April 20th is Record Store Daya day when vinyl lovers visit thousands of independently owned brick-and-mortar record stores to browse hundreds of new and exclusive releases from artists big and small.
The annual event, which began in 2008 as a way to honor people who work in and frequent independent record stores, has been embraced by musicians and bands of all sizes and genres. (Here it is a searchable list of participating record stores.)
“Independent record stores are some of the only spaces we have that offer a tangible, tactile experience of music discovery,” said Paramore, who serves as a Record Store Day ambassador, in a statement from the group upon being chosen as this year’s honoree. “In this world that feels more disconnected and hostile than ever, it’s important to stay in touch (literally) with what inspires us, empowers us, or simply brings us joy.”
Here’s a quick guide to just some of what’s new for Record Store Day 2024, followed by the full list of releases.
The Beatles, The Beatles have arrived! (4 x 3” vinyl and mini record player)
In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Beatles’ historic appearances with Ed Sullivan, the Fab Four are releasing a mini turntable and 3″ records for four of the songs they played on the show: “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, “Till There Was You”, “Saw Her Standing There” and “She Loves You”. The 3″ singles will also be available separately.
Buena Vista Social Club, Buena Vista Social Club (2 x LP)
With the help of Ry Cooder, the ensemble of Cuban musicians recorded the 1996 self-titled album, which became a huge and unlikely Grammy-winning hit, selling 8 million copies worldwide. The classic album, on limited edition gold vinyl, is being released as part of the 25th anniversary of Wim Wenders’ 1999 documentary about the group.
Fetty Wap, Fetty Wap (2 x LP)
The “Trap Queen” rapper’s self-titled debut album has been out of print since its original release in 2016. This version, on opaque violet vinyl, will include additional bonus tracks new to the format.
GBI, The Regulator (7” vinyl)
Dave Grohl teamed up with Anthrax’s Charlie Benante and Scott Ian (collectively nicknamed GBI) to cover Bad Brains’ “The Regulator” from their 1982 self-titled debut album. 7” will go towards the healthcare of Bad Brains frontman HR, who suffers from an excruciating type of rare headache known as SUNCT.
Noah Kahan, I Was/I Am (LP)
The acclaimed Vermont singer-songwriter has exploded in popularity since his sophomore album of 2021, which is being released on limited-edition blue vinyl for Record Store Day.
Paramore, Re: That’s why (2 x LP) It is Burn down the house (12″ vinyl EP with David Byrne)
Record Store Day 2024’s honorary ambassadors are releasing two new records on Saturday: a set of remixes from their 2023 album It is because and a 12” single featuring Paramore’s cover of Talking Heads’ “Burning Down the House” on one side and David Byrne’s version of Paramore’s “Hard Times” on the other.
The rolling stones, Live in Racket, New York (LP)
Ahead of their upcoming world tour, the Stones are releasing a special white vinyl edition of Live in Racket, New Yorkfeaturing seven tracks the band played at their intimate record release party for Hackney Diamonds in New York City last October.
Mavis Staples, Have a little faith (2 x LP)
The gospel and soul singer, who has been embraced by a new generation of fans, is re-releasing her landmark 2004 album on silver vinyl in honor of her 20th birthday.
Neil Young with Crazy Horse, Fucking (2 x LP)
The rocker and his band recorded this new album of oldies and a cover in 2023 for release on Record Store Day 2024. “I made this for horse lovers,” Young writes in the liner notes. “The horse is running. What a ride we have. I don’t want to mess with the vibration. I’m so happy to have this to share.”
