Let’s be real: Record Store Day Black Friday is not for the weak. It’s not for the casual shopper wandering into their local store thinking they’ll “just browse.” No, it’s for the die-hards. The ones who know the difference between turquoise vinyl and aquamarine. The ones who own anti-static brushes and know how to pronounce “Technics” correctly. It’s for me. And, if you’re reading this, probably you too.
This year’s RSD Black Friday lineup? Absolutely stacked. I’m talking legends, deep cuts, chaotic brilliance, and a few pressings so pretty they could make a grown crate digger weep.
Here are my seven favorite finds from 2025’s glorious vinyl bloodbath.
1. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “The Live Anthology: From The Vaults Vol. 1”
Okay, let’s start with the turquoise elephant in the room. This 12-inch double LP is a gorgeous translucent blue that looks like a Florida swimming pool and sounds like pure Americana gold. Originally a bonus CD buried in the 2009 Live Anthology box set, this beauty finally makes its vinyl debut—and honestly, it’s about time.
Curated by Petty himself, this one’s packed with hits, covers, and some delicious deep cuts. Think: you, windows down, sun setting, this record on. It’s giving denim jacket, cigarette smoke, and heartfelt guitar solos. Limited to just 11,000 copies, so if you snagged one, hold it tight.
2. Bad Brains – “Live at the Bayou”
Punk historians, assemble. This release is a nuclear blast of raw, pre-debut energy from one of the most important hardcore bands to ever exist. Captured live in D.C. from 1980 to 1981, Live at the Bayou is noisy, chaotic, and perfect.
Before they packed up for New York and dropped their first official record, this is what Bad Brains sounded like in the wild. It’s been pulled straight from the original tapes and blessed by Don Zientara (yes, that Don Zientara), so you know it sounds like a brick wall in the best way.
Also, shoutout to Time Traveler Recordings for finally dropping something non-jazz and absolutely unhinged. More of this, please.
3. Led Zeppelin – “Trampled Under Foot” / “Black Country Woman” (UK 7-inch Reissue)
Can I be honest? I didn’t need this. But I absolutely wanted it. This reissue is a total recreation of the OG UK 7-inch single of Trampled Under Foot, with Black Country Woman riding shotgun on the B-side.
It’s tiny. It’s moody. It’s perfect. And it feels like something you’d find in your cool uncle’s attic next to a lava lamp and some questionable Polaroids. Pure vintage energy.
This one isn’t about new songs. It’s about the thrill of holding a little slice of rock history in your hands and going, yeah, this still slaps.
4. Fleetwood Mac – “Live 1975”
Before the Rumours drama, before the coke and heartbreak and five million copies sold, there was 1975. Fleetwood Mac had just added Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, and baby—they were ready to work.
This vinyl-first release is like getting invited to their coming-out party. It’s got early versions of Rhiannon, Landslide, and World Turning, recorded during shows in New Jersey and Connecticut. It’s scrappy, it’s sweet, it’s raw Stevie magic.
It also proves, once again, that no one does mysterious scarf-waving rock quite like this band. If you didn’t tear up the first time you heard Stevie live on vinyl, you’re stronger than me.
4. Billy Joel – “Live From Long Island” (3xLP)
Billy. Freaking. Joel. The king of piano rock comes home in this sprawling three-LP set, capturing his December 1982 concert at Nassau Coliseum.
This was peak Nylon Curtain era Billy—right before An Innocent Man and long before we stopped booking him on SNL. The setlist is fire, the crowd’s electric, and the remastering is chef’s kiss. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you were at a sweaty New York hometown show in the early 80s, this is your time machine.
Bonus points for the mix done by Brian Ruggles, Billy’s longtime live sound guy. Trust the guy who’s been riding faders for decades.
Honorable Shoutouts
Okay, I said seven, but I have to sneak in two honorable mentions:
- Danny Elfman’s “Big Top Pee-Wee” on a picture disc with Pee-Wee’s face staring into your soul? Instant camp.
- Spinal Tap’s “The End Continues” is the fictional band’s real-life return, complete with bonus tracks and a poster. It goes to eleven, obviously.
Why We Do This
Look, vinyl isn’t just about the sound (although yes, the sound is chef’s kiss). It’s about the hunt. The community. The early morning line outside the record shop, clutching your coffee and hoping no one else is gunning for the same copy you are.
Record Store Day Black Friday is vinyl Christmas, and these releases are the gifts we unwrap with reverence. Whether it’s a live Petty set or a neon Post Malone drop, what matters most is the joy, the fun, of holding music in your hands.
So cheers to the wax heads, the crate diggers, the collectors and the casually obsessed. May your pressings be clean, your stores be stocked and your wallets be slightly less full. Until the next drop.
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