GNOD, The Hempolics and Snarky Puppy ready Record Store Day releases

Releases for the 11th annual Record Store Day were announced this week, with a number of Band on the Wall-affiliated artists and labels preparing exciting and limited edition records for the event.

The Hempolics, who perform live at this month’s Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club, are to release a 12” single featuring two cover versions: the classic rocksteady cut Riding for a fall and Nirvana’s Come As You Are on the flip. Meanwhile Adrian Sherwood’s On-U sound label are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Creation Rebel’s Dub From Creation, with a clear vinyl release featuring a printed inner-sleeve and essay from Steve Barker. The LP was Sherwood’s first dub production – a rootsier affair but one that nonetheless laid the groundworks for his later explorations with Bonjo Iyabinghi Noah in African Head Charge.

Psychedelic rock outfits GNOD and White Hills have teamed up with Rocket Recordings to re-release their long out-of-print collaborative recording Aquarian Downer. Predating their exceptional ‘Drop Out’ project – it initially existed as a privately-pressed, ultra-limited CD-r and was sold on White Hills tour dates in 2008. GNOD’s own Chris Haslam has designed a beautiful piece of art for the release and Rocket will be pressing it on blue vinyl.

Elsewhere, contemporary fusion goliath Snarky Puppy have committed Culcha Vulcha outtake Shark Tank to 10” vinyl. The track is one that has previously only been played live, but didn’t feature in their set at O2 Apollo, so Manchester-based completists will definitely wish to add it to their collections!

There’s a strong post-punk presence on this years list, with several releases reflecting the era of the Manchester Musician’s Collective at Band on the Wall. The Mekons, who hailed from   Leeds and support The Fall at Band on the Wall on Sunday 11th June 1978, are to re-release their two earliest 45s from that year: Never Been in a Riot and Where Were You. Shelved recordings from Joy Division’s ‘Warsaw’ days (prior to joining Factory records and working with Martin Hannett) are also slated for release, as is a Punk 45 box set by Souljazz records, exploring the same era of British music history.

Check out the full list on RSD 2018 releases here and catch GNOD & White Hills, The Hempolics and African Head Charge live at Band on the Wall over the coming months.

Image: GNOD/White Hills Aquarian Downer artwork by Chris Haslam