SURG’S Top Picks for Record Store Day 2020

Another year, another Record Store Day. The annual time for vinyl hipsters and diehards alike to rejoice in limited releases, special compilations, and exclusive re-pressings is once again upon us!

This year, Australia’s RSD will be taking place on Saturday April 18th, with releases featuring the likes of Mac Demarco, My Chemical Romance (THEY’RE BACK), Philip Glass, David Bowie, and Sun Ra. There’s little that the list skips out on in terms of genre-diverse albums, scores, and covers.

Starting in the United States back in 2008 but expanding internationally since, RSD is a celebration of “the unique culture of a record store and the special role these independently owned stores play in their communities”. The organisation is an enduring supporter of grassroots music retail, curating contests, releases, and promotions throughout the year to energise music-loving communities around the world into supporting their locally owned stores.

The full list of releases is over 400-strong, so there’s sure to be something for everyone – check out the full list here.

Always stalwarts of music in the physical medium, us here at SURG have whipped together our top 5 RSD picks:

Vroom Vroom EP – Charli XCX

12” Vinyl

James: Music historians will reflect on Vroom Vroom as game-changing pop perfection. Vinyl copies are rare so keep the reprint news a Secret (Shh).

Wilcovered – Various Artists

2 x LP

Patrick: A compilation of Wilco covers featuring the likes of Courtney Barnett, Parquet Courts, Kurt Vile, Low and more PLUS a hilariously-punny title? This is definitely one I’ll be lining up for.

Bulls on Parade – Denzel Curry

7” Vinyl

A 7” featuring arguably one of the best Triple J like a versions ever? It doesn’t get better than this. A powerful homage to Rage Against The Machine, this record will not go unnoticed.

Cherry Bomb – Tyler, The Creator

2 x LP

The first EVER vinyl pressing of Tyler’s bombastic Cherry Bomb, this Record Store Day exclusive will be released in a translucent red finish across stores so LET’S GET ON IT.

 

Hold on Hope – Guided By Voices

10” Vinyl

Rhea: This reissue is a 9-track reasoning of the versatility of Guided by Voices and honestly, lo-fi indie’s just a mood. A nostalgic follow-up to their latest release, Surrender Your Poppy Field. The 2000s are back with this record!!! Plus, I love an ultra-clear/blue splatter.