Earlier this year, Record Store Day postponed their original 18 April date in light of the coronavirus pandemic. In June, organisers announced three separate drop dates – on 29 August, 26 September, and 24 October. The spread out release dates allow for shoppers to maintain a safe distance from others, while still supporting independent retailers at a crucial time.

This Saturday marks the first drop, where music fans can look forward to an exciting array of exclusive releases, many of which have been cut and mastered at Abbey Road. With releases from John Lennon and Biffy Clyro, to Roxy Music and Robyn, we take a look at a few of the cuts our engineers have worked on for the August release date.

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Elton John's first UK album with this limited edition Record Store Day exclusive deluxe gatefold 2LP version. Cut by Sean Magee and pressed on transparent purple vinyl, the first disc features the 2016 remaster of the original album, while the second contains a selection of bonus tracks from the 2008 CD Deluxe Edition, never previously released on vinyl.

Another first on vinyl is Geoff Pesche’s cut for Robyn’s self-titled album. Originally released in 2005, it features the hit singles Be Mine and With Every Heartbeat, and includes a newly configured tracklisting, with previous bonus tracks. Geoff also had the pleasure of cutting John Lennon’s renowned Instant Karma!. Written, recorded and released January 1970, in a span of just ten days, it was to become one of John Lennon’s most popular singles, reaching #5 in the UK and #2 in the US. Featuring newly mixed audio and artwork which has been faithfully reproduced from the original UK sleeve.

Biffy Clyro, whose new album A Celebration Of Endings was part-recorded at Abbey Road and topped the UK albums chart last week, have another new release imminent for Record Store Day. The special opaque white vinyl exclusive 7” single was cut by Miles Showell at Abbey Road, and features the Frightened Rabbit cover, Modern Leper and the David Bowie cover Modern Love. Following that, Miles also cut Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets' 12” single. The project, which was recorded at the Roundhouse in London and mixed at Abbey Road, gives listeners the opportunity to experience the group’s early body of work in concert, including songs from The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn and A Saucerful Of Secrets. The collectible 12” single features two performances from those sets (including Pink Floyd outtake Vegetable Man, played for the first time ever on this tour).

And finally, we end on a release which may be a surprise for both Wolfgang Press and 4AD fans. Featuring never before heard tracks, Unremembered, Remembered is essentially the final never-released album from The Wolfgang Press. Having unearthed the tracks, the band have mastered their final studio sessions at Abbey Road, and cut the record to vinyl by Abbey Road’s Alex Gordon. Artwork for the release has been done by long-time 4AD collaborator Chris Bigg and it will be available on limited edition red vinyl.

Take a look below at all the records that have been cut at Abbey Road for this Saturday’s Record Store Day. For the full list of titles and participating retailers visit Record Store Day’s official website.

The Charlatans – The Charlatans vs The Chemical Bros – Mastered and cut-to-vinyl by Frank Arkwright

Biffy Clyro – Moderns 7” – Cut by Miles Showell

Adam Czerwinski – Two Out of Two – Cut by Sean Magee

Elton John – Elton John Deluxe (RSD) – Cut by Sean Magee

John Lennon – Instant Karma - 7" RSD 2020 – Cut by Geoff Pesche

Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets – 12" single RSD – Cut by Miles Showell

The Blue Beat Label - 60 Year 7" Celebration Single - Mastered and cut by Christian Wright

New Order - Peel Sessions RSD2020 – Cut by Frank Arkwright

Robyn - Robyn-2LP cut RSD – Cut by Geoff Pesche

Roxy Music - Steven Wilson – Cut by Frank Arkwright

Sam Smith - I Feel Love -12" RSD 2020 – Cut by Geoff Pesche

Cat Stevens / Yusuf - But I Might Die Tonight - Cut by Geoff Pesche

Ben Watts with Robert Wyatt – Sumer into Winter - Cut by Miles Showell

Wolfgang Press - Unremembered, Remembered – Cut by Alex Gordon