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Record Store Day: 20 curiosities to chase on music retail’s big day

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Los Angeles Times Pop Music Critic

Record Store Day 2014 commences Saturday with desperate vinyl collectors and obsessive fans scouring racks for the objects of their desire in the early-morning hours. The annual celebration of independent music retailers has become most stores’ biggest day of the year as a result of the hundreds of limited-edition, specially issued records, cassettes and CDs.

In the years since Record Store Day was launched in 2008, the volume and variety of releases has grown. Until a few years ago, it was relatively easy to make a list of a dozen essential items to pursue with little fear of leaving out something fascinating. But the quantity has snowballed.

The list is a fascinating glimpse into the thriving reissue market, offering looks at obscure 1980s hard core that’s risen to the top, curious pop songs of Southeast Asia, deep rural blues from nearly a century ago and lots and lots of rock, alt-rock and post-punk wax.

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Below is a curated selection of some of the more odd releases this avowed vinyl fetishist would recommend chasing on Saturday -- or, if not, searching for on eBay about six months later after the prices for most of these will have plummeted.

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Chuck Inglish and Chance the Rapper, “Glam 7.” (Federal Prison). Two generations of Chicago rappers join forces, one of whom, Inglish, is best known for his work with the Cool Kids. He’s teamed with young lyricist Chance the Rapper, marking the latter’s first-ever appearance on (non-bootleg) vinyl. This is one of four in a series that Inglish is releasing for the day. Others include collaborations with Chromeo, Action Bronson and Mac Miller & Ab Soul.

The Allman Brothers Band, selections from “Play All Night: Live at the Beacon Theater, 1992.” (Sony/Legacy) Double LP with a Side 4 that features just two jams: “Jessica” and “Whipping Post.” Somewhere in the galaxies, these solos are still echoing.

Chvrches, “Recover EP,” (Glassnote). 12-inch clear orange vinyl, bootleg sleeve, hand-numbered and stamped. Features three originals and two remixes by the Scottish electro-pop band.

Joy Division, “An Ideal for Living” EP (Rhino). Before the band signed to Factory, it released an EP. Much bootlegged, the four songs showcase Ian Curtis’ primal beginnings as a vocalist.

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The Cure, Dinosaur Jr., “Just Like Heaven” (Rhino). This 45 rpm record features the Cure’s original 1987 version and Dinosaur Jr.’s classic distorted reworking.

Devo, “Live at Max’s Kansas City -- November 15, 1977” (Jackpot). As Devo was first invading New York from its home base of Akron, Ohio, the band started drawing bigger and more impressive names to witness its stage show. Among them one fall night in 1977 was David Bowie, who is captured on this limited-edition pressing. Entire performance available, including audio of Bowie.

Fleetwood Mac, “Dragon Fly/The Purple Dancer” (Warner Bros.) The first song recorded after Christine McVie joined the band in 1970, this Rhino records release celebrates the bluesy power of the pre-Stevie Nicks/Lindsey Buckingham” era.

Haim, “Forever” 12” (Columbia). A track from the siblings’ debut, this gem features an extended remix by dance music legend Giorgio Moroder.

The Julie Ruin, “Brightside”/”In the Picture” (Julie Ruin Records). Kathleen Hanna’s exuberant dance-punk band offers two previously unreleased tracks in a limited-edition form.

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Jon Brion, official soundtrack to “ParaNorman” (Mondo). Extremely limited (500 copies) glow-in-the-dark vinyl pressing of the longtime Largo favorite’s music from the animated film. Features alternate artwork, as well.

Django Django, “The Porpoise Song” b/w “Flat of Angle Vol. 1 featuring Benedict Cumberbatch” (Mute). British synth-rock band covers the Monkees’ surreal pop song on one side, and on the other offers TV’s Sherlock Holmes some room for a spoken-word piece.

The Animals, “The Animals” EP (ABKCO). High-volume maximum R&B from Eric Burdon & Co., pressed on 10-inch wax for better fidelity than the original 7-inch. Features “Boom Boom,” “Around and Around,” “Dimples” and “I’ve Been Around.”

Sky Ferreira, “Night Time, My Time” picture disc (Capitol). The major-label debut by rock chanteuse Ferreira is pressed on a picture disc of the album’s seductive front cover.

Heatmiser, “Dead Air,” “Cop” and “Yellow No. 5” cassettes (Burger). Re-presses of music from Elliott Smith’s early group, released in limited edition on tape from Burger Records.

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Heavens to Betsy, “Calculated” LP. (Kill Rock Stars). Pre-Sleater Kinney band from Corin Tucker, this riot grrrl classic has been unavailable on vinyl. Back for a limited time.

Disclosure, “Apollo” 12-inch (Glassnote). British dance team offers ultra-rare physical release of its wonderful “Apollo.”

The J.B.’s, “ ‘Food for Thought’: The Get on Down Edition” (Get On Down). Fancy pressing and package of the first record on James Brown’s People Records. The J.B.’s were Brown’s backing band in the 1970s, and this reissue features music, a custom tote bag, a poster of the cover and a 7-inch record.

Liars, “Mess on a Mission” 12-inch (Mute). New track and remixes from one of L.A.’s most enigmatic bands. The group’s new album, “Mess,” features Liars digging further into old-school analog synth tones. The highlight of this one is a remix by the fantastic Drag City outfit Black Bananas.

Nino Rota, “Amarcord” soundtrack (Music on Vinyl). Re-press of this essential soundtrack to Frederico Fellini’s 1973 film, composed by the director’s longtime musical muse, Nino Rota.

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Scharpling and Wurster, “Rock, Rot and Rule” (Flannelgraph Records). Comic duo of director and former WFMU DJ Tom Scharpling and Superchunk drummer Jon Wurster, who recorded this fake interview with a “rock expert” in 1997, on the subject of why some things “rule” and some things “rock.” Thinking the radio interview was real, irate listeners started calling in to argue, and the results are hilarious.

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Twitter: @liledit

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