Fans have come up with very different adjectives to describe Travis Scott’s new album UTOPIA. But one thing that is undeniable about the project so that it’s been successful. Earlier this week we learned that it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart. It’s only the second rap album of 2023 to hit the top spot following Lil Uzi Vert’s Pink Tape last month. But it didn’t just hit number one, it crushed everything else released this week to grab the top spot easily. UTOPIA sold almost 500k total copies in its first week alone making it the third biggest first-week sales of 2023 behind Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen.
The impact of UTOPIA‘s success went beyond just its total sales numbers. He also broke records for having the most vinyl sales for a rap album in a single week since 1991 when the stat began tracking. With 55k of his nearly 500k sales coming from vinyl, he was able to grab yet another chart record with his smash-hit new album. Fans in the comments of a post about his accomplishment continued their amazement at Scott’s numbers. “bro sold more then half rhe rappers released this year,” read the top comment.
Earlier today Travis Scott announced that he’ll be taking his smash hit record on tour later this year. The “CIRCUM MAXIMUS Tour” will run from September until November hitting 24 cities along the way. Details beyond the dates of each of the shows are currently pretty sparse but pre-sale for the shows begins tomorrow.
Travis Scott hasn’t been on tour since the 2021 Astroworld disaster where numerous fans lost their lives during the rapper’s Houston music festival. His last tour came back in 2019 when he hit the road with Gunna, Trippie Redd, and Sheck Wes following the release of his album Astroworld. What do you think of Travis Scott breaking the record for vinyl sales in a single week by a rap album? Let us know in the comment section below.
Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.
Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of July below.
Rolling Stones — Forty Licks (Reissue)
UMe
The Rolling Stones are bringing their 2002 compilation album Forty Licks to digital formats for the first time, but more relevant here is its debut on vinyl. The collection, originally released to mark the band’s 40th anniversary, was released as a limited edition four-disc, 180-gram black vinyl version, all in a wide spined gatefold sleeve.
Even excluding her iconic work with Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks has had a hell of a career with her solo work. Her solo debut came in 1981, and now that project and everything since has been compiled in a new box set, along with Rarities, a compilation of, you guessed it, rarities, which are only available in this release.
In case you haven’t been a music consumer at all this year: In 2023, hip-hop is celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary, and there have been plenty of observances to honor the occasion. One example is a compilation of hits from across the genres history, featuring songs from icons past and present, like A Tribe Called Quest, Travis Scott, Wu-Tang Clan, and 21 Savage.
If you have a vinyl copy of Pretzel Logic, it’s likely old and worn out, as the album hasn’t been released on vinyl in over three decades. Now, though, it’s been pressed again, and the album has even been remastered from the original analogue tapes for the occasion.
R.E.M. — Around The Sun and Collapse Into Now (Reissues)
Craft Recordings
Two major albums in R.E.M.’s discography have been out of print for a while, but now they’re getting fresh vinyl pressings. Limited editions of Around The Sun and Collapse Into Now are available exclusively on R.E.M.’s website: The latter is pressed on opaque white vinyl, while the former comes on milky clear vinyl and comes with exclusive merch.
Sublime — 40oz. To Freedom (Vinyl Me, Please Reissue)
Vinyl Me, Please
Sublime’s self-titled third album was what saw the group break out in a major way, but their earlier work has since become beloved as well. Now their debut, 40oz. To Freedom, is the rock album of the month over at Vinyl Me, Please, so it comes pressed on lovely blue vinyl and with a new listening notes booklet.
Pantera is about as iconic as it gets when it comes to metal, and now fans can cherish their journey with a new box set collecting all of their albums. This isn’t just a standard vinyl reissue, as these are picture discs featuring the corresponding cover art, making this the most definitive and aesthetically pleasing way to experience Pantera on vinyl.
Brian May + Friends — Star Fleet Project (Reissue)
UMe
In 1983, Brian May + Friends dropped Star Fleet Project, and the “+ Friends” joining the Queen guitarist was an esteemed roster featuring Eddie Van Halen. The project is 40 years old now and it got an anniversary edition, about which May said, “It’s been very exciting to open up the vault to find these tapes where, in the blink of an eye, I’m trading licks with my friends including the fantastic Ed Van Halen. It’s highly emotional, especially since Ed is sadly no longer around. We have since also lost Phil [Chen] — so the rest of us cherish these fleeting moments together.”
Into It. Over It.’s Intersections was a major release in the emo revival of the 2010s, and now this important album is ten years old. So, it just got pressed on vinyl for the first time in years and Into It. Over It. is going to spend some time on the road celebrating the album with live shows this fall.
It may not feel like it quite yet, but Halloween is just around the corner. That makes now the perfect time to grab the new vinyl edition of the Wednesday soundtrack. Danny Elfman and Chris Bacon’s music comes pressed on striking “purple goth with smokey shadow” vinyl alongside big, gorgeous art from the hit show.
Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.
Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of June below.
The Age Of Pleasure was definitely the most-talked-about album of June, due in part to Monáe’s racy rollout and in part to the music just being excellent. In the video above, Monáe shows off the striking vinyl edition, which features warm alternate cover art and a gigantic painting of breasts on the inside.
As part of its Anthology series, Vinyl Me, Please is revisiting an iconic Waylon Jennings run, from 1973 to 1981, with an eight-album box set. It’s a must-have for fans, as it comes alongside 28 pages of listening notes and even a podcast that dives into Jennings’ storied career as one of country’s biggest icons.
Otis Redding — Otis Forever: The Albums & Singles (1968-1970)
Rhino
Redding tragically died in a 1967 plane crash, but the music kept flowing after that. Four posthumous albums were released from 1968 to 1970, including the beloved The Dock Of The Bay. That and more has been compiled in a new box set (limited to only 1,000 copies), which features the four albums and mono versions of 24 singles from the albums.
Willie Nelson is 90 years old and not stopping, as he has Bluegrass, a new album (his 151st!), on the way soon. For now, though, it’s time to look back with a quick series of reissues. First up is 2002’s The Great Divide, which features collaborations with folks like Sheryl Crow, Rob Thomas, Alison Krauss, and others.
At 82 years old, Bob Dylan is showing no signs of slowing. He just dropped Shadow Kingdom, his 40th album, in early June, and it features new recordings of songs from the first half of Dylan’s esteemed career, along with a new instrumental track, “Sierra’s Theme.” The reinterpretations stem from Dylan’s 2021 concert film, Shadow Kingdom: The Early Songs Of Bob Dylan.
Madonna — Finally Enough Love: The Rainbow Edition
Rhino
Last summer, Madonna dropped Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones, a retrospective box set that offers a great overview of her pop dominance. She decided to revive the project here in Pride Month by re-dubbing it Finally Enough Love: The Rainbow Edition. Naturally, the vinyl it’s pressed on comes in a variety of vibrant colors, making it an awesome way to celebrate.
Gossamer was a huge moment for Passion Pit, as the 2012 sophomore album vaulted the group into the mainstream conversation with a No. 4 peak on the Billboard 200 chart and the multi-platinum single “Take A Walk.” They’re a bit late but the new 10th-anniversary reissue is still appreciated, and fans will love this: The reissue features “American Blood” and “Almost There,” both of which were previously only available as bonus tracks on the 2012 Japanese CD release.
Included on Flaming Lips’ 6-CD Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots 20th Anniversary Box Set was a collection of four fan-favorite tracks only officially available as part of that release. Now, they’ve been given their first-ever vinyl release on a new standalone collection, pressed on lovely pink vinyl.
TLC — CrazySexyCool and FanMail (Vinyl Me, Please Reissues)
Vinyl Me, Please
Much has been made about the 50th anniversary of hip-hop in 2023, and part of Sony’s celebrations include teaming up with Vinyl Me, Please for some fresh reissues. For the occasion, TLC’s two biggest albums, FanMail and CrazySexyCool, are getting new releases, and the former even comes with a 7-inch.
Towards the end of 2022, Alex G wrapped up a headlining tour with three sold-out hometown shows at Philadelphia’s Union Transfer. Now he’s sourced a new live album from those performances, but vinyl isn’t just the best way to hear it: It’s the only way, as the 14-track Live From Union Transfer isn’t currently set to be released on any format besides LP.
The album rollout for Janelle Monae’s The Age of Pleasure has been one of the singer’s most successful (and salacious) to date. Her long-awaited LP finally landed this New Music Friday (June 9), complete with features from Doechii, Grace Jones, and Sister Nancy, among others. The genre-bending artist shared “Float” with Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 and later, “Lipstick Lover” as singles, but of the new arrivals on the tracklist, titles like “Champagne Sh*t,” “Phenomenal,” and “Black Sugar Beach” appear to be fan favourites.
Not only does the project’s cover show off a topless Monae happily swimming with friends, but her famous breasts also made numerous appearances while she was outside promoting The Age of Pleasure. Not only did she briefly reveal them to a crowd watching her perform live earlier this spring, but the Dirty Computer songstress had them painted on the album’s vinyl version too. She happily flashed the artwork to fans in a new clip shared on social media this weekend, only causing her fanbase to grow further.
In the video, Monae confidently struts across a room wearing tiny red and white booty shots, a cropped t-shirt with “PLEASURE” clearly written across the front and knee-high white boots. As she walks, the singer’s collaboration with Doechii blasts through speakers behind her. “And they all bow to you / How you feel? Phenomenal,” the 37-year-old lip-syncs along the catchy track. “Ready for round two? / B*tch, I feel so phenomenal.”
As she approaches the camera the vocalist lifts up The Age of Pleasure vinyl she’s carrying in her hands, quickly opening it to reveal her bare breasts forever immortalized for fans on the inside. Obviously we’re keeping things PG, but you can find the uncensored footage here. Have you streamed Janelle Monae’s new LP yet? If not, check it out here, and read HNHH‘s full review at the link below.
Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.
Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of May below.
Tame Impala — Lonerism (10 Year Anniversary Box Set)
Interscope
Tame Impala defined psychedelic rock in the early 2010s and Kevin Parker’s sophomore effort, 2012’s Lonerism, was a big part of that. The album turns 10 this year, so it’s being reissued as a 3-LP box set that includes goodies like a 24-page booklet and previously unheard demo sessions.
Before ABBA was ABBA, they were Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Frida. Under that name, they released their debut album, 1973’s Ring Ring. That was 50 years ago, and half a century later, the project has been pressed on vinyl for a fresh rerelease, giving a new generation the chance to experience the launch of an enduring phenomenon.
Sun Ra & His Arkestra — Space Is The Place: Music From The Original Soundtrack
Sundazed Music
Back in the ’70s, Sun Ra recorded the soundtrack for the movie Space Is The Place. It took decades for the soundtrack to get a proper release as an album, and now the definitive version of it is here with a new vinyl reissue. In addition to the album, this edition comes with the movie on BluRay and DVD, a tote bag, and a pizza box-style box to house everything.
The Exploding Hearts — Guitar Romantic (Expanded & Remastered)
Third Man Records
The Exploding Hearts ended tragically after three of the band’s members died in a van accident. They did manage one well-received album, though: 2003’s Guitar Romantic. Third Man Records just reissued the album as an “Expanded & Remastered” edition: along with the original remastered album are a few new mixes of select songs.
It feels like Lucy Dacus has been around for forever, but her breakout sophomore album Historian only just came out five years ago in 2018. She’s taking a moment to celebrate the project with a vinyl reissue, which is pressed on vibrant red vinyl and comes with Dacus’ first draft of the album art.
Daft Punk — Random Access Memories (10th Anniversary Reissue)
Sony
It’s really been ten years since Daft Punk released what would end up being their final album, Random Access Memories. While the duo is no longer active, they’ve been busy with a fresh reissue. There are a lot of goodies here, including an unreleased Julian Casablancas collaboration and some demos with Pharrell.
Death Cab For Cutie — Transatlanticism (Vinyl Me, Please Reissue)
Vinyl Me, Please
Transatlanticism was an iconic release for Death Cab, so it’s worth honoring 20 years later. Vinyl Me, Please is doing so with a killer reissue, which is pressed on red marble vinyl and comes with a listening notes booklet from Sean Nelson, who contributed some vocals to the album.
Paul Simon is 81 years old and still trying different musically: His new album is totally acoustic and it’s one multi-section song that runs for 33 minutes. It’s quite the concept and one that’ll come across beautifully on a turntable.
The Rhino label has launched Rhino High Fidelity, a new series of high-quality vinyl pressings. They’re kicking things off big with reissues of The Cars’ self-titled 1978 debut album and John Coltrane’s 1964 release Coltrane’s Sound. The series will unveil two new installments every quarter, and all of them will be limited to 5,000 numbered copies.
Animal Collective started their journey to defining experimental indie music in the 2000s with 2000’s Spirit They’re Gone, Spirit They’ve Vanished, back when it was just Avey Tare and Panda Bear. There’s a new reissue and on top of the remastered album and new artwork, there’s also A Night At Mr. Raindrop’s Holistic Supermarket, a bonus EP containing five previously unreleased bonus tracks.
If you’re tired of hearing about Janelle Monáe’s breasts, you may want to log off the internet, because she’s not done showing them off quite yet. It all began when the 37-year-old uploaded a salacious wet t-shirt video of her on Twitter while promoting her latest single, “Lipstick Lover” earlier this month. Fans immediately began thirsting over her, and she didn’t hesitate to turn up the heat by fully flashing her chest to the crowd during a recent performance.
Aside from those antics, we’ve also seen her pose topless on the cover of her upcoming album, The Age of Pleasure as well as on Rolling Stone, which hit stands yesterday (May 22). During the accompanying interview for her cover story, Monáe said of her sudden decision to embrace her natural body: “I’m much happier when my titties are out.” Seeing as she revealed this afternoon that the vinyl edition of her next project comes complete with artwork of her bare breasts on the cover, it’s safe to say her mood lately is overjoyed.
Janelle Monáe at the 13th Annual Met Gala After Party on May 2, 2023, in New York, New York. (Photo by Lexie Moreland/WWD via Getty Images)
The images are too salacious to post here but have already been getting plenty of attention online as fans scramble to purchase their own copy. Apart from the replication of her chest, those who buy the vinyl will also receive a beautiful portrait of Monáe basking in the sunshine on the front, obviously enjoying the spotlight shining on her amid her ongoing sexual renaissance. She previously announced that her project will arrive next month on June 9 via Wondaland Arts Society/Atlantic Records.
We’re still waiting for info about the tracklist and potential collaborations, but knowing the R&B star’s working record, she’s sure to deliver us some musical magic. Will you be purchasing a copy of Janelle Monáe’s scandalous The Age of Pleasure vinyl to add to your collection? See photos for yourself here, and let us know in the comments. Make sure to check back in with HNHH later for more pop culture/hip-hop news updates.
Interscope Records is offering 100 copies of Kendrick Lamar’s iconic 2015 album, To Pimp a Butterfly, on vinyl for $2500. Each copy of the album has been signed by Lauren Halsey and comes with a collectible large format “Artists Inspired by Music: Interscope Reimagined” catalog. GUCCI designed the custom packaging for the vinyl, which also features an 11.5″ x 11.5″ gallery-quality giclée designed by Halsey. Additionally, it comes in a tan custom-dyed linen-wrapped vinyl jacket. Proceeds will benefit the Iovine and Young Foundation.
To Pimp a Butterfly sold 324,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has since certified it platinum. The album features Thundercat, George Clinton, Bilal, Anna Wise, Snoop Dogg, James Fauntleroy, Ronald Isley, and Rapsody. For the production, Lamar worked with Sounwave, Terrace Martin, Taz “Tisa” Arnold, Thundercat, Rahki, LoveDragon, Flying Lotus, Pharrell Williams, Boi-1da, Knxwledge, and more. The project won Lamar the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2016. It was also nominated for Album of the Year, although it lost to Taylor Swift’s 1989.
Kendrick Lamar With A Copy Of “To Pimp A Butterfly”
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 20: Hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar signs copies of his new album “To Pimp A Butterfly” at Rough Trade NYC record store on March 20, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Pont/Getty Images)
Lamar recently wrapped up his Big Steppers Tour which finished as the highest-grossing tour with a rapper as a headlining act in history. It earned $110.9 million from 929,000 tickets across 73 shows. By doing so, he outpaced Drake and Migos‘ Aubrey & The Three Migos Tour, Drake and Future‘s Summer Sixteen Tour, as well as Kanye West and JAY-Z‘s Watch the Throne Tour, and more for the honor. The concerts came following the release of Lamar’s fifth album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. He brought along Baby Keem and Tanna Leone for the tour.
Outside of music, Lamar recently attended the 2023 Met Gala. For the star-studded event, he rocked an all-black fit with a leather jacket, slick pants, as well as dress shoes, and an MLB hat. At one point during the night, he posed for photos with Jack Harlow.
“To Pimp a Butterfly” Vinyl
Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’ Vinyl is now available with a special design & Gucci packaging, which will cost you $2500.
Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.
Whatever you might be into, each April brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of April below.
It’s not often we hear much from Jai Paul, but he just played Coachella and he also has a fresh new vinyl release. It’s a pressing of Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones), the officially released version of Paul’s famously leaked set of demos from 2013. This is the first time the set has ever been made available on vinyl and only 3,000 copies were made available, so it’s a must-have for Jai Paul die-hards.
45 years ago, in 1978, the now-late Warren Zevon dropped what would become his signature album, Excitable Boy. For this reissue (which features classics like “Werewolves Of London” and the title track), the album was remastered from the original analog master tapes and pressed on 180g 45 RPM vinyl, making this edition an audiophile’s dream.
Rudimental is a beloved UK dance music institution now, but it all started with 2013’s Home. It’s been a decade since that debut album dropped, so now there’s a new anniversary edition that includes a number of new remixes made specially for this reissue.
Jack White and the folks at Third Man Records know their way around vinyl, so their new deluxe reissue of the White Stripes classic Elephant is one to behold. It’s pressed on beautiful clear, colored, smoky vinyl, which is home to beloved tunes like “Seven Nation Army” and “The Hardest Button To Button.”
Aesop Rock and Blockhead — Garbology Instrumentals and The Recycling Bin
Rhymesayers Entertainment
Aesop Rock and Blockhead have formed a strong partnership over the years, and now the rapper and producer are bringing a pair of their projects to vinyl for the first time. Garbology Instrumentals is an instrumental version (duh) of the pair’s 2021 album, while The Recycling Bin is a companion EP featuring Blockhead remixes of Aesop songs that Blockhead previously wasn’t involved with.
Love And Rockets — Earth, Sun, Moon (Reissue) and Love And Rockets (Reissue)
Beggars Banquet/Big Time
’80s English rock group Love And Rockets (which rose from the ashes of Bauhaus) is in the midst of some catalogue reissues and April brought a pair of new ones. Both albums — Earth, Sun, Moon and the self-titled one — come on classic black vinyl and the latter includes their best-known song, the top-three hit “So Alive.”
Get Earth, Sun, Moonhere. Get Love And Rocketshere.
Violent Femmes — Violent Femmes (Reissue)
Craft Recordings
Record Store Day was this month and Craft Recordings came through with a number of reissues, including a new picture disc to mark the 40th anniversary of Violent Femmes’ self-titled album. Aside from being a gorgeous piece to look at, it features favorites like “Blister in the Sun” and “Please Do Not Go.”
Paul McCartney And Wings — Red Rose Speedway (50th Anniversary Reissue)
Apple
Speaking of Record Store Day, Paul McCartney And Wings made the day count with a 50th anniversary rerelease of Red Rose Speedway. This edition will sound as good as possible thanks to the half-speed remastering treatment the LP received. This was the first Wings album to top the charts in the US, so if you don’t have any of the McCartney group in your vinyl library, this reissue is a good place to start.
GoldLink — At What Cost (Vinyl Me, Please Reissue)
Vinyl Me, Please
At What Cost was a strong and well-received debut for GoldLink back in 2017. Vinyl Me, Please is celebrating the project in 2023 with a lovely new reissue, which is pressed on 2-LP orange and blue galaxy vinyl and comes with newly written listening notes.
Metallica have been at it for over 40 years now, and on their new album 72 Seasons, it really sounds like James Hetfield and company truly haven’t lost a step. All the new fans they gained after their Stranger Things sync last year are in for a treat with this exceptional LP.
Tyler, The Creator is one of the most successful artists of his era. Since first hitting the scene in 2011, Tyler’s eclectic style has won him fans the world over. His keen musicianship has also earned him numerous awards and accolades during a more than a decade-long career. However, there is one achievement the California native hadn’t accomplished until recently, a top-selling vinyl album.
Chart Data reports that The Creator’s albumCall me If You Get Lost was the top-selling rap vinyl album worldwide in 2022. The news of Tyler’s latest feat shouldn’t exactly be surprising. The album, Tyler’s sixth, was released in June of 2021. The project was a smash hit with fans and critics alike, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200. Moreover, the album earned Tyler his second Grammy Award for Best Album after 2020’s Igor.
Meanwhile, Tyler’s legions of fans will now have even more to smile about. He recently took to Twitter to announce that he was releasing a new Deluxe album, Estate Sale Deluxe. This new project includes eight tracks that didn’t make the final cut. The 32-year-old explained that the original album was the first project in which a decent number of songs were left out. Tyler explained that the new version of the album will include eight tracks that didn’t make the final cut. “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST WAS THE FIRST ALBUM I MADE WITH ALOT OF SONGS THAT DIDNT MAKE THE FINAL CUT,” he wrote. “SOME OF THOSE SONGS I REALLY LOVE, AND KNEW THEY WOULD NEVER SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY, SO IVE DECIDED TO PUT A FEW OF THEM OUT.”
These are busy times for the New Magic Wand rapper. Earlier this week, he released videos for his songs “Hot Wind Blows” and “Heaven to Me.” A third video, “Wharf Talk,” featuring ASAP Rocky, dropped last week. The new videos show growth in style and maturity for a man who has been in the rap game since he was a teenager. Tyler is an artist who you never quite know what he is going to do next. But whatever it is, you can always expect him to bring his usual irreverent style into the project.
Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.
Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of March below.
Elton John — Honky Château (50th Anniversary Reissue)
UMe
1972’s Honky Château is an iconic Elton John release (it’s the one with “Rocket Man“). It turns 50 this year and it’s getting an anniversary edition to celebrate. This reissue features outtakes from the original session tapes and “an eight-page booklet containing rare photos, memorabilia and an essay featuring interviews from those who were there at the time.”
Tom Waits — Closing Time (50th Anniversary Reissue)
ANTI-
Closing Time, while not a major commercial hit back in its day, has gone on to be one of Tom Waits’ most beloved albums. Well, it turns 50 this year, and now it’s available in both black and clear pressings, and was given a half-speed remaster at the iconic Abbey Road Studios.
Miles Davis had a long, productive career, but perhaps his most beloved run was from the late ’60s to the mid-’70s. Vinyl Me, Please is commemorating that era with The Electric Years, which includes seven iconic Davis albums: In A Silent Way (1969), B*tches Brew (1970), A Tribute To Jack Johnson (1971), Live-Evil (1971), On The Corner (1972), Big Fun (1974), and Get Up With It (1974). Aside from the albums themselves, also included are listening notes and even an original podcast.
MF Doom’s Metalface Records is celebrating the 30th anniversary of KMD’s sophomore album, Black Bastards. For those unfamiliar, KMD was a hip-hop trio that featured Zev Love X, who would later go on to achieve greater recognition as… yes, MF Doom. So, this reissue is an absolute must-have for Doom stans.
Of her now-decade-old album (the first one that Aaron Dessner ever produced), Sharon Van Etten said in a statement, “About a year or two ago, Naomi Yang (of Galaxie 500) reached out to me after she rediscovered a video that we had made together in 2011, during the making of Tramp, just before the album’s release. It was for the song ‘Serpents.’ The timing was uncanny, approaching the anniversary of Tramp. Thinking about my time in New York while in the bubble of Los Angeles and my home. Thinking about how restless I was, and now settled down and stable. Thinking about how Aaron Dessner took a chance on me after I messaged him with a fury of demos. He could see through the hiss and crappy vocals on my GarageBand demos, and that I had something to say. He gave me the confidence to be loud and to scream my rage and feel founded and justified in my own pain. He gave me more tools to find catharsis in my work. I have carried that with me ever since.”
Bob Marley would have turned 78 this past February and his estate is going big with marking the occasion. A bunch of his albums have been re-released as part of limited-edition pressings straight out of Jamaica, via Marley’s own Tuff Gong label. If you only get one album, you can’t go wrong with the Legend compilation, which is widely regarded as one of the best albums ever.
Flaming Lips — Fight Test and Ego Tripping At The Gates Of Hell
Warner Bros.
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots is an all-time classic, but don’t forget the two EPs Flaming Lips dropped at around the same time, too: Fight Test and Ego Tripping At The Gates Of Hell. The band is reissuing those now and this is the first time they’re both available on vinyl, meaning fans are finally able to fill a Wayne Coyne hole in their LP library.
The Police have a ton of hits, so picking up a compilation album from the group is a safe bet. Greatest Hits was originally released in 1992 and features iconic tracks like “Roxanne,” “Message In A Bottle,” “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” and “Every Breath You Take.” This reissue was remastered at Abbey Road and is pressed on heavyweight black vinyl.
Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello — The Songs Of Bacharach & Costello
UMe
We’re now about two months removed from the death of vintage pop icon Burt Bacharach. During his storied career, he counted Elvis Costello among his frequent collaborators, and now, The Songs Of Bacharach & Costello celebrates the three-decade professional relationship they enjoyed. This edition includes remastered tracks, previously unreleased songs, and a moving 10,000-word essay from Costello on his late friend.
Pink Floyd — The Dark Side Of The Moon (Deluxe Box Set)
Warner Music
It could be argued that The Dark Side Of The Moon is the most famous/successful album ever; It’s been on the Billboard charts for nearly 20 total years now. Dark Side turns 50 this year and a massive new anniversary edition comes with goodies like a book, CD and Blu-ray editions, and an LP of The Dark Side Of The Moon – Live At Wembley Empire Pool, London, 1974.
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