On Saturday, collectors the world over will rush once again to their nearest record shop to mark one of the year’s holiest celebrations: Record Store Day.
RSD was once an independent effort from brick-and-mortar stores to challenge the menace of streaming giants and online stores like Amazon, but it has grown exponentially in just a few short years. Nowadays we find majors putting out RSD exclusives and reissues to boost physical sales, right alongside indie labels that have been there since day one. It’s no longer a matter of mainstream vs. underground, as RSD is now an occasion where reissues come flooding along with new material from emerging bands looking to make an impact through exclusive releases and one-of-a-kind items.
To help you sort through the hundreds of new releases this year, here at Remezcla, we gathered five RSD exclusives you should cop. For a full list of releases, click here.
1
Fat Joe & Remy Ma - Plata O Plomo
The Terror Squad reunion brings the New York hip-hop sound back, right alongside new talents like French Montana, Ty Dolla $ign, and BJ The Chicago Kid. The physical release will arrive on colored vinyl.
2
A.CHAL - Welcome To Gazi
The Peruvian-born revelation will release his debut full-length on a 12″ picture disc. Backed by powerful fans at Beats 1 and OVO Sound, A.CHAL is sure to blow up before the year is out, so get the LP so you can say you knew him first.
3
Tribu Baharu - Vinyl Champeta
Champeta criolla gets a shoutout on RSD thanks to a young and hard working outfit that has been instrumental in bringing the style to the 21st century. This single features two songs and will have you perreando like only champeta makes can. The release is a limited pressing of 500.
4
Santana - Live at The Woodstock Music and Arts Fair, August 16, 1969
Decades before “Smooth,” Carlos Santana was a hotshot guitarist with everything to prove. He seized the opportunity at Woodstock in 1969, playing one of the festival’s best sets. The legendary show is available for the first time on vinyl in its entirety.
5
Nicola Cruz - Puente Roto
New material from the skilled electronic producer is always welcome, especially when it comes in such gorgeous packaging. The release includes a remix by Quantic and art etched into the B-side of the 12,” which makes it an instant collector’s item.