By Wax Trax staff
We’re getting closer to RSD ‘24 — here’s some picks we’re excited about.
Television – Live at the Academy LP
Picked by Ryan Wong
On the heels of their 3rd album, first after a 14 year absence, a newly reformed Television burns through a setlist that spans their entire career. Originally only issued on CD and incredibly rare until now, Live at the Academy is a testament to the legendary punk-gone-avant guitar interplay of Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd. The highlight is an extended version of “1880 or So” that rivals the guitar majesty of “Marque Moon”.
HARMONIA – Musik Von Harmonia 2LP (50th anniv.)
Picked by Nick Tassinari
Brian Eno said this was the most important band making music at the time of this albums release… pretty smart guy.
Ashnikko – DEMIDEVIL: Special Edition LP
Picked by Delaney Schoenfeldt
Ashnikko got my heart with slutty-girl-pop singles like “Cry” and “Daisy” on this record, so I’m psyched for the RSD special edition. It’s pink transparent vinyl, in a mirror board silver sleeve, and comes with a booklet.
Dean & Britta – L’Avventura 2LP (deluxe edition, 20th anniv.)
Picked by Molly McGrath
My folks raised me listening to this record, and I still love it to this day. Dean & Britta deliver a perfect mix of jangly pop, sweet and tender songwriting, and a diversity of covers that’ll blow your mind.
THE SPACE LADY – “The Space Lady’s Other Hits” 12″ EP (Night School LSSN 090)
Picked by Dave Wilkins
Yes, it’s new (sort of) stuff from cult fave and “Outsider Music” legend (and current Boulder resident!) The Space Lady! Although she started performing on the streets of San Francisco (not the TV show) way back in the late 70’s, you may not be familiar with her oeuvre. Just go to YouTube or Discogs and check out her version of “Born to be Wild”… or “Ballroom Blitz”… or anything else she’s done! If ya can’t get into it, you are probably far too uh… “normal.”
Various – Jazz Dispensary: The Freedom Sound! The People Arise LP
Picked by Douglas Anderson
This year I’m looking forward to the jazz Dispensary’s collection of Freedom/Protest songs . These are always cool compilations.
Rain Parade – Emergency Third Rail Power Trip
Picked by Jason Buenning
Big record for me. Lots of laying in bed stoned in the mid 80’s listening to this one. Paisley Underground legends. David Roback pre-Mazzy Star (and way better than that IMO) Never heard the demos that make up the extras on this RSD release. Looking forward to checking them out
Some non-picks, but still Wax Trax RSD-related comments:
“I am very excited to see my friends Quits & Cherry Spit on the same lineup.” – Mike Buckley
(About the RSD DJ playing at Broadway): “Moe Velez has been holding down a much needed *out there* radio show on KUVO’s Jazz Odyssey. Couldn’t think of a better person to do an in-store DJ set on RSD to keep it freaky for the heads.” – Nico Tobón
“Th e day (in g ener al terms) loo ks TO bE shapIng up niceLY.” – Doug Mioducki
Nice write-up!
300% Dynamite is part of a great reggae comp series I used to have on CD, I’m ready for the rest of the set over the next few RSDs.
Gandalf is something I’m really looking forward to as well.