The annual ritual of Record Store Day is gearing up for its Black Friday edition on November 28, 2025, and organizers just unveiled a sprawling list of over 170 exclusive vinyl releases. It's the kind of announcement that sends collectors into a frenzy, promising limited-edition gems from some of music's biggest names. Indeed, this year's lineup feels particularly loaded, blending fresh faces with timeless legends in a way that's bound to draw crowds to independent shops nationwide.
At the forefront, Billie Eilish fans will snag a 10-inch EP of her live Amazon Songline performance, hitting physical formats for the first time. Chappell Roan, the rising pop sensation, joins the fray with her own exclusive pressing, while Bob Dylan scores two entries, including a reimagined take on his classic The Freewheelin' album. However, it's the rock heavyweights that might steal the show: Led Zeppelin, Joni Mitchell, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Van Halen, and even a nod to the late Scott Weiland with Stone Temple Pilots material. Moreover, releases from Alice Cooper, Mötley Crüe, Motörhead, Ramones, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, and Elton John round out a catalog that's as eclectic as it is overwhelming.
Smaller but no less intriguing offerings include Benson Boone's 2023 EP Pulse on splatter vinyl—its debut on the format—and Cage the Elephant's live album from Chicago's Vic Theatre. The event emphasizes supporting local record stores, with participating locations listed on the official site for those eager to line up early. Yet, one can't help but wonder if the hype around these limited runs truly boosts the indie scene or just fuels resale chaos online.
Still, for vinyl enthusiasts, it's a holiday windfall that underscores music's enduring physical allure. As Black Friday approaches, perhaps this lineup reminds us why flipping through crates in a dusty shop still holds its charm.