Nowadays, Record Store Day isn’t just a gathering of diehard music nerds, but an established tradition on any fan’s calendar, a holiday meant to celebrate the physical format.
Initially born as a way to keep people interested in LP culture and local record stores, RSD has since been instrumental in vinyl’s resurgence. But these blessings have emerged with some challenges. After gaining speed from major labels jumping on RSD, the few plants dedicated to pressing vinyl have been clogged with massive production lines, usually prioritizing big business. As a result, smaller labels have had to wait months on end to get their artists’ work pressed. Many have criticized this situation as another way for the mainstream industry to co-opt a fan celebration, and others have renounced it altogether.
It’s not all bad, though. To meet demand, companies are building newer pressing plants, some getting their machinery from Mexico, while many other plants are opening in South America. With sales getting higher and higher each year, the future of vinyl, once seen as the deadest of dead formats, looks bright.
In celebration of the 2016 edition of RSD, he have gathered some of the most noteworthy releases hitting stores this weekend. Of course, this is not a comprehensive list, as many reissues and first vinyl pressings by Soda Stereo, Gustavo Cerati, Charly García, Spinetta, Los Tres, Cypress Hill, Babasónicos, Bomba Estéreo, Calle 13, Tito Puente (!) and Romeo Santos (!!) will also be hitting racks across the world.
1
Joe Bataan - Chick-A-Boom / Cycles For You 7”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCRaD3dqaD8
The Filipino-African American icon of 70s Fania is one of the most influential musicians of all time. The Latin soul pioneer, who dubbed his style “soulsa,” definitely enjoyed the fruits of his success, but at a certain point in his career, he disappeared for years before making his return with the irresistible “Chick-A-Boom,” originally released in Spain in 2003. This comeback track is a tour de force, an organ rock vamp throwback that didn’t sound out of place side by side with tracks by big beat nostalgists like Fatboy Slim and Junkie XL. In fact, its lasting success made it a must-have for DJs around the world. This is a reissue of the single, which has been out of print for ages.
2
Brujería - Viva Presidente Trump 7”
The notoriously outspoken Mexican-American death metal squad are not shy when it comes to gringos messing with their southern neighbors. So it’s fitting that having one of the biggest anti-Mexican gringos running for president (he’s more of an orange blob, but you get the picture) has inspired Juan Brujo and co. to take matters into their own hands. This 7” comes in four colors: green, white, red, and black. Collecting them all will form the Mexican flag. This release is limited to 250 copies of each color, so be quick, since this will fly off the racks, considering the political climate.
3
Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions - Isn’t It True 7”
Fresh off the Mazzy Star reunion, frontwoman Hope Sandoval is back with her band (featuring My Bloody Valentine’s drummer). Sandoval is about to drop her third album with the Warm Inventions. To tease the new record, she’s releasing a track on RSD. “Isn’t It True” will be available on red 7” vinyl and will feature an exclusive song on the b-side called “She’s In The Wall.” Expect folky dream pop with Hope’s whispery, intimate, and emotive vocals.
4
a-Ha - Hits South America 12”
For many millennials, the Scandinavian trio are nothing but one-hit wonders with a great video, thanks to the VH1 Classic staple “Take On Me.” But dedicated fans know they’re so much more than that. Luckily, many of those loyal to a-Ha reside in South America, where the band’s legacy lives on. A document of a recent show in Porto Alegre, Brazil, this five-song set will have many learning to appreciate a-Ha beyond their most well-known songs.
5
Grupo de Expertos Solynieve - Alegato Meridional LP
To celebrate 10 years of the release of the debut of this veritable supergroup, Alegato Meridional is getting a vinyl release. Founded by Jota of Spanish icons Los Planetas, Solynieve featured members of Lagartija Nick and Lori Meyers performing their stellar take on folk rock. Now, you can relive the magic of the cult band’s calling card.