Whether you’re on Elton John’s side who recently said that ‘vinyl just sounds better’, or you are one of the thousands of people who are shunning the digital revolution in favour of the 12 inch, one thing brings vinyl lovers together: Record Store Day.
The event, that is taking place on the 22nd April and is now in its 10th year of celebration, is set to be the biggest yet. With vinyl sales having toped over 3 million for the first time in 25 years, the vinyl revival is well and truly here.
We here at The Gryphon searched through the release list in which over 500 artists have contributed, to help you direct your searches and find the hidden gems hidden in your records store.
12). Deee-Lite – Groove is in the heart
Perhaps one of the greatest things to come out of the 90s, Deee-Lite’s legendary hit ‘Groove is in the Heart’ is being re-released on a fittingly pink vinyl and an equally trippy album cover. The groove is on our hearts, now let it be on your records shelf.
11). Izzy Bizu – Talking to You
Rising star Izzy Bizu who features on Honne’s ‘Someone that Loves You’ and had chart success with her hit ‘White Tiger’, is to release this track exclusively on vinyl. If you’re a fan, make sure to grab a copy, as all copies will be numbered and possibly signed.
10). The Smiths – The Boy with the Thorn in His Side
The association between vinyl and the instagram hipsters that live for the candid vinyl photo is a stereotype that is not going to die anytime soon. Putting aside The Smiths’ hipster fanbase, the release of their fantastic 1986 hit ‘The Boy with the Thorn in His Side’ is set to be a popular release, and comes ahead of next year’s remastered release of their album The Queen is dead, commonly featured in the lists of the greatest albums ever made.
9). Jarvis Cocker and Chilly Gonzales – Room 29
The former Pulp frontman’s latest release proves that he’s still got it, whatever ‘it’ is. Cocker bombards us with a series of loaded yet beautifully worded questions, like “is there anything sadder than a hotel room that hasn’t been fucked in?” The big philosophical question of our time.
8). Blossoms – Blossoms (Live)
The band that provided us with one of the best indie hits of the year in the form of ‘Charlemagne’ are to release a live version of their debut album that was record at Festival No. 6. The performance includes cameos from Joe Duddell and the No. 6 Ensemble.
7). Kate Tempest – Let Them Eat Chaos
This release by spoken word poet Kate Tempest is a truly special release. Blurring the lines between poetry and music, the double LP on black and white vinyl features Tempest’s stunning spoken-word poetry on one disc and just the accompanying and corresponding beats on the other.
6). Various Artists – Oxfam Presents : Stand As One – Live At Glastonbury 2016
Couldn’t afford to go to Glastonbury last year? Well, fear not, because this album provides you with all the highlights of the world’s biggest festival including tracks from Coldplay, Muse and The Last Shadow Puppets, minus the expense and, more importantly, minus the mud.
5). Laura Marling – Live from York Minster
Laura Marling is known for her stunning live performances. Being released on a clear vinyl, the album brings together songs from all three of her albums.
4). David Bowie – Multiple releases
No Record Store Day list could be complete without a mention of the late God David Bowie. Four different EPs of the star are being released, including Bowie’s collaboration with Placebo on ‘Without You I’m Nothing’. Other releases include ‘BOWPROMO’ (a collection of Bowie’s early promo records), ‘Cracked Actor’ (a live recording from 1974) and his posthumous EP ‘No Plan’. Safe to say that these will be some of the most targeted releases of the day, so if you manage to get even one of these then count yourself lucky.
3). The Cure – Acoustic Hits
This acoustic album which was first released as a limited edition album that accompanied the band’s 2001 Greatest Hits album, is to be released on double LP picture discs. This release certainly sounds just like heaven.
2). Aqua – Barbie Girl
Being released on a Barbie-pink vinyl, Aqua have pulled out all the stops for their Record Store Day release. Providing you with hours of entertainment, the B side is a karaoke version of the song. Be the hit of the town and the envy of all your friends with this release as we admit that Aqua are the voice of Record Store Day with their poetic line, ‘life in plastic, it’s fantastic’.
1). Toto – Africa
Undoubtedly the greatest thing to be released this year if not up there with one of the greatest Record Store Day releases of all time, Toto are releasing their legendary hit ‘Africa’ on an African-shaped vinyl. It’s the release we never thought we needed but, boy, do we want it.
Juliette Rowsell
(Image: Record Store Day)