Put the Needle On It: Top Picks for Upcoming Vinyl Releases (December 2020)

Vinyl is in.

And for fellow enthusiasts of the physical experience, that’s great news, because artists and record labels are seriously hustling to meet the many requests (fan demanded, if you will) for 12″ pressings of singles, albums and compilations now more than ever. Supply and demand, baby!

Inspired by this year’s Record Store Day fragmented drop schedule amid the pandemic, and being that ’tis the damn season, I’m going to start doing a monthly round-up of some of the upcoming vinyl releases that have caught my eye, which MuuMuse readers would more than likely enjoy getting their hands on, too: from one-off exclusive single pressings to reissues of some of our beloved favorites from the past. (No, Rachel StevensCome & Get It hasn’t been rereleased on vinyl. Yet, anyway.)

This recurring digital crate digging feature shall be called Put The Needle On It. (All my freaks say…)

Please enjoy, and make sure to let me know what you’re looking forward to in the comments. Happy hunting.

Romy Lifetime
Romy
Lifetime Remixes
Format: Black vinyl
Label: Young Turks
Release date: March 26, 2021
A new set of remixes for Romy’s debut solo single, “Lifetime.” Hand-selected by Romy, the EP features a range of incredible producers – Jayda G, Planningtorock, HAAi and Anz. With vinyl-only special inclusion of the vocal ‘a capella.’

BUY HERE

The xx‘s Romy made the solo debut of a “Lifetime” back in September with her dream of being reunited once again amid lockdown. It’s a throbbing good time, and now, there are brand new remixes to give the solid tune new life.

Evangelion Finally
Yoko Takahashi and Megumi Hayashibara
EVANGELION FINALLY
Format: Pink Splatter LPx2
Label: Milan
Release date: February 12, 2021
A collection of vocal songs performed by Yoko Takahashi and Megumi Hayashibara as heard in the hit anime series NEON GENESIS EVANGELION and EVANGELION 2.0 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE. The 15-track collection includes Yoko Takahashi’s well-known opening song to the series “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” as well as new covers of original songs including “FLY ME TO THE MOON (2020 Version),” a new recording of the classic jazz standard featured in the show’s end credit, and a new vocal arrangement from Takahashi of “Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore 2020.” Also included in the collection is “THANATOS -IF I CAN’T BE YOURS-,“ a new original track and the theme song to the Shin Evangelion feature film performed by LOREN & MASH. Meanwhile “Come sweet death, second impact” is a jazz arrangement of the legendary masterpiece featuring the voice of Megumi Hayashibara.

BUY HERE

With Hikaru Utada‘s final Evangelion theme song arriving in 2021, the franchise is pulling out all the stops to invoke the nostalgia, including this beautiful double vinyl that enlists the original anime’s theme singer and voice actress for all-new recordings.

Katy Perry Kissed A Girl
Katy Perry
I Kissed A Girl From MTV’S Unplugged
Format: Sky Blue Limited LP
Label: Capitol
Release date: December 23, 2020
Featuring two rearrangements from Katy Perry’s appearance on MTV’s Unplugged, this special edition vinyl is available exclusively at Urban Outfitters on 5000 limited units of sky blue vinyl. The acoustic treatment lends fresh dynamics to the sunny pop bops. Featuring “Lost” on the B side. Pressed to vinyl for the first time.

BUY HERE

Ah, the more innocent, hot and cold days of yore. Katy Perry‘s ascent began over a decade ago with One of the Boys – relive the magic of hearing a singer becoming one of the biggest pop stars on the planet.

Jewel Pieces of You
Jewel
Format: LPx4
Label: Craft Records
Release date: December 18, 2020
First released in 1995, Jewel’s breakthrough debut Pieces of You dominated the charts with “Who Will Save Your Soul,” “You Were Meant For Me” and “Foolish Games,” and went on to sell more than 12M copies, making it one of the best-selling debut albums of all time. This four-disc deluxe vinyl reissue comprises the complete original album, newly remastered, plus B-sides, rarities, demos and outtakes. Includes new liner notes, photographs and never before seen content.

BUY HERE

My hands are small, I know, but they’re still large enough to hold a gorgeous vinyl pressing of the Alaska-raised singer-songwriter’s best-selling debut.

The Pretty Reckless Death By Rock and Roll
The Pretty Reckless
Death by Rock & Roll
Format: LP
Label: Fearless Records
Release date: February 12, 2021
The Pretty Reckless new album Death By Rock And Roll is their most ambitious release yet. It was written through the heartbreaking losses of Chris Cornell, who was one of frontwoman Taylor Momsen’s musical muses, and longtime collaborator Kato Khandwala. The titular single became their fifth #1 at Active Rock Radio, a first for a female-fronted group. Features “25”, “And So It Went” w/ Tom Morello, & “Only Love Can Save Me Now” w/ Matt Cameron & Kim Thayil.

BUY HERE

If you want to know what I think, I think that I’m just a rock chick. I like to rock out. I like to throw shit around. I like to go nuts. I like to lose myself on stage. I like to scream, I like to holler, I like to break things. I like to yell. I like to get my anger out. I like Taylor Momsen.

Poppy I Disagree More
Poppy
I Disagree (More)
Format: Black/Clear Moonphase Vinyl X2
Label: Sumerian Records
Release Date: January 29, 2021
I Disagree (More) is the deluxe version of the January 2020 release, I Disagree, by American singer Poppy. It contains the additional tracks “Bleep Bloop”, “Don’t Ask”, and “If It Bleeds.”

BUY HERE

Speaking of being a rock chick: Grammy Award nominee (!) Poppy is preparing to add a little more ummph to her ferocious metal-pop foray.

BLACKPINK Album
BLACKPINK
The Album
Format: Pink LP
Label: Interscope
Release date: January 29, 2021
The debut Korean-language studio album from K-pop girl band Blackpink, The Album is available here on vinyl. Taking on the themes of growing up and falling in love, it showcases a pop and EDM sound with a more mature feel for the group.

BUY HERE

BLACKPINK: not only in your area, but available on vinyl at last. It likely won’t melt as fast as their ice cream.

Jojo Good to Know
JoJo
Good to Know (Deluxe)
Format: Black vinyl
Label: Warner Bros.
Release date: December 18, 2020
Good to Know deluxe edition of the critically-acclaimed album will have 16 tracks and collaborations with Demi Lovato and Tinashe. Originally came out in May 2020, this being her first album since 2016.

BUY HERE

The vocally blessed JoJo is giving her 2020 studio effort’s deluxe makeover the 12″ treatment. Hear those buttery-smooth melodies, heaven-sent riffs and almighty powerhouse notes as they’re meant to be experienced in the rich, glorious format of vinyl.

Demi Lovato I Love Me
Demi Lovato
I Love Me
Format: Translucent Red Limited LP
Label: Island Records
Release date: February 5, 2021
Channeling self-love, Demi Lovato’s 2020 singles “I Love Me” and “Still Have Me” are available exclusively at Urban Outfitters pressed to 5000 limited units of special edition translucent red vinyl. Forgoing negativity in favor of compassion, “I Love Me” is an anthemic track that acknowledges struggle while uplifting. “Still Have Me” observes love, loss and the power of music in nourishing the soul.

BUY HERE

Demi Lovato‘s self-love anthem gets a bright red pressing, and couldn’t be more perfectly timed for shipping out right before Valentine’s Day.

Spice Girls Forever Vinyl
Spice Girls
Forever
Format: Black vinyl, deluxe Edition. 180 Gram Vinyl with 4 Collectable Art Prints.
Label: Virgin
Release date: January 22, 2021
For the first time on vinyl: Spice Girls – Forever. Originally released in November 2000 the platinum selling album was their final studio album. To celebrate the 20 year anniversary. Featuring smash singles “Goodbye”, “Holler”, and “Let Love Lead the Way.”

BUY HERE

The final Spice Girls studio album, on vinyl for the first time. It’s going to go faster than you can say “Get well soon, Geri.”

Rhye Home
Rhye
Home
Format: LPX2
Label: Loma Vista
Release date: January 22, 2021
Written throughout 2019 and early 2020, recorded at Milosh’s home studio, United Recording Studios and Revival at The Complex, and mixed by Alan Moulder (Nine Inch Nails, Interpol, My Bloody Valentine). Home is familiar in its synthesis of propulsive beats, orchestral flourishes, piano ruminations and sultry, gender-nonconforming vocals, but never have they sounded more cohesive or alive. Home is bookended by celestial cantos sung by the Danish National Girls’ Choir, who Rhye performed with at a landmark concert in Denmark in 2017.

BUY HERE

The music’s still being revealed from this upcoming record, but so far, the lush and sensual strings and soft disco strut suggests this will be a summer must-have.

Megan Thee Stallion Savage
Megan Thee Stallion
Savage
Format: Pink Limited LP
Label: 300 Entertainment
Release date: December 17, 2020
The runaway hit from rapper Megan Thee Stallion, Savage is available exclusively at Urban Outfitters on 5000 limited units of special edition pink vinyl. Featuring the standout remix on Side A and the original at Side B.

BUY HERE

In spite of everything, Megan Thee Stallion had one of Thee best years for any entertainer amid the pandemic. Relish in the Beyoncé remix, and relive all the cherished “Savage” TikTok dance memories at home.

Nancy Sinatra Start Walkin
Nancy Sinatra
Start Walkin’ 1965-1976
Format: LPX2 Velvet Morning Sunrise Indie Exclusive. Gatefold jacket w/ 24-page booklet.
Label: Light in the Attic
Release date: February 5, 2021
Light In The Attic Records presents Nancy Sinatra: Start Walkin’ 1965–1976. The definitive new collection surveys Sinatra’s most prolific period over 1965–1976, including her revered collaborations with Lee Hazlewood, over 23 tracks. Remastered from the original analog tapes by GRAMMY®–nominated engineer John Baldwin, the collection is complemented by liner notes penned by Amanda Petrusich (author and music critic at The New Yorker), featuring insightful new interviews with Sinatra, as well as a Q&A with archivist and GRAMMY®–nominated reissue co-producer, Hunter Lea. The CD edition comes housed in a 7”x7” hardcover book (featuring 64–pages) and the two-disc vinyl set is presented in a gatefold jacket (featuring a 24–page booklet). Nancy’s performance of the Lee Hazlewood–penned song “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” was a huge hit in 1966 and became her signature tune. The pair began a three year run of successful albums, duets, and singles including “Sugar Town,” “Some Velvet Morning,” “Summer Wine,” “Sand,” “Jackson,” and the title track to the 1967 James Bond film “You Only Live Twice.” Start Walkin’ explores Nancy’s recordings with Lee, her inspired collaborations with songwriter Mac Davis (“Hello L.A., Bye Bye Birmingham”), producer Lenny Waronker (“Hook and Ladder”), and the “should’ve been hit” song with arranger/producer Billy Strange (“How Are Things In California.”). Over the years, she has been cited as an influence by countless artists, including Sonic Youth, Morrissey, Calexico, U2, and Lana Del Rey. Her haunting song “Bang, Bang” gained a new legion of fans when it appeared in the opening credits of Quentin Tarantino’s 2003 film, Kill Bill Volume 1.

BUY HERE

A legendary package for a legendary singer, who continues to pop up time after time in pop culture over the decades. (The most important contribution to the culture, of course, being Jessica Simpson‘s interpretation of her classic hit.) Are you ready, boots?

Billie Eilish Everything I Wanted
Billie Eilish
Everything I Wanted
Format: Transparent Yellow Limited LP
Label: Interscope
Release date: December 23, 2020
The standout single from phenom Billie Eilish, everything i wanted is available exclusively at Urban Outfitters on 8000 limited units of special edition transparent yellow vinyl. Inspired by a nightmare, the song is about the singer’s brother protecting her, and cowritten by the pair. Pressed to vinyl for the first time, with a car design etched into the surface.

BUY HERE

Young Billie Eilish finds herself struggling in the public eye at superstar heights, and morbidly considers falling all the way down. With the help of her brother, she stays safe and spins a nightmare into a beautiful tune worth immortalizing in vinyl form.

Maluma Jennifer Lopez Pa Ti Lonely
Jennifer Lopez & Maluma
Pa’ Ti / Lonely
Format: Clear Limited LP
Label: Sony Music
Release date: December 16, 2020
The epic collaboration from Jennifer Lopez and Maluma, their singles “Pa Ti” and “Lonely” are available exclusively at Urban Outfitters pressed to 3000 limited units of special edition clear vinyl. The sultry release from the Latin music icons features “Pa Ti” on Side A and “Lonely” on Side B.

BUY HERE

Mommy and daddy have arrived with the vinyl pressing of their 2020 tag-team. I mean, here’s the real question: do you want Maluma‘s 12″?