No, we haven't time-warped to twenty years ago: on this holiday week, the reissues and anniversary editions dominate the new release list. One of the highlights is the reissue of Flake Music's 1997 debut (and sole release) When You Land Here, It’s Time to Return. Flake Music was an early incarnation of The Shins, featuring much of the same line-up minus one guy. They even had a song titled "The Shins." The album has been remixed by Kennie Takahashi, remastered by J.J. Golden, and re-released by The Shins' home Sub Pop along with James Mercer's own label, Aural Apothecary.
Another highlight of the week comes from local label Light in the Attic with their compilation Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966–1985. This ambitious 2CD/3LP collection captures music by the "indigenous peoples of Canada and the northern United States, recorded in the turbulent decades between 1966 to 1985." It's an impressive set featuring comprehensive liner notes, artist interviews, unseen archival photos, and translated lyrics.
The remastered reissue of Cursive's 2003 album The Ugly Organ adds eight previously unreleased tracks recorded during those sessions. The reissue of landmark Public Enemy album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back also includes a second disc compiling bonus mixes and a DVD of 1989's Fight the Power… Live, an out-of-print VHS of live performances and music videos from the album. And Seattle's own Soundgarden share a rarities collection curated by guitarist Kim Thayil, featuring B-sides, EPs, bonus tracks, live recordings, songs recorded for soundtracks and compilations, and seven previously unreleased tracks.
December kicks off with another slew of great reissues, including a deluxe version of Yo La Tengo's 1994 release Painful. As frontman Ira Kaplan delightfully quips, "Anyone who ever said they liked our older records more than Painful, I just told them they’re wrong." The deluxe version, titled Extr…
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Afterno…
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Midday …
Seattle's own The Young Evils return with a new EP this week. KEXP's Music Director Don Yates describes it as "a strong set of dark, ‘80s-influenced pop-rock with buzzing guitars, energetic rhythms and noirish male/female harmonies."