Histoire de Melody Nelson, a 1971 tour de force by eccentric French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, is among the top reissues of this still young year -- and thanks for unearthing it goes to Light in the Attic, an imprint that specializes in bringing worthy oddities back onto the market. (Its roster includes Karen Dalton, The Last Poets and more.) And now, in honor of Record Store Day, the label is putting out a new Gainsbourg seven-inch, along with titles by Rodriguez, Wheedle's Groove and Sharon Jones (of Dap-Kings fame). Dunno what songs they'll feature, but if the Gainsbourg 45 is culled from Histoire, it'll make for a historic moment, at least as far as your vinyl collection is concerned.
Note: Record Store Day is an annual event honoring independent record stores -- a onetime retail staple that's becoming an endangered species. In an effort to preserve this important cultural resource, dozens of artists are lending their support to this year's bash on Saturday, April 18, by issuing exclusive material, including loads of unique seven-inch singles, that can only be found at retailers such as Twist & Shout, 2508 E. Colfax -- ground zero for the celebration in Denver. Each weekday between now and then, we'll feature a different 45 that's sure to make your collection cooler. Learn more at the Record Store Day website or the Twist & Shout home page.
