Trouble In Mind (2013)
Back again for another Trouble In Mind 7". I've been buying these since day one and have amassed a complete collection on colored vinyl. So I don't miss out, I always buy the moment they go on sale. This time we have a band called Proto Idiot, who I had never heard before, but had heard of from a friend.
The 2 songs on this record are very strong, with the A-Side "You're Wrong" being a catchy pop romp with a sing along chorus. The B-Side is a little darker, still very catchy and for some reason reminds me of The Animals. Definitely one of the stronger entries in the Trouble In Mind series and I plan on checking out more records by Proto Idiot in the near future.
Proto Idiot - You're Wrong:
proto-idiot.bandcamp.com/track/youre-wrong
Friday, June 28, 2013
Proto Idiot - You're Wrong 7" - Maroon Vinyl (/500)
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Tenement - Freak Cast In Iron 7" - Green Vinyl (/100)
Cowabunga (2013)
The whole reason I subscribed to the Cowabunga Records Sick Club singles series was to get the limited version of this Tenement 7". A bonus was the Mean Jeans 7" that they advertised which seems to no longer be mentioned anywhere on the label's website. So that might be out at this point.
Tenement is a band that I will always buy everything they put out. One of the things I like about the band is how diverse and creative their output is. While I prefer some of their songs to others, I love that you never know what to expect until the record starts spinning. These 2 songs are more a part of their lower fi cannon, with the first being short & catchy while the flip side is a bit longer and a bit weirder. Both enjoyable songs, though I personally prefer their slightly higher production punchy numbers.
There's no way I'm not buying this record, and I can't wait for the band to finish working on their next LP. It's nice that we've gotten a fairly consistent stream of 7"s being released in the meantime.
Tenement - Freak Cast In Iron 7":
tenement.bandcamp.com/album/sick-club-vol-3
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Public Enemy - 25th Anniversary Vinyl Collection LP Box Set
Def Jam (2013)
In the late 80's and early 90's, there were very few things in the world I liked more than Public Enemy (& Boogie Down Productions). As an impressionable young person, I was really drawn the the conviction of these bands. Not too mention the beats and rhymes were really strong and innovative for the time. These bands were the measuring stick I used to judge all hip hop bands until Del The Funky Homosapien changed everything for me in '91.
This box set should have been too expensive for me to buy. When pre-orders for it started popping up it was averaging around $200 (It's actually come down a bit and there's a few places selling for $175 now). Given that I do have a tight record buying budget, despite what you probably think if you're a regular reader of this site, I just figured I'd have to pass.
Then one day, I was tipped off that the Best Buy website had this for sale for $79. I immediately bought it, figuring it was doubtful they'd actually fulfill my order. I was even more sure of it when hours later the price on the Best Buy website was right back up to $200. The box set was delayed, the release date got pushed back months at a time and I just waited for the cancellation notice to come through. Then one day, I got an email telling me my ordered shipped. Victory, I got this box set for $79 plus $6 shipping and I'm thrilled with it.
The box for the set itself is really hi quality. The records all sit in the orange part and the red top slides over top. I would have liked some sort of retrospective liner notes, but I'll forgive as the records themselves are identical to the originals, even down to the ads for buying Public Enemy VHS tapes.
The music is still greatest at the peak. Yo! Bum Rush The Show always felt a little half baked to me and the production quality wasn't quite there yet. It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back was always my favorite and still holds up today as one of the greatest hip hop records ever released. Fear Of A Black Planet is also amazing, and to me doesn't feel dated at all. I vividly remember buying the Apocalypse '91 CD the day it came out when I was a freshman in high school. It still blows me away. This is kind of where Public Enemy and I parted ways.
They released a CD called Greatest Misses a few years later (It's not included in this box set) and I just hated it for some reason. I never bought another PE record after that, so this box set was the first time I heard Muse Sick-N-Hour Mess Age and the He Got Game Soundtrack. Muse Sick is pretty good and has a handful of real stand out tracks, but it loses me on the songs that sound like they were built off of leftover Pete Rock and CL Smooth beats. He Got Game didn't really hold my interest at all. They both are just missing the cutting edge urgency of the earlier records.
Despite the set ending on a whimper and not with a bang, this box set is completely worth owning for the Nation to Apocalypse trilogy. Three of the best albums ever released in the genre. It is doubtful I would have ever picked this up for $200, but for $79, I would never pass it up.
Public Enemy - Rebel Without A Pause:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8apEcVO5dbA
Public Enemy - Burn Hollywood Burn:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=71un0nkjKB8
Public Enemy - Can't Truss It:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=am9BqZ6eA5c
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Occult Detective Club - Alright Gentlemen 7"
There are a lot of bands that write good songs, but then do something screwy when they're recording. You've got the garage bands writing killer pop songs, but then they put a huge layer of static over the vocals. Then you've got the pop punk bands that have catchy tunes, but everything sounds so slick and clinical you lose all emotion. And finally there's a band like Occult Detective Club; a band doing everything right.
Occult Detective Club play extremely catchy punk rock with gruff vocals and unlike a lot of bands, they recorded this 7" perfectly. The guitars sound huge, but there's no unnecessary gloss here. The vocals have that great lived in, rough around the edges quality, but not so fuzzed out you can't understand them. It's really a perfect sounding record which makes it even more depressing that it appears the band has split and this 7" is their swan song.
Hopefully they come to their senses and make some more rock, in the meantime I need to finally go buy their other LP's. Anyone know of an online store selling both of them?
Occult Detective Club - Alright Gentlemen:
dirtcultrecords.bandcamp.com/album/alright-gentlemen-7
Monday, June 24, 2013
Masked Intruder / Dan Vapid & The Cheats - The Wedding 7" - PurpleVinyl (/100)
Masked Intruder / Dan Vapid & The Cheats - The Wedding 7" - Purple Vinyl (/100), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
Solidarity (2013)
This 7" was put out by Solidarity Recordings, it also doubled as the invitation to the guy that runs it, (Randy) and his fiance Valerie's wedding (There's another variant used for the actual invitation). I think this is such a cool idea and certainly something that popped in my head when I was planning my wedding Though it would have been difficult to get new songs from Rocket From The Crypt and Shiner in 2010 I think.
Anyway, in addition to the records used for the invitation, there was a batch released to the general public for sale. The version above was sold only through the Solidarity website and was limited to 100 copies on purple vinyl. It does look black in the picture, but you can see the color easier when you hole the record up to the light.
The songs are both straight up, mid tempo pop songs with Masked Intruder singing about Valerie and Dan Vapid doing the honors for Randy. I actually really like both songs, despite never really being into Dan Vapid's other work. Masked Intruder, on the other hand, are becoming one of the more reliable pop punk bands out there these days. Great songs and a great idea. I don't know Randy or Valerie, but I wish them the very best for their wedding. Have a great time!
Masked Intruder / Dan Vapis & The Cheats - The Wedding 7":
solidarityrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/the-wedding-7
Friday, June 21, 2013
Sundowners - The Larger Half Of Wisdom LP - Green Vinyl (/100)
Dirtcult (2013)
Dirtcult records has become one of those labels that I implicitly trust with pop music. Sure, they put out a few things that lean more to the hardcore side of things that are not really my style; but when they've got a melodic punk band lined up, I'm on board just about every time. They've done it again with Sundowners.
Sundowners play a punked up indie rock that immediately makes me think of the band Sundials. Both have a singer with similar inflections, but Sundowners blow Sundials out of the water with hooks and energy. At times, Sundowners also remind me of the more off kilter moments of Statues. A little shake up in the rhythm, but also like Statues, just blast into ultra catchy choruses.
Even though this is the band's 2nd full length, they are still a newer band to me. The Larger Half Of Wisdom is the type of record that will absolutely make me keep tabs on Sundowners in the future, just waiting for more records. The first 100 are on green vinyl and as of right now, Dirtcult still has some for sale on their website.
Sundowners - The Larger Half Of Wisdom:
dirtcultrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-larger-half-of-wisdom
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Manifesto Jukebox - Desire LP
Nabate / Combat Rock (2000)
I wrote about a later period Manifesto Jukebox record earlier in the year and mentioned that while good, it was not as good as Desire. Oddly enough, just a few weeks later a used copy of Desire popped up in my favorite online distro, Green Noise. I actually don't remember how much I paid for it as I grabbed it with several other records, but I know it wasn't much. Less than $5 I think.
It's a good record and I've had the CD of it ever since Sean Rugger Bugger recommended the album to me back when it came out. I contend to this day that I think the band would be better if the singers vocal were just slightly more melodic, but the band burns through these songs like a really pissed off Leatherface. Glad to add it to the pile. Now I just need to keep and eye out for their 2nd LP on the cheap. Couldn't find any of the album streaming, but i found a few live versions of songs on YouTube.
Manifesto Jukebox - Paralyzed (Live):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6tZqEcB_VA
Manifesto Jukebox - Desire (Live):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYVpwMfDe28
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Bear Trade - Belief is a Graveyard 7" - White Vinyl (/100)
Everything Sucks (2013)
The main reason I wanted to pick up this Bear Trade 7" when I first heard about it was because one of the members was previously in a band that I loved, Blocko. It was a sad day when Blocko split up and I've been doing my best to try to keep tabs on all of the various other projects everyone has been involved in. It took a little bit to get this record as I was trying to navigate some pretty expensive shipping options from the UK, but my buddy Julian @ Drunken Sailor picked this up for me and shipped over with a bunch of records I was ordering from him. Top guy!
Bear Trade, musically, do tread some of that same territory that I loved from bands like Blocko or Broccoli. While the singer of Bear Trade doesn't possess some of the more melodic vocal qualities of the aforementioned bands, musically they are right in that same ballpark with roaring choruses, palm muted bridges and a really tight rhythm section. Vocally, I hear more similarities to bands like The Great St. Louis. A harsher, gruffer delivery, but completely fits the music. It's a great 7" and I'm eager to hear the full length that I believe the band is currently working on.
Bear Trade - Belief is a Graveyard:
everythingsucksmusic.bandcamp.com/
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Sack - Get Wrecked LP - White Vinyl (/50)
Clearview (2013)
When I ordered the Lillingtons box set that I wrote about yesterday, I had the option to add this Sack LP to my order. It was a minimal price and only the 1st 50 were on white vinyl, so I decided to take a chance on it. I figured that worst case scenario; I would just sell it if I didn't like it.
Sack was a band that Kody from The Lillingtons started in between his time in The Lillingtons and Teenage Bottlerocket. It's described as a party record by most people and the subject matter of just about every song is drunken shenanigans. While in know way is this a bad record, it's not a great record either. It falls in that solidly above average category. Good enough to keep, but I'd probably unload it if someone decided to offer me too much money for it. I'm in no rush to sell though, so don't take that as an advertisement.
If you like either of Kody's other bands, I can't imagine not liking this as well. My only complaint is that the subject matter seems a bit one dimentional, especially considering how much the Lillingtons varied things up from album to album.
Sack - One Helluva Party:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=puxDKu-PVKo
Sack - King Of The Beach:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS9ZyAI-q2g
Monday, June 17, 2013
The Lillingtons - 6xLP Box Set - Metal Version (/50)
The Lillingtons are a band that I never got into the way it seems a lot of people did. At the time they were around, I never really ranked them with the bands I truly loved. They just weren't as good as The Mr. T Experience, Sicko, Zoinks! or Green Day. I held them in the same regard as I did more 2nd tier bands like Squirtgun or Chixdiggit. I have no problem with either of those bands, they just always seemed way more straight forward and not quite as dynamic as some of the others.
With a decade or so of hindsight, I can look back at these Lillingtons records with a new found respect. I still don't think they're in that upper echelon of pop punk, but I do enjoy their records more than I used to. I've grown more accustomed to the vocals of Kody Templeman. His crystal clear, but somewhat nasal delivery doesn't allow for as much melody as I tend to like, but it absolutely works within the context of the band.
Individually the records stand very strong, with Death By Television and The Backchannel Broadcast absolutely being the highlights. Having this box set is great, because it puts just about the entire recorded output of this band at my fingertips, however, I have to say that this is a band that's not meant to listen in large doses. If you try to sit down and listen to this entire box set, it's very fatiguing. The albums are best left enjoyed on their own.
The box set itself came in several super limited versions. The one I managed to grab was limited to 50 copies and came with all of the records on 200 gram red vinyl. They really do sound fantastic and the weight of these records is really something else. This version also has a metal box that goes over the regular cardboard box set. The metal box has the Lillingtons "L" die cut out of it so that the printed white "L" of the cardboard box shows through it. It's a really slick looking set, but it is really, really heavy. Don't drop it. I do wish it had come with some sort of liner notes, but that's not really a deal breaker for me.
It probably sounds like I'm not as excited as I am about picking up this set. I'm thrilled to have all of the records on vinyl now. It was even better to manage to grab one of the limited variants. Anyone who wants these records on vinyl should pick up this set. It's beautifully put together, and everything sounds great. Are they the best band in the world? No. But if you like some old school Ramones influenced poppy punk, it's a pretty essential set.
The Lillingtons - Black Hole In My Mind:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEoapQdUJ_M
The Lillingtons - Final Transmission:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j0vce4mcQI
The Lillingtons - All i Hear Is Static:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=puxDKu-PVKo
Friday, June 14, 2013
Gentlemen Rogues - S/T 10" - Blue Vinyl (/300)
Shifting Sounds (2013)
Gentlemen Rogues is an Austin, TX based band whose singer Danny has spent time in quite a few other bands that I've enjoyed over the past decades. I first came to know of his music through his 90's pop punk band Jill. They released a CD EP and a few 7"s that I just adore. After Jill had run its course, Danny was in a band called Quimby. Aside from a compilation appearance, I don't think they released anything else, but I could be mistaken. Lastly a band called The Fall Collection made an appearance with a CD EP in the mid 2000's. I hadn't heard anything from him since, but as soon as Gentlemen Rogues showed up on my radar, I immediately picked up this 10".
I really enjoy this EP and I hope it's the first of many records to come. While there is obvious growth and maturity compared to some of Danny's earlier bands, he absolutely has not traded in his ability to craft a heck of a pop song. While Jill was more Sicko or Zoinks inspired; Gentlemen Rogues explore that punky indie rock area that you can hear from bands like Tugboat Annie or Indoor Living - Come Pick Me Up era Superchunk. Maybe a little Ted Leo, especially considering that the songs are all over 4 minutes long. A lot of bands couldn't pull off something that long; but Gentleman Rogues keep it interesting and aren't just retreading the same 2 minute long song over and over.
Again, this is a really great EP. To the best of my knowledge, Danny hasn't been in a band that has released a full length album. If there was ever a band of his ready for the long album format, this is the one.
Gentlemen Rogues - S/T 10"
gentlemenrogues.bandcamp.com/album/gentlemen-rogues-ep
Thursday, June 13, 2013
V/A - Snuffy Smiles Presents: Puke & Destroy 2 7" (Gleam Garden,What-A-Night's, Tenement, Holy Shit)
V/A - Snuffy Smiles Presents: Puke & Destroy 2 7" (Gleam Garden, What-A-Night's, Tenement, Holy Shit), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
Snuffy Smiles (2013)
Life doesn't get much better than a Snuffy Smiles compilation. Especially when it pairs 2 of my absolute favorite Japanese bands and 1 of my favorite American bands. The deal with this 7" is that each band contributes 2 songs. One quick 30 second long one, then another longer track.
I could go on for days and days about how much I love Gleam Garden and What-A-Night's and you really need to look no further than this 7" to see why. Gleam Garden's 30 second long song isn't anything special, but their 2nd one, "It Smelled Good," is pretty great. Neither is quite as good as their most recent CD, but this band is outstanding. What-A-Night's just kill on both of their contributions. They cram a lot of greatness into the 30 second one, and "Cry for Nothing" is also a hit. This band has tons of energy and write some of the best hooks coming out of Japan right now.
For the US side Tenement 30 second long song (like What-A-Night's) isn't really a standout, but "The Block Is Safe Again" is a really strong mid tempo rocker with great backing harmonies. Tenement is one of the best US bands going and I suggest you buy as many of their records as you can. Holy Shit isn't really my copy of tea, they lean more to the hardcore, really fast side of things and that was just never a style the clicked with me, especially as I've gotten older.
All in, this is a great 7", but really you should always be buying everything that comes out with the Snuffy Smiles logo on it, they can do no wrong.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Modern Action - Molotov Solution LP - Clear Vinyl (/100)
Ptrash (2012)
Part of the Ptrash club that just took me a while to get to here, it's a band featuring ex-members of the Briefs and it's a pretty good little record. Molotov Solution features 10 catchy punk numbers. While they don't quite have the hooks or melodies of a band like The Cute Lepers, they are definitely cut from the same cloth with a penchant for quick blasts and a little guitar solo-ing thrown in for good measure.
The Ptrash version came out 2 years after the regular LP was released on another label, but it was worth the wait as the screened artwork looks great and there's only 100 on clear vinyl. While I wouldn't call this record truly essential, I would absolutely recommend grabbing it if it's for sale at a distro you're already buying something from.
Modern Action - Molotov Solution:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHB3rABNFBo
Modern Action - Self Destruction:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3dzd4q2Qa8
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Tight Bros - S/T LP
Rad Girlfriend / Shout Out Load / Let's Pretend (2013)
Tight Bros are a band that I stumbled across a few weeks ago. This is their 1st full length album and from the second I put the needle on the vinyl I was floored. Absolutely floored. This is a band that is flat out great. They manage to build fast, catchy Marked Men style punk rock, but without all the fuzz & distortion that the Marked Men weave into their vocals.
This Tight Bros record has fantastic vocal melodies, super catchy choruses and it really feels like each song is better than the last as you're going through the album. For me the absolute highlight of the bunch is "Summertime." This song builds off a simple guitar riff and just explodes when the whole band joins in. On top of all of this are laid back vocals that, honestly, should be out of place but for some reason it just works. On a record full of amazing songs, this is the kind of song that you'd put on every mix tape for 6 months. If anyone still made mix tapes.
I can't recommend this record enough, I just love it. One of the best of the year and if you've been keeping track, that's pretty high praise because 2013 is just killing it so far.
Tight Bros - S/T:
radgirlfriendrecords.bandcamp.com/album/tight-bros-s-t-lp-2
Monday, June 10, 2013
Your Pest Band - In My Doom 10"
Snuffy Smiles (2013)
Your Pest Band has rapidly been becoming one of my absolute favorite Japanese exports over the past few years. The way they channel energy & excitement into their songs is unrivaled. I haven't had the chance to see them play live, but I can only imagine that they blow the doors off places on a nightly basis.
In My Doom sees Your Pest Band expanding their sound a bit. In addition to their fast paced straight-up Snuffy Smiles style pop punk, theirs also a few songs that dabble in other genres. There are times when they slow things down a bit like on the songs "In My Doon" or "Here" where it works. But then there's "Entertainment," a song that sounds a bit too much like "Don't Fear The Reaper" for my tastes.
Despite 1 song I don't like, this is a great album that just flies by when listened to. I can't recommend this band or this label enough.
Your Pest Band - In My Doom:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz8sh2aG9S8
Friday, June 7, 2013
Car10 - I Don't Meet You 7"
Snuffy Smiles (2013)
Snuffy Smiles is my all time favorite record label. Based out of Japan, they've been cranking out hits for nearly 20 years and it just thrills me every time they put out a new 7". That being said, I don't know that I can say that Car10 is my favorite thing they've done lately.
Car10 is playing slightly mod leaning, jangley guitar rock. The vocals are kind of fuzzy and overblown, but it doesn't really suit the way the rest of the music was recorded. The vocal melodies tend to drone a bit and it's an odd contrast to the bouncy guitar hooks throughout the songs. The songs are also quite short, so there's not much time for them to build.
There's a lot of potential here that I don't think was realized on this record. I will definitely check out any future releases as I think they could get great, very quickly. It's also probably not fair to the band that I'm judging them on the Snuffy Smiles scale of excellence, so anything that's not out of this world will probably feel like a bit of a let down. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any of these songs streaming anywhere to share.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Prisonaires - Baby Please b/w Just Walkin' In The Rain 7"
Third Man (2013)
I wasn't going to buy this 7" in the Third Man Sun Records reissue series and in fact, I didn't buy it. I ordered the Johnny Cash reissue, and they shipped me this record by mistake. When I sent an email alerting them to the mix up, they said to just keep the extra 7", so I will.
I don't see myself listening to it much, but it's certainly a perfectly fine record. Old timey 50's country with some interesting doo wop-esque backing vocals. It's good and I do enjoy it, but I don't think it's really worth shelling out any money for. As a free record though, it's worth keeping.
Prisonaires - Baby Please:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoG0EFI5M0E
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Johnny Cash - Get Rhythm b/w I Walk The Line 7"
Third Man (2013)
Third Man Records has some wacky ideas. I've seen some pretty terrible ones over the years, and that gold vinyl/wooden box $300 version of the truly terrible looking Great Gatsby soundtrack was right at the top of the list of bizarre things to do. But then they will always redeem themselves with a project like this. Third Man is going to be reissuing a lot of the original Sun records 7" singles. While I'm not likely to buy all of them, I absolutely intend to cherry pick some of the cooler ones to add to the collection.
First up, the reissue of the Johhny Cash classic Get Rhythm b/w I Walk The Line. There's very little to say about songs as iconic as these, other than they're obviously incredible. What I'm most impressed with is the faithful way that Third Man has reissued the original artwork. Plus there's the fact that these songs sound better on this 7" than I've ever heard. Though I have miles of Johnny Cash, virtually all of it is on CD. I've been wanting to start replacing that with vinyl, but when you buy as many records as I do with the budget I'm working on, you have to pick and choose your battles, so Johnny is still waiting for some vinyl.
When I ordered this record from Third Man, they actually sent me the wrong record and sent the Sun reissue of the Prisonaires 7" they released by mistake. But as soon as I alerted them they immediately sent me the correct Johnny Cash record and also let me keep the Prisonaires one, so I'll write something up about that tomorrow.
Johnny Cash - Get Rhythm:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QQC-C3sCwQ
Johnny Cash - I Walk The Line:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAC0vuL3A3c
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Outer Spaces - I Was Divided 7" - Yellow Vinyl
Matador (2013)
The April edition of the Matador singles club came in the same package as yesterday's entry for March. They're a little behind, but that's OK. Apparently it's impossible to get normal records pressed in the days leading up to Record Store Day which I can beleive considering the sheer amount of nonsense that happens for RSD these days. I am hopeful to get another 2 record package soon as June was scheduled to be the Royal Headache 7".
Outer Spaces is a vast improvement for me from the Cian Nugent 7" yesterday. For starters, there's vocals. Jangle-y female fronted indie pop. It's very 90's sounding and really reminds me of a more mid tempo speed Go Sailor or maybe The Crabs. A definite K Records vibe for sure. This 7" isn't a total slam dunk and I don't think it'll get a whole lot of replay value, but it's a solid record for sure.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Cian Nugent And The Cosmos - Hire Purchase 7"
Matador (2013)
There's a downside to singles clubs as well, and it's 7"s like this. I'm on record over and over touting my love for the singles club. The excitement of a new record every month or so. Getting to check out a new band you wouldn't otherwise buy. Exclusive records by bands you love. It's always a cool idea I think.
But then you get this 7" in the mail. Boring folky guitar instrumentals. These guys couldn't even be bothered to come up with 2 different names for the songs on the A and B side. It's just Hire Purchase (Part I) and Hire Purchase (Part 2). I'm not down on the Matador singles club because of this record; you can't expect every month to be amazing. But this is one boring 7".
Maybe it's just me, maybe I haven't evolved to the point where I can appreciate the musicianship of a record like this. I don't know, I think I'll just go play my Superchunk 7" again and keep checking the mailbox for the Royal Headache entry to the series.
Friday, May 31, 2013
A Giant Dog - Bone LP
Tic Tac Totally (2013)
Every so often I will scroll through the Green Noise records distro list. If there is a band listed that I've never heard of (and doesn't have really obvious hardcore/metal style artwork) I'll go check them out. That's how I heard of A Giant Dog. Despite their Pepto Bismol nightmare artwork, I was intrigued enough by the album's description to give them a shot on Bandcamp. After listening to a few songs, I was sold and added that record to cart right away.
This is some fantastic guitar pop. It bristles with the sort of energy and hookiness that you'll hear in Superchunk or Shy Mirrors. It has strong female fronted vocals that can carry the melodies, but the guys in the band certainly keep pace with the outstanding harmonies that cover every inch of this record. Things veer a bit towards the glammy side of rock around the middle of the record, but the first and last thirds of the record are just killer pop with warm full guitars.
The only other thing I'll mention is that I can't believe there's not a pink vinyl version of the record. I'm not complaining, it just seemed to me that the band was really going all in on the pink theme.
A Giant Dog - Bone:
agiantdog.bandcamp.com/album/bone
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Low Culture - Evil 7"
Drunken Sailor / Cut The Cord That... (2013)
I couldn't be more thrilled to have 2 more songs from the band that has put out one of my favorite records so far this year, Low Culture. There's almost no way that the Low Culture full length isn't in my top 10 this year, unless the 2nd half of 2013 is poised to be something magical. This 7" carries on the same tradition. It's a Europe only 7" that was released to coincide with a trip the band took overseas, though I have seen it in a fair amount of US distros as well.
The songs are fast, they're catchy, they have all the hooks and melodies right where you want them. I often lament the fact that the Marked Men aren't a full time band any more, but keep giving me Low Culture and more records from The Novice and I'll probably soften my stance on that real quick.
I also have to mention how much I love the artwork for this 7". Sure, it's certainly not the first Bad Brains spoof I've ever seen, but it's absolutely the best one. It makes me laugh to myself almost every time I see. I even bought a shirt with the same design. Go Low Culture!
Low Culture - Evil:
drunkensailorrecords.bandcamp.com/album/evil-7
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Samiam - You Are Freaking Me Out LP - Blue Vinyl (/100)
No Idea (2013)
The more I listen to Samiam, the more I just do not understand how I could have possibly missed out on them the first time around. Considering the kind of music I've been listening to for the past 20+ years, the sheer amount of records I bought in the mid 90's and the fact that quite a few of my friends listened to Samiam, it simply make no sense that I didn't have a bunch of their records. I am now doing my best to correct that oversite and there's quite a few labels reissuing Samiam records and making it easy for me.
No Idea tackled You Are Freaking Me Out, which very much carries on the major label-esque rock of Clumsy. Big slick guitars, quiet-then-loud vocals and a driving energy that just carries the whole album. I do not say major label-esque with any sort of malice in my words. 90's major labels help produce some truly great sounding records in that decade and I think Samiam really benefits from the sheen. Everything sounds bright & crisp and No Idea has done a stellar job capturing this energy on the new vinyl reissue.
I actually really lucked out getting the limited to 100 blue vinyl version. I had missed the pre-order on the No Idea website and just ended up grabbing the record from another distro while placing an order for some Record Store Day overstock. Imagine my surprise to get this in the mail. I'm not usually so fortunate when I miss a pre-order, so I'll thank my lucky stars for this one.
Samiam - Full On:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9Hte1ZeucI
Samiam - While You Were Waiting:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxpB_Ofl0Ds
Samiam - Good Enough:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8jk9zc3EpI
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Sabertooth - Morning Breath 7" - Yellow Vinyl
Debt Offensive (2013)
One if the neater things that has happened since I started up this website is the fact that I've had a people get in touch with me to say they like the site or the records I write about. It's always cool to hear that. A handful of people (4 to be exact) like this website enough to send me a copy of the record they have released. It's a side effect of this website that I never really expected, but it's still fun to get something new that I wouldn't have known about otherwise. Case in point is this Sabertooth 7" that was sent to me by Debt Offensive records.
I'd never heard of this band previously, but I am very happy I know who they are now. They play a gruff style of punk pop that probably has more in common with band's like Plow United than anyone else, though I can certainly hear some early Jawbreaker in there as well. The songs all have that ever important hook buried in there, but they also weave some dynamic guitar noise in for good measure.
According to the band's Bandcamp page they also put out a full LP a couple of years ago, but it appears to be sold out. I'm going to have to take a look around for that, if those songs are as good as what's on this 7", it will be a record worth owning.
Sabertooth - Morning Breath 7":
sabertooth-punk.bandcamp.com/album/morning-breath
Friday, May 24, 2013
Steve Adamyk Band - Third CD
Waterslide (2013)
There is nothing I won't say in this write up about the music that I haven't said roughly a million times before. Steve Adamyk Band is one of my absolute favorite bands playing right now. This album (as well as all of their other records) are absolutely essential if you like fast paced, catchy punked up pop. This is one of the best records of the year and should be bought right away.
As for this version, this is the Japanese CD on Waterslide records. I really don't buy CDs unless there is no other version available. Even in the case where I'm collecting variants of a band, I typically just stick to vinyl. But there's something about this band that just makes me have to by every single version of every single record they put out. They're just that good. So welcome to the collection CD version. I'm sure there will be more to follow.
Steve Adamyk Band - Third:
dirtnaprecords.bandcamp.com/album/steve-adamyk-band-third
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Wimps - Repeat LP (/300)
End Of Time (2013)
If it isn't obvious, I'm always on the hunt for new bands and new music. There's something that's just so satisfying about discovering previously unknown sounds. So, I'm constantly taking chances on new bands. In the year 2013, it's pretty easy to check out a record before you buy it, and I certainly do that, but every once in a while, you just have to go in blind and that's what I did with this Wimps LP.
I heard 1 song, a song called "Naps." it was a catchy, bouncy little pop song with fuzz and hooks and all that good stuff that I like. So I picked up the record. Unfortunately all of the other songs are total let downs for me. Maybe it's just me, but I never liked the Sleater Kinney style of warbled vocals that run through this entire record. Where "Nap" has upbeat bouncy guitar, the rest of the record is just a mess of start-stop guitar and shouted lyrics.
In all, it's just not a record I want to listen to and it's really the vocals that kill it for me. If you don't mind people shouting at you, check this out. However, if you prefer a bit of melody in your singing, there's almost no way you'll like this one.
Wimps - Repeat:
endoftimerecords.bandcamp.com/album/wimps-repeat
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Rocket From The Crypt - Boychucker 7" - Black Vinyl Label Variants
Rocket From The Crypt - Boychucker 7" - Black Vinyl Label Variants, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
Sympathy For The Record Industry (1994)
At this stage in my Rocket From The Crypt collecting, I'm getting really insane. As I already have the vast majority of their records, I'm hunting down the really subtle (and some might say silly) variations of records I already have. The only big ticket item that is missing from the collection right now is the Pure Genius 7" on red vinyl, so while I'm looking for that, I'm also grabbing anything else I can find that I don't already have.
Case in point; the Boychucker 7". I already have 4 different variants of the picture disc version of this 7" (Regular Version, A Side Image on Both Sides Version, Red Border Version, Tan Paper Version). I also have multiple versions of the later repress on black vinyl. Well, I can add 2 more to those variants. The difference is just the labels that are on the actual record. Several were made with generic Sympathy labels, and well, I just need them all. Nothing groundbreaking, nothing a normal person would need, but I just have to have them. The Unconditional Love of Rocket From The Crypt. There's 1 more version that I know of, so I'm still on the lookout for that.
Not for nothing, this is also one of my absolute favorite RFTC records and Boychucker is a top 3 song of theirs for me. So having a few extra versions around certainly isn't the worst thing possible.
Rocket From The Crypt - Boychucker:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeGIXdSydBc
Rocket From The Crypt - Boychucker (Live):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmlZD7ZksaY
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The Humanoids - S/T LP - Purple Vinyl
Throwing Things (2013)
This record is some sort of secret. The band doesn't sell it or even say that it's out on any of their websites. The record label doesn't sell it on their website. They also don't really advertise that it is actually out. There's a few mentions of a vinyl release show, so I figured it had to be out there somewhere. I actually finally found a mention that a record store in St. Louis called Vintage Vinyl (not to be the confused with the one here in NJ) that was selling it online. But it's kind of silly that you have to hunt for a new record .
The hunt is worth it though, as Humanoids have a cracker of a record here. Plain and simple what should sell this to you is that Humanoids have an extremely similar sound to Dillinger Four. They channel the same energy, similar vocals and really tight hooks. I'm not saying they're a carbon copy, but of all the bands I've heard over the years aiming for a sound like this, Humanoids pull it off the best.
The cover is a screened fold over. While that leads to a pet peeve of mine (no info on the album spine), the cover itself looks great. Thick cardstock and a really quality screening job. The purple vinyl has some other colors swirled in, probably a "mixed-color-vinyl" special from one of the pressing plants. Sometime that results in some drab looking grays, but this purple is sharp.
The total package, but I can't find any of the songs streaming online anywhere, so you may have to take my word for it and take a chance. This is a record you should go out of your way to buy, which you'll have to do because they certainly don't make it easy for you. I'll help you out; you can grab it here: www.vintagevinyl.com/ (you'll have to search for "Humanoids" once you get on that site because you can't direct link to any of the records they have. No one will make this easy!)
Monday, May 20, 2013
The Novice - What You Want 7" - Black Vinyl & Yellow Vinyl (/200)
Jeff Burke has one of the most recognizable styles I've come across. Throughout his bands The Marked Men, Potential Johns and now The Novice, there's never any question that this man is in the band. He just has a knack for really unique punked out pop songs. As soon as those guitar chords shift to that unexpected area for the hook, bam, that's Jeff.
On this 7" we have 2 songs that Jeff recorded while in a band he formed in Japan called The Novice. Both are just out of this world. Certainly I cannot fathom anyone not loving them who also likes The Marked Men or Potential Johns. Sadly, this will likely be the only Novice release as Jeff has moved back to Texas, but I guess that means maybe we could see another Marked Men record someday. That would be an OK sacrifice.
As is usually the case with Dirtnap, the first 200 of these were on colored vinyl, and there's no way I'm not getting variants when a member of The Marked Men is involved. A great record.
The Novice - What You Want 7"
dirtnaprecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-novice-s-t-7
Friday, May 17, 2013
Resonars - Crummy Desert Sound LP - Blue Vinyl (150)
Burger (2013)
Over the past few years, numerous friends have pointed me to The Resonars with mixed results. I've heard individual songs that were outstanding and I've purchased whole albms that I felt were wildly inconsistent. After the band's most recent (and incredible) 7" on Trouble In Mind, I decided I'd give their next album a shot as well. That album is Crummy Desert Sound, and boy am I glad I gave this band another chance.
Crummy Desert Sound is crammed full of catchy harmonies and 60's British invation style rock and roll. It's a pretty straight forward pop record and the songs are just incredible. There are a lot of bands that have a retro vibe these days, but the Resonars sound so much more authentic. The backing vocals are head and shoulders above almost any band I can think of. This is a definite must check out, plus rumor has it that they will actually have another full length later this year on Trouble In Mind, so hopefully there will be even more greatness to enjoy sooner than later.
The first 150 copies came out on sky blue vinyl, but that is currently sold out and I am really relieved I grabbed one when I did as I'd hate to have heard this record later and realized I had to go track it down.
The Resonars - The World is Wrong:
soundcloud.com/burgerrecords/the-resonars-the-world-is
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Plow United - Marching Band LP - Mixed Color Vinyl (/100)
Jump Start (2013)
When news got out that Plow United was back together, playing shows AND recording a new album, I went in with some slight trepidation. At the best of times, big name bands crumble under the lofty expectations of a reunion and most smaller bands honestly don't even bother. Being from New Jersey I am very familiar with Plow United's work in the 90's, I don't think I could count the number of times I saw them play (Though one of my very favorite times was when they played with Porcelain Boys at the Pipeline in Newark). To me they were an important band, but it also seemed to me at the time that they weren't known as well outside of our little community of punk rockers. I was surprised when they announced their reunion and I wasn't sure what I would think of their new material.
Well, this really is a great record. Plow United have managed to keep the bulk of their enthusiasm and most importantly the speed of their songs in tact. Sure there are a few tracks that slow things down a bit and one or two that have a slight (and really, I mean slight) twang to them, but in general it sounds like a band picking up where they left off. Older, and tackling subject matter that's more important to me as I also got older. Plow United is a band that has aged with me, and while I don't feel all that old (most of the time), the things that are important to me have changed over the years. It's interesting to hear that from a band as well.
The first half of the record, in particular, is just a scorcher and by the time they get the to the "We do, we do!" hook at the end of "Cui Bono," I'm just about ready to grab a torch and a pitchfork and storm whatever castle is responsible. I tend to prefer the faster songs like "Cui Bono," "Act Like It" and album closer "Meggers." The one time they lose me on the record is on "Get Low." There's nothing inherently wrong with the song itself, but I just don't like the voice of the person singing the duet (I believe it's Mimi Gallagher of the band Nona, but it's not explicitly spelled out in the liner notes). Every time I hear the song it just makes me think of the Atom & His Rockage song "(She's Just A) Head."
That is really the slightest speed bump in a record that I am just thrilled with. When a band has been broken up as long as Plow United has, there's always that chance they won't live up to what you remember. In this case, they not only lived up, they probably exceed what they did on their last pre-breakup record Narcolepsy. Plow, stay together this time. The 30 somethings need you.
Plow United - Marching Band:
jumpstartrecords.bandcamp.com/album/marching-band
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Rocket From The Crypt - Paint As A Fragrance LP - Orange Mush Vinyl
Rocket From The Crypt - Paint As A Fragrance LP - Orange Mush Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
Headhunter (1991)
Another Headhunter variant of the first Rocket From The Crypt record. Considering how many times I've posted a new picture of this album on this website, I don't have a lot to say about it this time out, other than to remind you what great songs "French Guy" and "Maybelline" are. This latest repress on all these different colors is a little wacky and if it wasn't for the fact that Rocket is my favorite band in the world I doubt I'd be going after all these versions. That being said, I know there's a green one out there, if anyone wants to hook me up with it, please get in touch.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
The Thermals - Desperate Ground LP - Red w/ Smoke Vinyl (/500)
Saddle Creek (2013)
The sixth and one of the best albums from a band I go way back with, The Thermals. It is no secret that I love, LOVE, the 1st 2 Thermals albums. I was just obsessed with the band and saw them play live more times than I could count. Since then their records have been a bit uneven for me. I did like Now We Can See, but I could take or leave The Body The Blood The Machine or Personal Life. I felt like they just didn't capture the energy of the first 2 records.
On Desperate Ground the energy is back. The Thermals tear through the songs on this record, with fuzz and distortion and tons of hooks. The lo fi spur of the moment sound is what always made The Thermals stand out to me and I'm just so thrilled that feeling is back on their records. If I had 1 negative thing to point out, I would say that I wish the guitar was a little louder in the mix. It get's lost in the vocals & rhythm section on a couple of songs. Despite that very minor complaint, Desperate Ground is absolutely the best Thermals album in years and I truly, truly hope that when it comes time for album 7 they keep up the fuzz.
The version of the record in the picture above is the 180g red w/ smoke color vinyl that was only sold through the Saddle Creek store and from the band on tour. They only pressed 500 on colored vinyl and from the looks of the Saddle Creek store, those are sold out. best chance to get one would probably be from the band.
The Thermals - Born To Kill
soundcloud.com/saddlecreek/the-thermals-born-to-kill
Monday, May 13, 2013
Real Numbers - Only Two Can Play 12"
Three Dimensional (2013)
A couple of years ago I wrote about a 7" by the band Real Numbers. I really enjoyed it, though truthfully I haven't listened to it all that much since then. I'm going to assume that write up was the reason that I was sent this 12". I don't get a lot of people mailing me records to review, so I always consider it a real treat when someone likes my silly website to send me something to listen to. It's even better when it's a band I already like.
As for this specific 12", I like it. It doesn't strike me the same way the 7" did, but over the course of the 6 songs on this EP, Real Numbers do crank out some real hits. In general, I wish the band had a little more oomph behind them, especially in the vocals which at times come off as being nasal and a bit disinterested. But when the band really gets cranking, they jangle-y guitars and great hooks definitely make up for this.
On the highlights of the EP "This Time He's Gone Too Far" and "Ordeal" is where the band shines, plying a craft that reminds me a lot of the more low key moments of bands like Cold Warps. If you like a clean, mod guitar sound with a retro vibe, this is a band that you'll want to check out.
Real Numbers - Only Two Can Play 12":
real-numbers.bandcamp.com/album/only-two-can-play
Friday, May 10, 2013
Dumpster Babies - S/T LP - Red Vinyl
Dumpster Babies are a band that on the surface have a couple of things going against them. 1st is the fact that I'm not really keen on the name of the band and second is the fact that the first song on the album is called "Dumpster Babies." Naming a song after your band name is always a dicey proposition (Just ask H.A.R.D.C.O.R.P.S), but somehow, not only do Dumpster Babies overcome these obstacles, that song just might be my favorite on the whole album.
This is a band that plays relaxed, good time sloppy rock and roll. And I mean that in the absolute most complimentary way possible. There are bands that you think are super particular and deliberate in the studio, resulting in a cold sounding record. This Dumpster Babies record just sounds like it was a blast to record. The songs are fun, the energy is loose, but focused and more than anything the songs are there.
Most everything is pretty darn catchy with awesome hooks. The lower key stuff has a more retro 60's vibe, while some of the faster garage-y ones remind me a lot of Earthmen & Strangers or The Yolks (Both who incidentally really have taken too long to follow up their last albums, provided they're still bands anyway). Dumpster Babies have created one of those records that just gets better the more you listen as I'm constantly discovering a song that was in the background the first time through that suddenly jumps out as one of the highlights. A great debut record by a band that I'm eager to hear more from. Excellent 1st release, Tall Pat Records.
Dumpster Babies - 4 songs off the album:
dumpsterbabies.bandcamp.com/
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Record Store Day Haul #13 - Night Marchers / Mrs. Magician - Split 7" -White Vinyl
Record Store Day Haul #13 - Night Marchers / Mrs. Magician - Split 7" - White Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
Closing up my run of records bought on Record Store Day 2013 is lucky number 13; the Night Marchers / Mrs. Magician split 7". This record is in a bit of a grey area as far as whether I should count it as a Record Store Day release. It was sent out to stores for April 20th. It wasn't listed on the Official Record Store Day list. Plus when the 2 bands went on tour a few months ago, they sold 300 copies of the split. Sadly they sold out at the show I went to, so I had to rely on the kindness of #TeamSwami to help grab me a copy (My local record stores didn't stock any copies for RSD either). So I'm going to include it in the wrap up, otherwise feel free to view this write as a transition back to non-RSD records for tomorrow.
These guys are 2 of my current favorite bands in the world. The Speedo led Night Marchers have years of goodwill stored up with me and they do not disappoint with their ripper from this 7" "La Gloria." A hook laden rocker that builds and changes in ways that only Night Marchers seem to be able to pull off. Another stellar effort.
Mrs. Magician, on the flip side, is responsible for putting out what is probably my favorite record of the past 5 years or so; Strange Heaven. Their effort, "Despicable Things," once again reaffirms my belief that they are the best thing going in rock and roll right now. Packed full of harmonies, yet slightly darker than the bulk of the songs on their LP, "Despicable Things" is just flat out great. I can't wait to hear more Mrs. Magician. They have a 7" planned on Windian later in the year , but I want more. I know there's more leftovers from their unreleased album Pity Party Animal. "Get Bent" and "Tabloids" have to come out on vinyl. Did I mention that I want more?
Mrs. Magician - Despicable Things:
soundcloud.com/mrs-magician/despicable-things
(Couldn't find the NM track streaming anywhere)
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Record Store Day Haul #12 - Giant Henry - Big Baby LP - Grey Vinyl
Record Store Day Haul #12 - Giant Henry - Big Baby LP - Grey Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
Numero (2013)
For all purposes Giant Henry is really Unwound. Or at least it's Unwound while they were still in high school. Giant Henry was the band they originally formed that set them on their path for indie rock sort-of-super-stardom. I really liked Unwound when I was younger and in particular I enjoyed the first couple of their records the most, so I was intrigued when this was announced for Record Store Day. I figured that it could go 2 ways. it could be great like early Unwound or it could be terrible since it was a high school band. Surprisingly, it's somewhere in the middle.
I'll say this, I pretty much can guarantee that Giant Henry was better than whatever bands you went to high school with. They're certainly better than the ones I went to high school with anyway. While no where near as refined or dynamic as Unwound, Giant Henry was definitely on to something. They had the noisy breakdowns, they had the screechy guitar squall and more than anything they had that quintessential Pacific Northwest vibe.
While I'm looking forward to Numero's Unwound reissue project more, and even though this isn't a record that will probably get a ton of play from me, I am very excited to have this in the collection as it is an interesting look at the genesis of a band that was only a few years away from being truly great. Extra thanks to @eekrock for picking this up for me as my Record Store Day stores didn't stock it.
Giant Henry - Super Nova:
soundcloud.com/biz-3-publicity/giant-henry-super-nova/
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Record Store Day Haul #11 - The Beta Band - Champion Versions 12"
My internet is down and I'm posting this from my phone so I'll keep this brief. This was a UK only RSD release sent to me courtesy of @chris_whitehead. It contains the song Dry the Rain, famous for its placement in the movie High Fidelity.
I love this song, but it's pretty much the only Beta Band song that I really like all that much. Everything else just bores me after a while. Even on this 12", by the time I get to track 4, I've had my fill of this band. But that 1 song is just so good I have to have it in vinyl.
The Beta Band - Dry The Rain:
youtube.com/#/watch?v=wsbR2dEmHGc&desktop_uri=/watch?...
Monday, May 6, 2013
Record Store Day Haul #10: V/A - Trouble In Mind Compilation 7" - WhiteVinyl (/2000)
Record Store Day Haul #10: V/A - Trouble In Mind Compilation 7" - White Vinyl (/2000), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
Yes, I am still going with Record Store Day releases. I have a few more to get to, but will finish up this week. I've also received everything that friends picked up for me in other parts of the country (& world) and mailed over, so I'll be able to go straight through all of the Record Store Day records I bought without having to skip a day.
Every year Trouble in Mind puts out a Record Store Day 7" of bands from their label doing cover songs. It becomes an annual hunt as the stores by me never stock it. But, each year I do manage to track down a copy. It's always an important record to pick up as I am sitting on a complete collection of Trouble In Mind 7"s on colored vinyl (been buying since day 1!) and need to keep it complete.
That being said, this yearly compilation is never anything particularly exciting. This year, I really like the Resonars song, but the other three bands (Jacco Gardner, Mmoss & Maston) just don't do anything for me. When Trouble In Mind is doing pop or garage rock they can do no wrong, but they also put out a lot of throwback psych bands. The psych revival thing is just going completely over my head. I don't think the bands are necessarily playing anything bad; I just don't like psych (or the kind of music everyone seems calling baroque or chamber pop).
Still, happy to keep the 7" collection going and you know I'll be on the hunt once again come Record Store Day 2014.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Record Store Day Haul #9: The Animals - Is Here 10" / Are Back 10"
Record Store Day Haul #9: The Animals - Is Here 10" / Are Back 10", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
When i first saw these 10"s listed on the Record Store Day lists, I thought that it was a bit silly. Sure it's the chance to own mono versions of my 3 favorite Animals songs on vinyl. They're reproductions of original 7"s, but it seemed like a cash grab to me to have these put out this time as 10"s instead of 7"s. At $12 a pop, it just seemed expensive, even though I decided that I was going to pick them up anyway.
I will say this, it was worth every penny because to my humble ears, these 2 records sound outstanding. The 10"s format at 45rpm just gives the grooves and the songs space to breathe and I have never, ever heard any of these songs sound better than they do on these 10"s. I am so happy I stuck to my guns and bought them despite the high price tag as I predict listening to these guys pretty often.
The Animals - House Of The Rising Sun:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0-czS8PTBU
The Animals - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dcc_W49qoVA
The Animals - We Gotta Get Out of This Place:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxNEiZhpinY
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Record Store Day Haul #8: The White Stripes - Elephant 2xLP - Red/BlackSplit Vinyl & White Vinyl
Record Store Day Haul #8: The White Stripes - Elephant 2xLP - Red/Black Split Vinyl & White Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
I'm not sure exactly what it is about Jack White; but I always seem to feel like I have to be on the defensive when I talk about how I enjoy his records. There's just something he does that rubs people the wrong way. I assume it's more of a personality thing than a music thing; as the songs he writes are totally harmless. But I always get a lot of blow back when I say I'm a fan.
Truth be told I'm not even a super big fan. I like his records and I'll listen to them occasionally, but I'm certainly not trying to hunt down wacky variants or records he's tied to balloons. I'll pick up his more affordable records.
This brings us to the Record Store Day version of Elephant. The original has been out of print for a while and I didn't have this on vinyl. So why not pick it up. It's a good record with a handful of really, really great songs. The reissue looks great and I'm just such a sucker for split color vinyl. I really do need to pick up the other White Stripes LPs at some point. I have all of the records on CD (old music biz freebies) but I definitely need to finish off the collection eventually. Hopefully cheaply.
The White Stripes - Elephant (YouTube playlist):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY&list=PLEE233AD5F9...
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Record Store Day Haul #7: The Zombies - S/T LP (/1000)
One of the big complaints I've been hearing about Record Store Day the last few years is how the vast, vast majority of what is being released are unnecessary reissues. Now, on principal, I will agree with this statement. I would much rather have Record Store Day filled with releases like the Superchunk 7"; two new exclusive songs, limited and gone. That being said, some of the reissues that come out are pretty cool in my estimation.
The Zombies reissue totally fits the bill. They've re-released the mono version of the album, they only pressed up 1000 and it's on 180g vinyl. Compared to the original mono pressing, this reissue is absolutely the best chance for someone like me to get a decent playable copy of the record.
I don't want a thrift store quality version and I'm certainly not going to pay the silly prices a good condition original copy sells for on eBay. For me, this reissue was just a perfect way to pick up a good priced version of a record just full of hit songs that I've been hearing my entire life.
The Zombies - She's Not There:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5IRI4oHKNU
The Zombes - Tell her No:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezSMbQKQEJI
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Record Store Day Haul #6: Superchunk - Void/Faith 7" - Coke Bottle Clear Vinyl (/1000)
Record Store Day Haul #6: Superchunk - Void/Faith 7" - Coke Bottle Clear Vinyl (/1000), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
Superchunk has just been on an absolute tear these past few years. Everything they touch turns to gold and this Record Store Day 7" is no exception. Two trademark Superchunk punched up pop songs once again just making me freak out waiting for their next full length.
This actually ended up being the record I was most worried about acquiring on Record Store Day. Though I spent most of my time in line at the store fretting about the Rocket From The Crypt reissues; when the guy in front of me got the last copy of the Superchunk 7" I went into panic mode. It seemed that most of the other folks I had been talking too around the country over the course of the day were running into similar issues (though one of them managed to snag me the Giant Henry LP with what seemed like minimal hassle).
Luckily my friend @polianarchy in Philadelphia managed to score this 7" for me and I am super grateful to her. I have a pretty hefty Superchunk 7" collection and it would have been a real shame for there to be one missing. And no one really wants to buy a brand new 2 day old record for collector prices on eBay, do they? Well, I don't anyway. Thanks #TeamSwami!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Record Store Day Haul #5: The Thermals - Desperate Ground Demos 7"
Record Store Day Haul #5: The Thermals - Desperate Ground Demos 7", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.
Though The Thermals are one of my favorite bands, they've never really done anything on record store day that's very special. In fact, the vast majority of their 7"s in general are kind of similar. Album tracks & demos for the most part. I just get the feeling that they never really embraced the format as anything other than an album teaser. There's nothing inherently wrong with that; but it just makes collecting their 7"s more like collecting baseball cards as I almost never listen to any of them.
Their Record Store Day 2013 release is more of the same. 4 demo versions of 4 songs from their latest album. Honestly, it's not a really stark difference from the final product as Desperate Ground is one of the more lo fi sounding records in their catalog as it is. It was very important for me to get this record as I need to keep my Thermals collection complete, I just wish they would do something really cool and exclusive one year. Heck, even a 7" full of covers or something would have far more replay value than demos. Maybe next year.