The beloved collector’s favorite annual event is among us, and this year includes numerous highlights – from Paramore and Lily Allen to The Rolling Stones and U2.
Record Store Day dates back all the way to 2008, and each year has featured numerous special releases that help support independent local record stores. It turned to an enormous event that even featured artists appearances, such as Eagles of Death Metal’s appearance at Rhino Records in 2009 and The Smashing Pumpkins’ appearance at Amoeba Records in 2010. Each year’s list features some golden ticket items, that eventually become exclusive, rare and hard to find.
This year’s RSD event will take place on April 20th (blaze it up), and serving as this year’s ambassadors is genre-neutral / recently independent band Paramore (from Nashville, TN). The band most recently finished their record contract with Atlantic Records following the release of their angsty yet fierce 6th album This Is Why, and their future has since then remained up in the air. After pulling out of South American Festivals and their anticipated perfomance at iHeartRadio’s Alter-Ego, no one knew what direction Paramore was heading. Their announce as ambassadors was surely a pleasant surprise, as the band states that their “first order of business as a freshly independent [Paramore] is to shine a light on independent record stores— a vital part of our journey from music obsessed school friends to professional music makers.”
That being said, Paramore are one amongst many of the artists set to release exclusive records, as they will finally have their well-received remix album Re: This is Why on red vinyl. The record features remixes from their sixth album, where popular artists such as Wet Leg, Bartees Strange and Foals take on a reimagined version of existing songs. Other exciting releases include those from newer artists like Laufey’s A Night at the Symphony, Remi Wolf’s Live at Electric Lady, and Ashnikko’s DEMIDEVIL (special edition). A few rap exclusives have also made this year’s list, including Fetty Wap’s self-titled album, Lil Uzi Vert’s Luv is Rage, and the late Lil Peep’s Star Shopping.
A number of classic artists who are well-known for their exclusive releases have also made this year’s list, as we see the return of Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, The Rolling Stones, U2, Motley Crue and Pearl Jam. Some anticipated titles include At the Drive-In’s (out-of-print) In/Casino/Out, which is being repressed on purple and green smoke vinyl, as well as Wallows’ fifth anniversary vinyl celebration of their debut album Nothing Happens on a double-disc + aqua splatter vinyl .
This year’s popular format are the zoetrope picture discs, as multiple releases are being pressed on the psychedelic/trippy format. Some of these picture disc releases include George Harrison’s Electronic Sound and Wonderwall Music, Blur’s Parklife, and Lily Allen’s It’s Not Me, It’s You.
To participate in this year’s Record Store Day, Here are a few things you need to know:
RSD Categories
There are three different kinds of RSD Categories: Exclusives, RSD Firsts and Small Run/Regional Titles. This is crucial in determining the priority and exclusivity of a release, which a lot of record collectors take in to account when purchasing. Exclusive Titles are physically released only at indie record stores. RSD First Titles are first released at indie record stores, and may be released to other retailers in the future. Small Run/Regional Titles are either regionally based, sold at specific stores, or are press runs under 1000.
Check your local record store’s rules regarding the event
Each record store has varying rules, especially post-pandemic. Cactus Music has now implemented a TICKET system, where people must get their record store day tickets a week prior to the actual day, more details will be announced soon. Other record stores in Houston such as Vinal Edge, Soundwaves and Sound Revolutions all have a first-come/first-serve system, and some hardcore collectors wait in line starting super early morning the day of. Contact your local record stores / store of choice for more information on rules regarding lining up and how to snag your RSD picks.
Record Store Day 2024 is going to be blast, and we encourage all Houstonian record collectors to participate. Whether you are aiming to get THE one or have a list of records you NEED to have in your collection – may the odds be ever in your favor!
Check out the full list here.
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