Record Store Day is on its way!

[image-1]Sonic Youth Re-issues

Although these reissues of Sonic Youth’s earlier albums Confusion Is Sex (on white wax) and EVOL (on pink wax) do not get the same outrageous treatment of bonus tracks and b-sides that their Geffen-era albums received a few years back, complaining about their lack of extras is a fruitless grievance when compared to hearing classics like “Shadow of a Doubt” and “Starpower” fresh and unplayed. Also Sonic Youth related, something called Hits For Squares, which solicitors detail as “15 tracks selected by other artists with exclusive new SY track “Slow Revolution” and a “2 LP collection on heavyweight vinyl and in individually numbered gatefold jacket.”

[image-2]4AD presents Fragments From Work In Progress EP

The record company 4AD apparently didn’t have enough music to create something completely unique for Record Store Day, so they decided to wet your beak with a comp of tracks from upcoming releases slated for later this year. This is your first chance to hear new songs by Big Pink, Ariel Pink, Gang Gang Dance, the excellent Tune-Yards, and Blonde Redhead.

[image-3]Beastie Boys Mystery White Label 12”

Damn you cancer! Last year, the Beastie Boys' new album was postponed due to your desire to annihilate Adam Yauch’s lymph nodes. And as that TBA date seems to linger in limbo, the Beasties are releasing a new 12” single known as the White Label. What is on it? I haven’t the faintest clue. So I guess… we’ll just see. Won’t we?

[image-4]Wilco Kicking Television 4LP Box Set

So remember back in 2005, when Wilco released their first official live album? Now you can hear the whole 20-plus songs spread out over four LPs, with eight bonus tracks previously unavailable.

Aside from the albums mentioned above, more than 100 different recordings are being released for Record Store Day, which takes place Saturday, April 17. Get to your local indie retailer early.