Speed The Plough - The Plough and the Stars

So, as all my loyal followers know by now, my copy of The Plough and the Stars finally arrived today, so now I can finally write a gushing review of my first piece of vinyl from my favorite band.

Not particularly flattering of either.

So, before totally gushing, I'll get the flaws out of the way.  The really big one is that "Fathers and Sons" is not included.  Not even as a bonus track.  This song is only available on the CD version of the self-titled debut.  Any version of it is extremely rare, it's the only album of theirs not available on their website, so maybe the whole thing should have been included.  Either way, it may be their best song and is doomed to remain one of the deepest cuts, available to most only from Souncloud.

The other problem all will have is withthe download, which is pretty disorganized, only consisting of titles and numbers.  This is not an uncommon problem, but with about 40 tracks, it's a little more irritating that usual.

The final flaw is personal (I hope), but has nothing to do with my delivery issues.  The second side of the LP has a big "bird shit" spot which kind of ruins the beginning of "Cutting Branches for Temporary Shelter."  I can't get it off, but I'm hoping it will be neutralized after enough plays.  It's too bad as I think this version is better than the one off Wonder Wheel heard elsewhere on this set.  I suppose this is jsut a risk in buying vinyl, but it is the first time it has happened to me.

Now, for all the flattery.  This is a beautiful item.  With the CD best-of taken from the first four albums, the LP featuring the brand new (though recorded with the former lineup with all three Francias) Tag Sale EP and a life set from WFMU in 1993 it's off to a great start.  Then there are all the download tracks, which are all great, even when not the best recordings.  Then there is the booklet which I am really going to take my time in enjoying.  It is clear that this collection is based on last year's Trypes' retrospective Music For Neighbors.  As you may know, that record changed my life more than anything else I have ever bought.

Tag Sale continues the new era of STP as a multi-generational band as great as it was before, albeit with a very different balance.  I have talked about the differences between their new material and old material, so I'm not going to retread it, but as someone who thinks Swerve and Shine are excellent albums, different yet even stronger than Mason's Box, I think this new EP delivers six more tracks of the same caliber.  Michael Baumgartner's name makes a few appearances in the composition credits, providing further evidence that the musical genes were successful passed down from his parents.  The live tracks are maybe even better, though the record from its era may not be their best, the lineup featuring all three members of Wild Carnation probably is.  Likewise, the downloads cover it all and there is no shortage of great material for this band.  Likewise, the best-of is not the same one I would have complied, but anyone new to the band will certainly not feel cheated by its tracklist.

On yet another positive note, my set is completed by the hand-written none on the back of a sticker from John Baumgartner recommending that I buy this album.  That, along with another blank one, was included with my CD copies of Swerve and Wonder Wheel, which arrived promptly.

Get it, you probably will get luckier than I did when it comes to pressing quality!