This weekend vinyl collectors worldwide will be celebrating the semi-annual retail holiday known as Record Store Day by opening their wallets in exchange for prized limited-edition albums.
I’ve previously written about this year’s RSD releases from local artists, but there are more than just Northwest musicians releasing albums this weekend. There are more than 385 titles coming out April 20. You can view the entire list here and if you want my choices for a few must-have records take a look at the list below with descriptions taken from the Record Store Day website.
Willie Nelson “Phases and Stages”
If Shotgun Willie played a bit like a concept album, Phases and Stages was full-blown, tracing the dissolution of a marriage and devoting one side to the wife’s perspective, the second to the husband’s…. Phases and Stages is easily the equal of its remarkable predecessor, a wonderful set of music that resonates deeply, as deeply as the words.
Make no mistake — the deceptively relaxed arrangements, including the occasional strings, not only highlight Nelson’s clever eclecticism, they also heighten the emotional impact of the album. And this is a hell of an emotional record, where even each side’s celebratory honky tonk numbers (the medley “Sister’s Coming Home/Down at the Corner Beer Joint” and “Pick Up the Tempo,” respectively) are muted by sadness. Then, there are the centerpieces: “Walkin’,” where the woman decides it’s time to move on; “Pretend I Never Happened,” perhaps the coldest ending to a relationship ever written; “Bloody Mary Morning,” a bleary-eyed morning-after tale that became a standard; “It’s Not Supposed to Be That Way,” a nearly unbearably melancholy account of a love gone wrong; and “Heaven and Hell,” a waltz summary of the relationship. Any two of these would have formed a strong core for an album, but placed together in a narrative context, their impact is even more considerable. As a result, this is not just one of Willie Nelson’s best records, but one of the great concept albums overall.
Nas “Illmatic: Remixes & Rarities”
Marking the 30th anniversary of Nas’ Illmatic, the Remixes and Rarities LP, a limited edition collector’s item that pays homage to one of the greatest Hip-Hop albums of all time, is available for Record Store Day 2024. Unearthed from the archives, this release features carefully selected remixes and rare tracks that add a new dimension to the iconic Illmatic experience. Immerse yourself in the evolution of Nas’ artistry with this exclusive release, housed in a specially designed package that captures the essence of the album’s enduring legacy. Commemorate three decades of Hip-Hop excellence with this must-have addition to your vinyl collection.
Public Enemy “Revolverlution Tour 2003”
Revolverlution Tour 2003 was organized to celebrate Public Enemy’s 15th anniversary as a group. This release, never before on vinyl, features the group performing in various cities across the US and abroad. This tour was well-received by fans & critics, allowing Public Enemy to continue spreading their message of fighting against social injustice, racism, and inequality. This deluxe triple vinyl package includes a triple fold-out Jacket, OBI side spine and printed inner sleeve.
Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros “Rock Art and The X-Ray Style 25th Anniversary”
Dark Horse Records celebrates the 25th anniversary of Rock Art and the X-Ray Style, the debut album by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros, with a limited pink vinyl Record Store Day exclusive 2LP pressing. The remastered 1999 album, which was Strummer’s first album release in a decade, is spread over 2 LPs for optimal sound quality, and the original gatefold artwork by Damien Hirst has been meticulously reproduced.
Tinted Windows “Tinted Windows”
Tinted Windows were an American rock supergroup formed by guitarist James Iha of The Smashing Pumpkins, singer Taylor Hanson of Hanson, Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne and Ivy, and Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick.
The band issued one album in 2009 and performed live in 2009 and 2010. This is the first time on vinyl for the album and it includes two bonus tracks only previously available on import. Pressed on red/black vinyl.
