Record Store Day 2018 - Several Good / Several Bad
Today is Record Store Day, both saviour and scourge of record stores around the world. So what better way to celebrate than to pick several good and several bad from the glut of releases? Lets do this.
The Good
Cypress Hill - Black Sunday Remixes
Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of one of the 90’s greatest albums in style and pick this up. You’ll be treated to some rare remixes of Cypress Hill’s classic sophomore album Black Sunday.
Grandaddy - Grandaddy “Practice 97”
A collection of unreleased recordings from a Grandaddy band practice. This should be delightfully lo-fi and it’s unique releases like this that Record Store Day should be all about. If this turns out to be awful I may have to eat my words.
Nas - Illmatic: Live from The Kennedy Centre
Classic live performance of Nas’ breakthrough hip-hop album Illmatic featuring a full orchestra to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original album’s release. Package includes a download of the concert film.
Rage Against The Machine - Live at the Democratic National Convention 2000
The now legendary live performance from one of the world’s most beloved bands recorded in the months before they broke up. Available on vinyl for the first time ever. This one is gonna go fast!
Various Artists - Last Shop Standing - The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of the Independent Record Shop
Ok it’s a 7” single to which I’m normally pretty cold but it does contain a download of the acclaimed Record Store 2013 documentary film which makes it worth seeking out.
Various Artists - Singapore-A-Go-Go
What sounds like a bat shit crazy collection of 60s pop classics from Singapore including songs sung in Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.
Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the Wu Tang 36 Chambers
The classic Wu-Tang album on cassette tape. Yes cassette tape. No, I don’t care what you think.
The Bad
Adam Sandler - They’re All Gonna Laugh at You
Adam Sandler has gone from one of the most loved to most-derided comedians around in recent times with a spate of cynical cash grab ‘movies’. Line his pockets even more by picking up some of his stand-up on vinyl. You’ll never get that taste out of your mouth.
U2 - Lights of Home
Pointless 12” Picture disc containing three versions of the same song. One version of a U2 song is bad enough. Pick it up and throw it straight in the bin where it belongs.
David Bowie - Let’s Dance Demo 12"
I’ve nothing against David Bowie but this is a classic example of a waste of vinyl. Expect to see it in bargain buckets for years to come.
Gary Clark Jr. And Junkie XL - Come Together (Justice League Picture Disc)
That Justice League movie was great wasn’t it? How about that cover of Beatles Classic ‘Come Together’ by Gary Clark Jr and Junkie XL, wasn’t that great too? The answer to both questions is no. If you’re going to wait in line for this just go home and don’t bother. It’ll still be there next year.
Madonna - The First Album / You Can Dance
Fancy a replica of a rare Japanese or Venezuelan Madonna album on vinyl? No, me neither. If you like Madonna grab yourself a copy of The Immaculate Collection and be done with it.
Various Artists - Sucker Punch (Original Soundtrack)
Original soundtrack of a Zack Snyder movie. Enough said.
Shaggy - Oh Carolina
A limited edition green vinyl edition of Shaggy’s hit Oh Carolina to celebrate the song’s 30th Anniversary. Your friends will be green with envy. My advice is to avoid this and pick up a copy of his recent collaboration with Sting instead.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi OST (John Williams)
A picture disc of one of the least inspiring soundtracks to one of the least inspiring Star Wars films. I'm a big fan of John Williams' work but his most recent offerings are far from his best work. Save your money.
There are plenty more good and bad releases out there so try and get the ones you want but don’t panic and buy junk if you miss out on your first choices. Many of these will get a general release soon enough. Enjoy RSD 2018!
Peace.
