO," Release Preview Track "Ball and Chain"
UPDATE: Details have been announced about the bonus tracks for the upcoming deluxe edition. Read on for more! Today, legendary rockers The Who announced plans for their long-awaited new album, simply entitled WHO. It's their first studio effort in 13 years, due November 22 December 6 on CD, deluxe CD, digital, cassette, standard vinyl, and deluxe color vinyl. They've also unveiled the album's artwork - designed by frequent collaborator Peter Blake - and released a new single, "Ball and
Hey, Music Lover! Legacy Announces Record Store Day 2019 Exclusives
Sony's Legacy Recordings has announced its offerings for this year's Record Store Day festivities, to be held on Saturday, April 13 at your local brick-and-mortar retailer! As usual, it's an eclectic line-up with pop, rock, and R&B superstars all represented. So without further ado, here's the label's full list! Jeff Buckley, In Transition - 1 LP - 3,000 copies In Transition is a compilation of seven previously unreleased studio performances from 1993 during the making of Jeff Buckley's
UPDATED WITH TRACK LIST AND ORDER LINK: Happy With You: Paul McCartney Announces Super Deluxe "Traveller's Edition" of "Egypt Station" With Unreleased Songs and More
Paul McCartney has announced the release of a super deluxe "Traveller's Edition" of his most recent LP, Egypt Station. The number-one album was originally released last year and was loosely based around the theme of transportation. Now, McCartney and Capitol Records have used that concept as the basis for the new edition, which is due out on May 10. Egypt Station - Traveller's Edition will be presented in a vintage-style suitcase loaded with music, including different configurations of the
The Right Stuff: New Kids' Breakthrough 'Hangin' Tough' Revisited In 2019 With Remixes, New Tracks
Originally released in 1988, Hangin' Tough was the breakthrough album by pop sensation New Kids On The Block. With such hits as "Please Don't Go Girl," "You Got It (The Right Stuff)," "Hangin' Tough," and "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)," the album garnered critical acclaim, a Grammy nomination, and two American Music Awards (Favorite Pop/Rock Album and Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group.) It has since sold more than 14 million copies worldwide and been certified 8x Platinum in the U.S. Now,
Things Can Only Get Better: Deluxe Howard Jones Box Sets Due In November
Cherry Red Records has a pair of treats for fans of English singer-songwriter and '80s synthpop hero Howard Jones. On November 30, the label will expand and remaster Jones' chart-topping debut album Human's Lib and its follow-up, Dream Into Action. Originally issued in March 1984, Human's Lib rocketed into the U.K. Album Chart at No. 1 with sales of over 100,000 units in the first week alone. The double platinum smash spent a total of 57 weeks on the British chart, and yielded four top 20
Hold Your Breath: For Its 30th Anniversary, Metallica Reissues "...And Justice For All" in Multiple Formats Including 21-Disc CD/LP/DVD Box
Tomorrow marks the 30th anniversary of the release of Metallica's fourth studio album ...And Justice For All. To commemorate the occasion, the group has announced today the reissue of the album in a variety of formats including a gigantic 11 CD/6 LP/4 DVD deluxe box set, all due on November 2. This follows on from similar reissues of the band's first three albums over the last several years. ...And Justice For All was the first Metallica album to feature bassist Jason Newsted following the
Love Kills: Joe Strummer's Solo Material Highlighted In New Collection
When it comes to Joe Strummer, 001 is the number to watch. That's the name of the upcoming box set that shines a deserved light on the late Clash frontman's work outside of his famous band - solo, with former bandmate Mick Jones, and with his 101ers and The Mescaleros. 001 arrives on September 28 from Ignition Records in an array of formats, including 2CD, 2CD Deluxe, 4LP, and a 2CD/4LP/7"/Cassette Super Deluxe edition. The first CD of 001 compiles 20 eclectic, previously released sides