For the second consecutive year, it’s not possible for Record Store Day to be the celebratory get-together embraced by music lovers since 2008. Thanks, pandemic. But that doesn’t mean artists, labels and independent stores are skipping the chance to provide special-edition vinyl that made the cultural/consumer holiday famous.
Hundreds of titles make up the official list of records available on two days known as “Drops”: June 12 and July 17. Among the highlights are a double album of Amy Winehouse remixes and an Aretha Franklin concert recording from 1972. For more information, visit recordstoreday.com.
In Indianapolis, the “big three” independent stores have different plans for June 12. Luna Music and Square Cat Vinyl are selling the goods online, while Indy CD & Vinyl, 806 Broad Ripple Ave., is instructing customers to visit the store’s back door beginning at 8 a.m. to purchase “Drops” content.
Here are three June 12 releases topping our wish list:
The Flaming Lips, “The Soft Bulletin Companion”
Here’s a chance to revisit an era of artistic triumph for the Flaming Lips. When 1999’s “The Soft Bulletin” generated new accolades for the band previously known for quasi-novelty single “She Don’t Use Jelly,” Warner Bros. Records sent a bonus promo CD to journalists and radio stations to add to the buzz. This first-ever vinyl edition of “The Soft Bulletin Companion” lets the public hear alternate mixes, outtakes and five songs from the Lips’ experimental 1997 project “Zaireeka” – a 4-CD set designed to be played on four stereos at the same time – in one convenient package.
Various artists, “Red Hot + Blue: A Tribute to Cole Porter”
This tribute to Indiana native Cole Porter launched the landmark “Red Hot” series of nearly 20 compilation albums to benefit AIDS organizations. Originally released in 1990, “Red Hot + Blue” includes Porter compositions performed by David Byrne (“Don’t Fence Me In”), Neneh Cherry (“I’ve Got You Under My Skin”), U2 (“Night and Day”) and 17 other acts. Naturally, this vinyl reissue features one red LP and one blue LP.
Warren Zevon, “Preludes”
There’s so much more to Warren Zevon than “Werewolves of London,” his only Top 40 hit. You’ll find an early version of “Werewolves” on “Preludes,” plus Zevon’s world-class storytelling on “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” “Accidentally Like A Martyr” and “Desperados Under the Eaves.” This double album of outtakes and demos by the late singer-songwriter also offers a must-hear cover of Steve Winwood’s “Back in the High Life Again.”
