ARTICLE JUMP
Each year there are reissues, anniversary releases, and rarities collections released from artists, often repackaged with bonus materials that make re-purchasing said albums a must. We've highlighted some of our favorites from 2008, covering a little bit of each of those categories.
- Andrew W.K. - The Japan Covers (Universal)
- Beck - Odelay (Geffen)
- Die Young - Through the Valleys in Between (Still Life)
- Coalesce - 0:12.2 Revolution in Just Listening (Relapse)
- Crime in Stereo - Selective Wreckage (Bridge Nine)
Okay, I haven't actually obtained this yet, but I've heard it, and it is as ridiculous as it sounds. Andrew W.K. was approached to record a series of Japanese pop hits for ringtones clips in Japan. My friend Andrew W.K. did just that and the response was so great that they were all compiled and put together on this album. If you're a diehard W.K. fan you must get this, it is beyond what words can describe.
Beck's breakthrough release was repackaged for its tenth anniversary with a slew of b-sides, remixes, and other goodies like new liner notes. Odelay still rates as one of my favorite albums to play when I need a pick-me-up. It's a fun and thrilling listen and now it comes with a whole lot of bonus.
One of hardcore's criminally underrated bands, Die Young, sees the bulk of their early discography re-released on this collection. You get the band's early EP's, 7" releases, and demo plus their latest 7" EP songs showcasing the band's distinct and ferocious assault on not only your ears, but also your mind. It's just too bad they're not going to release anything more.
As far as reissues go, there isn't really anything new added here like b-sides - the artwork is updated though. What you do get is one of the late 90's best metalcore albums of all time. This album dominated my Walkman after it came out and it still stands up against the heaps of bands that have lifted riffs from it.
This collection of recordings from between the last two Crime in Stereo full-lengths is a great assortment of songs. You've got some killer melodic hardcore akin to the band's early days, but you've also got a few songs that show the softer and more melody-driven direction the band would take with ...Is Dead. A must have for any Crime in Stereo fan or fan of melodic hardcore.
(Michael)
