Lo-Fi Belongings

I remember this record going up for pre-order. I remember really wanting this record. I remember the pressing numbers stating 1000 on black as the single press. I remember thinking that 1000 was a crazy number and I could get it whenever, completely not realising that this band are kind of a big deal and it sold out fairly quickly.

Tigers Jaw - Belongs To The Dead - Run For Cover Records - 1st Press - Black /1000 

I have been searching for this record for a couple of years, pretty much since it came out and I missed out on it. Distro was a little less liberal then too so I managed to skip on the album entirely. 

Back Cover // B-Side 

Originally this was released on Summersteps records as a CDr as part of their 'handmade' collection. It came out in 2006 and is quite a far cry from the S/T LP that came soon after. This record has an incredibly lo-fi production to it, and is closer to the 'I'm On Your Side' LP than anything else in their back catalogue. 

This was re-issued alongside a 2008 tour EP from RFC. Again, originally that was a CDr only deal. I actually bought that at Pre-order, without picking this up. I'm an idiot. I really like the fact that this got a little remastering job for vinyl, and that the sleeve art is completely different. As much as the art on the Summersteps version has charm, I'm definitely a fan of this more so. 

Insert

This side holds all the lyrics. Hearing early version of Jet Alone and The Sun are really charming. I love having the lyrics here just as a comparison. The Sun in particular is radically different between each recording. 

Insert 

I love that Brianna handled the layout here. Although she wasn't in Tigers Jaw at the time of the original release, it's cool to see that something was contributed to this LP at some point. 

A little word on how I got this. I lurked through distro after distro after distro for about 2 hours before I came across a copy. A few emails later, and this was on it's way and it arrived in great shape and time. Who says you need to go a store to get that rush of digging... 

Cheers!

Givin' It Live

Another quick minute, another Give record. This band have been taking up a decent chunk of my listening hours since some time last year, and since I caught on way later than I should have I've been playing catch up ever since! 

Live records aren't a thing that I normally get too worked up over; I can live with or without them in most cases. However, since all previous Give 7''s were collected on the 'Singles Going Confetti' compilation I thought I'd have to grab this first. When ordering Cursed II, I quickly nabbed this and added it to my cart before checkout. Deathwish have a mad underrated distro by the way, more and more I'm finding some utter gems in there. 

Give - I Am Live - Photobooth Records - 1st Press - Black /200 (Standard Cover)

Photobooth have since put out a 2nd press of this, limited to 45 which is mad. I didn't even know about it until it had long gone. It's a good job I'm not on the variant game with this band. Between all the variants, limited covers and scarce represses it would be a crazy move to start this late in the game. Watch this space mind. 

Back Cover // B-Side 

The layout for this record follows pretty much all the other Give 7''s, with particular reference to the large centre holes that you need a 45 adapter for (unless you want to completely fuck your records). Another cool hit with this from a design perspective is how the gig flyers are merged into the centre labels and the whole thing stays within a black and yellow theme. 

The text is largely based around what was recorded when, and the lineup at the time. The lineup for this band seems to change fairly regularly, with many 'fill in' musicians gracing the limited covers of various 7'' presses. 

These songs were also taken from a scarcely seen 'Live at Asefu's' comp tape. This cassette was released through Crush Records and the other contributing bands were: Clear // Disengage // Free Spirit. No wonder you never see it about! 

Finally this is the insert from the 7''. It's a fantastic piece of art (I think it recently won an award?) advertising the Flowerheads. I believe that is some kind of fanclub for the band, where you send a postcard or letter to the address noted down and possibly get some free stuff in return (it asks for your shirt size?). I'm not sure it would apply to the UK, but it definitely sounds like a great idea! 

Someone's Going To Get Burned

Wow it's been a little while since I have done a post on Cursed. There's a little bit of a back story here, so bare with me as it's probably not too interesting. 

Cursed II goes up for pre-order on Deathwish after months of two-ing (funny pun) and fro-ing. II has been bootlegged (much to the approval and amusement of Colohan) and getting a legal copy of this out was a huge hassle due to the financial backers from Goodfellow records way back in the day. The original press of this was not sufficient for demand right from the start and has only become more sought after. Anyway, I told myself that I didn't need this record, even though I was right there at the time of pre-order. The reason I didn't need it is because I have the original press on clear that you can read all about here: 

http://23rotations.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/more-cursed.html 

Not too long after I got complete regret over the whole ordeal, and that most limited variant got me all gooey inside as it looks incredible. So I did the whole eBay lurk, decided that paying through the teeth was stupid and hit up the 'notify when back in stock' button on the Deathwish store and held out a little hope. 

Cursed - II - Deathwish Inc. - 1st Press - Clear w/ Multi Splatter /315

After a bit of luck, and a good few weeks of being held in customs (no charge though so that's lit) this finally turned up. It's got a corner ding or two, but Deathwish are solid dudes and how this travelled isn't in their hands; it was packed well so must've had a pretty rough ride. 

Back Cover // B-Side 

Deathwish are incredible with the re-issue treatment (I can't wait to see what happens to Mercy by PMFS), and there isn't a lot of similarity in the two GFR and DW pressings. New front and back art, new variants and updated centre labels; all without even looking inside the gatefold (another difference!). 

Printed inner sleeve, made of sturdy thick card which looks great. This side contains all the lyrics and it's really easy on the eyes. Reading through all these lyrics, you see how explosive Cursed were, and probably pissed a lot of people off in the process! 

Live shot on the other side of the inner sleeve. Black and White imagery fills this record, and it really sums up the songs here. Not a lot gets lost in metaphor here, it's pretty in your face. 

Inside the gatefold

A few words from CC on the recording of the LP, the lyrical content of some of the songs here. Also, it adds more mystery to the story of Cursed. There is a popular opinion that a band has to be shrouded in mystery to be truly legendary, and this band really have that feel for me. They just imploded overnight, and even now very few words are spoken on the matter. 

This is the top image from the gatefold, I can only assume that it's from an old horror film. Deathwish also put this up on a shirt at Pre-order stage, along with some other great designs.

Finally, this record came with a huge fold out poster of Vincent Price. It would look great in a frame, but you know; parting a poster from the sleeve is something I just don't have in me. 

Deathwish did a great job here, and I'm glad I got a second chance here. Not only because it looks great, but because it sounds monstrous. I can't leave this record alone, and let's hope Cursed III doesn't have the time gap like this one did. 

Cut My Brain Into Hemispheres

The amount of great records coming out this year is honestly baffling me, and I often find myself a few weeks behind new releases, desperately playing catch up. Here is a perfect example, and as a result I had to settle on the most common variant from the 1st press which isn't a problem as it looks great anyway! 

Turnover - Peripheral Vision - Run For Cover - 1st Press - Milky Clear // Sea Blue /1500 

Visually, this record is stunning. Due to the grainy imagery throughout the sleeve design, it's pretty hard to do the art and layout any justice but trust me, it's some of my favourite album art this year. The variant is great too, and the halves of the record haze into one another which works with the whole sound of the record too. Completely irrelevant probably, but a nice touch all the same. 

Back Cover // B-Side 

The 'Live Alligators' sign on the back cover is interesting and I wish I knew a little more about it. All of the photography looks like it lands in the '60's or 70's. The photography is also not credited in the liner notes, only the layout. 

Insert 

More 'of the era' photography and lyrics for the first 5 tracks of the record. The imagery and handwritten text across the album fit in great with this record. Most people listening to this will give you the whole 'it's so dreamy' spiel when trying to give a sonic description. To me, it sounds humid and it's the only way I can get my point across. It's like one of those days where it's too hot to do anything, so you just lay on your bed with the curtains closed and the windows open. This record sounds pretty close to that feeling, in the best way possible and for me at least, the art is representative of that. 

Lyrics and Credits. 

The credits here are pretty short, with no thanks. At this point it looks like space is running a little thin anyway, and lyrics are a far better use of space for a lyric sheet right? 

Stickered Sleeve 

I love a good sticker on a sleeve, and this shiny little dude looks perfect. More importantly it guarantees a polysleeve with my record! 

If I keep up my current love for this record, it's definitely got a space in my AOTY list. The growth from release to release with this band is beautiful to see. 

Cheers!

Lost Tapes About The Weather

Recently I've been making an effort to get my collection all in one place. Some of my records are at my house, and due to space some have been left behind my Mother's. Making the slow process of converting the attic to accommodate room for everything, I have started moving all my records into one place and this has me discovering a few things here and there that I had completely forgotten about. One of those forgotten gems is what I'll be chatting about today. 

Basement - Songs About The Weather - Lost Tape Collective - 1st Press - Black /300 

Although City of Gold pressed this in the UK, LTC picked it up a year or so later and provided a small US release as Basement were starting to get a fair amount of buzz overseas. No surprise that Run For Cover picked up this band not too long after. Lost Tape Collective also put out a super limited tape of this too, but I never ended up grabbing that. 

Back Cover // B-Side 

This record has a very DIY feel to it. All on Black, photocopied covers and inserts, one press and a small run. I like this approach to releasing records, especially when you know Basement will never get that kind of treatment again. 

The record is a little confusing. Apparently most of these records had a stamp on the B-Side but a few came with handwritten labels. I have never seen another copy of this so I don't know what the ratio is, or if any were stamped at all. Either way, it just adds to the aesthetic of this release. 

Insert 

Lyrics and contact. Back when bands left their contact email on releases and had Myspace pages! 

For anyone who likes this band but doesn't have this, it pretty much sounds like Basement but a little more early Title Fight worship in there too. There's definitely growth between this and IWICSH, but there's a certain charm to these songs that I like a lot. 

The only downside between this and the City of Gold press, is the high resolution covers of the CoG pressings look a lot nicer. Considering this is my favourite art from this band, it would've been nice to have it looking a little sharper. No complaints though, this record is great and it's been on my table a decent amount over the last few days. 

If anyone has a copy of the '2 Songs' tape they don't mind parting ways with, please let me know! 

Cheers!

Salem

Well wasn't this a pain in the arse to find! Honestly, I thought I could add this to Deja for a record from RSD that I would never find. I thought I'd grabbed a second chance when Banquet got copies in, but by the time I got to the online store it was all said and done. I didn't have any idea this record would be in such demand. 

Every Time I Die - Salem - Epitaph Records - 1st Press - Brown / Red / Clear Swirl /1000 (RSD '15) 

This record collects four unreleased tracks from the 'From Parts Unknown' sessions at God City, including a cover of Tourette's by Nirvana to kick the whole thing off. I had some expectation from this 7'', as From Parts Unknown quickly climbed it's way to being one of the most listened to records of last year for me. Honestly that album could be the best ETID material to date, it's really that damn good! This 7'' delivers everything I hoped it would, and these songs would have fit right in alongside any of those album tracks. 

The cover here is super similar to the LP, down to the font and creepy lazer eyes. The centre label from the A-Side takes a marginally less edited version of the cover art for a nice comparison. 

The variant is super nice, and was pressed at United Record Pressing much the same as the Pianos Become the Teeth 7'' which also landed as an Epitaph RSD 7''. The down side of that is the record itself is a little less sturdy than some might like. But again, it sounds fine to me and I don't have the ears to be that fussed by audiophile quality most of the time anyway. 

Finally, a little story on how I ended up with this. A dude was selling on a Pop Punk UK Trade group on Facebook. I'm a big fan of this group as it allows me an insight into the kind of pizza scoffing, high fiving, stage diving dickbag behavior kids get up to these days (and honestly I'm no older than a decent majority of the kids on there). But occasionally it has it's come ups as this came pretty cheap and within a reasonable time frame. On a low note it was shipped in an envelope as opposed to a mailer, and has now suffered a few corner dings. Still beats the $40+ Discogs price tag I guess, and that's before we begin to even look at the 'bay. 

A couple more RSD wants to go, mainly that Nevermind comp but I might just cave and get the standard press. 

Cheers!

Crystal Clear?

I didn't pick up many of the Run For Cover RSD releases this year. In fact I think I only picked up one. Weird, I would have grabbed Pity Sex and Weekend Nachos if they were in my local store. I just haven't hunted round for them too much. 

However, the one release from this label I did have a little lurk around for was the newest Camera Shy 7'', slotted in between a great debut EP and the promise of a new album coming out real soon. The first thing I fell for here was the art, and ordered without so much as a cautionary listen on Bandcamp. 

Camera Shy - Crystal Clear (Record Store Day) - Run For Cover - 1st Press - Blue // White Colour in Colour /1000 (RSD '15) 

The same as their Jack 'O' Lantern EP, I fell in love with the theme of the art, as you can see here. 

http://23rotations.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/i-remember-halloween.html

Weird enough that I titled that post as I did, considering there is a Misfits cover on this new 7''. 

The weird centre label of a Guinea Pig is something I can get behind too. I thought Crystal Clear would be a precursor for the variant too, so it was nice to see this instead. 

The layout of this record is similar to the 10'', which is a weird but kind of nice little consistency over the two releases. 

It states that all words and lyrics are collectively written by Camera Shy, neither Danzig or the Misfits are credited here which seems a little odd. RFC are no stranger to holding out a decent cover or two on their releases, and I'm sure they're normally credited? 

Here you see a little more of the variant, and the contrast of the blank centre label on this side goes with the format of the back cover. I'm not sure whether that much thought went in to it, but we'll run with it right? 

Insert. 

This is a single sheet insert with no lyrics on the reverse side. However, I like that it was included purely for the sake of a little more art. Running on this sweet Halloween theme is always a bonus too. I'm not sure how long it will go on for, but this continuity in their releases is pretty great so far! Now I need to hunt down a copy of that Mixed Singles 7''... 

Cheers!

Acoustic #2

Having recently grabbed another Tigers Jaw record I was missing, and realising I only have a couple of things to grab til I have one of each release (some of their back catalogue is a right pain in the arse to find) I thought I'd drag this 7'' out for a quick word or two. 

Tigers Jaw - Run For Cover Acoustic Series #2 - Run For Cover -1st Press - Black - 400 

Sadly, one of the records I am missing is the acoustic series #1, and the CMJ Flexi (oh, there's the alternate cover of the Hum 7'' that would be great to own too!). However, no time to moan as this record was a great score. Me and a few buds run a Facebook group for buying / selling / trading records and someone was selling through there, so I jumped in early for once and grabbed this. 

Back Cover // B-Side 

I really like the idea of this record, and I wish that RFC had kept these Acoustic Series Records installments up for a little longer - some of their roster would suit this perfectly. I think Tigers Jaw made the first two, and Daylight (Superheaven) went in for the third installment and after that it went a little quiet. 

All on Black, all with Silver labels, one time pressing. It just seems like a great little release for a label, and one of the many reasons why I dig what RFC do so much. 

Minimal on the sleeve front, just a folded piece of paper. Folded covers are cool though so it's all good. Delightfully lo-fi recordings and definitely the Tigers Jaw record I am happiest to own! 

Better Than A Thousand - Just One

I'm going to stop calling these RSD ... ... posts as I'll be picking stuff up for weeks and weeks after the day. I'm sure you'll know that it's from Record Store Day or I'll mention the fact. 

Better Than A Thousand - Just One - Revelation Records - 2nd Press - Red /500 (RSD '15) 

This record hasn't been repressed since it's original release in 1997, how mental is that? I have some huge Rev gaps in my collection so when I heard this was coming out, I had to hunt it out. I actually managed to pick this up at my local store a few days ago, no one had scooped it up. There's a copy of Minority of One in there too that I'll probably be grabbing too. 

Back Cover // B-Side 

The photography for this record is absolutely incredible, and that shot of Ray Cappo screaming out on the cover perfectly sums up this record for me. The layout is simple and bold, and the reds match up perfectly here. 

Close up of the labels. The highlight here for me is the small '60' in the Rev logo, pointing out the label designation of this particular record. 

Insert 

Black on White, just as it was back in the day. Lyrics and live shots, nothing more to worry about here. Lyrically it's a little more on the attack than what Shelter were on at the time, but it still hits just right!

Insert 

Considering that everyone in this band had been in either Youth Of Today / Shelter / Battery / In My Eyes / Damnation AD or a hundred other amazing bands before this LP came along, there is no surprise that this is so good. In the same way as getting tattooed, the more you get, the more you see the gaps. I'm definitely feeling like I'm missing some classic NYHC, so I'm quite happy that I've managed to add this in without much of a hassle. 

Cheers!

RSD '15 pt. 4

Again, we take another look at the 'in the mail' part of my RSD haul. Hopefully I'll pick up something in store tomorrow to balance it all out a little. This was a record that I was initially not too fussed about; until I saw the only copy in the shop taken by the person in front of me. From that second, I knew I had to have this record in my collection. Luckily, Amazon came in handy and I snagged this for all of about £15 posted. 

Slowdive - Blue Day - Music On Vinyl - 1st Press - Blue - 001897/2000 (RSD '15) 

The first reissue of my RSD purchases, but definitely a necessary reissue. The price of Creation Records wax just keeps on going up and up, and I really didn't want to go the bootleg route with this one unless I had too. This record (at least in part) is as old as I am. How weird is that! 

Back Cover // B-Side 

The centre labels have both Creation and MoV logos on them which is pretty neat, and the simple layout on the back cover is always nice. In transit this suffered a corner ding in the top right (top left here) and there's a little seam split on top. The sleeve is made from high gloss stock card and it's a little prone to a split here and there. 

I think 800 were allocated to the UK this time, and a lot of Euro stores seem to have got this one? Numbering is on the top of the back cover. Much in the same way as the limited (Red) The Devil And God LP was that came out a couple years back from this label. 

As there is no insert here, all the information is packed in to the bottom of the back sleeve. Funny fact: Alan Moulder (credited for remixing here, worked with some incredible artists like My Bloody Valentine, Ride, Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails etc.) is from my hometown, and it's a pretty damn small town at that! 

MoV sticker on the sleeve 

RSD sticker on the sleeve 

This record looks pretty flat in photos, but held up to the light it has this beautiful swirl effect that I'm really digging at the minute. I definitely appreciate this release, it sounds incredible too!

RSD '15 pt. 3

This is where I start hitting the online section of my RSD shopping. I've grabbed more online than I did in store this year. It's a shame as it definitely defeats the point, but most of these weren't available in my local stores and the heart wants what the heart wants you know? This is my first 7'' buy from this year, and definitely one of my biggest wants. 

Pianos Become The Teeth - Close - Epitaph Records - 1st press - White // Blue // Clear Swirl /1000 (Rsd '15) 

Pianos Become The Teeth are a band that have captivated me from day one, and I've done my best to jump on every release early. This band were a big part in shaping my collection a few years ago, and so when I knew this was coming out I started to panic. It wasn't anywhere on the day in the UK, and all signs pointed towards eBay. Thankfully, Banquet Records got a few copies in, and although I missed out on the Every Time I Die 7'', I got on in good time to grab this. 

Back Cover // B-Side 

Everything about this record is perfect. Every time this band get it right with the artwork, giving the most simple image an incredible impact. The variant matches up nicely too which is always a bonus. 

Lyrics on the back cover. Normally I don't delve in to what is going on musically, but this record is beautiful. Two incredible and versatile songs; recorded with the Keep You sessions that absolutely belong together. I streamed these songs online before grabbing it as I just couldn't wait to hear it; this band gets me far too excited. 

Stickered shrinkwrap. 

It was a real pain getting this record out of this, taking photos of it and then getting it back in. It's a weird OCD thing that if a sticker is on the shrink, the record has to stay in there (unless I can peel it off and pop it on a poly sleeve). 

Although you can't tell much away from the light, this variant is beautiful and there's a lot going on here. I've heard some people complaining about how thin the vinyl is, and there's definitely some truth there. However, it sounds great so I've got no complaints. The volume of records being pressed over this period is ridiculous, so I'm not surprised that this record was pressed this way. 

I'll keep on doing posts like this as they arrive. This is fast turning into my favourite RSD, some of these releases have been brilliant. And again, new material on RSD is what it's all about right?

Cheers!