Record Store Day, the majestic holiday that physical media-loving music fans swear by, returns tomorrow, Saturday, April 22. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, RSD has authorized more than 300 exclusive titles that will be sold in limited quantities in independent record stores across America (and the world). When the list was first announced, we offered our own hot take of 5 Questionable Record Store Day 2017 Releases. However, there are plenty of treasures to be found in this trove of musical goodness. So, after polling Paste’s team, here are seven RSD ‘17 exclusive releases not to be missed.
1. The Beatles, “Strawberry Fields Forever”
Limited to: 7,000
I’m a sucker for Beatles records that the Record Store Day team releases. I’ve been shelling out too much money for them since at least 2009, when they offered a box set with four 45s in their original artwork sleeves among other goodies. But this double A-side single of “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Penny Lane,” one that was not included in that aforementioned box set, represents the band in its late era. Released in February 1967 as a placeholder between Revolver and Sgt. Pepper, this limited reissue should be an easy find with timeless songs this Record Store Day. —Hilary Saunders
2. Danny Brown, Ain’t It Funny
Limited to: 1,300
I’ll be honest—I don’t know what a picture disk is, but I do know I’d like to own and operate one, on account of Danny Brown. “Ain’t It Funny” is perhaps the most ghoulishly transfixing track from the Detroit rhyme-slinger’s outstanding Atrocity Exhibition, and that makes this 10’’ a must-own. Brown’s RSD release includes both the fun-house mirror of menace that is the “Ain’t It Funny” instrumental, as well as Brown’s breakneck lyrics in a cappella form, allowing listeners to lose their minds to each individual piece of this cerebellum-melting song. And that’s all topped off by Brown’s Clams Casino collab “Worth It” on the B-side, that track’s very first appearance on vinyl. It all adds up to: Take my money. —Scott Russell
3. Procol Harum, A Whiter Shade of Pale
Limited to: 500
There’s only 500 copies out there of this Procal Harum tribute to the iconic British prog rock band’s most famous song, “A Whiter Shade of Pale.” Inspired by the music of Bach, their 1967 debut single became one of the biggest hits of the 1967 Summer of Love in the U.S., one of fewer than 30 singles to sell more than 10 million copies worldwide. It’s a song that still sounds incredibly fresh and modern today, as with most of Procol Harum’s best work (give their 1967 eponymous debut a spin on Spotify today and you’ll see what I mean). The white vinyl of the RSD special release looks awesomely appropriate, and includes several versions of the track, along with a few other Procol Harum A and B-sides like “Lime Street Blues,” “Alpha” and “Salad Days (Are Here Again).” If you have a friend dedicated to the spirit of the ‘60s, this looks to be the ultimate expression of one of the decade’s best prog rock songs. —Jim Vorel
4. Atomic Bomb Band, The Atomic Bomb Band (Performing the Music of William Onyeabor)
Limited to: 1,400
David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label deserves a lot of credit for reviving the works of eccentric Nigerian funk pioneer, William Onyeabor. Luaka Bop’s acclaimed 2013 release of World Psychedelic Classics 5: Who Is William Onyeabor? sparked a fascination with the music of a man who came in on the heels of Fela Kuti in the late-‘70s and had a rich collection of vinyl to share with the world.
The Atomic Bomb band was soon commissioned by Luaka Bop to enact Onyeabor’s work on the live stage. This vinyl-only release is the first pressing of Atomic Band Band recordings featuring Sinkane’s bandleader Ahmed Gallab, Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor, The Beastie Boys’s Money Mark, LCD Soundsystem’s Pat Mahoney and so many more talented revelers of Onyeabor’s work. This record is a treasure that illustrates how vinyl is truly the gift that keeps on giving. —Adrian Spinelli
5. The Turtles, More Golden Hits
Limited to: 1,200
I’m a total sucker for ‘60s breezy, psychedelic pop, so if I were made out of money I would hands-down get the reissue of More Golden Hits by The Turtles. Sure, the group isn’t really popularly known for much more than “Happy Together,” but if you really dig into their discography, you’ll find that they serve up several easy, airy love songs peppered with kaleidoscopic undertones. Stand out tracks on this greatest hits reissue include “Elenore” and “She’s My Girl.” Plus, the vinyl itself is gold! —Annie Black
6. Big Thief, “Mythological Beauty”
Limited to: 700
New Saddle Creek recruits Big Thief delivered one hell of an opening salvo last year with Masterpiece, a 12-song volley of Americana, folk and indie whose open, bold silver-tone chords scraped against double-take vulnerable lyrics. The Brooklyn-based four piece hasn’t wasted any time assembling its next album, Capacity, which is due out in June. The group has already debuted single “Mythological Beauty,” which loses some rustic elements in favor of searing, sad acoustic balladry. That chiming, delicate soundscape should sound immaculate on this Record Store Day vinyl, elevating the mid-range of Lenker’s voice before it ascends to a wavering crescendo in the chorus. The record also includes track “Breathe My Lungs,” further begging the question whether Big Thief is really a black market organ cult. —Sean Edgar
7. Various Artists, Space Jam: Music From and Inspired By The Motion Picture
Limited to: 3,500
How many people can you name that own the Space Jam soundtrack on vinyl? None. This is why I must own it. This classic movie had an enormous impact on me as a child. It taught me two things: I believe I can fly and I have a crush on that female bunny. But while it’s so easy to put on Spotify and listen to this album on loop while cleaning my room, listening to it on vinyl shows such intention. I don’t always have time for that luxury, but if I want to escape into the music, this record would be a beautiful way to do so and relive the ‘90s. —Becca Beberaggi