Good people of the Internet,
Greetings again from Comedy Minus One, an independent record label.
Thanks to your support in our first year of existence, we were able to buy the adorable baby pictured above! On to the news…
cmo012 obits “one cross apiece” digital download
Our next release is the digital version of the debut single by Obits, a new band from Brooklyn with an impressive pedigree. Rick Froberg (guitar, vocals) was a member of Hot Snakes, Pitchfork and Drive Like Jehu. Sohrab Habibion (guitar, vocals) was previously in DC notables Edsel. Greg Simpson (bass) and Scott Gursky (drums) of Shortstack round out the quartet. Before unfurling a full-length on Sub Pop, the band will be self-releasing two 45s, one in late 2008 and one in early 2009. Comedy Minus One will be handling digital distribution for both and we will have physical copies of each available in our on-line store. Pre-orders begin November 1st, with the first single released everywhere on December 8th. You can preview a song on our MySpace page or our Facebook page. Your choice.
cmo004 oxford collapse “the hann-byrd ep” 12″ / digital download
Our second physical release, a 12″ by Sub Pop recording artist Oxford Collapse called “The Hann-Byrd Ep” was released on June 10th. Five exclusive new songs, including an OMD cover and a superfluous remix!
Christened “The Hann-Byrd Ep” in honor of actor/statesman Adam Hann-Byrd, this extended-player (limited to 500 vinyl copies and unlimited digital downloads) sinks its hooks in early and never lets go, classic Collapse style. However, it makes periodic stops for campfire sing-a-longs (“Genetic Engineering”), teary-eyed ruminations on loves lost and gained (“Amongst Friends”), authentic grandstanding (“Bikini As Hole”), and salty-aired tomfoolery over the course of its 20 minute running time.
“The Hann-Byrd Ep” continues Oxford Collapse’s dedication to providing consistently creative and interesting quality pop music at slightly better-than-average prices. Visit the Comedy Minus One site for a free mp3 of the song “Amongst Friends.” You can order a copy at the Comedy Minus One on-line store. Don’t miss out! They’re almost all gone!
cmo005 bottomless pit “congress” digital download
We’re doing the digital distribution for a self-released 12″ by Bottomless Pit called “Congress,” which is now available on all digital platforms from iTunes and eMusic on down. Physical copies of this release are also available at the Comedy Minus One store. “Congress” has four new Bottomless Pit songs that continue the tradition formed with the release of the group’s highly-acclaimed 2007 debut “Hammer of the Gods.” Check the Comedy Minus One site for a free mp3 of the song “Fish Eyes.”
See Bottomless Pit live:
Sunday, October 19th – The Sugar Maple – Milwaukee, Wisconsin with The Bitter Tears
Saturday, November 1st – Jackpot – Lawrence, Kansas with Magnolia Electric Company and Tre Orsi
Sunday, November 2nd- Bluebird – St. Louis, Missouri with Magnolia Electric Company and Tre Orsi
Monday, November 3rd – Abbey Pub – Chicago, Illinois with Magnolia Electric Company and Tre Orsi
See Obits live:
Sunday, October 19th – Music Hall Of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, New York with Yura Yura Teikoku & Invisible Con
See Oxford Collapse live:
Thursday, November 13th – Park West – Chicago, Illinois with The Kaiser Chiefs
Friday, November 14th – Brillobox – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Saturday, November 15th – Webster Hall – New York City, New York with The Kaiser Chiefs
Our busy 2008 involves five Silkworm-related records made available for the first time in digital form. These titles all appeared on digital platforms on June 1st. There’s a free mp3 for each record on the Comedy Minus One web site. Enjoy.
cmo006 silkworm “libertine” digital download
In our opinion, the best record of the 1990s. Originally released by El Recordo in 1994.
cmo007 silkworm “chokes!” digital download
The digital release of “Chokes!”, the final studio recordings from Silkworm, recorded during 2005 with Steve Albini at Electrical Audio in Chicago. Issued on Cd by 12XU. The Ep’s 6th track, a cover of “Spanish Harlem Incident,” was performed by The Crust Brothers (Michael Dahlquist, vocals, Andy Cohen, drums, Tim Midgett, guitar, Stephen Malkmus, guitar) on 12/31/00, at Seattle’s Crocodile Cafe.
cmo008 tim midgett “it goes like this” digital download
A solo Ep by Tim Midgett of Silkworm, originally released in 2002 as part of Three Lobed Recordings’ “Purposeful Availment” Cd subscription series. Three of these songs show up in full band form on Silkworm records.
cmo009 ein heit “the lightning and the sun” digital download
Silkworm was originally formed back in 1987 out of the ashes of Ein Heit, a band fronted by Mr. J.K. Manlove. This 1997 album reunited Silkworm with Joel Phelps.
cmo010 the crust brothers “marquee mark” digital download
A live recording of a December 1997 show at the Crocodile Cafe in Seattle by The Crust Brothers – a band formed by Stephen Malkmus and the three members of Silkworm.
cmo011 the karl hendricks trio “a gesture of kindness” digital download
The Karl Hendricks Trio’s brilliant 1995 album “A Gesture of Kindness” is now available digitally courtesy Comedy Minus One. Grab it on iTunes, eMusic or your favorite digital platform with awkward capitalization. Remastered, with two songs from the “Coming In September” single added for good measure. Originally pressed on Cd by Fiasco, and then later Spirit of Orr. A free mp3 can be found here.
Comedy Minus One has a MySpace presence and a Facebook page for those of you who dig such things. More frequent bursts of news can be found there or on the Comedy Minus One blog.
Members of the press and music bloggers are encouraged to get in touch for promotional copies of these releases or if you want to write anything about what we’re up to.
Stores and distributors are welcome to contact us about stocking these titles. Comedy Minus One is distributed directly through Carrot Top, Matador Direct and Revolver. Canadians can try F.A.B. or Scratch.
Thanks again, everyone.
Jon Solomon
Comedy Minus One
comedyminusone.com