RSD List 2012

Ah, Record Store Day, the day I have to stop buying albums a month in advance for. Not that in the previous two years I celebrated it I spent a ridiculous amount of money, but I’m always prepared for a hole in my wallet to appear after exploring the bins of new and old vinyl treasures.

I must admit, I’m not even sure the record player I have works. But that doesn’t stop me from buying vinyl in anticipation of someday buying a record player to keep in its own room with the rest of my music collection.

Anyway, Record Store Day, the day where bands offer music that otherwise would not be released, and other artists and record labels give out free sampler CDs holding absolute gems of undiscovered artists.

I’ve looked at the list (which must be bolded, for it is sacred to navigating RSD) and I’ve narrowed down my absolute wants and some notables. Enjoy!

Cassandra’s Want List

GROUPLOVE – Don’t Fly Too Close to the Sun

Something about GROUPLOVE makes me love them. Maybe it’s their upbeat, super happy songs, maybe it’s their fun stage presence, I don’t know. All I do know is that I would love to get my hands on this vinyl. New music and Hannah Hooper’s artwork on the cover, win-win.

Neon Trees – Everybody Talks / Lessons in Love

Even though I like Habits more than newly released Picture Show, I still have a soft spot for anything Neon Trees related. And the record is a heart! I don’t know how you play it, but that’s awesome.

Of Monsters and Men – Into the Woods EP

I see big things in store for this band, and I’m jumping on the.. er, bandwagon right now. I absolutely adore “Little Talks” and listening to their first album My Head is an Animal (newly released in the US after being out in Iceland for over a year), I know I want to hear more and more from this band.

Walk the Moon – Anna Sun / Anyway I Can

Much like OMaM, I think this band is going to be 2012’s big thing. The face paint, the youthfulness, the catchy lyrics, the ultimate summer splash! I plan on seeing them whenever they come to Boston or Providence, and I think it would be rad to get them to sign the record cover with their paint, which is another reason why I want it.

Jukebox the Ghost – I Love You Always Forever 7”

This Donna Lewis cover is so fun. I saw them play it live, and they almost brought it to life in a way that the original doesn’t. They also cover New Order’s “Temptation” as the second track, which is a new cover for them. Also, it’s a limited edition, and all 500 copies’ covers were hand drawn by the band. So personal!

Notables

Brendan Benson – What Kind of World

Eddie Vedder – Love Boat Captain / Wishlist

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – One Love to Another

Foster the People – Broken Jaw / Ruby

The White Stripes – Hand Springs / Red Death at 6:14