Record Store Day is an annual celebration of independent record stores and the music they sell. On April 20, 2024, thousands of music fans will flock to their local shops to buy special one-off collectable releases, many on vinyl, from hundreds of artists. But with so many titles to choose from, some gems might get overlooked by the casual shopper. I wanted to spotlight six releases that you should not ignore this Record Store Day. These are the sleepers, the hidden treasures, and the underrated classics spanning from jazz to psych, goth to dream-pop.
1) Spirit To All (Special Edition) by Wojtek Mazolewski Quintet (WMQ)
Wojtek Mazolewski is a Polish bassist and composer who leads his acclaimed quintet of Joanna Duda, Marek Pospieszalski, Oskar Török, and Qba Janicki. Together, they create a unique blend of jazz, folk, rock, and electronic music that is both adventurous and accessible. Spirit To All is their latest album, released in 2022 on Mazolewski’s own label, Wojtek Mazolewski Quality. It is a stunning showcase of their musical vision, inspired by their spiritual connection with nature and each other. The album features seven original compositions that range from the epic and energetic title track to the serene and sublime “Harmony”. The quintet displays their virtuosity and versatility, incorporating elements of free improvisation, groove, melody, and texture. The album also includes a bonus track, a cover of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme”, which pays tribute to one of their main influences.
For Record Store Day, Spirit To All is getting a special edition release on vinyl, limited to only 100 copies (!) worldwide. This is a rare opportunity to own this masterpiece on wax, as the original vinyl pressing was sold out quickly. The special edition features a gatefold sleeve with original artwork by Kamila Kraus, a booklet with liner notes and photos, and a download code for the digital album. For fans of the spiritual side of jazz (think Pharaoh and the Coltranes) this one is a must!
2) Emergency Third Rail Power Trip by Rain Parade (Label 51)
Rain Parade were one of the pioneers of the Paisley Underground, a movement of bands in the 1980s that revived the psychedelic pop and folk rock sounds of the 1960s. Along with their peers like The Dream Syndicate, The Bangles, and The Three O’Clock, they created a distinctive style that was influenced by The Byrds, Love, The Velvet Underground, and Pink Floyd. Founding member David Roback (RIP) went on to found Opal and then, famously, Mazzy Star. Emergency Third Rail Power Trip was their debut album, released in 1983 on the indie label Enigma. It is one of the most influential and acclaimed records of the genre, featuring ten songs that combine jangly guitars, dreamy vocals, and trippy atmospheres. Songs like “Talking in My Sleep”, “This Can’t Be Today”, and “Kaleidoscope” are timeless classics that capture the essence of the band’s sound. The album also features guest appearances by Kendra Smith of The Dream Syndicate and Steven Roback of The Rainy Day, who would later join Rain Parade as a full-time member.
For Record Store Day, Emergency Third Rail Power Trip is getting a reissue on vinyl, limited to 1000 copies. This is the first time the album is available on wax since its original release, as it has been out of print for decades. The reissue features the original artwork and tracklist, as well as a download code for the digital album. If you are a fan of psychedelic pop, or just curious about the Paisley Underground, you should not pass on this release. It is a beautiful, powerful album that has stood the test of time.
3) Harvest Time / Love Will Find a Way by Pharoah Sanders (Luaka Bop)
Pharoah Sanders is a legendary saxophonist and composer who has been a major figure in the jazz scene since the 1960s. He is known for his expressive and spiritual style, which combines avant-garde, modal, and free jazz with African and Eastern influences. He has collaborated with icons like John Coltrane, Alice Coltrane, Sun Ra, and Don Cherry, as well as leading his own groups and releasing dozens of albums. One of his most celebrated albums is Pharoah, released in 1977 on the tiny India Navigation label. It is a masterpiece of cosmic jazz, featuring four long tracks that showcase Sanders’ visionary and versatile approach. The album includes the stunning “Harvest Time”, a 20-minute epic that features Sanders on sax, flute, percussion, and vocals, as well as a stellar band that includes pianist Joe Bonner, bassist Calvin Hill, drummer Norman Connors, and guitarist Tisziji Muñoz. The album also includes the beautiful “Love Will Find a Way”, a 14-minute mantra of universal love that Sanders dedicated to his then-wife, Bedria.
For Record Store Day, Harvest Time / Love Will Find a Way is getting a vinyl release, limited to 2500 copies. This is a split single that features the two tracks from Pharoah, edited for radio play. The single is released by Luaka Bop, the label founded by David Byrne, which has been reissuing some of Sanders’ rare and obscure albums in recent years. The single features the original artwork and labels, as well as a download code for the digital tracks. If you are a fan of jazz, or just looking for some spiritual inspiration, you should not overlook this release. It is a rare chance to own these two gems on vinyl, and to experience the magic of Pharoah Sanders.
4) Spoonfed Hybrid by Spoonfed Hybrid (4AD)
Spoonfed Hybrid were a dream pop duo from England, consisting of Ian Masters and Chris Trout. Masters was the former singer and bassist of Pale Saints, one of the leading bands of the shoegaze scene in the early 1990s. Trout was the former bassist of A.C. Temple, a post-punk band that also had some shoegaze elements. Together, they formed Spoonfed Hybrid in 1993, and released their self-titled debut album that same year on 4AD’s imprint label, Guernica. The album was a departure from their previous bands, as it featured more electronic and experimental sounds, as well as influences from folk, pop, and classical music. The album featured ten songs that were diverse and eclectic, ranging from the catchy and upbeat “Heaven’s Knot” and “What’s She Done to Your Mind” to the delicate and melancholic “Carolyn’s Song” and “A Pocketful of Dust”. The album also featured some unusual instruments, such as sitar, harmonica, cello, and flute, as well as samples and loops. The album was praised by critics and fans, but it was also overlooked by many, as it was overshadowed by the more popular and mainstream bands of the time.
For Record Store Day, Spoonfed Hybrid is getting a reissue on vinyl, limited to 250 copies. This is the first time the album is available on wax since its original release, as it has been out of print for a long time. The reissue features the original artwork and tracklist, as well as a download code for the digital album. If you are a fan of dream pop, or just looking for some sonic diversity, you should not miss this release. It is a cult classic that deserves more recognition and appreciation.
5) Burning The Fields by Fields Of The Nephilim (Jungle Records)
Fields Of The Nephilim were one of the pioneers of the gothic rock genre, along with their peers like The Sisters Of Mercy, The Mission, and The Cure. They were formed in England in 1984, and they developed a distinctive style that combined dark and atmospheric music with occult and mystical themes. They also had a unique image, as they wore dusty cowboy outfits and used flour and smoke to create a dusty and foggy atmosphere on stage. Burning The Fields was their first release, a four-track EP that came out in 1985 on their own label, Tower Release. The EP featured some of their earliest and rawest songs, such as “Trees Come Down”, “Back In Gehenna”, and “Darkcell”, which showcased their powerful and gloomy sound. The EP also featured “Laura”, a haunting ballad that was dedicated to a friend who died of leukemia. The EP was well received by the gothic rock fans and critics, and it established the band as one of the most promising and original acts of the scene.
For Record Store Day, Burning The Fields is getting a reissue on vinyl, limited to 900 copies. This is the first time the EP is available on wax since its original release, as it has been out of print for a long time. The reissue features the original artwork and tracklist, as well as a download code for the digital EP. If you are a fan of gothic rock, or just looking for some dark and intense music, you should not skip this release. It is a seminal EP that marked the beginning of a legendary career.
6) Osmium Deluxe Edition by Parliament (Demon Records)
Parliament was one of the most influential and successful funk bands of all time, led by the legendary George Clinton. Along with their sister act, Funkadelic, they created a unique and innovative style of music that combined funk, rock, soul, psychedelia, and science fiction. They also had a colorful and outrageous image, as they wore costumes and props that reflected their themes and characters, such as Dr. Funkenstein, Sir Nose D’Voidoffunk, and Star Child.
Osmium was the first record ever released by Parliament, sister act to Funkadelic. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 this recording is the first time the world heard P-funk in its earliest incarnation.
Deluxe edition includes incredibly rare and sought-after bonus material and B-sides which have never before been available on vinyl. Pressed exclusively for RSD 2024 in an edition of just 3000 copies.
How to Seek These Out!
While shops that stock Record Store Day releases cannot take custom orders for titles, they often do reveal which titles they have ordered. If any of these above titles are on your list, I would recommend calling or messaging the shops in your area well in advance of April 20th and asking if they have put in orders for them.
My shop, We Buy Records, will be stocking these titles in limited quantities at both our Milwaukee and Cedarburg (inside Fermentorium) locations. Hope to see some of you out in person this RSD, remember - No Chokeholds, No Checks
Andy Noble