Trip #18: All Things Go, All Things Go
Trip #18: All Things Go, All Things Go
These are the true Demon Days.
Welcome to The Wax Museum, where we elevate your vinyl collection through a music discovery time capsule. Enjoy a new trip in your inbox every Wednesday!
Your Museum Guide for Wednesday, July 12, 2023
The FUTURE Exhibit (New Vinyl Releases)
The PRESENT Exhibit (2023 Album of the Year Leaderboard)
The PAST Exhibit (Essential Vinyl Records from 2005)
The RABBIT HOLE Exhibit (Deep Discog Dive)
Exit Through The GIFT SHOP (Vinyl Giveaway!)
🎧 Listen to this week’s Trip! Spotify | Apple
Come on in, guys! Let’s start with the best thing I saw this week: Toro y Moi’s 2022 album MAHAL played live in its entirety from Big Sur. We’re all about grooves here at The Wax Museum (pun intended!) and this is as groovy as it gets. My favorite track is the sax-y “Goes By So Fast” around the five-minute mark.
Now on to the exhibits!
The FUTURE Exhibit: New Vinyl Releases
Highlighting the notable new vinyl coming out this Friday, July 14.
New Albums
Clark - Sus Dog | Clark’s Sus Dog, released in May, is self-described as “what it would sound like if The Beach Boys took MDMA and made a rave record.” The album is produced by Thom Yorke, who also provides a feature.
Claud - Supermodels | Claud, who’s been opening for boygenius on their summer tour before embarking on their headlining act, is here with follow-up Supermodels to the acclaimed 2001 Super Monster.
Lindstrøm - Everyone Else is a Stranger | Norway producer Lindstrøm is back with another contemporary disco album, with four tracks stretching nearly 40 minutes.
MisterWives - Nosebleeds (Translucent Ruby Red Vinyl) | NYC pop rockers MisterWives drop fourth album Nosebleeds on Ruby Red wax. MisterWives was dropped by their label Fueled by Ramen during the pandemic and will be releasing Nosebleeds on their own label Resilient Little Records, with help from indie label Photo Finish.
Palehound - Eye on the Bat (Clear Orange Vinyl) | Eye on the Bat is the new album from Palehound, which showcases El Kempner’s introspective lyrics over banging guitar riffs.
PVRIS - Evergreen | Lynn Gunn, aka PVRIS, returns with fourth album Evergreen, her most bold and aggressive statement yet.
Rita Ora - You & I (Orange Vinyl) | The British by way of Kosovo singer is back after a five-year absence with You & I, which promises to be a high-spirited record about falling in love.
New Vinyl
Charli XCX – Pop 2 (5th Anniversary Pink Vinyl) | Charli XCX’s second mixtape Pop 2 featured an elite cast of writers and vocalists including Caroline Polachek, MØ, Tove Lo, Carly Rae Jepsen, and many more.
Cher - It’s A Man’s World (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow 4 LP) | Cher’s 1995, 14-track UK album gets its first-ever pressing on vinyl. The four LP box set features red, blue, green, and yellow vinyl and includes rare remixes and an exclusive, numbered lithograph.
Deftones - Deftones (20th Anniversary Ruby Red Vinyl) | Deftones' self-titled fourth album celebrates its 20th anniversary with a limited-edition Ruby Red colored vinyl.
Galantis - Pharmacy | The debut studio album by Swedish electronic music duo Galantis gets a much-needed reissue on crystal clear double vinyl. The only other pressing was going for a median of $300 on Discogs.
Jack DeJohnette’s Sorcery, Idris Muhammad’s Black Rhythm Revolution!, and Leon Spencer’s Where I’m Coming From | Jazz Dispensary’s latest batch of releases from their Top Shelf series features three albums getting their first reissue in over 40 years.
Pharoah Sanders - Black Unity (Verve By Request Series) | Jazz saxophonist Pharaoh Sanders’ 1971 album is the latest in the Verve By Request series; the 37-minute, one-track album explores African, Latin, aborigine, and Native American sounds.
R.E.M. - Around The Sun and Collapse Into Now | The thirteenth and fifteen (and last) R.E.M. albums get 180-gram vinyl reissues.
The Smashing Pumpkins - Monuments to an Elegy | The synth-pop heavy ninth album from Billy Corgan and company gets reissued.
📋 Full list of vinyl releases, reissues, and compilations.
The PRESENT Exhibit: AOTY Leaderboard
Behold the 2023 Album of the Year Leaderboard. Three new albums get added each week. Standings change throughout the year.
🎧 Full AOTY 2023 Playlist: Spotify | Apple (62 Albums and Counting…)
This week features Amaarae, Little Dragon, and Portugal. the Man.
Amaarae - Fountain Baby
Get Vinyl: Silver Vinyl
Ghanaian-American artist Amaarae’s sophomore album Fountain Baby via Interscope Records came out of nowhere to become one of the catchiest pop albums of the year. Amaarae's seductive and captivating voice harmonizes perfectly with the inventive Afrobeat sounds. Two weeks ago, she became the first Ghanaian to appear on NPR Tiny Desk with a stellar performance backed by an 11-piece band. Fountain Baby is available on silver-colored wax and ships in September.
Little Dragon - Slugs of Love
Get Vinyl: Indie Exclusive Splatter | Transparent Blue | Discogs
Slugs of Love is the seventh studio album by Swedish band Little Dragon, released through Ninja Tune. The dynamic frontwoman Yukimi Nagano is one of my favorite vocalists, and she elevates any song she’s on. The features of JID and Damon Albarn are getting the headlines, but the best stuff is elsewhere, like the magically psychedelic “Disco Dangerous” and the dancefloor banger “Gold.” Slugs of Love is out now on multicolor splatter and standard blue vinyl.
Portugal. The Man - Chris Black Changed My Life
Get Vinyl: Indie Exclusive Clear | Spotify Canary Yellow | Black | Discogs (colored variants)
After the release of their mega-hit "Feel It Still," which garnered over a billion streams, the Alaskan band Portugal. The Man took a six-year break. Despite their absence, they haven’t missed a beat with a new collection of psychedelic pop anthems, captivating hooks, intriguing choices, and notable guest features like a Black Thought verse on “Thunderdome” and Unknown Mortal Orchestra on the post-chorus of “Summer of Luv.” There’s a plethora of vinyl variants to choose from, with my favorite being the canary yellow Spotify Fans First vinyl.
Frontman John Baldwin Gourley and bandmate and wife Zoe Manville have been going through some brutal shit recently; their 12-year-old daughter Frances was diagnosed with a rare genetic mutation called DHDDS, so rare that she’s one of only six known cases in the world. Read their story here, and if you have the means, donate to alleviate Frances' physical and mental challenges and support further research for this rare disease.
The PAST Exhibit: Essential Vinyl of 2005
Each week we look at a year gone by to find ten timeless albums that are must-haves in your vinyl collection. We started in 2022, we’re in 2005, and we’re going back to the ‘60s!
2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | This week is 2005
🎧 Full Essential Vinyl Playlist: Spotify | Apple (180 Records and Counting…)
Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
Get Vinyl: Black | Discogs (colored variants)
Sufjan Stevens Invites You to: Come on Feel the Illinoise is a concept album exploring the history and mythology of the state of Illinois. Illinois is Stevens' second album based on a state, part of a planned series of fifty that began with 2003’s Michigan and that Stevens has since unfortunately acknowledged was a joke.
Sufjan’s poetic lyrics and evocative storytelling is layered with lush folk and orchestral pop compositions, with the highlight being “Chicago”, a melancholy track that brings the promise of new beginnings and the urge to take control of your life. Life is but a pursuit for moments of joy, and “Chicago” brings me joy in spades.
Just last night (7/11/23), Japanese Breakfast and Frankie Cosmos covered “Chicago” in Chicago; here’s the beginning and the end of the performance.
Kanye West - Late Registration
Get Vinyl: Black | Discogs
We go from a Chicago album to a Chicago legend. Ye’s second album is filled with personal raps over funky, soulful beats. Timeless tracks like “Heard ‘Em Say,” “Touch The Sky,” “Gold Digger,” etc. etc. etc. have secured Late Registration as a landmark album, establishing West's status as one of the most influential artists of his generation. The vinyl is only available in black and gets repressed every few years, so the price remains in the $20s.
Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
Get Vinyl: Black | Discogs | Remixed Discogs | Live Discogs
Bloc Party's debut Silent Alarm left an immediate and significant mark in the post-punk revival and indie rock scenes with its angular guitar riffs, propulsive rhythms, and passionate vocals. This is an album I revisit often, and it likely lands in my top ten albums of all time. Silent Alarm has spawned a remix album (M83’s remix of “The Pioneers” is especially beautiful) and a live album, both available on vinyl.
Sleater-Kinney - The Woods
Get Vinyl: Black | Discogs (colored variants)
Sleater-Kinney's seventh album The Woods was a departure for the Washington girl punk trio (now duo), embracing a heavier, more expansive sound driven by intense guitars. Much of The Woods was recorded live in the studio, as producer Dave Fridmann wanted to simulate the band's raucous live sound on the record. “Jumpers” is the catchiest track of the bunch, while the 11-minute penultimate “Let’s Call It Love” is filled with absolute mayhem and swagger.
LCD Soundsystem - LCD Soundsystem
Get Vinyl: Black | Discogs
LCD Soundsystem's self-titled debut is epic, featuring over one hundred minutes of disco, punk, electronica, and all sorts of experimentation. Some tracks don’t work, while others, like opener “Daft Punk is Playing at My House” will outlive us all. LCD Soundsystem became a defining record of the 2000s indie scene, propelling James Murphy and his DFA Records to critical acclaim and commercial success.
Gorillaz - Demon Days
Get Vinyl: Black | Discogs (colored variants)
Demon Days, the second collaborative album from Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, redefined what a musical experience could be with its innovative sound, hit singles, and captivating visuals. However, at the time, reviewers were tepid, attacking the alarmist lyrics as hysterical rants. John of audiosnobbery explains:
“this doomsday scenario was simply viewed as a self-indulgent and pretentious move from Albarn, but, 14 years later, the messages and problems explored in Demon Days are more pertinent than ever: overpopulation, false gods, guns, violence, depression, corruption and greed. The world is not better than it was, and this is precisely why listening to Demon Days today is even more interesting than in 2005 – these are the true Demon Days."
For years, the Demon Days OG vinyl would go for hundreds of dollars until a recent influx of reissues, including some beautiful colored wax like VMP’s red vinyl and Target’s exclusive purple variant.
System of a Down - Mesmerize and Hypnotize
Get Vinyl: Mesmerize | Hypnotize
I’m cheating a little here including both the fourth and fifth (and final!) System of a Down albums, Mezmerize and Hypnotize, which came out months apart, and were recorded simultaneously with help from hitmaker Rick Rubin. Let the heavy metal riffs rain down from your turntable with both albums currently available in the $15 range.
Death Cab for Cutie - Plans
Get Vinyl: Black | Discogs (colored variants)
Death Cab for Cutie’s Plans picks up where 2003’s Transatlanticism left off; these two records are the definitive high point across the Washington band’s current ten-album run. Plans was just reissued by VMP on red smoke vinyl and limited to 1,500 copies.
Motion City Soundtrack - Commit This To Memory
Get Vinyl: Black | Discogs (colored variants)
Commit This to Memory is the second album by Minnesota’s Motion City Soundtrack. Produced by Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus, the unique mix of energetic pop hooks with brutally honest lyrics helped shape the evolution of the emo genre.
Best of all, this album can be yours in beautiful pink and blue vinyl; head to the Wax Museum store at the bottom of this newsletter to enter in this month’s vinyl giveaway!
The Decemberists - The Sunset Tree
Get Vinyl: Black | Discogs
Let’s end the 2005 playlist with The Sunset Tree, a tearjerker of an album by The Mountain Goats. The ninth album from the California band centers around frontman John Darnielle and his early childhood spent with an abusive stepfather, who died just weeks before the album was recorded. The concept album details the oppression, his attempts at refuge, and contextualization and examination in hindsight. In the liner notes, Darnielle writes:
“Made possible by my stepfather, Mike Noonan (1940–2004): may the peace which eluded you in life be yours now. Dedicated to any young men and women anywhere who live with people who abuse them, with the following good news: you are going to make it out of there alive, you will live to tell your story, never lose hope."
The RABBIT HOLE Exhibit
Welcome to the non-music wing of the Museum. Take a trip down the pop culture rabbit hole with new recommendations each week.
📺 Videos from all trips can be found here.
Deep Discog Dive | If you love virtually crate-digging on Discogs, and I assume you do reading this, boy do I have a YouTube channel for you. Mic the Snare is a video series updated once or twice a month analyzing music, reviewing new albums, and my favorite, dissecting an artist’s entire discography.
These are the Deep Discog Dives, and Mic the Snare has created forty of them, ranging from Steely Dan to Chumbawamba and everything in between. These videos are especially handy for bands with tough entry points like King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, who release a new album every week.
His most recent Deep Dive tackles Prince and his 39 albums. The video is his longest yet, clocking in at almost two hours! The research is impressive; even Prince diehards may find some unfamiliar tracks or footage. Best of all, our narrator is never boring and injects humor and wit throughout. Throw Mic the Snare a Subscribe for his hard work and go back in his archives to fall down whatever rabbit hole you choose.
Exit Through The Gift Shop
Thanks for visiting! If you want to support this newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber for $5 a month (or $40 a year) so I can keep making these. As a bonus, paid subs are entered into this month’s vinyl giveaway! The contest ends July 19, so this is the last week to enter!
The winner will choose one of four sealed vinyl. Since we are currently focusing on the mid-2000s in the Essential Vinyl exhibit, we will be giving away the following:
Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III (VMP Black & Red Galaxy Double Vinyl)
Motion City Soundtrack - Commit This To Memory (Bandbox Pink & Blue Vinyl)
Amy Winehouse - Frank (The Sound of Vinyl Pink Vinyl)
My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade (Walmart Grey Vinyl)
Additional paid benefits will be coming soon, including member only posts, a private DJ room, discord, WhatNot auctions, and perhaps a handpicked vinyl club. Stay tuned!
Lastly, if you collect vinyl, you must follow Twitter’s #1 vinyl deal finder. We just hit 10,000 followers! Expect about five to ten tweets a day. Be sure to turn on notifications because some deals go fast.
Leave a comment card on your way out, and we’ll see ya next Wax Wednesday!