For record collectors everywhere (including this one), this Saturday is their Christmas. Yep, Record Store Day is here once again. Beginning in 2008, the event celebrates independent record stores with the release (and re-release in some cases) of super rare, limited edition (or out of print) albums and singles (some of the vinyls are in special colors). There are so many great stores in OC to support, so if you want these rarities you better hit up shops like TKO in Huntington Beach, Dr. Freeclouds Record Shoppe in Fountain Valley, Black Hole and Burger Records in Fullerton, Bionic in Cypress, Second Spin and Factory Records in Costa Mesa, Pepperland in Orange, Left of the Dial in Santa Ana and Fingerprints in Long Beach. If we've forgotten anyone, we apologize in advance.
With so many great releases, it's hard to pinpoint which ones to snag, but that's what we're going to try to do here. Without further ado, here are some of the best releases that you should get your hands on this Saturday.
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Notorious B.I.G., Ready to Die 12-inch double vinyl (copies: 2850): Biggie reissued on white vinyl, if there is something more badass than this, we'd love to know. Getting one of the most important and seminal hip-hop albums of all time is amazing, but snaring it in this form, well, that should make collectors drool.
R.E.M., Live in Greensboro EP, CD (copies: 5000): Still one of the most important bands of their time, this live set from 1989 gives a glimpse to the band as they were still on the rise. This Green-era set is sort of like a reverse crystal ball and shows a band that's about to hit its stride.
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Soundgarden, King Animal Demos, 10-inch pink vinyl (copies: unknown): On the heels of their return, Soundgarden fans should have known that the band had a few extra nuggets left over from their recording sessions. These demos should provide some insight to where the selected songs started off before rounding into the form.
The Band, The Last Waltz, three 12-inch LP set (copies: 3500): Perhaps the most famous rock documentary of all time, this is going to be one of the real prizes of Record Store Day. The reissued set features some of the greatest performances by some of the biggest rock icons in music history. If you've never heard of The Last Waltz, go look it up, it needs no further explanation.
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Dazed and Confused soundtrack, two 12-inch weed green vinyls (copies: 4750): Widely considered one of the best and most extensive soundtracks for any film, this set is the perfect snapshot of what it was like to grow up in the mid-'70s. Featuring some of the most iconic songs from that time, snaring this vinyl on the appropriately colored weed green will be a nice addition to your collection.
Gary Clark Jr., HWUL Raw Cuts Vol. 2, 12-inch single (copies: 2800): If last year's Record Store Day release is any indication of what's to come on this volume, then fans of the up-and-coming bluesman should pounce at the opportunity to get this single. The featured track here is a blistering live performance of “When My Train Comes In,” as well as the studio version.
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Cream, Live at the Royal Albert Hall, three-disc vinyl LP box set with book (copies: 1350): This is a reissue from the 2005 reunion show at Royal Albert Hall in London and though its been released as a CD, DVD and even vinyl, this box set may be the be all end all for any Clapton or Cream fan. Featuring a book and a cream colored vinyl; this is a nice relic for one of the most understated and perhaps underrated reunions of all time.
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Daniel Kohn is a writer based in Southern California. With bylines in an assortment of outlets, Kohn primarily specializes in music with other interests ranging from sports to food. As a transplant, Kohn loves the beautiful weather and is glad he no longer has to deal with brutal winters. If you see him, say hi and of course, he’s always willing to down a beer or two…if you’re paying.