December Report: Car Crash, Holiday Party, Incoming...

I don't hate the holidays...but I sure can't wait until they are over. Everyone above 30 years old has a bad memory (or misty eyed good one) re-ignited during the joyous season of consumption, getting together and eating and/or drinking. I try not to be a winter whiner. Wino, maybe. They don't have to suck (read below about our Holiday Miracle™ Xmas Party at Spiral Scratch '11) and so far, they don't. Quite an accomplishment given the current surroundings. My holiday season received a jolt at he hands of a 100+ year old tree in Kenmore, NY about 5 houses down from Chateau D'Anchovies. (did you know it's an automatic traffic ticket if you strike a tree in kenmore, Ny with your vehicle? well. it is. funfacts!) It was a day like any other...I was running late to open the shop--pre-empting a shower, coffee or splash of water to the face I began the coast to the stop sign in the vehicle I received after my beloved father unexpectedly passed away in 2008. A 2005 Ford Explorer. USMC bumper stickers and various religious items planted inside by my mother which I didn't dare remove.

I never particularly cared for 'the truck'--except when i could engage 4 wheel drive and drive through snowbanks with the greatest of ease. But i felt part of the old man in that vehicle with me, which I shamefully let become my office on wheels. It had a particularly annoying feature: a constant beeping until all seatbelts were engaged. I backed out while lighting a cigarette, slammed it in drive and checked the time as I turned to buckle up for safety. How fast was I going? No idea. I was approaching a stop sign. or so I thought. A surreal jolt and the world had turned on its side. In addition, I felt my head wet (two streams of headblood) and my side pierced with a sudden pain. I drifted off the road and struck a tree, flipping "the truck" on to it's side. no air bag deployment...just the sound of vehicle fluids pouring from a huge open wound on the right front end. I thought it might blow up as I began crawling through broken glass and trying to salvage a box of my favorite records which was riding shotgun.
Fuck it! She's gonna blow while I'm picking up records, trapped inside a vehicle on a quiet Tuesday afternoon. Physical Graffitti! Alladin Sane! Perfect copies! Back into the box. Still, nobody had arrived on the scene. I could see a local baby sitter just looking from the safety of her porch as I tried to open a door. None were cooperating. I turned back to gather more cherished items. Well into shock and "what the hell just happened?" mode, I was somewhat clear thinking (for me, anyway) I hoped nothing "sketchy" or even..."illegal" had been left inside that could make the worst situation worse. I checked the usual spots. Clean as a whistle. (what does that even mean? you'd think a whistle would be filled with old spittle and gross shit. I've never thought about it. Idioms. Maybe it's the sound?) "Unlock the door!" i tried, but it wouldnt work. Put the truck in park, more records seperated from broken glass, more blood. Eventually I'm helped out and dusting myself off it sinks in. I'm not hurt enough to not be "up shit creek" (now there's an idiom i GET). I've destroyed the truck. My dad's truck. Now the last time I was in a serious car accident, I was a tiny child of sorts. I don't even remember it. This, my cherry popper. The ugliest sound, a ton of metal and rubber slamming into an immovable object (or, in some cases, another ton of metal and rubber which is movable--but devastating still.)
The police arrive, the fire department and eventually a meat wagon crawls to the scene on all fours. Think i'll just take my records and go home for the day. Some guy is helping me carry stuff to my porch before they take it away. It's early afternoon and I'm clearly sober, but if you hit a tree 50 feet from your driveway, you get the drills. the light to the eyes. the sobriety tests, the option to get a free ride to kenmore mercy™ or walk home. i go home, aching and the neighbors still aren't speaking to me. Happy Holidays, neighbor. 3 days later i make sure i haven't popped a lung ( 2 cracked ribs which, in case you are not aware, hurt like a motherfucker /HLMF. (sorry folks).
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Holiday Miracle at Spiral Scratch (beta) December 17th, 2011

An offhanded idea due to lack of holiday party invites blossomed into the first Spiral Scratch Holiday Miracle & Xmas Party! (but...the deals? it said super deals!)

Thank you to all who attended the holiday gala in our newly civilized dungeon/storeage & showspace. We were, again, humbled by all who atteneded and hope your time was as good as ours. Though we remained open until passed 1 a.m., it wasnt about records so much as it was hanging out, listening to music, eating, drinking, sulking with good people. And make no mistake, you're all fine folks for walking through those doors. Pictures forthcoming and will be edited into this post.

Music supplied by Teo (papa t) Lazar and Anchovies.

We hope to do more events like this without a reason in the future, too.

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Incoming:

Thee Oh Sees/Total Control split 12" By now, if you read this blog or shop at SS, theres a good chance you are familiar with at least one of these bands. Upstart aussies (featuring Mikey from Eddy Current) Total Control unleashed a whopper of a debut album on an unsupecting public (Henge Beats) while Thee Oh Sees continued to dominate in many ways. remaining consistent at the fever pitch of releases must be a daunting task...but Thee Oh Sees seem to have plenty of gas in the tank. Here are 4 killer tracks from each band who recently toured North America.

CULO - LIFE IS VILE...AND SO ARE WE! (Deranged) Yes you are, Culo...just not Kurt Vile. He has a new 12" out which is the bonus disc of the recently repackaged "Childish Prodigy" LP. Culo have very little in common with the Philly songwriter and I'd imagine not too many people own both albums! This here is a collection of Culo's singles (trendy thing this report). Goddamn. Culo are a spastic, punk-type hardcore band from Chicago. A slew of singles to their credit are gathered here on a fine introductory singles comp. Punk ain't dead, ya big jerks. And if you long for the good ol' days, here's a good band to check out who, while influenced by the past, are just using it as a guide while creating NOW sounding punk rock. Check 'em out HERE (mp3).


EDDY CURRENT SUPPRESSION RING- So Many Things (Goner) One of three croooooshial [sic] singles comps that were released in December, So Many Things carries you through the very early days of the band (started on a lark by 4 australian record plant employees at a work christmas party back in 2003). Bare bones rock and roll, ECSR have released a slew of singles (most oop and hard to find) and 3 stellar lp's. While members seem to be taking time off to work on other projects, get acquainted with a chronilogical collection featuring a killer pagans cover, the bands tendency to release longer, hypnotic jammers that showcase their live show and chemistry as a band. Shit, I could talk all day about this band...one of my favourites of the last few years. A must own for all fans of the band.

TY SEGALL - SINGLES 2007-2010 (Goner) - I recall, at the advice of consultant/guru Richie "Chuck Barrels" K. of terminal-boredom fame, ordering Segalls debut 12" in the early days of the shop. "This kid is a wunderkind. He's gonna get big." Well, I may often absorb credit for great music barrels turned me on to (but thats the way its supposed to be, anyway) and spreading it to anyone who would listen to me. Many did and in 2011, Ty Segall is pretty big considering the genre, not to mention he has excelled as songwriter in that time. Here, this double album chronologically lays down Segalls rise in both songwriting and fidelity; the early days were killer, yet pretty lo-fi. He loves covering songs and putting his own stamp on them (if you are lucky, you own a killer lp's worth of T-Rex covers aptly titled "Ty Rex") along with ace b-sides (and a sides). Some of his finest moments came off these 7" records over the last few years.

OFFICE OF FUTURE PLANS - s/t (dischord) Featuring DC figurehead J. Robbins, this band started off as a one-off live show and ended up as a collaborative band who have recently released their debut album. Good looking men with very little hair, but a fine pedigree. They also have a 7" out, and this should make fans of the band and/or its members (drummer darren zentek was also in kerosene 454). Straight from Dischord Records along with a hefty restock from the labels back catalog, and Helmet's "Strap It On" & "Meantime" and Sonic Youth's "Evol" & "Sister" reissues.

MIKAL CRONIN - s/t Cronin fronts a garage rock band (who kick ass, by the way) called the MOONHEARTS and while this album was produced by Ty Segall and features wildman John Dwyer (thee Oh Sees) blowing into a flute--this ain't no garage rock record as much as it is a killer rockin' pop album, well produced by Segall. seemingly coming out of nowhere (and suggested to us by Matt Byrne, a buffalo-to-chicago distro sales guy), Cronin has people talking after rave reviews (including an 8.1 poke from Pitchfork) and a buzz from the internet intelligentsia. And that's a good thing when you know the album is gonna hold up, you can't stop listening to it.
Another bright spot in the very prolific SanFran garage scene, Cronin tends to lean more towards psychedelic pop, catchy harmonies and sometimes rocking out. But it's an accomplishment for such a young man and top notch album released by the thoroughly awesome 0 label, based out of Chiago and big helpers following our shop fire.

SIGUR ROS - INNI Sigur Ros vinyl has been no easy task to stock, except for the "Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust" lp which you will usually find in stock, it's been hard to obtain. Inni is a 3 lp set detailing the Icelandic post-rockers live show in both audio (3xlp or 2x cd) and visual (dvd) form. With an unbeatable price, we proudly have a few of these to go around--though they were first thought to be limited.

other incoming new things of note:

Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire
Mark "BBQ" Sultan - Whenever I Want/Whatever I Want (clear)
Torche/Part Chimp split 12"
the Saints - Eternally Yours (reissue)
Kylesa/Victims 7"
Waste Management 7"
Deafheaven (and a healthy Deathwish™ restock)
M83 - Hurry Up We're Dreaming
Real Estate - Days
Jesus Lizard - Club
Guilty Pleasures lp
Screeching Weasal - Carnival...
Spits - V
Brain F
Brown Sugar lp/7"
White Whale/Mallwalkers split 7"
Drug Party cassette series: Dirt Eyes, Utah Jazz, Mallwalkers, Rat Mask

plus loads of previously enjoyed product, new Melted Record Bowls, lp+7" sleeves, 45 spindles, and GIFT CERTIFICATES good on anything in the store--including special orders.

thanks for reading.

anchovies
12.22.11
5:47 a.m.

and happy birthday to one of the most solid dudes i've been privileged to know since i was 10 days old. J.Zampano turns 41.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING/INDIE BLACK FRIDAY

2011...the end in site, has been a rough year on many of our firends and family. Somehow,we muster up the power to trapse through the holidays, which can make tough times even tougher. On the flip, we have a lot to be grateful for here at Spiral Scratch--good friends and support and good records to listen to to. There is no better drug. there is no better relief for what ails ya'.
A few nights back i sat pressed up against the soundboard as a packed Bug Jar were blown to bits by thee Oh Sees (and earlier, Total Control--a fantastic band from Australia featuring Mikey from Eddy Current Suppression Ring) and, i felt truly ...umm...happy. No shoves or lack of space by the growing fan base could bring me down. I watched them commandingly deliver, with a healthy addition of Lars from the Intelligence/A-Frames,the best set i've seen maybe all year and seemingly watch them grow up--or get the attention they deserve. I hope they continue to, they've worked hard and are the real deal. I'm thankful i made it, recognized so many Buffalo folk and am still reeling from it. Obviously, we have much more to be grateful for...but I'm just rambling now. Oh, and I'm really not Willie Nelson, Eric.

Happy Thanksgiving (eat whatever it is you eat. then eat more. wake up and eat more cold stuff. lay around. or do whatever it is you do...hopefully it doesnt involve working). Thanks for another great year and may your holidays be as tolerable, even perhaps happy (?!) as they can be. Oh look....





We will be CLOSED Thanksgiving Day and open REGULAR HOURS for INDIE BLACK FRIDAY™. I don't see the reason in waking you earlier on what might be a day off. Relax, we'll be ready for you.
In addition to the stuff you probably already know about, expect some cool exclusives from Guided By Voices (limited 7", Matador), Mark Sultan (limited press lp), Reatards (savage young Reatard reissued on scarce clear vinyl) and other great titles that will be going quickly--please check back for updates later today for the finalized complete list) as well as putting out some great used stuff we've been saving for a special day and TONS of incoming stock--new releases and some re-stocks we havent had in in quite some time. Some things you won't find anywhere else.

The RSD sanctioned titles include, but may not be limited to:

Type O Negative Box Set 6 lp behemoth box including their Roadrunner catalog:
(limited to 1000 box sets)

Slow, Deep and Hard The Origin of the Feces (original "artwork" cover. rarely seen) Bloody Kisses October Rust World Coming Down Life Is Killing Me
each album features extensive, new liner notes, artwork and at least 6 stickers.

Ryan Adams 7" demo tracks/unreleased versions recorded during Ashes & Fire sessions. (limited to 3000 copies, worldwide)

Pink Floyd - the Wall singles. Cool looking box containing a full color poster, 3 picture sleeve singles from the lp. (limited to 4000 boxes)

Jimmy Cliff - Sacred Fire 12" Lp (scum stats unknown)
.
Black Keys - Lonely Boy 12" ep
special version, quantities unknown--but here's how they cut the record .

Iron & Wine - Morning Becomes Eclectic - A 12" along with a bonus cd featuring songs recorded live to air on KCRW fm.

Pete Townsend - Quadrophenia Demos, Volume 1 10"

The first of two 10" Eps featuring six demos from the Director's Cut re-release of Quadrophenia, produced, authorized and overseen by Pete Townshend. This individually numbered 10" EP and the one scheduled for Record Store Day 2012 provide a unique insight into the creation of this landmark album.

TRACK LISTING: "The Real Me (demo)" "Cut My Hair (demo)" "Punk (demo)" "Dirty Jobs (demo)" "Is In In My Head? (demo)" "Anymore (demo)" "

and, while we didn't get everything we asked for...with quantities of top selling major label artists being 3000 or less, it's impossible for everyone to get what they want and not be stuck with crappers that dont sell either! we won't complain, it just makes ya look bad...but check out the sponsers of this "indie black friday"---all corporate giants! we know how you roll, too. someone tell them they are fucking it up for the fans while the flippers rejoice and have titles listed on ebay 2 days before they are to be released (and at super inflated prices). if the past is any indications--don't go nuts if you don't get it on Friday, as many of these releases will become more readily available and/or their inflated values will plummet within a few weeks making it much more affordable. Just a thought from someone learning the hard way.

lastly, due to severely limited quantities--we cannot hold anything, so please don't ask. I kinda have a hard time saying "no". This is a first come, first served deal and nobody gets special treatment around here. we're all equal freakshows. Maybe elsewhere, but not here. Normally we would, but it's not fair to everyone else. get to the shop at noon--you'll increase your odds. at least we're not dragging you outta bed at 9 am!

-to the "unsanctioned" I.B.F. stuff/sneak peak:

Reatards - Teenage Hate/Fuck Elvis. Finally reissued by the awesome folks at Goner Records in Memphis. Clear wax version, which was very limited. primal 90s punk played with real, not forced, emotion and reckless abandon. yes, you were something of a prick, jay...but we miss you and your ever changing music greatly. rip, jeffrey lee lindsay.

Mark Sultan (aka BBQ) - Whatever I Want/Whenever I Want (clear vinyl editions)

Guided By Voices - We Won't Apologize For The Human Race 7". Something tells us these won't be around long. This new offering is special as it features the real GBV once again-Bob with Sprout, Mitch Mitchell, Greg Demos and Kevin Fennell. While i wouldnt expect a Bee Thousand 2.0, this mid-fi pre-lp 7" should perk up some fans who've been with 'em since Propeller came out. Or maybe earlier...that's just when I was first smitten by GBV.

Rest assured, we will "cook" up something to save you money on Friday, too. We have beefed up our used and new sections, too. But we are confident we've found a way to give you the best music and the best prices and you won't have to worry about getting trampled to death, elbowed for that last Bieber pic disc remix 8" or whatever else is otherwise awful about the real Black Friday. As a matter of fact, the real crazies will be done by the time we open at noon. ish? no...it'll be noon.

a quick look at some non-Indie Black Friday releases that are incoming!

Mummies - Tales From The Crypt legend has it this 'import' was to be their SubPop debut--but it wasnt crummy enough sounding and they scrapped it, told SubPop were to stick it and broke up. Real Punk! Their best sounding release, and in 'one reporters opinion', their best record.

Sig Ros - Inni A 3x lp withy live dvd direct from XL recordings. Sigur Ros vinyl is no easy task. we've also kept it cheaper than anywhere we searched.

Voivod - To The Death '84 2x lp. The demo and more of their early days finally repressed to wax.

Sam Cooke - Live at the Harlem Square Club. Mr. Soul delivers a raw and amazing live set. Pure soul without studio numbing it down, a raucous set for Sam Cooke and essential.


Pig Heart Transplant 7" Another noisy blaster from Iron Lung Records.
Double Negative - Hardcore Confusion Volumes One & Two.
Davila 666 - Tan Bajo - The Puerto Rican garage rock locos take a turn for the more soulful on their second, adventurous record. A staff and customer favorite.
More restocks from Atlas Sound, Career Suicide, the Spits, Nothing People, Pheremoans, Pixies, Sonics, Gories and a big box that will probably show up amid the chaos on Friday. phew.

Finally, if yer not on our email list (which we use sparingly for special events...not weekly spam), drup us a line at spiralscratchrecords@yahoo and we will add you.


see ya soon
anchovies
11.23.11
4:41 p.m.

Indie Black Friday...Fall Report...other important stuff

• A few weeks ago, Buffalo musician Tony Lorenzo was shot and seriously injured while walking in the Elmwood Village. Obviously, the Buffalo music scene was stunned, angered and quickly mobilized benefits to help out Tony and his family during this difficult time. While he may be lucky to be alive, the road ahead will be a challenge for Tony and his family. A good guy that seemingly was liked by all, Tony most recently played in Ritual Quarantine and had been a serious shredder in Sons of Azrael in the past. Shaken Stylus, Inc. quickly organized a successful benefit and keeping an eye on the BuffaloShows.net message board will keep you in the know with future benefit shows. We obviously know the potential generosity of the Buffalo music scene when we had our fire and this is obviously a more serious and personal situation. Remember, a little bit goes a long way when everyone is involved. Let's not forget this senseless act that has turned a family upside down and injured one of our own. We continue to be humbled by the generosity we received in our own time of need--keep it coming, Buffalo. Anyone organizing a benefit show is encouraged to stop by the shop and we will offer up something to be raffled off--a gift certificate or something along those lines. In the meanwhile, you can donate via paypal™ at helpingtony@gmail.com . Donations go directly to the family. There is also a reward for the spineless prick responsible for the shooting set up by Mayor Brown and the BPD. You can donate to this as well by going to this site: rewardfortony@gmail.com . A 2 day benefit show is happening at Club Infinity January 7-8. For more information, check facebook event METAL FOR TONY. thanks for reading. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Second Annual Buffalo Decency Rally took place at the Ukranian/Dnipro Center last weekend featuring a ridiculous display of Buffalo Punk, Hardcore, Noise, Dark-Core, Grind and...Cages! If you weren't there, you truly are square. For the second year in a row, amazing silkscreened posters were made to promote the event. If you'd like a piece of history, Mr. Weese dropped off a bunch at the shop. $5 for civilians and free if your band played it (and you dont have one). Incredible artwork on heavy paper listing all the acts that performed.
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Indie Black Friday. Friday, along with the rest of the usual critters, will take place for a second year at Spiral Scratch. we have placed our order but until we get a definitive list of whats coming, don't want any misinformation on our mighty blog of truth. I.B.F. is the product of the folks behind Record Store Day and features exclusive releases. We can't hold stuff, dont exactly know whats coming yet but we hope for things like Type O Negative box, Iron and Wine "Morning Becomes Electric" lp. Justin Townes Earle "Slippin' and Slidin'", Jimmy Cliff 12", Wilco 10" among them--as well as some "unofficial" releases. We did choose to pass on some $10 7" singles...as that is disgraceful pricing/gouging and I dont want to feed the beast. These often become available after the release date (which we actually follow!) for more reasonable prices. We'll unearth tons of never-seen used vinyl on this day, as well in order to keep things interesting. Record Store Day™ is a great boost to indie record stores but greed, rising prices and flagrant record flipping (often by the stores themselves) are turning it ugly at times. As a result, we are avoiding the overpriced stuff while still participating to the fullest of our abilities.

Some new releases in-stock this week
thee Oh Sees - Carrion Crawler/The Dream LP - Second lp released in 2011 (they've been churning out records at a fever pitch for years now) and this is clearly the better of the two and LOUDER of the two as well. As the band gains much deserved attention from both indie and garage punk camps they are in no way letting up here. Allegedly conceived as two seperate 12" ep's, this long player flows perfectly as it was recorded all at once and displays organ, uptempo numbers and slashing guitar work. here's a sampling taken from a more reputable music website called The Dream. They are on tour with the amazing aussie band TOTAL CONTROL (members of Eddy Current Suppression Ring and UV Race) and PAUL CARY and will be striking Rochester on November 21. We recently had the Oh Sees/Total Control 12" tour split but supplies remain very limited. This lp is in stock along with Total Control's Henge Beat. Henge Beat is yet another amazing offering from Australia mixing electronic elements with driving post-punk and late 70s UK new wave--yet somehow it comes out a perfect garage punker. On Iron Lung Records, it is among the finest lp's released in 2011 and apparently they steamroll it live. Do NOT pass by Total Control (like Pitchfork™ has). Here's a taste: Carpet Rash from Total Control's Henge Beat lp .

WOUNDED LION - IVXLCDM LP - If you enter our doors, you know that we have been devotees of In The Red Records since Larry started putting out excellent records over a decade ago. Quality control is tight and we're tickled to see the label getting more exposure and successful. Based in LA along with the label, Wounded Lion present a form of art punk that recalls late 70s LA punks Urinals as well as Wall Of Voodoo, Suburban Lawns. So there is hope for Los Angeles after all? Wounded Lions second album has garnered rave reviews, has the reliable In the Red stamp and employs the Intelligence main main, ex A-Frames drummer (and current Oh See's percussion man) Lars Finberg adding more percussion and slashing telecaster action. Dig it here.

TYVEK- Fast Metabolism - "At long last, the vinyl debut of this flawless compilation of TYVEK’s early singles. Long out-of-print, and still in high demand, Fast Metabolism was initially issued as a CDR only release, and quickly caught fire around the world. Hailing from Detroit, and behaving as if Wire had been the world's only hardcore band, Tyvek were (and still are) a much needed adrenalin spike through the breast plate. These songs eventually were released as four very hard to find 7-inches between 2006 and 2008. Issued in an edition of 2,000 copies, with deluxe tip-on jackets, and mastered for precision by TIMOTHY STOLLENWERK, with the vinyl lacquers cut by BOB WESTON, this is a co-production between Brooklyn, New York's M'lady's Records and Portland, Oregon's Water Wing Records."

YUCK - (Deluxe Version) LP - A nice vinyl reissue of up and coming band YUCK (brought to our attention by a customer), this double lp set features the self titled lp and an entire 12" of singles & b-sides. For a couple bucks more, we figured you'd appreciate the tack on so you can see the progression the band has made in a short time. As written by the fine folks at Revolver/Midheaven, "...This is a confident, wildly ambitious record, but also one which brims over with a ragged warmth and tenderness, tipping its hat at alt music heroes past such as East River Pipe, Dinosaur Jr and Sparklehorse while at the same time retaining a unique identity entirely its own." I just couldn't put it so eloquently as I'm a n00b to YUCK. Come and get 'em, they're moving quickly.

Still holding strong in the 7" section:
Double Negative - Hardcore Confusion Volume one & two Mark Sultan 7" King Khan & BBQ 7" Punch 7" (their latest) Teen Idles ep 7"

Sorta recent in-stocks/releases
ZOLA JESUS - Conatus LP (and the 2009 lp, The Spoils)
THE WAR ON DRUGS - Slave Ambient lp
HUMAN EYE - They Came From The Sky lp
DINOSAUR JR. - first three lp's
QUICKSAND - Slip lp (back for a short time)
BOYS NEXT DOOR (Nick Cave's late 70s punk band pre-dating the Birthday Party)
ECHO & the BUNNYMEN - Porcupine, Ocean Rain & BBC RADIO SESSIONS lp's.

Our used bin continues to expand daily as we sort through recently acquired collections. Tons of goodies at the lowest prices. Why shop elsewhere? Why pay more? Whats wrong with you?!! They can keep us out of the phonebook and the record show--but they cant keep you from taking advantage of the best, cheapest records around--be it the latest releases or used product. We VPI clean our used records and will soon make that machine available to you! Details to come. (VPI are the ultimate record cleaners...google 'em if yer not aware what the hell i'm talking about.
anchovies 11.17.11 4:33 a.m.,e.s.t.


p.s.

The Frustrations (Detroit) will be performing an in-store in the SS Dungeon this saturday, 11.21.11. Buffalo's Final Insult will also be playing as well as Melody (Mayday, Utah Jazz) & Britt (Final Insult, Utah Jazz)...we hope. We advise you show up, sorta behave by 6 pm as the shows must end around normal closing times.

Night of the Living Blog

Halloween has come to a an end, 54/partly sunny is now considered "nice weather" and Spiral Scratch pounded its chest a few times as we stumbled through our 3rd anniversary of survival serving Buffalo and surrounding areas what we truly believe to be the best vinyl records currently available, learning the new needs and desires of our new location and staving off broken windows, vermin, crazy neighbors and some sort of troubled economy. We spend hours searching for the lowest prices so we can easilly provide you with the lowest prices...usually anywhere. I know this, because I check. That goes for the recent influx of great used records that have been coming in at a steady pitch.
Anyway, let's keep this brief so i can sneak in a few innings on the PS3 before the sun comes up. While there is a healthy batch of new releases and restocked classics (and sorta new releases restocked), the re-issue machine has been chugging out classic stuff--some not exactly "reissue" since it was never released either domestically or at all. The brand new VOID - Sessions 1981-83 unearths an lp's worth of demos, rarities and odds-n-sods. Up until now, VOID's legend was 16 minutes and 1 side of an lp--the classic Faith/Void split--a record indie god Bill "SMOG" Callahan proclaimed among his favorite records ever-"especially the Void side". VOID (along with the FAITH) were something of a hardcore punk enigma of sorts, and a great one at that. Until now, known for their incredible blasts of raw punk on a split lp. What took so long to share twice as many tracks to the world? Even the Pitchdorks took notice, giving the album a 7.3. Whatever, it's here for you now and a rather hot item (we got the last 5 copies from Dischord direct while a new batch is pressed up). VOID would later head into a more metal edged direction and broke up as their shows became uncontrollably violent. Before, they recorded an unreleased lp for Touch & Go Records which the band refuses to release.
So whilst on the topic of that legendary split lp, FAITH also was given similar treatment--Subject To Change. the album--again, as with most all Dischord reissues, has been remastered and cut from the original source tapes making for killer sound quality, unearths the bands Subject To Change 12" along with an 11 song demo (many re-recorded for the split lp, which has never gone out of print as in stock as well. More melodic, less chaotic--the FAITH were a hugely respected band in the DC scene and also have stood the test of time.
More Dischord stuff:
Lungfish - The Unanimous Hour Joe Lally (solo lp)
Teen Idles - 6 song 7" ep reissue
Rites Of Spring
Fugazi (celebrate their entire catalog...its all here)
Minor Threat

Dischord has also hooked us up with a local distro who has some big time reissues at the fairest prices we've seen. Helmet - Strap It On and Meantime lp's. Sonic Youth - Evol & Sister are among the titles we snatched up. More to come in the future.

90's vinyl was often an afterthought, a short and half-assed way to appease the band who demanded that it be released on vinyl. Often the quality suffered and the limited runs make the value high. Don't snub a good reissue as the industry has discovered that silver plastic discs grossly overpriced and inferior would not last them long. Helmet, however, was a product of the great Amphetamine Reptile label--one of the great labels of the 90s (a sound often heard today in bands lick Pissed Jeans and early Clockcleaner) and HELMET (and Melvins, of course) was the band that received the most success, though the label is laden with amazing, cult bands like Hammerhead, Cows, Halo of Flies and more. I've often said the real grunge music of the 90s was coming out of a label in Minnesota, not Seattle. And theirs a reason why the out of print catalog fetches $50 and up per out of print title. This is real deal music that has stood the test of time. Now trust us, we won't steer you wrong.

More reissues:
TALK TALK - Laughing Stock (the final, non-commercial critically acclaimed lp available for the first time in the US. Stay tuned as we try to snatch up some imports of the Spirit of Eden lp)
DINOSAUR JR. - self titled, You're Living All Over Me, Bug (due November 1st)
CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH - So they just put out their 3rd lp, Tess suggested we reload on the first one. So we did. Tess, your copy is in the special order stack.
DOW JONES & the INDUSTRIALS - Can't Stand The Midwest 7" one of the greatest, catchy punk rock songs ever laid down. Guaranteed to get a room full of people who've never heard it bopping their heads (and possibly breaking shit).
COCKSPARRER - Shock Troops - Just too catchy to be a simple oi band, yet too tough to be a power pop band. The best. And this is their best. You're no fun if you cant get down with Cocksparrer. Seriously.
FEEDERZ - Ever Felt Like Killing Your Boss? (complete with grip tape)

NEW RELEASES (incomplete list)
Wolves In The Throne Room - Celestial Lineage 2x lp
Brown Sugar - Colored Flexi
Tom Waits - Bad As Me
M83 - Hurry Up We're Dreaming
The Oh Sees/Total Control split US tour lp
Zola Jesus - Conatus
Punch - Nothing Lasts 7" ep (lots of semi-recent Deathwish stuff in stock, too)
Mean Jeans/Hollywood split 7"
Hollywood - Stunts lp (Big Neck Records is seriously back with a vengeance. Aside from recent Buffalo output (White Whale, Fatal Figures 7", check out the new website and upcoming release schedule at www.bigneckrecords.com)
Big Neck was born in Buffalo in the late 90s as an outlet for the garage punk scene, expanded worldwide releasing Lost Sounds, Ponys, Mistreaters, Bantam Rooster and more while relocating to Virginia while continuing to churn out great rock and roll. Hopefully you know this already, but just in case...Big Neck is a highly respected, long running indie label distributed by Midheaven/Revolver, Dischord and more.


Kitchens Floor - Look Forward To Nothing - More aussie stuff we dig so much, we urge you to buy this immediately. Video posted on our facebook™ page as the 'Scratch of the Week'
Spits V - who doesn't love the Spits? The fifth self-titled and they still are a institution of pure fun--ramones, dumb and synth. whats not to love?
King Khan & BBQ 7" Mark Sultan (aka BBQ) 7" (lp's on the way)
Human Eye - They Came from The Sky (Timmy Vulgar, the man behind Clone Defects and Timmys Organism) became a folk hero in Buffalo due to his antics at a post-Rust Belt Revolt party. Meanwhile, as Timmy's hair continued to recede, the wildman continued to get more adventurous with his current bands. Influenced by bands like Chrome and such, Human Eye is a must for those who like it a tad on the weirder side, yet without pretense and a love for blazing guitars, synths and some of the best drumming the world doesn't know.
More from Sacred Bones: Population 1280, Zola Jesus, Moon Duo, the Men and more. ordered direct.

We'll talk more later as it's late and we're expecting some seriously cool orders in the coming days. I'll do my best to keep the blog back up and running, too.

A HUGE thank you goes out to Malik, Stokes, and Shaken Stylus for their hard work with the Population 1280 "3rd anniversary show" (and to the Fatal Figures and especially White Whale for "falling on the grenade". The support is appreciated. A week later, the shop hosted Sex Church (the lp is currently sold out, but one of the coolest indie bands going right now) and we thank them for playing, Mugsy for collecting dough, the counter ladies-'risa & sam, free useage of the pa (again), Sex Church for playing and all who attended and bought stuff...it was a great night all around. We're still learning the ropes, how things are done, and how to deal with jealous jerks while maintaining class...its been a bumpy ride at times and all the help is appreciated. ArgyBargy Printing (Biff), Bit Part Buttons (Neuland)--Team Scratch for helping fill the schedule (yes, you know who you are) and YOU for reading this self indulgent shit and supporting our little shop.

More later.

anchovies 10/31/11 - 11/1/11 (whoa)

Blagged and Blogged. (slight return)

Where have we been? Lazy, busy, sweating....basically doing thangs. but the blog is our main source of information without you actually coming into the store (which, of course, i highly suggest). The recent influx of quality used lp's and 7"'s has been staggering. Titles by Love, Minor Threat, Judge, the Doors, Hendrix, Coleman Hawkins, Lightning Bolt, baroness, the Kinks, Modest Mouse, jawbreaker just tip the...iceberg?

Meanwhile, we've been doing our damndest to keep up with a load of cool new releases while making sure to keep things affordable. Pressing prices rise, but we can guarantee you wont find new vinyl cheaper! if you do, let us know. We're also pretty sure you won't find the latest PUERTO RICO FLOWERS "7" 12 inch anywhere else around town. And if yer not hip to this puppy...it's Jon Sharkey III (ex-Clockcleaner) delving deep into dark, new wave territory. If you were lucky enough to snatch up a copy of Clockcleaners posthumous "Auf Wierdershen" 12", it's a perfect progression...though many kilometers away from the early, heavy thud of earlier Clockcleaner releases. A surprise hot item for us, we'll have more in the week of July 24th. With that order comes re-stocks of the first three EYEHATEGOD albums, reissued in gatefold double albums and painfully limited. Let us quickly mention the Castle Face "Group Flex" bound five-flexi disc book featuring exclusives from OhSees, Ty Segall and more bay area greatness. These can be found under the counter, are not cheap and are a great investment if you catch my drift. More on the flexi-disc front, we still have Gas Chamber (buffalo/nyc) flexi's, an absolutely beautiful multi-colored flexi from our own Brown Sugar (feral kid) and a NSFW cardboard "flexi" from Les DEMONIAQUES--dee dee dum dum girl & the band Tamaryn. Super limited JAMC cover.

ICEAGE - New Brigade We here at Spiral Scratch tend to be skeptical of the outta control internet hype machine--tastemakers who often have little...taste. However, this explosive post-punk masterpiece created by Danish teens lives up to the talk. It's a post-punk album with touches of hardcore (you wont hear any breakdowns or screams) and glorious british new wave, though it apes nobody. It'll probably hold it's weight years from now, too.

new in-stock:
EYEHATEGOD- Dopesick, Take As Needed For Pain, In the Name Of Suffering. all packaged nicely in gatefolds, all double albums and if its like last time, they wont stick around long.
Davila 666 Tan Bajo -Puerto Rican sensation takes things away from the garage and blows away their debut. One of the great albums to come out this year (along with Pheremoans and Sex Church, who will be playing here in October). All songs en espanol, but you'll be singing along regardless.
Crystal Stilts - 2nd album from nyc unit.
My Morning Jacket Circuital 2x lp Guitar Wolf - SpaceBattleshipLove
Dead Language - s/t lp
Backpeddlers- Songs of Guilt & Revenge - While Norris may best be recalled as the leader of GIRLPOPE, this may be his finest work on record to date. Most likely overlooked, this album blew me away on first and subsequent listens and had the right sound that Girlpope managed to capture ,live, but not on record. Here is a work that displays Norris' talents with the right amount of punch and sonic "oomph" to put all the pieces together. The songwriting is top notch, too.
Bon Iver - self titled
Blitzen Trapper-Destroyer of the Void 2x lp
Reatards - Teenage Hate 2x lp - The earliest days of Jay Reatard resulted in some of the rawest, purest punk rock of the 90s. Harder than most hardcore, realer than most anything coming out at the time. No rules. Essential listening, with a complete extra disc of unreleased, early material. Long out of print, Goner Records has brought it back.
An order direct to Deathwish has brought us new material from OATHBREAKER and 108 along with crucial reissues from INTEGRITY, CONVERGE, REIGN SUPREME and more.

Deep Six Records has reissued a Brutal Truth/Spazz 7". In Stock.

more Buffalo bred LP's!
LIKE A PANTHER- ROCKPILE -Brett, ex-Mockba guitar slinger, and his wife Cindy formed Like A Panther quite some time ago. In that time, the band has come miles. Wisely, they took their time before rushing into a release, but the band is certainly ready for ROCKPILE. The kind of indie that is subdued yet feels it's on the verge of explosion (or implosion) at any given time. Quiet vocals that creep under the music, this is an under appreciated band for sure. The good part is they aint letting that hold them back and have unleashed a self-assured and GOOD album.
FUCKING HOTLIGHTS LP (currently sold out) we expect more of these soon. A sonic assault from a handsome bunch. Incredible cover art belies this explosive slab of wax.
more local talk on the next update. Don't forget Emcee MD's debut rap exploration CD with autographed poster and strap-on power glove.

In additiony Segall's latest lp on Drag City--Goodbye Bread (possibly his best to date), we have unearthed the somewhat rare Ty Segall band- Live in Aisle 5 lp, a high quality live set performed with full band. A re-issue of his debut lp and a recent 7" also are in stock. Segall appeals to the garage rock set as much as he does the indie crowd which speaks a bit about whats on these records...great fuckin' songs! We've been on the bandwagon since day 1 (thanks, richie) and the consensus is he gets better with each release, though all are essential if yer a fan. If yer not--what are you waiting for?






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TONES ON TAIL - Weird Pop A very nice collection of the post-Bauhaus trio that is so much more than the Club Hit "Go" might have you believing. Theres the original version of "Performance" on here, along with the bands best remembered tracks.

Attention FUCKED UP fans. Of course you own their latest, critically lauded 2x lp "David Comes To Life" by now, and you probably love it. But if you missed the pre-order, we have ALL of the limited companion 7"'s that came with it in stock right now. Like so many other labels, we order direct with our friends at matador to bring you the lowest prices possible from anyone in the Matador Group--which includes 4AD, XL Recordings and Beggars Banquet. All have some interesting releases due out in August, so stay tuned. And remember to follow us on facebook for up to the minute reports and incoming.

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Reissue Stuff:
Flower Travellin' Band-Satori Japanese heavy duty psych-rock pressed on 180 grams.

Lots more on the way this week, so stay tuned. Latch on and follow this thing! Tell your friends!

We know its been a tad warm and uncomfortable, but we thank you for your continued support.


anchovies
7.24.11
4:18 p.m. e.s.t.

1:31 a.m., april 16th 2011

i think we're about ready. our biggest yet.


i'm going to try to sleep now. see you critters in the morning.


if i don't get rolled on the way to the car...



no running.

no pushing.

no STEALING.

anchovies
1:32 a.m.
4.16.11

Record Store Day Update III: the Final Conflict

Just a few days away...and if we can somehow keep up this weather, things could turn really nice.

The boxes have begun to arrive, as has the bad news (several titles delayed until next week)--but thats just another reason to come visit.

DOORS OPEN AT 10 A.M. we will be inside, but you wont...until 10 a.m. :)

and just a few groundrules in place, as we have since we started taking part in 2009--one RSD exclusive per customer. No exceptions, and no holds. We've got some cool stuff coming in above and beyond the "official" Record Store day sanctioned releases.

The Oh Sees have quickly became one of our customers' favorites--the extremely prolific John Dwyer led band who straddles the line between garage punk, psych, dreamy summertime pop that breezes softly and uptempo rock and roll (with vocal help from Bridged Dawson that provides an unmistakable harmony with the hyperactive--yet sometimes tame Dwyer). prolific is actually a bit of an understatement for thee Oh Sees who have released about 5-6 lp's since we've opened our doors. in addition, trying to keep up with that and their singles is quite the chore. This sorta-Record Store day Release should lighten the search for fans--thee Oh sees Singles Collection : Volume One & Two. Opaque Red and solid green records and, of course, painfully limited.

Another interesting one that you wont find on the .pdf comes to us from Permanent Records in Chicago. A split 12" limited to a mere 750 copies featuring Toledo noise creepers PUFFY AREOLAS and the twisted guitarist from the amazing BIRDS OF MAYA, PURLING HISS. Released on a special "deep groove" 12" slab (providing extra loudness--it's all about the deepness of the grooves, not the grams of vinyl). One track each--both around 8 minutes long. Although these have been delayed direct from Permanent--we still managed to score copies from a nice distributor. Confusing, but who cares...as long as you have a shot at the lp. Of course, we'll have more when they run out in the coming days.

Trouble In Mind, another supercool Chicago label has offered up a 4-way 7" for Record Store Day--featuring our beloved Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Jack Oblivion, Mean Jeans and one more putting their spin on a wide array of cover songs--all exclusive tracks that will not and do not appear anywhere else.

arrivals:
Black Angels
Vivian Girls 7"
Superchunk "Strings" lp
Antony & the Johnsons
Discordance Axis
Deerhoof/XiuXiu 12"
Revelation Reissue 7"'s (en route)
Mates of State
OFF!
Rise Against 7"
Wild Flag 7"
Gold Panda
Of Montreal
awaiting:
Fucked Up lp
New Pornographers 7"
Deerhunter 7"
and a rather large box of titles....too many to list. will update when they arrive.
there are also lots of cool restocks coming with these orders--Bill Callahan, Kurt Vile, Clockcleaner, Wipers, Low, Stooges, Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Mogwai, Subhumans, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Bob & Gene (classic Buffalo soul!), Black Keys, Black Lips, Black Flag and Black Time. Sorry, no Black 47 or Black Uhuru on the horizon...

**quick manifesto**
to help you all who read this better understand why i don't list all the "stuff we're gettin'" is a complicated one. i'm not being lazy...i just don't know what will come regardless of what we ordered. even this late in the game. the game is a little bit sketchy at times and it's not as simple as "placing an order", rather...you put in for a limited piece and hopefully you spent enough money with that distributor for them to "hook you up". We're a small store, a mom & pop...and we live week to week like most of the rest of you out there. It's a shame such a fun day can get so sketchy (and weird) behind the scenes, but that's my problem! Not yours! We're pulling out all the stops to make this our best Record Store Day ever! And make no mistake, Record Store Day, in the end, is a fantastic thing for the shops, the fans and everyone involved. We just wish they'd make more of the records! With all the cool stuff happening inside the shop, LLoyds Taco Truck will be parked right outside for you to maul foodstuffs. And don't be afraid to stop in before...we've got some cool stuff in-stock and heading to the used crates already. we are NOT holding back anything at this point, it's ging out as fast as we can price it! **end manifesto**
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IN-STORE PERFORMANCE LINE-UP (set times and performers are subject to change!)

11:30-12:15 Matt Smith (of the Orphans)
12:30-1:15 Tony Flaminio(of the Failures Union)
1:30 -2:00 Mark Costantino (of Fences Make Good Neighbors)
4:00-4:30 White Whale
5:00-5:30 Mallwalkers

stay tuned for up to the minute updates here, on facebook, twitter and if im really bored (doubtful), myspace!


i'm a wreck; a human mess! i do it all for you!
anchovies
4.12.11

RECORD STORE DAY UPDATE : Part Two

Be prepared for an earlier opening time and some musical acts--some of the finest in town as a matter of fact. Tony Flaminio (Failures Union), White Whale, Treetop, Mark "Mark" Costantino (Fences make Good Neighbors/ex-Exit Strategy) are just a few of the confirmed acts who will be playing our dollar bin dungeon. And like an easter egg hunt--ever stack is worth a flip. We have become a bit more liberal with our buck specials as space limitations demand. No more gouged out Streisand turds...but maybe a mint copy of the first Cars album ain't such a bad way to blow a dollar bill. Just an example.

So you want lists? Here's a few titles we've ordered for ya:

Bad Brains - Pay To Cum 7"
Beach Boys (78 rpm?!)
Black Angels - Phosgene Nightmare 10"
Blitzen Trapper
Big Star - Third (test press edition)
Antony & the Johnsons - Swanlights
Puffy Areolas/Purling Hiss split
Boris - Attention Please
Discordance Axis - The Inalienable Dreamless lp
Eddy Current/Mean Jeans/Jack Oblivian/Wrong Words 7" (SXSW/RSD only)
Rise Against - Join the Ranks 7"
Gold Panda - Marriage 12"
Black Angels - Another Nice Pair
Quicksand s/t 7"(opaque blue)
Burn 7" s/t (opaque yellow)
Youth of Today s/t 7" (opaque red)
Elliott (gray vinyl) lp
Mates of State - Team Boo 12"
Boris - Heavy Rocks
OFF! - Live @ Generation 7"
Superchunk - Heres Were The Strings Come In lp/7" (hmmm)
Owen - O, Evelyn
Ryan Adams & the Cardinals
Plates - Garth Butcher ep (white vinyl with black specks)
Vivian Girls 7"
Kill Rock Stars compilation
Busdriver - ATM 12"
Of Montreal - Past Is A Grotesque Animal 12"
New Pornographers 7" (unreleased track)
Fucked Up (as V/A) - Town Comp LP (an entire lp of outtakes from their forthcoming album due out in june! A cool back story to this one, which will be released in an interesting concept form--but we'll let you discover the story on your own! Super limited.)
*check for super-marked down Fucked Up albums direct from Matador in the shop now!
Deerhunter 7"
Black Market Baby - Potential Suicide 7"(classic Killed By Death tracks and more, recorded by the legendary Skip Groff at Inner Ear and boasting 2 never before released tracks)super limited and essential DC hardcore punk.
the Frustrators Griller (red vinyl)7" featuring mike dirnt of some other band...
Touche Amore ...To The Beat of a Dead Horse lp
Flaming Lips (you know the deal...)

ok...if i keep going, there will be no part 3! This year, Record Store Day has really exploded. Over 250 "official and exclusive releases" and the smaller indies are getting in on the act, too. So add that to the 250 and things are officially 'off the proverbial hook'. we happen to find that in many cases, these smaller labels releases are the TRUE exciting items and we tried to snatch as many as we could. these are the records with the songs you won't find anywhere else.

Of course, the standards were focused on too...but there is more to Spiral Scratch Record Store Day 2011 than these exclusive slabs from some killer bands, and the live in-stores. Expect special giveaways, NEW Spiral Scratch t-shirts! Canvas Record Tote Bags (printed by our great friends at ARGY BARGY PRINTING and designed by Mark Hatley of Hatley Editorial & Design
.

More records? After our unfortunate fire last May, we packed up due to situation of our building, reluctantly at the time. Happy off Elmwood...we are still finding boxes of unpriced vinyl that never made it out of storage. A HUGE box of 7", old 45's was unearthed. We will be pricing these (the Nice Price™) and putting these out on Record Store Day, too. Some real classics including some local heroes of days gone by. This is not to say we will be with-holding used vinyl--it will go out as usual and we have been slammed lately--but this particular box has been deemed our exclusive RSD used box.

Just to be fair, please don't ask for holds or multiple copies of any exclusive titles. It puts me in a difficult spot and it's just not fair. We don't want to lose friends, break hearts or grant anyone special privileges over anyone else...so let's be cool and make this fun, because thats what its all about. And keep your eyes out for us...last year was the first time we actually witnessed a theft. as corny as this sounds, we're all kinda friends here, a small shop like this...watch our backs and we'll watch yours if you catch my drift. We'll be fully staffed--but if you see something shady, please let us know. And if yer hungry ( we recommend coming on an empty stomach), LLoyds Taco Truck will be out front with limited edition tacos, 180 gram burritos and opaque guacamole colored vinyl (maybe)!



Lastly, we hope to make this a great day for all our customers/friends who keep the ship afloat. And all of you who helped us after the fire--we haven't, nor will I ever, forget the lift we got from the people of Buffalo, labels as big as Matador and as small as Tic Tac Totally and Trouble In Mind. Receiving a package of records from my favorite band, the Cheater Slicks along with tons of others from as far as Italy and France has made this all worth while no matter what the outcome. Martin from Sit-n-Spin rebuilding our melted counter in the sweltering August heat, Norelle donating a laptop and the tons of folks who offered a hand or words of encouragement. Especially Bill Nehill and the benefit show--all who attended, all the bands who seemed to kick a little extra ass than usual that night, my mom and Team Scratch and basically anyone who has spent the time to walk through the door. Donny, the Artvoice cover, Buffalo Rising, Ryan from UB Generation and the Skunk Post....this could go on for ever, so it's time to wrap it up for now. The point is, we're gonna do our best to thank you on Record Store Day and every day before and after, for that matter. Thank You. Again.
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Incoming Stock Report
DAVILA 666 - Tan Bajo Everyone I knew who attended SXSW this year (and missed the Screeching Weasel show!) came back raving about Davila 666. You need not understand a single word from this Puerto Rican 6 piece who have graced us with their second record on the never-fail In The Red Records. Though some of the shout-along garage thumpers of their first album have been replaced with sonic layers and potent songwrting, sometimes recalling the jangle of 60s girl groups (as performed by wild, shirtless Puerto Rican crazies), touches of psychedelic rock with a successful progression from their JAMC/VU garage rock of their debut...this band has taken a step forward (not to say the debut isn't essential--it is) with a tremendous sophomore effort that earned them the attention of "the big music media" this time around.

UV RACE - Homo The one-two punch this month from In The Red comes from Australia in the form of UV Race (did you catch their fantastic performance at the Fun Home last summer? when they were joined by mikey "eddy current" young?). well fans of ECSR won't be disappointed with pals UV Race on this, their second album. This is a band who dabbles in proto-punk, post-punk, krautrock and psychedelia...ultimately churning out some outlandishly catchy tracks. male and female vox, a cozy organ and more great aussie rock and roll. A band to watch.

LIEUTENANT s/t Buffalo Hardcore fans have waited a long time for the release of this bombastic explosion of pure hardcore. They even got together the other night and played an overwhelming set to commemorate the occasion. Featuring memebers of Resist Control (Matto), Gas Chamber (Pat Bulger), Lemuria (Alex Kearns) and local hero/jack of all trades Eric Ellman--calling this a supergroup would be unfair and corny, yet ultimately true as all of the members are currently in other actively successful bands and 3 out of the 4 run record labels, all of which had a hand in releasing this. Matto's Peterwalkee label, Bulgers' Warm Bath Label and Kearns' Art of the Underground all have thier stamp on this slab--limited to 300 copies (100 which are colored). I'd give this one about a month or so to sell out. A snapshot of Buffalo activity right now, though the band is most likely not functioning on a regular basis--this document will be an essential album regardless. Check it out here.

BRITISH SEA POWER - Valhalla Dancehall By now, you know if you're a British sea Power fan or not, as they are not newcomers to the world of indie rock...which means they probably won't be getting the press of "the next big thing", yet you know what to expect from them. The sounds of UK post-punk, played proficiently and with a sense of humor in tow. And to think a good number of indie bands towing this line have a short shelf life, BSP have been at it for quite some time and their is probably a reason for that. Think about it for a minute...then stop down, we have them in stock waiting for you.

TY SEGALL BAND - Live In Aisle 5 Somehow this well recorded live album, featuring a full band backing up the young Segall, ha vanished. That means these are already out of print and selling for well over $20 online! But since you've been so kind to us, we're going to play dumb on this one and just price it as we normally would. Now I'm not a big fan of live albums, especially when it's not not Dylans with the Band, but this has a great, full sound to it, fun banter and the usual oddball covers thrown in with the hits that Segall loves to blast out. You can hear the beer bottles clanging together, the loudmouths in the club and most importantly, the songs. An important record for any fan of Segall, who has a new album in the can to boot as his name righteously gets out their to the masses. Once again...we told ya so.

HOMOSTUPIDS - Strawberry Peach Banana Kings of Skull Rock...shit, kings of punk rock as far as some of us are concerned, our beloved Homostupids played in our dungeon a few days before this "long playa" was released and word on the street is they went into an actual studio (instead of placing a boombox under water) to record this one and the results are what was always hiding--songs! Personally, I love it all, but after seeing them live I was longing for slightly more 'audible recordings' and the crushing results are here, folks. Though not for the faint of heart..if you like it raw, dropped on the head and loose, this shits for you. Featuring the ex-singer of Nine Shocks Terror, aloose-cannon buffalo ex-pat, 15 years removed and a tireless drummer (and guest appearances by Josh's young daughter on guitar/ramblings...hell, she probably named the album AND the band), this ones a keeper. Their "slick album", it's still rough around the edges and crushing. Primitive punk rock for those who still believe.

More punk than since that first single, as a matter of fact. Wanna watch them kill it in the Spiral Scratch Dungeon? Click here and compliments of the shaky camera/show document-er Clint Carr.

LOS DUG DUG'S s/t aka Lost In My World (description "borrowed" from more another source, yet right on the money) Los Dug Dug's self titled debut (also known as "Lost in My World"): the "must have" first album (1971) from psychedelic guru Armando Nava and his band, recorded after their failed trip to NYC did not produce the stardom they had been promised—pain and disappointment sparking great song-writing on this, the first Mexican psych album in English. An American tourist was so impressed that he offered to bankroll a trip for the band to New York City. The group played a handful of live dates and recorded a few demos, but having no money to pay the union fees necessary to earn them the opportunity to play NYC's larger venues left them with little choice but to return to Mexico. Los Dug Dug's immediately began work on their first LP for RCA Mexico, little knowing at the time that it would become a classic of psychedelia. [The results of failure and band differences essentially splitting up the bands first incarnation is this] heavy, explosive album, a record which captures the fever/dream humidity of flower children running amok on a July afternoon. Essential. 180 gram vinyl.

KEY RESTOCKS
MUMMIES - Play Their Own Records The first Mummies album, actually a singles comp, is finally backin stock alongside "Never Been Caught". Essential 90s garage punk.

SEX CHURCH - 6 Sons With... Sex Church is a band from Vancouver, Canada. Their music is inspired by depression, frustration, disappointment and other such inner turmoils that are the sources of great works of art.
Like bands such as The Wipers and Cheater Slicks, Sex Church takes that gloom and doom and spews it out in a punk and garage blueprint mixed with some hard driving krautrock repetitiveness as well as melodic shoegaze elements and turn something ugly into something beautiful.
"6 Songs by Sex Church", their debut full length LP, shows the world what this band is truly capable of featuring moody numbers like "Old Enough" "I Don't Wanna Die" and "The Floor", as well ripping hard driving numbers like "Not Anymore" "Ghost" and "Mistaken".
A perfect follow up to their single on Sweet Rot Records and a perfect record for fans of bummer rock n drone. A Spiral Scratch unanimous Top 10 of 2010 pick.

OF MONTREAL - Hissing Fauna Are You The Destroyer? The 2007 career defining master piece from Athens, GA pop masters. A personal opus, reissued in fine form. Deluxe double lp packaging with 2 180 gram lps and a 18"x24" poster included, as well as the free download.


CHEVEU - 1000 lp "Paris, France's Cheveu's newest release 1000 shows a much more polished and slicker sound than their previous releases, portraying the band's growth and adventurous, other-worldly style. That's not to say it doesn't sound like a Cheveu album, which is usually pretty damned difficult to pinpoint anyhow. Expect a whole new foray of sounds that include full horn arrangements, crazy Run DMC-style beats, and the usual flurry of noisy electronics and Rolling Stones-type blues riffs. Limited to only 1,000 copies on black vinyl in North America. Amazing cover art made out of fruit stickers and other fun stuff."

-SERGE GAINSBOURG - "...Melody Nelson"
-DEATH - "...For The Whole World To See"
-CRASS - "Feeding of the 5000"
-CRASS - "Penis Envy"
-STRAIGHT ARROWS - "It's Happening"
-VERNON WRAY - "Wasted"
-LOW THREAT PROFILE s/t
-MARKED MEN s/t
-CITIZENS ARREST - "Colossus"
-LCD SOUNDSYSTEM - "Sound of Silver"

7"
-COLA FREAKS
-WOMEN IN PRISON
-SONOROUS GALE (restock)
-XRAY EYEBALLS
-PSYCHED TO DIE
-NOFX/SPITS
-OFF! 4 ep box (restock)

Not sure wether to apologize or flex "deez" for the length and effort of this post, but thanks for reading regardless and come visit soon!


anchovies
3.28.11
5:18 a.m.

RECORD STORE DAY UPDATE : Part One

here it comes. here it comes. here comes the Record Store Day nervous breakdown....

so you want to know whats coming?? well, we'd love to know for sure ourselves...but the truth is, we really don't know for sure. quantities can vary, no matter what you hear, certain titles have been limited to tiny pressings.

As usual, you can see whats happening straight from the source via RecordStoreDay.com

But...we kinda want it to be a surprise...but the cats cant help but come out of the bag. We wont keep you totally in the dark (like Billy Squier). Bigger releases from Syd Barrett, Superchunk, Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, Skip James, Fucked Up (sorry, we're not on the cover this year), Television, Velvet Underground, Opeth, Mates of State, Bad Brains, Discordance Axis, Fleet Foxes, Grateful Dead, Mississippi John Hurt, Blitzen Trapper, New pornographers, neurosis, OFF!, Of Montreal, Rise Against, Rival Schools, QUEEN, Boris, Youth of Today, Quicksand, Elliot, Justin Townes Earle and loads more. And i do mean loads. Plus, our regular stock will be beefed up and some "hold back" used records will be available on this day.

To us, whats more exciting is the smaller labels/bands that do well in our little shop offering exclusive RSD releases you may not find anywhere else. These, will be the surprise. And we are certain you'll flip over some of them...as we have ourselves. Remember, the best way to get the inside scoop is to drop in and say 'hello'.

A few weeks back, we hosted a 'test show' with some live-n-loud bands. Things went well, so we'll-for the first time, be able to offer live music (in our dungeon just a few steps away from the racks). We are still confirming acts, but promise some of Buffalo's finest acoustic, indie, punk and "otherwise unlabeled" musical acts performing when we're not spinning cool records. More announcements in the coming days, folks. Be patient...this will be our third Record Store Day and we've learned a few things in that time. Our new location offers much more room to roam for customers, too.

Our good friend, Susan Tanner and her hubby Marty Boratin are "hard at work" in Austin at SXSW. Susan is moderating a panel based on this very event! Two very awesome people who deserve to be having FUN right now. As for the RSD panel, read about it here.
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whats back in stock recently?
CITIZENS ARREST A NYHC classic--the band Ted Leo once shouted for (though not on these recordings--just a demo). The complete 2 disc anthology compiles the bands entire recorded output, packaged with an in-depth full size booklet of pictures, discography & lyrics, as well as a full sized poster. An essential document from an essential band--back in print for a time. Don't miss out this time as they went fast last time and quickly disappeared from our grasp.

QUICKSAND - Slip We scored a few of these and don't expect them to be around long, either. A 90s classic album, available on vinyl at a price that "wpnt cost you an arm and leg".

SPARKLEHORSE - 2 reissues on Plain Records,
more classic 90s reissue here--but of a different variety. Heavy and light. A couple of crucial albums. The heavilly acclaimed debut from 1996, Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot, which comes with bonus 7" and Good Morning Spider--the 1998 album released after leader Mark Linkous nearly fatal drug reaction and subsequent year long stay in a London hospital. A brutally honest take on Americana, darkness and straight-up honest songwriting.

INFEST- DEMOS LP/SLAVE LP

MUSIC MACHINE - TALK TALK

THEM - Angry, Young Them A young Van Morrison and his ferocious 60s garage band.

A fully loaded "incoming/used" bin to keep you occupied, too.

Lets end it there for now---so Part II is even more exciting, eh? I'm kinda tired, too and the cat is trying to type....

anchovies
3.17.11
2:27 am, e.s.t.

happy
birthday
mom!