April 20 is Record Store Day, a day when vinyl enthusiasts descend on thousands of independent brick-and-mortar record stores to check out hundreds of new and exclusive releases from artists big and small.
The annual event, which started in 2008 as a way to celebrate the people who work in and regularly visit indie record stores, has been embraced by musicians and bands of all shapes and sizes. (Here’s a searchable list of participating record stores.)
“Indie record stores are some of the few spaces we have that offer a tangible, tactile experience of music discovery,” Paramore, who act as Record Store Day ambassadors, said in a group statement after being chosen as this year’s winners. “In this world that feels more disconnected and hostile than ever, it feels important to (literally) stay in touch with what inspires us, empowers us, or just plain brings us joy.”
Here’s a quick guide to just some of what’s in store for Record Store Day 2024, followed by the full list of releases.
The Beatles, The Beatles have arrived! (4 x 3” vinyl and mini turntable)
In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Beatles’ historic Ed Sullivan performances, the Fab Four is 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 (2xLP)
With the help of Ry Cooder, the ensemble of Cuban musicians recorded their 1996 eponymous album, which became a huge, 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 (2xLP)
The rapper’s self-titled debut record “Trap Queen” 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 controller (7” vinyl)
Dave Grohl joined Charlie Benante and Scott Ian of Anthrax (collectively referred to as GBI) to cover Bad Brains’ “The Regulator” from their 1982 self-titled debut album. All proceeds from the sale of their RSD exclusive 7” will go towards healthcare for Bad Brains frontman HR, who suffers from an excruciating form of rare headache known as SUNCT.
Noah Kahan, I was/I am (LP)
The acclaimed Vermont singer-songwriter has soared in popularity since his 2021 sophomore album, released on limited edition blue vinyl in celebration of Record Store Day.
Paramore, Re: This is why (2xLP) And Burn down the house (12″ vinyl EP with David Byrne)
The honorary ambassadors of Record Store Day 2024 will release two new records on Saturday: a set of remixes of their 2023 album This is why and a 12” single featuring Paramore’s cover of the 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 at Racket, NYC (LP)
Ahead of their upcoming world tour, the Stones are releasing a special white vinyl edition Live at Racket, NYCfeaturing seven songs the band performed at their intimate record release party Hackney diamonds in New York City last October.
Mavis Staples, Have a little faith (2xLP)
Embraced by a new generation of fans, the gospel and soul singer is re-releasing her landmark 2004 album on silver vinyl in honor of her 20th anniversary.
Neil Young with crazy horse, Damn (2xLP)
The rocker and his band recorded this new album of old songs and one cover in 2023 for release on Record Store Day 2024. “Made this for the Horse lovers,” Young writes in the liner notes. ‘The horse runs. What a ride we have. I don’t want to disturb the atmosphere. I’m so happy to be able to share this.”
