BeatCaffeine’s Record Store Day 2022 ‘Drop 1’ Recommendations
This Saturday, April 23rd is the first of two Record Store Day’s in 2022. This now bi-annual event has become the prime day in which many labels release limited-edition or never-before-released vinyl albums, singles, compilations and reissues. While the day usually attracts many hardcore collectors, shops also often see a large influx of casual music fans and possibly a smaller number that might be buying their first record. Regardless, these are all great things.
In past posts I’ve expressed my complicated feelings about RSD, and therefore there is no need to delve into those thoughts again here. With an inflow of special RSD releases, I’ll focus my energy on some of the highly recommended releases that will hit shelves (for probably only an hour or less).
For this year’s Record Store Day, I would like to request three things:
1) Include at least one non-RSD release in your purchases (used or new)
2) Before you make your way to the record shops this Saturday, please read BeatCaffeine’s Record Shopping Etiquette: The Do’s, The Don’ts, and Best Practices
3) Most importantly, have fun digging and be nice to everyone in the shops and be respectable to everyone around you. Record shopping is fun, so let’s keep it that way.
Here are BeatCaffeine’s recommended Record Store Day Drop #1 releases (in no particular order):
(Sorry, Taylor Swift’s “the lakes” didn’t make the cut)
Rebecca Vasmant — ‘Dance Yourself Free EP’
(Tru Thoughts)
There are a number of great releases hitting the shelves on this RSD Saturday, however there might not be another record more highly recommended than Rebecca Vasmant’s Dance Yourself Free EP. This is the follow-up to her breakthrough self-released debut album With Love, From Glasgow (which sold out instantly). According to the producer, vocalist, bandleader, and WorldwideFM radio host, this is a homage to her love for broken beat and jazz. Recorded in one session in just a few hours, Dance Yourself Free celebrates the freedom of being in the moment and forgetting everyday stresses and worries.
Azymuth — ‘Light As A Feather’ (Sky Blue Vinyl)
(Far Out Recordings)
Far Out Recordings, who have been at the forefront of making rare Brazilian music available to the masses for three decades, continues to shine a light on the greatest Brazilian fusion/jazz-funk band, Azymuth. For RSD, the London-based label will reissue the group’s 1979 groundbreaking LP Light As A Feather on sky blue vinyl. Featuring classic gems like “Jazz Carnival”, “Partido Alto”, “Avenida Das Mangueiras”, this album the groups brilliant melding of jazz, funk, samba and cosmic grooves. An absolute essential gem for any jazz-funk fan.
Brian Bennett — ‘Voyage (A Journey into Discoid Funk)’
(Real Gone Music)
Marking its first vinyl reissue outside of Australia, and its first-ever release on colored vinyl (blue with black swirl), Real Gone Music is putting out the highly sought-after 1978 spacey disco-funk masterpiece Voyage from English drummer, pianist, composer and producer Brian Bennett. Space is definitely the place, and this synth-heavy soundtrack-like instrumental recording will help you get there.
Bobbi Humphrey — ‘Baby Don’t You Know’ 12″
(Uno Melodic)
The extremely hard-to-come by and much-sampled 1982 gem “Baby Don’t You Know” from legendary jazz-funk/fusion flautist and singer Bobbi Humphrey, receives a proper reissue 40 years after it was initially released. Produced by Roy Ayers and released by his label Uno Melodic Records, this 12inch is a departure from her earlier recordings on Blue Note, with a more boogie/disco sound that stands on it’s own. Only 1,000 copies!
Various Artists — ‘Brazil 45 Vol.3 Curated By Kenny Dope’ 7″ Box Set
(Mr Bongo)
In what has become a much anticipated RSD series release (now in it’s third year), UK label and record shop release volume three of their Brazil 45 box set featuring 10 tracks over five 7inch records. This year’s series is curated by Master At Work and legendary producer / DJ, Kenny Dope, who pulls together a mixture Brazilian favorites and exclusive edits. Packaging and quality are always on point with these Mr Bongo releases.
Eunice Collins — ‘At The Hotel’ 7″
(Mod-Art)
A longtime lost gem and now bona-fide cult classic from Eunice Collins sees a much-welcomed reissue release. Originally released in very limited quantities on the tiny Chicago-based Mod-Art label in 1974, this soul masterpiece only started to emerge on collector’s and soul enthusiasts radars about decade ago. With OG copies now going for $500-800, I expect this record to fly off the shelves on Saturday.
Charlie Mitchell — ‘After Hours / Love Don’t Come Easy’ 7″
(Janus)
Another must-own soul 45rpm reissue to hit the shelves this Saturday, is Charlie Mitchell’s rare 1973 cosmic soul groover After Hours. The track was produced and arranged by seasoned veterans Tony Silvester and Bert DeCoteaux and written by legendary songwriters J.R. Bailey and Ken Williams. With copies now going for over $200, this is one reissue you’ll definitely want to add to your wantlist.
Sun Ra Arkestra — ‘Babylon (Live)’
(In + Out Records)
It really wouldn’t be a proper Record Store Day if there wasn’t a Sun Ra-related release, right? On Saturday, In + Out Records will release for the first-time, a May 21st 2014 live concert album by the Arkestra. Recorded at the Babylon Club in Istanbul, Turkey, this performance was celebrating Sun Ra’s centennial. Each copy of this limited-edition release is signed by the legendary 97 year old maestro and Arkestra bandleader Marshall Allen.
Lady Blackbird — ‘Did Somebody Make A Fool Outta You / It’s Not That Easy’ 7″
(Foundation Music Productions)
Lat year’s Black Acid Soul by Lady Blackbird was definitely one of the best albums of the year and one that should already be considered a classic. Foundation Music are releasing a new 45rpm featuring a previously unheard track from the Black Acid Soul sessions that didn’t make the album, titled “Did Somebody Make A Fool Outta You”. Released on “Coke Bottle” green vinyl with standout album cut “It’s Not That Easy”, this 7inch single will no doubt become a highly sought-out collectible release.
High Pulp — ‘Mutual Attraction Vol. 3’
(KingUnderground Records)
Seattle-based experimental cosmic jazz band returns with the third volume of their brilliant Mutual Attraction series. While the first two releases in the series pay homage to free and experimental jazz legends, volume three see’s the adventurous group switch things up and step into the world of R&B/Hip Hop, as they perform fresh new renditions of three Frank Ocean tracks, from his 2016 Endless album.
