Record Store Day and the Black Friday version, RSD Black Friday have typically had some great releases from our favorite New Wave and 80’s alternative artists. Earlier this year, we picked up releases from OMD (Peel Sessions 1979-1983), Public Image Limited (First Issue) and The Cure (Head on the Door picture disc). The B-52’s and Duran Duran released albums we weren’t able to get.
Picture Discs and Live Releases on RSD Black Friday of New Wave Bands
This year for Record Store Day Black Friday (RSD Black Friday), there are a handful of releases from artists that we hear on First Wave from SiriusXM. These include picture discs, previously unreleased live recordings, and other limited releases.
A-Ha “Take on Me” 40th Anniversary Release
First up alphabetically for RSD Black Friday is a release from A-Ha – Take on Me (40th Anniversary EP). It is hard to believe that this song with its groundbreaking music video is 40 years old! This EP contains eight versions of “Take on Me” from its original single release, acoustic versions and even a symphonic version. Furthermore, this album comes pressed on ruby red vinyl and has a run of 3,000 copies.
The B-52’s Follow Up With Another Picture Disc
The B-52’s are back with another picture disc on RSD Black Friday. This time with their sophomore release, Wild Planet. This new wave classic includes favorites like: “Private Idaho” and “Strobe Light”. This RSD Black Friday Exclusive is limited to 5,000 copies.
By the time The B-52’s release this album I will have seen them and DEVO in concert. Check out my playlist of my favorite songs by these two legendary artists plus Lene Lovitch who is opening for them.
Picture Disc – “Merry Something to You” From DEVO
Along with The B-52’s, their tourmates DEVO, also have a vinyl release this Black Friday. Their release is a 12” picture disc with four versions of their holiday song “Merry Something To You”. DEVO has been on a farewell tour the last few years.
The English Beat With Peel Sessions and Other BBC Recordings
Next up is the release that I am most excited about which is The English Beat – The Beat at The BBC which will be a two-album set on clear vinyl. The album features recordings from the Dave Wakeling led band from the legendary John Peel and Mike Read shows on the BBC.
Included on this album are twenty favorites from the band, including “Save it for Later” and “Mirror in the Bathroom”. Only 4,000 copies available.
This follows Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark releasing their Peel Sessions earlier this year for Record Store Day. Echo & the Bunnymen is another New Wave favorite, that has recently released Peel Sessions for a special Record Store Day release.
80’s Icon Billy Idol With an Iconic Looking Picture Disc
Likely the coolest looking release of the year, is a picture disc from Billy Idol of his excellent song “77” with 90’s rocker Avril Lavigne. This 12” disc has punk rock graffiti looking images and only 1,500 copies are being pressed.
Idols’ latest album Dream Into It is his best work since the 80’s and “77” is one of the great duets he has on the album. Billy Idol, has been touring with Joan Jett to support this album. We saw them in Fort Worth earlier this year.
INXS With a Live Album From London
Similarly to A-ha, INXS is celebrating a 40th anniversary milestone with a special release also on red vinyl. In honor of the Listen Like Thieves, INXS has a live recording from a 1986 performance at Royal Albert Hall.
This 14 song album, Live from Royal Albert Hall, London, 1986 is limited to 3,000 copies and includes hits like “What You Need”, “Kiss The Dirt (Falling Down the Mountain)” among others. It will be interesting to hear the band a year before they become megastars with the release of Kick.
I saw INXS on their tour for Kick at the Pacific Ampitheater on the Orange County, CA Fairgrounds, and they were a great live band. Michael Hutchence had such a great stage presence.
Greatest Hits Limited Release from Madness
British ska pioneers, Madness, also have a special release. Hit Parade is a condensed single LP version of their career retrospective launched earlier this year and will include fifteen or sixteen of their most popular songs.
Appearing on this album will be Top 10 hit “Our House” along with “Baggy Trousers”, “House of Fun”, “Wings of a Dove” among others. Furthermore, only 3,000 copies available.
While you are thinking about ska and Madness, check out the playlist that I created per the request of my wife. It includes British ska from the 1980s to the ska revival in the 90s led by legendary Orange County, CA band No Doubt.
Ramones Live From Legendary CBGB Club in NYC
Hey Ho Let’s Go! Next up, we have another release on a red vinyl. This time, we have punk rock legends and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Ramones Live at CBGB, 1977. Ramones are linked with the legendary club CBGB in NYC and this captures them running through 19 songs at the club. This live album has a 6,000 copy limit.
Early Demos From Talking Heads
Also associated with CBGB, Talking Heads are back with another RSD exclusive. They may not be reuniting, but they are still releasing stuff. This Talking Heads package comes with both an LP and a 7” single. Tentative Decisions: Demos & Live includes demos recorded by the band in the early days in 1975-1976. This has a larger run with 7,500 albums being pressed.
I recently created a Talking Heads playlist that includes offshoots The Tom Tom Club as well as solo material from David Byrne and Jerry Harrison.
Other RSD Black Friday Releases of Interest to New Wave Fans
Punk rockers The Dead Milkmen and English band The Stranglers also have releases that might be of interest to New Wave fans. We’re planning on hitting Record Store Day this Black Friday (RSD Black Friday) and purchasing some of these limited RSD Black Friday releases. Let us know which releases you are most excited about.
