Record Store Day 2025: Hidden Gems, Rarities, and U.K. Exclusives Worth Your Attention

Record Store Day 2025: The Best of the Rest

Next Saturday, April 12, Record Store Day returns in full force, with one of the most extensive release schedules in recent memory. While previous spotlights have focused on major titles from Craft Recordings, Legacy, Rhino, Universal Music Group, Real Gone Music, Omnivore Recordings, BMG, Cooking Vinyl, and Demon Music Group, there’s still a wealth of music waiting to be discovered.

This latest roundup digs into over four dozen unique entries—one-offs, archival treasures, forgotten obscurities, and rare pressings available primarily outside the U.S. These selections span genres and eras, from ’60s classics to modern indie gems, revealing just how rich this year’s Record Store Day lineup truly is.

Highlights from the List:

Bryan Adams & Tina Turner – It’s Only Love (Bad) (7″ Single – RSD U.K. Exclusive)
In a heartfelt reimagining, Bryan Adams revisits his 1984 duet with Tina Turner. During the process of re-recording his hits in 2022, Adams uncovered unused vocal tracks from Turner herself. With the blessing of her estate, these takes have been woven into two new mixes: a rock version and a more intimate “Midnight Mix.” A U.K.-exclusive, this 7” release offers both tribute and revelation.

Adam and The Ants – Prince Charming (Gold LP – RSD U.K. Exclusive)
The final studio album of Adam Ant’s original lineup gets a dazzling gold vinyl reissue. Featuring the U.K. chart-toppers “Stand and Deliver” and “Prince Charming,” this glam-punk classic is as visually flamboyant as it is sonically bold. A key moment in British pop history, newly celebrated.

The Art of Noise – Impressions of For+ever / The Making of Moments in Love (Red LP – RSD U.K. Exclusive)
In honor of its 40th anniversary, ZTT revisits the groundbreaking single “Moments in Love” with a double-sided LP. One side includes rare and unreleased studio versions, the other presents period-specific remixes—including the vinyl debut of the once cassette-only “Tortoise and the Hare” suite. A must-have for synthpop enthusiasts.

The Blasters – An American Music Story: The Complete Studio Recordings 1979–1985 (5LP – 1000 copies – RSD U.S. Exclusive)
This comprehensive box set includes all four studio albums by the roots-rock outfit The Blasters, along with a fifth LP of rarities. The collection is rounded out by a 24-page booklet packed with band interviews, rare photographs, and liner notes by journalist Chris Morris. Limited to 1000 hand-numbered sets and includes a poster.

Boomtown Rats – Dawn of the Rats: Demos, B-Sides & Live 1975–1979 (Green LP – RSD U.K. Exclusive)
A compelling look into the early years of Bob Geldof’s band, this green vinyl release features the demos that landed The Boomtown Rats their record deal. B-sides and early live recordings round out the collection, including several tracks previously unavailable on CD or LP.

Jeff Bridges – Slow Magic, 1977–1978 (Transparent Blue LP – 1500 copies – RSD Exclusive)
Before The Big Lebowski, Jeff Bridges quietly explored his musical side in the late ’70s. Slow Magic captures that creative window with home-recorded jams featuring a mix of longtime friends and L.A. eccentrics—including an appearance by actor Burgess Meredith. Liner notes include a fresh interview with Bridges and unseen photographs, adding context to this truly unique entry.

Alex Chilton – Set (Sunburst Splash LP – 950 copies – RSD Regional Release)
First released on CD in 2000, this previously vinyl-unavailable session captures the Big Star frontman in an energetic late-’90s studio session. Recorded with bassist Ron Easley and drummer Richard Dworkin after a NYC bar gig, the album features spontaneous R&B covers with Chilton’s distinct spin.

CHVRCHES – Every Open Eye (10th Anniversary Special Edition) (Transparent Blue 2LP – 2500 copies – RSD First Release)
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, CHVRCHES’ critically acclaimed second album gets a special double vinyl reissue. Pressed on transparent blue vinyl, this edition revives synth-pop staples like “Leave a Trace” in lush, remastered quality.

More titles and hidden gems are still to come, with one final roundup expected before Record Store Day hits. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, rare pressings, or unreleased studio sessions, this year’s selection is nothing short of thrilling for vinyl lovers across the spectrum.

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