On a recent drive to Seattle from my new hometown of Mount Vernon, I picked up my iPod Touch and changed the song to Royal City’s “Bad Luckâ€, putting it on a one-song repeat. The song clocks 3:04 and is only the palest shade less impressive than album opener “Here Comes Successâ€. Both songs are absolutely stunning, blending a gritty folk-rock with freak-folk and noise. Read More »Royal City: 1999-2004 [Cover Art]
“Mykonos” was the most noteworthy song off Fleet Foxes‘ debut Sub Pop EP Sun Giant, and now they give it the single-worthy nod of recognition it deserved at the time by releasing it on 7-inch vinyl. The sleeve is unique for the format: a gatefold keeps the record nice and cozy amidst distinct art that fits well with the song and the band.
Read More »Fleet Foxes: Mykonos [Cover Art] 
One never gets the impression that Erlend Oye will ever top the releases from his past, namely that from the duo Kings Of Convenience. But with each subsequent release, first under his own name and now under the moniker The Whitest Boy Alive, he always seems to deliver. And while Rules took a few listens to catch on, it is no exception. Read More »The Whitest Boy Alive: Rules [Cover Art]
Seattle’s TacocaT brings back the riot grrrl sound full force while channeling a substantial Bratmobile sound, as correctly noted to me by Finest Kiss. In my opinion, there’s even a little punked-up B-52s sound in there. Their debut LP, Shame Spiral is out now on Don’t Stop Believin’ Records, the label responsible for giving us releases by See Me River, The Pharmacy and Your Heart Breaks. Read More »TacocaT: Shame Spiral [Cover Art]
Long a favorite, this split single wasn’t released until after Bunkbed‘s Keith Krate had passed away. Adequately titled Xiu Xiu… Read More »Xiu Xiu Vs. Bunkbed [Cover Art]
Rare is it that you see formats outside the standard compact disc or even cherished wax vinyl. But cassettes seem to be popping up more and more as a cool retro item. With vinyl’s popularity, it seems this is the only place to go – reel to reel is out for obvious reasons, as is the 8-track. So that leaves cassette, a vestige in the vintage, a gleam of retro hope. Which brings us to today and Hometapes. Read More »Hometapes Holiday Sampler Cassette [Cover Art]
I’ve been contemplating this for some time, and I think it has finally come down to a simple fact: doing a Cover Art post each week has proven quite difficult. So, to lighten the load, I’m going to re-post each item here and thus form a new column here for all future Cover Art posts. The original page will remain, but all Cover Art posts will also find a home here. We will begin with my favorite compilation from 2009: The Hydeaway CD Newsletter Issue #1. Read More »The Hydeaway CD Newsletter Issue #1 [Cover Art]
