I have to be honest, I’m one of those cranky pants vinyl geeks that bitch about how every day should be Record Store Day, and how RSD has sold out by placating to major labels and making it next to impossible for indie bands to get their records pressed. That said, I still believe in supporting my local record store, and if that means trudging out on a made up holiday to drop $100+ on overpriced, limited edition vinyl, so be it.
The Black Friday edition of RSD is typically a much more low-key event than the April version. The releases are far fewer and the urge to wait in the cold for three hours on Black fraking Friday is near nonexistent. Luckily, the coolest records coming out on November 25 aren’t that limited and can probably be picked up later in the day or after the initial eBay crush. Without further adieu, here are the 10 albums worth your time (and money) on Record Store Day Black Friday 2016:
The Holy Grail
Brave New World
2x LP, 180g, limited to 2,500
If there’s one album that I must obtain on RSD it’s Brave New World. This was the first album after Bruce Dickinson reunited with Iron Maiden and it’s a flawless record from start to finish. I’ve wanted this album forever, but it was never released in the States and it was pressed at a time when no one cared about vinyl.
RSD First Release
The Bluegrass Tribute to Metallica
180g, limited to 1,000
Before Spotify, I used to regularly listen to Koffin Kats radio on Pandora and the bluegrass version of The Unforgiven was always on regular rotation. I kinda became obsessed with it, but could never find the full record. That’s because it didn’t exist on vinyl. At least not until now. This is limited to only 1,000 copies, but I’m banking on the fact that I’m the only one that cares.
Could Be Good?
Pop The Clutch: Obscure Rockabilly From The Vaults
White vinyl, limited to 2,500
There’s always one great oldies record worth picking up on RSD (see April’s surf collections) and this one has George written all over it. I have no idea what the set list is, but if the price is right, I’ll definitely add this to my pile.
Unnecessary ’80s Rerelease
Revenge
Limited to 2,000
Originally issued on Enigma Records in 1986, this is not the TSOL you’re looking for. At least not if you are looking for the early ’80s politico-goth band fronted by the legendary Jack Grisham. This is the other, more cock-rock TSOL fronted by Grisham’s brother in law after Grisham had to flee the country. This version of TSOL had two decent LA metal records. This the first one. Chances are you will be able to find this well after Record Store Day.
Potential Gem
Strung Out in Heaven
Limited to 2,500
You can’t go wrong with an acoustic set of Bowie classics, but add a full-length version of Prince’s “Purple Rain” as the B-side and this might be the perfect RSD release.
Just Another Supergroup EP
The Party’s Over
Limited to 3,000
My interest in Prophets of Rage is limited partially due to the fact that I hate B-Real’s voice. That said, I’m super curious to hear what Rage Against the Machine sounds like with Chuck D at the helm. The sad thing is that I know it won’t sound as good as Zach De La Rocha, who is floundering with his post-hardcore hip-hop career.
Old Live Record from Old Punks
Ramones
Live at the Roxy 8/12/76
180g, limited to 3,000
Another year, another vintage Ramones live record. None are as good as It’s Alive and then all kind of sound the same. This live collection was recorded from two shows in August 1976 a must for Ramone’s completists and was compiled by Craig Leon, producer of the Ramone’s self-titled debut.
Obligatory GWAR Release
GWAR
Ltd. Edition Picture Disc
Limited to 1,500
I was kind of hoping GWAR would have taken this RSD to repress Hell-O, but instead they are giving us a 7″ featuring four covers — two with the late Oderus Urungus (“Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car”/”Baba O’Riley”) and two with new singer Blothar (“West End Ghouls”/”People Who Died”). GWAR’s version of “People Who Died” is a tearjerker and worth the cost of the whole 7″, so don’t miss this.
The Nostalgia Trip
Alice In Chains
Live Facelift
Limited to 5,000
I was never the biggest Alice in Chains fan, but Facelift and Jar of Flies were my favorite records by the second-tier grunge act. This album collects six live songs from Facelift recorded in late 1990, well before they hit it big and before Layne Staley died. Yes people, the ’90s really are big again and I couldn’t be happier.
Because South Park
Brown, scented vinyl, limited to 3,000
I have a soft spot in my heart for South Park and many of the songs on that show are incredible. This should be your last pick for RSD, but it’s definitely worth checking out and including in your Christmas record collection.
