SixtyWatt

Wilco - I Might/I Love My Label 7" BLUE VINYL

2011-06-30T09:42:00.003-04:00

Quick hit for your Thursday morning - Wilco has their new 7", I Might/I Love My Label, up on their webshop. If you hurry, you can get the limited blue vinyl version and impress all your friends. Well, you friends who still really care about Wilco... which might have shrunk after their last record. Here's hoping this is awesome! (Did I just sell that, or convince you not to buy it?)

Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys! LIMITED VINYL

2011-03-08T21:55:00.004-05:00

Remember the heyday of slow, emotional British rock? The likes of Elbow, Doves, Coldplay and Starsailor were just coming onto the scene... two showing signs of brilliance, one of world-dominance, and one with little more than a high voice and a penchant for drama (oh Starsailor). Years on from those heady days of dramatic Brit-rock, Elbow have established themselves as a reliable source of interesting tunes. I must admit, I only have their first two records, but after hearing about how their last record, The Seldon Scene Kid, won the Mercury Prize, I believe I must revisit them. I honestly don't know how they fell off my radar, I really loved those first 2 records. If anything is as brilliant as my favorite track from their debut, the song that shares the record's title Asleep in the Back, then I will be a happy, happy man.

I've talked enough about Elbow (without really saying much), now I need to talk about THE VINYL. They are releasing their new record, Build a Rocket Boys!, on CD and vinyl... but they are selling their vinyl exclusively through their website. The record will be a "Limited edition 12” heavyweight vinyl, double gatefold with special foiling detail" and appears to be rather reasonably priced at €16.99. Check out a track from their new record below.

Acid House Kings - Music Sounds Better With You LIMITED VINYL

2011-03-03T00:21:00.006-05:00

The Acid House Kings have a new record coming out! Music Sounds Better With You will be released on March 22, and the world will be a more beautiful place. Their last album, Sing Along with the Acid House Kings, is a true indie-pop classic, with standout-after-standout track. I have only heard 2 songs so far (available at Labrador), which leads me to belive this new record is going to be fantastic. The vinyl pressing has been confirmed as a limited-edition of 1000 copies (thanks @labradorrecords!), which will have to be enough for the AHK fans that have been eagerly awaiting this record. Amazon has a preorder, as does Labrador. So, choose your poison, but the Amazon price is certainly right for those on this side of the world...

The Books - Temporary Residence Limited Reissues

2011-02-25T10:00:00.017-05:00

I had the fortunate event of seeing both The Books and Grizzly Bear share the same bill, in a venue that probably held about 400 people. I entered the show a huge fan of Grizzly Bear, and left a huge fan of The Books (I still loved Grizzly Bear... that hadn't changed). My signed copy of their Tomlab sophomore record, The Lemon of Pink, resided on my wall for many years. Now, I am left with the terrible decision, do I buy the new Books reissues? I'm not a huge reissue guy, but the Books have remastered, designed new cover art, and are releasing all three on splatter-colored vinyl. The splatter vinyl, however, is limited to the first 300 copies of each album... and I have on very good authority that they still have some for the first two. I've mocked them up to the best of my ability, but totally guessed on the splatter color of Lost and Safe (available March 1 for preorder, shipping March 29 if my research is correct).

I had been planning on picking these up for myself... but Jeff Mangum tickets got in the way. Unless some free money comes my way soon, I will have to live through you, my readers. Enjoy.

Check it out at Temporary Residence Limited's website.

Beach Fossils - What a Pleasure EP COLORED VINYL

2011-02-24T19:17:00.003-05:00

So, there I was, plugging away at work today, and listening to Beach Fossils' wonderful debut LP. It was fate... my Facebook news feed was practically blinking at me - there is a new Beach Fossils EP! What a Pleasure is a new 7-track (8-track if you buy the CD) slab of lo-fi beauty, and the first 400 copies will come on red vinyl - and is not available in stores! So head over to Captured Tracks and lay that money down.

Stuart Murdoch (Belle & Sebastian) - The Celestial Café SIGNED COPIES

2011-02-24T08:59:00.004-05:00

Stuart Murdoch, lead singer of one of the (in my opinion) contemporary indie-pop bands that will still be listened to in 25 years, has released his first book, The Celestial Café. This is not a novel, though I know Stuart wishes to write one, it is simply a collection of his diaries between 2002-2006. That said, the reviews I've read have been intriguing - and if Stuart's diaries are half as clever, witty and enjoyable as his songwriting, we should be in for a treat. Oh, and did I mention you can get signed copies for a reasonable £9 (cover price) - about $22 shipped to the states, when you order between Feb. 24-27.

Deer Tick - The Black Dirt Sessions LIMITED COLORED VINYL

2011-02-23T10:00:00.002-05:00

Deer Tick burst into my consciousness with the blister of a Christmas tune this past holiday season. Truly, there is just too much music out there to know everything, and a dude's got to work, so I'm not going to be too hard on myself for this. Their new record, The Black Dirt Sessions, is out now... and the limited-edition, 180gm red & black swirl vinyl is still available at Partisan Records. There are only 300 of these babies... they can't have very many left. RUN!

I really tried to find a video/song to embed here from this new record, but alas, this track is from their last LP, Born on Flag Day - and good lord, it is a fantastic song. I hope the new record is 80% as good...

The Low Anthem - Smart Flesh VINYL + Ltd CD

2011-02-22T11:00:00.002-05:00

The Low Anthem have a new record out today, Smart Flesh, and for those who might be pondering whether they should pick it up now or later, I'm going to make my best case for NOW. First, if you check out Nonesuch's website, you may just find that they have a deal where you can get a SIGNED POSTER with your Low Anthem record. If that's no longer up, you still may want to pick one up, since their limited, letterpress-printed edition will not be around long. The first 5000 LPs, and the first 7000 (double-disc) CDs will receive this deluxe treatment. The double-disc version comes with a second disc of 3 extra tracks... the decision between the vinyl & CD will be quite tough for some, I'm sure.

This track below is not off their new record, but off of their last LP, Oh My God Charlie Darwin.

Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Belong VINYL Preorder + 7" Preorder

2011-02-21T23:05:00.006-05:00

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart were a band that crept into my head... I heard "Young Adult Friction" (off their last LP) and thought it was OK. Then I heard it again... OK once more. By the fifth time, I was singing it in the shower. This new record sounds a bit less indie-pop, as they appear to be dipping their toes in some more rocking material, and I'm intrigued. Their new full length, Belong, will be released on March 29th, and can be picked up on limited white vinyl via Insound. The lead single, also titled Belong, will be released on two weeks earlier and is ALSO available via Insound, where you can find their exclusive pink-vinyl version.

Mountain Goats - All Eternals Deck PREORDER + Bonus Cassette & Colored Vinyl

2011-02-18T09:30:00.000-05:00

The Mountain Goats have a long history of limited releases, and their new records, All Eternals Deck, is no exception. The last record had hand-numbered, limited purple vinyl sent to select stores. This time around, they are completely random. Those who order from Merge might have a better chance of getting color, but I'd imagine they're being dispersed around the country too. The breakdown is 120 blue/880 clear/3000 black.

BUT THERE IS MORE! All preorders will come with a poster of the cover art, and the first 500 orders will get a cassette of demos for the record, titled All Survivors Pack featuring hand-colored artwork!!

I have my fingers crossed.

Ryan Adams - Gold/Love is Hell/Rock N Roll REISSUES + Whiskeytown - Pneumonia VINYL

2011-02-17T12:00:00.006-05:00

So, lets talk some limited-edition reissues of one of my perennial favorites, Ryan Adams. Lost Highway has begun a year-long effort to reissue (or issue for the first time) some of their most popular releases. Why you ask? Besides making a little extra dough, they are trying to celebrate their 10th anniversary. So far we've been treated to clear-vinyl pressing of Ryan Adams' Gold... but there are more to come. SUPPOSEDLY, these are limited to 1000 copies each (from what I read on tobeyoung.org), but Lost Highway's website does not confirm this. This is the fourth time Gold has been pressed, the first being the blue & red promo pressing, followed by the standard black shortly after. About 3 years ago, Lost Highway reissued Gold once more... so while it is on very pretty clear vinyl, we're getting a bit long into the issue list. It appears available in a few different spots, Amazon being the most obvious, but hunt it down at an indie if you can.

Next up is April 12th... when Whiskeytown's swan song, Pneumonia, will finally get a vinyl release. This is the one I'm most excited about... and I will push down anybody in my way. Containing the track "Don't Wanna Know Why," this has always been one of my favorite records. I cannot wait. Amazon already has the link.

September sees the release that most Ryan Adams collectors are going to be scrutinizing down to the weight of the cardboard sleeve, the ever-elusive and expensive Love is Hell. The first pressing has been an eBay juggernaut for years, but this reissue should take some of the heat off those prices. What is yet to be determined is how good the pressing will be. Some forum members were displeased with Gold's relatively thin vinyl... and I can attest that Love is Hell's 10" slab is a nice, hefty disc. I do hope Lost Highway does it up right.

Finally, for those who never got around to picking up a copy of Rock N Roll - a new pressing will be released in October. Back when Lost Highway did their previous RA reissue effort, they oddly avoided the duo of RnR and LiH... and are making up for it now. I do hope they issue it with the famous UK-only murder cover, but I doubt they will.

So there you have it - start saving now. As always, release dates are subject to change (so... yeah, they probably will). Vinyl is notoriously delayed. For the full list of releases, go here.

Joan as Police Woman - The Deep Field PREORDER + SIGNED LITHO

2011-02-16T12:00:00.002-05:00

Joan as Police Woman released one of my favorite records of the past few years, Real Life, and on the strength of that record alone, I'll give each new outing a good listen. JaPW's latest, The Deep Field, sounds quite promising, so I thought I'd give a quick shout out to wet your preorder appetite...

At JaPW's website, you have a couple options:

CD + Digital Download + Signed Lithograph (£18.99)
LP + Digital Download + Signed Lithograph (£24.99)
Single CD (£8.99), LP (£14.99) or Digital Download (£7.99)

As much as I love JaPW - I personally own 3 copies (vinyl, CD, CD) of Real Life, a small stack of 7" singles and the first 12" EP... but I don't know if I'd pay 10 pounds more to get a signed lithograph. Keep in mind, for those who sat on picking up her last record, To Survive, on vinyl, you ran out of time quite quickly. So be sure to wait one week less than last time around (yeah, me, listen to me!) and buy it before it's all gone.

Dolorean - The Unfazed LIMITED VINYL

2011-02-15T22:49:00.005-05:00

Good evening internet. There is a record that I think you might like. Dolorean, the alt.country/indie rock band, not the spanish indie-dance Pitchfork darlings (Delorean), have a new album out. The Unfazed was just released on their new label, Brooklyn-based Partisan Records on CD, vinyl... and ultra-limited edition 150gm (rather than 140gm) root beer-colored vinyl (only 150 copies!). It's a gorgeous piece of vinyl, with some truly wonderful songs.

Collection: The Morning Benders

2010-08-05T18:43:00.003-04:00

While I have been quite delinquent about posting new records to buy, I'm at least going to try to post. As a somewhat regular feature, I'm going to post signed records from my collection. This is going to either make you hate me, love me, or bore you to death.

The first in the series is The Morning Benders' Big Echo. I love this record - it has been one of my favorite records of the summer. I was fortunate enough to be invited to see the Black Keys in DC this past month, and had the pleasant surprise of having the Morning Benders announced as the opener. After a fantastic opening set, I was able to run back to the merch table and have a kid who was (I'm 100 sure of this ) younger than me sign my record. Truly, a new experience. I am officially old.

"I Need That Record" DVD Viewing

2010-08-05T18:27:00.003-04:00

So, I'm watching "I Need That Record," a documentary about independent record stores... and damn... I miss working at the Record Exchange. In the same way that everybody in this movie talks about missing the community of an independent record store, I echo that thought. I think about how foreign it is to visit an independent record store and it creeps me out that it feels so foreign to me. Every so often I visit New York and hit up some of my favorites, but none of them are my regular shop... and there isn't that connection that I used to feel. I know I used to work at one, and that's different than just visiting a shop... but even when it existed and I didn't work there, it was still something that I wanted to visit each time I set foot into town. I owe so much to that shop... so many friends that I've met, so many people that I haven't seen since I left...

God bless the independent music shop. I sure wish The Record Exchange/Plan 9 Music was still in Roanoke, VA. Please visit your local shop...

Club 8 - The People's Record VINYL

2010-05-26T09:30:00.005-04:00

Club 8 had been the only Johan Angergård project that I hadn't truly fallen in love with (not including earlier, now defunct projects like Poprace). That has certainly changed with their latest release, The People's Record. It is a perfect summer record - light and breezy, but not at the expense of being interesting. To my surprise, it appears that Labrador has already sold out 0f their vinyl stock! A very limited pressing of 500 copies, you can still find copies at Parasol, Amazon, and a number of other retailers. But be sure, there aren't many more out there...

Stream the full album HERE.

The Radio Dept. - Clinging to a Scheme SIGNED CD + Limited Vinyl (AND MORE!)

2010-04-26T15:25:00.016-04:00

It has been a busy few months for one of my favorite bands, Sweden's The Radio Dept.. After a series of excellent singles and EPs, they have finally released their third full-length, Clinging to a Scheme. For those who are already fans - here's the scoop for where to pick up your copy.

If you are a vinyl afficianado, as I am, then you are going to want to go pick up one of the extremely limited (1000 copies) records at Bengans, since the label has already sold out. The price is right at about $25 (including shipping!). EDIT: All gone. Good luck everyone. I did have some luck with Delicious Goldfish Records in Sweden. Bit pricey when it comes to shipping - but you've got to do what you can!

Lookout everyone - Labrador has a second pressing available for preorder on their website. White vinyl... limited to 1000 copies. Mind you, it's not first pressing... but if you're like me, you'll want both.

If you are looking to pick up a more traditional CD, then why not hit up Recordstore.co.uk and grab yourself a signed copy. Only 100 copies have been signed, and it's #2 on their top-ten list... so you're rolling the dice as to whether there are still signed copies left. For how often these guys tour, this is your best bet to get their scribblings on your record.

Remember that opening blurb? I had mentioned something about a series of excellent singles and EPs... let's talk about those. It all began with Freddie and the Trojan Horse, which was released on limited CD (already OOP) and even more limited 7". These tracks did NOT make it onto their recent LP... and you can only find them here... The vinyl was pressed by a VERY cool little Japanese label, Every Conversation Records, and their website states that they only pressed 300 of these beauties. With a little searching, you can still find both - the CD is still available at Tonevendor, and the 7" can be picked up on GEMM via the Jetset store.

Shortly after came the David EP, which is much more widely available on CD than Freddie (good news if you haven't picked one up yet!). Similarly to Freddie, David was also pressed on extremely limited vinyl (again, 300) by Every Conversation Records - but this time on a 12". Thankfully still available from the label, you can still find this at Discogs.com as well.

Finally came Heaven's on Fire, a limited CD-single released by Labrador, which contains a fantastic Sade cover (how random!). Heaven's on Fire was also released in limited pressing - only 2000 - but you can generally find it at your favorite online (and hopefully brick & mortar) record store. But hurry! It won't be around for long!!!

SixtyWatt Christmas Mix 2009: If You're Feeling Jolly

2009-12-07T14:25:00.006-05:00

It's that time of year. The time of year when I make my Christmas mix... well... it's about a week into the time of year that I try to have it done. This year's mix was a challenge, with a distinct lack of new material in comparison to previous years. I even had to dip into the pile of songs that I considered a bit too indie-ubiquitous (Badly Drawn Boy's "Donna & Blitzen" and no doubt the Julian Casablancas track), but I still feel as though it works well. I present to you the #1 British nu-folk, indiepop, folktronic, alt.country, indie rock and garage band Christmas mix with a Belle & Sebastian parody cover (the more specific I get, the better chance I have of being #1 in that catagory), "If You're Feeling Jolly."

I will be uploading the mix to imeem at some point, but for those who would like to get a copy (and haven't gotten an e-mail/facebook from me already), perhaps you can trade me your own Christmas mix :)

Christmas Mix 2009: If You're Feeling Jolly

Halcyon by Canon Blue: From the excellent compilations, The Arctic Circle presents: That Fuzzy Feeling, available from LOAF Recordings.
Thank God It's Not Christmas by Parenthetical Girls: The latest hit single from the Parenthetical Girls' holiday tradition of Christmas releases, The Christmas Creep.
Hanging from the Christmas Tree by Favours for Sailors: From Tough Love Records' digital holiday release last year.
I Wish it was Christmas Today by Julian Casablancas: A bonus track to Casablancas debut solo album, Phrazes For The Young.
Father Christmas by Telekinesis!: From the excellent charity compilation, Peace on Earth Vol. II.
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Slow Club: From their excellent new Christmas EP, Christmas Thanks for Nothing Ep
I Wanna Take You Out in Your Holiday Sweater by Pas/Cal: One of their many wonderful Christmas tunes - this one is from Handbag Memoirs.
All These Winter Nights by The Higher Elevations: A Christmas single available on their website.
Just Like Christmas by Kill It Kid: The most interesting cover of Low's classic tune, and a 2009 Christmas gift from the band.
Your Christmas Whiskey by Minus 5: Taken from the excellent YepRoc Christmas comp, Oh Santa! New & Used Christmas Classics.
End of the Year by Aaron Robinson: From the excellent charity compilation, Peace on Earth Vol. I.
Christmas is for Losers by Mike Nicolai: From his intriguing holiday release of the same name.
Snowdrift Wish by Candy Claws: From the always interesting Indiecator Christmas releases, An Indiecator Christmas 2009.
Xmas-Carol, NYC by Parker Lewis: A web-only Christmas release by this excellent Swedish band.
It's the Best Thing by The Very Most: A fantastic song about those snowy nights that somehow light up the night - from their excellent new Winter EP.
A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like a Kiss) by Glasvegas: The title track from the Christmas-themed EP (packaged with their record in a limited release last year, as well as given away at indie stores - now available on iTunes) to which every single song is fantastic and will probably be represented on next year's mix too...
Christmas Feels Like Halloween by The Sky Drops: A 2009 web-only release.
Goodbye England (Covered in Snow) BB6 Sessions by Laura Marling: This cut is taken from her BB6 sessions (since it wasn't released yet), but has since been released on single-sided 7", as well as digitally - and will be featured on her new album.
Soon After Christmas by Pelle Carlberg: A cover of a Stina Nordenstam track, this song can only be retrieved by buying his latest record, The Lilac Time, and reading the liner notes...
Christmas in the Room by Sufjan Stevens: Taken from his unreleased holiday gem, Songs for Christmas Vol. 8.
Donna & Blitzen by Badly Drawn Boy: This wonderful track by BDB is most notably found on the About a Boy soundtrack, but has appeared on a number of releases.

Sigur Rós - Takk (Limited Direct Metal Master)

2009-09-28T23:02:00.005-04:00

As always, all things Sigur Rós will end up on this blog. Alas, they have released a repress (technically their second - remember that box set?) of the beloved Takk. This version is being pressed by Smekkleysa (their own label) rather than EMI. The extroadinary fact of this repress is that it actually has a cheaper initial price tag than the original. I remember the first pressing retailing for about $70-80 when it first came out... and this one will only set you back about $55 when all is said and done. Pressed on 200 gram vinyl, this will also have the 2 x 12" + 1 one-sided 10" lineup of the original, in all it's oversize glory. I have one of the first pressings, and it truly is something to behold. Now... if only I could talk myself into this repress... I have the others... why can't more SR releases fall within my impulse buy price range?? Pick the Takk remaster up at the One Little Indian webshop and other retailers on October 5th. (From what I was led to believe with the previous DMM repressing, you may want to try to find another place than OLI if you want to ensure it arrives safely - the Sigur Ros forum didn't have much good to say about OLI's packaging).

Avett Brothers - I and Love and You Deluxe Box + Limited LP

2009-09-28T00:25:00.008-04:00

The Avett Brothers put out one of my (and I'm absolutely serious with this claim) top-10 albums of the past 5 years with their last full-length, Emotionalism. The level of songwriting that this band has achieved is astounding; From lyrics, to melody, to performance, the Avett Brothers have left me in awe. I got an e-mail last week that alerted me to the fact that they have a new, Rick Rubin-produced album coming out, I and Love and You. NPR was streaming their entire album to preview for a week (which is nearly up) and I took a few moments to check out the first track (I like to drive home and listen, not sit at the computer)... and I'm intrigued. On one hand I am fearful that they will never be able to live up to the perfection that I found in the last record, but at the same time I really couldn't care at all. Whatever the Avett Brothers put down to wax will be better than 99% of everything else released this year, and I love their flaws as much as I love their brilliance.

Enough gushing, lets get down to the good stuff. This time around, the Avetts have branched out and are jumping on the trend of uber-fan deluxe box sets. Their offering includes:

Limited Edition 12" x 12" Linen Covered Box with Gold Foil Print

Two CDs: Standard 13 Song Album and 6 Song Demo Recordings (Exclusive to Box)

I and Love and You on Double, 180 Gram Vinyl. Sleeve Artwork Exclusive to Box

31 High Quality Lithographs: Artwork by Scott and Seth Avett,
Photographs by Crackerfarm and Lyrics to All Songs

Bandana: 22" x 22", 100% Cotton, Featuring Artwork by Scott Avett

13 Premium DRM-free (320k) MP3 Tracks

Premium DRM-free (320k) MP3 Download of "I and Love and You" (Single)
immediately upon purchase

Going for a steep $89, I am most likely going to have to sit this one out... and kick myself down the line, as I normally do when I pass something like this up.

However, for those with a more reasonable amount of spending money, you'll be pleased to find out that the Avett Brothers continue their recent streak of vinyl pressing (well, if a streak means one record, the EP The Gleam II) by releasing a full-length LP on vinyl for the very first time. $25 is a bit more palatable to me... though the alternate artwork of the deluxe set is tempting. You can find I and Love and You at Amazon or your favorite indie-record shop (save the Indies!!!)

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

2009-05-08T20:16:00.004-04:00

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)

2009-05-08T17:37:00.007-04:00

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

2009-05-07T20:28:00.008-04:00

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!)

2009-05-07T19:58:00.007-04:00

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

2009-02-03T21:02:00.002-05:00

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"

2009-02-03T20:38:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-01-04T21:37:00.005-05:00

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

2008-12-23T12:54:00.005-05:00

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

2008-12-10T09:51:00.006-05:00

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!

2008-12-10T01:39:00.004-05:00

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...

Vinyl Profile /// Glasvegas

2008-12-03T00:39:00.009-05:00

So, I had been on Thanksgiving vacation in the wild land of dial-up internet, and did not have the opportunity to post at all last week. I would like to make amends for that with feature that I would like to make a regular fixture, the Vinyl Profile.

I've already begun talking about Glasvegas a few posts ago when I highlighted the new, UK-only bonus-xmas disc version of their self-titled CD. Well...while you won't get the bonus disc, the vinyl version is (for me) the way to go. First - this cover art looks fantastic in its 12" glory. Secondly, Glasvegas' wall of sound needs to be experienced in an analog, active-listening setting. It's the subtleties of this record that have just floored me. Something about a vinyl record just makes you pay attention more - and because you have to flip it!! Thirdly, if you live in the U.S....it might just be cheap! I was at Plan 9 Records in VA and it was $7 brand-new! This is even crazier since their CD doesn't come out until January 6th! Give them a shot, especially if you come across a deal like that - What have you got to lose? If the Clash and My Bloody Valentine put out a record together, you'd buy it right? I know I would...

Now lets take a look into Glasvegas' vinyl vault.

Go Square Go / Legs 'n' Show: Released in 2006 on WaKS Records, this is presently selling for £139 on Amazon.co.uk. I've done some hunting...and believe me...if I found where one could pick one up, I would have to like you a whole lot to tell you. Chalk this one up to luck - you're only chance is in a back-alley record shop that doesn't know what they have.

Daddy's Gone / Flowers & Football Tops: Originally released around this time last year (well...November), it has since been repressed for the mass market, but with different B-sides (see below). This is another to search for in your local hole-in-the-wall.

It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry / Be My Baby: Released in February on Sane Man Recordings, this was the last indie release. Indeed...I have found a used copy at Norman Records for a saucy sole who has £13 lying around. I'm feeling a bit poor...that's why I'm telling you about it.

Geraldine: Their first on Columbia, this is a 2-part single with The "Prettiest Thing on Saltcoats Beach" backing one part and "Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime" on the other. Much more readily available, you can find either part in a variety of shops, though you may need to cobble together both parts from different sources. However, be on the lookout for the colored vinyl, numbered edition with "Prettiest" as the B-side.

Daddy's Gone: The reissue lacks the original's b-side, but makes up for it by giving you 2 more! Look for the limited, colored & numbered vinyl version with the backing "A Little Thing Called Fear." Also limited, but apparently not colored vinyl, is the version with "Come as You Are." Again, you can find these at your favorite online shops, such as Norman's (super-cheap shipping) and Piccadilly Records (which has all the reissues and are very careful shippers).

"Daddy's Gone" - on Jools Holland, 17th May 2008

Plastic Snow - An L.A. Christmas Comp benefiting The Midnight Mission

2008-11-20T10:22:00.002-05:00

I know I have been veering off my normal "limited edition/vinyl/import single" focus of the site, but with the Christmas season coming and my personal mix in the making, I am a bit preoccupied. So come be preoccupied with me! I got an e-mail last night from a wonderful blog, Confessions of a Would-Be Hipster, alerting me to their new charity Christmas compilation, Plastic Snow, to benefit an L.A. charity, The Midnight Mission.

"The Midnight Mission is one of the oldest continuously operating human services organizations in the Los Angeles region. Centered in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles, the Mission runs one of the most efficient direct service operations in the country. With only four executive managers through out its ninety (90) year history, the Mission has been a consistent beacon of light for those with no where else to turn."

So why not drop $10 on a Christmas comp that has some of L.A.'s best bands, including Earlimart, Pierre de Reeder and Great Northern to name a few.

They also have a great post with pics of the recording sessions - you should check it out!

From the Vault /// Dressy Bessy - Pink Hearts, Yellow Moons LP + XMAS 3 CDs

2008-11-19T13:16:00.004-05:00

Kindercore has been SERVING UP some GEMS lately. I have been fighting myself not to buy every single piece of vinyl that they've been offering up...and yet again...they offer more. Long out-of-print and pressed on beautiful white vinyl, Dressy Bessy's debut full-length, Pink Hearts, Yellow Moons, is available in the Kindercore shop. Be aware - these old records are essentially a warehouse find with 20 or fewer copies for sale. I almost didn't want to post this...since no doubt it will bit me in the ass in the very near future. If you're looking for the CD (which is also out-of-print) and you want a new copy, save a couple hundred bucks ($299 on Amazon...what??) and buy it from Aquarius Records, who apparently have some copies left for $13.98.

Also making a return is Kindercore's wonderful third installment to their Christmas series, XMAS 3: The War on Christmas. For those who don't do MP3 (like me) and much prefer the physical copy, you can grab a CD (without the comic) version of this fantastic Christmas comp - but be aware, they will not last long. Each purchase will give $2 to Oxfam, as well as entering you into a drawing to win a copy of XMAS 3's legendary forefathers, Christmas Two and Christmas in Stereo (If only it was the Japanese pressing...bonus tracks!).

Glasvegas - S/T + A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like A Kiss) EP

2008-11-18T14:35:00.009-05:00

Ok, so I saw the band Glasvegas for the first time on the Graham Norton show on BBC America this past weekend, and I dug it. Then, I got an e-mail with a link to the video for the first track of their new Christmas EP, and I was damn impressed. "Please Come Back Home" is the first single off of Glasvegas' UK-only bonus disc, A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like A Kiss), which will be packaged with a December 1st re-release of their self-titled debut album. Those brits...and their bonus tracks. Yeah, we get some extra features every so often, but it really doesn't matter since shopping in the US is like one big discount store for those in UK. The only preorder that distinctly mentions the Christmas EP is at HMV. In the US, I would imagine that shops like Virgin Megastore and others who carry imports more frequently would have a good shot of having some copies shortly after the release date, so be on the lookout. In a world full of crappy Christmas tunes, this one sounds like a solid bet.

EDIT! You can get a copy of A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like A Kiss) in the US for FREE when you preorder their self-titled album (Due January 6th with 2 bonus tracks). Yes, PHYSICAL COPIES of the Christmas EP...FOR FREE. Go here to find a participating store near you!

Glasvegas - Please Come Back Home

Peace on Earth, Vol. II - A Charity Compilation by It's Hard to Find a Friend

2008-11-18T12:04:00.004-05:00

It is that time of year, when I'm furiously listening to Christmas music in preparation for this year's Christmas mix - and once more - It's Hard to Find a Friend has put out a stellar compilation that no self-respecting music fan should pass by (I'm laying it on thick - it's for charity!!). Raising money for The Children of Uganda Fund, this compilation stars the likes of American Analog Set, Jason Collett and Oxford Collapse to name a few. 22-tracks of high-quality indie Christmas gold for $7.50. YOU CAN'T GO WRONG.

GO THERE. BUY IT. NOW.

Sigur Ros - Von LP & Inní mér syngur vitleysingur CD-Single

2008-11-17T10:12:00.009-05:00

Sigur Ros have been very busy. I just received my deluxe-edition of Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust, shelling out $100 (and getting my name listed in the back!) and now they have to go and issue their first album, Von, on vinyl for the first time. One Little Indian has pressed 2000 copies of this gem and listings are popping up on Amazon.co.uk and my old favorite, Norman Records, amongst others. A true treat, they are "pressed on 200g vinyl and housed in a lavish gatefold sleeve with a special purple plastic wallet." The price tag is not very forgiving, at about $40 before shipping...but as we all know, these things won't last long and then f*n eBay will serve you a side of regret with your main course of agony.

Secondly, I would like to mention how terribly scarce the CD-Single for Inní mér syngur vitleysingur appears to be. I ordered it from Amazon.com and they actually canceled my order after a month since they couldn't get any in. Look elsewhere on the web and you'll find the same backorder business. It looks like eBay may be your only place to find this 2-track release, their only physical single release from með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust.

I should also mention that með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust is also in preorder from your favorite indie-record shops. Why not show the little guys some love during this holiday season and buy it for everyone you know? Perhaps Sigur Ros releases can save the Iceland economy...

You can find a selection of good shops in my links on the right - or you can just drive down to your favorite brick & mortar.

Brian Eno & David Byrne - Everything That Happens Will Happen Today SIGNED Preorder

2008-11-03T11:44:00.006-05:00

So, the last time around (and what had been my last post since August until today) these signed copies did not last long. I had missed out, and thought that I would not get a second chance to get a David Byrne-signed disc...but alas, I was wrong! This latest offering by David Byrne & Brian Eno, Everything that Happens Will Happen Today, is their second full-length collaboration (it's been 27 years since the last!). I've heard one track so far on Sirius, and it sounds wonderful. Newbury Comics posted this last week, and they still have it listed - so there must be some copies left. OF NOTE: Newbury Comics statest that this CD is only signed by David Byrne... I'm crossing my fingers that they suprise us with both when it shows up in the mailbox :P

American Music Club - Everclear Rehearsals & Mercury Demos TOUR CDs + MORE

2008-11-03T10:20:00.014-05:00

I got a wonderful surprise today in my inbox - a very nice e-mail from American Music Club that tipped me off to the fact that they have their European Tour-only support CDs available on their US-based webstore! For those who had the unfortunate experience of trying to order from their Decor Records UK-based site (and lived in the US), this will come as quite a nice turn of events. (So much cheaper too!!! Damn our weak dollar!)

Mercury Band Demos: These demos have some of my favorite AMC tunes, a standout being "Love Connection NYC," which I actually heard for the first time on Mark's first solo record, the live "Songs of Love" (also something to look for - a WONDERFUL album). Limited to 700 copies.

Everclear Rehearsals: Man, AMC in their prime - another great tracklist. I can only hope that the quality is good. Standouts include 2-takes of "Jesus' Hands" and the always wonderful "Chanel #5." Limited to 600 copies, which means if you don't order it now...it might not be here tomorrow. Don't leave it to eBay.

Atwater Afternoon: This is actually the US tour CD, but not the exact version you would find on tour. From what I remember, there are 300 handmade editions that you could pick up at a show (which I missed) and this version is the more professionally produced (packaging that is) version and is limited to 1500.

Mark Eitzel, Live at WFMU: This is actually a repress of a tour-only CD that Mark sold on his Invisible Man tour. The original version was another handmade affair, with Mark signing each copy. This version does not have that extra love, though I have noticed there is a limit of 2 per customer which leads me to believe that they might be running low. This could be your last chance...

David Byrne - Big Love: Hymnal SIGNED Preorder

2008-08-05T10:41:00.004-04:00

So, I had been working on an all-encompassing Newbury Comics post, summing up all that I had missed since the last post. Alas, I'm not done with it yet...but I couldn't wait for this one.

David Byrne (of TALKING HEADS fame - DUH!) has scored the wonderful HBO series Big Love, and Newbury Comics has SIGNED COPIES. These will no doubt go fast.

Enjoy!

Kind of Like a New Years Resolution

2008-07-23T22:50:00.002-04:00

So, I'm now married and really have no excuses to not post on a semi-regular basis. I've also begun working out every morning (first week...wish me luck), so if I can resolve to do that, I can also resolve to post more. So, prepare for a flurry.

Why I've been Quiet

2008-06-19T08:23:00.001-04:00

Lots to do - getting married in a week and a half. There's some cool stuff out there though...so I suppose it depends on if I feel a little "free-timey" sometime soon.

Limited Edition Vinyl: THE SITE

2008-05-22T14:46:00.005-04:00

I'd like to take a moment to spotlight a website that I came across while doing some preliminary research for the Jay Reatard post - Limited Edition Vinyl. It's always nice to find like-minded people. Add this to your RSS-readers and you'll finally be able to pinpoint that gnawing feeling you've got in your pocket. (PS, It's your wallet).

Jay Reatard - See Saw | Screaming Hand 7" SIGNED

2008-05-22T14:25:00.005-04:00

Matador Records has high hopes for Jay Reatard. I can't claim to be a huge fan yet - I have only heard the songs on MySpace, and they certainly sound damn good. It's making me feel like I should get that third job, so that I might be able to afford records again. Back to Matador - they've giving Jay Reatard a pretty big push, with a extremely-limited singles series preceding the full-length (due sometime this fall). The first in a proposed series of six 7-inches, See Saw/Screaming Hand, is pretty hard to find in the US - I'm not quite sure how many were pressed, but Matador would only allow one-per-customer and always are stressing the scarcity of this series. Pure Groove in the UK not only still has copies - but their copies are signed. So, for £4 (a bit more than $8), you can pick up a copy. Oh yeah, I forgot - shipping will kill you. But what a worthwhile death it will be...

One more thing of note, the second 7" in the series is also available now for preorder - and Jay's planned these releases to go down in availability as they continue (and theoretically, as interest rises)...an interesting, if not somewhat cruel concept.

Sun Kil Moon - April (White & White/Black Marbled Vinyl)

2008-05-20T18:17:00.004-04:00

I've been checking Sun Kil Moon's website pretty much every day for the past few weeks - and it has arrived. The limited-edition pressings of the new Sun Kil Moon album, April, are upon us. You have your choice - White vinyl from Caldo Verde Records, or white & black marbled vinyl (which Tiny Cities and Ghosts was also pressed on) from Aural Exploits (there they go again! cool shit! they're rolling in it!). While Ghosts of the Great Highway is grabbing about $40 a piece on eBay, you should take this opportunity to get one of the 400 marbled copies being sold on Aural Exploits, or one of the 300 lined up for Caldo Verde - perhaps you might be one of the 100 who can buy the white vinyl at a show...but I prefer a sure thing. Order away.

"Carry Me, Ohio" from Ghosts of the Great Highway

Built to Spill - Center of the Universe 7" Promo FREE

2008-05-19T18:08:00.005-04:00

Well, not exactly free :) I just popped onto MySpace (I don't think I've checked my account in over a month) and saw a bulletin post by Built to Spill. If you spend $20 at their webshop, you'll get a blue-vinyl, promo only copy of their classic hit, "Center of the Universe." Remember that tune? You couldn't avoid it back in 1999. Wait a second...that was Santana. Believe me, you need this record to get the Santana off your breath. Mmmmm...minty fresh.

There are those reissues with bonus tracks for the vinyl kids...bit pricey...but pretty. I'd hop to it, they can't have very many... if any left at all (it was posted on the 16th...)

Center of the Universe, live and a bit shakey. Just listen, don't watch.

Joan as Police Woman - Red Vinyl, Signed, & Silk-Screened EPs

2008-05-19T13:51:00.006-04:00

So, I almost hate myself for telling you about this - because while I may have one of these already (EP!), I am what is known as an obsessive. Yes, I often keep doubles. Here's the rundown of interesting Joan as Police Woman-related offerings:

1. One of my top 10 from the past 2 years, Joan's debut full-length, Real Life, was pressed on red vinyl in the USA (only 200!), then immediately exported to the UK to be sold in the Reveal Records shop. If the dollar was stronger, I would saddle up and buy a second vinyl copy. I can't bring myself to shell out nearly $40 at the moment...

2. Joan's first release, the self-titled EP, was originally released on CD in the US (you can find it on CDBaby) but was shortly reissued with bonus tracks overseas. Reveal Records pressed 250 copies on vinyl, silkscreened and hand-numbered the copies. Yes, you can still find copies through their store...but lord knows, there can't be very many left. Again, damn you weak dollar!

3. JaPW has a new album coming out, To Survive (6/10), and some preorders are already popping up. Pick up a copy at Newbury Comics and get an autographed booklet! (Order it soon though, Newbury Comics has JACKED UP their prices on older autographed titles! $25 for Beirut's new album? WHA?) Her label, Cheap Lullaby Records, also plans to have a preorder, but they don't have specific details on that yet. In addition, they're not quite sure if they're going to press it on vinyl here in the states, but if they don't, you'll find the European pressing in their shop (which promises to be very limited, 180 gm, with a poster foldout and a copy of the CD as well).

4. "To Be Loved" is the first single off the album, and is available for preorder in all the usual overseas places (hi Norman Records, I've missed you!) No multiple formats beyond the ubiquitous digital download - why would you do that when you can get it on sweet sweet vinyl?

"I Defy" off of Real Life (with Antony)

Mountain Goats Vinyl! Reissues and First Pressings!

2008-05-19T13:26:00.006-04:00

Thanks to Stig (again!), I'm happy to let everyone know that Beggars/4ad has just released three albums of the Mountain Goats back catalogue on vinyl. Tallahassee and The Sunset Tree have never been released on vinyl before - and We Shall All be Healed will greet us all once more on wax. Of course, as with all Mountain Goats releases by Beggars/4ad - the price is ultra-reasonable, no $25 dollar albums here. You can pick up most of them for $12 or under.

Colin Meloy - Colin Meloy Sings! Green Vinyl & Sam Cooke Covers EP

2008-05-19T13:04:00.003-04:00

So, I continue to begrudgingly support Aural Exploits - because they just seem to pull some crazy shit out of the air each week. Their latest offering is the new Colin Meloy Sings! album, in the sold-out, bottle-green vinyl pressing. For those who missed the signed LP preorder (I missed it!) and the bottle-green preorder from Jealous Butcher (missed that one too!), you have a third chance to get a non-standard copy of this new record. The jacket is amazing too - thick cardboard gatefold that's about half an inch taller than all my other records. Tre chic.

Also on the Colin Meloy front, those of you who missed his solo tour can now pick up a copy of the tour-only Colin Meloy Sings Sam Cooke EP. A gem I must say - I was fortunate enough to trade for a copy and am immensely pleased. For those unfamiliar with these tour EPs, this is Colin's third, following his inaugural Morrisey covers EP, and last year's Shirley Collins EP. Snatch it up while you can - these babies can get pretty pricey when they're gone.

Colin Meloy & Laura Gibson - Cupid at the Fox Theater in Boulder, Colorado

Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker Reissue AUDIOPHILE PRESSING

2008-05-05T00:07:00.003-04:00

SO, I feel as though I start way too many blog posts with apologies for not posting frequently enough. Basically, for those who don't know, when I'm feeling poor, I just can't write about what I can't possibly consider buying. Well, I get paid at the end of the month and...

Hello. Hopefully we'll get some good posts coming up.

To start if off, I thought I'd mention some further Ryan Adams info that I've been tipped off to - thank you Hijab - you made my week. Many of you may know how much I have been frustrated with Aural Exploits (since they NEVER respond to any of my emails), but I must mention this exclusive deal they've struck with Cobraside, the domestic record label that's pressing the first domestic pressing of Ryan Adams' Heartbreaker. Aural Exploits will be the ONLY place to find a 180-gram audiophile pressing, all the other pressings will likely be a more standard 120-gram pressing. They are limited to 500 and are hand-numbered. The price is right too - it won't set you back any more than a regular edition. So, for those have been anticipating this new pressing - this should be good news.

I've ordered from Aural Exploits back when they were an eBay-only store, and found them to be careful shippers - I was quite pleased. I do hope that this transaction makes me feel the warm fuzzy feelings that I used to feel towards them.

Spoon - Girls Can Tell & A Series of Sneaks VINYL REISSUES

2008-04-10T10:11:00.003-04:00

If you've ventured onto eBay at any point trying to pick up old Spoon LPs, you've come across the unfortunate fact that it's going to cost you a preetttty penny. Well, if you've got a double lying around, you'd better throw it up there now, because not many people appear to know about these Spoon reissues coming out May 6th. Indeed, Merge doesn't mention this reissue of Girls Can Tell and A Series of Sneaks on their site, neither does Spoon - had it not been for a very kind reader (thanks Stig!), I wouldn't have known about it either. Thankfully, I was able to find some documentation to back up Stig's crazy claims. So be on the lookout - you're bound to hear more about this in the future. (Will there be bonus tracks? 180 gram? Limited vinyl press? Who knows!)

EDIT: Well, Merge just sent out their email update - All presses will be on 180 gram vinyl, and any bonus tracks will be digital download. Click on the titles above to get the details.

The Magnetic Fields...on VINYL! No $hit! Fur Realz!

2008-04-10T00:15:00.006-04:00

So I got a very interesting e-mail from The House of Tomorrow - and buried in the middle of the message was this:

The Magnetic Fields are readying the re-release of their catalog on full-length 12" vinyl albums. Merge Records will start the run with "The Charm of the Highway Strip," out on May 6 in the US. Nonesuch Records will follow this summer with a pressing of "Distortion," the band's January 2008 release. This fall, Merge Records will release the vinyl edition of "Get Lost.

Do I smell a box set of 69 Love Songs? I think I just peed a bit.

EDIT: 180 gram pressing, no bonus tracks. You can preorder here.

El Perro Del Mar - How Did We Forget? 7" Single & New Album Preorder

2008-04-08T22:53:00.003-04:00

My first experience of the lovely El Perro Del Mar was on the flip side of a Jens Lekman single I scored - and this odd little voice led me to hunt down a christmas single, her first EP and a 7" for Dog all within the next month. After a fine debut outing, El Perro Del Mar is all ready to release a sophmore effort titled From the Valley to the Stars. This time her American fans won't have to wait months and months (as we had with the first record) as her domestic release on The Control Group label arrives shortly (4/22). For those who like a good preorder, you can pick up her new album at Insound (enter the code "fromthevalley10" at checkout for 10% off your order).

While there doesn't appear to be any cool preorder deals with extra stuff/autographs/etc, there is a nice little treat awaiting those who might visit The Control Group shop. EPDM's Swedish label, Licking Fingers (I believe it's owned by the Concretes), has released How Did We Forget as a 7", and The Control Group shop has it for a swift $6. The 7" also includes the non-album B-side "You Hit Me (It's A Crying Shame)." You couldn't dream of picking this up from a Swedish shop for even double that cash...

Oh, and add EPDM's blog to your reader and check her out on her upcoming US tour - I know I'm going to do my best to (Joe's Pub perhaps...but damn their beer's expensive!).

"Party" Live from Neu! Club (Madrid) - off of her S/T first album.

Infadels - Make Mistakes SIGNED Single Bundles

2008-03-28T13:29:00.004-04:00

It looks like the Infadels are ready with their follow-up to 2006's We are Not the Infadels (which I really kinda dug). You can pick up their new single at RecordStore.co.uk and have the choice of two different single bundles. The smaller package includes the CD and 7", while the larger adds a download. The 7" is kindly signed by the band...so if you're a fan, check it out.

The Black Keys - Attack & Release SIGNED Preorder (3 Days LEFT!)

2008-03-28T13:03:00.006-04:00

The Black Keys will be releasing their new album, Attack & Release, on April 1st, which leaves us with 3 days to decide how much you want to lay out for their new album. You see...if you preorder the new CD/LP from the Black Keys' webstore, you have the option to also pick up a t-shirt with your order - which will guarantee a signed album booklet with your order. Don't let the language at the top of the store's page fool you, not only the first 100 will get a signed book. If you click on the t-shirt, it does indeed mention that you would be guaranteed a signed booklet if you buy them both together. This whole deal may end up costing nearly $50 - in my past experience, shipping from MusicToday is a bit pricey and a bit slow..

Two more things - when you order you'll be given a download code where you can download the new album at midnight on April 1st, as well as being entered into a contest to win a signed poster. So...chew on that for a few and see how deep your pockets are...

The "Showgirls" T-shirt

For the Completists: It also appears that the import version comes in a limited-edition, double fold, digipack packaging.

Whiskeytown - Strangers Almanac on Vinyl for the first time +PLUS+ Ryan Adams' Heartbreaker LP REISSUE

2008-03-26T11:51:00.007-04:00

The fine gentlemen at Lou's Records have tipped me off to two wonderful semi-reissues coming out on vinyl in the next few weeks. First (and most interesting) is the first pressing of Whiskeytown's classic Strangers Almanac. You may remember that this album recently got the expanded-edition treatment on CD, well now let's take our wallets back out for the expanded (though it was never originally press on vinyl) edition on vinyl. The first 3 sides will cover the original record, with side 4 containing 5 tracks from their live set on KCRW. Released on April 15th, this is pressed on thick- 180 gram vinyl...Hot Damn!

Secondly, it appears that Heartbreaker is being reissued (is this the 2nd time? I think so!) by Cooking Vinyl (it was released today!). Here I was thinking that it would offer some new stuff...well...kinda. Supposedly it will have a "heavy-stock sleeve" with new pictures! Wahoo! New pictures! Wait...that's not very exciting. Does heavy-stock sleeve mean that they just made the record sleeve a heavier weight paper. Wow...going all out aren't we? Others seem to suggest that this release is a domestically-released, digitally remastered (digitally remaster an analog vinyl record? huh?) gatefold with lyrics...but then again, we all know what the conflicting info surrounding the Easy Tiger vinyl led to: the most plentiful, supposedly limited-edition, supposedly 180-gram release to date. Therefore, I'm suspect of releases when they have conflicting details. Heartbreaker wasn't especially hard to find before, and with this repressing (which isn't even mentioned on Cooking Vinyl's website), will become even easier than before.

Newbury Comics SIGNED CDs: British Sea Power, Gary Louris, The Lemonheads, The B52's, Jim White, Charlie Haden, Born Ruffians, Tokyo Police Club

2008-03-25T12:30:00.004-04:00

So, Lets get caught up on some signed CDs that Newbury Comics is offering that I haven't had the time to mention. I apologize for the lack of explanation on each record, but I'm going to try to post a song with each.

British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music? SIGNED
From what I've heard, this is BSP's best album. For $8.99, you really can't go wrong. Below is "Waving Flags" off this latest album

Gary Louris - Vagabonds SIGNED
This ex-Jayhawks frontman has a new album out - a must for any alt.country aficionado. Below is "To Die a Happy Man."

The Lemonheads - It's a Shame About Ray Deluxe Edition SIGNED
Evan Dando & Co.'s masterpiece, reissued with bonus track & rarities. Somehow Evan survived the past 15 years and has signed a few copies for Newbury Comics. I've made many friends via mutual love of the Lemonheads...will you be one too? Below is "Confetti," one of my favorite Lemonheads songs of all time.

The B52's - Funplex SIGNED
You can't get much more classic than the B52's. Their hits "Love Shack" and "Rock Lobster" will live on in Kareyoke history, and shall never die. Grab a small piece of pop music history with a signed copy of their new album, Funplex. Below is "Funplex" off the album of the same name.

Jim White - Transnormal Skiperoo SIGNED
You may remember Jim White from his wonderful earlier records, such as Drill A Hole In That Substrate and Wrong Eyed Jesus, this is another record for those alt.country fans to check out. Below is "Jailbird" from this latest record.

Charlie Haden Quartet West - Best of Quartet West SIGNED
Charlie Haden is a Jazz great, and it's not often that you'll see an offering like this on Newbury Comics. Below is "First Song" off of Best of Quartet West.

Born Ruffians - Red Yellow & Blue SIGNED
A Canadian Indie-rock band...who would have thought? If you're in indie-rock, you're either from Canada, Brooklyn or Baltimore these days. What can I say, I dig em, there must be something in the water. Below is "Hummingbird" for your enjoyment.

Tokyo Police Club - Smith EP SIGNED
Wait a second...2 in a row? Yes, another indie-rock band from Canada. Check out the EP that preceeds their debut...on Paperbag Records, a great little label. Below is "Box" off this very EP!

Los Campesinos - Hold on Now, Youngster CD SIGNED +OR+ Expanded Edition

2008-03-25T12:12:00.004-04:00

Well, as you might have noticed, I have yet again hit a tough spot. Anyone here knows how much I love getting the ultimate edition of albums I love...and lately I've just struck out. First came the Elliott Smith reissues and their limited-edition colored vinyl which I missed by a week (only offered by Aural Exploits...who NEVER write me back about anything...a-holes), then came the Colin Meloy preorder for his new live-album. In that instance, they mentioned on every other page but the vinyl preorder that indeed, a short 2 hours after the email went out, there were no signed albums left.

So, frustration took hold, and I just haven't bought a damn thing.

I'm back, hopefully on a more consistent basis, and I'm going to post a few things today, mainly from my mainstay, Newbury Comics.

I've already posted about the new Los Campesinos album, Hold on Now, Youngster, but now they've got a domestic release with some goodies you should know about as well. I know I certainly didn't order the import...the dollar SUCKS right now. Well, Newbury Comics is offering their new CD signed by the band, and Insound is offering the CD with a bonus CD, 2 stickers and a poster. I really don't know which one I'd prefer...I'm still trying to decide.

Apples in Stereo - Electronic Projects for Musicians SIGNED

2008-02-15T16:42:00.003-05:00

I'm a big Elephant 6 fan...and the Apples in Stereo were a big part of that crew. I truly love some of their older records, such as The Discovery of a World Inside the Moone and Velocity of Sound. A new B-sides & Rarities collection is now poised to hit the stand, Electronic Projects for Musicians. I would have to imagine that Robert Schneider's vaults are pretty full, giving him lots to choose from (Has anyone ever cared to count how many bands he has been in? The man does not sleep). While New Magnetic Wonder was not my favorite Apples record (by an unfortunately large margin), I do still have the love for these indie-pop pioneers. Order their new collection from Yep-Roc and the first 200 to do so will get a signed CD by the head Apple himself, Robert Schneider. Yum.

Los Campesinos - Hold on Now, Youngster CD SIGNED + Bonus Mixtape

2008-02-11T22:31:00.001-05:00

Los Campesinos made their mark with a wonderful debut 7" single, We throw Parties, You throw Knives, and ever since that first song, I've been looking for something super-crazy-special to mention about them. Thanks to Pure Groove Records, I have this, my first post about Los Campesinos. Their fist full-length, Hold on Now, Youngster..." comes out on Wichita Recordings today, and for those who wish to pick up the import (and thus beat their friends to the Arts & Crafts release on April 1st), you can grab a SIGNED copy with a BONUS MIXTAPE for a cool £10 (which is crazy pricey to us Americans). Therefore, I have resigned myself to not picking up a copy...but that doesn't mean you shouldn't!

"We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives" from Sticking Fingers Into Sockets EP

Yeasayer - 2080/Sunrise 7"

2008-02-11T17:35:00.000-05:00

Yeasayer are a wonderful wonderful band. There are not many songs that actually get better and better as the seconds tic by, but "2080" is absolutely one of them. 2080/Sunrise is Yeasayer's debut release, and it's hard to believe that this extremely limited 7" is still available. You can pick it up at Yeasayer's website for a quick $7 including shipping.

"2080" performed live on KEXP. Go to their MySpace to hear the studio version.

Mark Eitzel - Ten Years of Tears (Ed. of 500)

2008-02-06T00:43:00.000-05:00

In honor of the new American Music Club album, The Golden Age (2/19), I thought I might make everyone aware of this Mark Eitzel rarity that while limited to 500, is still available. Following in the footsteps of Lovers Leap USA, Live at WFMU, and Superhits International, Ten Years of Tears is the latest installment of Mark's tour-only, very limited-edition releases. What makes this release truly special is this is the only place where you can find an "official" release by the Undertow Orchestra. For those unfamiliar, the Undertow Orchestra was an indie-rock supergroup comprised of Mark Eitzel, Will Johnson, Vic Chesnutt and David Bazan which only lasted the length of a small tour in early 2006 (and it was an amazing tour!).

We are quite lucky to have the opportunity to pick up a copy without having to see Mark on tour in Europe (a pricey affair for us in the states...damn the weak dollar) - thank you Decor Records. Hop on it - I have the pleasure of owning a copy of one of his older tour-only releases Lovers Leap USA, which was purchased off eBay by a good friend on a $118 whim. Given enough time, they can get a biiittt pricey.

Ten Years of Tears tracklist:

Ladies And Gentlemen - Undertow Orchestra - Oporto 6.6.6
St Michael My Pet Rat - Undertow Orchestra - Oporto 6.6.6
Sleeping Beauty - Undertow Orchestra - Oporto 6.6.6
Home – Undertow Orchestra - Park West, Chicago 17.2.6
Mission Rock Resort - Radio 6.96
Aspirin - Radio 6.96
In Your Life - Radio 5.97
Greeting Cards - Solar Culture, Tucson 25.6.1
To The Sea - Solar Culture, Tucson 25.6.1
No Easy way Down - Solar Culture, Tucson 25.6.1
Rehersals For Retirement - Amoeba Recs. SF 24.4.2
My Father's Place - World Financial Centre – NYC 14.1.6
Heart and Soul - Meteriet, Lund 12.4.6
Blue and Grey Shirt - Fibbers, York 2.6.5
I've Been A Mess - Fibbers, York 2.6.5
Jesus’ Hands - Iron horse, Northampton 23.1.7 (so it’s 6 months over 10)

Dean & Britta and Sonic Boom - He's Coming Home 7"

2008-02-02T22:37:00.000-05:00

So, as you can see, I have Dean & Britta on the brain. I just watched the wonderful Luna documentary, Tell Me Do You Miss Me, and in my random googling, found out that Dean & Britta had released a Christmas single this past year!

I am unashamed to write about stuff I should have know about 2 months ago...

This 7" has a hand-silkscreened cover, as well as a brand-new A-side Wailers cover to compliment the previously released (only as mp3) "Old Toy Trains." It's a hot deal at $8 shipped...and I'll doubt there will be many around for next christmas...

Tell Me Do You Miss Me Trailer

Sun Kil Moon - April Preorder SIGNED + Bonus Disc & Retribution Gospel Choir - S/T Preorder + Bonus Disc!!

2008-02-01T13:26:00.001-05:00

Mark Kozelek does not sleep, and in his waking hours - he schemes how to invade my wallet. The latest temptations are a new Sun Kil Moon album, April, as well as the first full length from his collaboration with Alan Sparhawk of Low, the Retribution Gospel Choir. Each release is teased with a preorder-order only, get-it-while-you-can bonus.

If you are one of the first 2008 people to preorder the new Sun Kill Moon CD (to be released on April 1, 2008), you will be treated to a mailbox stuffed with a bonus EP of 4 songs, plus your CD will be signed. These bonus tracks will NOT be released digitally, but will be released (release date TBA) on vinyl as an EP titled, Tonight the Sky. The vinyl version of April will be released by Caldo Verde/Vinyl Films records, as most of SKM's releases have been. However, there is no word on a release date. I'm sure Mark will slip some alternate colored vinyl in there as well...he always does. If that hasn't sold you yet, how about guest appearances from Will Oldham, Ben Gibbard and Eric Pollard? Nice!

April Tracklist:

Lost Verses
The Light
Lucky Man
Unlit Hallway
Heron Blue
Moorestown
Harper Road
Tonight the Sky
Like the River
Tonight in Bilbao
Blue Orchids

Bonus Disc:

Tonight in Bilboa (alt. version)
The Light (alt. version)
Like the River (alt. version)
Tonight the Sky (alt. version)

The Retribution Gospel Choir full-length comes with a bonus EP as well. While limited to the first 1000, I have to wonder how exclusive it is. Is it simply live material? Is it a repressing of the first RGC EP that was quickly OOP? We'll have to see.

PREORDER THEM BOTH HERE (Caldo Verde Records)

So all you Red House Painters/Sun Kill Moon/Mark Kozelek fans, I feel your pain. That White Christmas Live + Little Drummer Boy Vinyl box set was a pretty penny...I need to get off my ass and sell some stuff on eBay to keep up with Mark's ambition.

Dean and Britta - Variations Remix EP

2008-01-31T22:12:00.000-05:00

Dean and Britta are heading out on tour and bringing along an exclusive, tour-only EP with them. While you can pick up the new remix EP, Variations, from most digital sources, the only place you can get a physical copy is from the band on this US tour (click here for dates!). I plan on seeing this tour...and I've heard directly from them that they will be sure to have copies left for those final shows in NYC.

Variations tracklist

Singer Sing (Scott Hardkiss Remix)
Say Goodnight (My Robot Friend Remix)
Our Love Will Still Be There (Britta Phillips Remix)
Wait for Me (Sonic Boom Remix)
Words You Used to Say (Sand Pebbles Remix)
Song of You (Tony Visconti Remix)
Singer Sing (Richard Formby Remix)

"Words You Used to Say" from their last full length, Back Numbers

Andrew Bird - Soldier On + Fargo Records SALE

2008-01-30T21:30:00.001-05:00

Andrew Bird headed off to Europe and put out a tour-only EP. I've been popping on eBay looking for copies, but to no avail. I had given up hope until the other day, while updating Beulah's discography on Rateyourmusic.com, and I stumbled upon Fargo Records website. I'm familiar with the site, having ordered from them in the past, and was aware it was Andrew's label in the UK. I was not aware that they were the only place to pick up this tour-only EP though...

Fantastic! 8 unreleased tracks and (if I'm not mistaken) artwork by Jay Ryan? You can pick a copy up today for 11.99€ at the Fargo store.
Soldier On tracklist:

The Trees Were Mistaken
Sic Of Elephants
The Water Jet Silice
Plasticities (Remix)
Heretics (Early Version)
Sectionate City
How You Gonna Keep Em Down On The Farm
Oh Sister

Oh, I must also mention, Fargo is having a HUGE sale! A great number of CDs are 4.99 €, while a equally impressive selection are even less! One standout selection Beulah's finale, Yoko (Limited Edition version too!) for 2.99 €. This version comes as a double-disc with the Yoko demos as the second disc & alternate artwork. For those with a few more Euros to throw around, Ryan Adams wonderful debut, Heartbreaker, is also on sale for 12 €. This version comes with a second disc (2 songs) and a 20-page booklet - a must have for any Ryan Adams completest.

Nada Surf - Lucky (Limited Edition) SIGNED

2008-01-22T19:52:00.000-05:00

I was re-introduced to Nada Surf a number of years ago by my friend Emily. Now they can count me as one of their fans, and count on Newbury Comics as your #1 source for autographed CDs. Nada Surf's Lucky (Limited Edition) is now available for preorder, with a signed digipack.

Not much a fan of this cover art though...

"Inside of Love" from Lets Go

Whiskeytown - Strangers Almanac Deluxe Edition DETAILS

2008-01-21T19:20:00.000-05:00

Well, we've finally got the details to the the new deluxe edition of Whiskeytown's Strangers Alamanac. Read it and smile (thanks ToBeYoung Forum!):

Disc One of the two-disc set will feature the original album plus five tracks recorded live on Los Angeles radio station KCRW on September 10, 1997. Three of those tracks are album cuts ("Houses On The Hill", "Turn Around", "Somebody Remembers The Rose") and two were not on the album ("Nurse With The Pills", "I Don't Care What You Think About Me").

The 20 tracks on disc two include outtakes and alternate tracks from the Strangers Almanac recording sessions and demo sessions. A few of them were issued separate from Strangers Almanac at the time: "Theme For A Trucker", "My Heart Is Broken", and alternate versions of "The Strip" (a.k.a. "Dancing With The Women At The Bar") and "Houses On The Hill" comprised a double 7-inch gatefold release by Bloodshot Records in early 1997, and "Ticket Time" and Alejandro Escovedo's "The Rain Won't Help You When It's Over" were on a limited-edition bonus EP packaged with initial pressings of the Strangers Almanac CD.

Aside from "The Rain Won't Help You", other cover songs on Disc Two include Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams", Gram Parsons' "Luxury Liner", and a Ryan Adams solo version of Johnny Cash's "I Still Miss Someone".

Previously unreleased outtakes from the Strangers sessions featured on Disc Two include "Kiss & Make-Up", "Indiana Gown", "Barn's On Fire", "Whispers" (a.k.a. "Streets Of Sirens"), "Breathe", and "10 Seconds Till The End Of The World".

Disc Two also includes alternate studio versions of Strangers tracks "Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart Tonight", "16 Days", "Somebody Remembers The Rose", "Avenues", and "Turn Around".

There you have it...should be well worth the wait. Remember to give those indie shops some love when you consider where to purchase this fine release. Village Records, Miles of Music, etc.

LCD Soundsystem / Arcade Fire - No Love Lost (Split Tour-Only 7")

2008-01-17T16:51:00.000-05:00

Two great bands that taste great together. LCD Soundsystem and Arcade Fire touring with each other? Well that sounds fantastic. I wish I could have made it to the tour that they did together, but alas, some of us have to work and probably lived in the middle of Virginia at the time. However, I happened by the LCD page today, scrolled down to find this small note:

some arcade fire singles available.
the lcd/arcade fire split tour single is available (while supplies last) at the dfa webstore. just scroll down to the "singles" section.

And that's what I did - and you should too. Don't pay eBay prices (yet) for this gem...it's only $4.99!

LCD Soundsystem / Arcade Fire - No Love Lost
a. Poupee de Cire, Poupee de Son - Arcade Fire
b. No Love Lost - LCD Soundsystem

Noah and the Whale - 5 Years Time 7" SIGNED

2008-01-17T12:16:00.000-05:00

So, Kelsey and I were driving to the movies the other day, and this great, poppy song came on Sirius' Left of Center. 5 Years Time from London's Noah and the Whale. It very much reminds me of the Moldy Peaches, which oddly enough is a revelation that I just came to this very moment, despite the fact we had seen Juno the night before. Either way, this is a great song, a great debut, limited to 500 and signed by the band, but only if you pick it up through Pure Groove (*unsigned copies can be found elsewhere). However, take note that if you do pick it up through Pure Groove and live in the states and don't want to pay for the high-end shipping (which was going to cost me $14!), you can ask they send it regular air (but you take the extra risk).

Five Years Time by Noah and the Whale

From the Vault /// Sigur Rós - Takk Special Edition CD

2008-01-16T10:47:00.000-05:00

It looks as though Sigur Rós should clean their warehouse more often. They have found 100 copies of the limited-edition version of Takk on CD. Oh how I covet this CD. I have the vinyl, the regular edition of the CD, and the vinyl pressed once more in the recently-released box-set. Why do I need another version? Because I do love the artwork.

Grab one if you've got an extra $30 bucks (plus shipping) lying around. If I know Sigur Rós fans, they won't be around for long.

Hot Chip - Made in the Dark SIGNED

2008-01-15T16:17:00.000-05:00

Hot Chip bless us once again with a new album, Made in the Dark. Having built upon the excellent debut, Coming on Strong, with an even stronger sophmore album, The Warning, my hopes are through the roof with this one. Recordstore.co.uk has a special treat for us Hot Chip fans...unless you have American dollars of course. Signed copies of both versions will be released February 4th, a standard edition (£10.49) and a deluxe edition with a DVD of Hot Chip live at the Melt Festival in Germany (£15.99). There are only 200 signed copies to go around (200 of each version?) so act soon. I'm not quite sure how good Recordstore.co.uk is about taking down those teasers once they are gone...but the smart money is on "not very good." HURRY.

"Ready for the Floor" from Made in the Dark

The Magnetic Fields - Distortion + Bonus Disc

2008-01-15T00:13:00.000-05:00

Oh goodness...a new Magnetic Fields album is out today. The occasion was marked 5 minutes ago (12:10AM) by my dear friend Liz - a simple message to everyone, "Happy New Magnetic Fields Day!."

I can't wait, and I must tell you where to buy it:

From The House of Tomorrow:

"Distortion" will be released in the US on Tuesday, January 15. Purchase the CD at your local retail store or at the Nonesuch Store and receive, while supplies last, a free CD single of Stephin Merritt's "The Man of a Million Faces," composed for NPR Music's Project Song.

Ok, so I can't tell you exactly which store to go to, but I can tell you to call around to your favorite indie before you head out to pick it up tomorrow. You must find this bonus disc...why else are you reading this blog?

Cameron Crowe's Vinyl Films Issue Harold & Maude Soundtrack on Limited Edition Colored Vinyl

2008-01-14T21:47:00.000-05:00

Kbot here, guest blogger and sometimes personal assistant to El Presidente Sixtywatt. Anyway, I'm psyched to toss my two cents in about the vinyl release by Cameron Crowe's Vinyl Films of the motion picture soundtrack Harold and Maude, all songs written and performed by Yusef Islam himself, back when we were all calling him Cat Stevens. This is hands-down my favorite movie, the kind you save to watch on a Saturday afternoon when you've had all the bullshit kicked out of you by an invisible samurai, when your creative well has been gone dry and you've had to sell all of your livestock until after the monsoon season, when you start to feel trapped by the bourgeois fantasies being projected upon you by well-meaning but insane people wearing windpants, when you start to wonder what the hell it is that you're doing and whether any of it even matters in the face of the inevitability of death and the uncertainty thereafter...that's when you watch this f-in' movie. As bizarre and adorable as the 1970's could get, this movie is elevated above its inherent silliness and sentimentality by the combined genius of quirky, sincere performances by Ruth Gordon and Bud Cort, downright lovely (intentionally or otherwise) cinematography, and THIS elegant group of songs by Cat Stevens. Truly, this film would not be what it is without these songs, but the most exciting part about owning the vinyl (aside from the fact that they come in pretty colors--wee!) is that this is a record that will stand on its own regardless of whether or not you've seen the film (or whether or not you are one of those turds in this world who just doesn't get how gosh-darn sweet and funny and uplifting it is). Though some of the tracks found here can also be found on Tea for the Tillerman, there are some exclusive Harold and Maude ditties here by the Cat-man that will bring an Indian-by-the-side-of-the-road-cleaning-up-litter tear to your eye. Get yours today!

Kbot out.

Look at all the pretty colors!

From Aural Exploits:

Vinyl Films Records is honored to announce the release of the Holy Grail of unreleased soundtracks, Harold and Maude. Thirty-six years after its initial release, every one of Cat Stevens’ masterful songs from the film are compiled in one incredible package. In addition to such classics as “Miles From Nowhere”, “Where Do The Children Play?” and “Trouble”, the album includes the two songs written specifically for Harold and Maude, “If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out” and “Don’t Be Shy”, along with alternate versions of both Harold and Maude tracks.
Over two years in the making, the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to Harold and Maude comes with an extensive 40-page full-color booklet filled with never-before-seen photographs and an oral history of the making of the film and the music, as told by the filmmakers and participants. Also included is a bonus 7” single with unreleased versions of “Don’t Be Shy” and “If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out”, two suitable-for-framing posters, and much more!

The album comes in 6 colors (black not shown) with a limited pressing of 2500 total. Therefore, you have to figure that there are probably about 416 of each...though most likely some of the colors are much more limited than the rest. For example, the brown /black/white splatter version is exclusive to Aural Exploits...and could easily be the most limited. Each version is $27.99, pick your favorite and go!

Reissue Tracklist:

Don't Be Shy
On The Road To Find Out
I Wish, I Wish
Miles From Nowhere
Tea For The Tillerman
I Think I See The Light
Where Do The Children Play?
If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out
If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out (Banjo Instrumental)
Trouble
Don't Be Shy (Alternate Version)
If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out ( Instrumental Version)
Don't Be Shy (Demo Version - Bonus 7" Track)
If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out (Alternate Version - Bonus 7" Track)

Nick Cave - And The Ass Saw The Angel - Collectors Edition

2008-01-11T09:57:00.000-05:00

Because I know everyone was looking for a way to spend £65 (or £425), I thought I might make a suggestion to where that extra cash might go. Nick Cave's book, And the Ass Saw the Angel, has been repressed in both collector's and luxury editions. Both are very limited, pricey, and beautiful. Here are the details from Black Spring Press (where you can also pick up both versions):

As the original publishers of Nick Cave's And the Ass Saw the Angel, Black Spring Press have produced limited-run collectors' editions of the book. These are large format, printed on high-quality paper, with their own slipcase, and beautifully and spaciously designed (by the acclaimed Phil Baines, who designed Black Spring's original edition, and has recently written Penguin by Design, the authoritative work on Penguin cover design). There are two versions, the special edition, cloth-bound and hand-numbered, and a luxury edition, hand produced in calfskin by craft bookbinder John Temple, signed by the author, with a limited edition frontispiece, and also hand numbered.

And the Ass Saw the Angel was highly acclaimed on its first publication, and its popularity continues. Euchrid Eucrow is the product of several generations of inbreeding and raw liquor consumption. Physically malformed and born dumb, but with unusual sensitivity which he hides beneath an engaging and indestructible bravado, Euchrid lives in an isolated cane-growing community dominated by a strict and peculiar religious sect, the Ukulites.

Euchrid's story, with its epic biblical events, its miracles, visitations and obsessive digressions, is characterised by macabre comedy and a profound poignancy. Brilliantly plotted and written with an astonishing immediacy, this is an unforgettable novel.

Features of the two editions:
Both editions
Designed by Phil Baines; text completely retypeset to a new design by Phil Baines
Coloured head and tail bands
Heavyweight, high-quality paper and boards
Cloth-covered slipcase

Special edition
650 copies
£65
Cloth bound
Coloured endpapers
Hand-numbered 76–725

Luxury edition
75 copies
£425
Leather bound by hand by craft bookbinder John Temple
Hand-numbered 1–75
Limited edition frontispiece, hand-numbered 1-75: photographic reproduction of Cupid Considering by Julia Margaret Cameron, each print developed by hand in a specialist silver gelatin process by Peter Greenhalf of Greenhalf Photography.
Signed by the author

The edition is strictly limited to 650 copies of the special edition, 75 copies of the luxury edition, so once all copies are sold, that's it. And the earlier you order, the lower-numbered copy you will get: your number is reserved for you when you order.

How crazy does that luxury edition sound? Hand developed photos! Signed by Nick Cave! Lottery, don't fail me now...

Whiskeytown - Strangers Almanac Deluxe Edition

2008-01-10T16:50:00.000-05:00

So, this blog appears to like Ryan Adams...well, that's because I like Ryan Adams. A lot. I've got more records of his than anyone else, because I own multiple formats of these blasted things. Why not throw one more on the pile? Fine.

Strangers Almanac, which has my favorite Whiskeytown song (Avenues), is being reissued as part of Geffen/Universal's Deluxe Reissue series (not to be confused with the Sony Legacy Series...though they look EXACTLY the same). The extra goodies? No clue. None of the listings have a tracklist, just a ~~January 29~~ (EDIT: March 4th*) release date.

However, it never hurts to guess....let's guess what could be on the bonus disc/dvd:

Whiskeytown at Austin City Limits DVD
In Your Wildest Dreams EP
A Stranger is Born: Pre-Strangers Almanac Demos
Rural Free Delivery
Theme for a Trucker 7"
"Highway 145" from the Neko Case Split

* Thanks to Bill from Village Records - he hipped me to this new release date. Be sure to shop there for all your Alt.Country, Folk & Country needs.

"16 Days" live...from somewhere.

Joe Jackson - Rain SIGNED

2008-01-10T09:34:00.000-05:00

Look sharp! Joe Jackson's new CD, Rain, signed! The new wave pioneer has a new record, beautiful new cover art (we all know I'm a sucker for packaging) and he's apparently made some deal with this little record shop nobody's heard of, Newbury Comics, where he's signed a bunch of booklets.

Jonny Greenwood - There Will be Blood (Bonus Tracks)

2008-01-09T10:26:00.000-05:00

Hey Radiohead fans!

If you watched the Critics Choice awards last night (and who wasn't...wait...I wasn't), then you know that Jonny Greenwood took come a statue, plaque, ribbon, or chocolate heart, whatever they give out for his score for the new Paul Thomas Anderson film, There Will be Blood. Before you run out an pick up these jams, why not swing over to the Nonesuch store? If you do, you'll find an exclusive version with three bonus tracks-orchestral versions of "HW / Hope of New Fields" and "Prospectors Quartet" plus "De-Tuned Quartet." Find it here!

Marah - Counting the Days 10"

2008-01-03T19:32:00.000-05:00

It may be January, but I still have my volleyball-playing Santa on top of the TV. During my few months of no-record-buying, I completely missed this one. Marah (who also have a new, non-holiday album, coming out) released Counting the Days, a limited-edition 10" back on December 1st. For those (like me) who pick up Christmas music all year round, this is something to take notice of. So, for those Marah fans, and those fans of Christmas music, swing over to the Yep-Roc store while you can.

PS, my bad for not noticing that the first 100 preorders of the new Marah album, Angels of Destruction, were signed.

Counting the Days tracklist

Home For The Holidays
New York Is A Christmas Kind Of Town
Mele
Mele (Intro)
Valley Forge
Counting The Days

The White Stripes: Merchandising at its Finest

2007-12-29T17:24:00.000-05:00

Well Hi.

I've been a total shit when it comes to updating this blog...but I finally have a few bucks for music, and it's not completely depressing to be looking at records again. On that note, I'm not going to talk about records at all. There must be some psychological explanation, but I'm not the one to diagnose myself.

Anyone else who is on the White Stripes e-mail list has been bombarded by new store additions that make you want to sell a kidney. I'm not even close to a huge White Stripes fan, but they have this power over me...they know how to push my buttons and that's hard to do (insert White Stripes song allusion here). There's a whole mess of unique and beautiful items in their store right now and I thought I'd mention it to the few readers I have. Take a look at these, then imagine it's 20 years from now, the White Stripes are one of the definitive bands of our generation, and you've got these truly unique items sitting on your shelf. Your kids are going to think you're f*ing hip! PS, I'm not going to mention those items which all the blogs went ga-ga over, such as the Holga cameras. This post is to highlight those which you might have overlooked...

Descriptions are courtesy of the White Stripes store.

Designed by Todd Slater. This 45 record box is the same style as the one made in 2005 and carries up to thirty of your 7" records. Only 1500 of these were made, originally intended to sell on tour. Comes with a super-cute peppermint 7" slipmat, not for individual sale! $40

These Nesting Dolls were designed by fans Tracy Ireland and Sarah Walters. Each set includes a Jack or Meg from each album cover. The girls originally gave the band a set in Blackpool, England 2005 as a gift. The band loved them so much, the girls were asked to design a Jack and Meg from Icky Thump to include in these beautifully handcrafted sets. Only 600 of each were made. $30 each.

A 12" slipmat for your record player. Previously only available on tour! $15 This originally was offered with the preorder of the Icky Thump vinyl...

Tour Sewing Kit: Previously only available on tour! Comes with 38 buttons (including buttons custom made for The White Stripes), red, white and black thread, and a sewing needle. Limited quantity made. $15

Kindercore - XMAS 3 The War on Christmas (Ultra-limited) Preorder!

2007-11-27T22:01:00.000-05:00

So, I've been checking Kindercore's site...well...pretty much every day. After the teaser the posted earlier this month, I was primed for today's announcement of the official tracklist & details of XMAS-3: The War on Christmas! First... this tracklist is fantastic. I happen to personally know one of these bands, and they f*cking kick a*s. Check it out:

Rump Posse - Carol of the Manbarks
Folklore - Christmas Ape Goes to The Moon
The Observatory - Xmastime (is Xmastime)
Fabulous Bird - Everybody Knows It’s Christmas Time Again
King of Prussia - Christmas on The Other Side
The 63 Crayons - Holiday
Ruby Isle - Jack’s Obsession
The Buddy System - Xmas on TV
Blak Thor - Noel (I’m Giving Love For Christmas)
Murder Beach - All Around
Mumbletron 2k12 - Outta Bed
Je Suis France - Baby, Please Don’t Get Stoned (It’s Christmas)
Bunnygrunt - The Blues for Xmas
Koncak - It’s Christmas Time
Headlights - Kicker of Elves
The Show is The Rainbow - Silent Night
The Snowsuit Sound - The Ballad of Black Piet
Venice is Sinking - The Grey Line
The Jersey Barrier - Grey Skies

The compilation comes with a comic (the cover looks fantastic) with contributing artists Jesse Lockwood, Nethie Lockwood, Ryan Lewis, Mat Lewis, Maya Livio, Lauren Gregg, Craig Sheldon, Rama Hughes and Travis Fox.

Well, that would be the nuts and bolts of the project...but I have yet to mention that it's LIMITED TO 100 PHYSICAL COPIES! While you'll be able to download the 1's and 0's version from iTunes in a week or so...but this is your one and only chance to actually hold one in your hands. ALL PROCEEDS from both the physical and digital sales will be going to Oxfam America...so you'll have even more reason to BUY IT NOW.

Merry Christmas.

The Shins - Sea Legs 7" SIGNED

2007-11-19T12:51:00.001-05:00

So, I know, I know. I've been totally lame. I have to say, it's really hard to write about records when you just don't have the budget to buy them...

Anyway, I just splurged, and thus feel as though my record fix has been attended to...and thus I will give everyone else the scoop. As previously reported on Pitchfork, the Shins are releasing a very limited-edition single for "Sealegs." Not only is the pressing a measly 500 copies, but each and every copy is signed by the band. You can preorder these badboys for £3.50 a piece on Transgressive's website. Hop to it, they won't last.

Oh, if you hadn't already heard, the cover the F*IN MAGNETIC FIELDS on the b-side. Truly a must-have.

Kindercore...X-Mas 3: The War on Christmas!

2007-10-30T00:01:00.000-04:00

Perhaps the greatest thing I've heard in a long time...Kindercore is putting out A NEW CHRISTMAS COMPILATION! I will leave it to them to describe:

X-Mas, we hardly knew ye…
Things have been a little quiet around the site lately but never fear, we have been hard at work on our next release - X-Mas 3: The War on Christmas! A continuation of our popular and perennially out of print X-Mas comps from the days of yore, X-Mas 3 will boast a huge pile of holiday covers and originals from Kindercore faves as well as some folks we dig that live outside of our little universe. BUT, that’s not all… no, no, no - this wouldn’t be Kindercore Mark II: Jazz Oddysey if we just stuck to the music now would it? Nope. The jingle jangle holiday wishes will be packaged in a comic featuring new stories from Jesse Lockwood, Lauren Gregg, Craig Sheldon, Travis Fox, some guy named Ryan Lewis and a bunch of others… Mid-November-ish seems like a reasonable time to expect this one to drop on you via the (opening soon we promise) Kindercore Store and iTunes.

Details will follow as they reveal themselves.

THNX - RYAN

Holy crap holy crap holy crap...that sounds amazing. New Christmas tunes within a comic book? AWESOME! Mid-November...the wait is going to be terrible. Full Disclosure: I may have posted something on their forum the day Kindercore came back from the dead begging them to put out a new Christmas comp...I am so happy. The only question is whether it'll come out in time for my annual Christmas mix (perennially due Dec. 1)...the waiting game begins.

Eric Bachmann (Crooked Fingers/Archers of Loaf) SIGNED Poster

2007-10-29T22:18:00.000-04:00

From the moment I was introduced to Crooked Fingers (about 8 years ago at MACRock), I have been a huge fan of Eric Bachmann. I am still quite unfamiliar Archers of Loaf, the band that made Eric an indie icon, which no doubt hurts my cred - but who cares - Eric's work since the AoL days has been amazing and I've got all the time in the world to get around to Archers of Loaf. Now, if you haven't had the pleasure of seeing Eric live, you can still pretend that you talked it up with him and got your poster signed. Start cooking up a story, and order this poster from Eric's online store (it's only $8!).

"Lonesome Warrior" off of Eric's solo effort, To the Races

Asobe Seksu - Stay Awake/Then He Kissed Me 7"

2007-10-26T12:30:00.000-04:00

I saw Asobe Seksu in Charlottesville and they made me a believer. I had loved their version of Wham's Last Christmas (that I have on 12") but hadn't heard much more than that...now I f*cking love them. So, I've checked back to their site on a regular basis, waiting for them to release this mysterious 7" they had been hinting at. That day has come, and you can order a copy of Stay Awake/Then He Kissed Me for a cheap $6 from their site, or through Insound (who will let you get mp3s of the wax on your pod ASAP). Check out the mini-site they've made for it! This is part of Gigantic Music's "Singles Series", so there are only 500 copies, so hop-to-it!

And yes, that b-side is a cover of Crystals/Crazy Phil Spector's 1963 classic...

"Thursday" from Citrus

Sigur Rós - Hljomalind Ltd. 7"

2007-10-25T22:03:00.000-04:00

Well, here we go again. I've been SLACKING. This whole unpacking thing is taking FOREVER. I do apologize, and from this day on, I'm going to try to have at least one post a weekday (weekend posts are bonus posts).

Sigur Rós have so much going on these days...but while paying attention to the 2-CD release Hvarf-Heim, the documentary Heima, or the Hlemmer soundtrack you may have overlooked the Hljomalind 7", only the second 7" to be released by Sigur Rós. Limited and (of course) import only, this baby is at least modestly priced at £2.99 (that's normally my 7" price cutoff - Banquet Records is at £1.99!). Of course the art looks beautiful. Let HMV tell you a bit more:

'Hljomalind' is a song the band wrote during the first sessions after the 'Ágætis Byrjun' album and it was recorded for a possible EP that never saw the light of day. This version was recorded earlier this year at the band's studio outside Reykjavik. 'Starálfur' was originally featured on the 'Ágætis Byrjun' album, but this live, acoustic version was also recorded earlier this year for the 'Heima' film.
The single is pressed onto heavyweight black vinyl and features a full colour card sleeve with die-cut centre / label holes and is packaged in a PVC wallet with band name and title printed on the front.

This baby can be picked up at most UK shops, you know my faves (Norman, Banquet, Piccadilly). Show them some love.

Sambassadeur - Migration SIGNED

2007-10-11T22:51:00.000-04:00

Whew. I moved to New Jersey over the weekend, and have been trying to get my apartment up and going...I hope you didn't miss me too much. (Wait a sec, I hope you missed me a lot! I want to be loved!)

So I'm back and happy to plug one of my favorite Swedish bands, Sambassadeur. They are back with a follow up to their self-titled debut - Migration. I was delighted by the email from Labrador this morning, for not only did it let me know that the Sambassadeur record was ready for preorder, but also available through Bengans, signed by the full band! So, if you love literate, Swedish indie-pop, you'll love Sambassadeur...and since they probably won't come to the states anytime soon, this may be your one chance to get a disc signed.

And Luna6...well...they beat me to this. Meh, you don't win em all.

"New Moon" from Sambassadeur's s/t debut

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago (Limited Edition, Self-Release)

2007-10-04T10:04:00.000-04:00

I'll happily jump on the bandwagon when the wagon is this damn beautiful. Indeed, it took me a review in Pitchfork to check out Bon Iver, but we all can't spend all day reading music blogs (I know you can't either, I'd get more traffic if you did). Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago reminds me of the gospel-folk of Howe Gelb's recent solo record - a wonderful record to be compared to if I dare say so. Mix in a healthy dose of TV on the Radio-style harmony, and that's a recipe for a damn fine album.

For Emma, Forever Ago is self-released and limited edition - no doubt he will have a proper commercial release by an indie heavyweight in the near future. The packaging is rumored to be top notch as well...and you know how I feel about that. It can be picked up for a modest $12 at Bon Iver's MySpace.

Muzzle of Bees posted some mp3s today, for those who need walkin music.

Grizzly Bear - Friend SIGNED Preorder!

2007-10-03T16:19:00.000-04:00

Yes, it gets better than the poster. Newbury Comics (oh, how I check you every day in anticipation) is offering copies of Grizzly Bear's new EP, Friend, signed by the entire band! Here I am, having sworn off buying records for the next 2 months because I'm moving to NJ and not getting paid until November 30th...this truly is a great test of my willpower. However, it shouldn't be a test for you! BUY IT!

From the Vault ::: Loveninjas - I'm Really Sorry EP

2007-10-02T17:23:00.000-04:00

Get ready to smack your head. Yes, more Swedes being written about on SixtyWatt. This time we're taking a look at The Loveninjas. This band has stepped out from the background of The Legends to produce their own quirky form of swedish indie rock. However, they might contest the suggestion that they are really a band:

Loveninjas is not really a band. It’s a concept. I was playing with a small electronic piano in the autumn of 2004 when a nice melody evolved. ”Sweet Geisha Love” was about the dilemma of a young, female assassin; to kill or to make love. Now that I had a song I figured I might as well start a fake band. I decided on writing about death, sex and Japanese girls only. It’s a good way stimulate creativity. A really intense period of writing and recording followed.

I got the feeling Loveninjas would be fun live. So I asked my friends if they wanted to join. The question was: Do you want to be on stage dressed in costumes singing silly songs about murder and sex? Three of them said yes. Olle got to be the heart while the rest of us were transformed into little black friends with dirty hair and coloured hearts attached with glue. Loveninjas was now ready for action.

Well, this "concept" has since recorded a full length, The Secret of the Loveninjas, for Labrador, and have let their debut CD-R on Humblebee fall far out-of-print. However, if you (like me) dig their odd take on music, ninjas, love, and broken p*nises...check them out and pick up I'm Really Sorry (That I Killed You) from the nice folks over at Poppolar. This appears to be the only place on the net, in the Americas, that has a copy left. Oh, their second EP, Keep Your Love, is well worth it too (especially the track "Once there was a Girl and a Boy") though not nearly as scarce.

I Wanna Be Like Johnny C from The Secret of the Loveninjas

Vic Chesnutt SIGNED CDs & Cassettes

2007-10-02T15:17:00.000-04:00

Vic Chesnutt won me over a long time ago, but it's the last performance I saw that truly endeared him to my heart. I was in Carborro, NC, and it was an Undertow Orchestra show (Bazan, Eitzel, W. Johnson & Chesnutt). They rotated the lead, switching back and forth between instruments and talking to the crowd as though we were just some friends hanging out. Vic sat there, with a huge fur hat on that would slowly fall over his eyes as he sang...

That may sound cute, but it was just so much more than cute. This was the first time that I heard Vic's song "Iraq," which I still find to be the most poignant anti-war song I've ever heard. To see a fragile man sing such a brutal song, with a hat falling over his eyes - it was one of the most (for lack of a better word) human performances I've ever experienced. I'm so used to singers being so far removed, but Vic was right in front of all of us.

He's got some signed cassette copies of Is the Actor Happy, West of Rome and Drunk, as well as a signed promo copy of The Salesman and Bernadette over at his website. Some vinyl too...not signed, but not easy to find.

"Onion Soup" from Is the Actor Happy.

Vic chesnutt - onion soup
Uploaded by chiranne

Out of Printness /// Mountain Goats albums on 3 Beads of Sweat

2007-09-28T11:36:00.000-04:00

Chicago-based label 3 Beads of Sweat is closing its doors for good. They do not plan on repressing any of their back catalog, though most of it will live on in the digital world of iTunes. Those familiar with the label may know that they released 5 of the Mountain Goats' albums...and these too will go out of print. However, I wouldn't be surprised if they were rereleased someday down the line by some indie label. Here's their own words:

3 Beads of Sweat is in the process of shutting down. As titles sell out, we will not be repressing them. For the Mountain Goats CDs, we anticipate this happening over the next 2 months. We will be keeping the Mountain Goats titles alive digitally via Itunes and select other digital shops, contrary to what has been written here before. Look for these to be back on Itunes around September 25.

So, hop on it. Prices are cheap and time is short. May I recommend the Art of Fighting? Check it out if you're feeling so inclined.

"Woke Up New" from their latest release, Get Lonely

The Pipettes - We Are the Pipettes Preorder + Bonus CD

2007-09-28T11:11:00.000-04:00

I'm sure that most people who have heard of and like the Pipettes have probably already bought their album. ("Winter Sky" was a wonderful addition to my Christmas mix...last year.) However, for those who haven't gotten around to picking up the Memphis Industries' version (or are just discovering the Pipettes now), Cherrytree (Interscope) has some fantastic new artwork, two extra tracks and a bonus CD. The bonus CD may very well be more widespread, but for now Insound is the only spot with any mention of it (granted, I haven't looked terribly hard). The bonus disc will have "Magician Man" and an enhanced video for the track "Pull Shapes." Happily, you can get this bonus disc with either the CD or vinyl versions. I'll bet this record will sound wonderful on vinyl, since the Pipettes are not from our time.

Tracklist (U.S. Version)

We Are the Pipettes
Pull Shapes
Why Did You Stay?
Dirty Mind
It Hurts to See You Dance So Well
Judy
A Winter's Sky
Your Kisses Are Wasted on Me
Tell Me What You Want
Because It's Not Love (But It's Still a Feeling)
Sex
One Night Stand
ABC
I Love You
Dance and Boogie *US Bonus Track
Baby, Just Be Yourself *US Bonus Track

"Pull Shapes" off of We Are the Pipettes

Grizzly Bear - Friend Preorder + Bonus Lithograph

2007-09-27T17:23:00.001-04:00

Oh how I've been waiting to post about Grizzly Bear. I truly love this band...I've seen them four times and they just keep getting better and better. So when I heard of their new EP, Friend, and its laundry-list of wonderful remixers, collaborators & bands covering the Grizzlies (Zach Condon of Beirut!, Band of Horses, CSS!)...I began scouring for some sort of angle to post about it. Alas, Insound has provided that angle...with those who preorder early enough, you'll enjoy a very cool silkscreen. Granted, it will probably come folded, but hey, it's still pretty damn cool looking. Do your homework and I'll bet you can find a coupon code floating out there too...

^^^ The Silkscreen! ^^^
The Tracklist!

Alligator (Choir Version -- featuring Zach Condon, Dave Longstreth, Amber Coffman)
He Hit Me
Little Brother (Electric)
Shift (Alternate Version)
Plans (Terrible vs. Nonhorse: Sounds Edit)
Granny Diner
Knife (Covered by CSS)
Plans (Covered by Band of Horses)
Knife (Covered by Atlas Sound)
Deep Blue Sea (Daniel Rossen home recording)

"Knife," off of Yellow House

The Weakerthans - Reunion Tour SIGNED & Bettye Lavette - Scene of the Crime SIGNED

2007-09-27T09:51:00.001-04:00

The Weakerthans last album cover had art by Marcel Dzama (one of my favorites) and while this one does not, it's still pretty damn cool. So let's judge a book by its cover! Reunion Tour looks fantastic! Why not make it even prettier by having some scribbling on it by the band? Miles of Music can help you in this quest...for they have signed copies (Maple Music had some too, but they're out!)

Soul legend Bettye LaVette also has a new record out, The Scene of the Crime, and is backed-up by the Drive-by Truckers. This sounds like a wonderful combo, and you can test it out while still getting a signed copy over at Miles of Music. Those kids and their signed copies...you have to love it.

Weakerthans "The Reason" off of Reconstruction Site

Bettye LaVette, "Let Me Down Easy"

Robyn Hitchcock - I Wanna Go Backwards Box Set Preorder + SIGNED Poster

2007-09-27T09:22:00.000-04:00

While Yep Roc won't get any awards for the graphic design of Robyn Hitchcock's new box set, I Wanna Go Backwards, they make up for lack of aesthetics with pure volume of bonus tracks. They begin their reissue series with expanded editions of Black Snake Diamond Role, I Often Dream of Trains and Eye, which when purchases seperately still have a nice hunk of bonus tracks (about 8 tracks a disc). However, if you were to purchase them together, perhaps in this box set, you would also receive While Thatcher Mauled Britain Part 1 & 2, a new two-disc collection of b-sides, outtakes and home demo recordings. This collection will be available on CD, as well as one pressing on vinyl (on 8 LPs). NOTE: The language is such that I'm not 100% sure whether the vinyl box set will get the expanded tracks on the original releases...My best guess leads me to believe you won't - 3 original LPs + 5 LPs comprising the 57 tracks of While Thatcher - Wouldn't the original releases need a second record to fit everything?

To add to the confusion, I'm not quite sure as to whether you get an autographed poster when you order the CD...their description actually leads me to believe that it's only with the vinyl box set (which IS double the price). Well, if you are a Hitchcock fan, you're at least going to get 57 extra tracks when you buy either box set...perhaps as high as 70+.

This release does leave me thinking about the Ryan Adams reissues some record label will do years from now...talk about another guy with a closet full of unreleased material...I'd better start saving now.

matt pond Pa Vinyl Reissues & Last Light Vinyl + Bonus Track

2007-09-26T10:20:00.000-04:00

If you are a matt pond PA fan, the only full-length you've been able to pick up was their most recent (until yesterday) effort, Several Arrows Later. Well, Polyvinyl has changed all that. They are running a sweet deal that saves you $8 and gives you a free poster when you pick up the new vinyl pressings (first time on vinyl!) of The Green Fury, Nature of Maps and their latest (as of yesterday), Last Light. The vinyl pressing of Last Light includes "Curves in the Road," a vinyl-only bonus track!

"So Much Trouble" from Several Arrows Later

CONTEST /// The Fader & Southern Comfort presents Busy P & DJ BLAQSTARR Limited Edition 7"

2007-09-25T12:33:00.000-04:00

I've concluded from the mail that I've received, readers of this blog all have something in common - we buy music & we love a rare/deluxe/autographed package. We have dreams of large rooms with custom shelves to store these collections that we've spent so much time and money creating...and we're always looking for that new addition. The Fader & Southern Comfort have been so kind as to offer up a copy of their latest release from their extremely-limited, not-found-in-stores 7" series featuring Paris' own Busy P and Baltimore's DJ Blaqstarr. I'll let them intro it a bit more:

For the fourth edition of the Southern Comfort/FADER 7-inch series, we asked ourselves, "What would it sound like to get your butt sliced off by a ninja robot in the year 3076?" The answer (clearly) was Parisian party animal Busy P on one side and B'more blockslayer DJ Blaqstarr on the other. And then we got Tomoe Hayama to design that ninja's adverthrowingstar for the cover.

So, how can you get a copy? Well, the contest is simple. Use your record-hunting resources to find an online shop with Busy P's new 12", Rainbow Man, with the cheapest price and email me at 60watt(at)gmail.com. A winner will be drawn at random from those who succeed in this task. Include your name, mailing address, and the link where you found the album...and be SURE to mention BUSY P in the subject line. Good luck!

CONTEST ENDS 10/2/07 at 12 Noon E.S.T.

Ladytron - Destroy Everything You Touch SIGNED 7" Preorder

2007-09-24T09:50:00.001-04:00

This single came out a good while ago, but apparently Ladytron has decided that the previous CD version wasn't good enough - and have decided to re-release Destroy Everything You Touch with 2 different vinyl versions and a 4-track CD (rel. October 22). Not only can you choose between (or choose both!) different red or white vinyl releases, but each copy is signed by the band! I've only found this through a new record store find, Townsend Records, so if you order from them I'd love to know how the experience is. You can also buy the 2 vinyl releases + the CD for a cool £4.99.

White Vinyl Tracklist
A - Destroy Everything You Touch - Radio Edit (3:54)
B - Soft Power - Vicarious Bliss Gutter Mix (6:46)

Red Vinyl Tracklist
A - Destroy Everything You Touch - Radio Edit (3:54)
B - Destroy Everything You Touch - Hot Chip Remix (6:50)

CD Tracklist
1. Destroy Everything You Touch - Radio Edit (3:54)
2. International Dateline - Simian Mobile Disco Remix (5:40)
3. International Dateline (4:17)
4. Destroy Everything You Touch - White Heat - On the Money Edit (4:18)

"Destroy Everything You Touch"

Sigur Rós - Heima (Limited Deluxe Edition)

2007-09-18T13:25:00.000-04:00

I've been waiting on more info regarding the specialness of the special edition version of Sigur Rós' Heima, their new 2-DVD set coming out November 6th...and alas...here's just a little bit to wet your appetite. The special edition version will be individually numbered, have a 100 page book, and will run about $30 (compared to the normal version's $19 or so). Preorders are being taken at Beggars Group.

Heima Trailer

Heima Trailer (Hoppipolla version)

Mark Kozelek - White Christmas & Little Drummer Boy Live Limited-Edition Vinyl Box Set (White Vinyl Editions & Signed Posters!)

2007-09-18T10:42:00.000-04:00

Mark Kozelek's latest release (well, it's technically a reissue) White Christmas & Little Drummer Boy Live has been hinted at on his website for well over a year. A joint release between Mark's own Caldo Verde Records & Cameron Crowe's Vinyl Films Records, this new pressing will also have an exclusive version of "Have You Forgotten" not found on either of the previous CD releases. This 4LP set is very limited edtion, with 300 of the 1300 total copies on white vinyl and only available on tour and through Aural Exploits (preorder now!).

HOWEVER, if black vinyl is more your thing, you can preorder a copy from Mark's site, Caldo Verde Records, and you'll receive a poster designed by Morphosis and signed by Mark. Hurry, there are only 200 of those as well.

"Have You Forgotten" (alt. version), original version found on Songs for a Blue Guitar - Oh, and this particular YouTube video is a montage of Audrey Tautou...very much an added bonus.