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RECORD STORE DAY'S GIFT GUIDE 2024

December 5, 2024

What a year of amazing releases we've had! With Christmas right around the corner, we knew it was high time to create a gift guide for discerning music lovers. After surveying the Record Store Day team and over 250 independent record shops nationwide, we’re proud to present the Ultimate Record Store Day Gift Guide 2024 - packed with this year’s most-loved albums, perfect for the savvy gift-giver! 🎁



Nala Sinephro – Endlessness (Warp)

There’s something undeniably magical about stepping into a record shop and discovering an album like Nala Sinephro’s Endlessness. The London-based composer’s second LP blends lush, atmospheric textures with dynamic improvisation, creating a deeply immersive listening experience. While it explores profound themes like the cycles of death and rebirth, its soothing soundscapes also make it perfect for those just looking to unwind. It’s an album that has really resonated with record shops across the UK, earning Endlessness its well-deserved spot as our Album of the Year! 


Here’s what some of our shops had to say about it:

Endlessness is an album you could leave on your turntable forever, pretty appropriate given the title! A 45 minute ultra cosmic / zen jazz odyssey, essential listening that should be prescribed to anyone needing a bit of a mental cleanse. It’s been a great year new music wise, but after a busy 12 months, this is the album we needed the most! Sticky Black Tarmac


In a restless world Nala Sinephro's Endlessness provided just the calm needed. Its electronic textures and jazzy grooves wash over the listener without ever being boring. Sound Records


Gorgeous, lush layers on this contemporary jazz classic. Pie & Vinyl




Fontaines D.C. - Romance (XL)

Fontaines D.C.'s fourth album, Romance, represents a turning point, pushing the Dublin band from underground favourites to alt-rock prominence. Its bold themes - mixing raw personal emotions with existential reflection - have made it a favourite in record shops across the UK!


Fontaines D.C. are supposed to be a post-punk band. On their 4th studio album prove that they can deliver a melodic, anthemic, full of undeniable pop-infused LP which you want to play again, again and again...

Vinyl Eddie


Fontaines DC have always been massively popular in the shop with staff and customers alike, but there’s no doubt that ‘Romance’ sets them on course to be the biggest band in the world.

Piccadilly Records



Amyl & The Sniffers - Cartoon Darkness (Rough Trade)

Melbourne’s Amyl & The Sniffers pushed the boundaries of punk rock with their latest album, Cartoon Darkness. Famed for their explosive energy and bonkers lyrics, the band stayed true to their unapologetic style while experimenting with bold new sounds - winning over record shops across the nation along the way. Don’t miss the exclusive Rough Trade release, the Cartoon Black Edition, available on sleek black vinyl. A must-have for any punk fan.


The Aussie punks bring unmatched, blistering energy to an album that stands out for both its evolved production and bold exploration of new sonic territory.  

Rough Trade 


Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching (Partisan)

There were no signs of post-Mercury Prize fatigue from London’s jazz five-piece. If anything, the grooves hit harder, the horns were bolder, and the hooks were even more infectious. Celebrating music’s power to bring people together and make us dance like nobody’s watching, this album, and its impeccable vibes, became a favourite among independent record shops nationwide.


Ezra Collective's latest oozes pure joy and fun - a totally infectious cool party vibe. Full of positivity and love, this record belongs in everyone’s collection to cover all of your dancing needs. 

Rough Trade Bristol


An album with more sophisticated sounds and some great grooves. 

Dead Sea Records



The Cure - Songs Of A Lost World (Polydor)

The Cure’s first album in 16 years was everything fans could have hoped for. Songs Of a Lost World channelled The Cure’s signature sound, exploring themes of death, loss, and memory that feel as raw and powerful as they did back in 1979. Grab a copy of the specialist retail exclusive Grey Marbled Bio Vinyl edition from your favourite independent record shop and celebrate the greatest comeback of the year!


You can also revisit our exclusive track by track breakdown of the album from Robert Smith here!


The Cure did something incredibly rare with Songs of a Lost World – the album brought every single member of staff to one conclusion. And that was that it’s absolutely brilliant. 

Wax and Beans



Jack White – No Name (Third Man)

Looking for a rock fan’s dream gift? Jack White’s No Name has you covered. It first popped up as a surprise on unmarked white vinyl at White’s own Third Man Records before hitting shelves everywhere. Record shops say it’s his best since the White Stripes days – the perfect gift for rock fans!


I loved this album because in the words of Al Pacino in The Godfather part 3, 'Just when I thought I was out, he pulls me back in.' 

Thorne Records



Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Wild God (Bad Seed)

A staple in record shops for decades, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds showed no signs of slowing down on album number eighteen. Recorded at Miraval Studios in France, the former prince of darkness found euphoria despite it all, on an album of contagious wild joy!


An absolute emotional rollercoaster of spiritual upliftment, humour, anger, reconciliation - Wild God is our album of the year, beautiful! 

Bending Sound



Jamie XX – In Waves (Young)

Jamie XX’s second solo album lived up to the hype. With a star-studded cast of collaborators from Panda Bear, Robyn, Romy, Oliver Sim, and The Avalanches, it appealed to both dance fans and a wider audience. The album is a tribute to the healing power of dance music, blending infectious beats and slick production with emotional depth that resonated with record shops across the country.


Mr. XX imbues this record with a soul rarely heard breaking out across darkened and heaving dancefloors. Saturated in delectable melodies and stamped with uplifting grooves – that it hits so hard yet remains so limb-propelling is no mean feat.

Resident


Makes you dance around the shop, badly.

Wax & Beans



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Last weekend saw independent record shops across the UK and Ireland come together to celebrate Record Store Day on Saturday 18th April. Over 300 independent record shops took part, hosting live performances, signings, DJ sets and special events to mark the occasion. Many record shops collaborated with fellow retailers on their high streets including coffee shops, restaurants, pubs and community centres, as well as collecting donations for local charities. For example, Dash The Henge (London), Vinyl Fetishes (Manchester) and The LP Café (Watford) hosted multi venue festivals, Thorne Records (Edinburgh) had support from their neighbourhood pizza restaurant, Vox Box (Edinburgh) teamed up with their nearby brewery, Rotten Records (Cornwall) offered discounts at their local coffee shop and there were a host of other initiatives designed to support their local communities. With the 19th annual celebration gaining momentum every year, Record Store Day reported their largest ever event with sales up 25% on 2025 and record-breaking footfall through independent retailers' doors. Kim Bayley, CEO of the digital entertainment and retail association, ERA, which organises RSD on behalf of the nation’s independent record shops, said: “This year’s Record Store Day demonstrated as never before the emerging role of record shops as cultural hubs on the high street, bringing together music fans across generations and breathing new life into town centres. Congratulations to all the shops who took part and thanks to all the artists, labels, sponsors and countless other partners who made it possible.” Thousands of cross-generational vinyl collectors began queuing from the day before to get their hands on the 500 special limited-edition releases, which saw high streets become buzzing hubs for music fans. Queues at many stores circled the block with many shops reporting that queues were still ongoing late into Saturday afternoon. Slow Century Records took part in their first Record Store Day, owner John Ellis said: "Our first ever Record Store Day was phenomenal, we had a blast. We had no idea how it would all pan out on the day, thankfully the day was a massive success and great for the wider high street too. We had music all over the high street in all sorts of venues from opening at 8am until 11pm, our own IPA in the bar two doors down. We were extremely fortunate to have support from BBC Radio Birmingham too!" Resident Music, Brighton saw their largest crowds in 2026, owner Natasha Youngs said: “The Saturday itself beat all previous years in terms of attendance and sales. The RSD weather gods took good care of us again and the sunshine added to a brilliantly buzzy day of fulfilled wish-lists, shared fandom, laughter, new friendships, live music, artist signings, DJ sets and general good vibes. The days following the event have also been insanely busy, with our highest ever post-RSD sales instore. And then the online after-party delivered another bumper boost to sales.” Sister Ray, Soho has participated in Record Store Day every year, owner Phil Barton said: “Busy, busy, busier than ever. RSD once again brought the party to a packed Soho. Everyone benefits from RSD. Us, the other record stores, the community and the other businesses that embrace our day as their own.” Regular Record Store Day queuer, Jack White said: “I met my friends Chris and Beth in the queue outside Sister Ray on Record Store Day 2017 and we’ve kept in touch ever since. We’ve met up for RSD a few times over the years to grab lunch and chat about how our years have gone. Such a brilliant example of how RSD and more broadly music can bring people together!” Record Store Day would like to thank its official partners - BBC 6 Music, Bowers & Wilkins, Breed Media, Jack Daniel’s, Jubel, Lagom, Metropolis, Tribe and War Child for their support. Next year will see Record Store Day mark the 20th anniversary of the independent record shop event.
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Record Store Day takes place this Saturday, 18th April, with over 300 independent record shops set to celebrate across the UK and Ireland. Record shops will host live performances, signings, DJ sets and special events to mark the occasion. Vinyl lovers will join record shop queues for a chance to get their hands on the special limited-edition releases, turning high streets into a huge celebration of music and community. Hundreds of artists are supporting independent record shops with a range of exclusive vinyl releases, including titles from Charli XCX, CMAT, Primal Scream, Robert Plant, The Streets and Wolf Alice, which are available in-store only on the day. BBC Radio 6 Music Official Media Partner, 6 Music returns to join the festivities, with Huw Stephens broadcasting live from Monorail Music in Glasgow on Friday 17th April (4-7pm). The broadcast will feature special appearances from Teenage Fanclub, Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai, and Phoebe I-H from BBC Introducing in Scotland. Across the weekend, the station will also present a ‘Vinyl Weekender’, featuring a range of live performances, interviews, and vinyl-focused programming. Huw says: “Record Store Day is a huge deal, and Glasgow certainly loves its records. I’ve been to Monorail Music a few times over the years and having Teenage Fanclub play there, along with a chance to talk to a range of guests during the show, will be very special indeed.” Selected Live Music & DJ Sets, Special Events, Festivals & Giveaways Dash The Henge, London – Two-day festival across 4 venues with 40 bands, DJs, and exclusive RSD releases, all on one wristband. Venues include Dash The Henge Store, The Old Dispensary, The Bear Camberwell, and HENGE Brixton, running Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th April. Good Vibes, The False Widow, Leith – Full-day of live music curated by Lost Map Records and Play Nice Presents, featuring Acolyte, Isa Gordon, Tony Morris, Buffet Lunch, and a special guest, followed by an evening vinyl DJ set and live performance from Comfort. Jacaranda Records, Liverpool – Live music, free hot drinks, a BBQ for early arrivals, and an exclusive Kula Shaker single-sided 7” record for the first 100 people in the queue, including a special recording of Day for Night made using a 1948 Voice-O-Graph and lathe-cut at Fat Monkey Studios. Le Freak Records, Dundee – Full-day event from 10am - 6pm with vinyl DJ sets and prize giveaways, followed by a takeover at Canvas Dundee from 7 PM–late with more DJ sets and dancing. LP Cafe (The), Watford – Mini festival of local bands featuring acoustic sets, vinyl DJs, and a drum workshop with Will Taylor, spread across five local venues. Featuring The Social Club, Lakes, The Ilario Ferrari Electric Trio, Awake Mother, El Bingo!, Ghost Tapes, Legends of The Seven Golden Vampires, and Happy Neighbours. Phonica, London – All-day event from 9am - 9pm, featuring a wide selection of RSD exclusives, a secret special guest line-up across the shop floor and basement, with beverages provided by JUBEL and sound by Zion Audio. Resident Music, Brighton – Afternoon and evening event from 4pm – 7:30pm, featuring a meet & greet and signing with Paris Paloma, DJ sets from Public Service Broadcasting and Steve Mason, the Annual Charity Raffle, and a stripped-back set from Blood Wizard, with beers supplied by Permit Room. Rough Trade East, London – Hosting a full day of live music and DJ sets beginning at 10:00 AM. The lineup includes DJ sets from Kate Goodrum and Borokov Borokov, followed by live performances from Ella Raphael, Ashaine White, Eaves Wilder, a surprise guest (TBA), Long Distance Runner, Cabin, Daytime TV, Alabama 3 and headliners DOTWAVNOTWAVE, with music continuing throughout the day in-store. Soul Brother, London - Celebrating 35 years of Soul Brother Records, Georgie B (Groove Association) from the UK 80s Soul/Jazz-Funk band Second Image will be signing copies of his new album 'My Time to Shine' in the shop from 2pm - 4pm. Sound Records, Stroud – Tropical Record Store Day celebration in collaboration with Bacana Funk, featuring all-day DJ sets. Steamboat Records, Limerick – A full day of live music in-store, with DJs throughout and performances from Irish Wonders, God Knows and First Class Rebel, with more happening across the day. Truck Oxford Afterparty, The Bullingdon, Oxford – Evening Record Store Day celebration featuring headliner Willie J Healey and commemorating 15 years of Truck Oxford. Voxbox Music, Edinburgh – Celebrating RSD & the shop’s 15th birthday with a pop-up in St Vincent’s Chapel, plus live music from 11am - 5.30pm featuring: Étáin, Broken Chanter, Kathryn Joseph (SAY Award Winner 2015), Phillip Jon Taylor (PAWS), Grant McPhee (Caledonia Screaming / new book on Scottish punk), Kai Reesu (SAY Award Winner 2025), Meursault, Both Hands, and waverley. To find out what’s happening near you this weekend, or to grab tickets, head to our official events listing page or contact your local independent record shop . Record Store Day will take place globally on Saturday 18 th April.
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