Derek™

So random. Looks identical to the most recent press. I wonder if Tre or someone else can confirm if this is a thing.

This is kind of how I feel. I actually revisited LYSF today, to gauge how I feel about the album in comparison to other L candidates. And as much as I hate the idea of dedicating two votes to the same artist (see; entry F)... I just don't know. The last track of Skinny Fists makes me feel like I'm quite possibly listening to the most important thing I've ever heard. Tough call, especially when you consider just how much the Low Level Owl compilation encompasses.

Hear, hear. Even if he's unsure how they work or how to handle them, it's the thought that counts. We should formally invite him to join VC. Maybe Secular Haze can rig a giveaway in his favor, and we can get some more Youtube gold.

What was the price increase, if I may ask?

Meh. I still think this kid is a loser. There are a few solid points on both sides of the argument, and I echo the sentiment that it's cool as hell to see someone so passionate about music. (Even if it's not necessarily good music.) But if you checked out any of his other videos, you'd understand that he's kind of a tool. He apologizes for "looking sweaty" and wearing a wifebeater. He dedicates a video to showing off a new haircut, assuming that anyone would remotely care. In this same video, he also makes it a point to show you that he's wearing dance pants. They're different because the zipper isn't centered. And yes, he will literally show you. The whole "he's not 30, so he's allowed to get excited about old technology" is pretty questionable. I'm 25 and didn't have any exposure to LPs growing up. At the age of 19 or so I decided that it'd be cool to buy vinyl versions of my favorite albums, and invest in a turntable. I had zero idea what I was doing - and it was cool to figure out, no doubt - but I certainly didn't think I was the bee's knees because I owned a turntable. "But he's young! He's allowed to be a putz and full of himself!" I mean I guess so. But I didn't see anyone take it as far as this kid does, in the four years I spent in high-school. I know I'm not a teen anymore, but I don't consider myself dated. I'm well aware that dependency on social updates and attention is the name of the game at his age. There are just different ways to generate that sort of attention... and in my opinion, he's definitely approaching it the wrong way. Maybe I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume that he only bounces off the walls when he's recording a video blog for all his fans on Youtube. But if one of my high-school friends personally acted like that, I'd kind of assume he was just a conceited tool who loved Macklemore just barely less than he loved himself. And I would be positively embarrassed to be associated with him. Hopefully he matures a bit, while retaining that level of excitement for vinyl and music in general. But when Macklemore and Bieber are your musical idols at the age of 16 or so, you've got your work cut out for you. Maybe I'm jaded because I have some friends - a bit younger than myself - who had some incredible tastes at the age of 15 and onward. (As "incredible" as tastes can be despite being completely subjective, that is.) My 2¢, anyway.

For what? To handle stock in a record shop?

I've seen a lot of "clear with _____ haze" variants go terribly awry in my day, but I feel like the description was perfect. Gatefold is nice and sturdy, too. I'm pleased with the quality and its price point.

This was a very pleasant surprise.

Get out of my head.

Eh, I'm probably in the minority. I blared Yeezus in my car for a few weeks... and while it's got some fun and catchy moments, my jaw is still hanging from how many Top-10 lists the record broke last year. I am by no means a lyrical genius myself, but I know some straight cheesy garbage when I hear it. The fact that reviews are praising Kanye for his songwriting and "sharp tongue" is absurd to me. And for what it's worth, I don't think I've read anyone defend Kayne as a person. Ever. I'm pretty sure that every fan of his material has admitted that they're well aware he's an egomaniacal douche.

Wait, really? I've felt similarly, don't get me wrong, but you're struggling with J? This was probably the easiest letter.

Like the way this kid documents and shows off his Macklemore-inspired haircut to his imaginary fanbase on YouTube?

And I purchased mine maybe a year or two. There were abundant amounts for under $20 through Discogs, eBay, and Amazon sellers. I specifically remember sifting through dozens of options to see which would save me an extra dollar or two. Really makes me wonder if this is just a quick lull.

Wait, this is rare now?

Oh, no doubt about it. A good chunk of Yeezus was embarrassingly bad, lyrically. I don't discriminate with bad songwriting.

Actually, I'd like to point out that shit is shit regardless of whether it's popular or not.

Great stuff up for grabs here.

Definitely. That blood-gold splatter Tertia is a beauty. Can't wait to see how these turn out.

Question, though; is the official name "Sisters Of..." or just "Sisters Of"?

Hopefully they don't botch those variants too bad. A crappy grey-marble would be a huge bummer.

This is awesome. This, too, is awesome... like we discussed. But still; Someone. Somehow. Sly Vinyl?

I'd call them a healthy midpoint. I don't think they're as ambient as Caspian, or achieve the same level of beauty that some of their soundscapes do. But they're also not as gritty and dark as Russian Circles. That's not to imply that they completely lack the things that make these bands great. Heights is exceptionally melodic, refreshing, and hard-hitting all at once. If you're strapped for time, but are at least able to sample it, I'd probably suggest that you play the title track for an accurate taste of what the EP offers.

Right? And how about that closing track?

Was kind of torn on which variant to spring for, since they both look awesome. But then I reminded myself that Sly Vinyl is putting this out, and they deserve every dime. One of each for me. Great release, great label.