Record Store Day: this year's best buys

It’s the vinyl countdown: our pick of the limited-edition releases hitting London's record shops for Record Store Day 2016

James Manning
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Every April a new crop of special releases arrives in London record shops for Record Store Day. While some if it isn’t exactly essential (James Bay on vinyl, anyone?) there are always a few real gems for music fans to snap up. Here are our top ten selections from this year’s Record Store Day special releases. Just remember to ring your local shop and check they’re stocking your favourites before you head down this Saturday.

The best Record Store Day vinyl

10. ‘Where Are Ü Now’ - Skrillex and Diplo with Justin Bieber

Skrillex and Diplo rerelease their massive banger – featuring a certain Mr Bieber – on charming ‘piss yellow’ vinyl.

9. ‘The Music of Twin Peaks’ - Xiu Xiu

The soundtrack for David Lynch’s cult series gets a creepy makeover at the hands of Californian art-rockers Xiu Xiu.

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8. ‘Private Life’ - Grace Jones

Grace Jones’s single from 1980 gets a reissue, including her stunning and intense version of Joy Division’s ‘She’s Lost Control’.

7. ‘Original Ska Sounds’ - The Skatalites

Soul Jazz Records’ new seven-inch box set features ten all-time greats by Jamaican ska pioneers The Skatalites.

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6. ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ - Alan Partridge

This 12-inch picture disc of Alan Partridge’s 1992 chat show will impress your guests and potential love interests.

5. ‘(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang’ - Heaven 17

Heaven 17’s Reagan-bashing ’80s anthem is relevant all over again. Thanks, Mr Trump!

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4. ‘Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross’ and ‘Charlemagne: The Omens of Death’ - Sir Christopher Lee

Did you know Sir Christopher Lee made two metal albums about the Holy Roman Empire? Here they are for the first time on vinyl.

3. ‘Sexual Healing’ - The Hot 8 Brass Band

The Hot 8 Brass Band’s epic New Orleans version of Marvin’s bedtime plea is back on seven-inch for the first time since ’07.

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2. ‘Songs by Others’ - Ezra Furman

A new collection of glammed-up cover versions – Beck, Arcade Fire and more – by oddball indie genius Ezra Furman.

1. ‘VRTJ Viewer’ - Run The Jewels

Proving Record Store Day isn’t just about dusty old vinyl, New York rap duo RTJ are releasing these nifty cardboard virtual reality goggles. Nab them this Saturday, download the VRTJ app and experience the future of music. Maybe.

Record Store Day 2016 events

  • Music
Free special events, gigs, DJ sets, pop-ups, exhibitions and workshops will be taking place at record stores around London, and lots of one-off vinyl and CD releases – some recorded exclusively for Record Store Day – and promotions are available on the day. 
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