Language Is An Expose

The National Acrobat - It’s Nothing Personal (2000) Side...

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:21:53 -0600

The National Acrobat - It’s Nothing Personal (2000)

Side A: Of Jeffersonian Thought / I’m A Gine

Side B: Mexican Movie Stars / The National Hymn Of Acropocalypse

Label: Hex Records

Matrix: HEX3

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

This was a random pick from an order I placed with In Vinyl We Trust several weeks ago. Upon first listen this band really reminded me of Chicago’s Slow Horse. This record slays, the rhythm section is simply pummeling.

The National Acrobat were a Louisville band that expressed with great honesty the urgency of hardcore. Taking cues from influences like The Nation of Ulysses, Born Against, Deadguy, Drive Like Jehu and The Jesus Lizard, they were often compared to then-contemporary bands like Refused, Ink & Dagger and Botch.

http://www.mediafire.com/?zy4wi9clivil66f

Butterglory - Our Heads (1993) Side A: Better Gardens, Better...

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:41:00 -0600

Butterglory - Our Heads (1993)

Side A: Better Gardens, Better Homes / Yeoman / Sad Moustache Men

Side B: Back Of My Hand / You Are The Drum

Label: Merge Records

Matrix: MRG046

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

This morning I logged in and realized that the last handful of rips I’ve done have all been pretty abrasive. So for a change of pace I pulled out this old 90s lo-fi gem.

Butterglory was a male/female duo signed to Merge Records. I can’t really say much about this record, found it for $1 at a record fair a few years back. What to expect? Think Go Sailor meets Neutral Milk Hotel, and yes I will be reverting back to some ear-splitting crust jamz soon enough.

http://www.mediafire.com/?xmy4cvc1w7p7dmo

Chavez - Repeat The Ending (1994) Side A: Repeat The Ending Side...

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:03:12 -0600

Chavez - Repeat The Ending (1994)

Side A: Repeat The Ending

Side B: Hack The Sides Away

Label: Matador Records

Matrix: OLE 104-7

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

Just got this in the mail 2 days ago and couldn’t wait to rip it. This band is absolutely insane. The guitar parts sound similar to something coming from Ash Bowie (of Polvo), however, Matt Sweeney somehow finds a way to get the most melodic vocal lines to shine through.

I’ve shown Chavez to a handful of friends and most reactions reveal that the jagged/dissonant guitars prevent any semblance of a hook. I hope some (if not most) of you feel differently. Chavez is overwhelmingly underrated and should be taken in large doses at ear-splitting volumes.

http://www.mediafire.com/?1n1p8m1518j7v7x

Rye Coalition / Maximillian Colby (1995) Side A: Dover Side...

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:12:00 -0600

Rye Coalition / Maximillian Colby (1995)

Side A: Dover

Side B: One Gallon Alda

Label: Irony Records / Rent-A-Records

Matrix: IRONY-002 / 552.002

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

I’m on a roll! Got this awhile ago out of a bargain bin while visiting ISU. I’ve been meaning to get this done for quite some time, mainly to complete my Rye Coalition collection.

However, similar to my last post the B-side is what really shines. The Maximillian Colby track on this is killer, the only reason I didn’t post that one is because of it’s length coming in just over 6 minutes.

http://www.mediafire.com/?k3ef5bmvv1t3eoc

Phoenix Bodies / Tyranny Of Shaw (2004) Side A: Goddamn Pyramid...

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:25:00 -0600

Phoenix Bodies / Tyranny Of Shaw (2004)

Side A: Goddamn Pyramid Building Aliens / Fix Me

Side B: Routing Her Convulsions / Spinetheft

Label: Init Records

Matrix: INIT-19

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

This is the second of four posts I intend to do featuring records from a recent Init purchase. I can’t really say much about this record, I hadn’t heard anything by either of these bands and just bought this on a hunch. I figured if Raein did a split with Phoenix Bodies, there had to be something to like.

In my opinion, Tyranny Of Shaw pulsates more on this split. This was their final release before members went on to form: Capsule, Torche, Maruta, Shitstorm, Monarcs, etc.

http://www.mediafire.com/?fk9f6ipasdba3f1

Ten Grand / Meth and Goats (2004) Side A: X-Tacy Of Desire Side...

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:09:27 -0600

Ten Grand / Meth and Goats (2004)

Side A: X-Tacy Of Desire

Side B: Dope Tantrum / She Murdered Everything In Sight

Label: Init Records

Matrix: INIT-08

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

After months of putting off an inevitable order from Init Records I was finally able to gather enough couch change to snag a handful of 7” records and two LPs. I’ve had a rip of this 7” for quite some time, but just like The Aasee Lake record I transferred awhile back I wasn’t satisfied with the quality.

I’m happy to extend my collection of Meth and Goats material, especially after being introduced to their full length “Attack From Meth and Goats Mountain” a few months back. But Ten Grand’s, posthumous, final recording is what really shines here. Matt Davis’ unexpected death in 2003 has remained one of the most tragic loses for the midwest hardcore scene.

http://www.mediafire.com/?uztsei0xb5jwmzy

Brainiac - Internationale (1995) Side A: Go Freaks Go Side...

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:09:00 -0600

Brainiac - Internationale (1995)

Side A: Go Freaks Go

Side B: Silver Iodine

Label: Touch and Go Records

Matrix: TG148

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

Brainiac, from Dayton, Ohio, are by far one of my favorite bands and “Go Freaks Go” was the first song introduced to me. I picked this record up from the Touch and Go table at the CHIRP record fair about 4 years ago. This EP was recorded by Kim Deal (of The Breeders) and is quite a stepping stone between their two near perfect full lengths, “Bonsai Superstar” (1994) and “Hissing Prigs In Static Couture” (1996).

You should definitely snag this and play the A-side like a hundred times for all your friends on this most special of evenings. Happy New Year!

http://www.mediafire.com/?0eiosq0b8dyprov

Archers Of Loaf - Vocal Shrapnel (1996) Side A: Vocal...

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:40:00 -0600

Archers Of Loaf - Vocal Shrapnel (1996)

Side A: Vocal Shrapnel

Side B: Density

Label: Alias Records

Matrix: A-103

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

This 7” features my favorite track from Archers full length “All The Nations Airports”, while the B-side boasts the anthem “Density”. I surprisingly stumbled across this record in the clusterfuck that Kiss The Sky claims to be their “45 section”.

Archers Of Loaf is yet another 90s North Carolina band that I can’t help but adore. If you’re not familiar with them, their aesthetic is similar to their contemporaries: Polvo, Superchunk and The Raymond Brake. Eric Bachmann’s lyrical content in “Density” further defines the slacker-esque vibe the musicians project.

“a drone, a strum, a drunken slur

produced the urge, a sonic dirge

and left a sonic hum that was purely an entity of sound”

http://www.mediafire.com/?nafqjus9jj9k8hb

The Polyphonic Spree / Grandaddy (2003) Side A: The March Side...

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:14:00 -0600

The Polyphonic Spree / Grandaddy (2003)

Side A: The March

Side B: The Rugged and Splintered Entertainment Center

Label: Birdman Records

Matrix: BMR 53

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

It’s been far too long since I’ve had an opportunity to sit down with my 7” collection. After nearly an hour of contemplating what to work on next, I decided something cheerful, festive even, would be the most fitting with the holidays approaching.

Even if you’re not much of a fan of The Polyphonic Spree, or Tim DeLaughter’s previous effort in Tripping Daisy, I find it near impossible not to have a childish grin on your face during “The March”. Grandaddy’s contribution is also very fun/loose and lyrically could leave some nerds with some audio/video nostalgia.

http://www.mediafire.com/?b2jjq23hvs4r0jr

Mogwai - Batcat (2008) Side A: Batcat Side B: Stupid Prick Gets...

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 23:55:00 -0500

Mogwai - Batcat (2008)

Side A: Batcat

Side B: Stupid Prick Gets Chased By The Police and Loses His Slut Girlfriend / Devil Rides

Label: Matador Records

Matrix: OLE 827-1

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

Yipee! Another rip from our favorite inebriated scottish “post-rock” band. This is round 2 of old transfers found on an external hard-drive that just needed a little more polishing.

If you’re aren’t really into Mogwai you should at least snag this for the humorous scenario in which; someone rummages through your iTunes (or winamp, foobar or whatever the hell kids use these days) and finds the song title “Stupid Prick Gets Chased By The Police and Loses His Slut Girlfriend”. I guarantee their facial expression(s) will be glorious.

http://www.mediafire.com/?sdrjazl79a5duj2

Four Tet / Hella (DIV/ORCE Series #1 | 2004) Side A: Both When I...

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:54:00 -0500

Four Tet / Hella (DIV/ORCE Series #1 | 2004)

Side A: Both When I Am Alone and We Are

Side B: Stephen Hawking Has A Posse

Label: Ache Records

Matrix: ACHE013

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

While looking through my external hard-drive I found a rip of this that I did when living at The Zappa Zappa Zappa House. I borrowed this from one of my roommates at the time and looking at these files I noticed a little work needed to be done to polish them up (editing out a few clicks/pops as well as amplifying and splitting the wave).

Besides the technical stuff, unless you’ve been living under a rock you’re aware of Four Tet and Hella. I don’t need to say much more. This split was part of the DIV/ORCE Series… even though 7 more splits came about after this release, this split is definitely (imo) the most notable.

http://www.mediafire.com/?3onc9k71m71je1p

Sharks Keep Moving / Kentucky Pistol (1998) Side A: Intimations...

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:02:22 -0500

Sharks Keep Moving / Kentucky Pistol (1998)

Side A: Intimations Of A Moment

Side B: French Version

Label: Henry’s Finest Recordings

Matrix: HFR-006

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

It’s been a little bit since I’ve had the opportunity to work on a rip. So instead of throwing up some warped old 45 from some instrumental band nobody cares about, I thought I’d take some time and make this a special one.

Sharks Keep Moving vinyl is very hard to come by and you’ll also find yourself shelling out a pretty penny to obtain some. I was very fortunate to find this for only $3 but it has been played quite a bit. Part of the reason why it has taken me so long to get this rip online had to do with removing a lot of the more obnoxious pops in the record (However, there is still one little pop towards the end of the SKM song.. my apologies I couldn’t for the life of me remove it).

As huge am I am into the SKM catalogue, their contribution to this split is quite possibly my favorite of their tracks. As for Kentucky Pistol, this is their only released song. It features Rocky Votolato.. I hear a lot of people adore his solo work, but I can’t seem to figure out why. Their song really slays though.

http://www.mediafire.com/?7y5aq1p496obvqh

Windsor For The Derby / Desafinado (1995) Side A: Earnest...

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:58:00 -0500

Windsor For The Derby / Desafinado (1995)

Side A: Earnest Powers

Side B: Envy The Big Noises

Label: Trance Syndicate Records

Matrix: TR-45

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

This record is awfully different from most of my uploads. I got this awhile ago in a batch of old records I picked up from eBay. I was vaguely familiar with Windsor For The Derby, but in all honesty I just ripped this to fill a request on What.cd.

This record is interesting in the fact that the band Desafinado never put out any other recorded work, but after some serious digging I found a site which has a few bonus recordings if you’re into their stuff. It can be found here.

http://www.mediafire.com/?b9aba4as6p9qwuz

Xerxes - Twins (2010) Side A: Gold / Siren Song / Commonplace /...

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 02:07:00 -0500

Xerxes - Twins (2010)

Side A: Gold / Siren Song / Commonplace / US 60

Side B: Glendower Drive / Twins / Tuesday

Label: Mayfly Records

Matrix: MFR005

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

Picked up this record Saturday night during the 2nd annual Middlewest Festival. Xerxes performed right before Former Thieves during the late show at The House Cafe. This 7” is limited to 500 copies, 400 of which are on recycled gray (the variant I picked up) and the remaining 100 on purple.

These guys are ridiculously awesome. After searching the interwebs I found a plethora of reviews and write-ups regarding this release, so I don’t feel much of a need to reiterate the great things other (better) blogs have already said.

This record is still available both through Mayfly and the Xerxes webstore. I recommend you support these guys, they also have a split 7” with Midnight Souls that is also available.

http://www.mediafire.com/?6kxj3u0qffqsmi6

The Raymond Brake / Rebar (1995) Side A: Davliks Side B:...

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 18:02:45 -0500

The Raymond Brake / Rebar (1995)

Side A: Davliks

Side B: Transparent

Label: Crunchy Record Stuff

Matrix: 002

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

As you may have noticed already, I’m really into The Raymond Brake (see previous post). I had been aware of them for awhile previous to playing in Greensboro, North Carolina (where TRB, Rebar and Crunchy Record Stuff were based out of). After a night of hearing some incredibly awesome stories about TRB (as well as: Superchunk, Polvo, Archers of Loaf and Geezer Lake). I really had my heart set on tracking down physical copies of their stuff.

Thanks to the internet and some social network stalking, I found a gentleman (the actual post I saw) who had mint copies of these laying around. The record itself is a nice transparent red, the TRB side runs at 45rpm and the Rebar side runs at 33rpm. I mention this because the Rebar song is just under 7 minutes.. and the surface noise is much more present on this side, I did spend a good 30-40 minutes fixing the major glitches and ensuring the volume would be similar throughout this recording.

Note: The Rebar song does end abruptly on the record, I didn’t prematurely end the transfer.

http://www.mediafire.com/?9d7f7h5qjb3y4hq

The Aasee Lake - Two Song Introduction To A Suicide Note...

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 00:27:00 -0500

The Aasee Lake - Two Song Introduction To A Suicide Note (1999)

Side A: Annie Anchor

Side B: 18 Hours of Static

Label: Nerd Rock Records

Matrix: Nerd Rock Records No. 1

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

I was first introduced to this record on a tour a few summers ago. The Aasee Lake were from the Kentucky area and share a similar aesthetic as bands like: Rodan, Slint, June of 44, Shipping News and Sonora Pine. You may be familiar with the split they did with At The Drive-In that came out the same year. On top of these records they also recorded a full length. Although it was never officially released you can snag it from The Sirens Sound.

This record has been on my want list for quite sometime. I had a highly compressed and poor rip that kept me semi-satisfied. This afternoon however, I stopped by the Broadway location of Reckless Records and during a brief session of sifting found this bad boy for $1.99. The record itself is in near mint condition which made the transfer a breeze. As you may have noticed the turnaround time was quick, if nobody else enjoys this at least you can rest assured that I have a superior rip for my portable media player.

http://www.mediafire.com/?18equ4lscnj7uww

The Breeders - Head To Toe (1994) Side A: Head To Toe / Shocker...

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 01:57:57 -0500

The Breeders - Head To Toe (1994)

Side A: Head To Toe / Shocker In Gloomtown

Side B: The Freed Pig

Label: 4AD / Elektra Records

Matrix: 7-64533

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

I’m sure at this point most, if not all, followers of this site at least in some facet are familiar with The Breeders. In case you’re not, here is a quick synopsis: Kim Deal, Pixies, “Cannonball”, Kelley Deal, Drug Busts, blah blah blah.

I found this record at Chicago’s annual record fair, CHIRP. It’s on really neat pale, mint green wax (“not unlike some toothpaste”). It’s got pretty much a grab bag of obscure goodies. You get a stellar cover of Guided By Voices’ classic “Shocker In Gloomtown”, in my opinion an ever better version of “The Freed Pig” (originally done by Sebadoh) and a rare track penned by one time bassist Josephine Wiggs. Oh! and not to mention J Mascis produces tracks 2 and 3.

http://www.mediafire.com/?dpvc5rmfyydd7kp

Mannequin / Transistor Transistor (2003) Side A: Skin / Music Is...

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:39:00 -0500

Mannequin / Transistor Transistor (2003)

Side A: Skin / Music Is Done

Side B: If You Really Love Me, You Would Shut Up / Songsanstitle

Label: Robotic Empire / Redscroll Records

Matrix: ROBO 026 / RSR-05

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

This is the 3rd installment of the 7” rips from the Robotic Empire sale that was going on this summer. I heard a song from Transistor Transistor a long time ago and I didn’t remember hating it. Figured for $1.99 it would be neat (if for only the rad “Blood Clot” colored vinyl).

Mannequin has more of a east coast punk/hardcore vibe to them. While Transistor Transistor has a These Arms Are Snakes like aesthetic. In summary, if you like good music you shouldn’t have a hard time finding something to enjoy about either/both of these bands.

Please disregard to absolutely horrendous Hot Topic like album cover.

http://www.mediafire.com/?uxk2vc1b99iokbj

Menthol - U.S.A. Capable (1995) Side A: U.S.A. Capable Side B:...

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:45:47 -0500

Menthol - U.S.A. Capable (1995)

Side A: U.S.A. Capable

Side B: Crystal Keg People

Label: Capitol Records

Matrix: CDP 7742 9 29308 2 D

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

So I’ve been out on the prowl trying to find this record for quite some time. After about a year of searching for this on eBay I finally found an auction (found plenty of “buy it now” auctions with prices far too inflated) that started at $0.99. Shockingly enough nobody else bid on this (yes I know mind blowing…) and it arrived the day of my birthday! If you have their self-titled major label debut you’ll know the A-side to this record is the 1st track off that record. However, “Crystal Keg People” is exclusive to this record and there is not near enough material out from Menthol floating around.

Menthol were a band from Champaign, Illinois (used to be known under the moniker “Mother” but changed it once signing with Capitol). Chief songwriter, vocalist and guitarist Balthazar de Ley was the original bass player in Hum. I first heard about Menthol when I saw a tour poster from 1995 at a local record shop in the suburbs that had Menthol as the support act for Everclear’s Sparkle and Fade tour. I found Menthol’s first full length several years ago after an in-depth scrounge through the dollar bin at some record store in Chicago (whose name at the moment escapes me). Please disregard their second full length, if you like this 7” and their full length you’ll hate their 2nd. However, if you love Devo and hate loud, coitus inducing guitar rock then their 2nd full length is up your alley.

This band is a solid rock band. Great guitar work, alternate guitar tunings, androgynous as well as incredibly intelligent lyricism. If you’re not familiar give it a try.

http://www.mediafire.com/?0o059c858bbyu3y

Lovesick / Aloha (Makoto Split Series, Vol. 2 | 2001) Side A:...

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:09:00 -0500

Lovesick / Aloha (Makoto Split Series, Vol. 2 | 2001)

Side A: Hearts By Their Names

Side B: Let Your Head Hang Low

Label: Makoto Recordings

Matrix: MKR24

Encoding: 48 kHz / 24 bit, V0 MP3

I just recently got into Lovesick thanks to a recommendation from a friend. On the other hand I’ve been an Aloha fan (mainly their earlier works) for quite awhile longer. On Monday this week I had orientation for Columbia College in Chicago and had a few hours to kill before my buddies got off work. Walked down to Reckless Records on Milwaukee and starting sifting. This was one of my finds.

The packaging to this record is linear (another way to put it is simple, slightly boring even) A gatefold yellow cover that is hand numbered (mine is 146/2000) and a matching yellow marble vinyl. My only real complaint is that the Lovesick contribution to this is only a minute and a half long.

Upon researching the other volumes of this 7” split series from Makoto I found a post that might explain why I had never heard of this release prior to my adventure. Apparently people from Makoto didn’t even send out a bunch of records to people. Now whether or not this is true I don’t know, this record is 10+ years old and still includes the order form for the other splits in the series. Either way, a very enjoyable record.

http://www.mediafire.com/?e75c2lg6m9zm6yg