Here at Sub Pop Records, we believe all sorts of nonsense. No doubt, as a regular/occasional/anything-other-than-first-time reader of our blog, you have noticed this. You may also have noticed(among other things…)we believe that voting is just incredibly important. It’s one of the few opportunities we all have to express an opinion about the way our country works and for that opinion to actually count. It might seem like your vote won’t make a difference, but it does and will.
September 27th, 2016 is National Voter Registration Day. It’s a national campaign aimed at helping anyone who is eligible to vote but not yet registered get signed up and good-to-go in time for the election this year.
Sub Pop is partnering with National Voter Registration Day to host an event at our office in downtown Seattle to allow people the opportunity to register. We will have the relevant forms, volunteers from The Washington Bus to help with dotting i’s and crossing t’s, and treats courtesy of our friends at Tom Douglas Restaurants. PLUS, as a special incentive, we’ll be giving away Sub Pop goodies, office tours (space and time allowing, and assuming interest…), and newly registered voters can get their photo taken in the Sub Pop Photobooth.
Here are the details!
Where? - Sub Pop HQ, 2013 4th Ave., Seattle, WA 98121.
When? - September 27th 2016, from 9am to 12pm.
Who can register to vote at Sub Pop HQ? - US Citizens who are permanent residents of Washington State and will be 18 by election day (November 8th, 2016).
What do I need to bring? - Washington State driver’s license, State ID number or last four digits of SSN. (if you don’t have any of these things, that’s okay, but you will need to be verified before you can formally register.
Please note:
If you are already registered to vote, NICE WORK! Please be sure to follow through and actually vote when the time comes. And also, you do not need to come here on Tuesday, September 27th from 9am to 12pm. This would be a bad day and time to come by just to hang out, because we will be SO BUSY helping to get people registered to vote. Thank you for what we are going to go ahead and presume to be your attention and understanding on this matter.
And, HERE is some further information about National Voter Registration Day.
Yes, you read it right. We finally got our collective shit together and the long-unavailable, classic discography of beloved and iconic Seattle band, TAD – God’s Balls (1989), Salt Lick (1990), 8-Way Santa (1991), and assorted singles from the band’s 1988-1992 run – will finally receive the deluxe reissue treatment.
Producer & engineer Jack Endino (who produced God’s Balls, TAD’s first full-length) has lovingly remastered all of the recordings from the original tapes. God’s Balls, Salt Lick and 8-Way Santa will be available throughout the known universe on November 4th of this very year.
These deluxe editions of God’s Balls, Salt Lick, and 8-Way Santa feature new images from celebrated photographer Charles Peterson, bonus tracks, and expansive liner notes from the band and Jack Endino. The bonus material associated with each release will be included on the CD and digital formats; each of the the gatefold vinyl LPs will include that album’s bonus material as part of its free, associated download.
PLUS all of the bonus material, from all three of these monumental heavy rock/punk albums will be collected on an additional bonus LP available for free with purchase of all three (3) albums on vinyl from the Sub Pop Mega Mart [preorder (is advised) here] and also from select independent retailers.
New to the hard-churning world of TAD? Read all about it in the words of Tad Doyle himself right here, then further your education with these O.G. TAD videos: “Stumbling Man” (from Salt Lick)[watch here]and“Wood Goblins” (from 8-Way Santa). [watch here]
God’s Balls (1989) God’s Balls, TAD’s punishing, noise-drenched debut album, was recorded with Jack Endino at Reciprocal Recording in Seattle in 1988 and released early the following year. In addition to their usual arsenal of guitars, bass, and drums, the band employed a variety of unusual instruments – an empty gas tank from a car, a hacksaw, a large brass tube from a microwave transmitter, CB radio mics, a cello bow used on cymbals to emulate guitar feedback – to thunderous effect, adding a Neubauten-esque clang to the band’s rock riffs. After releasing God’s Balls, TAD flew to Europe with Nirvana for both bands’ first European tour. The now-legendary, month-long tour took the bands to the UK, Ireland, Scotland, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Italy, Denmark and Sweden.
This reissue of God’s Balls features bonus tracks from TAD’s 1988 debut 7”, plus the previously unreleased “Tuna Car” from the 7” session. God’s Balls has been out of print on LP/CD for many years, and this is its first digital release.
Tracklist: 1. Behemoth 2. Pork Chop 3. Helot 4. Tuna Car 5. Sex God Missy (Lumberjack Mix) 6. Cyanide Bath 7. Boiler Room 8. Satan’s Chainsaw 9. Hollow Man 10. Nipple Belt 11. Ritual Device - (from “Daisy” 7” single) ** 12. Daisy - (from “Daisy” 7” single) ** 13. Tuna Car (Unreleased) **
** w/ CD / Digital / LP Download Card only
Salt Lick (1990) After their 1989 debut album, God’s Balls, TAD continued to write and record, releasing a string of singles and the Salt Lick EP between 1989 and 1990. Salt Lick features the single “Wood Goblins,” the video for which MTV banned because it was, to the delicate eyes of MTV programmers, “too ugly.” The sounds of Salt Lick are, indeed, wonderfully ugly, thanks in part to the involvement of noise-rock technician Steve Albini (Big Black, Shellac, Nirvana, The Jesus Lizard), who recorded the EP. The band continued to release singles and gain momentum in the press. As TAD himself puts it: “Lyrically we had a lot of subject matter that was meant to be tongue-in-cheek from the beginning but that was presented by both Sub Pop and us as true-to-life. The press took it all seriously and began to feed on and ravenously devour the mythology we created.” This reissue of Salt Lick includes tracks from the “Wood Goblins” single, a split 7” with Pussy Galore, and the “Loser” 7”. This material has been out of print on vinyl/CD for many years, and this is its first digital release.
Tracklist: 1. Axe to Grind 2. High on the Hog 3. Wood Goblins 4. Hibernation 5. Glue Machine 6. Potlatch 7. Loser (from “Loser” 7” single) ** 8. Cooking With Gas (from “Wood Goblins” 12” & “Loser” 7” single)** 9. Habit Necessity (from “Dope Guns N Fucking in the Streets” 7” single on Amphetamine Reptile) ** 10. Damaged (from Pussy Galore split 7” single) **
** w/ CD / Digital / LP Download Card only
8-Way Santa (1991) In 1991, after tens of thousands of miles on the road in support ofGod’s Balls and Salt Lick, and a run of powerful EPs/singles, TAD released their second full-length album, 8-Way Santa. Recorded at Smart Studios in Madison, WI with Butch Vig, whose work with Killdozer the band admired, 8-Way Santa finds TAD pushing their sound in new directions. Not a band to rest on its laurels, TAD began to add melodic touches to their sound, as evidenced by the lead single, “Jinx.” 8-Way Santa was the last record with the original TAD lineup, and their last album for Sub Pop before jumping to a major label.
This reissue of 8-Way Santa includes tracks from the “Jinx” single, a 1990 EP, and a handful of unreleased album demos recorded by Jack Endino. This material has been out of print on vinyl/CD for many years, and this is the first digital release for the bonus content.
Tracklist: 1. Jinx 2. Giant Killer 3. Wired God 4. Delinquent 5. Hedge Hog 6. Flame Tavern 7. Trash Truck 8. Stumblin’ Man 9. Jack 10. Candi 11. 3-D Witch Hunt 12. Cranes Café 13. Plague Years 14. Pig Iron (from Jinx 7” single) ** 15. Nuts ‘N’ Bolts (Unreleased) ** 16. Delinquent (8-Way Santa Jack Endino demos) ** 17. Giant Killer (8-Way Santa Jack Endino demos) ** 18. Wired God (8-Way Santa Jack Endino demos) ** 19. 3D Witch Hunt (8-Way Santa Jack Endino demos) ** 20. Eddie Hook (from U.S. “Jack” CD & all German “Jack” releases – 7”, 12” & CD – and from 8-Way Santa Butch Vig sessions) **
** w/ CD / Digital / LP Download Card only
Bonus LP Compilation Tracklist: (Available free with purchase of all three albums on vinyl from the Sub Pop Mega Mart [preorder here] and from select independent retailers) A1. Ritual Device (from “Daisy” 7” single) A2. Daisy (from “Daisy” 7” single) A3. Tuna Car (Unreleased) A4. Loser (from “Loser” 7” single) A5. Cooking With Gas (from “Loser” 7” single) A6. Habit Necessity - (from “Dope Guns N Fucking in the Streets” 7” single on Amphetamine Reptile) A7. Damaged (from Pussy Galore split 7” single) B1. Pig Iron (from “Jinx” 7” single) B2. Nuts ‘N’ Bolts (Unreleased) B3. Delinquent (8-Way Santa Jack Endino demos) B4. Giant Killer (8-Way Santa Jack Endino demos) B5. Wired God (8-Way Santa Jack Endino demos) B6. 3-D Witch Hunt (8-Way Santa Jack Endino demos) B7. Eddie Hook (from U.S. “Jack” CD & all German “Jack” releases – 7”, 12” & CD – and from 8-Way Santa Butch Vig sessions)
“Make Sub Pop Great Again.” You’ve seen the
shirt, and the skateboard and perhaps the promotional compact disc compilation, but what have you really done for us lately? This
month marks my first foray into airport-store-blogging, as
our beloved (and, arguably, somewhat luscious) Jackson has decamped to New Orleans. And, I’d like to do my bit to help restore
Sub Pop’s greatness by sharing a few of the most important planks in our party
platform. Here’s a look at some of what you could expect if (your god of choice forbid…) Sub Pop was elected president, governor, alderman, or block watch captain…
PARTY PLATFORM
We will try to put our name, really big, on everything we touch.
This is something we feel very strongly about. It’s kind of un-American not
to, and it sends a clear message. Sub Pop can be Great and our typeface
sizes need to reflect that.
Extremely well-organized cups and neatly-folded shirts.
At the Sub Pop airport store, we have a team of dedicated professionals
working practically around the clock (6am -10pm, to be precise) to ensure that all cups
meet the strict presentation guidelines put in place by our award-winning art department. All mug handles are to point at an exact 315 degree
angle. Shirts are routinely inspected and adjusted using proprietary
state-of-the-art folding technologies.
Equal Access.
The Sub Pop Airport store strives to be somewhat accessible. We’re not here to
erect barriers between you and that brand new Logo Grey Athletic w/Black
T shirt. We’re trying to build bridges, not walls. So, our store is conveniently located in the central terminal
at Seatac Airport in Seattle, Washington and all you need is a ticket to
travel, a valid form of government-issued identification and a dream.
You also need ample time (we suggest the $85 TSA precheck pass to reduce
your security wait time). Also, you’re probably going to need a spare hand for
all that schwag so we do suggest checking all bags for a nominal $50 to
$100 fee (see corresponding airline for exact prices). To recap: ticket, ID, dream, expendable time dedicated to shopping, and two
unencumbered hands. That’s it. You are access Sub Pop.
We believe in the power of thesame shirtin manydifferent colors.
Black on white, white on black, yellow on green, green on blue, blue on
a lighter blue, etc… We know life is full of hard
decisions and we also know that the choices we make ultimately define
who we become. At Sub Pop, we want to help you become a better you, a
you who owns at least five to seven color combinations of Sub Pop
T-shirts. So, whether your blood runs red or blue, rest assured, we’ve
got the shirt that’s going to match it.
Transparency.
We believe certain Loser editions should be on transparent vinyl,
colored vinyl, swirly marble vinyl. We often have these in stock long
after other record stores have sold out. The choice is clear. But it’s also black and white. It’s Fuschia. It’s teal. The choice is yours.
For
more information regarding the party platform please refer to the
informational poster board from our recent Bumbershoot festival pop-up
shop.
Sub Pop is currently accepting resumes from energetic, responsible, detail-oriented, and dependable candidates for a part-time/weekend/temporary holiday Sales Clerk position at our new-ish and (let’s not be coy about it…) terribly impressive store at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This guy.
Responsibilities include:
• Greeting and assisting customers in a friendly manner. • Full compliance with Sea-Tac operation rules and strict TSA regulations and restrictions. • Efficient handling of cash and credit card transactions. • Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively. • Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays. • Assist in organizing and restocking the store. • Maintaining the general appearance of the store. • Contributing to the team retail effort by accomplishing related tasks as needed.
Qualified candidates will have:
• Previous experience in the retail environment. • Knowledge of the Sub Pop catalog, Pacific Northwest music, the Seattle music community, and the City of Seattle. • A friendly and enthusiastic disposition with customers and staff. • Strong and clear communication skills. • A general understanding of retail Point of Sale systems. • Flexibility in schedule and willingness to work early or late hours.
The Sub Pop Airport Store at Sea-Tac is open unusually long hours, generally 6am - 10pm, and 365 days a year.
Following the release of their third LP (and Sub Pop debut) Return to Love, and countless miles logged in North America, New York’sLVL UP just announced news of their first ever live dates on “the other side” of the Atlantic, happening Spring 2017. After an appearance at Austin’s annual SXSW fest, for which they were recently announced, the band will be making their way through Europe, taking in nine different countries in the spring of 2017. (Dates below.) Tickets go on sale at 10am Weds 26th October.
Take an existential trip with LVL UP in their latest video for “The Closing Door” right over here.
UK/EU tour dates:
Mar 28th | The Hug & Pint, Glasgow, UK Mar 29th | Think Tank, Newcastle, UK Mar 30th | Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, UK Mar 31st | Gullivers, Manchester, UK Apr 1st | JT Soar, Nottingham, UK Apr 2nd | Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, UK Apr 3rd | Clwb ifor Bach, Cardiff, UK Apr 4th | Old Blue Last, London, UK Apr 5th | Green Door Store, Brighton, UK Apr 6th | Mechanique Ondulatoire, Paris, FR Apr 8th | Vera, Groningen, NL Apr 11th | Lagerhaus, Bremen, DE Apr 12th | Botanique, Brussels, BE Apr 13th | Molotow, Hamburg, DE Apr 14th | Beta, Copenhagen, DK Apr 15th | Privatclub, Berlin, DE Apr 17th | B72, Vienna, AU Apr 18th | Klub Gromka, Ljubljiana, SI Apr 20th | Gonzo, Zurich, CH Apr 21st | Pont Rouge, Monthey, CH Apr 22nd | Le Sonic, Lyon, FR
Listen to the Season 2 trailer, and subscribe now!
Mere months after its unforeseeably really, pretty great first season earlier this year, and in response to largely precedented levels of demand for more, the Sub Pop Podcast will return for a 10-episode second season on Wednesday, October 12th. Season Two of the Sub Pop Podcast will run weekly from October 12th through December 14th and will be available through all finer podcast distribution points.
Produced and hosted by real-life Sub Pop employees Alissa Atkins and Arwen Nicks at the label’s Seattle headquarters, the Sub Pop Podcast, of course, is where you can hear stories from inside, outside, and adjacent to Sub Pop, Seattle’s premier medium-sized record label. We focus on conversations with our artists, people who work at/with/around Sub Pop, and anyone else willing or reckless enough to talk to us. And same goes for our sibling label Hardly Art. We will continue to include, impose on, sponge off, and otherwise implicate them, as well.
In its conspicuously excellent debut season, from January 10th of this year, through to April 1st, we managed to produce and then release 11 (which, for some reason, we called 10 ½…) episodes of Sub Pop’s very first podcast. And then, between April 1 and now, we put out an additional two, interstitial, summer episodes in an effort to sustain the arguably ravenous interest of our dozens upon dozens of regular listeners. We spoke with principal members of Band of Horses, Mass Gothic, Chastity Belt, Mudhoney, Shearwater, S, King Tuff, and a whole bunch more. And, we were recognized with an Honorable Mention in the Seattle Weekly’s 2016 Readers’ Poll for local, music-based podcasts which currently exist! This sort of intoxicating recognition has us gunning for at least second runner-up next year. The entirety of this first season, and our summer episodes remain available everywhere now.
In the upcoming second season, unrelated to any outstanding debts or lost bets, we managed to convince an impressive array of folks to talk with us. Here we are referring to such celebrated figures from the wide world of entertainment as: Alex and Victoria from Beach House, Sam Beam from Iron and Wine, Tad from TAD, Benjamin Gibbard from both Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service, Kathleen Hanna, Father John Misty, Jonah Ray, members of CSS and Clipping, our boss and benefactor Jonathan Poneman (More than once! He’s the boss!), plus, reliably, “more.” We also took the Sub Pop Podcast on the road, with trips to both Poland and Portland, and down to the Sub Pop store at Sea-Tac Airport.
In the spirit of tell and show, you can listen to a trailer for the Sub Pop Podcast, Season Two (and, again, every previous episode) at subpop.fm RIGHT NOW. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe (in iTunes or anything) right now, too. The first episode of the new season will be available Wednesday, October 12, and new episodes will be delivered weekly until December 14, 2016.
SO! Visit subpop.fm to listen to the new trailer for the second season, subscribe to the podcast, and sign up for the podcast mailing list. Send us your thoughts and feelings here: podcast@subpop.com.
The Sub Pop Podcast: Absolutely nothing sounds better.
