keepcalmvinylon-blog

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

Hoarding gift cards from Xmas and the birthday panned out nicely for me on this Record Store Day. Thanks Telegraph! #RecordStoreDay #ParamoreRSD

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

Joie De Vivre/Prawn - “Split 7in”

Topshelf Records

1st Pressing | Red TSR Exclusive | ???

I was very excited when the guys in Prawn had this split available at the recent show I went to. They were amazing live and this split is a continuation of their sky rocket to being one of the most consistently good bands. I had heard one of the songs off this split recently on the net and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. And I did. And as with most splits now I have the opportunity to be introduced to a new band in Joie De Vivre. Win. Win. Win.

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

You Blew It! - “Keep Doing What You're Doing”

Topshelf Records

1st Pressing | Coke Bottle Clear | 400

I actually had preordered this bad boy a while back. And then it came in the mail and I unceremoniously placed it in the record room without much thought. Then this last week YBI! came only an hour away with Prawn in tow. So I ventured out on a week night (I am usally an early to bed early to rise for work type) and found myself having one heck of a good time. The vocals were pretty tough to hear at the show but one thing was clear. I needed to get on listening to the new record. The songs sounded amazing. So the package has been cracked open. It's spinning as I write this and I am very happy. I need to go to shows more often apparently.

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

Wish list.

What could you be doing that is so much fun?

Without me by your side?

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

A somewhat out of focus shot of my various Saves The Day 7inches and handwritten lyrics for Jessie and My Whetstone that I got with the last record fundraiser.

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

My Saves The Day LP collection.

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

Into It. Over It. - “Intersections”

Triple Crown Records

1st Pressing | Yellow Tour Varient | 400 

Hostage Calm - “Please Remain Calm”

Run For Cover Records

??? Pressing | Green Marble? | ???

Picked up these two records at the recent Saves The Day headlining tour stop in New Jersey. I had been listening to Hostage Calm all year and was just waiting to pick up their record. A search online gives no clear answers as to what the pressing info on this green marble looking record is but that doesn't really matter. The record is one of my favorite of the year and I am extremely happy to have it on vinyl.

Into It. Over It. was somewhat a tough sell for me. I have had Proper on my computer for a while and have given it a few listens without much fan fare. But the set on Saturday has turned things around. I picked up the newest record and am listening to it for the 2nd time in a row. This tour varient yellow record is very nice but it's the packaging that really shines. The die cut is just cool and the booklet is damn beautiful. It has quickly become one of my favorite packages.

Now if my preordered copy of Saves The Day's new record will just come in already!!

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

A Great Big Pile of Leaves - “You're Always on My Mind”

Topshelf Records

1st Pressing | Clear w/ Yellow and Red Splatter | 200 

This is what you need to know about the new album "You're Always on my Mind" by A Great Big Pile of Leaves....It is going to be your favorite album of 2013.

I don't want to overhype it and say it is perfect...but man it is great. From the start it feels like summer (cheap and easy analogy since the guys from AGBPOL have gone on record saying that that is what they were going for).  The record feels fresh and hits all the right notes you have come to expect from these guys. The melodies are hum along worthy, the drums punch hard and the guitars noodle through your brain. While sometimes a song will become an immediate hit with me it is far from often that a whole album will become an immediate favorite, especially from a band with so much solid material already. Please just get this record. Put it on repeat and go about having the best summer of you life.

Also let's talk about how awesome that slipmat is. It's already found it's permenant home on my record player and won't be moving anytime soon. 

Songs to consider: The whole album on repeat....I just said that!

Buy it from: Topshelf Records | Bandcamp

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

Kittyhawk - “EP”

Storm Chasers Records

1st Pressing | Clear | 100

I can't quite remember how I found out about Kittyhawk. I think it was tumblr though. I immediately got hooked by this female vocals lead band that honestly reminded me of Rainer Maria meets....well other emo revival bands. I intially bought the tape since it was the only physical way to own the songs. In my '98 Jetta (which has since been traded in) it was the tape most likely to be blasting. I first really dug the instrumental believe it or not, but the whole EP is great. When I heard the EP had been pressed on vinyl I wanted to jump on it but was relunctent. I already owned the cassette and had the mp3s. So another format seemed over kill. Then the band experienced some bad luck and suggested a purchase would help them weather the storm. It really didn't take much convincing for me to put together what I had to do. And I ended up with this super clear record. I also posted the thank you note they sent along with the record which was a fun addition. It sits in the sleeve as a memory. Good record.

Pick it up on black vinyl from Storm Chasers now!

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

Dikembe/Hightide Hotel/Jet Set Sail/Monument - “Count Your Lucky Stars #3”

Count Your Lucky Stars Records.

1st Pressing | Black | 150

I rather enjoy the band Dikembe. I started listening to them late last year so when I saw CYLS was releasing a split with them and 3 other bands I hopped right on that train. I just listened to both sides and let me tell you, it's solid release through and through. The split does what every band on a split hopes it would do, it makes me want to check out the other bands on the release. I think the stand out from the record is Monument and I am gonna go looking for more by that band for sure. But over all a solid short release that makes for a good listen.

Go buy it yourself..

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

Tegan and Sara - “Heartthrob”

Vapor and Warner Bros. Records

It seems like a line has been drawn in the sand. The live release Get Along is that line. Everything before it is adored by legions of fans. Heartthrob, the first release after this line, is meeting mixed reviews. Admittably I was not sure at first as well. Closer, while a dancing good time, didn't hit me in the heart strings the way every album had before. I worried that heart beats were being traded for dance beats. But then the album came out. And I found out that this was still T&S. Only now they are embracing the sames genre they have been talking about the whole time I have been listening to them, the 80's. And better yet they didn't forget to tug at those heart strings. Songs like "I Was a Fool" and "How Come You Don't Want Me" are just as emotionally jarring as "Nineteen" is. Just with a dancier beat i suppose. Maybe I am giving more credit to a band that is one of my very favorite. But I honestly am enjoying this album everytime I put it on. I do skip the first track. But I am sure in time that song will grow back onto me as well. Get on the boat, because it's a damn good time and it'd be a shame for you to miss it just cause you have to dislike change.

Songs to consider: How Come You Don't Want Me, Drove Me Wild, I Couldn't Be Your Friend and I Was A Fool.

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

Slingshot Dakota - “Dark Hearts”

Topshelf Records.

1st Pressing | Translucent Purple w/ Black Smoke | 300

Let's get this out there right away. Slingshot Dakota is catchy and awesome. The song "May Day" is in my head all the time. I make the immediate comparisson to bands like Mates of State or Matt & Kim obviously based on the bands line up, but it feels fresher to my ears and makes me want more. I have to thank Topshelf for the massive free download spree they sent the internet on a few weeks back, because out of all the couple records I downloaded this is my new favorite. Also I had to change up my photo taking because the record is just plain gorgeous.

Check em out on Bandcamp.

Songs to consider: May Day and Gossip

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

Taylor Swift - “Red”

Big Machine Records.

I am sure most will scoff at this post but I am not overly worried about it. Tswift is just a good time. It's not something that is life changing or even something to defend against critics. It's fun. I like listening to this record with my wife and just being light for a while.

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

Now, Now Every Children - “Cars”

Afternoon Records.

I ordered this record based soley on my love for Now, Now's release Threads. Desperate for more music to enjoy I found a copy of this record and scooped it up.

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

Sundials - “When I Couldn't Breathe”

Asian Man Records.

1st Pressing | Marbled Green | ???

A long while back now through the power of Tumblr I was introduced to Sundials. I downloaded the album for free from the band and dug the song 710 right out of the gate. I haven't actually gotten to fully invent enough time into the album as a whole yet but when I saw the first pressing was getting close to selling out I got off my butt and placed an order. Sadly I can't find the pressing info on this bad boy. I wouldn't mind if someone let me in on the secret. I am hoping to catch these guys when they swing through my area next month.

Check it out on Bandcamp. 

Song to consider: 710

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

Prawn - “Ships”

Topshelf Records.

2nd Pressing | Clear | 250

A lil while ago Prawn released all of their music for free for a limited time. I knew they were on Topshelf so I downloaded 2 albums because that is enough to make me interested. I love the energy of their songs. I am still digging through this record but after a while I knew I had to scoop it up before the 2nd press sold out and I was made to wait a while longer.  Check them out on Bandcamp.

Songs to consider: Donald Domesky and Costa Rica

[keepcalmvinylon-blog]

Life & Limb - "Pagan Worship of Amplicfication Overloards"

Willow Tree Records

1st Pressing | Black | 100

I sadly only saw L&L once at what I am sure was their first show. It was freezing cold and I am sure I spent most of the night thinking of warm socks but I remember being really impressed by them that night. I picked up the few releases as they became available and when this release was annouced along with their last show I knew I would try to get a hold of the record. Sadly my heavy work schedule kept me from attending but I was able to order a copy for my collection.

Check it out.