The Top 10 Releases of Record Store Day Drop 3

Masks at the ready? Today’s the final Record Store Day Drop of the year and, we have to say, we’ve really enjoyed the spreading out of releases, queuing and shopping. Even if the world is spinning normally in 2021, we’d like to see the multiple drop approach continue next year.

By the time you read this the RSD hardcore will be back home playing their purchases. Despite the weather and time of year, there were queues at 6am this morning. But for the more chilled among us – and, it has to be said, the virtual window shoppers – here are Long Live Vinyl’s ten most pivotal releases for #RSD Drop No.3.

1. Daft Punk – Tron Legacy Reconfigured

They say: “Green 2LP vinyl… the first time Tron Legacy Reconfigured (Remixes of the original motion picture soundtrack music) has been released on vinyl”

We say: This has to be top of everyone’s list, surely?

2, Keith Richards – Hate It When You Leave

They say: “B-Side features rare track ‘Key To The Highway’ which only ever appeared on the Japanese version of Main Offender.”

We say: We announced this back in March when it was originally scheduled for RSD April and have seen traffic to the site all week in anticipation of it finally becoming available.

3. Kenny Lynch – Half The Day…

They say: “Remastered original single reissued with new remix by Ashely Beedle.”

We say: The hidden gem of #RSD! 12″ 180g coloured vinyl with original picture sleeve artwork.

4. Miles Davis – Double Image

They say: “Rarities from the complete Bitches Brew sessions which celebrated its 50th anniversary in March ’20.”

We say: Handy double red vinyl extract from 1998’s Complete Bitches Brew Sessions box set.

5. Neneh Cherry – Kong

They say: “Limited edition remix, never released on limited white label only.”

We say: By “never released” we presume they mean previously unreleased… Great remix by Parris and Forest Swords.

6. Ryuichi Sakamoto – Black Mirror Smithereens

They say: “1LP (180gr.) on coloured vinyl in 3mm sleeve with deluxe PVC sleeve.”

We say: Another absolute must-buy on the soundtracks front for this drop, along with the Daft Punk Tron release.

7. Prince – Sign O’ The Times

They say: “special limited 140g Picture Disc vinyl edition”

We say: You didn’t think we’d miss this one off our list, did you?

8. David Gray – Please Forgive Me

They say: “12” pink vinyl”

We say: We’re probably not far off a David Gray revival, so why not start the party early, especially as this has a rare remix from Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll.

9. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Pinata

They say: “the acclaimed rap album from 2014 that debuted at Number 39 on Billboard’s Top 200”

We say: Worth it for the new sleeve design – by Jeff Janks – alone.

10. Julee Cruise – My Blue Yonder

They say: “Julee Cruise and Eric Kupper, but as you’ve never heard them before”

We say: We saved the best til last! Kupper’s mythical mid-90s drum & bass experiments merge with Twin Peaks vocalist to magical effect.