Good people of the Internet,

An Edsel release out today, a Joel RL Phelps reissue coming in November and a big CMJ show to attend this time out.


cmo023 Edsel “Techniques of Speed Hypnosis” Digital Download

Out now!

Comedy Minus One’s Edsel reissue project continues with the re-release of the group’s fourth and final full album, “Techniques of Speed Hypnosis.” Long out of print, this record (like “The Everlasting Belt Co.” and “Detroit Folly” preceding it) was remastered by Joe Lambert at JLM Sound and is accessible through all of your favorite digital providers including iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody and
Amazon on down.

Once again we asked the members of Edsel to write up a lengthy essay to provide you with more information, from the history of the recording to the stories behind some of these specific songs. They supplement these with vintage photographs, show flyers, a fan-made video and streaming audio.

You should also read DCist’s Secret History of “Techniques of Speed Hypnosis,” which they called “a sprawling, chiming, charging beauty, bursting with inventive sonic slights-of-hand, balancing snarling six-string assaults with impossible-to-ignore melodies.”

Hard to believe it is actually happening but…

…Edsel will reunite this weekend to play their first shows in 12 years! See them Saturday, October 6th with Lotion at the Mercury Lounge in New York City and/or again with Lotion on the afternoon of Sunday, October 7th at The Rock Shop in Brooklyn! Just like old times.

cmo024 Joel R.L. Phelps “Warm Springs Night” Digital Download

Coming November 6, 2012!

Comedy Minus One is delighted to share the news that November 6th, 2012 will be more than just Election Day around these parts.

The first Tuesday of the year’s penultimate month is also the date that has been chosen for the digital reissue of Joel R.L. Phelps’ phenomenal first solo record “Warm Springs Night.”

Engineered on June 3rd and 4th, 1995 by James Hale at House Of Leisure in Seattle and originally released by El Recordo later that year, this record has not been available through proper channels with any ease in well over a decade.

Joel was kind enough to write up some recollections about “Warm Springs Night,” which can be found here.

You should really join the Joel R.L. Phelps & The Downer Trio group on Facebook if you haven’t already.

“The notes he strikes resonate like vibrating wires. It’s almost otherworldly at times, like the sound of an old Appalachian singer. Surrounding him, the Downer Trio creates gorgeous tapestries of sound that tug and slacken, following the singer and pushing at the songs.” – All Music Guide

cmo021 The Karl Hendricks Trio “The Adult Section” Lp/Digital Download

Out now!

It has been two months since the excellent new album by The Karl Hendricks Trio entitled “The Adult Section” came out on Comedy Minus One.

You can still stream/download the record’s first song “The Men’s Room At The Airport” over at the Low Times web site.

Feel free to order a copy from our store. Each Lp comes with a Cd for the sake of your convenience.

“The Adult Section” is also available now via iTunes, eMusic, Amazon and other fine digital providers.

Accolades for “The Adult Section”:

“The Adult Section represents the most aggressive and musically confident work I’ve ever heard come out of Hendricks, as he channels a distinct history of rock music past, one that runs through Keith Richards, Bob Mould, and the entire recorded output of the band Silkworm.” – Still Single

“The Adult Section leaves listeners feeling like they’ve won something worthwhile.” – Pittsburgh Magazine

“Among the best albums of the year to date.” – Clicky Clicky Music Blog

“Do yourself a favor and pick up this amazing record.” – Reckless Records

“Joins 2003’s ‘The Jerks Win Again’ and ‘The World Says’ as examples of how to produce thoughtful, muscular rock.” – Carl Zimring.

“How a songwriter maintains that level of consistency for so long is beyond me.” – I Buy WAY Too May Records

“A Magnificent return.” – Bult On A Weak Spot

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette also spoke with Karl Hendricks about this record.

Members of the press, music writers and radio types are encouraged to get in touch for interview requests and digital promos. With rare exception, this record will not be serviced elsewhere.

Shows:

We’re joining forces with our friends at Kiam Records to throw a CMJ Showcase in Manhattan on Friday, October 19th at Leftfield. This will be the Karl Hendricks Trio’s first proper NYC show since 2003! I hope you can attend. Things kick off just after work at 6:00 pm ET. Details are above and set times can be reviewed here. More dates below.

Edsel
Sat. October 6 – New York City, NY – Mercury Lounge with Lotion
Sun. October 7 – Brooklyn, NY – The Rock Shop with Lotion

The Karl Hendricks Trio
Fri. October 19 – New York City, NY – Leftfield with Rebecca Gates, Jennifer O’Connor, Tim Foljan, Choo Choo La Rouge & more (CMJ)
Sat. November 10 – Philadelphia, PA – Milkboy with Lefty’s Deceiver

Joel R.L. Phelps + The Downer Trio
Wed. November 7 – Seattle, WA – The Tractor Tavern with Mark Eitzel
Thu. November 8 – Vancouver, BC – Electric Owl with Mark Eitzel
Fri. November 9 – Seattle, WA – Sunset Tavern with Police Teeth & Glose

High five. Comedy Minus One has a Facebook page and a Twitter handle for those of you who dig such things. More frequent bursts of news can be found there or on the Comedy Minus One blog.

As some of you have discovered, Comedy Minus One Soundcloud and Epitonic pages exist.

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.

Thank you.

Jon Solomon
Comedy Minus One
comedyminusone.com