Out today and AVAILABLE at Chester Records!
VINYL FORMAT. On 180 gram gatefold vinyl; comes with a digital download! The Dismemberment Plan are releasing their record Emergency & I for the very first time on vinyl! The music was re-mastered from the original 1/2-inch tapes, keeping it analog every step of the way, and it's on 180 gram double-vinyl, four songs per side, with the fourth side being four bonus tracks from hard-to-find releases. Being double vinyl, the packaging is a lovely gatefold and will include an oral history of making the record, a giant full color photo collage of pictures from that era, and of course the lyrics. In the eleven years since its release (originally on DeSoto Records), the underground classic Emergency & I has been widely regarded as the definitive artistic statement from the beloved Washington D.C. quartet.
'The band's third full album is a firecracker, showing their at once passionate and sly approach to music - take in everything, put it back out, and give it its own particular sheen and spin - is in no danger of letting up. Knowing fans of the quartet have spoken on how it's clear that the bandmembers listen to everything from old soul to hip-hop and techno and back again, and there's no argument here based on the evidence of this disc. Travis Morrison's unusual vocals make a brilliant calling card for the band, high, a touch quavery, but never out of control, slipping into the mix like another instrument. Though the comparisons to fellow D.C. musical figure Craig Wedren are understandable, Morrison's voice isn't as piercing, with a warm, light undertow that's quite affecting. When he hits his best moments, like the downright anthemic but never breast-beating "What Do You Want Me to Say?," it's a wonder more people aren't talking about the guy. The rest of the band turn the indie rock stereotype on its head, avoiding aimless shambling jangle or emo's straightjacketing stereotype in favor of an unsettled mix that embraces sampling's jump-cut techniques and shifting rhythms where prominence is equally given to guitar, keyboards, and beat. It can be late-night jazzy mood-out or sudden thrash, but the quartet handles all approaches with aplomb and creative arrangements to boot. Drummer Joe Easley may be the band's secret weapon, able to keep the pace and swing just enough, though bassist Eric Axelson is by no means a slouch himself - the dub-touched "Spider in the Snow" is a great showcase for both. The fact that "You Are Invited" is conceivably the world's greatest synth-pop/electro/guitar chime/post-punk song about trying to get to the right party - and is emotional without being overwrought - gives a sense as to this album's considerable strengths.' - Ned Raggett / All Music Guide
'The band's third full album is a firecracker, showing their at once passionate and sly approach to music - take in everything, put it back out, and give it its own particular sheen and spin - is in no danger of letting up. Knowing fans of the quartet have spoken on how it's clear that the bandmembers listen to everything from old soul to hip-hop and techno and back again, and there's no argument here based on the evidence of this disc. Travis Morrison's unusual vocals make a brilliant calling card for the band, high, a touch quavery, but never out of control, slipping into the mix like another instrument. Though the comparisons to fellow D.C. musical figure Craig Wedren are understandable, Morrison's voice isn't as piercing, with a warm, light undertow that's quite affecting. When he hits his best moments, like the downright anthemic but never breast-beating "What Do You Want Me to Say?," it's a wonder more people aren't talking about the guy. The rest of the band turn the indie rock stereotype on its head, avoiding aimless shambling jangle or emo's straightjacketing stereotype in favor of an unsettled mix that embraces sampling's jump-cut techniques and shifting rhythms where prominence is equally given to guitar, keyboards, and beat. It can be late-night jazzy mood-out or sudden thrash, but the quartet handles all approaches with aplomb and creative arrangements to boot. Drummer Joe Easley may be the band's secret weapon, able to keep the pace and swing just enough, though bassist Eric Axelson is by no means a slouch himself - the dub-touched "Spider in the Snow" is a great showcase for both. The fact that "You Are Invited" is conceivably the world's greatest synth-pop/electro/guitar chime/post-punk song about trying to get to the right party - and is emotional without being overwrought - gives a sense as to this album's considerable strengths.' - Ned Raggett / All Music Guide
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