I know it feels like Record Store Day happens all the time now, but really it’s only twice a year. There’s one coming up this weekend on April 12. For those who still aren’t up to speed, this is when indie record stores get an opportunity to put their name down for a selection of special one-off releases, reissues and other vinyl treats.
Stores don’t usually get everything they want, and have to just take what they can get. Just as there are plenty of highly coveted titles which literally only spend a matter of seconds in store bins before they’re snapped up by collectors, there are loads of releases which seem to hang around like a $20 Dan Hill record. Like, I don’t think I’ve ever been in an indie store without seeing a copy of the RSD edition of Percy by The Kinks.
Anyway, here’s a list of pending titles that I would consider buying this week:
Art Bergmann | What Fresh Hell Is This?
A two-LP version of this 1995 Canadian classic? Yes please. I had this masterpiece on CD and have been desperately trying to rebuild my Art Bergmann collection in vinyl form. I’m actually really stoked about this. Art is a living legend, an artist who can communicate the darkest aspects of the human condition like nobody else. The album is also loaded with bangers.
Lonnie Smith | Afro-Desia
This 1975 soul-jazz gem was just re-released last year, so I found this RSD title a bit curious. Even more so because they claim it’s the first reissue on vinyl since the ’70s. Still, I don’t have it, and this one is on coloured vinyl.
George Harrison | Be Here Now
Last year, we were treated to a remixed anniversary edition of George Harrison’s second-best album — Living In The Material World from 1971. I’ve never loved it as much as others do, but the best track is Be Here Now, and the remix included a beautiful early take. So I’d be interested in this 12″ single, which also includes a B-side of Beck’s cover of the track.
David & Romany Gilmour | Between Two Points
I also was among the few Pink Floyd fans who didn’t love David Gilmour’s crazy-successful 2024 solo album Luck And Strange. The only tracks I really liked on the album were the two sung by his daughter Romany. So I’d be down with getting this 12″ single — which also features a live rendition and a remix.
Skip James | Hard Time Killin’ Floor
It’s hard to find Skip James records, especially of his early material. The stuff on this cleaned-up, hi-fidelity reissue is basically 100 years old. Skip could do it all — he was an incredible guitarist, a creative pianist and a hauntingly unique vocalist.
Patsy Cline | Imagine That: The Lost Recordings (1954-1963)
I’m not a person who has ever owned or even investigated Patsy Cline bootlegs, so these songs will be 100% new to me. In addition to a selection of live cuts, there are 15 new, unreleased tracks here. Sign me up.
Thin Lizzy | Jailbreak (Alternate Version)
Just different versions of songs from one of the best rock albums ever. Demo versions, outtakes, alternate versions, remixes and instrumentals. Need.
Album opens with this:
The Meters | Live At Great American Music Hall, San Francisco
The classic lineup in all its glory. It’s 1975 and the band are touring their then-new album, Fire On The Bayou. The show opens with a deep cut from that album, the eight-minute Middle Of The Road, which the group performs for nearly 20 minutes. Hell yes.
Brittany Howard | Live From Austin City Limits
One of the greatest vocalists of right now, at an amazing venue that serves as HQ for an iconic PBS show currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. Recorded nearly one year ago, this performance aired in October, but this is the first time it will available on wax. How does she keep that guitar in tune?
Air | Moon Safari Live & Demos & The Virgin Suicides Soundtrack
I would definitely be interested in both of these, but sadly this version of their debut LP, Moon Safari, still doesn’t include a version of Brakes On from their debut EP, Premiers Symptômes, which I can’t find anywhere. Still, this and their soundtrack to The Virgin Suicides kind of makes up for it. The soundtrack also includes dandies by The Hollies, Heart, Al Green, Sloan and Todd Rundgren. Sold.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark | Peel Session 1979-1983
One of my favourite synth-pop new wave bands, during their most critical period — performing on influential British DJ John Peel’s legendary radio program. I have some beloved, classic Peel Sessions vinyl in my collection — Syd Barrett, Wire, Billy Bragg, Buzzcocks and The Damned. This was issued on CD many years ago, but never on vinyl.
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Area Resident is an Ottawa-based journalist, recording artist, music collector and re-seller. Hear (and buy) his music on Bandcamp, email him HERE, follow him on Instagram and check him out on Discogs.
