We here at musomuso.com have been covering Record Store Day for the past goodness knows how many years, I think my first RSD (as a customer) was back in 2012 when I stood outside a shop from 4:30am to secure a copy of ‘The Queen is Dead’ by The Smiths. Whilst I was first in the queue and got my prized album, nobody joined me in the queue until 8:30am, 30 minutes before opening time!

For the past 5-6 years, we have supported a wonderful local record shop called Phoenix Sounds in Newton Abbot. I arrived at 6:45am last year to see over 50 people in the queue, this had doubled by the time the store opened at 8am!

They always have a GREAT range of exclusives as they reach out to their customers ahead of the day to ask them what THEY would like the shop to stock, this doesn’t mean that they are guaranteed what they ask for, just that the store will do their utmost to get it on the shelf for them to pick when they are allowed in (hint - get there early).

At the front of the queue last year were two guys who arrived just before midnight the night before, talk about dedicated!

Here are 10 of the many exclusives that we feel will be popular items in 2026.

1. David Bowie – Excerpts from Outside (Parlophone, LP)

Why it’ll be huge:

Bowie RSD releases are always bloodsport, but this one hits a particularly sweet spot: the mid‑90s art‑industrial era that has undergone a massive critical reappraisal. Outside has become a cult favourite — the Brian Eno reunion, the dystopian narrative, the proto‑millennial paranoia.

Why fans want it:

First-time or rare vinyl pressings of Outside‑era material are catnip for collectors.
Younger fans have rediscovered this era through TikTok and Eno‑heads treat it like scripture.
Bowie completists will queue from 4am for anything tied to this period.

2. The Cure – Greatest Hits (UMR/Polydor/Fiction, 2xLP)

Why it’ll be huge:

The Cure’s vinyl reissues sell out instantly, and this compilation — long out of print — is one of the most requested titles in their catalogue.

Why fans want it:

A gateway record for new fans, especially Gen Z goth‑pop converts.
A pristine, likely remastered pressing of a record that fetches silly money on Discogs.
The Cure remain one of the most vinyl‑driven fandoms on Earth.

3. Blur – Live at the Budokan (Parlophone, 2LP)

Why it’ll be huge:

Blur’s Japanese recordings have mythic status, and this one — previously a CD‑era curio — captures the band at their Parklife imperial peak.

Why fans want it:

Britpop nostalgia is surging again.
Damon Albarn’s recent high‑profile projects have reignited interest.
Live Blur on vinyl is surprisingly scarce.

4. Jeff Buckley – Live à L’Olympia (Legacy, 2xLP)

Why it’ll be huge:

Buckley’s live recordings are sacred texts. This Paris performance is one of his most emotionally charged, and vinyl editions always disappear instantly.

Why fans want it:

Buckley’s cult continues to grow with each generation.
His live vocals are the stuff of legend — collectors treat these like relics.
Expect queues of fans who weren’t even born when Grace came out.

5. Joni Mitchell – For The Roses (Asylum/Warner, LP)

Why it’ll be huge:

Joni’s vinyl renaissance is unstoppable. For The Roses sits between Blue and Court and Spark, making it a pivotal transitional album.

Why fans want it:

The Joni Archives project has created a new wave of completists.
This era’s artwork and sonic palette are perfect for vinyl.
Expect crossover interest from younger singer‑songwriter fans.

6. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Live Around the Globe – Part VI: The Acoustic Concert (Blind Rope, LP)

Why it’ll be huge:

King Gizz fans are vinyl‑obsessed to a near‑religious degree. A new live album — and an acoustic one — is guaranteed to sell out instantly.

Why fans want it:

Their RSD releases often become the day’s fastest movers.
Acoustic Gizz is a rarity and will appeal beyond the psych‑rock faithful.
Collectors love the band’s ever‑shifting sonic identities.

7. Arcade Fire – Open Your Heart or Die Trying (Columbia, LP)

Why it’ll be huge:

Despite the band’s complicated recent years, their fanbase remains fiercely loyal, and unreleased or exclusive material still generates huge demand.

Why fans want it:

Early‑era Arcade Fire material is especially coveted.
Vinyl‑first releases from major indie‑rock acts always dominate RSD.
Curiosity factor: fans want to know what this “lost” material sounds like.

8. The Jesus and Mary Chain – Some Candy Talking (40th Anniversary) (Warner UK, 12")

Why it’ll be huge:

A 40th anniversary edition of one of the band’s most iconic singles? That’s RSD gold.

Why fans want it:

JAMC vinyl sells out every year.
Shoegaze and noise‑pop are in a major revival.
Anniversary editions with exclusive mixes or artwork are collector magnets.

9. Annie Lennox – Live in Central Park (2xLP, Commercial Group)

Why it’ll be huge:

Lennox’s live performances are rare, powerful, and deeply beloved. This set captures her at her most commanding.

Why fans want it:

Lennox fans are loyal and multigenerational.
High‑quality live recordings from her solo era are scarce.
Expect crossover interest from Eurythmics collectors.

10. The Chemical Brothers – Leave Home (UMR/Virgin, 12")

Why it’ll be huge:

Big beat is having a resurgence, and early Chemical Brothers singles are foundational to electronic music history.

Why fans want it:

Original 12"s are expensive and hard to find.
DJs will queue early for this — RSD dance releases always move fast.
Nostalgia for 90s rave culture is at an all‑time high.

So there you have it folks, our take on the top 10 most popular items from the list of many exclusives made available for RSD 2026.

Please let us know what YOU think should be in the top 10….