Just Played: A Preview of Record Store Day 2025

      This month features a special bumper edition as we not only highlight the best of March but also preview some selections for Record Store Day. If you're eager for the details on the limited edition items, head to the final section; otherwise, feel free to read at a more relaxed pace to discover the treats that are currently available on the shelves.

      Freshly Pressed:

      Adwaith's dazzling new double album, 'Solas', offers a compelling blend of post-punk and goth-disco pop that may have already caught your attention, but it's worth mentioning for those who haven't yet experienced it. The twenty-three tracks present various textures, including the shimmering 'Y Diwedd' and the synth-heavy 'Coeden Anniben'. Many songs feature soundtrack-like riffs, and the album's sequencing is among the best Just Played has encountered in years. Charlie Francis's mastering imparts a significant presence to the sound, filling the space and capturing the listener's focus at any volume. The pink variant sampled is a near-silent GZ pressing destined to gain recognition as the year unfolds.

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      Needle Mythology's latest release is an impressive 2LP collection exploring the indie pop scene of the 1980s. 'Sensitive' boasts thirty tracks that encapsulate the melodic brilliance of that jangly decade, though they can be hard to source individually. The press release divulges that acquiring all the tracks individually would cost around £1150. Priced at just under £40, this beautifully crafted double vinyl album has been expertly mastered and cut by Miles Showell at Abbey Road. The high-pitched nuances of the era are expertly controlled, and the soundstages blend remarkably well. The opening tracks by The Sea Urchins, The Clouds, and The Pastels are outstanding, and the Field Mice track providing the collection's title makes side three particularly strong. Some tracks will be familiar, while others may not be, but they are likely to be enjoyable if the concept appeals. Press On has achieved a near-silent pressing, and Pete Paphides' sleeve notes are characteristically enthusiastic.

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      Is there a term for a compilation of compilations? 'Bridget Jones’s Diary – The Mixtape' fits the bill, gathering memorable pieces from the soundtracks of all four films into a remarkable collection. Aretha Franklin’s ‘Respect’? Yes. Chaka Khan’s ‘I’m Every Woman’? Absolutely. 10CC’s ‘I’m Not In Love’? Certainly. Ed Sheeran? Oh, right, sorry. Robbie Williams’ somewhat underrated ‘Misunderstood’ makes a welcome appearance on side two of the pink disc, while House of Pain energizes the purple second disc’s beginning, which also features Dinah Washington’s fantastic ‘Mad About The Boy’ and Raye’s reliable ‘Worth It’. Pressed at MPO, playback was nearly silent, with a surprisingly nuanced soundstage that adapts well to the diverse genres represented.

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      Étienne De Crécy's new album would captivate listeners even without the closing track featuring Damon Albarn, which only enhances the array of delights found on 'Warm Up'. The French DJ and producer has gathered a talented ensemble, including Alexis Taylor in fine form on opener ‘World Away’ and Peter Von Poehl's solid contribution to ‘Brass Band’. Olivia Merilahti shines on ‘Karma’, and the thirty-eight minute runtime has hardly any weak moments. ‘Rising Soul’ features an intriguingly relaxed vocal delivery from Albarn and serves as a mesmerizing concluding track. The record's sound heavily relies on a rich low-end, so Alex Gopher’s meticulous balance work is crucial. Fortunately, it is executed flawlessly, providing precise depth and remarkably clear vocal sounds throughout. Aside from a minimal amount of run-in noise, the sampled standard black Optimal pressing was largely silent.

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      Jim Ghedi’s fourth solo album, ‘Wasteland’, showcases his unique artistry. Opting for electric guitar this time, the intensity of many tracks surpasses his usual genre. ‘What Will Become Of England’ is a traditional piece tinged with contemporary influences, while the title track builds gradually to grand heights. Nicholas Wilbur's mastering presents a wide sound, though there's a slight claustrophobia in the upper ranges, possibly intentional given the album's overall mood. It’s a reasonably quiet pressing, and the gatefold packaging is stunning.

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      ‘Loose Talk’ is a collaboration between Amelia Barratt and Bryan Ferry, merging her spoken word 'microfictions' with his musical backgrounds. This artistic exchange influences their work, creating a consistently engaging product. While it’s challenging to pinpoint specific songs, ‘Florist’ and ‘Pictures On A Wall’ exemplify their styles— the former being more ornate like many of the piano-driven tracks, and the latter displaying a bouncier, rhythmic essence. Pressed at Takt and presented in a sturdy, glossy gatefold, playback was nearly silent, and

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