More about: Courtney BarnettBellyBlanck-MassDaniel-RossenDesert-Mountain-TribeLauren-VeirsSteve-WilsonTim-Burgess

It’s been argued that every day should be record store day. With this is mind, we’ve given a wide berth to the endless re-issues, pointlessly coloured vinyl versions of stuff that’s altready out there and superfluous live albums that clog up pressing plants and prevent small labels to get their releases out. Instead, here are ten Record Store Day releases that are otherwise unavailable and that truly merit your attention and money.

Belly – ‘Feel’

As evidenced by their remarkably splendid forthcoming comeback album, Dove, a hiatus of some 23 years have given these alt.rock are real shot in the arm. This is their first release since 1995’s King and based on what we’ve heard so far, we’re hoping we don’t have to wait that long for the next batch of new material.

Blanck Mass - ‘Odd Scene’

Recorded specifically for Record Store, this 7” is the first non-album single since 2016’s ‘D7-D5’. We’re promised a move away from Blanck Mass’ usual electronic M.O. and something that heads into the troubled waters of punk and hardcore. 

Brian Eno with Kevin Shields - ‘The Weight Of History’

Both parties have a history of successful collaborations and are also rightly revered as sonic explorers in their own right. So it stands that this pairing of two of the most influential sound shapers of the last half-century or so will be best heard through massive speakers or a decent set of headphones. And preferably in an altered state of consciousness. 

Courtney Barnett - City Looks Pretty/ Sunday Roast

A Record Day exclusive, this 12” single, ‘City Looks Pretty’ finds the Australian neo-grunge singer in a reflective mood. ‘Sunday Roast’ gives a glimpse of next month’s Tell Me How you Really Feel album.

Daniel Rossen – Deerslayer

Another Record Store Day exclusive, this 12” is the first official solo release by Grizzly Bear’s Daniel Rossen since 2012’s widely-acclaimed EP Silent Hour / Golden Mile. Rossen insists that the track veers away from what you’d usually get from him, so it merits investigation. 

Desert Mountain Tribe - If You Don't Know Can You Don't Know Köln / Live at St Pancras Old Church

We’ll make an exception on the live album front for the psychedelic wonders that are Desert Mountain Tribe. The A-side of this 12” single contains four new songs and comes in gatefold sleeve. Something of a departure, we’ve been promised semi-acoustic songs. 

Goat - Double Date

Presented on “pool of blood” coloured 10” vinyl, this is the Swedish psych groovers’ first foray into soundtrack. And with their track record and remarkable performance at the Rocket Recordings 20 festival, this is going to be just the thing to keep us going until album number four drops. 

Laura Veirs - ‘Fading Of Stars’

While we’re waiting for her new album to finally see the light of day – her first since 2013’s Warp And Weft – this 7” will give us a taste of what to expect from this excellent singer songwriter. It comes backed with a version of Daniel Johnston's classic, 'True Love Will Find You In The End'.

Steven Wilson – How Big The Space

As one of the biggest stars you’ve never heard of, Steven Wilson is at the forefront of contemporary prog rock. ‘How Big The Space' was recorded as part of the 'To The Bone' album sessions and isn’t available anywhere else. Should be worth exploring. 

Tim Burgess – As I Was Now

The first release for The Charlatans frontman’s supergroup, other members include Josh Heyward (The Horrors) on guitar, Martin Duffy (Primal Scream) on keys, Debbie Googe (My Bloody Valentine) laying down the low end and Steffan Halperin (The Chavs/ Klaxons) holding the beats.

More about: Courtney BarnettBellyBlanck-MassDaniel-RossenDesert-Mountain-TribeLauren-VeirsSteve-WilsonTim-Burgess