12 Roots Music Releases for Your Record Store Day 2024 Shopping List
No Depression
Posted On April 18, 2024
Photo illustration: Hands photo by Przemek Klos; RSD logo courtesy of Record Store Day
Now in its 17th year, Record Store Day shines a needed spotlight on independent record stores, those beacons of cool that have shaped the musical tastes of many a fan and many an artist, too.
This Record Store Day — Saturday, April 20 — offers 387 albums either exclusive to the occasion and to independent record stores, or offered there first, with wider release planned later. It’s a lot to wade through, so we picked out a few roots-focused favorites to get your list started. Click on the album titles to learn more about each release, and find the full list of offerings, as well as participating record stores, at recordstoreday.com.
Mavis Staples – Have a Little Faith (Deluxe Edition)
Have a Little Faith, released in 2004, marked the start of Mavis Staples’ solo career and proved (after much resistance from labels) her faith-based songs could move souls and cross genres in the modern era. This remastered edition is delivered on two silver LPs and includes expanded artwork and a letter from Staples looking back on the album’s 20th anniversary. — Stacy Chandler
Dwight Yoakam – The Beginning and Then Some: The Albums of the ’80s
This four-LP box set collects Dwight Yoakam’s first three albums — Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc.; Hillbilly Deluxe; and Buenas Noches From a Lonely Room — along with 13 rarities, demos, and other gems selected by Yoakam himself. Put on your tight jeans and dance to hits like “It Won’t Hurt” and “1,000 Miles” and “Streets of Bakersfield,” along with all the great stuff in between. — Stacy Chandler
In case you missed Lola Kirke’s newest EP, Country Curious (ND review), in February (or her exclusive No Depression Session from AmericanaFest last year), this RSD Exclusive presents these songs in full-length spendor. Side A has the original EP, and the previously unreleased Side B includes four acoustic tracks and a cover of Paula Cole’s “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” with Kaitlin Butts. — Hilary Saunders
John Hartford – Morning Bugle (Remixed, Remastered, Expanded)
This album, along with the one that preceded it, Aereo-Plain, shook up the bluegrass/traditional music scene back in the early ’70s. By signing it, Warner Bros. signaled their commitment to bring roots music to a larger audience. With the approval of the Hartford estate, this is both a remix and remaster of the original album, with an extra disc of unreleased tracks. — Amos Perrine
Bobby Rush, Blind Boys of Alabama, Dom Flemons, Dustbowl Revival – 99 and 1/2 Won’t Do
So much happens behind the scenes in the music industry, so it’s exciting and unexpected when a non-performer gets to a slice of the spotlight. This RSD Exclusive was co-produced by artist manager Jeff DeLia, who assembled four of his long-term clients to record two songs for this 45 — a cover of A.J. Croce’s “I Found Faith” and the gospel classic “99 and 1/2 Won’t Do.” All proceeds benefit the Mid-South Food Bank, which serves the greater Memphis community. — Hilary Saunders
Almost a year ago, Willie Nelson held a massive 90th birthday party over two nights at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Guest stars included Kris Kristofferson, Snoop Dogg, Rosanne Cash. Twenty-one songs (of the 66-song mega set) were released on two vinyl LPs last December (read ND co-founder Peter Blackstock’s review here). Now a second volume of songs from Nelson’s birthday party is coming for Record Store Day, with tributes by The Avett Brothers, Lyle Lovett, Orville Peck, Margo Price, and many more. — Hilary Saunders
Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman, and Marty Stuart – Sweetheart of the Rodeo 50th Anniversary Live
In 2019, Byrds co-founders Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman celebrated the 50th anniversary of their landmark album Sweethearts of the Rodeo with a sold-out tour, joined by Marty Stuart. This release collects recordings from those shows, including “Eight Miles High,” which they only played once. The two-LP set is pressed on gold vinyl and comes with a new interview and liner notes from McGuinn, Hillman, and Stuart. — Stacy Chandler
The Bottle Rockets – The Brooklyn Side (30th Anniversary)
When The Brooklyn Side came out in 1994, no one was thinking about how sweet it’d sound on vinyl. So this is its first-ever release in the format. With the band’s blessing, original producer Eric “Roscoe” Ambel returns to create an all-analog release that also comes with six bonus tracks — demos, a radio performance, an album outtake, and Brian Henneman’s landmark song “Indianapolis.” — Stacy Chandler
The Roches — The Roches (45th Anniversary)
One of the best loved albums from 1979, The Roches marked the debut of one of folk music’s most important sister acts. Back on vinyl for the first time in 40 years, it’s pressed on red vinyl and comes with printed lyrics. — Stacy Chandler
Various Artists – Westbound Records Curated by RSD, Volume 1
Not only does this album represent a nice overview of the artists on the Westbound label, which was at ground zero for ’70s funk, it also serves as a harbinger of the full-length albums to come. If you’re unfamiliar with the nitty gritty funk sound, a sound that continues to reverberate today, consider this an introduction. — Amos Perrine
Wilco – The Whole Love Expanded
The Wilcoverse is so much bigger than mere albums. The songs find their way to EPs, bonus tracks, and live versions treasured by fans. This box set collects the whole package for 2011’s The Whole Love, including in-studio live performances, unreleased alternative mixes, and demos of songs like “Art of Almost” and “Dawned on Me.” — Stacy Chandler
John Craigie – Let It Be Lonely
It’s not a bad theme for a series. For last year’s Record Store Day, John Craigie released a live solo performance of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band all the way through. Now he’s following it up with a live cover of Let It Be in its entirety, woven through with Craigie’s signature hilarious banter. — Stacy Chandler
