Record Store Day Black Friday returns on November 27 as an extension of the annual celebration of independent music retailers. Originally launched in 2008 to support struggling indie shops, the event has grown into a controversial fixture, with several notable retailers declining to participate over profitability and distribution concerns. While the 2027 iteration is unlikely to resolve the longstanding criticisms directed at the initiative, there remain several worthwhile releases for dedicated collectors. The Pitchfork staff has selected the following standouts:
- David Axelrod: David Axelrod
- Frank Black: Teenager Of The Year
- Pi’erre Bourne: The Life of Pi’erre 4
- Fischerspooner: #1
- Funkadelic: Live at Meadowbrook 1971
- Vince Guaraldi Trio: A Charlie Brown Christmas (Advent Calendar Edition)
- Carly Rae Jepsen: Day and Night (Continued)
- Lil Wayne: No Ceilings
- Joni Mitchell: Live at Carnegie Hall – 1972
- Stevie Nicks: Bella Donna
- Masayoshi Takanaka: Super Selection
- Tom Verlaine: Live in NYC 1996 – 2006
- Bill Withers: Bill Withers in Concert – Live at the BBC, 1974
