God Help the Girl Subscription with Bonus EP + lots of digital goodies

Why?? WHY?? WHY??? Why must everything be coming out at once and costing a fortune?? I am a huge Belle & Sebastian fan and had been keeping tabs on Stuart's new project for many months now. Finally, concrete news comes out with release dates, tracklists, all that good stuff, and I find out that there's a subscription-level to God Help the Girl as well?? Yes kids, for $47 special edition CD subscription or $59 LP subscription, you will get:

Physical

• 11th May: 7" 'Come Monday Night' single
• 22nd June: LTD CD or LP God Help The Girl album
• 20th July: 7" 'Funny Little Frog' single
• By Xmas: 10" 5 track exclusive EP

Digital

• A full album stream on purchase
• MP3s of the Album & 7" on release
• The 'Come Monday Night' video
• 4 x episodes documenting the 'Making of'
• The 'Funny Little Frog' video

I am really going to have to start scaling back bands for which I consider myself a completist. Sigur Ros normally cleans me out... now Belle & Sebastian are eying my wallet. I understand that labels are trying to get creative so that people buy the physical releases, but not everything has to hit the $50 mark to be special. It's that 10" that is just making me feel reallll antsy.

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest (The Complete Rundown)

I thought I'd take a moment today to break down all of your Grizzly Bear options in regards to the forthcoming Veckatimest. Firstly, as I follow Ed Droste on twitter, I have learned that the first pressing (approx 5000) of the LP will contain an exclusive photobook. We've come to expect a lot from Grizzly Bear's aesthetic when it comes to releases, so no doubt it will be beautiful.

Secondly, for those who wish to get something extra for your money, I'm giving you two options (so far). Insound has a preorder which has a bonus newsprint poster, which looks quite beautiful but will no doubt not last very long (we all know how brittle newsprint is). The better option would be to surf on over to Newbury Comics, who have yet another Grizzly Bear signed booklet. Of course, you are bound to the CD-variety when it comes to the signed copies, but still...it's still pretty damn fantastic.

FROM THE COMMENTS: Rough Trade has an exclusive, 4-song CD-EP from a performance at Central Presbyterian Church, Austin TX on March 19, 2009. In addition, it appears the first 7000 European copies will come in a special cardboard digipack. Wow. We have a winner. Pick it up here. Thanks ola_T.

Thirdly, I thought I might throw out to the crowd the 12" for "Two Weeks" that was just recently released. While Insound still lists it as a preorder, there are other shops that are already shipping (and Insound may very well be too.) This release is bound to be a rarity, and for those completists like me who wish to have every damn thing, get on it and soon.

Finally, for those who braved record store day (it was a battle in some places... damn you NYC), you may have picked up a copy of the Live on KCRW 7" that came out that day. With 2 tracks, "While You Wait For The Others" b/w "He Hit Me," this is well worth the $4-5 that most retailers have it for. Insound and Reckless are two which still have it listed...

Red House Painters - Songs for a Blue Guitar + Kozelek UPDATE

Mark Kozelek always has SOMETHING going on and often it has some form of limited-edition aspect to it. While there have been rumblings of Cameron Crowe's Vinyl Films repressing the majority of the Red House Painters' back catalog, Plain Recordings (of Elliott Smith reissue fame) has pressed the only RHP full-length that had never been pressed on vinyl (and their major-label classic), Songs for a Blue Guitar. For those who appreciate colored vinyl and limited editions (and if you read my blog you do), head over to AuralExploits.com for a copy of the appropriately blue vinyl, individually-numbered limited edition pressing of 500 copies. Otherwise, you're going to be hanging out in Normaltown with your black vinyl. Enjoy.

In other news, Mark Kozelek's solo-live record, Lost Verses Live, has officially come out on CD. However, I will be waiting for the vinyl release with its exclusive track and most likely colored vinyl pressing when it gets released in June. However, for those who can't wait and need to order the CD, you'll also get an exclusive physical CD release (as opposed to digital) of Find Me, Ruben Olivares / Live in Spain. I'm hoping they still have some left when I order the LP.

Magnetic Fields - 69 Love Songs 6x10" BOX SET (GOOD LORD!)

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw word of this. The Magnetic Fields' classic 69 Love Songs is being released in a limited-edition, 6 x 10" vinyl box set. There will only be 3000 pressed, and carry a pretty hefty price tag... which does not bode well for me and my scaled-back record buying. I'm guessing you're going to be finding copies for no cheaper than $90 (be on the lookout for coupon codes!). With little searching, I found preorders at Insound and Vinyl Collective...

To think, as I was walking the dog after work, listening to Distortion, I was imagining what a vinyl release of this exact record would be...and if it would ever happen. Bizarre.

William Elliott Whitmore - Animals in the Dark SIGNED Preorder

If you ever have the chance to see William Elliott Whitmore live, do so. He is a captivating performer and truly, one of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. No doubt, if you were to ask him to sign your record, he would do so graciously. For those who might live far off the beaten path and won't have such an opportunity, there is always Newbury Comics, who never fail to deliver. You can pick up his new album, Animals in the Dark, signed and on your doorstep the day it comes out. 

For those who are of the vinyl variety, this release will no doubt sound wonderful spinning on your turntable. William's rough edges were made for analog, and for those with an itchy trigger (clicking) finger, mouse on over to the Vinyl Collective. 

Also of note, William has a tasty 7" available on his own website, a split with Murder by Death that is sure to please - IT'S ALSO SIGNED and only $5 too.

"Black Iowa Dirt" off of Animals in the Dark

Andrew Bird / Loney Dear Tour 7"

Andrew Bird (a personal favorite of mine) has headed out on tour with Loney Dear (a Swede!) and they've put together a very interesting split 7". This release is a limited edition of 1000, on black vinyl with hand silk screened covers, meant to be sold on tour and on the Polyvinyl website. I have confirmed that these are not yet on sale on tour, and the website has a release date of February 16th. One thing that very much surprised me was that Andrew Bird's normally thorough e-mail list did not alert me to this - it was Polyvinyl. 

Now for the cool part - this split 7" has Andrew Bird covering Loney Dear, and (you guessed it) Loney Dear covering Andrew Bird. I'm quite excited to hear the results and for $5, so should you. 

Grab one before they're all gone...cause they will be, I guarantee it. You can chance picking one up at a show - but even if you have tix for after the 16th, why risk it?

In other Andrew Bird news, any visit the Fat Possum website lately? There's a Live in Montreal record that is just waiting to be released...

On top of that, The Mysterious Production of Eggs has been repressed on LP and you might just be able to find it in your local record store... I know I want one...

Arcade Fire - Miroir Noir DVD Deluxe Edition + a Sigur Ros alert!

I am obviously not the first person to tell you about the Arcade Fire's new DVD coming out in March, Miroir Noir. It promises to be something special if it's anything like the videos Vincent Moon (the director) shot for LaBlogotheque's Take Away Shows. There is a special edition version (for those who might not have had internet for the past 3 weeks) that will come in a panoramic accordion fold, linen bound package with a bonus DVD containing some late-night TV appearances, as well as BBC Sessions (which if they're the bootleg I've seen, are wonderful). There are 2 places that I've seen this for sale so far - the first being from the release's website, MiroirNoir.com. The second is from the Arcade Fire's record label, Merge. There are a few differences for those who might be considering purchasing this item:

MiroirNoir.com = You automatically get a download of the main feature, and can choose a higher resolution than from Merge (1280 x 720 vs. 640 x 360 being offered at Merge). You will also be shipped (supposedly) the DVD on it's release day of March 15th.

MergeRecords.com = You have to wait for Merge to send you the download code, while MiroirNoir.com suggests you'd get it automatically. You also save nearly $9 in shipping fees if you chose media mail, and about $4 if you choose priority. However, Merge's website suggests that they will not be shipping the DVD until April.

So you've got a give & take, either way you go. A few things to keep in mind - there are no details on how limited this "limited edition" really is. It could go the way of the the "limited" version of Neon Bible (which was on sale for $10 on their website within the last year) or perhaps Ryan Adams' book of poetry, which sold out of both the autographed & non-autographed copies in preorder, creating eBay madness of people paying $600+ for a book of poetry.

Who knows how it will shake out.

In other news, Sigur Ros announced recently on their website that Vincent Moon has shot two of their shows for a forthcoming DVD. Now, we all know how Sigur Ros likes to do things and can assume 1) It's going to be a while and 2) It's going to cost a crapload of money to buy and be absolutely gorgeous. Start saving up now.

#41 - Arcade Fire - Neon Bible & Wake Up

Record Shop Casualties of 2008

It's been a tough year for a lot of people, and while some record shops appear to flourish (Reckless Records OPENED new locations), others have gone on to the great big record shop in the sky. I'd like to take a moment to remember some great record shops which I had the pleasure of doing business with, as they have now quietly exited our lives.

Miles of Music: This was a wonderful shop (based out of Texas I believe) which consistently carried autographed albums for the collection-obsessed (such as myself). A few signed albums off the top of my head were the latest from the Weakerthans, the last Porter Wagoner, Richmond Fontaine, Joe Henry and many others. They were also the one place where you could find Ryan Adams vinyl when there was no Ryan Adams vinyl to be had - you could have paid $80 on eBay for Cold Roses when they still had copies in stock. Their customer service was wonderful, their selection top notch and their passion for music (It's a Cracker!) was without doubt. They will be missed. EDIT: Apparently Miles of Music was not the shining light I had thought it was...

PopPolar: One of my go-to shops for all things Swedish & indie-pop, this was the ONLY place I could find the gray vinyl, bonus tracked-German pressing of The Legends' first record, Up Against the Legends. I think they might have even had t-shirts! Small-run CD-Rs, homemade sleeves and hard-to-find debuts, PopPolar was chock-full of rarities. Based out of Canada, it was a pleasure to not have to pay overseas shipping or awful dollar-conversion rates to get these gems. Érico ran a great shop, one that pains me is no longer with us.

There is a lot to be said for these specialty shops - and if they all leave us, we're going to all have to work a LOT harder to find interesting music and rare releases.
_______________________________________

The Shit List: Some shops closed that people really hated.
Awarestore.com: I didn't realize how much people hated this shop. I don't think I ordered from them more than once, but while some customers got SCREWED from their closing, it really appears that it's the artists who got FUCKED.

If you know of any other record shops that you'd like to add to either of these lists, or would like to post your thoughts on these shops - feel free to comment.

SixtyWatt Christmas Mix 2008: The Claus Pursuit

So, I listen to Christmas music all year long. Anyone who might be my friend on MOG, LastFM, or any other service that gives you a peak into my listening habits, must have been thinking that I am a total f*ing loser, and that I like terrible music. Well, right on both accounts, but I do put together what I believe to be a pretty sweet Christmas mix each year. The idea is a simple one - try to create a mix of excellent songs, keeping it pretty light on the heavy religion, and completely void of any version you might ever hear on the radio. Add a splash of New Years and some wintery themes, whip together a Belle & Sebastian cover, and viola! This is Christmas music for those who hate Christmas music. I am only posting the track list here, but if you're so inclined to e-mail me and perhaps propose a trade of your Christmas mix, I might just hook you up. I am very much inclined to suggest you go out and support these artists though - this blog is about BUYING music remember?

Christmas Mix 2008: The Claus Pursuit
1. Santa Claus - Wild Billy Childish and The Musicians of the British Empire, off their excellent album, Christmas 1979 - available in both CD and vinyl versions and released AFTER Christmas last year.
2. Little Red Radio - Pas/Cal, taken from their first full-length, I Was Raised On Matthew, Mark, Luke & Laura.
3. A Beguiled Christmas Sales - Jason Collett, from the excellent charity compilation put out by It's Hard to Find a Friend, Peace on Earth, Vol. II.
4. Fairytale of New York - Jesse Malin, taken from his wonderful new album of covers, On Your Sleeve (Autographed copies at Newbury Comics!)
5. Mistletoe - Saturday Looks Good To Me, taken from their rarities compilation, Sound on Sound.
6. The Gift that Keeps Giving - Super Furry Animals, a website release at Christmas of 2007.
7. It's Not Really Cold When it Snows - The Russian Futurists, taken from Let's Get Ready to Crumble.
8. Purple Snowflakes - Matt Harding, taken from the excellent compilation by Izumi Records, It's Not Like Christmas.
9. Christmas Song - Cocoon, taken from the release My Friends All Died in a Plane Crash.
10. Christmas Day - Strayfolk, what I believe to be a website release.
11. Christmas at Tesco - Beans on Toast, taken from the Pure Groove Records Holiday mixtape on MySpace, Christmas 2007.
12. The Man in the Santa Suit - Neil Halstead, taken from This Warm December: Brushfire Holiday's Vol. 1.
13. 2000 Miles - The Everyothers, taken from the Kill Rock Stars Holiday album that was only available last year with a purchase off their website.
14. Please Come Back Home - Glasvegas, taken from the EP A Snowflake Fell (And it Felt Like a Kiss) which is available digitally in the UK, as well as with special edition copies of their self-titled debut. ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE US when you preorder a copy of Glasvegas from participating indie stores. Yes, you preorder the album, and are handed the EP. Glorius.
15. Sing to Me (Rainy Christmas) - Klima, taken from The Arctic Circle Present: That Fuzzy Feeling, a wonderful holiday compilation by LOAF Records and available quite cheaply from Midheaven Mailorder in the US.
16. The First Snowflake - The Boy Least Likely To, a digital single to be released December 15 - I ripped a stream and plan to buy it when it comes out - release Christmas songs earlier in December!!!
17. Xmas Eve - The Damnwells, a MySpace release from Christmas 2007.
18. Have Yourself a Bitter Little Christmas - David Ford, taken from the excellent compilation by Izumi Records, It's Not Like Christmas.
19. Home for the Holidays - Gentleman Auction House, taken from their new Christmas EP, Christmas in Love.
20. This New Year Will Be for You and Me - Lacrosse, taken from their most recent LP with the same title.

Imeem player is gone - it was slowing down my site WAY too much. If you want to grab a listen, go here: The Claus Pursuit

If you wish to check out the past 3 mixes, tracklists can be found here:
2007: Dear Catastrophe Santa
2006: Fold Your Hands Santa, You Walk Like an Elf
2005: The Boy with the Santa Hat

Of Montreal, Kindercore Christmas 2, and Kindercore 50!

Kindercore has become a daily stop in my vinyl life - I never quite know what they'll find in their garage. The latest mindblower has been them finding more copies of Of Montreal's Coquelicot Asleep in the Poppies, pressed on swirling colored vinyl (and $20!!!!). I had been holding out hope that they would find more, despite the "Sold Out" tag that had been next to this item for the past few weeks. Also still in stock is an equally-exciting pressing of The Gay Parade, pressed on black vinyl with a bonus 7". I don't need to tell you how extremely out-of-print these albums are. If you don't buy copies today, you're likely not going to find any tomorrow.

Kindercore has been ferreting out some amazing CDs as well. The most exciting (for me) is their discovery of a few boxes of brand-new copies of Kindercore Christmas 2. This is one THE BEST Christmas compilations ever put together, with STANDOUT tracks by The Sixth Great Lake, Dressy Bessy, The Four Corners, Kincaid and the Wee Turtles - along with a very rare appearance by the Kings of Convenience singing a traditional Norwegian Christmas carol. This compilation is NOT TO BE MISSED this Christmas season.


Finally, Kindercore has come across some additional copies of their fantastic 3-disc retrospective, Kindercore 50: We Thank You. Apparently a celebration of fifty releases without going out of business, this bargain (at $15) comes with a disc of "greatest hits," a disc of new material, and a disc of remixes - featuring Of Montreal, Olivia Tremor Control, Essex Green, I am the World Trade Center, and many more. If you don't already own a copy (I do), here's a great chance to pick one up...along with everything else they have in their shop. REMEMBER, they have VERY LIMITED STOCK of these garage/basement finds - could be 10, 20, or even less. These are not items to ponder...