Record Store Day Black Friday 2023 List: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

[@rodrigoforest]

Coheed and Cambria - Live at the Starland Ballroom!!!!!! Amazing performance, first time on vinyl, RSD Exclusive!!!!!!

[@iamcaptainahab]

I would normally be a little more generous than you with my enthusiasm, but I'm 100% on the same page. This just doesn't make me want to rush out with cash in hand.

[@vintageandvinyl]

I snagged the only copy my store had of Bo Diddly this morning . That was the only record that really grabbed my attention this year. It has some unedited and alternate versions of all of his chess stuff. As a vinyl nerd, I love the spirit of RSD and the chance to support my local store even if I didn’t buy anything on the list.

[@TripleE76]

Grateful Dead! I’m good, knew this last show of the 4 would be out soon, me likey.

[@TheTrueGhostBuster]

I have yet to listen to my February 28 set but I’m super excited!

[@RyanLonis-sn4dg]

I'm really glad to see Billy Strings "California Sober" get a vinyl release. Hoping he has a new full-length coming in 2024

[@stevencampbell1150]

Also judgement night was reissued before on white vinyl i think for black Friday.

[@eddiegatt5652]

Matt I couldn’t agree with you more. I recall years ago I would always look forward to see what was on the list and my local record store were good enough to give me a heads up as to what was going to be available and I would have them put aside what I wanted. I agree that remix or not asked for live albums are not necessary. Unless there is a “must have” long out of date reissue then it defeats the purpose of record store day. Anyway keep up the good work and keep spinning

[@andrewdemers5095]

Im really excited about the Ahmad Jamal and cal tjader at the penthouse because of the importance of the penthouse to the Seattle jazz scene and escape from New York will be a cool one to potentially find

[@hardfiled]

Agreed. Pretty sleepy year for Black Friday RSD. Two releases you didn’t mention that I have heard some people talk about today have been the Justin Townes Earle reissues and the reissue of Iwrestledabearonce - It’s All Happening. Justin Townes Earle was a folk singer who tragically passed away from an overdose two years ago. After his death, pretty much every title in his short catalogue was going for crazy money, and most of it is out of print. This year, they’re reissuing his first EP, Yuma, along with a previous RSD only live EP. I’m less familiar with Iwrestledabearonce but I know they’re a cult band in metalcore music and the record in question hasn’t had a pressing since 2009, so there’s some excitement. But it is a RSD First release, so it may be up for a wider release soon.

[@NBALiveGirl]

Maaan I’m always going to defend 7” box sets! For multiple reasons. There’s sooo much great music you can only find on the 7” format. And when it comes to DJs, it’s easier to carry around.

[@travisw6378]

Agreed he missed the mark on that one, this is for the DJs, I know plenty that will want this, just like the wu-tang 7” sets

[@justinquan2905]

The A Tribe Called Quest 7inch box set for Low End Theory is 🔥🔥🔥

[@Ronan266]

completely agree. Only found 1 or 2 that I would even consider buying. Missed opportunity to repress some seriously killer albums

[@ScottJAw]

I haven’t been excited about an RSD list in years. Most of the stuff I want is RSD First so I don’t even go to stores. The Jesus Lizard and Meat Puppets were needed represses but I’ll grab them after RSD

[@retromusings]

Very late to the party on this video but found your take on the list very helpful!

[@moogie242x]

Great looks like I’ll be sleeping in on Black Friday

[@VinylGyroid]

So stoked for that Illenium!

[@albertguffanti8414]

Agree. Nothing at first glance that jumps out

[@melvinramone2605]

I don't know what to tell ya man, I'm stoked. I'm planning on watching my budget but I could easily drop $400. My must haves are the Matt Cameron/Melvins, The Jesus Lizard, The Meat Puppets, The Black Angels, Charles Mingus, and Virulence. I like that there is no one huge thing everybody wants but instead some real gems for fans across a wide spectrum of tastes. I had a boss one year that played that Beach Boys Christmas album multiple times a day so it's a special kind of annoying to me personally BUT I can tell you there are a lot of people that are suckers for that kind of thing, especially around the holidays and it will do well, maybe not so much on the day but throughout the next month. Anyway, thanks as always for sharing your thoughts.

[@Save_One]

As a fan of sleazy, trashy rock, the Buckcherry release stands out, as it's pretty much the last one before they blew up with Crazy B!tch, etc. There are some great guitar riffs on this album. Plus, Tantric's self titled debut interests me. Just a grungy, early 2000s album with some great acoustic guitar that I remember being huge when it came out. We can't all like the artsy stuff I guess.

[@scotthanson7775]

Looking forward to Tantric and the Live Doors album.

[@dontmakelemonade]

Honestly - there's not many on the UK list that's got me wanting to go. The Guardians Holiday Special maybe? Deaths Individual Thought Patterns and Shotgun Willie.

[@jonnjonzz5702]

Really excited about “I Just Can’t Stop the Beat” by the English Beat!

[@WillowRedDog]

Agree on the underwhelming list. Disagree about Rilo Kiley. To me, it’s one of their best albums, and long overdue for a repress. It’s one of only a few titles that are a must get for me.

[@jessekunerth9769]

I'm excited for the Rilo Kiley too, great album.

[@TheShawzee]

Turnstile's been streaming for months, it's great. definitely needed the EP to be pressed, just like the Mall Grab x Turnstile EP.

[@steve-otrevor9356]

I've been an obsessive participant of RSD since 2015 (camp out in front of the record store consistently!) and usually lay down well over $500 every time. But, as you said, this is the most uninspiring RSD list I have ever seen. I feel this may be the first RSD I completely sit out for. Please make a video on how the fun and magic can return to RSD! For so long it's been an awesome part of my life. Now it's just sad and disappointing.

[@d0rian490]

super excited for buckcherry… one of my favorite albums of all time. and also, i love when the list is underwhelming. saves me money!

[@frankbombaci4977]

I used to line up at 3 or 4 in the morning at one of the many fantastic local record stores in New Orleans - usually the unfotunelty now closed Skullyz. With Covid and travels/general life stuff, I haven’t prioritized RSD in a few years. Hoping there’s a way to get me back I have a ton of unopened RSD from years past likely never to sell but to cherish and play

[@georgecornell8240]

I’m excited for the Tantric ST album. Been waiting for it.

[@T480-u7i]

Black Angels - Levitation Sessions. Hold Steady 7", Jesus Lizard, Sparks - Live at the Record Plant. Ultravox - Quartet remix

[@milkcowmani]

I love it when RSD Black Friday is meh. It means no FOMO! If there's something I really want, I'm most likely busy spending time with family post-Thanksgiving and not in a position to get to a store before it sells out.

[@SameOleBS]

A video on how to improve rsd would be cool.

[@TheNuklearMoose]

I am glad Willie has been releasing things for record store day. Really hope that his RCA albums get a RSD treatment, because those can be even harder to find, especially his early 70s RCA albums

[@hudsonsheldrake530]

Super excited for Kim Petra’s and Olivia Rodrigo guts

[@gchupko]

I just wish that they would have a release from Van Halen ( unreleased tracks) and anything from Kiss

[@saxonjulin7482]

100% agree with underwhelming list

[@tedlogan5628]

Looked through the list and yeahhh….I’m good 😄. Maybe next year’s list will be better

[@fjamesrous]

I'm someone that has always looked forward to staying up all night, camped out on the street outside my LRS, excited to be first in line for RSD. This list is so disappointing I doubt I'll even bother going in at all.

[@JawdysBasement]

Congrats on the RSD certification! If I remember correctly, you were not all too interested in doing this early on. Wonder what changed your mind?

[@TooManyRecords]

Becoming a RSD store doesn’t require me to order anything, so I signed the pledge so that I’d have the opportunity to order should I find things that make sense.

[@henrys3629]

I got cuckoo RSD. I took in every bit of content. My Local record store does not RSD. A lot of people were spending big bucks. So what ever people feel, some really enjoy whatever is presented.

[@stevencampbell1150]

Have to admit it's rubbish in the UK tho' black Friday can be very hit and miss. I only have a very slight few on my list, the Waterboys This is the sea 10", Prince Get Off, Ultravox Quartet and The Doors live at Bakersfield on CD and vinyl. I was hoping for something from U2 as it's the 40th anniversary of War and the 30th of Zooropa tho' there's already a yellow vinyl version coming out of it. At the minute they could have a late release addition to the list but I'm not counting on it. The UK list is different too to the one you guys get in the US.

[@jinedo58]

I agree. Nothing I really need. I’m a huge Bill Evans, Chet Baker fan but do I really need another live set,probably not.

[@davidtaylor6663]

FYiI The twilight Singers boxset is being released Oct 31st..will be epic (first time Fila Brazilla w/ greg dulli) on vinyl

[@De_La_Soto]

Not enough is being said about Nas’ “I Am” release. That was supposed to be his 3rd album before it got leaked and subsequently getting split into 2 good-not-great albums. Had the original been released as intended, it would’ve (imo) garnered equal, if not greater praise than his first two albums (yes, even Illmatic). Glad it’s finally (officially) seeing the light 🙌🏼

[@ThatAtheistLiberal]

There is a major misconception about what "RSD First" means. It does not always guarantee a future pressing, if anything it's a testing ground to see if stock will move later. Sometimes things simply dont get a further run because the label didnt get the response they wanted, and then they eventually become scarce again.

[@michaellowrey1845]

Have to agree. To me the best of the bunch is King Missile's Happy Hour finally being released on vinyl. Other than that there not much that really interests me.

[@mdit21]

Each RSD list will probably have something someone wants. I found albums on last year's Black Friday list that most people found underwhelming too.

[@bubbaluv1bm]

A lot of dj’s like to spin 7 inch vinyl so I think that De La is probably geared more toward them. From a Hip Hop I love this list. They must’ve done this for Hip Hop 50. Peace

[@lindaleg3659]

Like the LinkIN Park.

[@booieaguilar4792]

War The World Is A Ghetto 5 lp set, and Kelly Finnigan 7' Christmas box set is what I'm gonna go for

[@Originalmnm-concert-clips]

Matt Cameron is a must for me, Olivia Rodrigo will be a Must for my girl- and Eric Carr(missed out in April) but I agree with you on the Linkin Park- I may grab it but this list is underwhelming to say the least-

[@TheLadyEveSedgwick]

Well I think this is the best drop of all time since it's the first drop with one of my grail records on it. Also excited about that Aimee Mann 7 inch. Most of her stuff is out of print, and after they released Bachelor No 2 I was hopeful Lost in Space would be coming out next, but I'm still stoked on this.

[@davidmnagle]

I have never been really interested in RSD black friday, I kind of look at it like it's RSD lite. The day in April is the real RSD, and I love finding things on the list I want, and discovering things I didn't know I wanted. I pretty much ignore the Black Friday list but usually end up with 8-10 albums on April RSD. I don't understand why people get so upset when black friday has a weak list, lower your expectations

[@davidlg0478]

I totally agree with your sentiments Matt. It's the most disappointing list in years. I can honestly say there is not even one album I must have. I normally buy about 20 albums on each RSD. The RSD people need to listen to record store owners like yourself 😮

[@00stangdriver]

I looking forward to the 13th Floor Elevators.

[@TheMadKollektah]

I share your sentiment on those 7" box sets, especially when it comes to 3 Feet High & Rising. That album got a vinyl reissue (on multiple variants), CD and tape. I would never listen tom album this way, flipping through multiple records to listen to a full album. It makes me wonder why people love to buy them so much though. For completion purposes? For the box itself? As display pieces? Maybe for the sound quality? Only thing i'm grabbing is the new Czarface, who btw inked a major label deal with Virgin Records. So that's cool.

[@travisw6378]

I mean RSD does a lot of trash releases, the 7” set i would disagree, that’s for DJs. And I got a sentimental spot for The Beach Boys Christmas album, I mean of all the collections I buy in a year I think I got maybe 2 copies of that to price and sell for the Christmas bin, so I wouldn’t say it’s super common, and both those used copies will sell within a week when I put em out, so that one sorta makes sense to me. I’ve found more first press copies of shotgun willie than I have 1st press beach boy’s Christmas. Not including 70s-80s reissue on that.

[@ivans0808]

The post malone one is pretty dope ngl

[@adamkinowski2354]

Doors at Bakersfield is a solid show

[@johnmiller3689]

At first run through, I see nothing to get up early or get up at all for. They need to blow this up and let the vinyl community offer some guidance, it's turned into a joke and the record stores also deserve better

[@mccarthyd6603]

🥱😴🫣🛌🤦

[@ChrisHagle]

Pretty sure I’m the only person who wants the collective soul release. It’s the only one on the list I’m excited for.

[@scottknight4442]

Nope I want it too. Great group would love to see Youth get a vinyl pressing.

[@loyddahmann2865]

Are the Big Fudge Outersleeves good?

[@TooManyRecords]

Never used them but the inners are.

[@Djd_Records_Zone]

4:34 don't knock the Rilo Kiley. i actually put this on the RSD wish list and sent my suggestion and low and behold it finally is getting a repress. thanks to me :) i have been kicking myself for trading this out in 2012 for another RSD album that i actually hated. so i am finally gonna get a copy of this and not sell it. i actually love this album vs. the previous albums they did. i felt they were to "indie folk" for my taste. so thanks to me it will be in the hands of fans again.

[@Distant1ful]

I’ll grab the Nas but pretty meh across the board . Also why are they doing this De La album?

[@krispy3273]

Ultravox, and Joni maybe

[@chennforajido]

Do we really need that live album on purple/red swirl? Nah. I pass on it every day.

[@Surpillow]

Get some Shotgun Willie's for your shop

[@MuzikJunky]

The regular list this year was amazing. The Black Friday list this year is seriously disappointing. I will get the three Tuff City compilations, though. Peace.

[@ThatAtheistLiberal]

"No one wants them(7 inch box sets)".....stares in DJ

[@cradio52]

I think a lot of the big labels are simply holding titles for themselves rather than having to make licensing deals with RSD and cut them into any sort of profit. Also, I’m actually going to pick up The Beach Boys Christmas album simply because my OG is trashed so might as well go for a fun green color, but my good it would have been EARTH-SHATTERING for me if they had finally repressed The Smile Sessions. That thing has been OOP since its release in 2011 and can’t be purchased for less than like $200. Idk why they keep it OOP while constantly reissuing the rest of their catalog and doing those 2-album box sets.

[@Sonofchewie]

Yeah, one of the weakest lists in recent years for my tastes. I am excited for the repress of Meat Puppets - Forbidden Places, because it's been out of print for a very long time and originals are hard to come by. King Missile - Happy Hour is a fun one. Never before pressed to vinyl. But I can't imagine it's on too many people's want lists, and probably won't be hard to find once the dust settles. And X-Cops - You Have The Right To Remain Silent is a fun Gwar side project, but I'm not sure it's worth the RSD hassle when it's getting a wider pressing later... I really wish they'd take a poll to see what releases fans want, and work off of that or something, because the amount of stuff that nobody seems to want but still gets pressed is just mind-boggling.

[@rl9817]

Olivia Rodrigo 😍

[@shortforlawrence]

From a business standpoint I don’t get how, when the record industry has been in a steady boom the past 5-6 years, that RSD has significantly declined in quality at that same time. Like, how do you mess that up? How do you not listen to us consumers at all? It seems that paying attention to vinyl sales trends would be literally the most basic point to start… it certainly isn’t The Beach Boys Christmas album I can get for $1 underneath the bins at any used record store on the planet.

[@ybslps5504]

I was happy with it got weezy and linkin park. But ur right i bought the meteora 20 and was mad they didn’t put lost on vinyl and now that they did it seems like a planned cash grab

[@darrenhoefler4447]

Got that Aphex Twin in the upper left ehhh…

[@no-nr6de]

First year that i know 0 albums on the list let alone want any

[@TLA1014]

Boy, you aren't kidding, Matt! What a lackluster (can be read as "shitty") list!

[@mckeemichael1]

Looking forward to Kevin Kinney Tribute, INXS and LA Guns. That's all tho'...

[@ForcedRhubarb]

I feel like RSD has served its purpose and it’s a bit redundant now

[@TooManyRecords]

It can be saved!

[@isherrod13]

I don't see anything wrong with the list.

[@franknoonez2602]

Prices to crazy now. I buy used cds again

[@pdelman10]

Some interesting records, but not worth waking up early and standing in line for

[@johnlovesbridge]

I will not be attending lol. Sorry Ultravox, but it's not worth getting up and dealing with.

[@DesertBurst92]

There's literally zero on this list i'd even consider. Black Friday RSD is usually very lack luster compared to the regular RSD, but even that hasn't been great in recent years.

[@LouisMazzei]

Underwhelming for sure, there's a few titles I like but I won't be suffering from fomo if I don't get them

[@EricMason0321]

Pretty ho-hum... Prolly grab the Buckcherry, Collective Soul, Tantric and Taproot. All of these are RSD Firsts, so I might just skip the whole thing.

[@FogAndLime]

my favourite record store does NOT participate in record store day. and i think that's great. RSD hasn't been good for many many years...

[@VinylAthletes]

Let RSD die 😂 7” boxsets are for DJs. The 7” format is popular amongst DJs. Nobody is spinning 12” singles anymore.

[@theflipside-vinylcommunity]

I am a pretty positive person but this list is not great

[@TooManyRecords]

😔

[@ll1234ification]

I disagree with you 100% and I have been to every one! On this this list I have 6 must haves and 6 maybes, pretty much the usual. I mean how many records do you want!

[@hwknvrdie]

Coheed saves the day for me but otherwise. Meh….

[@kentgoodall2516]

I'm so over this colour vinyl boring if u need to colour the vinyl now for RSD or whatever u are being screwed

[@jacobniehaus]

It’s all bad lol

[@yanks1fan09]

Underwhelming...

[@theresacoxfield7235]

Extremely underwhelming

[@onebigholiday42]

Definitely a garbage list, but saves me some money.

[@thomasenters5882]

Horrible list! Collective Soul is it for me!

[@jpwhite1977]

Terrible list

[@dumpwoodhere]

The big boys have seen the popularity and have moved in and with that the prices have doubled and the quality has dropped. All these shitty box sets like who's next and revolver pressed on inferior vinyl. I've given up mate. I was stuck behind a gang of swifties talking drivel last rsd. It was horrible. The spirit is gone and it won't be coming back.

[@olfart62]

Underwhelming is right on the money Matt Usually I buy at least 11-15 albums there are only 3 this time around. I as well as you are disappointed with the list.