Half the fun of shopping for records is digging for hidden gems, and half the fun of Record Store Day is knowing just how many more of those are tucked into the crates. Here are the exclusive Record Store Day releases Pittsburgh City Paper staffers think are worth searching for this year:
Allman Brothers Band, Syria Mosque: Pittsburgh, PA 1-17-71 (Allman Brothers Band Recording Company)
Honor Pittsburgh’s music past with an album recorded during a performance at the Syria Mosque, an Oakland venue that hosted over 70 years of incredible musicians.
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Live at Jazz Workshop 1970 (Gearbox Records)
This album by a legendary, late, Pittsburgh-born jazz drummer comes with a QR code with access to nearly five hours of extra content.
Carole King, The Legendary Demos Vol. 1 (Legacy/SMG)
Originally released in 2012, The Legendary Demos Vol. 1 contains 13 demo recordings produced by King from 1962 through 1971.
Dirty Projectors + Björk, Mount Wittenberg Orca (Domino Record Co.)
This collaboration between the Brooklyn indie rock band and visionary Icelandic musician comes in an expanded edition that includes bonus tracks, new live material, and more.
Groove Armada, Black Light (BMG)
Previously nominated for a Grammy in Best Electronic/Dance Album, this work features vocal collaborations from Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music, Saint Saviour, and Fenech-Soler, among others.
Haircut 100, Live in Hammersmith 1983 (Demon UK)
The RSD site calls this recently unearthed live recording “an absolute must for all fans of frenetic funky fabulous melodic pop.”
Sparks, A Woofer In A Tweeter’s Clothing (Friday Music)
This album, which features new commentary notes from producer and Electric Prunes/Utopia member, James Lowe, marks 50 years of one of music’s greatest pop/rock duos.
Tori Amos, Little Earthquakes Rarities (Rhino/Atlantic)
If you ever cried while singing along to “Silent All These Years,” these B-sides from Amos’ debut album should have you feeling beautifully sad all over again.
Read more about Record Store Day 2023 deals, releases, and events at Pittsburgh shops
This article appears in Apr 19-25, 2023.












