MP3: Explode Into Colors – “Sharpen the Knife”

I piled on the praise for Explode Into Colors back in March (and, awesomely, have seen many others follow suit (particularly following their SXSW appearances)), and though I noted that they had a 7-inch for “Eyes, Hands, Mouth” lined up for release on KRS later this summer, what I didn’t know was this: they have a release out now. The Explode Into Colors Sean Rocky Zach and Dekum Tape is, you guessed it, a cassette, and features 8 songs for $5. Grab it at the EIC Myspace. They have a pretty sweet T-shirt available there too.

MP3: Ryland Bouchard – “Married To The Ground”

I pointed out back in October that Ryland Bouchard (The Robot Ate Me) was putting together a really unique package for his SEEDS project, which involved 7-inches, an illustrated book, engraved wooden box and lots of other very cool stuff. However, the $125 price tag may have put it out of reach for many. But now, at the Swim Slowly store, you can pick up a more modest version of the SEEDS set, featuring the 4 clear 7-inches, digital versions of all the tracks (”A-Sides” plus “B-Sides”) and artwork, and a letterpressed tracklist. Limited edition of 100, $50.

Here’s a video from Ryland’s recent Takeaway Show session:

As I mentioned last month, Hidden Agenda has done us Yanks a solid by picking up kiwi rock legends The Bats‘ latest, The Guilty Office, for a US release. It’s slated for release on 6/23, and from the sound of “Castle Lights,” looks to be another slab of lovely, jangly, Bats goodness.

I *almost* forgot to mention it, but MBV was chosen as “Blog of the Week” over at Breakthru Radio, which means they (a.) put up a number of selected MBV posts over there, and (b.) interviewed me and gave me carte blanche on the show’s playlist– which you can listen to here, on DJ DoseU’s show.

Yes, pictured above, that’s a brand new Thief/City of Daughters 2xLP Deluxe Reissue that just showed up in my mailbox today. For years, many of us Bejar-heads have drained our wallets chasing rare copies of the original pressings of these 2 albums, but that time is now passed. Nominal Records has put together this beautiful reissue– Bejar and JC/DC did a totally new mix for Thief (originally mixed in mono), and both albums have been freshly remastered. This is a 2xLP set, with both albums occupying opposite sides of a single lovely “tip-on” gatefold jacket. Limited edition of 1026 copies.

Order Destroyer – Thief/City of Daughters 2xLP from Darla

(P.S., Destroyer is also touring next month, and supposedly, there will be a new album before the end of the year.)

Second time this week I’m effectively just reblogging Tom the Great Pumpkin. This time he’s wisely advising quick action if you hope to snag There’s No Sky, Oh My My, the debut full-length from Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Jail. Released in an edition of who-the-hell-knows, and done in a plain sleeve with the album info pasted on, the package itself sounds just as straightforward and no-nonsense as the music itself, which is perfectly enjoyable, bouncy, garagey rock.

Order There’s No Sky, Oh My My on the band’s Myspace.

Attention Fulton Lights fans: Jez Burrows, the wonderfully talented designer who granted Catbird Records a great boon by doing the design of that last Fulton Lights record, The Way We Ride, is now selling a very limited (60 copies) edition 10″ x 20″ two-tone screenprint. Would look very nice on your wall, methinks.

Ned tipped me off to City Center, the spacey project of Saturday Looks Good To Me’s Fred Thomas, in February of last year. I noticed at the time that they seemed to be posting quite a lot of mp3s, but after checking back again today after Great Pumpkin Tom’s reminder, I see that they’ve posted over 100 of them. That’s over 100 totally free, no-strings-attached, original songs for your downloading pleasure. Sample a few below, then go grab as many as you can handle…

Their releases have consisted mainly of CD-Rs, and though they have done a few 7-inches (including a split with the great Grouper), they’re just about to have their first proper long-player released. UK label Type is releasing the self-titled City Center LP on 6/8, in an edition of 500. As Tom points out, this is the same label that released Grouper’s instantly sold-out Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill…, so you’d better jump on this City Center pre-order opportunity while you are still able.

In addition to the limited Mexican Summer God Is Saying This To You… LP, and the Kurt Vile & the Violators Hunchback EP that came out last month, the Woodsist vinyl release of Vile’s “hit” Gulcher album Constant Hitmaker is now shipping. Here’s a track:

MP3: Kurt Vile – “Deep Sea”

…also, I believe Kurt’s Skulltones “Fall Demons” 7″ is due out any day now, too. So don’t forget about that one.

Previously: Kurt Vile, Kurt Vile “God Is Saying This To You…” is Sold Out

I’m thrilled to finally have the green light to announce that Catbird’s own Forest Fire has signed to the great French label Talitres, European home to Destroyer, The Walkmen, The National, and many other amazing bands. Survival will be reissued on April 27th, in France, Benelux, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. But what about the UK, you may wonder. Hell, what about the U.S.?! As you’re probably aware, our Catbird Records pressing of Survival sold out long ago. But fret not– something tells me that there just might be a few more announcements coming out of the Forest Fire camp very soon that should address your concerns.

Forest Fire at Talitres.Com →