Record Store Day 2022: 10 amazing records to look out for

It’s that time of the year again when a long snaking queue begins to appear around the door of your favourite record store. That’s right, it’s Record Store Day and there are some fantastic exclusives to be had.

While streaming is a constant in the world of music, vinyl still appeals to the collector - the music listener who’d rather have a malleable collection of vinyl stuffed into Kallax shelving units, next to a well-loved turntable.

While this year’s Record Store Day takes place 23 April (Saturday), some of the titles won’t actually be available till 18th June. This is due to manufacturing delays at pressing plants.

To make things easier, and to make sure you aren’t searching for your very own Moby Dick, we’ve added 10 of the best records to go hunting for this Record Store Day - all of which should be available in numerous stores up and down the country right now.

To find your nearest Record Store Day participant, head to RSD’s store locator guide now.

1. Patti Smith - Curated by Record Store Day

Record Store Day wouldn’t be the same without an exclusive record or two and this is what you get with the Patti Smith record. It’s a new 2-LP compilation of classic Patti Smith tracks from 1974 –1996 and has been curated by the folks at Record Store Day. Songs include the incredible Gloria, Because The Night, Dancing Barefoot and People Have The Power.

2. Bernard Butler - People Move On: The B-Sides 1998-2021

Bernard Butler released his first solo album People Move On in 1998 and this record is a collection of original and re-vocalled B-Sides from the People Move On project. This is the first time People Move On: The B-Sides 1998-2021 has been available on vinyl. And it’s not just any vinyl but 180g White Vinyl. Fancy.

3. Joni Mitchell - Blue Highlights

Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 2 : Highlights is another Record Store Day exclusive and it consists of previously-unreleased, never-before-heard, extremely rare recordings from Joni’s archives and the historic release is created entirely with Joni’s insight, cooperation and creative input. While it’s called Blue highlights, you actually get new stuff from Song To A Seagull, Clouds, Ladies Of The Canyon and Blue. Lovely stuff.

4. Pixies - Live from Coachella 2004

This set was 10 years in the making, given The Pixies hadn’t performed together since 1994, and what a triumph it was. While they weren’t headliners (it was Radiohead that had the top spot), they were the star of the show, playing hits such as ‘Where Is My Mind?’, ‘Here Comes Your Man’ and ‘Debaser’. This is the first time that the set has been on vinyl and it’s been pressed on 140g Orange and Yellow Marbled Vinyl. Nice.

5. Ace Of Base - All That She Wants

One of the catchiest songs of the ‘90s has made its way into Record Store Day with this exclusive 30th Anniversary Picture Disc. Yep, that’s right - if she did have that other baby then they would probably be your boss right now. On the vinyl you get the classic radio edit and the Bhangra version, plus the extended 12” version on side two.

6. Blue Velvet - Deluxe Edition

If you fancy a bit of Lynchian jazz then this deluxe edition of Blue Velvet is for you. While the single LP has been around on vinyl for ages, this one has an expanded by 60 minutes to a 2 LP Deluxe Edition with the addition of the famous 1963 recording of “Blue Velvet,” performed by Bobby Vinton as well as previously unreleased film cues, alternates and outtakes entitled “Lumberton Firewood.”

The Deluxe Edition packaging also features liner notes by Tim Greiving and the cover features the original 1986 Italian movie poster art designed by Enzio Sciotti. Pressed on Marbleized Blue vinyl exclusively for RSD 2022.

7. Mingus - The Lost Album from Ronnie Scott's

Now, this is something special. Charles Mingus is one of the greatest Jazz musicians who ever lived so anything new from him has to be cherished. This, The Lost Album from Ronnie Scott's, is a never-before-released live recording of jazz icon Charles Mingus from Ronnie Scott's jazz club in London captured in August of 1972. The album is a limited-edition 3-LP 180-gram is mastered by acclaimed vinyl mastering engineer Bernie Grundman.

There’s an insert with rare photos from Jan Persson, Christian Rose, Jean-Pierre Leloir, Hans Harzheim and others; essay by British jazz author Brian Priestley, who saw the band during this run and conducted an interview with Mingus and McPherson at the time; interviews with band members McPherson and Faddis; Mingus' friend, author Fran Lebowitz; and many others.

8. Breakin’ - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

This is the first time this one has been on vinyl for many years (well over a decade) and it’s limited to 3000 pressings, so this one is definitely worth seeking out. Permanently Exclusive color variant. The Coke Bottle Clear Pressing of the vinyl won’t happen again which makes it even rarer. For those that don’t know, Breakin’ is a 1984 movie that, for many, is a reference point for the explosion of hip-hop in the United States and across the world.

9. Blur - Bustin’ And Dronin’

This is special. It’s a double heavyweight coloured vinyl edition of Blur’s 1998, Japan-only remix compilation Bustin’ + Dronin’ featuring mixes of tracks from their 1997 eponymously titled, number one album. Originally only available as a 2-CD set including a Radio 1 John Peel session, only a handful of copies made their way over to the UK on import.

10. Childish Gambino - Kauai

STN MTN / Kauai was a free mixtape that was released before Before The Internet. Since its release, Kauai has been bootlegged almost as much as some of Dylan’s early performances. This has created a bit of a frenzy for anything Kauai related. This edition has never been on vinyl before and to make it even more limited edition the press is on colour vinyl.

• Best vinyl: records to collect and show off your system
• Best vinyl box sets: essential records for your collection

Here's what you missed from Record Store Day last year - our pick of RSD 2021 gems...

1. Czarface: Czar Noir

Czarface (DJ 7L & Esoteric and Wu-Tang Clan member Inspectah Deck) are back with a brand-new release. This one is a little different. It’s a Czarface comic, complete with vinyl accompaniment. The idea is that you read the full-colour comic while listening to DJ 7L and the Czar-Keys’ blistering soundtrack.

Why you should buy: It’s never before issued - and only 500 records are available in the UK (5000 in total).

2. Tangerine Dream: The Keep Soundtrack

The Keep is a film director Michael Mann hates but we love. While the visuals are mind-melting, it’s the soundtrack, by Tangerine Dream, that really makes the movie. This one has been a bootleggers’ dream as copyright issues - and the fact the film was a flop - stopped the vinyl going to press, so it’s great to see it back for Record Store Day.

Why you should buy: it’s the first time it’s been on vinyl. Plus, the soundtrack is awesome.

3. Lou Reed: Set The Twilight Reeling

A live album of sorts - he recorded and cut it live in his NYC studio - Set The Twilight Reeling is a guitar album filled with Reed having fun with different genres and sounds. It’s completely all over the place but is curious enough, with him poking fun at everything from the Republican right to, well, himself.

Why you should buy: A Record Store Day exclusive, plus there’s a lovely etching on side 4.

4. Aliens - Original Soundtrack (35th Anniversary Edition)

One of the best, scariest soundtracks of all time, the official Aliens soundtrack by James Horner has been given a re-release on a fancy coloured vinyl pressing. Definitely one for film fans - it comes with the original Sigourney Weaver key art and original film stills.

Why you should buy: it’s printed on yellow/green Acid Blood vinyl!

5. John Martyn: The Church With One Bell

John Martyn's 1998 album is an intriguing covers album. Songs from the likes of Randy Newman, Billie Holiday, Ben Harper, and even Portishead are given a Martyn-flavour and while not all of it works, there are some gems in there (Glory Box and Strange Fruit are ace).

Why you should buy: It’s been unavailable on vinyl since its original release and has been mastered at Abbey Road.

6. Ennio Morricone" Il Bandito Dagli Occhi Azzurri

The score to The Blue Eyed Bandit is an absolute delight and the only time really that Ennio Morricone dabbled with jazz. The film, directed by Alfredo Giannetti, starred Franco Nero as an Italian detective and let’s just say that this RSD is much more memorable than the movie.

Why should you buy: this is a limited edition transparent blue vinyl and a Record Store Day special exclusive. It features liner notes by star of the film Franco Nero & Morricone’s jazz pianist Enrico Pieranunzi.

7. The Cure: Wild Mood Swings

The Cure’s 10th release saw the band lifting the gloom somewhat to create an album that’s filled with songs a touch more upbeat than normal. There’s still some moody numbers in there (Numb) but it’s a strange album and one that alienated a number of Cure fans. One for completists, then, but the vinyl looks ace.

Why you should buy: This is the first time the album has been on Picture Disc (celebrating its 25th Anniversary) and it’s a Record Store Day 2021 Exclusive.

8. Ash: BBC Sessions 1994-1999

BBC radio’s Steve Lamacq and John Peel were great evangelists for Ash, the teenage rock band that grew to festival-headlining success. This vinyl showcases their BBC sessions, with 12 classic Ash tracks, and is a reminder of just how bloody good Ash’s early stuff was.

Why you should buy: This is a Limited Edition of 1000 numbered copies and it’s pressed on Hot Pink vinyl.

9. Rolling Stones: The Hot Rocks

This fantastic compilation album from The Rolling Stones has 21 tracks, including their five number-one singles: (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Get Off Of My Cloud, Honky Tonk Women, and Paint It, Black. The album spans the ‘best’ years of The Rolling Stones, from 1964-’71.

Why you should buy: this one has been released to celebrate the album’s 50th anniversary and is an exclusive limited edition Yellow Vinyl reissue for Record Store Day. It comes with a set of embossed lithographs featuring photographs by Michael Joseph and the original gatefold cover.

10. Candi Staton: Trouble, Heartaches And Sadness

Dubbed The Lost Fame Sessions Masters, this features 12 previously unreleased tracks from Candi Staton’s incredible recording period at the legendary FAME studios. The set features a stunning rendition of Dolly Parton’s Jolene.

Why you should buy: It’s available for the first time on vinyl exclusively for RSD 2021.