Press release from label

PRESS RELEASE
Bar/None Records is proud to re-release two classic albums by the Feelies, that critically acclaimed crew of hyperactive alt rockers from Haledon, New Jersey that had such a powerful influence on the sound of indie music 1980s and beyond.

Their debut release Crazy Rhythms is a masterwork of perfectly honed minimalist rock that leaps and darts into the corners of the listener's consciousness, a true sonic tour de force that Rolling Stone deemed one of the "100 Best Albums of the 1980s." Fans of the Velvet Underground, Wire and Brian Eno's early solo work will surely appreciate the "forces at work" (to quote a song title!) on this masterpiece.

Their follow-up recording, The Good Earth, came some six years later co-produced by Feelies' co-regents Glenn Mercer and Bill Million with REM's Peter Buck (a Feelies admirer since his days as a record store clerk). The Good Earth was an early release on Coyote Records, the label founded and run Steve Fallon, also the original owner of famed Hoboken indie roc mecca, Maxwell’s. This album introduced the line-up that continues to this day.

Both albums feature deluxe packaging (CD and vinyl LP) with liner notes by Jim DeRogatis and Jim Sullivan respectively. As the band consider each album to be a discrete aesthetic artifact, the copious bonus material including demos, b-sides, EP tracks and some new live recordings from the re-united group will be included on digital download cards.

Bit disappointed about downloadable bonus tracks, but eh. Good to finally have these available again.

No mention of remastering. Shame. Crazy Rhythms really needs it.

Amazon is showing that these will be available Sept. 8, 2009

Crazy Rhythms

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002H3ETI2/?tag=imwan-20

The Good Earth

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002H3ETIC/?tag=imwan-20

Oh, please. Discrete aesthetic artifact? Were they afraid double discs would cut into an already minimal profit margin? The people who love the Feelies (myself included) would fork over for remastered discs plus a disc of b-sides or, better still, a second disc of period live shows. Live shows from the late 70's especially. But digital downloads? No thanks. There is also a rumour that the masters were not found and these are made from digital copies, or something like that. Too bad, this was/is a great band and they deserve better.

Confirmed in the press release.

The same goes for the Fall's Hex Enduction Hour. I mention this because both albums were reissued by the German Line label in the '80s. In fact, according to someone over at the Fall forum, the Line CD was the last to have been taken from the original tapes.

Hm.

Original master tapes were unfortunately not found. Andreas Meyer from Tangerine Mastering used digital files for both albums.

I will keep my originals, Thank You!

Rick A.

I bought a used copy of The Good Earth, but after I got it home I realized it didn't have the download card.
Is it a unique number, or is it something I can access using the CD itself?