Dwyer’s Record Store Day Wishlist, What’s Yours?

I love Record Store Day! This Saturday, April 12! Of course, to me, everyday is record store day since I spend a good part of my time hanging around my local Ragged Records, or Co-Op store in the Quad Cities. I also don't mind a day trip to a joint nearby, as I've found some great treasures at Metro Records In Cedar Falls, and the Analog Vault in Cedar Rapids. Heck, I scored some great old Jazz records from the 50's still sealed at Revival Records in Eau Claire, WI.

But Record Store Day, the day recognized for supporting your independent record store, is always a great day to find some special releases from your favorite artists.

Here is what I hope to end the day with this year:

The Doors, Strange Days 1967. This is a collection of outtakes and alternate versions of the songs that ended up on the Strange Days album. This is one of my favorite Doors records, and I'm excited to hear a little behind-the-music style audio from the weirdos that helped usher in my love of all things psychedelic. According to the website RecordStoreDay.com, there are about 7500 of these being released.

Geddy Lee is releasing a couple of "Lost Demos" covering some of his solo stuff. I don't believe in the idea that anything is "lost" in the music business, but I also happen to believe that anything Geddy Lee says about giving a glimpse into the way he ticks... There's 3500 of those popping up.

Post Malone's Tribute to Nirvana. Maybe you're tired of this story, since there have been some performance videos of Malone with Dave Grohl, and I'm curious to hear all of this guys' take on those timeless songs. This is more of a standard release since there's going to be 17,000 of them out there.

Queen. The De Lane Lea Sessions. Can't wait to hear this on vinyl. From 1971, when they were just artists trying to find their sound. Cocky but not yet confident. These are the tracks that would seal their sound. 5000 units.

Thin Lizzy; Jailbreak Alternate Version. These songs have been released (On their Box Set from I-don't-know-when) before, but I think this is the first time you can hear the track listing in order, but all alternate or rough versions on vinyl. This to me is the best reason for a day dedicated to cruising through the racks at your favorite record store. 6000 albums sprinkled around the U.S.

My biggest wish this year is a Peter Tosh Greatest Hits collection that was only released on vinyl in Brazil, but now will be available here in the states. There's only 3000, so I've been calling around to find where it might show up--from my pals at Mother Murphy's in Normal, to an old childhood haunt of mine called Val's Halla in Oak Park.

That's my short list. The best part about ANY day in a record store is the stuff you find on your way to the stuff you want. Kinda like life, no? See you all among the stacks!

Check out the full release list here!