If you’re the kind of music lover who prides yourself on having the best records spinning on your turntable, you’re in the right place. This year has delivered a treasure trove of vinyl releases—albums that are more than just great listens; they’re cultural moments, hidden gems, and reimagined classics.
At 12 Bar Music and Social, we know that vinyl isn’t just about the music—it’s about the stories, the tactile experience, and the joy of discovering something truly special. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the top 10 vinyl releases of 2024. Whether you’re expanding your collection or picking the perfect gift, these records are here to elevate your listening game.
1. MF DOOM – Operation: Doomsday 25th Anniversary
Operation: Doomsday cemented MF DOOM as one of hip-hop’s most innovative and enigmatic figures. Released in 1999, it introduced listeners to DOOM’s unmatched lyrical prowess and unconventional production style. The 25th-anniversary reissue breathes new life into this classic, with remastered tracks and updated artwork. The silver and purple vinyl edition is a collector’s dream, honouring an album that continues to influence the genre today.
Why We Like It:
The anniversary edition is a perfect balance of nostalgia and rediscovery. Listening to it again on vinyl reminds us just how ahead of his time MF DOOM was. This record isn’t just a hip-hop milestone - it’s a masterclass in creativity.
2. Various Artists – Kernowbeat! Vol. 1
This compilation captures the heartbeat of Cornwall’s music scene, blending surf rock, indie, and folk influences. With tracks from rising stars and underground legends, Kernowbeat! Vol. 1 celebrates the DIY spirit of a region often overlooked in mainstream music conversations. Each song brings a new flavour, making this album as diverse as it is captivating.
Why We Like It:
This album feels like a time capsule and a treasure hunt rolled into one. The raw energy and authenticity of the tracks make it a joy to listen to, and discovering new artists gives it a replay value that keeps surprising you.
3. Mudhoney – Mudhoney
Grunge pioneers Mudhoney defined an era with their gritty sound and unapologetic attitude. This self-titled album is a cornerstone of 90s alternative rock, showcasing the band’s raw guitar riffs, rebellious lyrics, and dynamic energy. This vinyl reissue is a reminder of why Mudhoney remains one of the genre’s most enduring acts.
Why We Like It:
Grunge isn’t just a genre - it’s a feeling. This album perfectly captures that unfiltered intensity, and hearing it on vinyl takes you right back to the heart of the 90s. It’s loud, messy, and absolutely brilliant.
4. Soul Jazz Records Presents – D-I-Y: Do-It-Yourself
Punk, post-punk, and the rise of independent music are celebrated in this brilliant compilation from Soul Jazz Records. D-I-Y: Do-It-Yourself pulls together tracks from artists who turned creative rebellion into a movement. From scratchy guitars to raw vocals, this album captures the uncompromising energy of a pivotal moment in music history.
Why We Like It:
It’s not just an album - it’s a manifesto. The stories behind these tracks are as inspiring as the music itself, and vinyl is the ideal way to experience the grit and determination of the DIY ethos.
5. Sarah Neufeld, Richard Reed Parry & Rebecca Foon – First Sounds
This haunting collaboration brings together Arcade Fire’s Sarah Neufeld and Richard Reed Parry with Esmerine’s Rebecca Foon. First Sounds blends contemporary classical with experimental textures, creating an album that feels like a soundtrack to your deepest thoughts. The layered compositions make vinyl the ultimate way to experience the nuances of this record.
Why We Like It:
Few albums manage to be both intimate and expansive, but First Sounds pulls it off. Listening on vinyl reveals details you might miss digitally, making every spin feel like a first listen.
6. King Pari – There It Goes
King Pari’s latest release is a smooth, soulful journey through laid-back grooves and infectious melodies. With a retro-inspired sound and modern sensibilities, There It Goes feels like a love letter to classic soul with a fresh twist.
Why We Like It:
This album is a mood-setter. It’s the kind of record that makes you want to dim the lights, pour a drink, and let the music wash over you. Vinyl captures that rich, warm sound perfectly.
7. Haruomi Hosono – Hosono House Revisited
Legendary Japanese artist Haruomi Hosono reimagines his classic album Hosono House, giving it updated arrangements and fresh interpretations. The result is both a homage to his past work and a step forward, blending nostalgia with innovation.
Why We Like It:
Hosono’s ability to breathe new life into his own music is remarkable. This reimagined album feels like a bridge between eras, and the vinyl edition lets you experience every note in stunning clarity.
8. The Cure – Songs of a Lost World
The Cure’s Songs of a Lost World, released in 2024, marks their return with haunting melodies, introspective lyrics, and the atmospheric soundscapes they’re known for. The album explores themes of love, loss, and existential reflection, offering a deeply emotional journey.
Why We Like It:
This album feels like classic Cure with a modern edge. Its rich textures and poignant themes make it a powerful listen, and the vinyl format enhances the immersive, melancholic experience.
9. Nils Frahm – PARIS
A mesmerizing live album, PARIS captures Nils Frahm’s unique blend of piano and electronic music. Frahm’s improvisational brilliance and emotive compositions shine in this recording, making it an essential addition to any vinyl collection.
Why We Like It:
Live albums often lose something in translation, but not this one. On vinyl, you can feel the energy of the performance, as if you’re right there in the audience.
10. Mogwai – The Bad Fire
Post-rock icons Mogwai return with The Bad Fire, an album that blends cinematic soundscapes with intense, emotional depth. With moments of calm juxtaposed against powerful crescendos, it’s a journey worth taking.
Why We Like It:
This album feels like a soundtrack to a film you haven’t seen yet but already love. The dynamics are stunning, and vinyl brings out the richness of every layer.
Why These Albums Are 2024’s Standout Vinyl Releases
Each of these albums tells a story - of creative breakthroughs, nostalgic revisits, or daring experimentation. They’re a snapshot of what made 2024 such an exciting year for music. From MF DOOM’s iconic remaster to Mogwai’s cinematic masterpiece, these records remind us why we turn to vinyl: for the warmth, the richness, and the sense of connection that only comes from dropping the needle on something truly special.
These aren’t just records to listen to; they’re records to live with. They demand to be spun, shared, and cherished, offering something new with every listen. Whether it’s rediscovering an old favourite like Hosono House or finding inspiration in the bold experimentation of First Sounds, these albums are moments in time that will resonate long after the year is over.
So, pick a record, set the needle, and let the music take over the moment.
