SixtyWatt

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.