It has taken a few years to catch on in Japan, but Record Store Day (RSD) is now well-known among music fans. This year's edition falls on April 18, so look out for limited-edition items and a few shows to celebrate.
Last year's RSD saw many major-label artists releasing special vinyl editions, but 2015's best limited-runs come from smaller outfits. Nagoya indie-poppers Old Lacy Bed teamed up with Seattle throwback rockers La Luz for an EP, while breezy outfit Shin Rizumu offers a two-song collection. The best collaboration is between singer-songwriter Kaji Hideki and Japan-formed-Brooklyn-based group The Suzan, who've covered Peter, Bjorn and John's "Young Folks."
Some older gems are being reissued, too. Influential folk-pop duo Bread & Butter's 1974 single "Pink Shadow" will get a special edition, as will singer Taeko Onuki's 1977 song "Summer Connection." Meanwhile, Ryuichi Sakamoto has teamed up with U-zhaan for a track called "Tibetan Dance."
For those in Tokyo, head to Shimokitazawa's Club Que on RSD to catch members of The Bawdies and Your Song Is Good (both releasing RSD specials) DJing. Records only, of course.
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