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Jigsaw Records
Craig Salt Peters - Songs For Hungry Ghosts cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL053)$10.00
I'm a little biased here, as Craig and his bandmates are good friends of mine, but I promise that even if I didn't know them personally, I would still be thrilled with this album. This is the kind of upbeat and positive indie rock that I fall for every time, sounding like Good Luck or Pants Yell! covering Ted Leo classics, replete with highly intelligent songwriting and very proficient playing. Seriously, this is a jaw-dropper of a record (and you should see the band play live!) that I'm very happy to present to the world, in conjunction with our pals at Lost Sound Tapes.
Not limited. All songs written by Craig Salt Peters. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- The Pick Up
- Seeing You
- Daydreaming
- Write You A Story
- Where Demons Dare
- Full Moon Constitutional
- Going Places
- I Don't Wanna Miss You
- Day In Pensacola
- The Year We Lived In Liberty
- Old Bug Bear
- Spectacles
- Let It Shine
- Patience
Amida - Boring Birth cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL052)$10.00
following their 2012 mini-album on Jigsaw and hot on the heels of a 7" on Dufflecoat Records, Manchester's Amida have given us a full-length (finally!), with 13 songs in under half an hour. The band has managed to follow-up on the promise that their previous releases have made, with a collection of songs that are as biting as they are melodic. Sounding like a mix between the Wolfhounds, the Monochrome Set and even a little Big Flame (and similarly noisy bands on the "other" side of C86), the speedy/jangly guitars seem to be fighting the propelling bass guitar for control, giving us some very compelling music in the process!
Not limited. All songs written by Amida. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Lies About Violence, Lies About Love
- This Simple State
- Uncross Your Fingers
- Blue Scarf
- Are You On Fire
- Plastic Ballet
- Current Obsession
- For July
- Something Needed Is Missing
- Veil After Veil
- Solace In Stars
- IDST
- Her Long-Cherished Wish
Dzula, Mark - Begin Again cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL051)$10.00
this is the first solo album from Mark Dzula, a man who is making a new start for himself down in San Diego. Mark originally came from New York City, where he was a collaborator with Gary Olson and the Ladybug Transistor. He reminds me quite a bit of Super XX Man, writing very personal lyrics over somewhat adventurous songs. This album contains a few "normal" indiepop songs ranging from the upbeat opener "The Graduate" to the haunting "Falling Snow" to the Kissing Book-ish "Camera Lucida"; but you'll also find a bit of mariachi in "The Rebel" or island rhythms in "Begin Again", and then there's "Happiness", which sounds like it comes from a musical. This is the type of record that really grows on you after repeated listening, and the payoff is quite rewarding!
Not limited. All songs written by Mark Dzula. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- The Graduate
- Summer Song
- You And I
- The Rebel
- Cicatriz
- Begin Again
- Happiness
- Falling Snow
- Camera Lucida
- Automaton
- Home
Various - Puzzle Pieces dbl cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL050)$10.00
Jigsaw's 50th release is a double-disc celebration of every band we've worked with on our first 49 releases (minus the Singles Club), including mostly exclusive or rare tracks, as well as liner notes about each of the 50 records!
Tracklisting:
- Fireflies - Snow Begins To Fall
- Peru - Are We Lost?
- The Anthony Rochesters - The Time Is Right (For BMX)
- Boyracer - Already I Don't Want This
- Suretoss - Day Things Fell Apart
- Spraydog - Disconnected (fast version)
- Artgruppe - Autumn Day
- The Spinning Wheels - That's The Question
- Musical Chairs - How Am I Supposed To Feel
- Javelins - Same Shirt (live)
- Goblin Universe - Comet
- Standard Unit - Set The Fuse Alight
- Cessna - Television Song
- The Bennetts - Summer Day
- Beanpole - Hooked On You (demo)
- The Poconos - In Love
- The Gazetteers - Contretemps (demo)
- Charms - Different
- The Skywriters - Harden Your Heart
- Casino Ashtrays - The Falling In Love Part Is The Best Part, Anyways (live)
- Premise Beach - Lizard Brain
- Patience Please - Nevada Reno Amy
- Tripping The Light Fantastic - Night Right Here
- Leslies - It's A Sin (live)
- Dutch Elms - Cleopatra
- Caramel Snow - No Place To Go
- Punky's Dilemma - City People
- Pillow - Soft Hammer
- Birds Of California - Weight Of Mistakes
- Pillowcase - Back Against The Wall
- Scary Monster - Tender Forever (acoustic)
- The Earth Earth - Strange Love, Her Deep River
- Rocketship - I Don't Know If I'll Love (live)
- The Faintest Ideas - I Wanna Be A Part Of Something Small
- Vehicle Flips - Diplomacy (original version)
- Amida - New York Sex
- Lycka Till - En Komplett
- James And The Express - JATE, the Hi Tech Lover
- Watoo Watoo - Décembre (MAUP remix)
- Thee Ahs - Panic Attack
- Charlie Big Time - Charlie Big Time
- Bulldozer Crash - Mating Male Disease
- The High Water Marks - Annual Rings
- Anthony Rochester - Dancing Days
- Suretoss - Simple
- Plastic Bubble - The Water Song
- Nar - Walking Around
- Razorblade Smile - Restless Wave
500 pressed. All songs written by the artists, except track 16 written by the Marine Girls. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Fireflies - In Dreams cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL049)$10.00
I was enchanted the very first time I heard Fireflies several years back, and have been following his work on labels such as Music Is My Girlfriend, Twenty Seven and Happy Prince ever since. His gentle and memorable songs always seem to simultaneously evoke feelings of hope and heartache - the same feelings you would've gotten from a band like the Field Mice, Brighter or Razorcuts. Yes, I would certainly put the band - and this record, his third - up with those legends; and I believe that 10 or 15 years from now, Fireflies will be given the same reverence as those other bands get now. Simply put, this is pure indiepop at its best.
Not limited. All songs written by Fireflies. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Everything Is Ending
- A Chance Someday
- Hiding Away
- Fourth Of July
- Staring At The Starlight
- Kira Kira
- Cartoons
- If I Tell You
- September
- I Thought I Knew
- Rêve
- Seventy-Seven
James And The Express - Your Friend, JATE cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL048)$10.00
this follow-up album to the band's debut album on Series Two Records was a long time in the making, but well worth the wait! We're really excited to be working with this Olympian fellow (named James, obviously!), as his style of indiepop fits exactly to our tastes, with its jangly guitars, peppy songs and friendly-sounding vocals that bring to mind True Love Always, Honeybunch or Jigsaw label-mate Anthony Rochester. This is a simple bedroom project from a man who's not trying to conquer the world, but you'll gladly surrender your heart to him on the very first listen...
Not limited. All songs written by James And The Express. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- All So Hard
- When Your Heart Is Breaking
- When You Don't Love Me Back
- One Lie At A Time
- Love Will Only Get In The Way
- They Didn't Know About You
- It's Only A Game
- Your Heart's Calling
- Tell Your Friends
- Bikes In Amsterdam
- My Friend, Jim
- New Luck
Thee Ahs - Corey's Coathangers cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL047)$10.00
Thee Ahs coined a term for themselves - "black bubblegum indiepop" - and that's really an apt description of their sound. On the outside, they're sugary sweet from their artwork to their upbeat music to Sarah's sweet soprano voice; but dig a little deeper (not even that deep, really), and you'll find an air of acrimony and even a little aggression. These are songs about failed relationships and failed friendships. Sometimes it's a passive suggestion, other times it's rather blatant (such as the chorus of "I'm Not Angry Anymore", where they simply sing "whatever. fuck her."). But never fear, they love you - and that's why they've given us a third album (following a pair of self-released albums and a 7" EP on the Spanish 7iete Pulgadas label) with 9 delightful songs in just over 22 minutes. Short and sweet, but boy, does it pack a punch!
Not limited. All songs written by Thee Ahs. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- The Boy Who Never Grew Up
- Corey's Coathangers
- Nothing In The Dark
- Does It Still Count?
- Dreams Of You
- Love Sleep
- I'm Not Angry Anymore
- Sad Sam
- Spooky Love
Artgruppe - Objets d'Artgruppe cdep
(Jigsaw Records, PZL046)$6.00
it's been nearly a decade since we last heard anything from Roy Thirlwall (who led the excellent Windmills and Melodie Group, both on Matinée Recordings), but here we have his newest project, and it's just as lovely as anything else in his musical oeuvre! If you know his other bands, then you'll have a good idea of what to expect; if not, then imagine an updated version of East Village or the Orchids. Basically, this could've been recorded 25 years ago, were it not for the crisp sound quality. However, unlike his previous two projects, this time the vocals are mostly from his collaborator, Michelle Bappoo, though Roy does a fair amount of singing - and, boy, do I ever love his voice!
Not limited. All songs written by Artgruppe. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- I Won't Survive
- Figment
- Naked Winter Trees
- Mystery Song
- Until It Ends
- Wildest Dream
Math And Physics Club / Monnone Alone - split 7”
(Jigsaw Records, PZL045F)$5.00
the final installment of our singles club series, this features new songs from two modern indiepop legends!
300 pressed on black vinyl as part of the 2014 Singles Club; Jigsaw and Dufflecoat Records split the pressing. All songs written by the respective artist. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Math And Physics Club - It Must Be Summer Somewhere
- Monnone Alone - Eddie
Fireflies / Wallflower - split 7”
(Jigsaw Records, PZL045E)$5.00
a brand new song from our beloved Fireflies and another new song from the equally great Wallflower from Japan!
300 pressed on black vinyl as part of the 2014 Singles Club; Jigsaw and Dufflecoat Records split the pressing. All songs written by the respective artist. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Fireflies - Underneath The Moon
- Wallflower - You'll Be There
Afraid Of Stairs / Beach Vacation - split 7”
(Jigsaw Records, PZL045D)$5.00
here's the fourth 7" in the singles club series, featuring a couple of wonderful dreamy indiepop bands
300 pressed on black vinyl as part of the 2014 Singles Club; Jigsaw and Dufflecoat Records split the pressing. All songs written by the respective artist. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Afraid Of Stairs - Lied
- Beach Vacation - I Saw You
Summer Twins / Old Lacy Bed - split 7”
(Jigsaw Records, PZL045C)SALE! $0.00 - Sold Out
two great girl-indiepop bands: Old Lacy Bed from Japan and Summer Twins from California!
300 pressed on black vinyl as part of the 2014 Singles Club; Jigsaw and Dufflecoat Records split the pressing. All songs written by the respective artist. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Old Lacy Bed - Coastlands
- Summer Twins - All My Friends
Pale Sunday / Postal Blue - split 7”
(Jigsaw Records, PZL045B)$5.00
two excellent Brazilian groups on this limited singles club 7", with Pale Sunday covering a Field Mice classic!
300 pressed on black vinyl as part of the 2014 Singles Club; Jigsaw and Dufflecoat Records split the pressing. All songs written by the respective artist, except track 1 by the Field Mice. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Pale Sunday - Emma's House
- Postal Blue - The Last Goodbye
Skittle Alley / Tomatometers - split 7”
(Jigsaw Records, PZL045A)$5.00
a pair of fantastic and gentle French indiepop bands on this limited singles club 7"!
300 pressed on black vinyl as part of the 2014 Singles Club; Jigsaw and Dufflecoat Records split the pressing. All songs written by the respective artist. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Skittle Alley - I Must Confess
- Tomatometers - You Don't Know Us
Various - 2014 singles club 7” box
(Jigsaw Records, PZL045)SALE! $0.00 - Sold Out
in collaboration with Dufflecoat Records in the UK, we're thrilled to present a six-month/six-volume 7" singles club, featuring 12 exclusive songs from 12 fantastic indiepop groups from around the world, including Math And Physics Club, Summer Twins, Fireflies, Pale Sunday, Wallflower, and more! Limited to 300 copies, all records come with download codes.
300 pressed on black vinyl; Jigsaw and Dufflecoat Records split the pressing. All songs written by the respective artist, except track 3 by the Field Mice. All singles each contain download codes. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Skittle Alley - I Must Confess
- Tomatometers - You Don't Know Us
- Pale Sunday - Emma's House
- Postal Blue - The Last Goodbye
- Summer Twins - All My Friends
- Old Lacy Bed - Coastlands
- Afraid Of Stairs - Lied
- Beach Vacation - I Saw You
- Fireflies - Underneath The Moon
- Wallflower - You'll Be There
- Math And Physics Club - It Must Be Summer Somewhere
- Monnone Alone - Eddie
Caramel Snow - You Walk On Air cdep
(Jigsaw Records, PZL044)$5.00
we at Jigsaw LOVE to get demos, and this EP comes from one such demo we received last year and quite liked! Caramel Snow is the work of one fellow named Michael, and his music reminds me of a combination of two other one-man projects I love: Simple Carnival and (early) Orange Cake Mix. These five songs comprise sixteen minutes of easy-going pop that sounds like it could be demos from early '70s-era Harry Nilsson; mostly keyboard and drum machine-based, though you'll find some effected-guitars here and there. And to think all this resulted from a nice little package in our mailbox!
Not limited. All songs written by Caramel Snow. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Come Back To Vegas
- Aniline
- Orange Crush
- Jacquie Star
- Limited Edition
Nar - History cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL043)$10.00
it's no secret that Scott Miller has long been one of my favorite indiepop songwriters - I've been singing his praises in the Bright Ideas for ages (and recently, the English Singles) - so I'm thrilled to be able to introduce the pop world to his '90s punky-pop group, Nar. Nar were more than just your average punk band (I mean, how many punk bands can you name that have covered both Felt and Aztec Camera?), and they released a bunch of singles and a split lp via tiny Californian labels such as Yakamashi, Very Small and Scott's own Secret Center, gaining a bit of notoriety in their hometown of Sacramento, but never really achieving any quantifiable success (Scott's other punky-pop band, the Bananas, are a different story altogether). This is a reissue of the similarly-named posthumously self-released cd-r (with a couple tracklisting alterations) that collects pretty much every song from the band's career onto one packed, non-stop pogo-inspiring disc!
Not limited. All songs written by Nar, except track 15 by Felt, track 33 by Aztec Camera and track 36 by Elgin. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Holiday Routine
- The Modern Man
- Bullshit Central
- Drunk & Benevolent
- S.O.A. Derby Park
- What?!
- Popcorn Festival
- One Moon Surprise
- Blue Sky
- Red Ronigun
- I Am You
- Speedball
- Wrecklessly Inconsistent
- Bad Thoughts
- Christopher Street
- What I Saw
- Tradewinds
- Cool District
- Right Idea
- Renaissance Behaviour
- Hi, We're Nar
- I Like Times
- Hat Trick
- Spacesuit
- False Claims
- Romano McNacho
- Longest Mile
- (You) Can't Tell Me Nothing
- Play Safe!
- May '92
- The Bridge
- D.G.M.N.S.
- Birth Of The True
- On My Pillow
- Boring Facts
- I Remember Everything
- The Brides Go To Boston
- Showdown
- Feelin' Proud
- Grey Sky
- Crystal Days
- I Do (live)
- Corvette Summer (live)
Vehicle Flips - Friends Like Nations (1994-1997) cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL042)$10.00
this is not the first time Jigsaw has worked with Mr. Frank Boscoe - we were pleased as punch to release the last cd from his most recent project, the Gazetteers, back in 2010 when the Jigsaw label awoke from its slumber. He may have started his tenure in the world of indiepop with Wimp Factor 14, but he truly found his footing during the mid '90s with the consistently-stellar Vehicle Flips. That band released a trio of excellent albums on Harriet and Magic Marker Records, but it was on their singles where you could find the real hidden gems; this disc collects all of those singles, as well as all compilation tracks and even a few unreleased songs together in one place for the first time!
Not limited. All songs written by Vehicle Flips, except track 2 by Slovenly, track 6 by Jonathan Richman and track 24 by Eggs. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Diplomacy, Home and Abroad
- This is the Big Tree
- Our Returning Champion
- The Clean Slate (7” version)
- Vinaigrette
- Dodge Veg-o-matic
- Lockout Song
- Impressed Beyond Belief
- In the Offing
- Citronella
- Comet Song
- Independence Day
- O Tedium
- Household Expatriate
- Adios, Rancheros!
- Duophonic, Stereosonic
- Bachelor No. 3
- Terminus
- Salad Bar
- Ompompanoosuc
- Sterling
- The Incorrigible Optimists’ Songbook
- Expendable You (alt. version)
- Erin Go Bragh
- The Last of Mr. Clyde
Watoo Watoo - Une Si Longue Attente cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL041)$10.00
hailing from Bordeaux, Watoo Watoo have long been one of my favorite French pop bands with a half-dozen releases on various labels, including Blackbean, Radio Khartoum and Dufflecoat, among others. Over the last 15 or so years, the duo of Pascale & Michaël have evolved from a simple indiepop band to something more encompassing of their myriad influences, with nods to Stereolab, Young Marble Giants and Astrud Gilberto surfacing on their fourth full-length album. Gentle and textured, this might just be my favorite release of theirs yet!
Not limited. All songs written by Watoo Watoo, except track 4 by Young Marble Giants. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Un Lundi Comme Un Autre
- Une Si Longue Attente
- Ce Vide
- Searching For Mr Right
- Minnax
- Le Soir
- Tes Histoires Invisibles
- Ne M'oublie Pas
- Un Simple Mot
- Correspondance
Tripping The Light Fantastic - ...Is Tripping The Light Fantastic cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL040)$10.00
this group from Hamburg, Germany caught my ear with their brilliant single on Cloudberry Records, the A-side of which ("Heavy Heart") reminded me quite a bit of Summer Cats, but with beautifully layered female vocals. Then I heard their split 7" with Honeyheads on Dufflecoat Records and was taken in by the equally great "Neon Ant Colony". When the band asked me to release their debut album, I naturally jumped at the chance! Though only ten songs long, this album is quite multi-faceted, going from the driving and melodic "The Lane" and "Lover Not A Fighter" to the playful "Can't Treat Me Right" (with a ragtime piano part!) and gentle "Mostly Harmless", which nicks the chorus from an Orange Juice classic (and the singer does a good Edwyn Collins, too!). Plus, you have to love a band where everyone sings! Overall, a really solid album, and it contains my favorite artwork of any Jigsaw release to date!
Not limited. All songs written by Tripping The Light Fantastic. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- The Lane
- Heavy Heart
- Lover Not A Fighter
- Can't Treat Me Right
- Pristine And Mean
- Neon Ant Colony
- Mirrorball
- Fire On The Lake
- Mostly Harmless
- Out And About
Scary Monster - Makeout Party At Werewolf Club cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL039)$10.00
first there was the Skywriters, then the Snow Fairies, and then came Scary Monster to reign supreme over the Philadelphia indiepop scene. Where the first two bands had a predominately twee sound, Scary Monster were a bit more mature, taking their cues from Small Factory (catch their ode to Phoebe Summersquash at the tail end of the disc!) and adding a Jonathan Richman vibe, with Neal and Carly sharing lead vocal duties. Sadly, their time was brief, but they did manage to release one album on Carly's own Modern Soul label, which is now reissued here, along with three wonderful bonus tracks. Don't miss out on 'em this time!
Not limited. All songs written by Scary Monster. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- New Country
- Jullianne Francis
- Hot Chocolate Girl
- Scary Monster
- Supermarket Fantasy
- True Love (Song For Daniel Johnston)
- 99% Sure
- Tender Forever
- Love Park
- Talk To Me
- #1 Fan
- Phoebe Summersquash
- Speak Softly
Skywriters - Skywriter Blue cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL038)$10.00
though they were only around for a couple years at the tail end of the '90s, the Skywriters left a nice little dent on the Philly indiepop scene. They released a cd on the Brentwood Estates label and a 7" on Galaxy Train Records of Japan, and also appeared on a handful of comps on Popgun, Shelflife and Blackbean. This disc collects all of those songs, and adds a bonus live track that was never properly recorded, as well! The Skywriters were twee-pop at its best: boy/girl vocals, jangly guitars and endearing songs about love and loss. After their demise, most of the members went on to form the Snow Fairies, but that's another chapter in the history of Philly pop...
Not limited. All songs written by The Skywriters. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Cherry Lips
- A Love Supreme
- How Did You Get So...
- An Empty Golf Course
- Tiger Tails
- My Friends Say
- Movie Star
- Every Time I Pass The Test
- Government Out Of My Backyard
- Maybe Baby
- King Of Noise
- Once A Year
- The Last Sorry
- Peter Astronaut
Charlie Big Time - Sale Or Return EP cdep
(Jigsaw Records, PZL037)$5.00
after a few releases on Cloudberry, Series Two and Matinée, Charlie Big Time have come over to Jigsaw for their fourth release! It starts right away with the catchy yet melancholic "A Sunday Afternoon Well Spent", cooling off as the EP goes on, ending with the Blueboy-esque "From The Cradle To The Bar". The vocals are shared between Matthew Pendlebury and Beth Arzy (ex-Aberdeen/Trembling Blue Stars), and the songs are all laidback and easy-going, and perfect for fans of Lovejoy, Trembling Blue Stars and Harper Lee.
Not limited. All songs written by Charlie Big Time. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- A Sunday Afternoon Well Spent
- Sale Or Return
- Pitiful, Delightful And Alarming
- From The Cradle To The Bar
Faintest Ideas - This Is How Fast You Go cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL036)$10.00
I've been a fan of the Faintest Ideas from their very first EP as the Javelins, and have followed their every move, from the EPs on their own Yellow Mica label to their sole proper full-length album on Magic Marker, and every last single/compilation they ever did. That said, this collects every last single/compilation track they ever did as the Faintest Ideas, and adds over a dozen bonus tracks, including an aborted single, other unreleased tracks from their last days as a band, and an entire radio session, before closing off with the very first recording the band ever did (before the line-up was even solidified!), making for a completist's dream!
Not limited. All songs written by The Faintest Ideas, except track 14 by Skeeter Davis, track 15 by Pizzoar and track 16 by Depeche Mode. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- I'll Wear The Crown
- Physically I Was At My Lowest
- Don't Pick Up The Phone
- No Gravity
- Another Sunny Day
- Pay For Crumbs
- If I Could Write Spiteful Lyrics
- Skip The Bridge
- Unexpected Holiday
- I Felt My Soul
- Serious As A Heart Attack
- You're Gonna Wake Up One Morning And Know What Side Of The Bed You've Been Lying On
- Procrastination Of Everyday Tasks
- My Last Date With You
- År 3000
- A Question Of Lust
- What Goes Up Must Calm Down
- Let The Party Go On
- I Wanna Be A Part Of Something Small
- The Barricades Became My Home
- Donkey Love
- Picnic In Panic
- Eyes Like UFOs
- Full Fledged Joy
- Ready To Fall
- Empty Phrase
- Ready To Fall (radio session)
- I Wanna Be A Part Of Something Small (radio session)
- Procrastination Of Everyday Tasks (radio session)
- Everything Is Black (radio session)
- Capitol Between Brackets (radio session)
- I Was Raised As A Polar Bear (radio session)
- Donkey Love (radio session)
- The Nervous System (radio session)
- Let The Party Go On (radio session)
- Nastacular (radio session)
- untitled demo
Faintest Ideas - Terrific Times And Unrehearsed Crimes cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL035)$10.00
while working on the Faintest Ideas compilation, I suggested (okay, demanded) that I also reissue the compilation of EPs the band did while they were known as the Javelins - you know, to make sure everything was available again. Originally released on Melodrama Records, this disc is slightly altered to reflect the band's changed name (after they found out there was already a band called the Javelins - oops!), and also to add two songs that the original did not include: a compilation track and the 7" version of "Same Shirt" (the other two songs on that single made it onto their debut album). So, if you buy this cd, the accompanying Faintest Ideas singles comp and their CLASSIC album on Magic Marker Records, then you will have the complete output of my favorite band of the '00s!
Not limited. All songs written by The Faintest Ideas. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Steve McQueen
- Same Shirt
- When I Was 7
- Four Letter Word
- Nothing Will Ever Happen
- The Nervous System
- I Was Raised As A Polar Bear
- Dexter's Got A Sinister Heart
- Illya Nichovetch Kuryakin
- Let's Kiss And Break-Up
- My Best Friend
- Nastacular
- The Anatomic Bomb
- Pale Average Look
- Geography Of Me
- I Was Raised As A Polar Bear
- Hairy Hairy But Not So Scary
- Same Shirt (7'' version)
- Once I Said I Was Your Pumpkin
Bennetts - Dreamkeeper EP cdep/cs
(Jigsaw Records, PZL034)$5.00
this is the second release from this group of Greeks from Athens, and it finds them continuing where their debut 7" on Manic Pop left off: really catchy, but slightly off-kilter indie rock. The guitars are distorted but not dirty (and provide many melodies!), the overall sound is crisp and clean, and the vocals are unique (though they may take some getting used to for some, I'll admit). They remind me a bit of Jigsaw label-mates Amida and Pillow in those ways; maybe that's why I like 'em so much!
CD not limited. 20 cassettes were made. All songs written by the Bennetts. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Dreamkeeper
- Isabel A. Hunt
- Mother & Son
- Monday
- Naples
- Don't Mind Me
- What I Need After All
- Summer Day (cassette-only)
Beanpole - From Blue To You (a compilation) cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL033)$10.00
Verna Brock made some of the sweetest indiepop of the '90s; you probably heard her voice in Holiday Flyer or Rocketship, but Beanpole was her solo project, consisting of herself and her four-track. Though she enlisted the help of a couple friends later down the road, she excelled at multi-tracking her guitars, vocals (oh, the wonderful harmonies!) and the occasional drums and flute. She recorded many songs during this time, releasing them on labels such as Blackbean, Cher Doll, Papercut and Goodbye Virginia. This disc compiles every song she ever released, as well as some songs that never strayed from the original handmade demo tapes, making for a very comprehensive collection indeed! Oh, and did I say she was really sweet?
Not limited. All songs written by Beanpole, except track 15 by Neil Diamond and track 20 by Cahn/Styne. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- You're Flying
- Toss + Turn
- I Should Know By Now
- Destination
- In A Muddle
- Never Again
- Some Other When
- Being You + Me
- I'd Know You Anywhere
- 120 Seconds
- Secret Crush
- You're Such A Tool
- Our Life
- Hooked On You
- A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You
- Nowhere To Go
- I Didn't Know
- Upstairs Downstairs
- So I'm Gone
- Let It Snow
- Now I Know
- Things Turn Out Okay
- Very Strange
- It Wasn't Meant To Be
- Far Away From Anywhere
- Wonder Why
Musical Chairs - Retraced: 1992-1999 cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL032)$10.00
that it took this long to compile all of Musical Chairs' non-album tracks is criminal enough, but we're proud to have finally done it! This disc is literally packed with pop goodness (32 tracks in nearly 80 minutes!), containing songs from their 7"s on Krebstar, Somersault and Pillarbox Red, compilation tracks from labels all over the world, and even a handful of songs that never got released the first time around. Settle in and get acquainted with this delightful '90s US jangle-pop band!
Not limited. All songs written by Musical Chairs, except track 16 by Galaxie 500, track 17 by the Field Mice and track 23 by Rosemary's Children. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Bottled Up
- Never Say That
- End Of The Road
- I Can't Take It
- Where Do All The Popkids Hide?
- Setting Up
- Try Again
- The Beaten Path
- Race To The Top
- Turn And Walk Away
- Going Crazy
- Dream Of Tomorrow
- Wide Eyed For Now
- Nothing Left To Say
- Turn Around And Sigh
- Fourth Of July
- I Couldn't Feel Safer
- Song From The Scenic Route
- Simpler Time
- Youth Anthem
- Through Yesterday
- Pop Is Not A Four-Letter Word
- Southern Fields
- Hiding In The Rose Garden
- Last Fall
- Basement
- Wasted My Time
- Day Away
- Well Read
- Wonderful Town
- Not Afraid Anymore
- The Light Song
Plastic Bubble - Treble Treasure Chest cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL031)$10.00
this Louisville, KY band initially wrote me to distribute their debut cassette release (on Carpathian Cassettes), which I gladly agreed to. I hinted at putting it out on Jigsaw, and after the cassette went out of print (quickly), they said it was my turn to release it! This is one of those records that's filled with all sorts of instruments (and non-instruments) and ideas, bringing to mind the Galactic Heroes, early Boat and Elephant 6's more coherent moments. A colorful album, indeed!
Not limited. All songs written by Plastic Bubble. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- In Love With A Band
- Instant Crush
- The Circle Of Time
- Run For Your Life
- The Divine Right Of Kings
- Something Better Than Love
- Garden Party
- Under The Snow
- Often Wearing Headphones
- Bending Smiles
- Fly On The Wall
- False Flag Attack
- Red China (With Green Moments)
- (Burning All Our) Photographs
- Superman Vs. El Toro
- Big Indian, New York
- Certificate Of Achivement
- The Living End
Standard Unit - The Art Of Falling Apart cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL030)$10.00
several years ago, a friend of mine turned me on to a band called the Maybes, who I featured as a Demo of the Week on IndiePages. Recently, I tracked the band down (albeit under a new moniker), and convinced them to release an album with me, and they went and recorded a whole new batch of songs! Twelve songs in 32 minutes, these are catchy and lively tunes with nimble guitar melodies and bouncy organ parts that remind me of fellow Swedes/Jigsaw act, Pillow.
Not limited. All songs written by Standard Unit. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Get It Right This Time
- Clifton Hill
- Satelite
- The Slippery Slope
- Here We Go
- Get It On
- It Comes And Goes
- It Always Goes By Too Fast
- Jesus Vs Science
- Confessions
- Suredo
- Waiting
Punky's Dilemma - Remote Sensing cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL029)$10.00
I was introduced to this Swedish band via a very limited cd-r release on Shelflife, and loved their gentle, pastoral sound. They had a couple other small-scale releases and compilation appearances in the mid '00s, but have been quiet until now. This disc here is a culmination of their work: a revisiting of past songs, recorded the way they were meant to be but never were, with a lush sound, string sections and crisp production.
Not limited. All songs written by Punky's Dilemma. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Shooting Star
- Dream MTV
- Echelon
- Radiosonic
- A Side-Effect Of Violence
- Scandinavia
- For Sale
- Century Of Time
- Grace
- Halfway
- Airliner
Birds Of California - One And Only cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL028)$10.00
after teasing us with a split 7" on 555 Recordings a few years back, Birds Of California have finally given us a full album! If the name doesn't sound familiar, that's because they used to be known as Lunchbox, who released a truly amazing record, "The Magic Of Sound", which ranks up there with anything space-pop masters like Rocketship or Stereolab ever did. This album follows in the tradition of their earlier masterpiece, adding a bit more rock in the mix, achieving a sound that's a perfect hybrid of Rocketship and vintage Built To Spill. Listen to this record with headphones and you'll hear different nuances every time!
Not limited. All songs written by Birds Of California. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Saturday
- Laugh Out Loud
- Minute On The Dancefloor
- Great Expectations
- You're My Best Friend
- No Time To Lose
- Join Our Band
- Man Of Affairs
- Lovers Never Lose
- Golden Days
- Wrecked On Aether
- Goodnight Sleep Tight
Anthony Rochesters - The Anthony Rochesters cdep
(Jigsaw Records, PZL027)$6.00
no, you're not reading it wrong - there is indeed an 's' on the end of Anthony Rochesters. While his first four albums were performed mostly by Anthony himself, this time around, he has enlisted the help of a full band to create a rich, organic sound. And his trajectory is still rising, with this mini-masterpiece being his best work to date! Fans of Australian indiepop groups like Bart & Friends, the Steinbecks and Mid-State Orange will find a new favorite to add to their collection!
Not limited. All songs written by The Anthony Rochesters. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Across The Waves
- O'er The Grey, Green & Gold
- Keep Your Eyes On The Prize
- The Time Is Right (For BMX)
- Singing In The Church
- The Fans Can Only Deal With So Much (Of The Funk)
Bulldozer Crash - Today Will Be Yesterday So Soon: 1991-1993 cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL026)$10.00
when I restarted the label back in 2010, Bulldozer Crash were one of the first bands I approached about doing a retrospective disc, and they were quite enthusiastic. But you know how these things go: life gets in the way and things get pushed aside, but in the end, it was definitely worth the wait! This 19-track disc collects all of the band's singles on Sunday and Heaven Records, along with compilation tracks, and even a couple previously unreleased demos! If you haven't heard this band, they were a perfect example of the sound of British indiepop in the early '90s: lots of jangling guitars, drum machine and lyrics about love and longing sung so earnestly. Recommended for any fan of indiepop, really...
Not limited. All songs written by Bulldozer Crash. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Sarah Said
- Changing
- Today Will Be Yesterday So Soon
- Bluebell Wood
- What Happens Now?
- Mrs. Robinson's Daughter
- Automatic Smile
- Headfirst
- Too Much
- Recollections
- Fresh Burst Of Tears
- Forever's Better
- Open Your Eyes
- Fay
- Something To Hide
- Seminal
- My Fault
- When You Sleep
- Unspoken
Spinning Wheels - When The Music's Over cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL025)$10.00
this band existed briefly during the early '90s, and released a single 7" and a very scarce cassette on Teatime Records (which remains that way, at the band's request!). They were slated to do a follow-up single, but when the label ran out of money, the band ran out of steam. This disc collects the eight unreleased demos they recorded around this time, and tacks on the three 7" tracks for good measure. Though the band's leader, Dick Preece, found greater fame with the more elegant Lovejoy a decade later, this album recalls the days of pure and simple indiepop championed by Another Sunny Day or St. Christopher.
Not limited. All songs written by The Spinning Wheels. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Without You
- Don't Get Me Wrong
- Happy Happy Life
- About You
- Untitled
- Evil Men
- Even Good Things Give Away
- When The Music's Over
- A Million Years
- Because We're Queers
- Naked Ladies
Razorblade Smile - Razorblade Smile cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL024)$10.00
this band from Newcastle, UK was around briefly during the early '90s, but they left behind a killer discography (with singles on Chocolate Narcotic, Sugarfrost and Scooter Swing Records) before disbanding in 1993. Members of the band went on to be in Meredith (and later, Jigsaw faves, Spraydog!), but the most notable alumni (in our eyes, at least) was Pete Dale, who went on to form Slampt Records, Avocado Baby and Milky Wimpshake. Razorblade Smile's sound was a little more musically aggressive - think of Versus, Silkworm, Bitch Magnet and other late '80s/early '90s US indie rock bands, and you'll get an idea of where this band was coming from.
Not limited. All songs written by Razorblade Smile, except track 5 by McCarthy. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Inst
- Smoke Chain
- Special
- Elbow
- Red Sleeping Beauty
- Scorch The Seam
- Stuck
- It Kills Me Inside
- Vertical Orange
- What's The Point?
- This Accurate Pain
- Sulphur
High Water Marks - Pretending To Be Loud cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL023)$10.00
I've been a fan of the High Water Marks from the very beginning, loving both of their records on Eenie Meenie and Happy Happy Birthday To Me. So when I found out that they didn't know what to do with their third album, I jumped at the chance to release it! A duo of Per Ole Bratset and Hilarie Sidney, their sound is quite similar to vintage Apples In Stereo (which I'd say even if Hilarie wasn't an original member of that band!), playing fuzzy pop songs with memorable melodies that will stick with you long after the record is over.
Not limited. All songs written by The High Water Marks. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- This River Never Ends
- It's Gonna Be A Good Year
- Pepin Le Bref
- Pretending To Be Loud
- Satellite
- Too Much Birthday
- Can You
- Impossible
- Spring Is On Your Heels
- Accidentally On Purpose
- Odd Sounds
- Almost April
Amida - My Life As A Trashcan cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL022)$8.00
this band first showed on my radar five years back with their impressive submission to the C06 compilation. From there, they've released three EPs on Plastilina, Wee Pop! and Fika - all winners. This marks their fourth release, and with eight songs in 18½ minutes, their longest to date, making this their debut album of sorts! Think of the Wolfhounds, early Wedding Present and maybe a bit of early Hefner, and you're already itching to hear this great band!
Not limited. All songs written by Amida. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- My Life As A Trashcan
- A New Low
- I Was Rude, You Were Fast
- Thank Constantine
- Starstruck Forever And Ever
- Let Me Do This For You
- They Breathe Gas For Air So We Lit A Match
- Reversal Of Fortune
Lycka Till - Rakt Över Munnen cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL021)$10.00
I fell in love with this Swedish band after hearing their debut album on Plan-It-X Records, and knowing my affections for the band, they asked me to release their follow-up album! What we have here is revved up activist-punk, but with major pop mannerisms (loads of ba-ba-bas and trumpets!) - think Defiance Ohio meets Brilliant Corners! Plenty for both the popkids and the punks to love. All sung in Swedish, but you get an English lyric sheet to follow along.
Not limited. All songs written by Lycka Till, except track 2 by Kommunen. Also available on vinyl (self-released) and digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Inget Är På Allvar Och Sen Är Man Död
- Trött
- Tyvärr Och Tack Och Lov
- Högt Och Falskt
- Nydala Runt
- Bygg Din Egen Bible
- Det Bästa Värsta Som Finns
- Pärlor För Svin
- Sommaren Rasar
- Konsten Att Hata Sig Själv
- Jeff Mangums Texter
Earth Earth - Matador Is Dead cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL020)$6.00
this truly sweet quartet from northern Japan sent me a demo out of the blue, and I was blown away by their songs! Since the early '90s, there have been countless bands following in My Bloody Valentine's deep footprints, and though you can count the Earth Earth among them, this band stands out as one of the very few that have captured the spirit as well as the sound. Take the energy and ferocity of "Isn't Anything" and the sheer beauty of "Loveless", and you can get an idea of where these guys are coming from.
Not limited. All songs written by the Earth Earth. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Matador Is Dead
- Teresa
- Queen's Secret
- Misunderstanding
- Birdeater
- Goodnight, Luna
Rochester, Anthony - Hot Hits '96 cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL019)$10.00
hailing from Hobart, Tasmania, Anthony Rochester has been making solo recordings for over a decade, and his fourth album finds him in top form! He's got the wit and charm of Jens Lekman, Darren Hanlon and the Lucksmiths, and a knack for writing catchy, breezy pop tunes, tinged with hints of AM pop, bossa nova and electronica.
Not limited. All songs written by Anthony Rochester. Available digitally on iTunes.
Tracklisting:
- You're A Singer Now
- Friend Request Manager
- Copenhagen
- Fredrikstad, Canada
- Endeavourin'
- At Kingston Beach
- Excursion To The Planetarium
- Special Payment Option
- Even Your Retail Prices Won't Keep Me Away
- A Dog Staring At An Aeroplane
- Come Back
- Positivity Man
Peru - Across Blue Skies cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL018)$10.00
a regular in the early/mid '90s UK cassette scene, Peru appeared on nearly a dozen tape comps, as well as two split cassettes and a split 7". This disc collects sixteen of their best songs (many of them taken from the original master tapes and digitally remastered), with all but one of them appearing on cd for the first time. Any fan of the Windmills, Harper Lee and the '90s British janglepop sound would do well to pick this one up!
Not limited. All songs written by Peru. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Driving
- World Of Jason
- Twisted Sister
- Oasis
- More Than Losing
- Love's Young Dreamer Strikes Again
- Sammy
- Friendly Neighbourhood
- Clueless
- Precious Days
- Kim's Balloon
- Horror Story
- Down
- Manic
- The Honest Truth
- Roundabout
Pillow - Learning To Labour cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL017)$10.00
this band from Sweden may have existed for several years during the '90s, but their output was very small. They started strong in 1995 with a cdep on a small Swedish label, and just continued to get better; but apart from a 7" single and one compilation track on Firestation Tower Records, their recordings never saw a proper release. This 22-track collection posthumously compiles the best songs from the band's treasure trove of unreleased material, and will please fans of Puffin, Eggstone and the sound of Swedish indie music, circa 1993-1998.
Not limited. All songs written by Pillow. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- 2 Weird Happenings
- B-Home
- Monday Suit
- Right Is The Accusation, Wrong Is The Accused
- Goodbye 7:30
- This Is The Trick
- Learning To Labour
- Live Steward
- Minor
- And It's Over There
- The Score
- My Turning Fair
- The Boy Who Wouldn't Listen
- Overruled By You
- Happy Shoot-out
- The Shiny Going One
- Starlet
- Umbrella
- Backseat View
- Thousand Miles
- Speed Of Sound
- You Did Not Hurt Me
Gazetteers - We Are Here cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL016)$10.00
I've been a fan of Frank Boscoe's work pretty much for as long as I've been into indiepop, thanks to the inclusion of a Wimp Factor 14 track on one of my gateway records, the "One Last Kiss" compilation cd. From that band to the Vehicle Flips to the Gazetteers (not to mention the lesser-known Frank Boscoes), his songwriting has never ceased to amaze. This record (the band's third) was actually completed a couple years ago, but never saw release until now. Another ten examples of charming and clever vignettes disguised as pop songs!
Not limited. All songs written by the Gazetteers. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Perennial Fringe Candidate
- Monkees '67
- Trapped Inside A Skill Crane
- (I Want To Be A) One Hit Wonder
- Contretemps
- More People Should Resign
- K.I.S.S.
- The Family Reunion
- Song For Len Righi
- Dispatch From The Fair And Festival Circuit
Casino Ashtrays - Are Your Boring Ideas Of Fun The Same As Mine? cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL015)$10.00
one of the flagship bands on the Popgun label, the Casino Ashtrays consisted of Laura Watling and Popgun honcho, Raoul de la Cruz. Formed as more a way to pass the time than any sort of grand plan, the duo released a few cassettes on Popgun, as well as a cdep on Twee Kitten and a couple other compilation appearances. This disc collects almost all of their output, most of it available here for the first time on cd! Sometimes melancholic, sometimes upbeat but always sweet!
Not limited. All songs written by Casino Ashtrays, except track 9 by the Beautiful South, track 10 by Herman's Hermits and track 14 by the Cat's Miaow. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Bus To Vegas
- Been Here Since November
- Invincible
- Dress Code
- The Falling In Love Part Is The Best Part, Anyways
- Not Anymore, Not Anyways
- Glided
- I Don't Believe In Stars Anymore
- I'll Sail This Ship Alone
- I'm Into Something Good
- The Relatives Song
- Beachy Keen
- The Last Time I Felt Like Dying
- Sleepyhead
- Must See T.V.
- Books On Tape And 45's
Goblin Universe - True To Nothing cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL014)$10.00
Goblin Universe released a pair of great records during their brief lifetime in 2000/2001: a rare self-released cd-r and a 7" co-released between their own Grande Barbe label and the Rocket Number Nine label. This disc collects both of those, and adds an extra comp track and two previously unreleased ones, as well! Recommended for fans of the lackadaisical days of Pavement and the sheer noise/fuzz of Tall Dwarfs. Note: you may recognize Sam from his solo band, The State Of Samuel...
Not limited. All songs written by Goblin Universe. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- No Love
- Comet
- Wet Lips
- Here Comes Gnome
- Making Waves
- Saving The Paste
- Hands
- Doing Time
- Sing For The Soul
- Don't Carry On
- For The Dinosaur Bones
- Hallelujah!
- Chinese/Midgets
- True To Nothing
Spraydog - Impress And Defend cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL013)$10.00
after a whole decade of raving about this brilliant Newcastle group (they were even the subject of one of the very first reviews on IndiePages!), we finally get to release an album from the mighty Spraydog! This may unfortunately be the band's final studio album, but it finds them as strong as ever and still cranking out dynamic and thoughtful indie rock in the vein of Tse Tse Fly, Versus, early Bear Quartet with hints of vintage Dinosaur Jr.
Not limited. All songs written by Spraydog. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Polaroids Not Portraits
- A Slave's Briolette
- Midnight Hockey
- Trading Zeniths
- Captive Hearts
- Stuck In This Bleed
- Effort Syndrome
- (sevensixes)
- Cry Out Scream Shout
- Heartlight
- Here Comes The Day Rise
- Disconnected
- Stop Your Heart
Premise Beach - At Promise Beach cd
(Jigsaw Records, PZL012)$10.00
this trio from Tacoma/Seattle led a brief but full life during the summer of 2009, playing as many shows as they could before disbanding and scattering across the country. The nimble guitar melodies and frantic vocals give the songs a sound reminiscent of the Feelies or the Embarrassment, had they been on K Records in the '90s.
Not limited. All songs written by Premise Beach. Available digitally on Bandcamp.
Tracklisting:
- Touching Towns
- Your Grave
- Sidewalk Girl
- Pleasure And/Or Pain
- My Corpse
- Brother
- Catching Up
- I Should Know
- Walt's
- These People
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