If the anticipation for Record Store Day is getting you in a spin, wait until you see the full list of releases for 2019.
From A-Ha to Zappa, there are some 500 titles being released exclusively for Record Store Day in Australia this year, including limited editions and rarities.
But remember the golden rule for Record Store Day: not all releases are available in all stores, not even the stores know what they're getting. That means it's luck of the draw and first in best dressed, so get up early and prepare for some good old fashioned crate-digging.
Among the highlights are the original New York test pressing of 'Blood On The Tracks' by Bob Dylan, 'The Atlantic Singles 1967' by Aretha Franklin in a 7” vinyl box set, 'A Saucerful Of Secrets' by Pink Floyd and a 3” of 'Store Bought Bones' by The Raconteurs (The Saboteurs as they are known in Australia).
Some of the most-prized Record Store Day finds are the elusive picture discs and coloured vinyl. This year keep your eyes peeled for 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen on picture disc (not to mention the 'Bohemian Rhapsody'/I'm In Love With My Car' 7”) and 'Sugar Walls' by Sheena Easton on 12” picture disc plus 'Love-To-Be' by Morrissey on 7” coloured vinyl and 'Wait & Return' by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds on 12” coloured vinyl.
The Saboteurs also play Bluesfest (Byron Bay), April 2019.
If soundtracks are your thing, keep an eye out for original motion picture soundtracks from 'The Basketball Diaries' (2xLP), 'The Crow' (2xLP), 'Lost In Translation' (LP) 'Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse' (LP) and 'South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut' (2xLP).
This year's release list also features a healthy serving of live recordings, such as Leann Rimes 'Live From Gruene Hall', The Used 'Live From Maida Vale', Emerson, Lake & Palmer 'Live At Pocono International Raceway', Mumford & Sons 'Delta Acoustic Sessions | Live From Electric Lady' (10” picture disc) and Ramones 'Live At The Palladium'.
Despite the name, it's not just records that get a guernsey on Record Store Day with a stack of releases available on cassette as well. These include 'The Versace Experience: Prelude 2 Gold' by Prince plus the 'B.I.G. Mack' original sampler by Craig Mack and Notorious B.I.G. in an LP/ cassette collection.
There's even a book making the list this year, 'Blood On Black Wax' by Aaron Lupton and Jeff Spzirglas. Specially released for RSD, 'Blood On Black Wax' traces the rich and unique history and artwork of horror movie soundtracks. This pairs nicely with the double-LP soundtrack for 2005 horror flick 'House Of Wax', the scariest part of which was the fact it starred Paris Hilton.
With 2019 also being the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, there are a few pieces of memorabilia worth checking out, such as Sly & The Family Stone recorded on Sunday 17 August 1969, Janis Joplin's performance from the same day and 'Remember Woodstock' by Canned Heat.
This barely even scratches the surface of what's on offer for Record Store Day in 2019, so be sure to check out the full list online. Join in the fun of Record Store Day and help support independent music and local retailers.
