‘Tis the season for record collectors, and this year, the festivities align with 4/20! Terrific combo for music lovers since Record Store Day can be enjoyed with an extra layer of hedonism this time around. Like every year choosing our favorite releases is tough, but we can’t have it all…or can we? Just asking for a friend…

Since its inception in 2007, this national event has been a celebration of independently owned record stores, and Miami proudly boasts a few establishments that serve collectors and aficionados year-round, including Lucky Records, Sweat Records, and Technique. So, if you’re feeling that record itch this Saturday, allow us to offer some recommendations of exclusive releases, reissues, and special editions hitting the shelves this year.

Without further ado, here’s our list of the best Record Store Day releases of 2024 (to our ears). – Make sure to support your local Record Stores –

1. Acid King – “Middle of Nowhere, Center of Everywhere” (RSD First Release)
   Acid King’s 2015 opus, “Middle of Nowhere, Center of Everywhere,” returns in a brand-new exclusive edition for Record Store Day 2024. With updated artwork and a unique multi-color vinyl configuration, this landmark double album is a testament to over 30 years of heavy underground brilliance.
2. Air – “Kelly Watch The Stars” (RSD Exclusive Release)
   Experience the ethereal magic of Air’s iconic track “Kelly Watch The Stars” with this exclusive RSD release, featuring a remix by Phoenix that adds a fresh twist to the timeless classic.
3. At The Drive-In – “In/Casino/Out” (RSD First Release)
   Dive into the sonic intensity of At The Drive-In’s long out-of-print sophomore album, “In/Casino/Out.” Available on Purple/Green Smoke LP for Record Store Day 2024, this reissue promises to reignite the passion of fans and newcomers alike.
4. Blur – “Parklife” (30th Anniversary Zoetrope Picture Disc) (RSD Exclusive Release)
   Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Blur’s seminal album “Parklife” with a special zoetrope picture disc pressing. This animated tribute to one of Britpop’s defining records is a must-have for collectors and fans alike.
5. David Bowie – “Waiting in the Sky (Before The Starman Came To Earth)” (RSD Exclusive Release)
   Unearth a treasure trove of rare tracks from David Bowie’s vault with this exclusive RSD release. Featuring alternate versions and unreleased songs from the iconic “Ziggy Stardust” era, this album offers a glimpse into Bowie’s creative process like never before.
6. The Cure – “The Top” (RSD Exclusive Release)
   Commemorate 40 years of The Cure’s “The Top” with this stunning picture disc edition. Cut from the 2006 remaster, this release is a homage to one of the band’s most beloved albums, featuring fan favorites like “The Caterpillar” and “Shake Dog Shake.”
7. Damage – Recorded live off the board at CBGB (RSD Exclusive Release)
   Experience the raw energy of New York hardcore with this long-awaited reissue of Damage’s classic live set. Remastered and pressed on limited edition vinyl, this release captures the essence of the NYHC scene in its purest form.
8. Groove Armada – “White Light” (RSD Limited Run/Regional Focus Release)
   Groove Armada’s elusive “White Light” LP returns after a decade-long hiatus, now available in a stunning white with black splatter vinyl edition. This highly sought-after release pairs perfectly with its sold-out black light splatter counterpart.
9. Garbage – “Lie To Me” (RSD Exclusive Release)
   Indulge in four brand new unreleased tracks from alternative rock icons Garbage, presented on limited transparent lime-colored vinyl for Record Store Day 2024. This EP is a testament to the band’s enduring influence and innovation.
10. HiM – “Bury Me Deep Inside Your Heart/Poison Girl (Strongroom Sessions)” (RSD Exclusive Release)
    Immerse yourself in the atmospheric sounds of HiM with this limited edition “Heartagram” picture disc. Featuring rare tracks from the Strongroom sessions, this release is a must-have for fans of the genre.
11. Jucifer – “Calling All Cars On The Vegas Strip” (RSD Exclusive Release)
    Dive into the origins of noise rock with Jucifer’s debut 1998 album, “Calling All Cars On The Vegas Strip.” Pressed on white vinyl in a gatefold jacket, this release showcases the band’s powerhouse of noise and wall of sound that set the stage for their illustrious career. Featuring extensive liner notes, this vinyl edition is a must-have for fans of ’90s noise rock and grunge/alternative sounds.
12. Ladytron – “Light & Magic” (RSD Exclusive Release)
    Transport yourself to the electro-pop landscape of the early 2000s with Ladytron’s second studio album, “Light & Magic.” This limited edition colored vinyl reissue features hits like “Seventeen,” “Blue Jeans,” and “Evil,” remastered for an enhanced listening experience.
13. Motorhead – “Remorse? No!” (RSD Exclusive Release)
    Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Motorhead’s legendary compilation “No Remorse” with this reimagined redux. Featuring previously unreleased, rare, and live tracks, this double silver vinyl pressing is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of rock’s most iconic bands.
14. Pearl Jam – “Dark Matter” (RSD Exclusive Release)
    Pearl Jam returns with their 12th studio album, “Dark Matter,” in an exclusive yellow and black ghostly LP colorway for Record Store Day 2024. Produced by Grammy® Award-winning producer Andrew Watt, this release promises to captivate listeners with its signature blend of rock excellence.
15. Lee “Scratch” Perry & The Upsetters – “Skanking With The Upsetter” (RSD Limited Run/Regional Focus Release)
    Immerse yourself in the early dub recordings of Lee “Scratch” Perry with this special limited edition transparent yellow vinyl album. Collecting Perry’s finest early dub recordings, this release is a tribute to the creative genius whose unorthodox approach shaped the sound of reggae during its formative years.
16. The Sisters Of Mercy – “Body and Soul/Walk Away” (RSD Exclusive Release)
    Celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Sisters Of Mercy’s first two EPs with this exclusive LP for Record Store Day 2024. Packaged together, these iconic EPs are a testament to the band’s enduring influence on the gothic rock genre.
17. Supergrass – “Kiss of Life is 20” (RSD Limited Run/Regional Focus Release)
    Commemorate the 20th anniversary of Supergrass’s unforgettable track “Kiss Of Life” with this limited edition 10″ transparent recycled vinyl EP. In addition to the iconic track, this release includes two previously unreleased gems, making it a must-have for fans of Britpop nostalgia.
18. My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult – “Kooler Than Jesus” (‘RSD First’ Release)
    Remastered from the original analog tapes, this EP features the expanded version of the classic 1989 industrial dance track “Kooler Than Jesus.” Pressed on translucent yellow vinyl with an exclusive Acid Blotter insert, this release includes non-album tracks and additional classic singles, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the industrial dance scene of the late ’80s and early ’90s.