A Giant Dog - Bone LP

A Giant Dog - Bone LP, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Tic Tac Totally (2013)

Every so often I will scroll through the Green Noise records distro list. If there is a band listed that I've never heard of (and doesn't have really obvious hardcore/metal style artwork) I'll go check them out. That's how I heard of A Giant Dog. Despite their Pepto Bismol nightmare artwork, I was intrigued enough by the album's description to give them a shot on Bandcamp. After listening to a few songs, I was sold and added that record to cart right away.

This is some fantastic guitar pop. It bristles with the sort of energy and hookiness that you'll hear in Superchunk or Shy Mirrors. It has strong female fronted vocals that can carry the melodies, but the guys in the band certainly keep pace with the outstanding harmonies that cover every inch of this record. Things veer a bit towards the glammy side of rock around the middle of the record, but the first and last thirds of the record are just killer pop with warm full guitars.

The only other thing I'll mention is that I can't believe there's not a pink vinyl version of the record. I'm not complaining, it just seemed to me that the band was really going all in on the pink theme.

A Giant Dog - Bone:
agiantdog.bandcamp.com/album/bone

Low Culture - Evil 7"

Low Culture - Evil 7", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Drunken Sailor / Cut The Cord That... (2013)

I couldn't be more thrilled to have 2 more songs from the band that has put out one of my favorite records so far this year, Low Culture. There's almost no way that the Low Culture full length isn't in my top 10 this year, unless the 2nd half of 2013 is poised to be something magical. This 7" carries on the same tradition. It's a Europe only 7" that was released to coincide with a trip the band took overseas, though I have seen it in a fair amount of US distros as well.

The songs are fast, they're catchy, they have all the hooks and melodies right where you want them. I often lament the fact that the Marked Men aren't a full time band any more, but keep giving me Low Culture and more records from The Novice and I'll probably soften my stance on that real quick.

I also have to mention how much I love the artwork for this 7". Sure, it's certainly not the first Bad Brains spoof I've ever seen, but it's absolutely the best one. It makes me laugh to myself almost every time I see. I even bought a shirt with the same design. Go Low Culture!

Low Culture - Evil:
drunkensailorrecords.bandcamp.com/album/evil-7

Samiam - You Are Freaking Me Out LP - Blue Vinyl (/100)

Samiam - You Are Freaking Me Out LP - Blue Vinyl (/100), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

No Idea (2013)

The more I listen to Samiam, the more I just do not understand how I could have possibly missed out on them the first time around. Considering the kind of music I've been listening to for the past 20+ years, the sheer amount of records I bought in the mid 90's and the fact that quite a few of my friends listened to Samiam, it simply make no sense that I didn't have a bunch of their records. I am now doing my best to correct that oversite and there's quite a few labels reissuing Samiam records and making it easy for me.

No Idea tackled You Are Freaking Me Out, which very much carries on the major label-esque rock of Clumsy. Big slick guitars, quiet-then-loud vocals and a driving energy that just carries the whole album. I do not say major label-esque with any sort of malice in my words. 90's major labels help produce some truly great sounding records in that decade and I think Samiam really benefits from the sheen. Everything sounds bright & crisp and No Idea has done a stellar job capturing this energy on the new vinyl reissue.

I actually really lucked out getting the limited to 100 blue vinyl version. I had missed the pre-order on the No Idea website and just ended up grabbing the record from another distro while placing an order for some Record Store Day overstock. Imagine my surprise to get this in the mail. I'm not usually so fortunate when I miss a pre-order, so I'll thank my lucky stars for this one.

Samiam - Full On:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9Hte1ZeucI

Samiam - While You Were Waiting:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxpB_Ofl0Ds

Samiam - Good Enough:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8jk9zc3EpI

Sabertooth - Morning Breath 7" - Yellow Vinyl

Sabertooth - Morning Breath 7" - Yellow Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Debt Offensive (2013)

One if the neater things that has happened since I started up this website is the fact that I've had a people get in touch with me to say they like the site or the records I write about. It's always cool to hear that. A handful of people (4 to be exact) like this website enough to send me a copy of the record they have released. It's a side effect of this website that I never really expected, but it's still fun to get something new that I wouldn't have known about otherwise. Case in point is this Sabertooth 7" that was sent to me by Debt Offensive records.

I'd never heard of this band previously, but I am very happy I know who they are now. They play a gruff style of punk pop that probably has more in common with band's like Plow United than anyone else, though I can certainly hear some early Jawbreaker in there as well. The songs all have that ever important hook buried in there, but they also weave some dynamic guitar noise in for good measure.

According to the band's Bandcamp page they also put out a full LP a couple of years ago, but it appears to be sold out. I'm going to have to take a look around for that, if those songs are as good as what's on this 7", it will be a record worth owning.

Sabertooth - Morning Breath 7":
sabertooth-punk.bandcamp.com/album/morning-breath

Steve Adamyk Band - Third CD

Steve Adamyk Band - Third CD, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Waterslide (2013)

There is nothing I won't say in this write up about the music that I haven't said roughly a million times before. Steve Adamyk Band is one of my absolute favorite bands playing right now. This album (as well as all of their other records) are absolutely essential if you like fast paced, catchy punked up pop. This is one of the best records of the year and should be bought right away.

As for this version, this is the Japanese CD on Waterslide records. I really don't buy CDs unless there is no other version available. Even in the case where I'm collecting variants of a band, I typically just stick to vinyl. But there's something about this band that just makes me have to by every single version of every single record they put out. They're just that good. So welcome to the collection CD version. I'm sure there will be more to follow.

Steve Adamyk Band - Third:
dirtnaprecords.bandcamp.com/album/steve-adamyk-band-third

Wimps - Repeat LP (/300)

Wimps - Repeat LP (/300), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

End Of Time (2013)

If it isn't obvious, I'm always on the hunt for new bands and new music. There's something that's just so satisfying about discovering previously unknown sounds. So, I'm constantly taking chances on new bands. In the year 2013, it's pretty easy to check out a record before you buy it, and I certainly do that, but every once in a while, you just have to go in blind and that's what I did with this Wimps LP.

I heard 1 song, a song called "Naps." it was a catchy, bouncy little pop song with fuzz and hooks and all that good stuff that I like. So I picked up the record. Unfortunately all of the other songs are total let downs for me. Maybe it's just me, but I never liked the Sleater Kinney style of warbled vocals that run through this entire record. Where "Nap" has upbeat bouncy guitar, the rest of the record is just a mess of start-stop guitar and shouted lyrics.

In all, it's just not a record I want to listen to and it's really the vocals that kill it for me. If you don't mind people shouting at you, check this out. However, if you prefer a bit of melody in your singing, there's almost no way you'll like this one.

Wimps - Repeat:
endoftimerecords.bandcamp.com/album/wimps-repeat

Rocket From The Crypt - Boychucker 7" - Black Vinyl Label Variants

Rocket From The Crypt - Boychucker 7" - Black Vinyl Label Variants, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Sympathy For The Record Industry (1994)

At this stage in my Rocket From The Crypt collecting, I'm getting really insane. As I already have the vast majority of their records, I'm hunting down the really subtle (and some might say silly) variations of records I already have. The only big ticket item that is missing from the collection right now is the Pure Genius 7" on red vinyl, so while I'm looking for that, I'm also grabbing anything else I can find that I don't already have.

Case in point; the Boychucker 7". I already have 4 different variants of the picture disc version of this 7" (Regular Version, A Side Image on Both Sides Version, Red Border Version, Tan Paper Version). I also have multiple versions of the later repress on black vinyl. Well, I can add 2 more to those variants. The difference is just the labels that are on the actual record. Several were made with generic Sympathy labels, and well, I just need them all. Nothing groundbreaking, nothing a normal person would need, but I just have to have them. The Unconditional Love of Rocket From The Crypt. There's 1 more version that I know of, so I'm still on the lookout for that.

Not for nothing, this is also one of my absolute favorite RFTC records and Boychucker is a top 3 song of theirs for me. So having a few extra versions around certainly isn't the worst thing possible.

Rocket From The Crypt - Boychucker:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeGIXdSydBc

Rocket From The Crypt - Boychucker (Live):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmlZD7ZksaY

The Humanoids - S/T LP - Purple Vinyl

The Humanoids - S/T LP - Purple Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Throwing Things (2013)

This record is some sort of secret. The band doesn't sell it or even say that it's out on any of their websites. The record label doesn't sell it on their website. They also don't really advertise that it is actually out. There's a few mentions of a vinyl release show, so I figured it had to be out there somewhere. I actually finally found a mention that a record store in St. Louis called Vintage Vinyl (not to be the confused with the one here in NJ) that was selling it online. But it's kind of silly that you have to hunt for a new record .

The hunt is worth it though, as Humanoids have a cracker of a record here. Plain and simple what should sell this to you is that Humanoids have an extremely similar sound to Dillinger Four. They channel the same energy, similar vocals and really tight hooks. I'm not saying they're a carbon copy, but of all the bands I've heard over the years aiming for a sound like this, Humanoids pull it off the best.

The cover is a screened fold over. While that leads to a pet peeve of mine (no info on the album spine), the cover itself looks great. Thick cardstock and a really quality screening job. The purple vinyl has some other colors swirled in, probably a "mixed-color-vinyl" special from one of the pressing plants. Sometime that results in some drab looking grays, but this purple is sharp.

The total package, but I can't find any of the songs streaming online anywhere, so you may have to take my word for it and take a chance. This is a record you should go out of your way to buy, which you'll have to do because they certainly don't make it easy for you. I'll help you out; you can grab it here: www.vintagevinyl.com/ (you'll have to search for "Humanoids" once you get on that site because you can't direct link to any of the records they have. No one will make this easy!)

The Novice - What You Want 7" - Black Vinyl & Yellow Vinyl (/200)

The Novice - What You Want 7" - Black Vinyl & Yellow Vinyl (/200), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Dirtnap (2013)

Jeff Burke has one of the most recognizable styles I've come across. Throughout his bands The Marked Men, Potential Johns and now The Novice, there's never any question that this man is in the band. He just has a knack for really unique punked out pop songs. As soon as those guitar chords shift to that unexpected area for the hook, bam, that's Jeff.

On this 7" we have 2 songs that Jeff recorded while in a band he formed in Japan called The Novice. Both are just out of this world. Certainly I cannot fathom anyone not loving them who also likes The Marked Men or Potential Johns. Sadly, this will likely be the only Novice release as Jeff has moved back to Texas, but I guess that means maybe we could see another Marked Men record someday. That would be an OK sacrifice.

As is usually the case with Dirtnap, the first 200 of these were on colored vinyl, and there's no way I'm not getting variants when a member of The Marked Men is involved. A great record.

The Novice - What You Want 7"
dirtnaprecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-novice-s-t-7

Resonars - Crummy Desert Sound LP - Blue Vinyl (150)

Resonars - Crummy Desert Sound LP - Blue Vinyl (150), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Burger (2013)

Over the past few years, numerous friends have pointed me to The Resonars with mixed results. I've heard individual songs that were outstanding and I've purchased whole albms that I felt were wildly inconsistent. After the band's most recent (and incredible) 7" on Trouble In Mind, I decided I'd give their next album a shot as well. That album is Crummy Desert Sound, and boy am I glad I gave this band another chance.

Crummy Desert Sound is crammed full of catchy harmonies and 60's British invation style rock and roll. It's a pretty straight forward pop record and the songs are just incredible. There are a lot of bands that have a retro vibe these days, but the Resonars sound so much more authentic. The backing vocals are head and shoulders above almost any band I can think of. This is a definite must check out, plus rumor has it that they will actually have another full length later this year on Trouble In Mind, so hopefully there will be even more greatness to enjoy sooner than later.

The first 150 copies came out on sky blue vinyl, but that is currently sold out and I am really relieved I grabbed one when I did as I'd hate to have heard this record later and realized I had to go track it down.

The Resonars - The World is Wrong:
soundcloud.com/burgerrecords/the-resonars-the-world-is

Plow United - Marching Band LP - Mixed Color Vinyl (/100)

Plow United - Marching Band LP - Mixed Color Vinyl (/100), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Jump Start (2013)

When news got out that Plow United was back together, playing shows AND recording a new album, I went in with some slight trepidation. At the best of times, big name bands crumble under the lofty expectations of a reunion and most smaller bands honestly don't even bother. Being from New Jersey I am very familiar with Plow United's work in the 90's, I don't think I could count the number of times I saw them play (Though one of my very favorite times was when they played with Porcelain Boys at the Pipeline in Newark). To me they were an important band, but it also seemed to me at the time that they weren't known as well outside of our little community of punk rockers. I was surprised when they announced their reunion and I wasn't sure what I would think of their new material.

Well, this really is a great record. Plow United have managed to keep the bulk of their enthusiasm and most importantly the speed of their songs in tact. Sure there are a few tracks that slow things down a bit and one or two that have a slight (and really, I mean slight) twang to them, but in general it sounds like a band picking up where they left off. Older, and tackling subject matter that's more important to me as I also got older. Plow United is a band that has aged with me, and while I don't feel all that old (most of the time), the things that are important to me have changed over the years. It's interesting to hear that from a band as well.

The first half of the record, in particular, is just a scorcher and by the time they get the to the "We do, we do!" hook at the end of "Cui Bono," I'm just about ready to grab a torch and a pitchfork and storm whatever castle is responsible. I tend to prefer the faster songs like "Cui Bono," "Act Like It" and album closer "Meggers." The one time they lose me on the record is on "Get Low." There's nothing inherently wrong with the song itself, but I just don't like the voice of the person singing the duet (I believe it's Mimi Gallagher of the band Nona, but it's not explicitly spelled out in the liner notes). Every time I hear the song it just makes me think of the Atom & His Rockage song "(She's Just A) Head."

That is really the slightest speed bump in a record that I am just thrilled with. When a band has been broken up as long as Plow United has, there's always that chance they won't live up to what you remember. In this case, they not only lived up, they probably exceed what they did on their last pre-breakup record Narcolepsy. Plow, stay together this time. The 30 somethings need you.

Plow United - Marching Band:
jumpstartrecords.bandcamp.com/album/marching-band

Rocket From The Crypt - Paint As A Fragrance LP - Orange Mush Vinyl

Rocket From The Crypt - Paint As A Fragrance LP - Orange Mush Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Headhunter (1991)

Another Headhunter variant of the first Rocket From The Crypt record. Considering how many times I've posted a new picture of this album on this website, I don't have a lot to say about it this time out, other than to remind you what great songs "French Guy" and "Maybelline" are. This latest repress on all these different colors is a little wacky and if it wasn't for the fact that Rocket is my favorite band in the world I doubt I'd be going after all these versions. That being said, I know there's a green one out there, if anyone wants to hook me up with it, please get in touch.

The Thermals - Desperate Ground LP - Red w/ Smoke Vinyl (/500)

The Thermals - Desperate Ground LP - Red w/ Smoke Vinyl (/500), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Saddle Creek (2013)

The sixth and one of the best albums from a band I go way back with, The Thermals. It is no secret that I love, LOVE, the 1st 2 Thermals albums. I was just obsessed with the band and saw them play live more times than I could count. Since then their records have been a bit uneven for me. I did like Now We Can See, but I could take or leave The Body The Blood The Machine or Personal Life. I felt like they just didn't capture the energy of the first 2 records.

On Desperate Ground the energy is back. The Thermals tear through the songs on this record, with fuzz and distortion and tons of hooks. The lo fi spur of the moment sound is what always made The Thermals stand out to me and I'm just so thrilled that feeling is back on their records. If I had 1 negative thing to point out, I would say that I wish the guitar was a little louder in the mix. It get's lost in the vocals & rhythm section on a couple of songs. Despite that very minor complaint, Desperate Ground is absolutely the best Thermals album in years and I truly, truly hope that when it comes time for album 7 they keep up the fuzz.

The version of the record in the picture above is the 180g red w/ smoke color vinyl that was only sold through the Saddle Creek store and from the band on tour. They only pressed 500 on colored vinyl and from the looks of the Saddle Creek store, those are sold out. best chance to get one would probably be from the band.

The Thermals - Born To Kill
soundcloud.com/saddlecreek/the-thermals-born-to-kill

Real Numbers - Only Two Can Play 12"

Real Numbers - Only Two Can Play 12", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Three Dimensional (2013)

A couple of years ago I wrote about a 7" by the band Real Numbers. I really enjoyed it, though truthfully I haven't listened to it all that much since then. I'm going to assume that write up was the reason that I was sent this 12". I don't get a lot of people mailing me records to review, so I always consider it a real treat when someone likes my silly website to send me something to listen to. It's even better when it's a band I already like.

As for this specific 12", I like it. It doesn't strike me the same way the 7" did, but over the course of the 6 songs on this EP, Real Numbers do crank out some real hits. In general, I wish the band had a little more oomph behind them, especially in the vocals which at times come off as being nasal and a bit disinterested. But when the band really gets cranking, they jangle-y guitars and great hooks definitely make up for this.

On the highlights of the EP "This Time He's Gone Too Far" and "Ordeal" is where the band shines, plying a craft that reminds me a lot of the more low key moments of bands like Cold Warps. If you like a clean, mod guitar sound with a retro vibe, this is a band that you'll want to check out.

Real Numbers - Only Two Can Play 12":
real-numbers.bandcamp.com/album/only-two-can-play

Dumpster Babies - S/T LP - Red Vinyl

Dumpster Babies - S/T LP - Red Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Tall Pat (2013)

Dumpster Babies are a band that on the surface have a couple of things going against them. 1st is the fact that I'm not really keen on the name of the band and second is the fact that the first song on the album is called "Dumpster Babies." Naming a song after your band name is always a dicey proposition (Just ask H.A.R.D.C.O.R.P.S), but somehow, not only do Dumpster Babies overcome these obstacles, that song just might be my favorite on the whole album.

This is a band that plays relaxed, good time sloppy rock and roll. And I mean that in the absolute most complimentary way possible. There are bands that you think are super particular and deliberate in the studio, resulting in a cold sounding record. This Dumpster Babies record just sounds like it was a blast to record. The songs are fun, the energy is loose, but focused and more than anything the songs are there.

Most everything is pretty darn catchy with awesome hooks. The lower key stuff has a more retro 60's vibe, while some of the faster garage-y ones remind me a lot of Earthmen & Strangers or The Yolks (Both who incidentally really have taken too long to follow up their last albums, provided they're still bands anyway). Dumpster Babies have created one of those records that just gets better the more you listen as I'm constantly discovering a song that was in the background the first time through that suddenly jumps out as one of the highlights. A great debut record by a band that I'm eager to hear more from. Excellent 1st release, Tall Pat Records.

Dumpster Babies - 4 songs off the album:
dumpsterbabies.bandcamp.com/

Record Store Day Haul #13 - Night Marchers / Mrs. Magician - Split 7" -White Vinyl

Record Store Day Haul #13 - Night Marchers / Mrs. Magician - Split 7" - White Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Swami (2013)

Closing up my run of records bought on Record Store Day 2013 is lucky number 13; the Night Marchers / Mrs. Magician split 7". This record is in a bit of a grey area as far as whether I should count it as a Record Store Day release. It was sent out to stores for April 20th. It wasn't listed on the Official Record Store Day list. Plus when the 2 bands went on tour a few months ago, they sold 300 copies of the split. Sadly they sold out at the show I went to, so I had to rely on the kindness of #TeamSwami to help grab me a copy (My local record stores didn't stock any copies for RSD either). So I'm going to include it in the wrap up, otherwise feel free to view this write as a transition back to non-RSD records for tomorrow.

These guys are 2 of my current favorite bands in the world. The Speedo led Night Marchers have years of goodwill stored up with me and they do not disappoint with their ripper from this 7" "La Gloria." A hook laden rocker that builds and changes in ways that only Night Marchers seem to be able to pull off. Another stellar effort.

Mrs. Magician, on the flip side, is responsible for putting out what is probably my favorite record of the past 5 years or so; Strange Heaven. Their effort, "Despicable Things," once again reaffirms my belief that they are the best thing going in rock and roll right now. Packed full of harmonies, yet slightly darker than the bulk of the songs on their LP, "Despicable Things" is just flat out great. I can't wait to hear more Mrs. Magician. They have a 7" planned on Windian later in the year , but I want more. I know there's more leftovers from their unreleased album Pity Party Animal. "Get Bent" and "Tabloids" have to come out on vinyl. Did I mention that I want more?

Mrs. Magician - Despicable Things:
soundcloud.com/mrs-magician/despicable-things

(Couldn't find the NM track streaming anywhere)

Record Store Day Haul #12 - Giant Henry - Big Baby LP - Grey Vinyl

Record Store Day Haul #12 - Giant Henry - Big Baby LP - Grey Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Numero (2013)

For all purposes Giant Henry is really Unwound. Or at least it's Unwound while they were still in high school. Giant Henry was the band they originally formed that set them on their path for indie rock sort-of-super-stardom. I really liked Unwound when I was younger and in particular I enjoyed the first couple of their records the most, so I was intrigued when this was announced for Record Store Day. I figured that it could go 2 ways. it could be great like early Unwound or it could be terrible since it was a high school band. Surprisingly, it's somewhere in the middle.

I'll say this, I pretty much can guarantee that Giant Henry was better than whatever bands you went to high school with. They're certainly better than the ones I went to high school with anyway. While no where near as refined or dynamic as Unwound, Giant Henry was definitely on to something. They had the noisy breakdowns, they had the screechy guitar squall and more than anything they had that quintessential Pacific Northwest vibe.

While I'm looking forward to Numero's Unwound reissue project more, and even though this isn't a record that will probably get a ton of play from me, I am very excited to have this in the collection as it is an interesting look at the genesis of a band that was only a few years away from being truly great. Extra thanks to @eekrock for picking this up for me as my Record Store Day stores didn't stock it.

Giant Henry - Super Nova:
soundcloud.com/biz-3-publicity/giant-henry-super-nova/

Record Store Day Haul #11 - The Beta Band - Champion Versions 12"

Record Store Day Haul #11 - The Beta Band - Champion Versions 12", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

EMI (2013)

My internet is down and I'm posting this from my phone so I'll keep this brief. This was a UK only RSD release sent to me courtesy of @chris_whitehead. It contains the song Dry the Rain, famous for its placement in the movie High Fidelity.

I love this song, but it's pretty much the only Beta Band song that I really like all that much. Everything else just bores me after a while. Even on this 12", by the time I get to track 4, I've had my fill of this band. But that 1 song is just so good I have to have it in vinyl.

The Beta Band - Dry The Rain:
youtube.com/#/watch?v=wsbR2dEmHGc&desktop_uri=/watch?...

Record Store Day Haul #10: V/A - Trouble In Mind Compilation 7" - WhiteVinyl (/2000)

Record Store Day Haul #10: V/A - Trouble In Mind Compilation 7" - White Vinyl (/2000), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Trouble In Mind (2013)

Yes, I am still going with Record Store Day releases. I have a few more to get to, but will finish up this week. I've also received everything that friends picked up for me in other parts of the country (& world) and mailed over, so I'll be able to go straight through all of the Record Store Day records I bought without having to skip a day.

Every year Trouble in Mind puts out a Record Store Day 7" of bands from their label doing cover songs. It becomes an annual hunt as the stores by me never stock it. But, each year I do manage to track down a copy. It's always an important record to pick up as I am sitting on a complete collection of Trouble In Mind 7"s on colored vinyl (been buying since day 1!) and need to keep it complete.

That being said, this yearly compilation is never anything particularly exciting. This year, I really like the Resonars song, but the other three bands (Jacco Gardner, Mmoss & Maston) just don't do anything for me. When Trouble In Mind is doing pop or garage rock they can do no wrong, but they also put out a lot of throwback psych bands. The psych revival thing is just going completely over my head. I don't think the bands are necessarily playing anything bad; I just don't like psych (or the kind of music everyone seems calling baroque or chamber pop).

Still, happy to keep the 7" collection going and you know I'll be on the hunt once again come Record Store Day 2014.

Record Store Day Haul #9: The Animals - Is Here 10" / Are Back 10"

Record Store Day Haul #9: The Animals - Is Here 10" / Are Back 10", a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Abkco (2013)

When i first saw these 10"s listed on the Record Store Day lists, I thought that it was a bit silly. Sure it's the chance to own mono versions of my 3 favorite Animals songs on vinyl. They're reproductions of original 7"s, but it seemed like a cash grab to me to have these put out this time as 10"s instead of 7"s. At $12 a pop, it just seemed expensive, even though I decided that I was going to pick them up anyway.

I will say this, it was worth every penny because to my humble ears, these 2 records sound outstanding. The 10"s format at 45rpm just gives the grooves and the songs space to breathe and I have never, ever heard any of these songs sound better than they do on these 10"s. I am so happy I stuck to my guns and bought them despite the high price tag as I predict listening to these guys pretty often.

The Animals - House Of The Rising Sun:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0-czS8PTBU

The Animals - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dcc_W49qoVA

The Animals - We Gotta Get Out of This Place:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxNEiZhpinY

Record Store Day Haul #8: The White Stripes - Elephant 2xLP - Red/BlackSplit Vinyl & White Vinyl

Record Store Day Haul #8: The White Stripes - Elephant 2xLP - Red/Black Split Vinyl & White Vinyl, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Third Man (2013)

I'm not sure exactly what it is about Jack White; but I always seem to feel like I have to be on the defensive when I talk about how I enjoy his records. There's just something he does that rubs people the wrong way. I assume it's more of a personality thing than a music thing; as the songs he writes are totally harmless. But I always get a lot of blow back when I say I'm a fan.

Truth be told I'm not even a super big fan. I like his records and I'll listen to them occasionally, but I'm certainly not trying to hunt down wacky variants or records he's tied to balloons. I'll pick up his more affordable records.

This brings us to the Record Store Day version of Elephant. The original has been out of print for a while and I didn't have this on vinyl. So why not pick it up. It's a good record with a handful of really, really great songs. The reissue looks great and I'm just such a sucker for split color vinyl. I really do need to pick up the other White Stripes LPs at some point. I have all of the records on CD (old music biz freebies) but I definitely need to finish off the collection eventually. Hopefully cheaply.

The White Stripes - Elephant (YouTube playlist):
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY&list=PLEE233AD5F9...

Record Store Day Haul #7: The Zombies - S/T LP (/1000)

Record Store Day Haul #7: The Zombies - S/T LP (/1000), a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Varese Sarabande (2013)

One of the big complaints I've been hearing about Record Store Day the last few years is how the vast, vast majority of what is being released are unnecessary reissues. Now, on principal, I will agree with this statement. I would much rather have Record Store Day filled with releases like the Superchunk 7"; two new exclusive songs, limited and gone. That being said, some of the reissues that come out are pretty cool in my estimation.

The Zombies reissue totally fits the bill. They've re-released the mono version of the album, they only pressed up 1000 and it's on 180g vinyl. Compared to the original mono pressing, this reissue is absolutely the best chance for someone like me to get a decent playable copy of the record.

I don't want a thrift store quality version and I'm certainly not going to pay the silly prices a good condition original copy sells for on eBay. For me, this reissue was just a perfect way to pick up a good priced version of a record just full of hit songs that I've been hearing my entire life.

The Zombies - She's Not There:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5IRI4oHKNU

The Zombes - Tell her No:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezSMbQKQEJI