Previously only released on compact disc in Sweden (back in 1996), Refused’s Rather Be Dead E.P. received its first US release via Epitaph Records on nifty crystal clear vinyl (photo featured here… obviously). As a companion to the band’s sophomore offering, Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent, this E.P. (or is it EP?) offers a wider range of hardcore not featured on the studio LP (save for the title track), and is a must for any Refused junkie (like myself).
Monthly Archives: February 2018
7 Years in the Taking
It’s a bit terrifying to comprehend that the Beastie Boys album Hot Sauce Committee Part Two dropped 7 years ago. It would prove to be their last, as little over a year later, founding member Adam Yauch would be dead from cancer. This ghostly drawing of Mr. Yauch would be one of the last fans would see (top row, third from the left). This insert is from record one of HSCP2. RIP MCA.
Emitex 101
From what I could (quickly) gather, Emitex was a British-based cleaning material used by Parlophone in the 60’s, then by EMI Records throughout the 70’s. It was also a prominent badge on all British-released Beatles albums, such as this reissue of PMC 1202, Please Please Me. Several variations of this classic stamp are found around the web, but little has been preserved about the Emitex material itself. With more time, I’ll dig a bit deeper.
McCartney
Much has been written about Paul McCartney’s debut solo album, 1970’s McCartney. Most notably, Paul’s refusal to delay the Apple Records release in order to follow previously planned titles… like The Beatles’ Let it Be. I’ve given this record two spins from two different turntables within the last 12 hours, and though I’ll admit my experience with solo Beatles projects are gravely “less than,” I quite enjoy the playful, often unfinished rawness of McCartney. Certainly not an album that will receive heavy spinning, but a fun journey, if even for its historical significance.
Inflammable Material
Happy to finally welcome into the fold this amazing and essential punk album, Inflammable Material from Ireland’s Stiff Little Fingers. Originally released in 1979, this 1980 US pressing was offered by Rough Trade Inc., 1412 Grant Ave., San Francisco, CA 94133… for those wondering. I’d been on the hunt for this album since my Milwaukee days back in the early 2000’s, and only just found out that the opening track, Suspect Device (which is arguably among the top three on the album) is a slightly different recording from the bootleg CD version I’ve known and have grown to love in the 18-some-odd years since I knew of this album’s existence… so that’s bitter sweet. Anyway, if you’re into seminal punk from across the pond with a timestamp of nearly 40 years, get into Inflammable Material. Simply put, it’s one of the best albums I’ve ever heard.
Equipment Failure 2018
We had our first equipment malfunction of the new year when the hinge that holds the dust cover snapped. Though I’ll admit that the turntable looks much better without a dust prevention device, I’m not going to enjoy cleaning the intricate nooks and crannies beneath the tonearm in a few short weeks. Currently on the hunt for a replacement hinge.
Happy Groundhog Day!
I’ve yet to track down the Spain-only release of the legendary Groundhog Day soundtrack, so we’ll have to do with these other two Bill Murray essentials, 1981’s Stripes and 1998’s Rushmore. Happy Groundhog Day, kids!
Discs-O-Plenty
From Lure of Tahiti by Terorotua and His Tahitians, to Drinking Songs Sung Under the Table by The Blazers, ABC-Paramount has, at your disposal, a very wide range of monophonic and stereophonic records to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for Latin Fire (Candido), or maybe a little Polka-Go-Round (Lou Prohut and his Polka-Go-Rounders), it’s all here, in brilliant printed color, courtesy of ABC-Paramount Records.
The Prudent Groove 