Monday, 4 April 2011

RECORD STORE DAY 2011: Ten essential purchases

1. Husker Du / Green Day - 'I Don't Want To Know If You're Lonely' split 7" on Warner Bros. The original and the cover released together for the first time. Ltd to 3290.



2. Flying Lotus - 'Cosmogramma Alt Takes' LP on Warp. Alternative versions of cuts from Fly-Lo's superfine 2010 album 'Cosmogramma' are compiled and released. Ltd to 750.



3. Twin Sister / The Luyas - 'Meet The Frownies' / 'When I Am A Woman' 7" vinyl on Dead Oceans. Two of the most melodious and 'twee' groups around team up for a split release. Twin Sister contribute 'Meet The Frownies', one of my favourite songs of 2010. Ltd to 1500.


4. Midlake / Will Self - 'Am I Going Insane' / 'The Happy Self' 12" on Late Night Tales. Midlake's superb Sabbath cover for the Late Night Tales series is complemented by an excellent mini-story written by Will Self on the flipside.



5. Raphael Saadiq - 'Radio' / 'Can't Jig Anymore' 7" vinyl on Columbia. Nu-motown hero Saadiq is a sensation across the pond at the moment. 'Radio' is one reason why. Ltd to 2500.



6. Superchunk / Coliseum - 'Horror Business' / 'Bullet' split 7" vinyl on Temporary Residence. For all fans of The Misfits. Legendary occultists Superchunk have covered 'Horror Business' (original below), whilst Colisum have covered their song 'Bullet'.



7. The Doors - 'Riders On The Storm' 7" on Rhino. The Doors at their most jazz. A succulent, downbeat jam reissued on vinyl for the first time. A stone cold classic. Ltd to 2500.



8. Fela Kuti And The Africa '70 - 'Monday Morning In lagos Parts 1 & 2' 7" on Knitting Factory/MRI. Epic Afro-prog ditties from Kuti and his band are reissued. Limited to 2000.



9. Lower Dens - 'Deer Knives' / 'Tangiers' 7" on SPP. Jana Hunter's Lower Dens release an exclusive single for RSD. The usual swathes of feedback, reverb and androgynous vocals make for a delightful new release. Ltd to 1000.



10. Peter Tosh - 'Legalize It' / 'Equal Rights' 7" on Legacy. Peter Tosh, Marley's right hand man and a legendary reggae musician in his own right, is reissued and remastered on this unique single.