Independent record stores are gearing up for another frenzy as Record Store Day has just unveiled its Black Friday 2025 releases, set to hit shelves on November 28. This year's event promises over 170 exclusive titles, a mix that spans rock legends and modern pop sensations, all designed to draw crowds back to those dusty bins of wax. It's the kind of announcement that gets vinyl collectors buzzing, though one can't help but wonder if the hype sometimes outpaces the actual hauls.
Among the highlights, Bob Dylan scores two entries, including a fresh take on his early classic The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, while Billie Eilish fans will snag her live Amazon Songline performance as a limited 10-inch EP—its first physical drop. Chappell Roan joins the fray with something fresh off her rising star, and even the Wicked soundtrack gets a special "For Good" edition. Indeed, the list bulges with heavy hitters: Led Zeppelin, Joni Mitchell, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Van Halen. Throw in Alice Cooper, Mötley Crüe, Motörhead, Ramones, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Elton John, and Brandi Carlile, plus a nod to the late Scott Weiland. Moreover, Benson Boone's 2023 EP Pulse arrives on electric yellow and bright blue splatter vinyl, marking its debut in that format.
The event, now in its fifteenth Black Friday iteration, sticks to tradition by limiting sales to participating indie shops first, with any leftovers possibly trickling online later. However, lines will form early, as always—supply rarely meets demand in these circles. Organizers emphasize the boost for local stores, but critics occasionally point out how the exclusivity can feel a bit manufactured, pushing prices up in the resale market.
Still, for those who cherish the ritual of flipping through crates on a post-Thanksgiving morning, this lineup offers plenty to covet. As the date approaches, it leaves room to ponder whether these limited editions truly revive the spirit of music discovery or just fuel another collector's chase.