All Songs Considered: New Music Friday – Record Store Day Black Friday 2025

Hosted by: Stephen Thompson (NPR Music)
Air Date: November 28, 2025

Episode Overview

This special Black Friday edition of New Music Friday focuses on Record Store Day (RSD) and its significance for music lovers and independent record stores. Host Stephen Thompson highlights exclusive vinyl releases, the participatory spirit of RSD, and the personal impact of local record shops. With fewer traditional new releases, the episode celebrates music discovery through community traditions and collectible finds.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Essence of Record Store Day

• Record Store Day’s Origins & Purpose (04:23–05:00)
  • Began in 2008 to support and celebrate local, independently owned record stores.
  • Happens twice a year, featuring special vinyl and collectible releases to encourage fans’ in-person participation.
  • “[Record Store Day] has been around since 2008 as a way of encouraging fans to keep their local independently owned record stores alive. It happens twice a year and to encourage listeners to participate, they put out a bunch of Record Store Day exclusives.” — Stephen Thompson (04:23)
  • Highlights both community engagement and the joy of hunting for unique music formats.

Noteworthy 2025 RSD Exclusive Releases

• Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter – Forever, I’ve Been Being Born (02:45–03:50)
  • The band’s first album since 2011, described as “bluesy, haunting, noirish music that’s also got a big beating heart.” Features contributions from Marissa Nadler.
  • “Honestly, it’s just a joy to hear Jesse Sykes’ voice again after such a long time.” — Stephen Thompson (03:43)
• Limited and Collector Editions (05:00–06:17)
  • Vinyl, live albums, picture discs, and rare reissues; 177 official RSD-exclusive titles.
  • Huge stars and unique oddities highlighted:
    • Ke$ha’s cover of “Holiday Road” (limited 7” single)
    • Post Malone and Billie Eilish exclusive vinyls
      • “Billie Eilish has a live EP on vinyl with a print run of 20,000. That’s actually a lot for Record Store Day.” — Stephen Thompson (05:34)
    • Chapel Roan’s two new singles as a 7” with a run of 30,000
  • Classic and archival recordings:
    • Talking Heads demos, Randy Newman demos, old Dwight Yoakam LPs, and a Dead Milkmen reissue (“rewired my brain in the 80s” — Thompson, 06:08)
    • Miles Davis Live in 1965 and live records by The Flaming Lips and Fred Again..

The Community & Personal Touch of Record Stores

• Why Go Beyond Streaming? (06:17–07:28)
  • RSD offers a refreshing alternative to Black Friday mall and online shopping—an invitation to explore independent spaces.
  • “I promise you, this will cleanse your palate.” — Stephen Thompson (06:52)
• Personal Record Store Shout-Outs (07:28–08:02)
  • Emotional homage to stores from Thompson’s youth: Radio Chaos (Stevens Point, WI), B Side Records, Mad City Music Exchange (Madison, WI)
    • “They helped shape and nurture my love of music in the 80s and 90s when I was a teenager. And they’re still open. They’re still participating in Record Store Day today.” — Stephen Thompson (07:44)
  • Encouragement to visit recordstoreday.com for exclusive lists and participating locations.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the thrill of music discovery:
  “Most of those titles are for collectors. There’s a heavy emphasis on vinyl, on live albums, picture discs, other collectibles. Some are obscure, some are newly back in print, and a few of them are by huge stars. It’s a lot of oddities, which is part of the fun.” — Stephen Thompson (04:56)
• On the value of indie record shops:
  “Honestly, the best thing about Record Store Day is just having an extra reason to treat yourself to a local treasure... Maybe you could use a reminder.” — Stephen Thompson (06:32)
• On music’s enduring impact:
  “Speaking of having your brain rewired, Miles Davis live in 1965, you know...” — Stephen Thompson (06:10)
• On the wisdom of holiday self-care:
  “Take a moment to be well. Grab yourself just a little bit of quiet time away from family and treat yourself to lots of great music.” — Stephen Thompson (08:35)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 02:45 | Introduction to Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter album | | 04:23 | Explanation of Record Store Day & its purpose | | 05:00 | Rundown of exclusive and collectible releases | | 05:50 | Audio clip of Chapel Roan release | | 06:17 | Discussion on classic/archival Record Store Day releases | | 07:28 | Personal stories and local record store shout-outs | | 08:35 | Closing thoughts and wellness reminder |

Tone and Language

True to form for All Songs Considered, the episode is conversational, passionate, and inviting. Stephen Thompson blends personal anecdotes with expert music curation, urging listeners toward curiosity and celebration of both new sounds and cherished traditions.

Summary

If you missed this special edition, you missed an enthusiastic celebration of Record Store Day and the unmatched value of stepping into a local record shop. Stephen Thompson’s blend of expert recommendations, collector insights, and nostalgia for formative experiences positions Record Store Day as a music lover’s antidote to Black Friday chaos—a reminder to care for yourself and the art you love.