Record Store Day’s top 20
CL music scribes call out their must-have picks for 2016
Record Store Day’s seemingly bottomless list of exclusive and limited edition releases for 2016 is a bit of a labyrinth. The sheer volume of vanity reissues is a bit overwhelming. But take a closer look. For the patient crate digger, there are still plenty of gems landing in the racks. This year, CL’s music scribes offer up tweet-length write-ups of their recommended scores that are coming to a record store near you Sat., April 16.
African Head Charge: Super Mystic Brakes 10-inch
Three unreleased cuts from the early ’80s layering dub rhythms, funk, and post-disco from the On-U Sound tape vault. (Chad Radford)
Buzzcocks: More Product in a Different Compilation
More Product repurposes the Buzzcocks’ most transcendent, hook-laden tunes, and deft songwriting. Go get it! (Sean Zearfoss)
The Coathangers: Nosebleed Weekend with R. Land lithograph
The Coathangers team up with local artist R. Land for a ltd. ed. lithograph in the Nosebleed Weekend sleeve.
The companion soundtrack to the 2014 documentary film highlights oppressed Cambodian rock from the ’60s/’70s. (Bobby Power)
The Faction: Yesterday Is Gone 12-inch
Bones Brigade icon Steve Caballero (bass/guitar) shreds on the Faction’s 1983 debut. A skate rock classic! (CR)
After 40 years as nervy pop torchbearers, the Feelies offer an EP covering everything from Bob Dylan to Patti Smith. (SZ)
Before yarl rock, there was Green River. The 1984 Demos LP captures the origins of grunge. (Anastasia Zimitravich)
Jay Reatard’s scathing, lo-fi punk masterpiece turns 10, reissued on clear red vinyl + a demos 7-inch. (AZ)
Kid Millions: Beyond the Confession
Oneida drummer reinvents various ’60s recordings by American primitive guitarist Harry Taussig in surreal ways. (BP)
Shoegaze legend Lush is back — with tour dates, new music, and the RSD-exclusive Origami box set with 5 LPs. (Meagan Mastriani)
Mueller/Roedelius: The Vienna Remixes 12-inch
Two seminal masters of Krautrock get a rhythmic makeover. Brian Eno also makes a cameo on this blue 12-inch. (CR)
Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Afrika ‘70: I Go Shout Plenty
Groovin’ 10-inch couples two disparate classics by Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti: “I Go Shout Plenty” b/w “Frustration.” (BP)
This RSD exclusive features live versions of La Dispute’s cathartic, poetic emo + six cuts from the original “Tiny Dots” score. (Ben Braunstein)
Jason Molina: The Townes Van Zandt Covers 7-inch
The late singer/songwriter tackles two sweet love songs from Van Zandt — an artist whose body gave up on him. (BB)
OutKast: “Elevators (Me & You)” 10-inch
Dre and Big commit their slow groove standout “Elevators (Me & You)” to 10-inch glow-in-the-dark wax. ATLiens rejoice! (SZ)
Pinback’s math-pop masterpiece is accessible and disturbing, complete with depictions of mental illness. (BB)
The Residents: Please Do Not Steal It! LP
A Holy Grail of Residents promos on white vinyl boasting “Semolina,” “Constantinople,” and other twisted classics. (CR)
Ravi Shankar: In Hollywood, 1971
Four ragas by the sitar maestro from a 1971 house show. Liner notes by Shankar’s wife, Sukanya, are full of history. (CR)
Recorded 1966-1968, Spaceways captures the Arkestra at peak performance. 2,500 pressed on cosmic, swirly wax. (CR)
Xiu Xiu: Plays the Music of Twin Peaks
Laura Palmer rises again as noise pop group Xiu Xiu reinterprets David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti’s spooky songs. (MM)