Good people of the Internet,

Greetings again from Comedy Minus One, an independent record label. Here’s a quick update to close 2008.


cmo012 obits “one cross apiece” digital download

Our next release came out Tuesday! Go crazy downloading 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 quite great full-length on Sub Pop, the band will be self-releasing two 45s, one in late 2008 and one in early-ish 2009. Comedy Minus One is handling digital distribution for both. You can grab the two best songs ever by the best band in the world on iTunes and eMusic. Still on the fence? For shame. 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 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:

friday december 19 – bottom lounge – chicago, il with the bitter tears and stnnng

See Obits live:

saturday december 13 – empty bottle – chicago, il with the constantines
sunday december 14 – the pike room – pontiac, mi with the constantines
monday december 15 – grog shop – cleveland, oh
tuesday december 16 – the khyber – philadelphia, pa with the night marchers
wednesday december 17 – santo’s party house – brooklyn, ny with the night marchers
thursday december 18 – harpers ferry – alston, ma with the night marchers

See Oxford Collapse live:

saturday december 13 – talking head – baltimore, md with the spinto band
tuesday january 23 – alfred state college – alfred, ny
wednesday january 24 – the studio at webster hall – new york city, ny

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.

Have safe and happy holiday seasons full of your loved ones and then some.

Jon Solomon
Comedy Minus One
comedyminusone.com