Record Store Day 2015: DJ Kevin Cole’s Picks

One of my favorite days of the year is fast approaching — Record Store Day, an international holiday for record collectors and music lovers! A day to celebrate the role of the independent record store in the community, as a gathering space to discover, share, and experience the joy of music and community! And to rock out! This year there are more releases than ever, including a shit ton of out-of-print reissues, rarities, and previously unreleased tracks. In addition to all the coveted collectables, most stores will have special events and performances taking place (see KEXP's list of Seattle events here), so get on out to your favorite record store this Saturday, April 18th and support independence! Some of the releases I’m most excited about and hope to score include:

• Slim Dunlap - The New Old Me/Times Like This
• First time vinyl issue of Slim’s two out of print solo albums packaged together as a double gatefold album. Best know as the guitarist for the Replacements (post Bob Stinson), Slim was a longtime fixture on the Minneapolis scene well before joining Paul, Tommy, and company. After the Replacements recorded All Shook Down and split up, Slim recorded two awesome albums that showcased his own songwriting talents — clever, funny, and heartfelt. As much as I’m excited to personally have these on vinyl for the first time, I’m equally excited for the world to have access to these two long-out-of-print releases and the opportunity to experience Slim’s understated genius. All proceeds from the sale of this release will go to the Slim Dunlap Fund, helping to pay on-going medical expenses for Slim who suffered a stroke in 2012.
• The Replacements - Alex Chilton EP
• Okay, I already have a handful of copies of the original 7” release, but hell, I have Replacements fever and it’s contagious — you should get this one, too, as it features two non-album b-sides and it’s on vinyl. And, it has grown 3 inches. I’m in love with that song. What else can I say?
• Alex Chilton - “Jesus Christ” 7”
• You won’t have to travel far to get a little Big Star this Saturday. While you’re at it, pick up this 7” featuring 3 previously unreleased alternate versions of songs from Chilton’s “Bach’s Bottom.”
• J Dilla - “Fuck The Police” and “Love” featuring Pharoahe Monch
• Two releases from the legendary late hip hop producer and beat creator J Dilla. Out-of-print single “Fuck The Police” is being re-issued as a badge-shaped picture disc, and the more uplifting “Love,” featuring Pharoahe Monch, is being released for the first time on vinyl. Both releases feature instrumental b-sides. Heck-a-slammin'.
• Jon Hopkins - “I Remember” (Nils Frahm remix)
• It’s time to chill, and this track will do it — Nils Frahm remixing Jon Hopkins’ cover of Yeasayers “I Remember.” Unforgettable, beautiful, haunting.
• Kiasmos - Looped
• More chill — Ólafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen’s project Kiasmos release the limited Looped 12” EP featuring remixes from Dauwd and Lubomyr Melnvk.
• RPM Turntable Baseball
• This release apparently has 13 grooves on one 7” single so you can play a nine-inning game of baseball on your turntable. Sounds crazy, I know, but put me in coach, I’m ready to play.
• Citizen Dick - “Touch Me I’m Dick”
• The fictional grunge band from Cameron Crowe’s film Singles becomes immortalized in vinyl! Take home Citizen Dick’s take on Mudhoney’s “Touch Me I’m Sick” with Eddie, Stone, and Jeff! The record speaks for itself!
• Run The Jewels - Bust No Moves EP
• Okay smarty, bust a move for this EP — four songs including "Blockbuster Night Pt. 2" (a bonus track from Run the Jewels 2) and a never-before-released jam "Bust No Moves.”
• Father John Misty - "I Love You, Honeybear"
• Why? It’s an acoustic version of the song, it has an unreleased b-side, it’s heart-shaped red vinyl, and I love you, Father John Misty.
• Brian Eno - My Squelchy Life
• First time official vinyl issue of Eno’s legendary “lost” (and much bootlegged) My Squelchy Life, a more pop-leaning album originally scheduled to be released in 1991. Eno, vinyl, I’m there. Plus, my Eno Oblique Strategies card for the day is “Disciplined self-indulgence.” I think this qualifies.
• Courtney Barnett - "Kim's Caravan"/"Close Watch"
• Courtney Barnett’s debut studio album Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit is an early contender for album of the year. At times there’s a Velvet Underground vibe to it — her RSD 12” features a non-album rendition of John Cale’s “Close Watch.”

And, tune in to The Afternoon Show on Friday at 3:00 PM PT, when I'll be joined by Matt Vaughan from Easy Street Records.