HERE’S WHAT TO LOOK FOR THIS RECORD STORE DAY
Throughout the unpredictable past year and the waves of lockdowns and
reopenings, one thing has remained consistent: the need to support local businesses. This, of course, includes record stores — and this summer is more important than ever, as the first Record Store Day event of 2021 is coming up on June 12 (with a second event to follow on July 17).
Each year, RSD is a key moment in the record store calendar, bringing together a community of music lovers at their local shops, where there are great deals and exclusive releases.
There are over 450 exclusive RSD releases this year, with even more surprises to come. Regardless of exactly what lockdowns will look like come June 12, here are a handful of must-haves for vinyl lovers and everyone keen to support their local record store.
Ihsahn After
To cap a trilogy of solo albums, Emperor frontman Ihsahn pushed his black and extreme metal roots into more ponderous, progressive musical territory, guided by eight-string guitars, fretless bass and prominent saxophone. It comes back to vinyl as a coloured 2-LP set on black/white swirl and pink wax. ( CS)
PartyNextDoor PARTYNEXTDOOR Limited Edition Vinyl Box Set
OVO is also re-pressing albums by Majid Jordan and dvsn, but this PND box from Drake’s label looks particularly intriguing; it includes all four studio albums, the first of which has never come out on vinyl before now. (AH)
Daniel Lanois Heavy Sun
The latest album from the legendary Canadian producer and songwriter comes to vinyl, in a colour that’s intriguingly described as “translucent ruby inside opaque orchid.” (AH)
Rage Against the Machine The Battle of Mexico City
Twenty years after the live concert film from the iconic rap-rockers, this Mexico City concert is coming to vinyl, with art direction inspired by Mexico’s flag. (AH)
Slum Village Fantastic Volume II: 20th Anniversary Edition
A top-tier testament to J Dilla’s brilliance in beats that captures the fun and freedom of a musical family that includes Q-Tip, D’Angelo, Busta Rhymes, Kurupt and Pete Rock. For its anniversary treatment, the album arrives as a 2-LP set on “golden pearl splatter” vinyl complete with deluxe obi strip. ( CS)
Tears for Fears Live from Massey Hall ( June 12)
Captured in Toronto during 1985’s tour behind Songs from the Big Chair, and using newly discovered multi-tracks, the band perform hits like “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” “Mad World” and “Shout” during their creative pinnacle. (AH)