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.
-------------------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------

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!

Marching into March

It's just over a month away from the highly anticipated RECORD STORE DAY. we're excited just as you are...but the stress will be on our end. try and let us know what you seek beforehand so you wont be disappointed. once again, we can't afford the "independent truckload" of releases ( a lot of them garbage, anyway), so lets just be specific as always. its the way we like to play it. quality always trumps quantity.

Issues at hand: our latest incoming stock. Some cool new releases, essential reissues, crucial restocks and oft overlooked classics.


PJ HARVEY - Let England Shake - Harvey's #8 studio album in a remarkable 20 year career was one whose music was based on pre-written lyrics--dark and gloom subject matter like the darkest of them all-war. In this case, The Great War--WWI, but thats just the symbolism and the subject matter--coupled together with the songs produce an album unique and unlike anything the Great Queen Polly Jean has done before. Might as well stand and take notice now, as this one is sure to be lauded at years end.
TALIB KWELI - Gutter Rainbows Freed from the confines of a major label, as the cliche goes, Kweli here makes an album that he wanted to make and made for himself. Though the overwhelming production is said to have been stripped down somewhat, it is certainly not a major departure album. Fans will certainly be pleased with Kweli's classic rap formula, rather than forced attempts to reinvent it. No, we dont just sell punk records.


CLOCKCLEAN ER - Nevermind (this description has been lifted, with great respect/without permission, from NYC Academy Records blog--because I, a huge fan of the band and Mr Sharkey himself, couldn't have said it any better myself. Sharkey hated many things, and was hated back with vigor...but he loved and was loved Buffalo. A closer look into the man can explain that. regardless, read on)
Fan Death Records is proud to bring you CLOCKCLEANER’s legendary first LP Nevermind, receiving its first vinyl release. Allegedly written while singer/guitarist JOHN SHARKEY was suffering from a weeks-long case of bilateral amnesia, Nevermind shocked those listeners lucky enough to hear it with its acidic, misanthropic noise-rock spew. Live, Clockcleaner took an uncompromising approach towards alienating audiences, bands, and venues, leading a local alt-weekly to crown them "the most hated band in Philadelphia" in a cover story. While more sensitive types bristled at tracks called "Interview w/ a Black Man" and "Gentle Swastika" (among others), those who were able to stand through their seizure-inducing live shows and vulgar display of reverb found that this band actually wrote songs. Darkly humorous songs with an attitude corrosive enough to melt the mustache off a Northern Liberties Man Man fan. After you've come to know and love Babylon Rules and Auf Wiedersehen, you'd be doing yourself a favor by coming back to where it all began. Includes a download.
KLEENEX™/LiLiPuT - 4x LP Box
With Mississippi Records, it's a safe bet you are being exposed to something interesting, perhaps overlooked during its lifetime and packaged beautifully--you're gettin your moneys worth. This 4 LP box doesnt musically expand upon the previous 2 cd KillRockStars Anthology, but it does break it up into 8 sides of vinyl with a beautiful book all packaged into a tough as nails old school tip-on style box. We thank Dave @ Revolver/Midheaven for tipping us off to these before they vanished (they havent vanished from the shop yet...what are you waiting for??). A truly unique, all female band from Zurich, Sweden--Kleenex may be best known publically for Kimberly-Clarks demand they change their name (hence, Liliput), but their fances never dropped the Kleenex. Instead, they became unofficially referred to as Kleenex-Liliput. Musically, the band was a unique punk band (with an occasional male passing through the line-up), feminist and up-front.
They toured with the likes of the Raincoats, Subway Sect, Gang of Four and Swell Maps. In 1980, the corporate giants ame down on them for their use of Kleenex. Not to be overlooked, is a 10"x10" full color booklet, 12 pages long, of photos and words. A crucial piece of music history presented right and worth every penny. Hopefully when they're gone, they make more as their is clearly a demand.

BRIGHT EYES A reissue of a collaboration betwixt Nina Divona & Bright Eyes originally released on Crank! in 2004, now issued by Saddle Creek with 4 additional songs (making it a long player) on 180 grams of vinyl and with download in tact.

SIX ORGANS OF ADMITTANCE - Asleep On The Floodplain - released in a few weeks back on Drag City, this is their latest.

LOW ANTHEM - SMART FLESH - Another one only a few weeks old, this is Low Anthems follow-up to their '08 debut. Dreamy Americana. As the Washington Post has put it, "The Low Anthem isn't the first bunch of indie rockers to experiment with older string-band instruments and echoes of the songs of pre-1940 rural America. But no one has done it better than this Rhode Island trio... That's because very few bands have paid so much attention to detail, or to beauty."

JAZZ, DADDY-O
Chet the Jet, my late father and spiritual partner (we were to be partners before his passing shortly before we opened) was a wild jazz fan...as wild as i am a punk rock geezer. Eventually, I took notice. Going beyond that, helpful customers have made suggestions and through my own further research, we have continues to stock classic jazz reissue records. The obvious, some may say, like Coltane, Mingus, Charlie Parker, Ornette Coleman, Brubeck along with some other incredible yet lesser known "beats" like Theolonius Monk, Lee Morgan, Grant Green and others can be found mixed in the new and used albums. Sometimes the glut of reissues makes it hard to keep up and while we do our best, we always look for the input of our well trained customers. Don't be shy...let us know what you're after. If you're tired of seeing 3 figure price tags on beat up early presses, many of these reissues are done by the original labels who released them in the first blace (Blue Note, Impulse!, Vanguard, etc). Lately, we have dabbled into the works of Archie Shepp and some other new ones. you'll just have to keep flipping or miss out. we recommend coming to visit as the weather gets somewhat more tolerable.

KEY RESTOCKS
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM - Sound of Silver 2x lp
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM - This is happening 2x lp
FRESH & ONLYS - s/t
FRESH & ONLYS - Play It Strange
RESIDENTS - Not Available
TOM WAITS - Closing Time
OH SEES - Dog Poison
SHANGRI-LA'S - LEADER OF THE PACK
MAYDAY! 7"
COWORKERS/INERDS split 7"
LEMURIA - PEBBLE
DRI - Violent Pacification 7"
OFF! 7" Box
OWEN - New Leaves
THE JAM - All Mod Cons
I OBJECT 7"
OTIS REDDING - Pain In My Heart
TOO $HORT - Life Is...
BLIND WILLIE MCTELL - Early Years 1927-1933
BIG BLACK - 3 7"'s

PREVIOUSLY ENJOYED -
As preparation for the february 18th show in the dungeon, as well as our good pals/former neighbors at RISE ABOVE TATTOO informing us of untold boxes of surviving used records in the bowels of our former location, the "used section" has blown up with some super cool titles and great deals. We're packed to the max, so come find some gems and help us make space for more incoming stuff. Dust gatherers have been relocated to the Dollar Bin where some excellent deals can be found. And if you still love those plastic silvery discs, we have a good few rows of still-in-the -shrinkwrap discs from national and local artists. Lots of great titles from Jay reatard, Hold Steady, expanded Ramones discs, baseball Furies, Iceberg, My Bloody Valentine, Dirtbombs and basically no junky shit. Also, it should be known not a single cd is over $9.99. We pride ourselves on our low prices of both vinyl and digital--which involves not beinglazy when ordering and your patience is appreciated. As is your support. Thank You.

anchovies
3.5.11
7:37 a.m. (!)
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MATADOR SUPER SALE (and various other Matador related releases)
In a reverse move in the topsy-turvey world of rock and roll [sic], the mighty Matador Records has slashed prices on some classic, essential releases. Some of these, in stock, include classics from GUIDED BY VOICES (Alien Lanes, Under The Bushes Under The Stars), JAY REATARD (Watch Me Fall), INTERPOL (self titled), MISSION OF BURMA, NEW PORNOGRAPHERS (Electric Version, Twin Cinema)and some choice other surprises.
In addition, the latest from Philly's "Constant Hitmaker", singer-songwrter Kurt Vile--Smoke Rings For My Halo. Vile has moved away from the lo-fi charm which graced his earlier albums in favor of a straight ahead style with cleaner production which opens the door to appreciate both Vile's penchant for melody and pretty impressive guitar playing. In the past, that has been obscured (in a good way) by white noise, space sounds and limitations of a 4-track recorder, all hallmarks which gave him the "psychedelic-folk" tag--now everything is out in the open and the result is another move in the right direction for this incredibly talented kid. Great songs make a great album.

anchovies
3.5.11
4:54 p.m.
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SKULL MUSIC IN-STORE

2.18.11
a date we had all somewhat cautiously approached. many concerns were brought up and for a tiem, there was consideration the entire show be moved. for one, the HOMOSTUPIDS are not your average punk rock band. with at least one ex-nine shocks terror member (and he's not really the "crazy" one), i personally have attended shows of theirs were i thought my life was endangered. but buffalo proved itself once again.
*

no, it wasn't tame by any means. and thats a good thing. these shows are not meant to be tame. they are supposed to be a little dangerous. and by god, it was. but we incurred minimal damage, no theft (that we are aware of) and most of the attendees are customers/friends...all who kept an eye out for anything over the top.




the evening of music began with the beloved UTAH JAZZ, Buffalo's long awaited spastic, bass-less garage punk band featuring members of MAYDAY!, Brown Sugar, Baast and a couple ex-City Creeps.
The smiling bloke on right guitar was instrumental in putting the entire thing together, along with an unpictured Chuck Barrels--both of whom saw that the Spiral Scratch Dungeon was game ready.
Of course, one of punk rocks finer units, HOMOSTUPIDS, returned to Buffalo to play where they enjoy most--below sea-level. Some fans frustrated with their lo-fi recordings get a taste this trio means serious business, can play and have songs to back it all up in the live setting. They seemed tickled to be back in Buffalo--which they are admitted fans of. Tickled pink and even rare smiles:

Rounding out the evening was post-hiatus PLATES. Eventually, and without being too self-indulgent, we took to the floor and banged through a set that began under cover of darkness.
*

We'd like to think it was a smashing success and thank all who took time out of their busy friday evening to converge upon the 'Scratch to witness this show.
Our crack security squad: Chuck Barrels, Malik, Marisa & Sam, Stokes!, Carson and all of our customers and friends who again, had fun and got ugly--but respected our little place. And although these particular shots were taken by Anchovies and Stokes--a special thanks to Clint Carr for his hundreds of shots that can be seen here: lots of pics and video

anchovies
2.22.11
3:18am

return of the BLOG

(banner by mark "joops" hatley--A+ dude)

where did it go? laziness? perhaps...but then it vanished. and now its back.

no further questions!

it's been a long, cold winter for all of us...and, for many of us, that means being a hermit more often than not and what better way to hole up in your crib than with some cool records to keep things interesting? none, i say. and we've got what you need (in most cases...if not, let us know what you need and we'll do our damnedest to find it as quickly as possible).

our pal Felix von Havoc (and the man who helped coined our store "Spiral Scratch" has, through his fine Havoc Records label, reissued some classic punk rock. We are proud to serve up reissues from DISCHARGE, VARUKERS, MDC and more. This is also our source for classic titles from BAD BRAINS (Rock For Light---superior euro mix), The PIST, REGULATIONS, POISON IDEA (Feel The Darkness) and more.




a snapshot of some recent units to have come through the door (and out the door, in most cases)

FEBRUARY 18th: a day that might live in infamy.
of course, there is much more happening every day. we have been making a conscious effort to unleash hundreds of used backstock, which had been sitting unpriced for months as we try to keep up with collections coming in frequently. in an effort to make room for the upcoming HOMOSTUPIDS/PLATES/UTAH JAZZ show on february 18th. if you plan on attending, we ask you respect the Scratch, our neighbors and everyone around you. any dickheads will be promptly removed by our "Heavy Dudes Security Team™". And yes, the cameras do work. we ask you not to be that guy (or girl). also, keep in mind space is LIMITED. we love you all, but in the interest of safety, the law, our lease and others who want to enjoy this show--we will be forced to turn folks away if it becomes too crowded.

SCRATCH and SNIFF zine:

Issue #3 will be out soon! If you missed the first issues, a small reprint will be made available for a time. After issue #1 is gone, it will be gone for good...don't sleep. Editor-In-Chief B. Gaffney is hard at work laying it all out while our foxhole buddy Chuck Barrels will man the repress machine.

SOME LOCAL RELEASES OF NOTE:
A four-way split involving some of Buffalo's coolest singer-songwriters, playing acoustically for the most part, a part of the BORN TO KILL vinyl compilation 7".
Fences Make Good Neighbors (members and/or ex-members of Exit Strategy, Failures Union, Palomar Sky Survey (!)), Ellen West (Missing Planes), Tony Flaminio (Failures Union) and the amazing Bill "Tracey Morrow" Nehill. A digital version includes extra tracks. Brought to us from One Percent Press/Headless Actor.

Another comp of note comes to us from Warm Bath Label entitled BUFFALO BRUTALITY. As you could imagine, this title is self-explanatory. Some of Buffalo's most br00tal including Inerds, Resist Control, Avulsion, Morax, Ordinary Men & Women, Scheisse Krieg & Ancients of Earth round out this crushing 7" record.

Lindsey & Jack Topht, Buffalo's favorite "power couple", make their 7" vinyl debut (in anticipation of a lengthy tour), all with handmade covers. Everything you'd come to expect from this eccentric dynamic duo, right down to the incredible artwork on the sleeves.

To Hell And Back -- technically an Albany outfit, THAB features the beloved Matto and have unleashed a full length of straight ahead ROCK. Think Turbonegro sans homosexual imagery or Kiss with balls and without the make-up. LP is pressed on opaque blue wax and comes with a digital download. Keep an eye out for their release show coming up when the weather breaks. Another Peterwalkee release. (Don't forget the Figgs "Sucking In Stereo" reissue from a few months back)

Unwelcome Guests also have graced us with their latest 7".

From the ashes of long running, under appreciated BLOWTOPS rise the FATAL FIGURES. More Scientists, Pussy Galore influenced dark garage punk. They are now armed with a debut 7" which includes, surprisingly, a Pussy Galore cover. After parting ways with their frontman Creepy Dave Brand, the remaining members forge ahead as a trio proving that these folks are "lifers" who are unfazed by the criminal lack of attention they have received locally while achieving acclaim internationally. Released on none other than BIG NECK RECORDS.

We will also be re-stocking crucial Feral Kid Records releases including Mayday!, Coworkers/Inerds split, Rational Animals, an upcoming Death Trap 7" and pretty much everything else that is offered from this important prolific Buffalo imprint.

Other new releases of note:
Dismemberment Plan - Emergency 2xlp reissue.
OFF! 4x7" box set with fancy booklet. Playing at the Mohawk Place 3/30.
Low Threat Profile 12" long player.
Dirtbombs - Party Store 3x lp. An adventurous homage to detroit electronic/house music played by one of the greats, led by garage legend Mick Collins.
Mogwai - Hardcore... 2x lp/7"
Lemuria - Pebble Hardworking Buffalo outfit unleash breakthrough album, out of place, on Bridge 9 (!!!).
Lemuria/Cheap Girls split 7"
Boomgates 7" - Aussie outfit featuring Brendan Suppression of Eddy Current Suppression Ring, his girlfriend and some other blokes.
Straight Arrows import LP - More Aussie greatness...one of my favorites in recent months, a psychedelic-pop killer of an album.
Gentleman Jesse - ...Wrong Guy 7" After unleashing one of the great power pop albums in recent years in 2008, Gentleman jesse & His Men hit the road hard for a time and return in top form with this limited 7" ep. Another gem that no self-respecting power-pop fan should be without. And make no mistake, this is the real deal--not some Warped Tour schlock pop punk turd masquerading as power pop.
Ride - Nowhere A classic shoegazing masterpiece available on thick vinyl for the first time in...quite some time. Includes their standard Vapor Trails. An all around classic of the genre.
plus new stuff from DESTROYER 2xLP, AGAINST ME (7"), DUM DUM GIRLS 12", SUPERTOUCH 7" and plenty more.
Restocks (partial)
The Fall - Live at The Witch Trials/Dragnet/Grotesque LPs. One of the greats. Now significantly cheaper than previously. Why are you paying more, sucker? We also have This Nations Saving Grace and the Wonderful World of the Fall in stock.
Shangri-La's - Leader of the Pack/'65 LPs - still on Red Bird!--sorry collector geeks, but these are identical to the originals and sound GREAT!

Blind Willie Mctell - One of the great country-bluesmen; a fantastic collection of many of his great numbers. A must for any early acoustic blues fan. Which brings us to:
Bukka "Booker" White LP, reissued by the excellent 4 Men With Beards Label, the same bearded fellas who bring us fine reissues by WIRE, TELEVISION, BUZZCOCKS, FUNKADELIC, FLIPPER and more. Top quality.

That's all for now. Stay tuned for Part II of this entry and we'll keep you informed of things going on at the Scratch.

Don't forget to tune into SPIRAL, SCRATCH & SNIFF RADIO every saturday at our NEW time, 10-midnight on saturday evenings. Too anti-social for the endless dance-party circuit? Dig the longest running (15 years?!) free-form rock and roll radio show in Buffalo! With hosts Anchovies, Chuck Barrels & Get Mugged! Rock and roll, punk rock, hardcore, power-pop, post-punk, proto-punk, new wave, noise and whatever else feels right.
Tune those transistor radios to 91.3 fm or check it out on streaming live at wbny.org

thanks for reading and come visit us soon!

anchovies
2/14/11
5:07 a.m.