Here is the latest in our Record Store Day series where some of our writers have been selecting their picks from this year’s list of goodies. After two days of US-themed pieces we now travel across the pond to the UK where Adam Dodgshon has had a good look at what is on offer.
Click here for the full UK list
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“I love how people are properly into records again. Record Store Day is a great idea and I love how it’s really taken off. There was nothing better than vinyl hunting as I was growing into my jeans. All my pocket money went on 12” and anything I could grab at record fairs. Near-mythical discs hiding in a collection. Trying to act cool as you see something you’ve been searching for months for, and it’s there. He’s only selling it for £1. Doesn’t he know?! Be cool now, you’ve almost got it…into the brown paper bag it goes. “Thanks!” (sucker).
Anyway, this year there’s a wonderfully diverse list of stuff on offer in the UK, and here’s my top 4…
A$ap Rocky – lpfj2/Multiply
I start with a confession. As yet, I don’t even own any A$ap Rocky. They keep playing him in Brick Lane Coffee and I have become very ‘into’ his stuff. I will invest very soon. I tend to listen to rap ‘backwards’. I listen out for the music first and get to the lyrics later. Multiply is darkly brooding and moody. LPFJ2 (aka Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2) puts out the Drake style delivery along with more dark synths and beats. Well worth bagging.
Jay Z/Ghostface Killah – U Don’t Know/Whip You With A Strap
Now, I’ll be honest I got all excited about this being a collaboration which I think would have broken the internet. Two of the most prolific rappers of all time joining forces? Yes please! As it is, it’s a ‘double a-side’ rarity, wherein we’re treated to a track from The Blueprint and Fishscale. Nothing new then, but another example of how RSD can get you into different artists by mixing things up.
Blancmange – I Want More (Extended Version)
From their new release ‘Semi Detached’ comes another slice of irresistible dance. Fuelled as always with tablas and bongos and all the good stuff you expect from them. Technically, this is basically Neil Arthur on his own but let’s not pick nits. I was so glad when they reappeared a few years ago, and this is a worthy follow up to a career that stalled all too quickly in the 80s. This is proper synthy goodness and it will be great to bag it on vinyl. Excellent chanty vocals, putting me in mind of Talking Heads. It should go straight to the top of the charts, but of course it won’t. It’s too good for that.
TV On The Radio – 12″ (including one or more remixes?)
This is a teasingly titled release. It could be a 12″ of one of the tracks off their latest album (my album of 2014), Seeds. It’s a flawless album, so anything taken from it and extended simply can’t go wrong. I have my cousin to thank for introducing me to TV On The Radio. You could do worse than introducing yourself to them by grabbing this ‘mystery’ release. But get in line, cos I’ll be at the head of the queue for this one.
Adam is picking from the UK list – full list available here
For other international lists please go to http://www.recordstoreday.com/Home
