Craft Recordings announces an expanded, digital edition of John Linnell’s acclaimed cult favorite,
State Songs. Out today across all major platforms, this special reissue includes the rarity “Louisiana,” available digitally for the very first time. The jovial track was initially released as a B-side on the 1999 vinyl single of “Montana” a collectible die-cut record in the shape of the USA.
As one half of
They Might Be Giants, Linnell has long been known for his surreal lyricism and absurdist alt-rock. The singer-songwriter brought both of these qualities plus a myriad of melodic styles to his solo debut, State Songs. First released in 1994 as a five-song EP, Linnell expanded the collection five years later, turning it into a high-spirited, 16-track tour across America.
As vinyl continues its unlikely resurgence for a music media format, audiophiles are drooling over their turntables (though likely quick to wipe it off) at the hundreds of albums many out of print for decades being reissued.
And not just like they were originally. Many are coming out on heavier 180 gram vinyl, super remastered from the original tapes, packaged handsomely with new liner notes, and printed in limited numbers.
Craft Recordings cover
That’s the case with Craft Recordings new, collector’s-centric Small Batch series, produced using a one-step lacquer process for highest reproduction quality. The first effort, John Coltrane’s
Release Dates for Broadway CDs, Streaming, Cast Albums, Solo Releases, iTunes & More
Ride the Cyclone (World Premiere Cast Recording) 2021
Part comedy, part tragedy, and wholly unexpected, this wildly imaginative story delivers surprises at every turn. The lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. A mechanical fortune-teller invites each to tell their story of a life interrupted, offering the chance to come to terms with their fates. At once quirky and smart, edgy and beautiful, Ride the Cyclone ultimately reveals the resilience of the human spirit in spite of senseless tragedy.
Release Dates for Broadway CDs, Streaming, Cast Albums, Solo Releases, iTunes & More
In The Heights (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) 2021
The creator of “Hamilton” and the director of “Crazy Rich Asians” invite you to a cinematic event, where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big. “In the Heights.” Lights up on Washington Heights.The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life. “In the Heights” fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s kinetic music and lyrics with director Jon M. Chu’s lively and authentic eye for storytelling to capture a world very much of its place, but universal in its experience.
Today,
Gone In 30 Minutes returns with an enlightening conversation featuring Neal Francis. The podcast produced by
Craft Recordings has gained a devoted audience thanks to its unique format and guest list that looks like a Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame exhibit. Previous guests have included
Matt Berninger of The National, Jody Stephens of Big Star,
Jimmy LaVelle of The Album LeafGeorge Thorogood, and more. The episode with Francis dives into how the Chicago-based songwriter has been spending his time since his new album,
Changes, was released in September of 2019.
Like so many people across the globe, Francis was gearing up for a packed 2020 until COVID-19 ground his touring itinerary to a halt. He was on the heels of releasing his strongest album to date,