slint

Slint releasing deluxe Spiderland box set

by Doug Moore

slint

Slint are one of those classic-era indie rock band whose small catalog punches way above its weight. Though they only recorded two LPs and an EP, their work — especially Spiderland — remains a touchstone for both fans and critics, and has only grown in reputation in recent years. People still talk about their 2007 reunion shows.

Deeming (probably accurately) that there’s more hay to be made from Spiderland‘s legacy, Touch and Go Records have announced that they’re releasing a deluxe box set version of the album on April 15. For once, this box set is credibly deluxe; the album itself has been remastered, and the set comes with a host of fresh goodies for obsessive nerd types (AKA most of Slint’s fanbase). Here’s the skinny:

Slint’s 1991 album, Spiderland, remastered from the original analog master tapes by Bob Weston and pressed on 180 gram vinyl.

Fourteen previously unreleased outtakes & demos personally selected by Slint, mastered by Bob Weston, and pressed on two 180 gram vinyl albums

A 104 page book with over 100 never-before-seen photos documenting Slint’s entire history, as well as lyrics to the songs on Spiderland, and a foreword by Will Oldham

CDs of all the music: remastered Spiderland on one CD and the 14 bonus songs on a second CD

Breadcrumb Trail, a brand new, never-before-seen, 90 minute DVD documentary about Slint and the making of Spiderland; directed by documentarian Lance Bangs. Includes extensive interviews with the members of Slint, as well as interviews with Steve Albini, James Murphy, David Yow, Ian Mackaye, and Matt Sweeney.

Hand numbered limited edition of 3,138 copies worldwide

All packaging printed in the USA at Stoughton, including heavyweight, “tip-on” gatefold LP jackets

All three albums pressed at RTI in the USA on 180 gram vinyl

Packaging concept and design by Louisville native Jeremy deVine (of Temporary Residence fame)

I’m not totally sure that Spiderland really needs a remaster, but the rest of this stuff looks pretty sweet. The demos include a few tunes that never properly made it to album, and both the photo book and the documentary have potential to be interesting. You can preorder the box set here; if you nab it before March 8, it comes with a free t-shirt. A limited number have also been signed by the band and appear to be available for preorder at no extra cost.

Touch and Go have put together a Youtube video that shows off the contents of the box set. Check that and the track listing below…

Spiderland box set track listing:
SIDE A
breadcrumb trail (remastered)
nosferatu man (remastered)
don, aman (remastered)

SIDE B
washer (remastered)
for dinner… (remastered)
good morning, captain (remastered)

SIDE C
Nosferatu Man (basement practice)
Washer (basement practice)
Good Morning, Captain (demo)

SIDE D
Pam (rough mix, Spiderland outtake)
Glenn (Spiderland outtake)
Todd’s Song (post-Spiderland song in progress)

SIDE E
Brian’s Song (post-Spiderland demo)
Cortez The Killer (live Chicago 1989)

SIDE F
Washer (4 track vocal demo)
Nosferatu Man (4 track vocal demo)
Pam (4 track vocal demo)
Good Morning, Captain (Evanston riff tape)
Nosferatu Man (Evanston riff tape)
Pam (Evanston riff tape)

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