Record Store Day is almost here, and like every year, I’ve been researching this year’s releases, revisiting past hauls, and getting myself into that pre‑RSD mindset. But my warm‑up for this year actually started back in February during the Morrissey Make‑Up Is a Lie listening party at County Line Records. While we were waiting for the event to begin (you can read my full recap in my Morrissey listening‑party review, I wandered through a few of the store’s sale bins and did a double‑take: two limited RSD Black Friday picture discs were sitting there, marked down. I hadn’t expected to see them again, especially not discounted. My guess? Most people felt the same way I did back in November — cool releases, but over‑priced for single‑track 12‑inches, even with the picture‑disc novelty.
Billy Idol – 77 (12” Picture Disc)
Back on RSD Black Friday, this one definitely caught my eye. A picture disc built around Idol’s early punk era is a fun concept, but the original price tag felt a little ambitious for a single‑track release. When I saw it discounted in February, though, it finally crossed that line from “interesting” to “okay, now I can justify this.” I’m pretty sure I grabbed the last copy County Line had.
And since I saw Billy Idol live in 2025 (my full concert review is here Concert Review: Billy Idol and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – 80’s New Wave Music), picking this up felt like a perfect little extension of that show — a collectible that ties directly back to a great night.
DEVO – Merry Something to You (12” Picture Disc)
Same story, different band. I loved the artwork and the DEVO‑esque holiday weirdness, but again, the original price didn’t quite match the format. On sale, though? Easy yes. County Line still had a few copies left, and at the discounted price it was a no‑brainer.
And because I also caught DEVO on their 2025 tour (my DEVO concert review is here Cosmic De‑Evolution Tour: An 80’s Flashback in Austin, TX – 80’s New Wave Music), this pickup felt like another fun connection to a show I’m glad I didn’t miss.
Why These February Finds Still Matter Heading Into RSD
There’s something energizing about stumbling onto RSD titles months later — especially ones you passed on the first time around. It’s a reminder that the vinyl hunt isn’t just about release day. It’s about the long game, the surprises, the “wait, how is this still here?” moments, and the thrill of finding something limited in a place you didn’t expect.
Those two picture discs weren’t part of my original RSD Black Friday haul, but grabbing them during the Morrissey event ended up being the unofficial start of my RSD 2026 season. They were a little preview of the chase — the unexpected score, the last copy in the bin, the thing you didn’t know you needed until it was in your hands.
I’ve identified the releases that I would be most interested in for the 2026 Record Store Day previously with The Cure and OMD leading the way. I haven’t yet decided where I am going to go (or even if I am going to go for that matter). We went to Josey Records in Dallas last Record Store Day and have shopped there subsequently. We went to Saint Maire Records in Fort Worth for RSD Black Friday and had a great experience there. We’ve been to multiple events at County Line Records in Keller. So, I am just trying to decide where, what and even if for Saturday.
