Author: Hi-Fi Hits

Record Store day is so so close now! Only 4 days to go! A Record Store Day exclusive that many are looking forward is The Midnight’s “Red, White & Bruised”.

The Midnight Live’s vinyl release of “Red, White and Bruised” is the band’s debut live album. It includes some of their most popular songs from their 2022 US tour, such as “Sunset”, “Days of Thunder” and “Deep Blue” – tracks that skillfully combine Americana with synthpop and rock elements. Following the huge success of their European leg of the tour, which included a sold-out show at London’s Brixton Academy in May 2022, this special edition vinyl is being issued in limited numbers – with each package containing one of three colors randomly (Blue, Red or “Natural” Clear). The iridescent gatefold packaging also features a MirriBoard hologram effect and a poster insert.

ONLY 5 DAYS LEFT!! We’ve got a real special one for y’all today with The Verve Pipe’s “Villains” which is getting the ‘RSD First’ Exclusive Release special treatment as well with a specialty cyan colored vinyl.

The Verve Pipe’s album Villains is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of songs that captures the essence of alternative rock in the late 90s. Released in 1997, this 11 track album introduces the band to a mainstream audience with emotionally complex and melodic anthems like “The Freshmen,” “Photograph,” and “Myself.” With their distinct style of guitar-driven rock, The Verve Pipe created an album that was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

And nearly three decades later, the momentum is still alive. The Verve Pipe impressively pulls in over half a million monthly listeners on Spotify, while the official video for “The Freshmen” has surpassed 25 million views on YouTube. “The Freshmen” has even seen another resurgence in 2023 thanks to a viral TikTok trend.

The Verve Pipe founding member and vocalist Brian Vander Ark comments on the release; “As a child of the ’70s, there was no greater thrill than tearing through a new album’s shrink wrap, looking at the artwork and wondering if there would be photos, printed lyrics, or both. I’m thrilled that there is interest in that format again and that our album, Villains, is being released on vinyl.”

Long-time Verve Pipe manager Doug Buttleman adds; “Villains was always meant to be on vinyl. From the moment they finished recording and the album was mastered, the band has always wanted it available on the same classic format they knew so well and loved. Thanks to Ryan and Wargod, it’s finally happening. It’s been a long wait, but hearing it now, well worth it.”

Remastered for vinyl, Villains will finally offer Verve Pipe fans the chance to hear the seminal album in analog form. The original artwork has been carefully restored for the format by long-time Verve Pipe art collaborator Cris Logan.

Only SIX days until Record Store Day!

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Gods of the Earth, The Sword presents a newly remixed and remastered edition of their seminal second album. Being a Record Store Day exclusive the album comes on a limited edition Pyrite color vinyl. Each song has been remixed from the original recording sessions by engineer J. Robbins and the LP is housed in a deluxe mirrorboard jacket with printed inner sleeve and download card.

“Gods of the Earth” is an epic, hard-driving metal masterpiece. It features a wide range of heavy riffs and sing-along choruses, with deep lyrical content that examines the state of humanity. The album has a dark, yet powerful and uplifting sound that is perfect for cranking up in your car or blasting at a live show. With an impressive combination of hooks and solos, it’s no wonder this record has become a classic amongst metal fans.

It’s time to take a trip… to Anvers! No, not that kind…

Only a week left until #RSD2023 and we can’t believe how close we finally are! One of the more underrated drops this Record Store Day is Alex Chilton’s “Live In Anvers”

Alex Chilton released Live In Anvers shortly before his death, having recently taught himself music transcription. He wrote out charts for various songs that he had written throughout his career – including “In the Street” from Big Star and “Bangkok” from his punk days in the late 70s. Diving deep into crates of southern soul music, Alex transcribed songs by Frederick Knight and others made famous by Sam and Dave and Ernie K Doe. The album was recorded in Belgium with a freshly formed band that had only just met, reading the charts he had crafted – it was another spur-of-the-moment performance typical of one of America’s most talented musical artists.

The album features a variety of covers and original songs, showcasing Chilton’s unique blend of rock, pop, blues, soul and country music. The concert was captured with stellar sound quality and audience interaction. Alex Chilton’s incredible performance made the album stand out from other live albums of the era, making it a must-have for fans of his work.

Do you got what it takes? Well to make it through these next 8 days of course!

One person who definitely would is The Queen, Koko Taylor. The seminal album, and her first with Alligator Records, “I Got What It Takes” is getting the Record Store Day treatment it deserves! Being a ‘RSD First’ Release, it of course comes pressed on a stunning translucent red vinyl.

Koko Taylor’s album “I Got What It Takes” is a must-have for any blues fan. The Grammy-winning queen of the blues belts out her soulful vocals on this classic album, backed by some of the best blues musicians around. From slow, simmering ballads like “It’s A Dirty Job,” to up-tempo, hard-hitting blues numbers like “Blues Hotel,” Koko Taylor and her band deliver passionate performances full of fire and energy. With her unmistakable voice, Koko Taylor’s “I Got What It Takes” is an essential piece in any collection of classic blues music.

9 days? 9 days. Well that’s probably a time as good as any to be swept up by the Texas Tornado.

One of the more intriguing releases for #RSD2023 is Sir Douglas Quintet’s “Texas Tornado: Live from the Ash Grove Santa Monica 1971”. A ‘RSD First’ release, this never before pressed record compiles a previously never released live show to finally be heard!

In 1965, The Sir Douglas Quintet burst onto the scene with the international hit single “She’s About a Mover,” featuring Doug Sahm on vocals and Augie Meyers on Vox organ along with a trio of talented musicians. With their mix of Mexican conjunto and British Invasion influence, they quickly built a strong following in Texas before relocating to San Francisco. When they visited the famous Ash Grove nightclub in Los Angeles in 1971, they were at their peak and this previously unreleased live set is being released for the first time on vinyl. It includes “She’s About a Mover” as well as “Mendocino” plus six other tracks perfect for getting the party going.

In the home stretch now! Only 10 days remain until Record Store Day! What’s been your favorite album for #RSD2023 so far?

A true gem of an album is on the ledger for today. The Dismemberment Plan’s album “Change” is getting the true Record Store Day treatment with the record getting not only a RSD Exclusive Release but a sky blue colored vinyl that fits the vibe of the album splendidly.

Originally released in 2001, the title appropriately describes this Washington, DC area band’s continued creative growth from a punk band to something all their own. Change brought shifts in tempo and a more layered sound for the band without them losing any of their edge or sharp wit. Critically acclaimed when released, the album still holds up, brilliantly balancing their very danceable and moody punk feeling. The album was produced by J. Robbins from Jawbox.