December 10, 2014
Two Inch Astronaut - Foulbrood
The first proper full-length from Silver Spring, Maryland trio, Two Inch Astronaut. Ten songs that sometimes recall the sounds of DC-area bands like Bluetip and Shudder to Think, but that also possess a slightly skewed melodic sensibility that transcends those influences. Stream this LP here. Recommended.
This is a vinyl reissue of Variations Vol. 1, a collection of improvised organ pieces by Lungfish guitarist Asa Osborne that was originally released on cassette in 2012 by Imminent Frequencies. Deeply meditative and stripped down, it’s some of Asa’s finest work under the Zomes name. Limited edition of 300 copies on white vinyl.
Grave Walks - She’s a Suicide
A one-off collaboration between Swami Records alumni Dan Sartain and Jacob Turnbloom (of San Diego psych-pop outfit, Mrs. Magician). Two gloomy garage-pop tunes that take inspiration from ’50s b-movies and horror flicks.
- Aaron Leitko
November 18, 2014
Fugazi’s First Demo is out now and available on CD and LP+MP3 from Dischord Direct. The record includes 11 songs recorded at Inner Ear Studios in 1988, when the band had performed only 10 shows.
The vinyl reissue of Rollins Band’s Life Time is also now available via Rollins’ label, 2.13.61. The record - which was first released in 1987 - has been remastered by TJ Lipple and pressed on grey-colored vinyl.
October 27, 2014
Fugazi’s First Demo and the vinyl reissue of Rollins Band’s Life Time — the latter out via Rollins’ label, 2.13.61 — are now both available for pre-order. Records will ship on or near the November 18th release date. Any additional items ordered will be held and shipped in the same package.
Stream Fugazi’s “Merchandise” here.
October 24, 2014
Ancient VVisdom - Sacrificial
The third full-length from Cleveland, Ohio-based death-rock ensemble, Ancient VVisdom. On Sacrificial, the band backs away from the occult-folk style that guided its previous effort and embraces the sound of ’80s heavy metal.
Beastmilk - White Stains on Black Wax
A re-issue of a three-song single by Finnish outfit, Beastmilk. Music that takes influence from early ’80s post-punk acts like Bauhaus and Joy Division. Originally released on vinyl in 2011 by the Finnish label, Svart.
Wormwood - S/t
The full-length debut from Boston-based sludge/doom ensemble, Wormwood (which features members of Doomriders). Dark and intense reverb-soaked music that was recorded, mixed, and mastered 100% analog.
October 20, 2014
Roomrunner - Separate
Six new songs from Baltimore-based quartet, Roomrunner. Recorded with J Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines), these songs find the band taking up a more collaborative approach to songwriting and shifting toward a more overtly melodic sound. It’s still plenty heavy, though. Recommended. You can preview the songs here.
Jail Solidarity - Pretty Good Privacy
The second cassette EP from Washington, DC-based trio, Jail Solidarity. Four slow, and sludgy songs featuring former members of D.C.-based outfits Body Cop and Mary Christ.
(Aaron Leitko)
October 14, 2014
Slant 6’s debut album Soda Pop*Rip Off is back out on LP and available for purchase now via Dischord Direct. The records have been pressed on red vinyl and remastered by TJ Lipple.
October 10, 2014
In December, Soul Side will reunite for the first time in 25 years to perform a handful of concerts in conjunction with the premiere of the DC punk rock documentary, Salad Days.
The band’s long out-of-print Dischord releases Trigger and Bass·103 have recently been compiled onto a single LP, which is available now.
Find the complete date and venue information here.
September 29, 2014
September 02, 2014
Brief Weeds - Songs of Innocence and Experience
Brief Weeds was a project formed by Guy Picciotto, Brendan Canty, Michael Hampton, and Eddie Janney. This four-song single was the band’s second released and was released by K Records in 1993, but the music was recorded earlier, during the late ’80s. Though all four performed together in either Rites of Spring or One Last Wish, Brief Weeds was a very different type of thing – spontaneous home recorded music that was heavily informed by ’60s psychedelic pop.
Paint Branch - I Wanna Live
After a series of production delays, Paint Branch’s debut album I Wanna Live -- which was released digitally last year -- is finally available on LP. The record reunites Chris Richards and John Davis, both formerly of Q and Not U, for 11 vocal harmony-heavy and acoustic guitar-driven songs. Recorded by Chad Clark, of Beauty Pill, and limited to 200 copies courtesy of Cricket Cemetery Records.
The Ar-Kaics - S/t
The full-length debut LP from Richmond, VA trio, The Ar-Kaics. Thirteen excellently executed and slightly spaced-out garage-rock songs that stand up alongside the deepest Pebbles and Nuggets cuts. Features members of The Shirks
The Make Up - Save Yourself
The Make-Up’s fourth studio album. Originally released in 1999, it’s now back in print on LP via K Records. Includes much-loved songs like, “C’mon, Let’s Spawn” and “I Am Pentagon.”
(Aaron Leitko)
August 27, 2014
August 14, 2014
On October 14th we will be re-issuing Slant 6’s debut full-length, Soda Pop*Rip Off, on vinyl. Originally released in 1993, the LP has been out of print for nearly two decades. The record has been remastered by TJ Lipple and will be pressed to red-colored vinyl. Pre-orders will begin mid-September.
August 11, 2014
This fall, Dischord will release Fugazi’s First Demo.
In January 1988, after only ten shows, Fugazi decided to go into Inner Ear Studio to see what their music sounded like on tape. They tracked 11 songs, ten of which were ultimately dubbed to cassette tape and distributed free at shows, with the band encouraging people to share the recording.
The only song from the session that has been formally released was “In Defense of Humans,” which appeared on the State of the Union compilation in 1989. Now, some 26 years later, Dischord is releasing the entire demo including the one song (“Turn Off Your Guns”) that wasn’t included on the original cassette. The record has been mastered by TJ Lipple and will be available on CD and LP+Mp3.
This release will also coincide with the completion of the initial round of uploads to the Fugazi Live Series website. Launched in 2011, the site now includes information and details on all of Fugazi’s 1000+ live performances and makes available close to 900 concert recordings that were documented by the band and the public.
July 29, 2014
In September, we will be re-issuing Soul Side’s Trigger EP and Bass · 103 7” as a single LP. Both records – which were released in 1988 and ’89 respectively – have been out of print on vinyl for more than two decades. The music has been remastered by TJ Lipple and will include updated cover art by Jason Farrell. Pre-orders will begin mid-August.
June 30, 2014
We’re pleased to announce that following a meeting between organizers and the authorities, an agreement has been reached that will allow this year’s Fort Reno Summer Concert Series to go forward. Our thanks go out to Amanda MacKaye and the Fort Reno volunteers for all of their work.
June 26, 2014
For the first time in decades, the Fort Reno Summer Concert Series – an all-volunteer run organization which has hosted free all-ages outdoor shows by D.C.-area musicians since 1968 – is in danger of going dark.
The U.S. Park Service is currently withholding the event’s permit until the organizers agree to hire a Park Police officer to be present on site during each of the season’s bi-weekly concerts. Unfortunately, this cost will exceed Fort Reno’s entire yearly budget.
If you value this series and would like to see the season go forward, we urge you to make your feelings known to the Park Service, and also to encourage the Mayor and Ward 3 representative, Mary Cheh to intercede on Fort Reno’s behalf.
Contact information is listed after the jump.
Office of the Chief
U.S. Park Police
(202) 619-7350
U.S. Park Police, Rock Creek Park Station
202-426-7716
Mary Cheh
Ward 3 D.C. Council Member
(202) 724-8062
Office of Mayor Vincent C. Gray
(202) 727-6300
June 09, 2014
We recently found a number of old stock LPs with lightly dinged covers. In most cases, it’s just normal wear and tear from being on the shelf for a while. Below, you can find a list of these titles for sale at a slightly reduced price.
$8:
Bluetip – Join Us
Branch Manager – Anything Tribal
Branch Manager – S/T
Trusty – The Fourth Wise Man
Holy Rollers – As Is
$7
Fire Party – S/T
June 06, 2014
As of August 1st, we'll be raising the price of our vinyl records. LPs will be $13 , EPs $12 and 7"s will be $5. CD, DVDs and digital prices will stay the same.
May 15, 2014
Downtown Boys - S/t
Four fast and chaotic saxophone-driven punk rock songs from Providence, RI-based sextet, Downtown Boys. Recorded by Priests guitarist G.L. at Swim Two Birds in Washington, D.C. and released via Sister Polygon Records. Recommended, but if you don’t want to take my word for it, there’s a nice little write up on it over at Yellow Green Red.
The Ar-Kaics - Make It Mine
Two more moody garage rock tunes from Richmond, VA-based trio, The Ar-Kaics, which features former/current members of Chain & the Gang and The Shirks.
The Apes - Bodies
These brand new recordings from D.C.’s much-missed heavy rock outfit, The Apes, find the band reunited with their original vocalist, Paul Weil, for the first time since 2005. Heavy on the fuzz and creepy, wheezing keyboard tones, both songs – “Bodies” and “Ooop Ahhh” – are about as weird and excellent as anything the band released during its initial run.
Mrs. Magician - Friday Night
Tasteful, but retro-minded ’60s-style pop with gloomy undertones from San Diego, CA. These two songs follow up the band’s debut LP, Strange Heaven, which arrived in 2012 via Swami Records.
(Aaron Leitko)
April 25, 2014
April 17, 2014
Mike Andre and Justin Moyer – both formerly of Antelope – formed Puff Pieces with Amanda Huron (Caution Curves, Vertebrates) in 2012. Since then, the band has popped up regularly on bills in D.C., performing a unique, high-anxiety brand of minimalist music. This four-song single was recorded, mixed, and mastered in just four hours with Devin Ocampo (Medications, Faraquet). You can check out the song “New Nazis” here.
The Wedding Dress – Loom/Heavy Earth
The Wedding Dress is an outlet for the songs that Maps & Atlases guitar player, Erin Elders writes during his "math-pop" band's fleeting downtime. It’s a distinctly different affair, though -- more layered, plaintive and measured than anything else in his catalog. The 7" is a limited edition teaser for a full-length due out in the fall.
Skull Defekts – Dances in Dreams of the Known Unknown
Dances in Dreams of the Known Unknown is the third release from Swedish experimental/punk quartet Skull Defekts to be made in collaboration Daniel Higgs (Lungfish, The Pupils). Here, Higgs joins vocalists Joachim Nordwall and Daniel Fagerstroem in a set of songs that draw from psychedelic music, punk, folk dances, and free improvisation. It's a worthy successor to their 2011 effort, Peer Amid, which was also released via Chicago's Thrill Jockey Records.
Coup Sauvage & The Snips – Sneaks
The debut single from Washington, DC-based ensemble, Coup Sauvage & the Snips. Two electronic pop songs that draw equal inspiration from of '60s Motown, '70s European variety TV, and the "Solid Gold" dancers from the '80s.
April 17, 2014
April 10, 2014
April 02, 2014
Chain & the Gang’s new LP, Minimum Rock ’n’ Roll, is now available for pre-order. The record is due out May 13th via Radical Elite and will be exclusively distributed by Dischord in the US.
Pre-order copies will ship slightly in advance of the official release date. Any items ordered with the record will be held and shipped in the same package. You can preview the song “Devitalize” here.
March 21, 2014
D.C. Folks: On April 11th a number of D.C. bands – including Passing Phases, Cain & the Sticks, and Title Tracks – will perform a benefit at Comet Ping Pong for the family of Windian Records founder, Travis Jackson. More information can be found here.
Those who live outside of the area but still want to help out can donate here or purchase this covers record by Dan Sartain, the proceeds from which will be donated to Travis’ memorial fund.
NEW RELEASES
Curtis Seals/Christian D'Orbit - The Scandalizer/Drive Me Crazy
Originally released in 1980, this split features the only non-Penetrators single that Fred Records would released during its short, but very important existence. A ’50s-style soul ripper with screaming saxophones and some slightly punkier stuff on the flip.
The Ar-Kaics - Why Should I/Slave to Her Lies
Well written and executed fuzz/jangle/dropout pop from Richmond, VA. Features members of The Shirks and Chain & the Gang.
Killer Bees - Buzz'n the Town
Two underappreciated Washington, D.C. punk tunes that were originally issued in 1979 by local label, Limp Records.
The great unreleased 45 from Syracuse, NY-based garage/punk band, The Penetrators. Recorded in 1981, the single was ultimately shelved when the band opted to use the pressing funds in order to shoot a video. Now it can finally be heard in its intended format.
BACK IN STOCK
Bizarros - Complete Collection
Crushed Butler - It’s My Life
March 21, 2014
This spring, we'll be re-pressing Jawbox’s long out-of-print second album, Novelty, on vinyl. Novelty was recorded at Inner Ear Studios in January of 1992 with producer Iain Burgess and was the band's first full-length to feature guitar player Bill Barbot. The record has been remastered and recut by Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering Studios and will be pressed onto clear-colored vinyl with revised artwork.
Also, S.O.A’s First Demo 12/29/80 is officially out and available for purchase on 7” vinyl or Mp3 download here.
January 17, 2014
Minutes – Roland
The second full-length LP from Kalamazoo, MI/Washington, D.C. post-punk collective, Minutes. Twelve songs that were recorded in a basement on a Tascam 388 ¼” tape machine. Features long-time Dischord office regular Ryan Nelson (Most Secret Method, Soccer Team) sharing drum, guitar, and vocal duties. Preview the record in its entirety here.
Cigarette – Gush
The debut mini-LP from Washington, D.C./Arlington, VA-based slo-mo pop ensemble, Cigarette. Seven hazy and reverb-laden songs recorded by Hays Holladay (Bluebrain) in 2012. You can preview the whole record here. Limited to 250 copies.
Dudes – Greatest Hits
The debut release from this Washington, D.C. based lo-fi basement punk trio, which features members of Chain & the Gang. The first run of cassettes sold-out, but it’s back in print courtesy of the Priests-curated label, Sister Polygon Records. You can check it out here.
Teen Liver – Cassette
The cassette-only debut from Washington, D.C.-based garage-rock trio, Teen Liver. Nine weird, thrashy songs that invoke The Cramps, Devo, and Half Japanese. Includes members of Cigarette. Preview the whole tape here
Priests - Tape Two
Back in stock again. Same sounds, but with blue Xeroxed cover art.
January 16, 2014
This spring, Dischord will release S.O.A.’s First Demo 12/29/80. This 7” collects the eight songs that the band recorded with Skip Groff at Inner Ear during its first studio session.
Henry Garfield formed State of Alert (S.O.A.) in October of 1980 with guitarist Michael Hampton, bassist Wendel Blow, and drummer Simon Jacobsen. The band released 13 songs – three on the Flex Your Head sampler and ten on the No Policy EP – and performed a total of nine shows before splitting up in July of 1981.
January 15, 2014
