Top Vinyl Releases of 2010 So Far
I am a vinyl enthusiast, so I thought my first Top 10 would be a list of the best releases of the year where wax is the only physical format. Many of these can be downloaded from whatever MP3 service you prefer but, if you’re like me, there’s no substitute for the physical product.
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – Say No To Love b/w Lost Saint 7” (Slumberland)
I have been a huge fan of TPOBPAH since their debut last year, and these two tracks are just another great example of their bubblegum shoegaze.
The New Pornographers – Togetherness EP (Matador)
This was a limited edition 7” that was only available to customers that pre-ordered the Together LP. It features the band performing 3 covers originally by the band Outrageous Cherry. These tracks are so good that it hurts me to say that they surpass much of their album.
Best Coast – Something In The Way EP (Post Present Medium)
This is the last of many 7” EPs and singles leading up to the BC’s full-length debut Crazy For You (due out in 2 days) and the anticipation is terrible. I hope it’ll last.
The Big Pink – Tonight b/w Sweet Dreams 7” (4AD)
The Big Pink is another shoegazey band that delivers sugary, feedbacking pop. “Tonight,” is a standout track from their album A Brief History Of Love. “Sweet Dreams,” is what makes this special. It is in fact, a Beyoncé cover that is completely different ftom the original (naturally) but it doesn’t lose its radio-friendly essence.
Cymbals Eat Guitars – Wind Phoenix b/w Ballad Of Big Nothing 7” (Memphis Industries)
Another great cover backing a fine album track. Needless to say, I had never heard an Elliott Smith song performed quite like this. Different and excellent.
Fucked Up – Couple Tracks b/w Heir Apparent (Matador)
Another Matador pre-order special. They usually do make it worthwhile. This time, it was a pre-order for the latest FU singles compilation. And just when you thought that buying it meant you didn’t have to collect any more singles, they give you another one to whet your appetite.
Japandroids – Art Czars b/w Racer-X 7” (Polyvinyl)
Fortune should definitely favor the brave here as the ‘Droids tackle Big Black’s classic “Racer-X,”. This is the first time I have ever heard a cover do a Steve Albini-led band justice. Oh, and the original A-side is no slouch either.
Naked Raygun – 7” Series #2 (Riot Fest)
The recently reformed Raygun released their second in a series of 7” singles (hopefully moving toward an actual album, it’s only been 20 years). “Growing Away,” is the standout of the two tracks and, along with last year’s “All In Your Mind”, it gives a fan hope.
Alicja Pop – Shining Apple b/w Walking The Cow 7” (Certified PR)
Alicja Trout is, essentially, the female Jay Reatard (miss you). Also a TN native, she was the ying to Reatard’s yang with the Lost Sounds and has been the formidable frontwoman for River City Tanlines. This is her solo debut featuring the childlike “Shining Apple,” and the cover of Daniel Johnston’s “Walking The Cow,”.
Da – Exclamation Point (Factory 25)
Factory 25 has brought us a couple of fun trips down Chicago Hardcore’s angry, graffiti-ridden memory lane. Last years DVD/LP, You Weren’t There, and two re-issues of bands from that comp/doc: Tutu & The Pirates and Da. Da is the least punk band from that era from a style perspective but they did have some of the best actual songs.
