VINYL FURY.

/2000 Red (Record Store Day 2012)

The seminal and final (?) album from Refused. Originally released as a single LP in 1998, it was remastered as a 2xLP in 2010. This is a reissue of that release on lovely red vinyl.

This edition was also available at the recent U.S. shows, the band’s first return to the stage in 14 years.

Also included is the remastered album on CD as well the excellent documentary ‘Refused Are Fucking Dead’, originally released in 2006.

Music: 10/10

Sound: 9/10

Presentation: 10/10

/5000 individually numbered on gold vinyl (RSD ‘12 Exclusive)

For some reason, the platinum selling soundtrack to this cult classic film about friends and lovers who work at a record store was only available on CD upon its release in 1995.

The soundtrack contains songs from classic 90s alternative rock bands like The Cranberries, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Better Than Ezra, and Gin Blossoms who had a hit with “‘Til I Hear it From You”.

While it is spread out over two LPs, the sound is certainly not audiophile quality. However, this is something I expected. The soundtrack was released along with The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink to appeal to the nostalgic record buyers on Record Store Day. Worked for me.

Music: 8/10

Sound: 7/10

Presentation: 9/10

Originally released in 1997, Snapcase’s second album was repressed in a limited edition of 900 copies on opaque yellow vinyl for Record Store Day 2012.

This release is considered revolutionary by many fans of hardcore music, with good reason. An excellent choice of reissue by Victory Records.

Music: 9/10

Sound: 8.5/10

Presentation: 9/10

/1250 on clear light green vinyl (Record Store Day 2012 Exclusive)

Originally released in 2007 as a double CD package, this fantastic effort from the Icelandic wonders has finally seen a vinyl pressing. However, it’s a very small one in the scheme of things. This band and their vinyl releases are attractive to ‘flippers’, who are currently selling copies of this on ebay for 2-3x the retail price. Many fans were unable to get this. I’m hoping XL does a repressing to meet the demand.

The records sound really great, and of course the music is beautiful. Unfortunately, the labels on the records were switched so Hvarf is labeled as Heim and vice versa. You’ll have to look at the deadwax to find proper side A, etc.

Looking forward to the release of their new album Valtari on May 29th.

Music: 9.5/10

Sound: 9/10

Presentation: 9/10

Originally released as a 10” in 2002, the final studio recording from Botch has been remastered on 12” vinyl at 45rpm. This was released on Record Store Day this year on 180 gram vinyl in Black, Red, Gold, and Clear variants. 

The outer and inner sleeves are also nice and sturdy. A quality presentation from Hydra Head Records.

The official RSD list stated this was limited to 750 copies. However, this was also made available online from Hydra Head that day, and I saw several copies in different record stores even a few hours after the start of sales. There is no clear statement from the label on how many are available in total or of each color. But, that doesn’t matter … right?

The record sounds great, and Botch fans everywhere are happy to have it. We all hope there are more re-issues on the way.

Music: 9/10

Sound: 9/10

Presentation: 10/10

Woke myself up early and got down to my favorite store a few minutes before the doors opened, managed to get everything I wanted! Hope you all had the same fortune.

Some individual features will follow shortly. For now, a look at my haul for Record Store Day 2012:

Released by Classic Records on 200 gram vinyl. Featuring tracks from Jeff Buckley, Sigur Rós, R.E.M., Radiohead, Peter Gabriel, and many more. Limited to 2500 numbered copies.

Includes several pages of photos from the set of the 2001 film (highly overlooked in my opinion) starring Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, and Jason Lee. Directed by Cameron Crowe, who collected an amazing group of songs that suit the film impeccably. 

Includes a piece of a film print.

Music: 9.5/10

Sound: 8.5/10

Presentation: 10/10

Remastered from the original tapes by Bernie Grundman. 180 gram vinyl, pressed at RTI. All good things. Sounds absolutely wonderful. Faithfully reproduced jacket with glossy cover and rear ‘slick’. This highly recommended reissue is still available.

Released in late 1993 on Columbia Records, this 4 song EP served as Jeff Buckley’s first commercial solo release. The songs, two originals and two covers, were recorded at the tiny coffee shop in New York City’s east village where Jeff would frequently play. 

This was scored on Ebay for a mere $15, when it usually sells for around $70. It is a personal highlight of record collecting, and an important piece of music history.

Being essentially a promotional piece for Jeff and his upcoming full length album ‘Grace’, the EP came with this promo insert with glowing quotes and info on Jeff and his promising future.

An expanded version was released as a 2CD/1DVD ‘Legacy Edition’ in 2003 and is an essential piece for any Buckley fan. 

Music: 9.5/10

Sound: 8.5/10

Presentation: 8.5/10

/2000 Green, available exclusively from Hot Topic.

Originally released as a 2xLP in 2006, the album has been re-cut on a single LP. The original didn’t sound all that great, and fortunately this at least doesn’t sound any worse. But, it does have a 51:30 running time which makes it a tight squeeze.

This can now also be found, along with ‘Deftones’ (2003) on black vinyl at other retailers.

Music: 8.5/10

Sound: 7.5/10

Presentation: 8/10