Music

This Week's Best New Music Releases: Record Store Day Edition

by Josh

We at Criminal Records are very excited about the third annual Record Store Day, happening on Saturday, April 17^th.  On this day, thousands will gather at indie record shops all over the world to celebrate their favourite record store, and while there, snatching up as many rare and exclusive goodies being release specifically for this day.  While we are excited for almost everything being release that day (and there are many), here are just a few we’re looking forward to on Saturday.

Modest Mouse – Moon & Antarctica (10^th Anniversary Edition LP)

When “Moon & Antarctica” was released ten odd years ago, it marked a shift in their path.  Not only was it their debut on a major label, but it also saw a band that was focused, and maybe even tethered.    Their sound was less manic, and more melodic.  It resulted not only in critical acclaim, but widening their fan base significantly.  And now ten years later, it is being reissued on double 180 gram vinyl.

Flaming Lips – Dark Side Of The Moon (LP)

The Flaming Lips are fans of the music of yesteryear.   Even their live shows are riddled with stage props and other psychedelics.   So it’s no surprise that Wayne Coyne and company have teamed up with Stardeath & White Dwarves, Peaches, Henry Rollins, amongst others, to recreate their own imagining of Pink Floyd’s classic “Dark Side Of The Moon”.  The “seafoam green” vinyl is limited to 5000 copies worldwide.

Queens Of The Stone Age – Feel Good Hit Of The Summer

Josh Homme is a big fan of indie record stores – so much so, that he was named this year’s Ambassador to Record Store Day.  Queens Of The Stoneage are blessing us with a limited release, “Feel Good Hit Of The Summer”, pressed on a 10” picture disc.  Not known to be lazy, Homme is an integral part of many bands, either as a performer or producer, including being the front man of Them Crooked Vultures, who have a similar treat in store for Record Store Day.

The Hold Steady – Heaven Is Whenever (Special Edition Vinyl)

The Hold Steady are working their way up the rock ranks, making their contribution to Record Store Day one of the most sought after in 2010.  This special edition vinyl will be released a little over two weeks in advance of the official release, and boasts a limited edition handmade cover.   “Heaven Is Whenever” is limited to 600 copies worldwide, making this a guaranteed treasure.  But for those who miss out, the regular release will be available on May 4.

Fucked Up – Daytrotter 7”

Fucked Up are no strangers to seven inch vinyl.   Recently, they just released their second collection of singles, all of which originated from one of their many singles that have been released over the years.  And while the word “single” has been sullied into a term referring to the song itself and not the wax it’s pressed on, it’s the punks of the world who have kept the single pure.  “Daytrotter” is limited to 1700 copies worldwide.

(Criminal Records will be opening at 9:30am on Saturday, April 17^th, for Record Store Day 2010.)