Rock Preorders

Rock Vinyl Pre-orders: New Albums, Box Sets and Upcoming Reissues

Why pre-order rock records?

Rock vinyl pre-orders cover two worlds: new albums from current bands, often split into limited variants, and reissues of classics, from a simple repress to an anniversary box set. Either way, the most sought-after editions sometimes sell out before release day. Ordering early lets you pick your version and compare offers from partner stores while they are available.

The current lineup reflects both sides. On the heritage side, there are the Sex Pistols, Primal Scream, The Mission, the progressive rock of Pallas and the art rock of Be Bop Deluxe. On the current side, Peter Doherty, Shed Seven, Fat Dog, Bodega and The Ocean. From punk and post-punk to indie and prog, rock remains one of the busiest genres on vinyl.

Rock reissues: remaster, repress or box set?

Big rock reissues tend to cluster around album anniversaries. "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols," released in 1977, and Primal Scream's "Screamadelica," released in 1991, are among the classics that get reissued regularly in different forms. Before you order, pin down exactly what you are buying: the price gap between a basic reissue and a deluxe box set can be huge.

• Remaster: new sound work from the original tapes
• Remix: a new mix that changes the album's balance
• Repress: a new pressing from the existing master
• Box set: demos, live tracks, booklet, often several discs
• Half-speed mastering: cut at half speed, favored by audiophiles

New rock releases: variants and exclusives

For a new album, rock labels often offer several editions from the announcement: standard black vinyl, color variants with some limited to one store or the band's webstore, and sometimes a signed edition or one with a bonus track. Independent labels such as Domino, Rough Trade, Sub Pop, Matador and Third Man Records regularly release these limited variants.

If the music is all you care about, the standard black vinyl edition usually stays available after release, sometimes at a lower price. If you want a specific variant, order as soon as pre-orders open: it is often the only way to get it at its original price before it ends up on the resale market.

Comparing rock pre-order prices

The same rock pre-order can be priced very differently from one store to the next, especially box sets. On Vinyles.com, each product page lists the offers available from partner stores: you compare the exact edition, then order from the store you choose. Release dates are estimates, and delays of a few weeks are common in vinyl without the release being canceled.