Out of the bedroom, dressed, made-up and ready for company. Bottom of the Hudson trades the fuzz for a little polish on "Riot Act," the catchiest song Eli Simon has written thus far. Also includes the thick and velvety title track and the triumphant "One of Us." (AK054)

A brand-spanking new EP of gorgeous songs from San Francisco's lords of dusty distinction. Five new songs, all of which are exclusive to this CD, provide a welcome teaser for the forthcoming Witch Season album. Featuring back-up vocal appearances by folk legend Linda Thompson and the silky-voiced M. Ward. (AK038)

This 2006 ep was released by our friends at Slender Means Society, who write, "Crepuscule is a powerfully understated collection of twilight ballads that finds the Dead Science yet again challenging their own ever-refining palette. The staggering drama of Frost Giant has scarcely quelled, but here seeps in with unexpectedly cinematic restraint." It's good stuff and we're happy to offer it for sale here.

The second release from Seattle's noir-soaked mystery men. With roots in jazz, art/experimental and the more accessible side of post-rock, The Dead Science create an enigmatic, yet compellingly unique sound which showcases vocalist Sam Micken's breathtaking tenor over the groups gritty guitar-drums-upright bass arrangements. In addition to four tremendously strong originals (including the infectious toe-tapper "Cuz She's Me") recorded by the band in their new home studio, the EP also features the beautiful, unsettling and perhaps unlikely cover of Terrence Trent D'Arby's "Sign Your Name". (AK044)

Destroyer's Dan Bejar up front, Frog Eyes in the Back, a lot of Destroyer's Your Blues caught in the middle, genius everywhere. CD on Merge.

The first demo by five young upstarts who converged in Providence, RI with a ringing in their ears, Hegel on their syllabus and a dream in their hearts. You might know front man Matt LeMay from his years writing for Pitchfork or perhaps just from trolling the S&M bars of the northeast. This is crunchy, dynamic pop that charmed our pants off and stopped us (pants-less) in our tracks. Four songs (including the white hot demo version of "Not Not Nervous") plus the three bonus tracks culled from the members' previous bands. Potent and irresistable.

The four-track demo versions of songs that became the Hidden Cameras' second album, Mississauga Goddam. (AK037)

An Insound tour ep split between two of our favorite bands. The four Xiu Xiu tracks are from their forthcoming album (don't know the title, duein 2004). The four Jim Yoshii Pile-Up tracks are unreleased anywhere else. All tracks were recorded by Chris Walla of Deathcab For Cutie, and the band may never have sounded fuller than they do here. Includes a cover of "Seattle, WA" by Casiotone For The Painfully Alone. On Insound.

2002 tour EP CDr containing all unreleased tracks, none of which will be on their Homemade Drugs album due out in October. Unlike their previous EP's, this one is in a jewel box. Includes two versions of "Burning Flag," the I-can't-believe-this-was-never-released "Carol Channing" and a cover of Cat Power's "King Rides By."

Four unreleased songs in the way-cool 3" CDr format in ultra-spiffy packaging. Includes "Were You Misused?", "SE Corner," the incredible "Confidence In Something Shaky," and "Sleeping In The Crawlspace."

Now known as the "early years", these five rough recordings show a dynamic band on their way to something special (see above). Each CD comes in a cardboard sleeve with a unique photo cover. Includes the original "Monotonologue" and the mighty "Harmless Hobby Or Bicycle Crash?". On Old Prospector.

The dramatic return of this long out-of-print early Mountain Goats EP. A classic if ever there was one. Includes such favorites as "Song for Cleomenes" and "Sendero Luminoso Verdadero." On the mighty fine Shrimper label.

The cult fave of many a Mountain Goats fan, even with a paltry nine songs. But hey, it's cheap! Certainly worth the price for the corwd-pleasing "Cubs in Five" alone not to mention a duet with a phoned-in Alan Calacci on the Refrigerator great "Lonesome Surprise.". One of the last records with Rachel. On Emperor Jones.

Obscure compilation featuring tracks by Franklin Bruno, and The Mountain Goats, among others. Includes fan favorite "Golden Boy!"

Franklin Bruno, Kyle Brodie and Peter Hughes hook it up with five pop gems on this 1995 CDEP including "Sorely Tempted" (with Calexico's Joey Burns on bass) and a cover of "(I'm A) Haunted House" plus Scott Banks' "The Future of Communications" reading at the end. On Scat.

Reissue of the in-between-albums EP from that hot new group that's sweeping the nation and one of their strongest and most consistent releases to date.. Includes the wonderful "Manchuria." Originally released by Tree, now with new inner tray art on Absolutely Kosher. (AK020)

A five song EP that runs nearly tirty minutes long, recorded the year after Blue Screen Life was released. We waited and waited and waited for this one and it was well worth it as Pinback releases their best record yet. Just when you thought a great band couldn't get any better, they raise the bar with this. Amazing stuff. Includes the title track, live favorite "Victorius D," new live favorite "Microtonic Wave," the ultra groovy "B" and the soul-filled instant classic "Grey - Machine." (AK025)

Now joined by fellow Versus sideman Patrick Ramos and monster drummer Chris Deaner, James Baluyut ushers +/- {Plus/Minus} into its own territory with a striking and dynamic fusion of pop and electronic music on this CDEP. Includes the stellar "Trapped Under Ice Floes." On Teenbeat.

A self-released tour album from the artist praised by Magnet & Pitchfork both. From the cover: "I figured that since my live show is so different from my record, that I would do a live record like Peter Frampton. Kiss and Jimmy Buffett did. So here it is, Semi-Live. Hopefully it will go platinum like those other records." Completely stripped down versions of five songs off the record plus one new song, the absolutely sublime "All the Answers." Think Mark Hollis (of Talk Talk), Low and Roy Harper and you're coming close.

Five overwhelmingly beautiful, daydream-inducing songs from Summer at Shatter Creek in the form of Sink or Swim, a limited-edition, piano-based CDEP! On Redder.

EP released in January 2006 by Global Symphonic, the last of the lo-fi recordings, at least for the time being, but proof that Spencer Krug can astound even in his bedroom with a 4-track (or his living room or wherever). On Global Symphonic.

Portland, OR's seven-piece dynamo make the sounds of heaven's gates opening on their four song, 28-minute debut. Orchestral but not pompous, warm and yet very, very hot. An incredible start for a band that will surely turn heads. (AK013)

The first ever solo outing from Armistead Burwell Smith IV of Pinback and Three Mile Pilot. Five songs of all killer, no filler contemplative, textured and intense pop for which Zach has become known. On Ace Fu.

Finally available through us! 1998's self-titled CDEP courtesy of Gravity Records, just about the last release of new material we've seen by this incredbile San Diego band whose halves went on to Pinback and the Black Heart Procession.

Montreal's second biggest band with their first EP for Sub Pop.

A new jewel box version of the out-of-print split between the Wrens and the Five Mod Four formerly on No Karma. The Wrens songs include "Was There Ever," "Bus Dance" and "45'er." On Contraphonic.

An Insound tour ep split between two of our favorite bands. The four Xiu Xiu tracks are from their forthcoming album (don't know the title, duein 2004). The four Jim Yoshii Pile-Up tracks are all unreleased elsewhere. Recorded by Chris Walla of Deathcab For Cutie, who did his usual outstanding job here. Includes a cover of "Seattle, WA" by Casiotone For The Painfully Alone. On Insound.

The devastating wonders from San Jose returns with a five song EP of new material. Several of the tracks are even sparser than album's barest songs. Blunted house beats seemingly recorded several rooms away provide the barest suggestion of structure as Jamie's fertile tenor, a cross between Talk Talk's Mark Hollis, Pere Ubu's David Thomas and The Cure's Robert Smith, bursts forth. The vicious "Jennifer Lopez" is a beast with its skin off, all teeth and sinew glistening in the sun. The EP closes with a reckless cover of the Joy Division/New Order classic "Ceremony." (AK023)

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