In honour of Record Store Day 2016, we asked some of our top DJs about their favourite vinyl.
Saturday 16th April marks the 9th birthday of Record Store Day. Founded in 2007 to celebrate every sector of the music industry, Record Store Day boomed thanks to the support of huge artists from a variety of genres. Previous ambassadors include Iggy Pop, Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Jack White.
Record Store Day shines a spotlight on independent record stores by sending them exclusive, limited edition records, often in unique shapes and sizes that showcase the beauty of the vinyl format. This year, special releases come from George Clinton’s Funkadelic and A Guy Called Gerald’s 808 State. Many stores put on shows to celebrate Record Store Day, and queues can be big, so get to your local store fast!
To celebrate Record Store Day 2016, we asked a selection of DJs from our talent-packed roster which records they think you need in your collection.
Nik Weston Presents Esteban – Lost Funk & Disco Gems Volume Five
“As Disco reissues go, this one is quite spectacular. I heard that Nik Weston had to track down the original artist somewhere in Canada to negotiate the license for this release. ‘Come To Me’ is an energetic disco cut with plenty of funk and a side order of soul. The flip side is more of an infectious, mid-tempo groover called ‘LA Walk’. Remastered and reimagined for today’s discerning audience it’s definitely one worth checking.”
Joey Negro Presents Remixed With Love Vol. 2: – Law of the Land (JN Tribute to Norman Whitfield)
“Dave Lee casts a loving eye over this classic Norman Whitfield production. Highly recommended!”
This is also exclusively being re-released on vinyl in honour of Record Store Day – so make sure you get to your local store early to avoid disappointment. Limited to one per person!
Marshall Jefferson
Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy – Elton John
“If I had to pick one vinyl record, it would be Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy by Elton John. The whole album is telling a story and has corresponding art.”
33 1/3 Queen – Searchin’
“Considered techno back then and it still sounds great today. It’s actually still in my precious vinyl bag as I played it out quite recently. It’s still in really good condition, there was only 30 made and I’m glad I have one of them.”
K-Hand – Tools Volume. 1
“On the Deep house tip, I love this one of my productions
and with a 5 star rating on discogs it is somewhat of a collectors item. Especially seeing as it was recorded out of detroit, which makes the sound monumental at its largest. Lookout for Volume 2 soon.”
K-Hand – Funky Tonight EP
“For me personally, Funky Tonight makes a great EP because of the Deep acid-y art tip. Another collector’s item for those who know; it mixes smoothly, and blends with other vinyl releases out today – that guarantees a tight DJ set anywhere.”