Get ready to mark your calendars for Record Store Day 2026, happening on Saturday, April 18th! This year, Record Store Day is bringing a whole new batch of exclusive releases to independent record stores, and you won't want to miss out on any of them. From classic albums to live performances and rare tracks, there's something for every music lover. But here's where it gets controversial... some of these releases have sparked debate among fans. So, let's dive into the full list and explore what's causing all the buzz (or controversy!).
Here's a sneak peek at some of the titles that caught our eye:
- Pavement – Perfect Sound Forever: A fan favorite, this album is sure to be a sought-after item for many.
- Slint – untitled (albini rough mixes): A rare and highly anticipated release for fans of this influential band.
- Grateful Dead – Boston Music Hall, Boston, MA 6/11/76: A live performance from one of the most iconic jam bands of all time.
- Grateful Dead – On A Back Porch, Vol. 3: Another live album from the Grateful Dead, offering a unique perspective on their music.
- The Sisters Of Mercy – First And Last and Always “The Japanese Edition”: A special edition of a classic album, perfect for fans of gothic rock.
- Pink Floyd – LiveFromthe Los Angeles Sports Arena, April 26th, 1975: A historic live performance from one of the most influential bands in rock history.
- Look Outside Your Window (Slipknot offshoot) – Look Outside Your Window: A new release from a side project of the famous metal band.
- Mutemath – Mutemath: A self-titled album from this alternative rock band.
- The Tears (Suede offshoot) – Here Comes the Tears: A new release from a side project of the British rock band.
- Air – AIR Moon Safari – The Athens Concert: A live performance from the iconic French band.
- Jeff Buckley – Live À L’Olympia: A rare live recording from the legendary singer-songwriter.
- Joni Mitchell For The Roses: A special release for fans of Joni Mitchell's music.
- The Gits – Etcetera: A highly anticipated release from a legendary all-female punk band.
- Ethel Cain – Inbred: A new album from this rising star in the indie scene.
- Sonic Youth – Diamond Seas: A new release from the influential alternative rock band.
- Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band – “Lick My Decals Off, Baby (Deluxe Edition)”: A deluxe edition of a classic album from this iconic band.
- Neko Case – Cool Boys: A new release from this acclaimed singer-songwriter.
- The Jesus & Mary Chain – Some Candy Talking: A special release for fans of this influential Scottish band.
- Against Me! – New Wave B-Sides: A collection of rare tracks from this punk rock band.
- King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Big Fig Wasp: A new release from this prolific Australian band.
- Bluey – Up Here Zoetrope Picture Disc: A picture disc release from this iconic Australian band.
- Various Artists – KPop Demon Hunters (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film) – HUNTR/X Edition: A soundtrack release from a Netflix film.
- Ramones – Live In San Francisco: A live performance from the legendary punk band.
- Phoenix – United: A new release from this French indie rock band.
- Phoenix – Alphabetical: Another new release from Phoenix, offering a unique perspective on their music.
- Cam’ron – Killa Season: A classic album from this influential rapper.
- Primal Scream – 1987 EPs: A collection of early releases from this iconic Scottish band.
- Lemonheads – Creator: A new release from this influential alternative rock band.
- Charli XCX – party 4 u: A new album from this rising star in the pop scene.
- Tyler Childers – Live From Dinosaur World: A live performance from this country music artist.
- XTC Live Boots – Live At Emerald City 1981: A live performance from this influential British band.
- The Cure – Greatest Hits: A collection of the band's greatest hits.
- The Chills – Sunburnt: A classic album from this influential New Zealand band.
- Deafheaven – KEXP Sessions: A collection of live performances from this influential post-rock band.
- Motorhead – The Löst Tapes, Vol. 7 (Lemmy’s 50th Birthday, Live in West Hollywood, 1995): A live performance from this iconic heavy metal band.
- Olivia Dean – BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge: A collection of live performances from this rising star in the indie scene.
- Dinosaur Jr – Live in Hollywood 1991 – The Green Mind Tour: A live performance from this influential alternative rock band.
- doPE (John Densmore & Chuck D) – No Country For Old Men: A new release from this collaborative project.
- Dropkick Murphys/Outlets – Knock Me Down: A collaborative release from these two influential punk bands.
- Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark – Archive Vol. 1 (1981-1990): A collection of early releases from this iconic British band.
- Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts – The Live Album: A live performance from this legendary singer-songwriter.
- George Harrison – Dark Horse Zoetrope LP: A new release from this iconic musician.
- George Harrison – Extra Texture Zoetrope LP: Another new release from George Harrison, offering a unique perspective on his music.
- Judas Priest – Live in Los Angeles ’90: A live performance from this influential heavy metal band.
- Lil Peep – crybaby (10 Year Anniversary RSD Edition): A special edition of a classic album from this iconic rapper.
- Bat For Lashes – A Fleet of Bats: Early Demos: A collection of early demos from this influential artist.
- Misfits – Famous Monsters: A new release from this iconic punk band.
- The Modern Lovers – The Modern Lovers (picture disc): A picture disc release from this influential band.
- Neko Case – Cool Boys: Another release from Neko Case, offering a unique perspective on her music.
- Ozzy Osbourne – Ozzy Osbourne – Handmade By Robots (vinyl figure): A vinyl figure release from this iconic musician.
- Paramore – All We Know is Falling (Deluxe): A deluxe edition of a classic album from this influential band.
- Sugar – File Under Easy Listening – The Singles Collection: A collection of singles from this iconic indie band.
- Van Halen – Live in New Haven, CT 1986: A live performance from this legendary rock band.
- John Wesley Harding – Here Comes The Groom (Deluxe): A deluxe edition of a classic album from this iconic musician.
- London Suede – Coming Up At The BBC: A collection of performances from this influential British band.
This year's RSD Ambassador is Bruno Mars, who will be promoting the exclusive releases and encouraging fans to visit their local independent record stores. So, mark your calendars, set your alarms, and get ready to explore the world of exclusive Record Store Day releases! But here's where it gets controversial... which releases are you most excited about? Which ones do you think are overrated? Share your thoughts in the comments below!