Vinyl Collectors Rejoice: Record Store Day 2023 is on Saturday

Record Store Day is this Saturday, and for music lovers around the world, that means one thing: it’s time to get ready for some amazing vinyl releases. For those who may not be familiar with Record Store Day, it’s an annual event held on the third Saturday of April, where independent record stores around the world come together to celebrate the culture of music and vinyl. This year, Record Store Day 2023 is set to take place on April 22, and vinyl enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get their hands on the limited edition special releases.

Each year, the Record Store Day list features a wide variety of limited-edition vinyl releases from some of the biggest names in music, as well as up-and-coming artists. From classic albums reissued on vinyl to brand new releases from popular artists, there’s something for every music fan to discover. It’s important to note, however, that not all record stores will have every release on the list in stock.

Each independent record store has the autonomy to decide which titles to bring in and which ones to skip for Record Store Day. Since the special releases are limited in number, just like most items made for special periods or exclusive to certain retailers, there’s a chance that a store may not get all the copies they hoped for or that a release may sell out before you get the chance to buy it.

For music lovers, part of the excitement of Record Store Day is the thrill of the hunt. While some may be lucky enough to find exactly what they’re looking for, others may have to search a little harder or settle for an alternative release. But regardless of what vinyl they end up taking home, the shared love for music and the community of independent record stores is what makes Record Store Day such a special event.

Record Store Day 2023 includes an impressive lineup of exclusive releases. The Record Store Day website provides a list that you can browse at https://recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases. Here are some of the highlights that fans can look forward to:

The legendary David Bowie’s 7″ boxset will be one of the most highly sought-after releases. The set entitled Laughing With Liza: The Vocalian and Deram Singles 1964-1967 features some of Bowie’s early singles released from 1964 under the Vocalion label, then on Parlophone, Pye, and Deram. It is a must-have for any David Bowie fan. While this title does not appear on the official Record Store Day list of special releases, multiple sources have indicated that this title will be available for Record Store Day.

Elton John’s 1973 album, Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only The Piano Player, is being reissued on colored vinyl to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The reissue will come with an expansive bonus disc featuring the album’s session demos recorded at the infamous Château d’Hérouville.

The 1975 will release a 2xLP clear vinyl in a gatefold packaging, 1xCD, and 1xCassette of Live With The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. This never-before-released album features the chart-topping UK band performing songs from their second studio album I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It with the full BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. It also includes a version of “Chocolate” which originally featured on their third extended play, Music for Cars.

The John Lennon estate is sharing a 10” box set entitled Gimme Some Truth. The 36-track compilation was released on what would have been John’s 80th birthday and was a new collection of his most vital and best-loved solo recordings remixed for the ultimate listening experience. This new, exclusive, limited-edition release and reimagining of Gimme Some Truth is a box set containing 9 x 10” EP’s of 4 tracks each. All EPs are pressed on white vinyl, and the numbered boxes include two postcards, a poster, a “bumper” sticker, and an eight-page booklet. The set is strictly limited to 1,500 copies globally.

Pearl Jam’s live album “Give Way” will be available for the first time on vinyl and CD. The album was recorded during the band’s March 5, 1998 show at Melbourne Park in Australia, as part of their tour to support their fifth studio album Yield.

The 17-track album, pressed on double black vinyl and housed in a gatefold sleeve, includes live versions of some of Pearl Jam’s most popular hits, such as “Given To Fly”, “Faithfull” and “Do The Evolution.” Fans will also have the opportunity to own the album on CD, which was originally scheduled for release in 1998 as a promotional item but never saw the light of day outside of an extremely limited number surfacing over the years.

The album’s title, “Give Way,” is a nod to the Australian counterpart to the United States’ yield sign.

Record Store Day 2023 presents a fresh release capturing Pixies’ complete show in Brussels. The alternative rock pioneers performed their renowned album, Doolittle, in full, along with B-sides and an encore of their greatest hits during their 2009 reunion tour. Tom Dalgety has remixed the show from soundboard multi-tracks. Fans will be thrilled to hear live renditions of Doolittle classics like ‘Debaser’, ‘Tame’, and ‘Gouge Away’, as well as lesser-known favorites like ‘Dancing The Manta Ray’, ‘There Goes My Gun’, and ‘Weird At My School’. This two-disc set features 140g green and blue translucent vinyl and a wide-spine sleeve with UV spot-gloss detailing and printed inner sleeves – an essential release for any Pixies devotee.

The Cranberries will share a new edition of Wake Up and Smell the Coffee, issued for the first time on vinyl for Record Store Day 2023. This release is the latest reissue in UMR’s on-going catalog work with the Cranberries following on from the deluxe reissues of their debut album Everybody Else is Doing It… and multi-million-selling follow-up No Need To Argue, as well as two vinyl editions of the band’s greatest hits collection Stars and Remembering Dolores, a new compilation release that celebrated the life of much-missed singer Dolores O’Riordan.

The Cure will be releasing a remastered version of Show, a 2LP live set that was recorded at The Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This marks the first time the album will be available on picture disc, making it a must-have for fans of the iconic goth-rock band.

U2 fans can look forward to a limited 4-track EP on colored 12-inch vinyl featuring both original and new versions of “Two Hearts Beat as One” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday” as part of the 2023 album “Songs of Surrender.” This is sure to be a hit with fans of the iconic Irish band.

The Doors limited edition RSD3 mini-turntable is a truly unique collectable with a limited quantity of just 500. This mini-turntable comes with a The Doors-branded dustcover and turntable facing. It comes in a special box with the complete set of 3” records being released for Record Store Day 2023, featuring The Doors classic hits “Break On Through,” “Love Her Madly” and “Hello, I Love You,” in Japanese-designed flip jackets that include the 3” record and a lyric sheet. Unfortunately, due to the very limited number produced, it is unclear whether or not this item will be available in any of the stores participating in Record Store Day 2023 in the Seattle area.

The Rolling Stones’ seminal album, Beggar’s Banquet, will be released as a special vinyl edition on a colored LP in a swirl of grey, blue, black, and white, alluding to the lyric “a swirling mass of grey, blue, black and white” from the song “Salt of the Earth.” This is a must-have for any serious Rolling Stones collector.

Wilco fans can finally get their hands on “Crosseyed Strangers: An Alternate Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” on vinyl for the first time. Featuring alternate takes of the band’s critically acclaimed masterpiece “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot,” this is a must-have for any serious collector of alternative rock.

In addition to the special releases, Record Store Day also features in-store performances, meet-and-greets with artists, and other special events at some participating stores. It’s a chance for music fans to connect with each other and celebrate the magic of vinyl in an increasingly digital world. Visit the official Record Store Day website for more information at https://recordstoreday.com/.

So mark your calendars for April 22, create your shopping list, and get ready to celebrate Record Store Day 2023. Whether you’re a lifelong vinyl collector or just getting started, there’s no better time to support independent record stores and discover some amazing new music.