One of the most exciting days leading up to the annual celebration of the record store is List Launch Day, and for RSD 2020, that time is now. Record Store Day has released the list of limited edition titles that will be part of the party on Saturday 18 April. It spans formats, genres and decades, and includes literally something for everyone. The full list can be found here and a few highlights are below.
Recently announced as RSD 2020 Ambassador, Brandi Carlile pays tribute to a band whose records she bought at a record store, fellow Seattleites Soundgarden—on her 12” single ‘A Rooster Says’. Some might think it’s a genre-shift for her, but they say it’s one of the reasons why she makes for a great Ambassador: appreciating music of all stripes is a prerequisite for the job. Past Ambassadors are on the List too: Metallica’s Robert Trujillo (RSD 2016) is back to Take You On A Ride with an Infectious Grooves EP of that name, and Iggy Pop (RSD 2012) is live in the City of Light on the triple album Kiss My Blood (Live in Paris 1991) and back in the studio with The Stooges for a 7” of songs recorded in Detroit in 1972, ‘Russia Melodia’. And while Ozzy Osbourne (RSD 2011) himself only sings on one song, his band Black Sabbath is the star of the Nativity in Black tribute album, which sees its first official US vinyl pressing.
David Bowie’s presence is always felt at a record store, and it’s always welcome on the List. This year’s list sees two titles: I’m Only Dancing (The Soul Tour 74), a double album bringing together performances from Detroit and Nashville on that historic tour, and CHANGESNOWBOWIE, a BBC radio session aired to celebrate his 50th birthday in 1997. Both are coming on both CD and vinyl.
Other live recordings make a mark on the list this year, with Billie Eilish’s Live at Third Man Records album leading the way and a trifecta of Pink Floyd-related projects included: Roger Waters’ The Wall – Live in Berlin triple LP; a 12” single from Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, recorded live at the Roundhouse; and a 7” single of the performance of ‘Arnold Layne’ that brought Nick Mason, David Gilmour and Richard Wright together in 2007 at the Syd Barrett Tribute Concert.
Record Store Day, the organization, is managed by the Department of Record Stores and is organized in partnership with the Alliance of Independent Media Stores (AIMS), the Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS) and promotes independent record stores year-round with events, special releases and other fun things. Record Store Day, the global celebration of the culture of the record store, takes place annually in April. The 13th annual Record Store Day takes place on April 18, 2020.
Record Store Day Sponsors: ADA, Audioengine, Caroline, Crosley Turntables, D’Addario, Dogfish Head Brewery, Furnace Record Pressing, Glowtronics, InGrooves, Music Business Association, MVD Entertainment, The Orchard, PlayARt, Redeye Distribution, Sony Music, ThinkIndie, Traffic Distribution, URP Distribution, Vans, WEA
