Seven notable Record Store Day releases

The fourth annual edition of Record Store Day -- during which about 700 independent record stores across the U.S. celebrate their continued, against-all-odds existence -- is set for Saturday (4/16), and as usual there are plenty of reasons to seek out a local shop.

Participating stores are generally pulling out all the stops for the event, holding special sales, bringing in live acts and having artists on-hand for autograph signings. There are also at least 200 special vinyl and CD offerings set for release in conjunction with Record Store Day.

Here are seven slabs of Record Store Day vinyl that are worth checking out. Bear in mind: Quantities are generally limited, and some offerings are available only in select regions. There are dozens of other bands offering up special vinyl releases, too; more information is posted at the Record Store Day website.

7. Ozzy Osbourne, "Flying High Again" b/w "I Don't Know" (Live)

Ozzy deserves special mention because he's the official "Record Store Day Ambassador 2011." "I'm very honored," he told USA Today. "I just wish I could find a record store." His contribution is a "re-creation" of ths 7" single that first appeared in 1981. Full vinyl editions of 1980's "Blizzard of Ozz" and 1981's "Diary of a Madman" are also on tap on Saturday for Ozzy fans.

6. The White Stripes, "Lafayette Blues" b/w "Sugar Never Tasted So Good," and "Let's Shake Hands" b/w "Look Me Over Closely"

These are reissues of the band's first two singles, which were first released in 1998. Each is available in limited quantities on white-and-black swirled vinyl, and are packaged in fold-over picture sleeves in a poly bag.

5. Wild Flag, "Future Crimes" b/w "Glass Tambourine"

This 7" marks the first official release from the new quartet featuring former Sleater-Kinney members Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss, along with Mary Timony (Helium) and Rebecca Cole (The Minders). Spoon's Britt Daniel produced. In a nod to modern times, each copy of the single will come with a code allowing for a free MP3 download of the tracks.

4. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, "Gotta Get The Feeling" b/w "Racing In The Street"

This 10" vinyl edition features two recordings that will appear on the upcoming live DVD taken from the a "Songs From the Promise" concert the band staged last year in Asbury Park, NJ.

3. Kings of Leon, "Holy Roller Novocaine"

This collection, on 10" red vinyl, was previously issued in Europe, but never previously available in North America. Included tracks are "Molly's Chamber," "Wasted Time" "California Waiting," "Wicker Chair" and "Holy Roller Novocaine."

2. Green Day / Husker Du, "I Don't Want To Know If You Are Lonely"

This 7" vinyl single features Husker Du's original version of the track (which appeared on the band's 1990 album, "Candy Apple Grey") and Green Day's cover version.

1. Foo Fighters, "Medium Rare"

This LP (120 gram 12" vinyl) collects previously unreleased Foo Fighters cover versions of a wide range of songs including Paul McCartney's "Band on the Run," Prince's "Darling Nikki," Pink Floyd's "Have a Cigar," Cream's "I Feel Free" and Husker Du's "Never Talking to You Again."