OfficialTMR
Leon Redbone - Walking Stick (Live at the 1973 Buffalo Folk Festival)
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Stream / Purchase here: orcd.co/guitarromantic
Legendary power-pop trailblazers The Exploding Hearts have announced an expanded and remastered reissue of their beloved sole studio album, Guitar Romantic, due May 26, 2023 via Third Man Records. A new mix of fan-favorite track “I’m A Pretender,” remixed in 2022 by since-departed erstwhile member “King” Louie Bankston, is available to stream now via all DSPs.
In the twenty years since its release – and the subsequent tragic deaths of three of the four band members in a van accident later that same year – Guitar Romantic has outgrown its onetime “cult” status to become an immortal touchstone of the genre. Adored the world over for its vivid depictions of young love and reckless abandon, alongside its effervescent combination of influences like the Buzzcocks, Undertones, Nick Lowe and more, Guitar Romantic is an undeniable statement from a band gone entirely too soon. The expanded & remastered reissue brings a welcome dose of new life to an album all-too-often associated with death, and with it, plenty of old favorites and unheard gems for fans to rejoice about.
The turn of the century was heady times.
The thought of how an underground power/pop/punk band should exist in the aftermath of the Green Day Nineties was a proposal that hung heavy with apprehension, confusion and bewilderment. While a difficult construct to navigate, this is the unlikely Portland, Oregon setting we see the Exploding Hearts erupt from.
Drawing spiritual inspiration from the likes of the Buzzcocks, Undertones, and Nick Lowe, the attitude and implied delinquency of the Exploding Hearts was more in line with that of au courant Naughties Warped Tour line-ups. The band also considered themselves peers with the scuzzier side of “The” rock bands at the top of the 2000s. The intersection between Detroit garage punk, Goner Records and the shelves at Hot Topic is a seldom-tread land, but it was fertile with potential.
With ten undeniable songs clocking in at just 28 minutes, the Hearts' indisputably essential Guitar Romantic operated as the punk rock equivalent of Ernest Hemingway’s writing: Nothing extraneous, simple, straightforward, to the point, deserving of no additional flourish or accoutrement, with every creative decision pushing forward the work as a whole. Arguably, perfect.
The album immediately felt strong. It felt classic. It felt…destined for bigger things.
Yet barely three months after its domestic release, with momentum building and Lookout! Records sniffing around, band members Jeremy Gage, Adam Cox and Matt Fitzgerald, all barely in their twenties, would die in a tragic van accident that ended the band.
The intervening two decades has found Guitar Romantic bubble up from a below-the-radar cult classic to a genuinely acknowledged and appreciated touchstone of its time. As years have carried on with the album rightfully landing on countless “Best of” lists, this record is somehow still ascending and growing.
With that in mind, the passing of Guitar Romantic co-writer “King” Louie Bankston in 2022 served as inspiration for Six to place the album with an appropriate and caring long-term home after years of planning to self-release. Six approached only one label - Third Man Records - who immediately agreed to take up the mantle of the record that was near and dear to their collective hearts.
Guitar Romantic (Expanded & Remastered) doesn’t just present the album with a sharp, spiffed up remastering. It also found original album producer Pat Kearns spinning the old reel to reel and archived DAT tapes for the first time in twenty years. This enabled Six to drop in nuggets like little snippets of pre-and-post-take studio dialogue amongst band members, adding audible life to a record that for too long has been overly-associated with death.
If that weren’t enough, the remastering uncovered the previously forgotten organ-heavy “King Louie Mix” of the fan favorite “I’m A Pretender.” Even more intriguing was the discovery of a completely unheard take of “So Bored", previously not even known to have been recorded at the Guitar Romantic sessions. Of most excitement though is a remastered version of “Busy Signals” (a song originally released on a small-quantity 7-inch in January 2003).
All of these songs are included here, housed in a beautiful gatefold packaging and still all fitting on a single LP.
With plans to play a handful of select tribute shows across the US to honor the Guitar Romantic material, Terry Six continues to carry the torch for the Exploding Hearts and the countless fans who count this album as a quintessential touchstone.
New single, “Fitness”, by Snõõper out now. Pre-save/pre-add their debut album, Super Snõõper, out July 14th and stream/watch the manically energetic “Fitness” video, directed by vocalist Blair Tramel.
Pre-orders are available now from Third Man
thirdmanbooks.com/catalog/thewhitestripescompletelyrics
or anywhere new books are sold.
A special, limited edition with a signed bookplate by Jack White will be available direct from Third Man Books. thirdmanbooks.com/catalog/thewhitestripescompletelyrics
This is a recurring subscription that will renew automatically every three months, however you can cancel your Vault subscription at any time! Vault Package 56 is Miles Davis - Fearless. If you're a fan of Miles Davis and only want this package, that's no problem-- just contact the Vault team before your next payment renewal date and we'll make sure to cancel your subscription moving forward. The deadline to receive this Vault package is on April 30 at midnight CT.
Video directed by Taylor Stewart (@cooljinzo)
Starring: Hattie Castro, Celia Rose, Grace Drea + Gabbie Bam Bam
Follow Island of Love: instagram.com/islandovlove
Catch Island of Love on tour: songkick.com/artists/10188507-island-of-love
Named one of MOJO and Uncut's best of 2022, Rich Ruth's transcendental and truly unforgettable album release show at Third Man Records' Blue Room venue will be available to stream everywhere March 24th in advance of his appearance at the legendary Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, TN. This is a must-listen, especially for those who haven't seen the magic in person!
RICH RUTH
LIVE 2023
3/30 - Big Ears Festival - Knoxville, TN
4/19 - Blue Shell - Cologne, DE #
4/20 - Aalhaus - Hamburg, DE #
4/21 - Huset KBH - Copenhagen, DK #
4/24 - The Hope & Ruin - Brighton, UK #
4/25 - Hyde Park Book Club - Leeds, UK #
4/26 - Broadcast - Glasgow, UK #
4/27 - Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival - Belfast, UK #
4/28 - Kilkenny Roots Festival - Kilkenny, IE #
4/29 - Whelan’s - Dublin, IE #
4/30 - Sounds From The Other City - Manchester, UK #
5/2 - Hare & Hounds - Birmingham, UK #
5/3 - The Lexington - London, UK #
5/4 - Les Aralunaires - Arlon, BE #
5/5 - L’International - Paris, FR #
5/21 - Peace Pavilion - Greenville, SC %
5/23 - Miller Theatre - Augusta, GA %
5/25 - Greenfield Lake Amphitheater - Wilmington, NC %
6/3 - Basement East - Nashville, TN
8/3-6 - Pickathon - Happy Valley, OR
# - w/Spencer Cullum’s Coin Collection
% - w/St. Paul & the Broken Bones
(c) Third Man Records, 2023.
Pre-save/Pre-order Snõõper's debut album "Super Snõõper" out July 14th: orcd.co/supersnooper
a film by Owen Summers // @odie.tv
edited by Nikki Milan Houston // @clear_image
scan by Jack Tashdjian // @jacktashdjian
animations by Owen Summers and Nikki Milan Houston
(c) Third Man Records, 2023.
Starring - 1976 Ford Gran Torino
Director of Photography - Gilles O’Kane
Visualizer made by Sarah Goldstein
New Orleans rock & roll minimalists Silver Synthetic are back with a new digital single titled “The
Door,” available now on all DSPs via Third Man Records. The track is accompanied by an official
visualizer.
Silver Synthetic has carved quite a niche for themselves with the release of their full-length debut.
Their Out Of The Darkness EP (Third Man) won accolades from the likes of SPIN, BrooklynVegan,
CLASH, Glide Magazine and more. The acclaim continued to roll in with the full-length debut
from outlets like Consequence, who said that & "Around The Bend" was "Perfect for being blasted full volume during a road trip" and Louder than War, who said that their debut is a & "near-perfect album to welcome in the spring."
(c) Third Man Records, 2023.
Named one of MOJO and Uncut's best of 2022, Rich Ruth's transcendental and truly unforgettable album release show at Third Man Records' Blue Room venue will be available to stream everywhere March 24th in advance of his appearance at the legendary Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, TN. This is a must-listen, especially for those who haven't seen the magic in person!
RICH RUTH
LIVE 2023
3/30 - Big Ears Festival - Knoxville, TN
4/19 - Blue Shell - Cologne, DE #
4/20 - Aalhaus - Hamburg, DE #
4/21 - Huset KBH - Copenhagen, DK #
4/24 - The Hope & Ruin - Brighton, UK #
4/25 - Hyde Park Book Club - Leeds, UK #
4/26 - Broadcast - Glasgow, UK #
4/27 - Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival - Belfast, UK #
4/28 - Kilkenny Roots Festival - Kilkenny, IE #
4/29 - Whelan’s - Dublin, IE #
4/30 - Sounds From The Other City - Manchester, UK #
5/2 - Hare & Hounds - Birmingham, UK #
5/3 - The Lexington - London, UK #
5/4 - Les Aralunaires - Arlon, BE #
5/5 - L’International - Paris, FR #
5/21 - Peace Pavilion - Greenville, SC %
5/23 - Miller Theatre - Augusta, GA %
5/25 - Greenfield Lake Amphitheater - Wilmington, NC %
6/3 - Basement East - Nashville, TN
8/3-6 - Pickathon - Happy Valley, OR
# - w/Spencer Cullum’s Coin Collection
% - w/St. Paul & the Broken Bones
(c) Third Man Records, 2023.
Stream "Fed Rock" +"Grow"/"Blues 2000": orcd.co/fedrock
Directed/shot by Cole Flynn-Quirke
Thanks to Harvey Flynn-Quirke
Follow Island of Love: instagram.com/islandovlove
Introducing London-based trio Island of Love, a band that delivers such a remarkably raucous live show that Third Man Records signed them during their cigarette break immediately after seeing them play. Island of Love are the very first band signed to Third Man Records London.
In September 2021, Island of Love – Karim Newble on guitars/vocals, Linus Munch on guitars/vocals and Daniel Giraldo on bass –were invited to perform at the grand opening of Third Man’s The Blue Basement. It’s a good thing Island of Love showed up to the gig at all, given that the band didn’t even think the email invitation they received to play was real. That very real and not-spam offer not only led to their on-the-spot label signing, but to opening slots for Jack White, and now their exhilarating debut. Island of Love is a ferocious and bone-shakingly loud album that marries raw, primal noise led by crunchy guitars with intrinsically melodic sensibilities, and recalls the sound and spirit of peak-era Dinosaur Jr. or Husker Dü. With influences from the band’s start in the London hardcore punk scene and their DIY community roots, the album is elevated by the shared vocal and songwriting duties of Newble and Munch. Produced by Fuzzbrain’s Ben Spence and engineered by Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Jeff Rosenstock, Joyce Manor), Island of Love is an album full of songs that pinball back and forth between tones and styles, and make up one of the most refreshing and fun debut albums you’ll hear in 2023.
To celebrate the album announcement, Island of Love shares the first taste of the record in the form of a double A-side and video for “Grow” / “Blues 2000.” “Grow,” the first song that IOL ever wrote together, is a thrilling, melodic slice of indie-rock that’s been pulled and reimagined from their earliest (and long sold-out) demo release, Promo Tape, whil “Blues 2000,” masterfully showcases the band’s dueling guitars. The tracks are already ear-splitting, fan favorite staples from the band’s live show, and are always played back-to-back.
Pre-order "Long Cool World" here: orcd.co/longcoolworld
Follow:
facebook.com/northamericanszone
instagram.com/northamericans
twitter.com/north_americans
From Filmmakers Rocco Rivetti & Gilles O'Kane on the music video for “The Last Rockabilly”:
"Our video for “The Last Rockabilly” aims to bring the meditative nature of the song to the forefront while the experimental narrative reflects upon each character as they traverse through existence. The initial concept came from the hypnotic feeling one gets while driving and forgetting how they’ve traveled from start to finish."
Follow Gina: instagram.com/gina.birch
(c) Third Man Records, 2023.
Stream "Grow"/"Blues 2000": orcd.co/growblues2000
Directed/shot by Cole Flynn-Quirke
Special thanks to Alfie Blundell, Dylan Gilchrist, Theo Zhykharyev & The Oak Tree Inn
Follow Island of Love: instagram.com/islandovlove
Introducing London-based trio Island of Love, a band that delivers such a remarkably raucous live show that Third Man Records signed them during their cigarette break immediately after seeing them play. Island of Love are the very first band signed to Third Man Records London.
In September 2021, Island of Love – Karim Newble on guitars/vocals, Linus Munch on guitars/vocals and Daniel Giraldo on bass –were invited to perform at the grand opening of Third Man’s The Blue Basement. It’s a good thing Island of Love showed up to the gig at all, given that the band didn’t even think the email invitation they received to play was real. That very real and not-spam offer not only led to their on-the-spot label signing, but to opening slots for Jack White, and now their exhilarating debut. Island of Love is a ferocious and bone-shakingly loud album that marries raw, primal noise led by crunchy guitars with intrinsically melodic sensibilities, and recalls the sound and spirit of peak-era Dinosaur Jr. or Husker Dü. With influences from the band’s start in the London hardcore punk scene and their DIY community roots, the album is elevated by the shared vocal and songwriting duties of Newble and Munch. Produced by Fuzzbrain’s Ben Spence and engineered by Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Jeff Rosenstock, Joyce Manor), Island of Love is an album full of songs that pinball back and forth between tones and styles, and make up one of the most refreshing and fun debut albums you’ll hear in 2023.
To celebrate the album announcement, Island of Love shares the first taste of the record in the form of a double A-side and video for “Grow” / “Blues 2000.” “Grow,” the first song that IOL ever wrote together, is a thrilling, melodic slice of indie-rock that’s been pulled and reimagined from their earliest (and long sold-out) demo release, Promo Tape, whil “Blues 2000,” masterfully showcases the band’s dueling guitars. The tracks are already ear-splitting, fan favorite staples from the band’s live show, and are always played back-to-back.
Stream the single "Classic Water": orcd.co/classicwater
Follow:
twitter.com/North_Americans
instagram.com/northamericans
facebook.com/northamericanszone
thirdmanrecords.com/products/vault-subscription
The work an artist creates on the precipice of their star turn, with attention solidly focused on them...well, those are the moments that become truly magical. If ever a singularly magical moment exists in the history of The White Stripes, it is likely the release and ensuing hubbub behind their 2003 album Elephant.
As explosive initial releases are ever-deserving of further examination and celebration, it should come as no surprise that the 55th installment of Third Man Records Vault subscription series is the twentieth anniversary collection Elephant XX.
The centerpiece of this set is an all new, direct-from-the-original multitrack tapes MONO remix of the entire Elephant album. Mixed by Jack White and Bill Skibbe at Third Man Studio in Nashville, the work was executed on the same Calrec board used to complete the original stereo mix of Elephant at Toe Rag Studios in London back in 2002.
As these particular tapes had not been spun in nearly twenty years, little surprises and treasures slowly began to reveal themselves at every turn. An extra four bars at the end of the canonical "Seven Nation Army"? Completely forgotten by all involved until now. A long lost lyric edited out of "Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine"? Faithfully restored here. The snippets and snapshots of studio banter before and after takes? You bet we left it in. Revelations abound, truly gems to be discovered and dissected by die-hards and fairweather alike.
The idea here isn't to try and COMPLETELY REIMAGINE the Elephant album. We know how near and dear it is to all of the White Stripes fans out there. The goal is to harken back to other similar experiments (like our first-ever Vault package, Icky Thump mono) while shedding light on the nuance and craft contained both in the performance and the mix of this album. In homage to the original US pressing of the album, Elephant mono is pressed on opaque white and opaque red discs.
Additionally, we've included Jack White's original solo demo of "Hypnotize" in two markedly different mixes here. Recorded on 4-track reel-to-reel sometime in 1998 and "gifted" to the local Detroit garage band the Hentchmen as a song White felt was more in their style than his at the time. Come a few years later, with the Hentches having done nothing with the tune, Jack reclaimed it for he and Meg, and their frenetic take quickly became a long-standing fan favorite.
Furthermore, the original, first take version of "You've Got Her In Your Pocket" done seemingly as a mic check, is paired here on the flipside of "Hypnotize", complete with additional flourish and fingerpicking more so than what ended up on the final album version.
All three of these aforementioned songs are shared together on a stunning 7-inch single pressed on glorious glitter red vinyl.
It wouldn't be a twentieth anniversary collection without a DVD and here we've assembled a corker. Elephant-Era Video Artifacts is a simulacrum of the dubbed and traded VHS mixtape compilations that were pivotal to sharing of information and fueling fandom long before YouTubers begged you to smash that subscribe button.
The footage includes the exact album take of Jack and Meg and Holly Golightly singing their hearts out so jolly on "It's True That We Love One Another" and a previously buried multi-camera Japanese live performance of a wild show kicked off with an impromptu cover of the Stooges "I Wanna Be Your Dog.” From the insightful, unseen interview with Jack and Meg (she talks a lot!) through beautiful 8mm film capture of the behind-the-scenes and making of "The Hardest Button To Button" music video, the collection here utilizes variety to convey the breadth and reach that The White Stripes covered in their dogged work supporting Elephant.
Tying it all together is a 28-page 12" x 12" booklet chock-full of previously unshared photos from the Elephant album cover shoot, candid backstage pics and all sorts of handwritten lyrics, concert posters, proposed/abandoned tracklists, blood chits, shopping lists, scraps of paper with Támam Shud written on them....you know, the works.
Elephant Era Video Artifacts DVD:
- "It's True That We Love One Another" Toe Rag Studio recording footage
- Live @ Shibuya Ax, Tokyo 10/21/03
Black Math
Dead Leaves and The Dirty Ground
I Think I Smell A Rat/Take A Whiff On Me
- Jack and Meg Interview 10/22/03
- Live @ Shibuya Ax, Tokyo 10/22/03
I Wanna Be Your Dog (The Stooges)
Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground
Black Math
Cannon/John The Revelator
Ball And Biscuit
In The Cold, Cold Night
The Hardest Button To Button” 8mm film reel


