Merge is celebrating Record Store Day in a big way on April 18, 2020, with a trio of releases exclusive to select independent shops across North America and Europe:

Archers of Loaf – “Raleigh Days” b/w “Street Fighting Man” 7-inch
Limited-edition pressing of Archers of Loaf’s “Raleigh Days”—the first new original song by the band in over 20 years, described by Rolling Stone as “a shout-along guitar banger”—and a searing cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Man” as the B-side. Cover art designed by Jay Ryan. The Return of the Loaf indeed.

Mikal Cronin – Switched-On Seeker LP
An impressive track-by-track electronic remake of Mikal Cronin’s 2019 album Seeker, complete with a pixelated recreation of the album art! Alone in his garage, Cronin recorded Switched-On Seeker using only his collection of synthesizers and drum machines including Arturia DrumBrute, Moog Sub 37, Moog Mother-32, Hohner String Performer, Mellotron, Omnichord, various little Casios, Roland SH-01A, and Korg R3. The album’s title was inspired by a series of early electronic music records by Wendy Carlos playing classical music on an early Moog system, and much like those albums, Switched-On Seeker allows listeners to experience familiar songs in a whole new way.

Hiss Golden Messenger – Let the Light of the World Open Your Eyes (Alive at Spacebomb Studios) 7-inch
From M.C. Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger: “Following a tour up and down the East Coast in the winter months of 2019, I joined the Spacebomb family in Richmond, VA, to record new interpretations of two Hiss favorites: ‘Cat’s Eye Blue’ (from last year’s Terms of Surrender) and ‘Standing in the Doorway.’ Spacebomb specializes in a maximal rhythm that speaks to me both as a fan and maker of music. I’m always honored to create with them.”

For more information on Record Store Day and where you can find a store near you, visit recordstoreday.com (US), recordstoredaycanada.ca (Canada), or recordstoreday.co.uk/home (UK).