BeatCaffeine’s Record Store Day 2024 Recommendations
This Saturday, April 20th is Record Store Day 2024. I believe this international record store celebratory day has reverted back to just one day annually, which to me makes the most sense. Over the last several years, this has become the prime day in which many labels release limited-edition or never-before-released vinyl albums, singles, compilations and reissues. Sometimes it feels more like “record label day” or “new vinyl collectables day”, given how it’s evolved. While the day usually attracts many hardcore collectors, shops also often see a large influx of casual music fans and even a few that might be buying their first record. Regardless, these are all great things.
In past posts I’ve expressed my “very complicated feelings” about RSD, and therefore there is no need to delve into those thoughts again here (even though I fully stand by them and support those Record Shops that have chosen to not participate). With an inflow of special RSD releases, I’ll focus my energy on some of BeatCaffeine’s recommended releases that will hit shelves (for probably only an hour or less).
Similar to the the past years on 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) Crucial: 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 2024 Record Store Day releases (in no particular order):
Various — ‘Timeless Jazz Classics Vol.01’
Compiled by Gilles Peterson
(Music On Vinyl / Timeless Records)
Netherlands-based Timeless Records, which released some prominent recordings in the mid 70s and through the 80s, and legendary London DJ, broadcaster and producer Gilles Peterson reprise their 2015 compilation, which feature standout tracks from recordings released on the label. Originally only issued in Japan on CD, this is the first time this compilation has been released on vinyl. Pharoah Sanders, Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Cedar Walton, Eddie Harris, Tom Grant, Joanne Bracken and others. The record also includes a bonus track of a previously unreleased version of ”Gibraltar (Alternate Take)” by Kirk Lightsey Trio with Freddie Hubbard.
Sun Ra — ‘Inside The Light World: Sun Ra Meets The OVC’
(Strut Records)
Double vinyl LP pressed on black vinyl, this release of “lost” sessions from 1986, features Sun Ra and his encountering of the Outer Space Visual Communicator (OVC). These remarkable recordings were, until now, confined to two tracks exclusively available on VHS videos. Fully remastered and executed by Joe Lizzi and Peter Beckmann, directly from the original reel-to-reel tapes, this album includes previously unheard versions of Ra classics “Calling Planet Earth”, “Sunset On The Nile” and “Theme From The Stargazers”.
Also worth checking out the other two Sun Ra RSD 2024 releases, including At The Showcase / Live In Chicago, out via the Jazz Detective and Elemental Music labels, and Modern Harmonic Records Pink Elephants On Parade.
Various — ‘300% Dynamite: Ska, Soul, Rocksteady, Funk and Dub in Jamaica’
(Soul Jazz Records)
High on many “best of” lists when it was released back in 1999, this special new 25th anniversary edition this popular and highly-acclaimed 3rd volume of all Soul Jazz Records’ superb Reggae-focused series Dynamite!. Out of print for the last 15 years, this incredible recording joins the dots between reggae, jazz, funk, dub and soul, and features everything from Wayne Smith’s booming anthem “Sleng Teng”, Althea & Donna’s worldwide hit ‘Uptown Top Ranking’, Sister Nancy’s classic “Bam Bam”, to classic cuts by legends Augustus Pablo, Lee Perry, and much more!
Pharoah Sanders — ‘Harvest Time / Love Will Find A Way 7″‘
(Luaka Bop)
This limited-edition Japanese radio edit 7inch single of “Harvest Time / Love Will Find a Way” is a complement to Pharoah Sanders’ seminal spiritual jazz album from 1977 Pharoah, which was recently re-released by Luaka Bop for the first time since its original pressing.
The Ipanemas — ‘Samba Is Our Gift’
(Far Out Recordings)
London’s Far Out Recordings kicks off their 30th anniversary celebration with the long awaited, first ever vinyl pressing of The Ipanemas’ Samba is Our Gift. Originally released back in 2006, this project, which was led by Brazilian music pioneers Wilson Das Neves and Neco, combined Afro-Brazilian and Bossa Nova with samba grooves, resulting in a sound that takes the listener back to 1960s Rio de Janeiro.
Azymuth – ‘Jazz Carnival’ (Original Full Length Unedited Mix) 12″
(Far Out Recordings)
Far Out Recordings continues their 30th anniversary celebration with a massive 12inch release of the the original full-length 10-minute version of the jazz dance classic “Jazz Carnival” by legendary Brazilian jazz fusion group Azymuth. On the B side, includes a superb remix of the 1979 track by Ashley Beedle and Yam Who?. Essential!
Greg Foat & Gigi Masin — ‘The Fish Factory Sessions’
(Strut Records)
As a follow-up to last year’s standout studio album Dolphin, UK pianist Greg Foat teams up with ambient maestro Gigi Masin for this live session recording at at the beloved Fish Factory Studios in London. This limited-edition release features two brand-new compositions and two reimagined versions of tracks from
their 2023 full-length.
Various — ‘Brazil 45 Vol.5’ 7″ Box Set
Compiled by DJ Koco
(Mr Bongo)
In what has become an annual Record Store Day tradition, UK’s Mr Bongo label continues their remarkable and very collectable Brazil 45 box set series with the fifth volume curated by highly-acclaimed Tokyo-based DJ Koco (aka Shimokita), who is arguably one of the top crate diggers in all of Japan. The 5×7″ set includes tracks by Waltel Branco, Arthur Verocai, The Boogaloo Combo, Ed Lincoln and much more.
The Village Choir — ‘Along The Beach PT1 / Sweet Hot Lips’ 7″
(NYC Street Sound)
Two extremely rare and stunning sweet soul cuts from the New York based quintet that brilliantly bend together latin, soul and jazz, for two dancefloor groovers. Originals now go for upwards of $500, and that’s if you can even find a copy. Officially licensed, this is the first-time this single has been reissued on heavyweight 7” vinyl!
Older photo of the original 7″ shown above.
Yusef Lateef — ‘Atlantis Lullaby: The Concert From Avignon’
(Elemental Music)
This 1972 never-before-heard live performance was recorded in Avignon, France and features a legendary quartet led by saxophonist and flautist Yusef Lateef with pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Bob Cunningham, and the recently passed Albert “Tootie” Heath on drums. The well-crafted package includes an extensive booklet with rare photos and extensive liner notes by arts journalist Shannon Effinger and producer Zev Feldman.
Jiro Inagaki & His Soul Media – ‘In The Groove‘
(Columbia/Lawson)
Some heavy-hitting jazz-funk from Japanese saxophonist Jiro Inagaki and his superb sextet Soul Media. Originally released in 1973 by the Nippon Columbia label, this extremely rarer 10-track recording has a strong 70s CTI or Kudu feel with plenty of Fender Rhodes and electric bass, and a percussion rhythm that’s deep in the pocket. With OG copies going somewhere in the multi-thousands of dollars, this is a very welcomed reissue release (even if it’s on white vinyl).
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