Music
Rock Music Menu: Record Store Day Black Friday - 10 Vinyl Picks
2024-11-29
Nobody wants to go out for Black Friday anymore? Well, think again! In today's digital age, where almost everything is available online, supporting local brick-and-mortar record shops on Black Friday holds a special charm. Record Store Day Black Friday, organized by the same team behind the annual Record Store Day in April, offers a unique shopping experience. With around 150 limited or colored vinyl titles, it's a haven for music lovers. Let's dive in and explore some of the amazing releases.

Uncover the Treasures of Record Store Day Black Friday

The Doors: ‘Live in Detroit, May 8, 1970’

The Doors' performance from Cobo Arena in 1970 is now available on four-LP vinyl for the first time. This was one of their longer shows during the “Roadhouse Blues Tour,” where they played for an hour past curfew, resulting in a ban from the arena. The set includes several blues covers like “I’m a King Bee,” “Back Door Man,” “Junior Parker,” “Mystery Train,” and “Crossroads” by Robert Johnson. Pressed on 140-gram vinyl, with a limited run of 5,000 copies, it's a must-have for Doors fans.During this live show, the band's energy was palpable. The raw emotion in their performances of these classic blues tunes transported the audience back in time. It's a testament to The Doors' musical prowess and their ability to connect with the audience on a deep level. The vinyl release allows fans to experience this iconic performance in a whole new way.

Van Halen: Live in Dallas, 1991

This live concert from Van Halen's December 4, 1991, performance in Dallas was captured during the “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Tour” and first appeared on the deluxe version. Spreading across two LPs on red vinyl with a vinyl etching of the VH “rings” logo on side four, it's a standout release.The setlist mixes new songs like “Judgement Day” and “Poundcake” with tracks from the Van Hagar-era and a couple of the singer's solo cuts. The energy on stage was electric, and the band's performance was a testament to their enduring popularity. With a limited run of 6,000 copies, this vinyl is a collector's item.

Better than Ezra: ‘Deluxe’

It's hard to believe that this multi-platinum record with the No. 1 Modern Rock single “Good” has only seen a vinyl release once in an extremely limited run. Just like the previous edition, this is a two-LP gatefold set of the 1993 self-released effort by Better Than Ezra, which was then re-released by Elektra in 1995. Pressed on grape vinyl and limited to 2,000 copies worldwide, it's a rare find.The music on this vinyl is a testament to Better Than Ezra's talent. Each song is filled with energy and emotion, and the gatefold design adds to the overall aesthetic. It's a piece of music history that fans will cherish.

B.B. King: ‘In France: Live at the 1977 Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival’

The previously unissued recording from legendary bluesman B.B. King, captured on October 7, 1977, at the Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival, is now available on 180-gram two-LP vinyl. Limited to 2,800 copies, this set comes with rare photos by Thierry Trombert, Val Wilmer, Jan Persson, and more, along with liner notes by acclaimed French author Jean Buzeline and testimonials from fellow blues icons.B.B. King's performance at this festival was nothing short of magical. His soulful playing and powerful vocals captivated the audience. The vinyl release allows fans to experience this rare moment in blues history.

Joni Mitchell: ‘Hejira Demos’

This much-anticipated vinyl breakout comes from the “Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4” boxset, pressed on 180-gram black vinyl. It features Mitchell's solo demos from March 1976 for one of her most acclaimed albums. Listening closely, you can even hear Chaka Khan on backing vocals for the track “Black Crow.” Limited to 5,000 copies, it's a treasure for Joni Mitchell fans.The demos offer a unique insight into Mitchell's creative process. Hearing her raw and unpolished versions of these songs is a fascinating experience. It shows the evolution of her music and her talent as a songwriter.

Bill Evans: ‘In Norway: The Kongsberg Concert’

The Kongsberg, Norway, appearance on June 26, 1970, found the Bill Evans Trio in a stirring form. The pianist, who was in a supervised methadone program to wean himself off a heroin addiction, was especially sensitive to his audience's tastes, bringing a fresh energy to his repertoire. The two-LP set on 180-gram vinyl is limited to 4,500 copies.Bill Evans' music has always been known for its depth and emotion. This concert in Norway was no exception. His playing was masterful, and the trio's chemistry was palpable. The vinyl release allows fans to experience this special moment in Bill Evans' career.

Charley Patton: ‘The Father of Delta Blues: Selections from Paramount Recordings’

Indisputably one of the most influential figures in blues history, Charley Patton's recordings in the 1920s laid the foundation for the Delta blues style. This compilation on yellow vinyl, limited to 1,400 copies, showcases his skills as a powerful and expressive vocalist and guitarist.Charley Patton's music has a raw and authentic quality that is hard to find today. His recordings capture the essence of the Delta blues and are a testament to his talent. The vinyl release allows fans to connect with this musical legend on a deeper level.

Stone Temple Pilots: ‘Purple Rarities’

STP have been celebrating the 30th anniversary of their sophomore album by playing it in full all summer, and now comes a breakout of the album rarities originally featured on the Super Deluxe Edition, available for the first time on vinyl. Pressed on opaque purple vinyl and limited to 3,000 copies, it's a must-have for Stone Temple Pilots fans.The album rarities offer a glimpse into the band's creative process and their evolution over the years. The opaque purple vinyl adds to the overall aesthetic and makes this release a collector's item.

John Lee Hooker: ‘Don’t Turn Me From Your Door’

Originally released in 1963, “Don’t Turn Me from Your Door” showcases rare tracks from John Lee Hooker's early career. Limited to 2,000 copies and printed with the rare French cover on 140-gram yellow vinyl, it's a valuable addition to any blues collection.John Lee Hooker's music has a unique charm that has stood the test of time. These rare tracks offer a glimpse into his early work and his influence on the blues genre.

Tegan and Sara: ‘So Jealous: 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition’

This limited edition, with only 3,000 copies pressed, marks the 20th anniversary of Tegan and Sara's 2004 album. The two-record set features a second LP of demos from that era, making their debut on vinyl with remastered audio and a poster insert. Pressed on “milky clear” translucent vinyl, it's a special release for fans.Tegan and Sara's music has a unique sound that has won them a dedicated fanbase. The demos on this vinyl offer a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process and add to the overall value of the release.Vinyl of the Week will return in December. To contact music columnist Michael Christopher, send an email to rockmusicmenu@gmail.com. Also, check out his website at thechroniclesofmc.com.
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