Parlophone Records (and its imprint label, Regal) are releasing a series of limited 7” vinyl records to celebrate and support this year’s UK Record Store Day on 17th April.
The series runs over a total of 12 artists, from this year’s hottest new urban artist Tinie Tempah to the band that made the label what it is today, The Beatles. Each release will come in a vintage-style paper Parlophone house bag which has been designed especially for the releases and uses elements of historic sleeves from the 1960’s to the present day.
Each release is strictly limited (the maximum run is 1000) and exclusive to the independent record shops taking part in the event. In many cases the material being released has never been heard before, as in the cases of Bat For Lashes, Pet Shop Boys and Hot Chip; in other cases this is the first time the songs have been available in a physical format.
Miles Leonard, President of Parlophone: “Parlophone and our artists recognise the importance of our Indie stores and their contribution to not only our new and developing artists but to our catalogue as a whole. Being able to support this campaign with some great 7″ releases from The Beatles to Bat For Lashes is our way of thanking them for their continued support. After all 'Music Matters'.”
Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys: “Independent record stores play a vital role in selling music from the fringe as well as the mainstream. We're delighted to be releasing a one-off vinyl single only available in independent shops as part of Record Store Day.”
Tinie Tempah: “I think preserving independent record stores is important because it's a cool & comfortable outlet for creativity and a great way of discovering new music. Growing up listening to pirate radio there were many garage/grime tunes I couldn't obtain from major retailers however, thanks to stores like Rhythm Division & Independence Records that issue was solved every time. It was also those places where I met & networked with fellow MC's & DJ's or just hung out which has played a big part of who I am & where I am today.”
Full list of releases:
Artist: Babyshambles
A: Side of the Road
B: UnBiloTitled
Artist: Bat For Lashes
A: Howl! (Live at De La Warr Pavillion)
B: Wild Is The Wind (Live at Grove Music Studios)
Artist: The Beatles
A: Paperback Writer
B: Rain
Artist: Chiddy Bang
A: Opposite of Adults
B: Sooner or Later
Artist: Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse
A: Just War (featuring Gruff Rhys)
B: Just War (instrumental)
Artist: Eliza Doolittle
A: Pack Up
B: Rollerblades
Artist: Hot Chip
A: I Feel Bonnie (featuring Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billie)
B: Bear Witness
Artist: Jónsi
A: Go Do
B: Boy Lilikoi
Artist: Lily Allen
A: Back To The Start
B: Kabul Shit
Artist: The Pet Shop Boys
A: Love Life
B: A Powerful Friend
Artist: Tinie Tempah
A: Pass Out
B: Pass Out (SBTRKT Remix)
On Saturday April 17 a thousand independent record shops across 18 countries and four continents – including 150 in the UK – will throw open their doors to celebrate Record Store Day. The aim is to highlight the continuing contribution of indie stores to UK music.
To celebrate the day, organisers have worked with record labels to secure over 100 exclusive items which will only be available through participating Record Store Day stores. For a full list of participating stores go to: link