Record Store Day ’22 Wishlist
Record Store Day is back for its 15th year, this time back to normal — or as much as it can be, given the circumstances. While the past two years of RSD shifted to designated “drop” days rather than one dedicated day, RSD is moving back to one day only, so long as supply chains cooperate. In case of delays, June 18th will serve as a drop date.
“That will serve as a street date safety net, for titles that are part of the Record Store Day celebration, but for any number of reasons beyond controlling, can’t make it into stores on April 23,” the official website reads. “The List includes titles that are coming to record stores on Record Store Day in April and those that will be coming in June. As we become aware of issues for any specific title, that title will move to the RSD Drops date and you’ll see that on the List on the website.”
The list of releases was just announced, and as has become typical of RSD, is packed with over 400 exclusives from music icons and indie darlings alike. This year’s ambassador, Taylor Swift, has a release on the list, as do big names like Prince and David Bowie. Like all RSD devotees, I know what I’ve got my eye on.
David Bowie — Brilliant Adventure and Toy EPs
Bowie’s estate is tapping into his catalogue for Brilliant Adventure with four unreleased songs from the Outside era, including “Johnny Downloader,” an early version of “I’m Afraid Of Americans” recorded during sessions with Brian Eno but not released until Earthling in 1997, and a single mix of “I Have Not Been To Oxford Town.” Two of the tracks are live, featuring Bowie and pianist Mike Garson at a fundraiser for the New York Public Theater at the Shakespeare Festival in New York on September 18, 1995. Toy features some unheard alternate takes and unreleased live tracks, some of which are getting a physical release for the first time. Both EPs will be available on CD and LP.
The Cure — Pornography
The Cure has been re-releasing parts of their stellar back catalogue for RSD for the past few years now, and for the very first time, Pornography will be getting its own limited-edition picture disc for the event — just in time for its 40th anniversary, too. Pornography is considered by frontman Robert Smith to be the first in a trilogy and is also noteworthy for being the last Cure album to feature founding member Lol Tolhurst.
Echo & the Bunnymen — B-Sides and Live
RSD is the perfect opportunity to put out b-sides and material previously only available online, and Echo & the Bunnymen is tackling both. B-Sides and Live features a little bit of everything, from acoustic and instrumental versions to remixes and live tracks, pressed on clear vinyl. It was previously a digital-only release.
Erasure — Ne:EP
A companion to Erasure’s The Neon, Ne:EP features five new songs, as well as “Secrets,” which previously appeared on a release on Neon remixes. It will be pressed on purple vinyl, along with a download code and CD insert.
Elton John — The Complete Thom Bell Sessions
John’s 1977 Thom Bell Sessions are available on vinyl for the first time, with a purple pressing.
Stevie Nicks — Bella Donna
Nicks’ Bella Donna RSD release features a remastered version of the original album, which contains some of Nick’s most iconic solo work. It’s also packed with bonus content, including studio outtakes, B-sides, and demos, some of which are being released for the first time.
The Sweet — Platinum Rare Vol. 2
Once again, Sweet guitarist Andy Scott dug into his personal vault to unearth rare takes from the glam-rock band following the success of 2021’s Platinum Rare collection. Many of the songs here are being released for the first time.
Gerard Way — Hesitant Alien
My Chemical Romance’s big reunion tour was, like many tours, upended due to COVID, but frontman Gerard Way is getting in on RSD with a blue reissue of solo album Hesitant Alien.
RSD 2022 will be on April 23. Check out the full list — complete with a printable option to use as a RSD checklist — here.
