Hey folks, sorry there has been (and will be) a bit of downtime around these parts- Ben and I have both been consumed by work as of late, and bloggin’ has taken the backseat. Because I couldn’t let the mess of excellent Record Store Day releases pass by without a mention, I decided to compile a list of some of my favorites. Dig in, and snag some of these while you’re still able.
The Flaming Lips — Smothered In Hugs (Guided by Voices cover) [mp3]
I know what you’re thinking- another Guided By Voices tribute? It’s true that this umpteenth time we’ve seen a group or artists pay their respects to Sir Pollard, but No More Fake Label’s Sing For Your Meat compilation might be the most solid of the lot. There’s an all-star line-up here, including (but not limited to) Thurston Moore, Elf Power, Blitzen Trapper, Lou Barlow, Crooked Fingers, and La Sera. The Flaming Lips’ take on Bee Thousand standout “Smothered In Hugs” is nothing short of gorgeous, giving the track’s lonesome heartbreak new room to breathe.
Built to Spill — Ripple (Grateful Dead cover) [mp3]
I’m not a Dead fan by any stretch of the imagination, but I’ve always had a soft spot for “Ripple” (maybe it’s just the Freaks and Geeks nostalgia). Built to Spill’s rendition of the song was recorded live in Charlotte, NC back in October, and released this past Saturday on a limited edition picture disc. BTS have always been known for their ability to knock classics out of the park, and this is just one more glorious triumph.
Antony & The Johnsons — Swanlights (Oneohtrix Point Never remix) [mp3]
While most bands opted for a 7” contribution to Record Store Day, Antony and The Johnsons delivered a full EP, following up last year’s Swanlights with a 4-track 10” of the same name. Above you can hear the stunning closer, in which OPN buffs up “Swanlights” with a slick futuristic sheen.
Wild Flag — Future Crimes [mp3]
Miss Sleater-Kinney? Me too. If Corin Tucker’s 1000 Years didn’t do it for you, take solace in the fact that Wild Flag’s new double-edged single kicks serious ass. We can only hope that there’s a full-length coming down the pipeline.
Ty Segall — The Slider (T. Rex cover) [mp3]
Ty Segall’s always had a penchant for glammy, retro-styled rock ‘n’ roll, so it makes sense that he’d take on 6 T. Rex classics for his limited Ty Rex EP. On “The Slider” (from 1972’s The Slider), Segall drags Bolan’s vintage grooves through a layer of scuzz, leaving them as fresh and energized as ever.
