Bad Astronaut “Acrophobe” LP (available in Whiskey Coke and Black vinyl)

Bad Astronaut “Acrophobe” LP (Set of all 4 Colors)

While I have been talking about this for quite some time, I am very proud to say that the pressing for Bad Astronaut’s “Acrophobe” is finally happening. I was really hoping to have them done in time for the Bad Astronaut shows in July, but unfortunately, that did not happen. I received the test pressings late last week and spent a lot of time with them over the weekend. The test pressings are approved and if all goes well, I will have finished records by the end of September. I will be sure to keep you posted.

The pressing info is as follows:

150 on transparent brown (whiskey coke colored vinyl, Vinyl Collective Exclusive)
250 on white vinyl (Hot Topic Exclusive Color)
300 on solid baby blue (light blue) (Joey Cape/Bad Astronaut exclusive color, available from Joey Cape)
300 on black vinyl (represses will be on black vinyl)

Before anyone freaks out about the exclusive colors and your ability or lack of ability to get each variant, I have worked it out with Joey and Hot Topic to offer 50 sets of all 4 colors through our store. But after those sets are sold out, the only way to get White is at Hot Topic and the only way to get Solid Baby Blue is from Joey Cape.

I will be offering a test pressing contest for all who pre-order the record; good luck. I am really honored to have something to do with this album. While I am planning on releasing the other Bad Astronaut records in the future, there is no timeline for when these will come out.

Today, I bring you our Vinyl Collector of the Day, Derek Graver. Derek resides in Columbus, Ohio; wonder if he knows Micah and the Two Cow Garage guys. Derek was kind enough to answer our questions on why he collects vinyl, records he would love to own, his thoughts on colored vinyl, his greatest vinyl score, the record(s) that got away, a record he would like to see pressed, and more. One thing that really resonated with me is how he and a lot of people first got exposed to vinyl through their parents’ collections. He recalls one particular record he would listen while playing Nintendo that always skipped in the exact same place every single time. He said if he ever hears that song anywhere else and there isn’t a skip, something doesn’t seem quite right. Thanks Derek for taking the time to answer our questions.

You, too, can answer our questions and submit your Vinyl Collector of the Day feature. What are you waiting for? You can find the questions here.

Click the link to read more about Derek.

VC: Your name and the city you live in.
Derek Graver, Columbus Ohio

VC: Do you catalog your records online? Where are they? Are you on the VC Message board? What is your username?
I do catalog online. I started using checkmyvinyl.com, but recently switched to Limited Pressing and love it! My username is tobetoberson. I am also on the VC Message board with the same username. The message board proved extremely helpful as I was one of the people that got the wrong color variant from Sideonedummy when pre-ordering The Gaslight Anthem’s American Slang. I would like to point out how quickly Sideonedummy rectified the situation once I figured it out. They shot right to the top of my favorite labels list! I also just started a music/vinyl blog called Variant Pressing. It’s in it’s infancy, but can be found @ http://variantpressing.blogspot.com/

VC: How many records do you own?
I have 150 cataloged right now, but still need to input most of my 45′s, so I would guess somewhere close to 200. It’s not a huge collection, but I feel, for me, it’s a high quality collection. For the past 4 years I’ve been in nursing school, so I had limited funds and time to devote to my vinyl. Now that I’ve graduated, though, I’ve found I really have to make an effort to not buy every LP I see and to not become some sort of hermit/shut-in, sitting in front of my stereo with a pair of headphones on. Luckily for me I have an amazing wife who understands and supports my vinyl obsession!

VC: How do you sort your records? How do you store your records?
I store the bulk of my collection alphabetically and chronologically by artist. I keep those in a trusty expedit shelf from Ikea. I keep my 45′s in a cardboard storage boxes on there as well, along with my 10 inch’s and bigger box sets. I also have several favorite artists/bands (The Gaslight Anthem & Bob Dylan, among others) of whom I’m trying to collect everything they’ve put out. I keep their stuff separate in a smaller storage unit that I ordered from bagsunlimited.com. It’s the perfect size for this and fits nicely on top of my desk. I’m also in the process of putting most of my records in rice paper sleeves and getting poly sleeves for all of them.

VC: Why do you collect vinyl?
I’ve actually given this question a lot of thought. There are the obvious reasons of course. The sound is so much better than mp3′s, cd’s, etc. I love the artwork and having something tactile in my hands. I love the smell of old records. I’m 34, so when I was really young vinyl represented the bulk of my parent’s music collection. They were, and still are, huge music fans. Their record collection helped to define who I am today. Plus, I can’t express how cool it is to go through a Doors phase or to just be discovering The Beatles as a kid and to have access to the original releases on vinyl. Records definitely remind me of my youth. I used to put on Led Zeppelin II and play Tetris on the original Nintendo for hours. That record would skip in the same spots every single time. To this day, if I hear Living Loving Maid and it doesn’t skip halfway through the song, it just doesn’t sound right to me. Lastly, I love going to something like a garage sale and digging though someone’s record collection. You never know what you’re going to find, and when you get someone talking about their records, seeing how an LP can spark a story, well, you can’t beat that.

VC: What was the first record you remember purchasing with your own money?
It was Deftones “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)” 7 inch. A friend of mine had a poster of the cover on her wall and it always resonated with me. It was sexy, obviously, but there was a sadness in the girl’s eyes. It just stuck with me. I saw the 45 in a store one day and had to have it. I didn’t own a turntable at the time, and by the time I did get one the record had been warped in a fire. I still have it, but never got a chance to listen to it.

VC: What is your most prized record in your collection?
Another tough question. Right now I would have to say The Beatles LOVE (first record my wife ever gave me), a very early pressing of Never Mind The Bollocks Here’s The Sex Pistols, and each color variant of American Slang. With the latter, it’s the first time I’ve been able to pre-order every color variant of a record and actually get them all.

VC: What release would you like to see come out on vinyl that hasn’t yet been released?
Electric Rock Music by The Ass Ponys. They’re an Ohio band (gotta support the local bands). I loved this CD when it came out. They had a minor hit with one song off this release, Little Bastard. I just recently tried to find it on vinyl and found out it’s only been released on cassette and CD.

VC: What is the most you have spent for a record?
Around $200 for the vinyl box set of eels blinking lights and other revelations. It’s a beautiful package, signed by lead singer e himself. It was an impulse purchase. I got an email about the release and had to have it. I truly don’t regret paying that much for it though. Right now I have my eye on a test pressing of The ’59 Sound from The Gaslight Anthem, signed by the entire band. It’s currently up around $75, but I might have to pull the trigger on this one and bid. That would be the most for a single record.

VC: What has been your greatest vinyl score (least amount of money spent for a valued record)?
Just a few weeks ago I went to Shake It Records in Cincinnati and picked up the debut from Dum Dum Girls (I Will Be). I got home, opened it and found it was the red marble variant that was a pre-order only. That was a nice surprise! I paid around $15 for it and just saw someone had it on Ebay for close to $100. I also have a copy of Flogging Molly “Salty Dog” 7 inch on green vinyl. I bought it when it first came out for no more than $5.00. I keep seeing it on Ebay for $50-$75.

VC: What record(s) have you regretted not buying? (Not one you should have ordered – but actually had in your hand at a record fair, seen in a shop, had in your shopping cart, but did not buy.)
There have been several regrets for me related to buying records at concerts. I’ve been to countless concerts over the years. I try not to think back on all the records I should have bought at certain shows, but some times can’t help it. I always struggle with buying it early and then having to hold it for the whole show, or waiting till the end and possibly missing out. This has definitely resulted in missing out on some gems. Then there are shows where I didn’t buy anything and end up kicking myself when I think of stuff they might have had there. Bands that fall into this category include Beastie Boys, Sleigh Bells, Yeasayer, Death Cab For Cutie, and The Matches, just to name a few.

VC: What out of print record would you kill to own?
A ton of early Bob Dylan stuff on mono, as well as Time Out Of Mind. The first pressings of the Sink or Swim Demos from The Gaslight Anthem, along with the elusive No Retreat/No Regret bootleg. And a first pressing of Miles Davis’ Kind Of Blue.

VC: What are your thoughts on color variants? Do you collect any artists in particular?
I love color variants. I’m definitely a sucker for multiple colors of an album I already own. It’s like a work of art on it’s own. The Gaslight Anthem is one I try to get every color variant of. Also, The Get Up Kids. Their Simple Science release has my record-nerdness turned up to 11.

VC: Do you sell or trade records?
Not really. My collection isn’t the biggest right now, so I don’t have a lot that I would be willing to part with. I might entertain the idea of trading if it’s for something high on my want list, but it would have to be something really good.

VC: Do you have any good record stores in your home town? Which ones do you frequent?
I feel like we’re pretty lucky here in Columbus when it comes to collecting records. There are numerous record stores, each unique in it’s own way. Personally, I frequent Lost Weekend Records. Kyle, the owner, really knows his stuff and loves to talk vinyl. He has mostly used records, but has a nice selection of new too. I also like to go to Ace In The Hole Records. They have a fine selection of used stuff, and I can usually find some Dylan gems there. Magnolia Thunderpussy is another one I visit fairly regularly. They have a good selection of new punk, local bands, and hip hop. Shake It Records is actually in Cincinnati, but the 2 hour drive is absolutely worth it. Their entire basement is vinyl, and like I mentioned before, I always seem to find something great there. We also have a new shop that just opened in Columbus called Spoonful Records. Sadly, I haven’t made it there yet, but it’s definitely on my radar. Also, every 3 months Colleen’s Collectables hosts a record show.

VC: Your last 5 records that you purchased?
1) The Clash – The Clash (blue vinyl import)
2) Bob Dylan – Slow Train Coming
3) Soweto Never Sleeps – Classic Female Zulu Jive
4) Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
5) The Get Up Kids – Four Minute Mile (clear vinyl)

Murder by Death / Sam Lowry split 7″

Murder by Death “Live” DVD (celebrating 10 years as a band)

Murder by Death are about to embark on a tour with Suburban Home artist, Ninja Gun. Before the tour starts though, the band will be releasing the next volume of their split 7″ series, this time with Sam Lowry (who we released a split 7″ w/, with William Elliott Whitmore’s Wayword Sons), and their first ever DVD spanning the first 10 years of their band.

Murder By Death describes the releases this way, “You can now preorder a copy of our first ever DVD! Its our way of celebrating 10 years of MBD. It features a 13 song set filmed from the 2009 Desert tour, plus a bunch of old videos from shows 2003-present. There are old photos, and a couple videos of us drunkenly messing around. Its really fun. There will be 2000 copies available. We are also releasing the next installment of the SEVEN SERIES- this time a split with our long-time Tour Manager/Merch Guy Dixie (who performs under the name Sam Lowry). It’ll be a benefit for our friends’ band O’Death, who have been having severe financial problems due to one of the members bout with bone cancer. Pick one of the 1000 copies up and help us help them out! ”

copies will ship to me on September 8th and I will more than likely get them after the Suburban Home 15th Anniversary weekend. If you’ve picked up the other splits in this series (w/ William Elliott Whitmore, w/ O’Death, w/ Amanda Palmer), you have to get this split. If you haven’t gotten any of these, this will be a good one to start with. This 7″ will sell out.

Company presses your ashes into vinyl when you die [Wired]

I saw this first on the VC Message Board, but a recent Wired article discusses A UK company called And Vinyly who are offering people the chance to press their ashes in a vinyl recording of their own voice, their favourite tunes or their last will and testament. I recommend reading the article and while doing so, think about the following: What album would you want your ashes pressed into? Man, that is one tough question to answer. Nada Surf’s Let Go might be one of my all-time favorite records, but I feel like N.W.A.’s “100 Miles and Running” might be a more appropriate album to go out on. How about you?

Today, we bring you our Vinyl Collector of the Day, Taylor Winston Finn. Taylor lives in Baraboo (about an hour from Madison). Taylor was kind enough to answer our questions on why he collects vinyl (a very thought out, detailed answer), his most prized records, record he would love to own, records he would love to see pressed, his last 5 records purchased, his thoughts on colored vinyl, and more. Thanks Taylor for taking the time to answer our questions.

You, too, can answer our questions and submit your Vinyl Collector of the Day feature. What are you waiting for? You can find the questions here.

Click the link to read more about Taylor.

VC: Your name and the city you live in.
Taylor Winston Finn / Baraboo, WI

VC: Do you catalog your records online? Where are they? Are you on the VC Message board? What is your username?
Negative

VC: How many records do you own?
220 LPs and 90 7”

VC: Why do you collect vinyl?
The Sound. The Art. The Smell. The Hunt.
The Sound: It sounds so lush and warm. The pops and cracks just add to it. I mean, let’s face it, MP3’s just sound like shit anyway!
The Art: It’s huge, and it hasn’t been minimized to a thumbnail! It’s such a great way to admire album artwork. If you’re lucky, it’s a gatefold, which makes for even more admiring!
The Smell: I have a really old and tarnished copy of Neil Young’s “Harvest,” which I bought for $2 at the local record store. It smells of a moisture-ridden basement, but it’s priceless. You can tell that record has been through a lot; it has so much character.
The Hunt: I would like to state that I HAVE purchased off of eBay; however, I feel it takes away from the “hunting” part of the experience. When I do purchase off of eBay I always feel guilty because I like to support my local record stores. I realize that you’re not going to be able to find every release you want via a record store, but we shouldn’t give in so quickly. I made a road trip last year for the soul purpose of visiting Amoeba Records (Hollywood and Berkeley)! It was phenomenal, as well as overwhelming, but in the best of ways! Experiencing record stores first hand is crucial. You can actually have a real conversation with other people, sample new music, and just take it all in.
…And, mainly because a friend showed me his copy of Against Me!’s “Sink, Florida, Sink” 7”. The packaging was just unbelievable! The die-cut-gingerbread-man-explosion-of-sprinkles! I had never seen anything like it! I. Was. Sold.
Lastly, it takes time to listen to a record. There’s no need to skip around because you’re enjoying it the way the artist intended you to: from start to finish. Vinyl takes up so much space, I love it! There’s also the benefit of buying used vinyl. I love knowing that a record I now own once belonged to someone else. Why did they sell it? Where did it come from? Did they not enjoy it? It’s like passing down a family heirloom.

VC: What was the first record you remember purchasing with your own money?
I believe the first piece of physical media I ever purchased was a cassette of Ace Of Base’s “The Sign.”
My first piece of wax was Against Me!’s “Sink, Florida, Sink” 7”. I originally intended to only collect “Punk Rock” 7”s, but that quickly changed. Soon after I was “upgrading” my CD collection to vinyl!

VC: What is your most prized record in your collection?
I really fancy my Bright Eyes Box Set. I also have The Get Up Kids “Shorty” 7”, which was their first physical release. I shouldn’t play favorites…I love them all!

VC: What release would you like to see come out on vinyl that hasn’t yet been released?
The first two Harvey Danger albums! I think they’re one of the most underrated bands, and I would kill to see a pressing of “Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone?”

VC: What is the most you have spent for a record?
$40ish. Nothing too ridiculous…yet!

VC: What has been your greatest vinyl score (least amount of money spent for a valued record)?
I just scored a Harvey Danger “Flagpole Sitta” promo 7” for $9 that I’m really jazzed about. I’ve scored some good records from a few generous friends: RATM “Battle Of L.A” and The Stones “Their Satanic Majesties Request”

VC:What record(s) have you regretted not buying? (Not one you should have ordered – but actually had in your hand at a record fair, seen in a shop, had in your shopping cart, but did not buy.)
Desaparecidos – Read Music/Speak Spanish. I actually had a sealed copy in my hands!

VC: How do you sort your records? How do you store your records?
I’ve been somewhat of a vagabond for the last year, so I keep them in Hard Body storage cases.

VC: What out of print record would you kill to own?
Just to name a few:
Brand New – Deja Entendu
Against Me! – S/T 12”

VC: What are your thoughts on color variants? Do you collect any artists in particular?
Color variants are cool, however, I don’t go out and make it a point to obtain multiple color pressings of an album. I usually just pick the color that sounds the coolest…or whatever color I get.

VC: Do you sell or trade records?
Negative

VC: Do you have any good record stores in your hometown? Which ones do you frequent?
Yes. There’s one in town called Spin Shack. They have a used section, but if your timing is right, you can walk away with a few decent scores. There are also three solid record stores in Madison, which are only about an hour away.

VC: Your last 5 records that you purchased?
Amanda Palmer – Amanda Palmer Performs the Popular Hits of Radiohead on Her Magical Ukulele
Tom Waits – Nighthawks at the Diner
Nancy Sinatra – Boots
Jawbreaker – Unfun
The Get Up Kids – Four Minute Mile

While I have been talking about this for quite some time, I am very proud to say that the pressing for Bad Astronaut’s “Acrophobe” is finally happening. The pre-order for this record will be on Thursday, September 2nd (sometime during the A.M.). I was really hoping to have them done in time for the Bad Astronaut shows in July, but unfortunately, that did not happen. I received the test pressings late last week and spent a lot of time with them over the weekend. The test pressings are approved and if all goes well, I will have finished records by the end of September. I will be sure to keep you posted.

The pressing info is as follows:

150 on transparent brown (whiskey coke colored vinyl, Vinyl Collective Exclusive)
250 on white vinyl (Hot Topic Exclusive Color)
300 on solid baby blue (light blue) (Joey Cape/Bad Astronaut exclusive color, available from Joey Cape)
300 on black vinyl (represses will be on black vinyl)

Before anyone freaks out about the exclusive colors and your ability or lack of ability to get each variant, I have worked it out with Joey and Hot Topic to offer 50 sets of all 4 colors through our store. But after those sets are sold out, the only way to get White is at Hot Topic and the only way to get Solid Baby Blue is from Joey Cape.

I will be offering a test pressing contest for all who pre-order the record. I am really honored to have something to do with this album. While I am planning on releasing the other Bad Astronaut records in the future, there is no timeline for when these will come out.

Pre-order will happen on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 sometime in the A.M. (MST)

With less than 2 weeks from our 15th Anniversary weekend, I figured I would put together a post with everything going on over the long weekend. I am very excited to have a beer with each and every one of you. I am so thankful that so many of you have decided to fly into Colorado from all parts of the United States. I guarantee a fantastic weekend.

Thursday, September 9th at Sputnik (7 South Broadway)
My good friend, Mike Howard, spins records every Thursday night at Sputnik. Since there are a handful of folks coming into town on Thursday, September 9th, I will be joining Mike that night to spin records. I will play some of my favorite Suburban Home tracks, as well some of my favorite Punk, Country, Indie, Pop, and Gangsta Rap. Sputnik has incredible food, a full bar, and some tasty beers (on top and in bottles/cans). Everyone is welcome to hang out early, but we won’t be playing music til around 10pm.

Friday, September 10th at 3 Kings Tavern (60 South Broadway) BUY TICKETS
DRAG THE RIVER (full band)
TWO COW GARAGE
I CAN LICK ANY SONOFABITCH IN THE HOUSE
JOSH SMALL
CHAD PRICE
ROB COE (of the Enablers)

Doors open at 7pm with an Art Show/Screenings/Readings in the basement of 3 Kings. Rob Coe will start things off at 8pm.

Saturday, September 11th at The Lobby (22nd and Arapahoe) at 10am – HANGOVER BRUNCH
Charles Sinden is a good buddy of mine and happens to be one of my favorite Chefs at one of my favorite restaurants, The Lobby. Charles has agreed to put together a special brunch complete with bloody mary’s for all who make it out. I know that 10 am is early, but it will be worth it and gives everyone an excuse to get out of bed in time for our Beer Tour.

Saturday, September 11th starting at noon – Craft Beer/Whiskey Distillery tour RESERVE A BUS SPOT
Every year for our Anniversary weekend, we get a lot of out of towners. It was mentioned this year that we should consider putting together a Craft brewery tour for those folks and that is exactly what is happening. A 55 passenger bus has been chartered, but due to the high expense of the bus, spots are being sold. Things will start at noon at Great Divide brewery which is across the street from The Lobby. Great Divide actually agreed to open up 2 hours early for our crew and will be giving a tour of the brewery. From Great Divide, we will visit Wynkoop which isn’t a household name (yet), but make some of the greatest beers. From The Wynkoop, we will be going to Stranahans Colorado Whiskey Distillery. Stranahans will only be able to give 30 people a tour since that is their cap so we will let the out of towners have first shot at this. From Stranahans, we will visit Oskar Blues in Longmont. From Oskar Blues, we will had to Avery in Boulder. I will be giving reminders to everyone to pace themselves. Especially out of towners need to be warned that drinking a mile high is not like drinking at sea level. And the beers at most of these places (and the whiskey) are all of higher ABVs. The tour will go from noon to 7pm. (I recommend a disco nap before the show on Saturday night)

Saturday, September 11th at 3 Kings Tavern (60 South Broadway)BUY TICKETS
TIM BARRY
THE GAMITS
JON SNODGRASS
AUSTIN LUCAS
MICAH SCHNABEL
LIZZIE HUFFMAN

TWO COW GARAGE WILL BE BACKING A NUMBER OF THE BANDS ON SATURDAY NIGHT!

Doors open at 7pm with an Art Show/Screenings/Readings in the basement of 3 Kings. Lizzie Huffman will start things off at 8pm.

Sunday, September 12th at 2pm at Berkeley park (46th and Tennyson) – BBQ and Washer’s Tournament
Every year, we wrap up the weekend with a BBQ and everyone is invited. Since the schedule is a bit different than last year, I will be asking our artists to bring their guitars so that we could have some acoustic performances while we eat and drink. Bring a side dish or some meat and some beer; there will be a grill, and I will be securing the picnic area so there will be plenty of seating. We always do a washer’s tournament so bring your A game! And last year, someone brought Stump which could be one of the greatest games ever. Come hang out with all of us and we can recount all the things that happened over the weekend.

Sunday, September 12th at Surfside 7 (Ft Collins) – Tim Barry
Jon Snodgrass recently took over the Surfside 7 and has been getting so many incredible artists to play here. On the Sunday after most of our festivities, Tim Barry will be playing an intimate set at the Surfside. I’m not yet sure that I will be making it out for this show, but if you can, I highly recommend it.

If you are in need of a hotel, remember that we have a special rate secured at Towne Place Suites which is the closest hotel to 3 Kings. Use this link to book your room (but do so soon).

NINEBULLETS.NET AUGUST 2010 PODCAST: DENVER PREVIEW EDITION:

With the Suburban Home Records’ Anniversary less than 2 weeks away, our good friends at Nine Bullets have just published a new Podcast featuring a preview of our big weekend. I highly recommend everyone visit the Nine Bullets’s and either stream or download the podcast. Nine Bullets, I’m looking forward to having at least a few beers with you and enjoying what should be one hell of a weekend. Thanks for making the trip out again this year. And thanks for all the support.

August 2010 Track Listing:

Josh Small – Come Down [00.00.00]
Micah Schnabel – Cut Me Mick [00.05.32]
Autopsy IV Commentary [00.08.40]
Tim Barry (w/Josh Small) – Thing of the Past [00.10.12]
Two Cow Garage – Burn In Hell [00.13.56]
I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch In The House – Bad Days Ahead [00.18.48]
Drag The River – Get Drunk (Live) [00.22.58]
Autopsy IV Commentary [00.25.02]
Possessed By Paul James – Feed Your Family [00.27.01]
American Graveyard – Common Ones [00.29.05]
Left Foot Sally – Second Wind [00.32.46]
Matthew Dean Herman – Soule Lake Hotel [00.36.00]
Autopsy IV Commentry [00.40.26]
Gill Landry – Careless Hotel [00.42.55]
The Waifs – Vermillion [00.46.46]
Counting Crows – Good Time [00.50.32]
Autopsy IV Commentary [00.54.45]
Thunderband – Battle Bums [00.57.05]

While I have already posted photos taken by the label when I announced the pre-order, I figured I would post a photo letting you know that the records have arrived. I have to say that those guys at Loose Charm know how to package up records. Not only were the records double-packed, there was tons of cardboard and newspaper keeping everything in perfect condition. If you pre-ordered the record and there were no other pre-orders with your order, the records should ship today. If you haven’t pre-ordered this LP, I have 5 copies left on white vinyl. Order one while you can or order it directly from the label.

Thanks for making this such a great pre-order. If you haven’t given our stream a listen or visited the band’s Myspace page, I highly recommend you do.

And next week, I will announce the winner of a set of both colors of this LP. Good luck.