December Round-Up - Staff Picks, Black Friday Bangers
Our end-of-year round-up is here, from what the Badlands crew have been loving throughout 2025 to what flew off the racks at Black Friday.
End-of-Year Round-Up: Staff Picks, Black Friday Bangers
We’ve hit the busiest time of year where the kettle’s always on, the playlist’s full of comfort listens, and the racks are bursting with brilliant new releases 🤯. Between Record Store Day's Black Friday, the online sale, and a boatload of fresh wax landing weekly, it’s been a stormer of a season at Badlands. Here's what’s been flying out - and what we’ve been loving ourselves.
Staff Picks: What We’ve Had on the Decks 🔥
Need a recommendation from someone who lives and breathes records? Here’s what’s been spinning behind the counter (and behind the scenes) lately. Check out our Staff Picks collection for the full list.
- Phil: The Delines - Mr. Luck & Ms. Doom
- Mike: Ichiko Aoba - Luminescent Creatures, a glistening dive into ambient-folk dreamscapes.
- Lucas: Greentea Peng - TELL DEM IT’S SUNNY, a lush slice of woozy, dubby R&B goodness.
- Rob: Chime Oblivion (John Dwyer) - Chime Oblivion - wild, warped and wonderful.
Albums of the Year? Take Your Pick…
With new gems from Little Simz, Stereolab, Black Country New Road, Cymande, Ezra Furman, Pulp, Viagra Boys, billy woods, Julien Baker & Torres (and loads more), 2025 is ending on a serious high.
Explore all the contenders in our Albums of the Year collection.
Black Friday Mayhem & RSDBF Magic 💥
Thanks to everyone who queued up in the cold for Record Store Day Black Friday this year. There was a proper buzz in the shop, and loads of special releases disappeared within minutes. But don’t worry if you missed out.
The online Black Friday sale is still LIVE with some huge titles still available, including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Post Malone, Tom Petty, Grateful Dead, Billie Eilish, and Chappell Roan. Have a rummage!
Our remaining RSDBF stock also went online Saturday morning, and it’s still worth a peek. These bits won’t hang around and won't be restocked. Get them whilst you can.
Want to stay in the loop with all things RSD? Follow us on socials or head to recordstoreday.co.uk for the latest updates.
Come and Have a Browse…
Whether you’re after a last-minute gift, a treat for yourself, or just a warm corner to talk about records, you’re always welcome at Badlands. We’re open as usual and the kettle’s probably on. We have gift certificates available too!
See you soon ✌️