While you’re out this Black Friday braving long lines or glued to your laptop searching for all the best deals, why not take a break and throw your local independent record store a bone? This year’s Black Friday edition of Record Store Day features plenty of exclusives and limited runs you’ll want to get your hands on, whether it’s a jazz gem available on vinyl stateside for the first time or some coconut-scented jams from a new Grammy favorite. You can check out a complete list of all this year’s releases here, but check out the 10 you won’t want to miss out on below.
Nick Lowe and Wilco, “Cruel to Be Kind” (40th Anniversary Edition)
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Nick Lowe’s power pop classic, Yep Roc is offering this 45 featuring Lowe’s original version on the A side and a version recorded with Wilco in 2012 that has never been released physically before on the B side. It comes on green vinyl and includes digital downloads of both tracks.
Paul McCartney, “Home Tonight”/”In A Hurry”
Paul McCartney dropped digital versions of these two tracks, recorded during his Egypt Station sessions, last week. But on Black Friday fans will be able to get their hands on them in the form of a 7″ picture disc featuring new artwork based on the parlor game “Exquisite Corpse” and a lyric insert.
The Regrettes feat. Dylan Minnette, “Holiday-ish”
If you’re looking for another holiday single to add to your collection, consider this collaboration between The Regrettes and Dylan Minnette (of Wallows and Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why). “The snow won’t fall, and the fire’s too hot, and when the family calls, will I pick up or not?” they sing. “And when I look at you and you look back at me, there’s nothing I would rather do. You’re the most holiday-ish sight that I could see.”
Lizzo, Coconut Oil EP
Released in 2016, years before she would become a breakout star, Lizzo’s Coconut Oil EP features one of her most beloved hits, “Good As Hell.” The whole EP is worth your time, though, and now it’s finally available on vinyl in the form of white wax with a coconut-scented insert.
Various Artists, Motown: Rare & Unreleased
We’re all familiar with the classic hits produced by Berry Gordy’s label in the ’60s and ’70s, but this compilation LP attempts to shine a light on some of Motown’s lesser-known gems. There are deep cuts from some of its biggest stars — The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson — as well as offerings from some artists who never quite got their proper due, and all of these tracks are available on vinyl for the first time.
Miles Davis, Miles in Tokyo
Recorded in 1964 during the jazz legend’s first trip to Japan, this live album is finally available on vinyl for the first time in America. It features Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on drums, Tony Williams on drums and Sam Rivers on saxophone.
Pearl Jam, MTV Unplugged (3/16/1992)
Recorded days after they finished their first American tour, Pearl Jam’s MTV Unplugged session is a classic — and it’s available on vinyl for the first time. The LP features all seven songs performed by the band during the broadcast, including “Jeremy,” “Even Flow,” “Alive” and others.
Alex Chilton, My Rival
This one’s a must for Big Star fans: a collection of previously unissued Alex Chilton tracks engineered by Chris Bell, recorded in 1975 — a taste of a chapter in the band’s history that never fully came to fruition. This 10″ EP features the title track, “All of the Time,” “Windows Hotel” and two different takes of “She Might Look My Way.”
Willie Nelson, “Sometimes Even I Can Get Too High” b/w “It’s All Going To Pot” (w/ Merle Haggard)
It’s hard to believe that a seasoned stoner like Willie Nelson would ever run into this problem, but as he declares on this new song from his Ride Me Back Home sessions, “Sometimes Even I Can Get Too High.” The 7″ single also features his 2015 duet with Merle Haggard, “It’s All Going to Pot,” as its B-side. We’re beginning to sense a theme.
Vince Guaraldi, A Charlie Brown Christmas RSD3 Blind Box Series
This holiday classic was certified quadruple-platinum in 2016, so there’s a good chance you already own it. But if you’re looking for an easy stocking stuffer this year, pick up one of these “Blind Box” 3″ singles meant to be played on the RSD3 mini turntable. You won’t know which song from the album you’re getting until you open it — hence the “blind” component — but it’ll either be “Christmas Time is Here (Vocal),” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Linus and Lucy” or “Skating.” Each track comes with a pull-out poster and an outer box that reproduces the original album art.
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