5/14/08 - STIMULATING THE ECONOMY, ONE RECORD AT A TIME

STATUES and ANTEENAGERS M.C. records are ready to go!  Make the Catalog page your next stop for details and song samples and be sure to stock up while there's enough to go around.  There are no plans to repress either record.  

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***SPECIAL DEAL FOR USA ORDERS ONLY (others get in touch)***

Buy both Statues' "Broken Hands" 7" EP and Anteenagers M.C.'s "(Illusions of the) Teens" 7" EP for just $10 postage paid, while supplies last!  Here's the PayPal button:

It's a cinch to add more items to your cart before checking out.  All you need to do is visit the Catalog page and click away!

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I'm officially sold out of the POPPETS' "Get Back" 7" EP.   No need to worry yet, however, because there are copies available from various distros and stores as you read this.  My advice:  buy today, not tomorrow.  Also, be sure to check out what the Los Angeles Times (!) had to say about the record right here.

That's the news for now.  I've got your orders to pack!

Thanks for your support!

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4/20/08 - THREE NEW RECORDS, TWO MORE ON THE WAY!

I'm very excited to announce the release of three new records on Plastic Idol, courtesy of the FLIP-TOPS, POPPETS, and the INTELLIGENCE!  The Catalog page has all the details you need in order to buy, including song samples from each record.  I encourage you to act fast on all three records, because there are no plans to repress.  Ready, set, scramble!

Records from STATUES and ANTEENAGERS M.C. will be ready to go by mid-May.  In the interim, please visit Plastic Idol on MySpace and get a "sneak peek" at how both records look and sound.

Lurking around the corner is the MATT K. SHRUGG vinyl and a single by the MANIKINS, which features two exclusive power-pop gems ("The Start For Me" and "Let Me Go").  Expect these records to land sometime this summer.

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2/24/08 - THE HAPS

Plastic Idol has put together an ambitious release schedule for 2008.  In fact, the last several months have rivaled the busiest I've ever been in terms of legwork.  Sorting out the details of new projects isn't always as newsworthy as it sounds, though.  After all, there are only so many ways I can dress up tasks like "approved test pressings" and "reviewed sleeve artwork," you know?  I'm sure some of you find these things interesting to read about, but I'm guessing most of you care more about the records themselves—and I don't blame you!

I've got lots of great stuff in the works right now.  By "lots of great stuff," I mean 5 new releases on Plastic Idol over the next 2 months.  Yeah!  So here's the latest dirt, formatted for quick reading:

*There are three new Plastic Idol releases on deck for March 2008:  the FLIP-TOPS, POPPETS, and ANTEENAGERS M.C.

*The Flip-Tops' "Dangerous Game" 7" EP represents Plastic Idol's first foray into heavier vinyl.  This record will be pressed on 48 gram wax, a new service offered by United.  For the vinyl color, I've chosen to mix white and blue, which should give us a cool shade that matches another awesome sleeve design by Jonas Norway.  Visit the Flip-Tops' MySpace page to sample 2/3 of the record!

*The HEARTATTACKS are sadly calling it quits this month, but Magnus is already 3-records-deep into a new project:  Poppets.  Poppets is Magnus, his girlfriend Lina, and a drum machine.  Together they will conquer the world with their stripped-down poppy punk tunes—or at least convince you they could if they tried (Victim of Time seems to think so too).  Plastic Idol is releasing their second EP, "Get Back," in a limited edition of just 300 copies.

*Anteenagers M.C.'s "(Illusions of the) Teens" 7" EP represents the first new material from these French scenemakers since 2005's "Let's Not Have a Party" EP.  These guys sound better than ever on these four tunes, one of which is a swell take on the KICK's "Let's Get Back Together."  Expect clear vinyl, because it's an illusion, and a great sleeve design, courtesy of Nicus.

*In April 2008 Plastic Idol will release a new three-song 7" EP by STATUES, one of Canada's finest power-pop/punk exports, just in time for their European tour.  The EP is entitled "Broken Hands" and is one-half of a two-part series, the other issued by FDH/P. Trash.  These songs will eventually make their way onto a CD singles collection released on Deranged Records.  Listen to "Soft Lives," from the new Plastic Idol EP, on Statues' MySpace page.

*Also in April 2008 there will be a new single from the INTELLIGENCE, who will also tour Europe shortly after the record's release.  An Intelligence record on Plastic Idol has essentially been four years in the making, so it is incredibly fulfilling to see this one come together.  The record features two exclusive cuts mastered by Weasel Walter and will be limited to a onetime pressing of 600 copies.  Repress schmepress.

*I've also got in the works a pair of singles from songwriter extraordinaire MATT K. SHRUGG, currently of the PIZZAS and LOSIN' STREAKS and formerly of BLACK DAHLIAS, among countless others.  Matt is one of the most talented (and nicest) dudes in town and there's no question the world needs to hear more of his music.  These records will drop sooner rather than later, so stay tuned!

*Later this year Plastic Idol will release the final MINDS record.  I know it appears we've been taking our sweet time with this one, and perhaps we are, but we're going to include an extra song on the record in exchange for your continued patience.  The "Knifed" single is now the "Knifed" EP—three-songs spinning at 45 RPM.  Joel "The Thinker" Jett is in charge of the sleeve and we're fixin' to roll out the record as soon as everything comes together.  I promise!

*Speaking of Mr. Jett, he recently started a record label of his own:  Sonic Jett.  We recently discussed the future of the JETPACK discography and have decided to let him take over the reins completely, so look for a Jetpack release on Sonic Jett at some point.  Go Sonic Jett!  Meanwhile, there's now a Jetpack page on MySpace, featuring previously unreleased tuneage.  Yes!

*There's a ton of new non-Plastic Idol swag for sale on the Catalog page, some of which is out-of-print and/or tough to come by, like the debut PRESS GANG 7".  The newest stuff comes from Big Black Hole Records (Spain) and includes releases from ALUMINUM KNOT EYE and 3 DELICIAS.  Also up for grabs is the debut release on Sonic Jett, a way-recommended 7" EP from Italian power-poppers MISS CHAIN & THE BROKEN HEELS, and much, much more.

That's the news for now.  Next time, I hope to have more information about the second MANIKINS record on Plastic Idol.  Congratulations are in order, because these guys recently inked a deal with Full Breach Kicks for a U.S. release of their new album, reported to be their best yet.  Hopefully a U.S. tour won't be far behind!

As always, thanks so much for your support!

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11/10/07 - ACK!!!

Long time, no speak!  In fact, the time that has elapsed since my last web site update marks the longest time between updates in Plastic Idol history, now going on 4 years.  I'm not sure which is more surprising at this point--that more than 6 months have passed since my last release, or that I've been doing the label for nearly 4 years.  Time flies!

All is well here at Plastic Idol HQ.  Things are still moving, albeit at a more relaxed pace, which I find more enjoyable than the new-release-every-other-month rat race.  Occasionally, I do have to remind myself that Plastic Idol is something I want to do and not something I have to do.  I know it sounds simple enough, but I struggle with the burnout bug every now and then.

Less philosophizing, more vinyl?!?!  You got it!  I'm very excited to share with you two new releases on Plastic Idol, courtesy of DAN MELCHIOR UND DAS MENACE and the HEARTATTACKS.  Both are now available for purchase via the Catalog page, along with some new non-Plastic Idol swag.  The list looks like this:

LES HATEPINKS "Hate-Oupopo Songs" 7" (Squoodge)
URBAN JUNIOR "Tres Chic" 7" (Squoodge)
THE MODERNETTES "Get Modern or Get Fucked" LP (Rockin' Bones)
STEVE & THE JERKS/THE HECKLERS split 7" (Rockin' Bones)
SCREAMPLAY "Don't Tell Me" 7" (Rockin' Bones)
THE GAGFACTORS "We Rock, You Suck..." 7" (Rockin' Bones)
LOT LIZARDS "Leave Me Alone (I've Got a Bomb)" 7" (Perpetrator)
THIS DAMN TOWN "Love Like Lies" 7" (Perpetrator)
LADIES NIGHT "Hell On The Phone" 7" (Perpetrator)
GIANT HAYSTACKS/OUTNAUTS split 7" (Snuffy Smile)
SMALLTOWN/PRACTICE split 7" (Snuffy Smile)
SMALLTOWN/THE CRUMP split 7" (Snuffy Smile)
DAN PADILLA/GLEAM GARDEN split 7" (Snuffy Smile)
BLOTTO/DRUNKEN BOAT split 7" (Snuffy Smile)
COME ON FEEL "Red Heart Beat" 7" (Snuffy Smile)
CHOYCE "Won't You Come Back" 7" (Goodbye Boozy)
COCOBEURRE/CHOCOLAT split 7" (Goodbye Boozy)
THE PRIMATE FIVE/THE TRADITIONAL FOOLS split 7" (Goodbye Boozy)
LOT LIZARDS "Nightmare Creep" 7" (Yakisakana)
THE GREAT REUNION "S/T" 7" (Yakisakana)
HOMOSTUPIDS "The Edge" 7" (P. Trash/Radio 81)
THE MANS "War Penis" 7" (Ken Rock)
THE WAX MUSEUMS "Ancient Structures" 7" (Ken Rock)
THE BLOWTOPS "64 Teeth" (Certified PR)
THE KRUNCHIES "Cameltoe Patrol" 7" (Certified PR)
THE RETAINERS "Lose It" 7" (P. Trash)
THE FEELERS "2007 European Tour" 7" (P. Trash)
M.O.T.O. "Climb Up The Eiffel Tower" 7" (P. Trash)
PRESS GANG "Your Way" 7" (Shock & Awe/Hardware)
LOVER! "S/T" LP (P. Trash)
BRUTAL KNIGHTS "Living By Yourself" LP (P. Trash)
KAMIKAZE TRIO "Rain On Your Parade" LP (P. Trash)

The next record out the door on Plastic Idol will be the FLIP-TOPS' "Dangerous Game" EP.  It's easily their best stuff yet, alongside their "comeback," a split EP with the Yokohama Hooks (also available on the Catalog page).  I'm going to try and get this on the streets before we say goodbye to 2007.

Looking ahead to 2008, I've got lined up the new ANTEENAGERS MC record (final mixes and artwork are ready to go), two singles from local legend MATT K. SHRUGG, and to-be-determined vinyl releases from STATUES, the MANIKINS, and more.

Thanks for your continued support!

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5/27/07 - FINALLY!!!

Thanks so much for your patience these past couple months!  I'm still working out a few kinks from my move, but it's pretty much "business as usual" around here once again, which means new records for you!  Yes, it's finally time to make available to you three new singles on Plastic Idol:  (1) the RETAINERS "She Likes To Get Attention" b/w "Super Space Missiles"; (2) HANK IV "Dirty Poncho" b/w "Symptomatic"; and (3) IMAGINARY ICONS "Off The Grid" b/w "Fun With Capital."  A trifecta of hits, if I may say so!  Hit the Catalog page and dig in!

A quick note about mail order:  After 3+ years without a price increase, I have raised the postage paid price on all Plastic Idol vinyl releases by $1 (many of the distro items have also been increased accordingly).  This hike is due to the recent postal service increase, along with increases in production costs, of which there have been several since I first started doing the label.  In addition, all prices on the catalog page are now postage paid within the USA only.  Please get in touch for rates if you live outside the USA.

New non-label additions to the catalog page:

THE HEARTATTACKS "Stay Away" 7" (Ken Rock)
GHETTO WAYS "Party Bag" 7" (Wicked Singles/P. Trash)
THE FLIP-TOPS/YOKOHAMA HOOKS split 7" (Iron Goat)
THE MANS "High" 7" (Yakisakana)
STATUES "New People Make Us Nervous" LP (Radio 81)
CPC GANGBANGS/THE CONFUSERS split 7" (Radio 81/P. Trash)
ALABAMA CHROME "Knoxville Girl" 7" (Yakisakana)
THE FEELING OF LOVE "The Right Bitch at the Right Place" 7" (Yakisakana)
THE MOTARDS "Stardom" LP (Gonna Puke)
THE BLACKS "Shattered" LP (Gonna Puke)

Thanks for your continued support!

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4/17/07 - ON THE MOVE

Despite the infrequent web site updates, the Plastic Idol machine continues to work its magic behind-the-scenes to make things happen--and big things are happening!  Right now, I'm sitting on lots of records.  I've got new singles from IMAGINARY ICONS and the RETAINERS ready to go, and I will have the new HANK IV single later this week.  I plan to update the site to reflect these new releases in a week or two, but I just completed a move--my first move in 7 years--and my life is in boxes at the moment.  I sincerely appreciate your patience as I get back up to speed, so don't sweat a delayed e-mail response and/or receipt of an order.  It's not the norm around these parts!

Calling all Hank IV fans:  You need to make the trek to Davis, California, this Saturday, April 21.  We're having a "record release" show for their new single on Plastic Idol ("Dirty Poncho" b/w "Symptomatic") at the Delta of Venus, located at 122 B Street, in Davis.  The BANANAS and STANDARD TRIBESMEN (members of the SORES) round out what promises to be a stellar bill.  Showtime is 9 p.m., the cover is only $5, and the venue is all-ages (and they sell beer).  Most importantly, this show will be your first, and perhaps only, chance to score the limited colored vinyl version of this record.  That's right!  For the first time in 3+ years, Plastic Idol is doing a limited color run for a record:  100 on gold/white vinyl, 400 on black vinyl.  The limited version of the Hank IV single will also include a goldenrod dust cover in place of the stock white dust cover you usually see, and it will be inserted into a slick Japanese-style resealable sleeve to set it off.  Of course we'll hand-number 'em too!  You snooze, you lose.  See you Saturday!

In other news, there has been another new addition to the Plastic Idol family:  DAN MELCHIOR UND DAS MENACE.  Dan and I have been corresponding for several months and we've finally agreed to do a single on Plastic Idol.  I've been a fan of this guy's work for years, and when he e-mailed me to share that he was a fan of the label, I couldn't believe it!  There are so many great Melchior records out there and I'm confident that the two tunes we've selected for his Plastic Idol single rank among his finest.  Stay tuned!

Look for another web site update soon-ish! 

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2/26/07 - SOMETHING TO REMENBER

Plastic Idol is pleased as punch to announce the debut vinyl release from the REMENBERS, a three-song 7" EP entitled "It's."  This fantastic trio from Marseille, France, offers up a spirited take on garagey punk, drawing equally from more traditional-sounding fare and the genre's fringe dwellers.  The Remenbers like it LOUD, make no mistake about it, but fortunately they remembered (no pun intended) to bring great songs with them to the rumble and the proof is in the grooves.  Hear it for yourself and check out an MP3 on the Catalog page before you buy!
 
In other label news, there are currently 5 (!!!) other records in production as I type:  IMAGINARY ICONS, THE RETAINERS, HANK IV, the FLIP-TOPS, and the HEARTATTACKS.  No, I'm not kidding.  Yes, I'm crazy.  The first of the bunch to surface will be Imaginary Icons' "Off The Grid" b/w "Fun With Capital" 7".  Great stuff, much like their debut on Daggerman.  I think the A-side has a TWINKEYZ meets VELVET UNDERGROUND feel to it, while the B-side is colder-sounding and minimal in execution.  We're shooting for a SXSW release and I'm crossing my
fingers that we'll make it.
 
Following Imaginary Icons out the door in hot pursuit is a stunning new single
from Hank IV, "Dirty Poncho" b/w "Symptomatic."  I just got the master for this record over the weekend and I was immediately floored by the quality of the new tunes.  My expectations were sky-high, especially after the monster that was "Third Person Shooter," but these guys exceeded them tenfold.  What a great band!  A record release show is on tap for Saturday, April 21, at the Delta of Venus, in Davis, California, where lucky show-goers will get first crack at the new single, and quite possibly, limited colored vinyl.  Stay tuned!  
 
Rounding out the production news:  the vinyl for the Retainers' "She Likes To Get Attention" b/w "Super Space Missiles" single should be here shortly; the Flip-Tops' "Dangerous Game" package is now complete, including another superb sleeve design courtesy of Jonas Norway; and Magnus of the Heartattacks just sent me three great new songs for their second Plastic Idol EP.
 
The other, other big news is that Plastic Idol will release a new 7" by the band STATUES, from Canada, later this year.  These guys have taken over my turntable lately and you're next!  Check out some of their music on their MySpace page and track down all their releases as soon as possible.  That's an order!  And look for their version of the CARPETTES' "Nothing Ever Changes" on an upcoming 7" comp featuring the TRANZMITORS, SMALLTOWN, and the TOYOTAS.
 
New and restocked "distro" titles on the Catalog page:
 
THE TOYOTAS "...Make Headlines" LP (P. Trash)
HUE BLANC'S JOYLESS ONES "Fait Accompli" LP (P. Trash)
LOCAL OAFS "Too Dumb to Reason..." LP (P. Trash)
THE RETAINERS "Lose It" 7" (P. Trash)
BLACK LIPS "Hippys" 7" (Bachelor)
THE MAKEOUTS "Worst Band Ever" 7" (Bachelor)
 
Whew!

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1/16/07 - IT CAN BE TRUE

The FEVERS' "Get On Again" b/w "Can't Be True" 7" is now sold out!  There's no need to scramble (yet), because there are copies in the hands of various distros and mail orders in the U.S. and abroad.  They're not gonna last long, however, so make sure you score a copy while you have the chance.  As always, feel free to fire off an e-mail to me if you're looking for a tip.

The other big news of the day is that there's a brand new RETAINERS single in the works on Plastic Idol!!!  These dudes have three fantastic records to their name (Fashionable Idiots, P. Trash, and Jilted! are the ones to blame) and record number four may be their finest hour.  "She Likes To Get Attention" b/w "Super Space Missiles" drops real soon, so stay tuned!

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12/23/06 - GETTING ON WITH IT

The new FEVERS single, "Get On Again" b/w "Can't Be True," is finally here!  This record features two exclusive originals that were recorded in late 2005 during one of the band's now-infrequent rehearsal/recording sessions.  Both tunes are great and so is the packaging:  pink vinyl and a vintage-style sleeve design courtesy of Gavin May (bass, vocals).  The first press is limited to 500 copies and there are no plans for a repress at this time.  Next stop, the Catalog page!

The debut EP from the REMENBERS is on deck and should be available in January 2007.  I've got the sleeves, which look fantastic, but the vinyl is missing-in-action.  Imagine that!  I'm not sure what to make of two consecutive delays, but it ain't too cool.  What is cool, however, is MySpace...er, I mean, the Plastic Idol Myspace page, where you can hear a tune from this record.  Here's the damage!

The IMAGINARY ICONS record is also moving forward as we speak.  I got the final master from the band last week and it's now on its way to Rob Jones of Jealous Butcher fame, who will do the mastering.  The sleeve also came together last week and is now ready for printing.  We're jammin'!  Look for the Imaginary Icons' "Off the Grid" b/w "Fun With Capital" single to hit the streets in February 2007, just in time for the band's appearance the following month at the South By Southwest (SXSW) festival, in Austin, TX!!!

HANK IV's upcoming single on Plastic Idol will also see the light of day in time for their appearance at the SXSW festival in March 2007.  The band is slated to record in mid-January and then we're gonna plow through the production process in order to meet our deadline.

In other news, Jonas Norway, whose design work graces the MANIKINS' "Spend the Night Alone" EP, is designing the sleeve for the FLIP-TOPS' "Dangerous Game" EP, out in early 2007.  We expect to see a preview of his incredible work before the end of the year.  Speaking of the Manikins, we've agreed to do another EP on Plastic Idol in 2007 and I couldn't be happier.

I just got a note from Laurent of ANTEENAGERS MC, informing me that they recorded last week as scheduled!  Some fine-tuning and mixing is in order and then I should have some new tunes with which to play around in a month or two.  I can't wait!

Last but not least, I'd like to wish you all a "happy holidays."  Thanks for your continued support the past 3 years (!).  See you in 2007!!!

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11/6/06 - DUDE, WHERE'S MY UPDATE?

I apologize for the lack of updates recently, but I've been waiting to share with you the "big" news--that the new FEVERS single is ready to go.  But we're still not there yet.  What was slated to be an October release will now be a November release, after a production snag set us back a few weeks.  It's small stuff, I assure you.  Thankfully Plastic Idol has been relatively "snag-free" since its inception; I guess it was about time for us to sweat a bit, eh?  Not to worry, the vinyl is here already and the sleeves will be soon.  Thanks so much for your patience!

Though I don't have much to show for it in the way of new releases, I've been busy with odds 'n' ends the past month that will likely result in a flurry of activity for the label as 2006 winds down and 2007 begins.  The new MINDS and FLIP TOPS records are now ready to go into production (still no artwork), and the debut EP from France's REMENBERS is already on its way.  I encourage you to investigate this amazing French band, because the three songs we're committing to wax will surely inspire some pushing and shoving on the way to the wagon.  Visit the Remenbers on MySpace right here.

I'm also pleased to announce that Plastic Idol will release a new 7" by San Francisco's HANK IV!  These guys floored me the first time I saw them live earlier this year, and they just delivered a monster debut LP in "Third Person Shooter," released by Hook or Crook.  We're still working out all the details, but the new record should drop in early 2007.  Join the Hank IV party right here, and track down their new LP, which rules completely!!!

If you've checked the Catalog page recently you may have seen a handful of new records posted.  I'm quick to add new stuff to the catalog page once I get it and I always keep the in-stock titles up to date, regardless of how often I update this page.  Keep that in mind in case you're searching for that must-have record.  Some new stuff posted since the last update:

THE INTELLIGENCE "I'm Your Taxi" 7" (Holy Cobra Society)
IMAGINARY ICONS "Eye-Cons" 7" (Daggerman)
MURDER BY GUITAR "Rock Bottom" 7" (Alien Snatch)
TURPENTINE BROTHERS "Get Your Mind Off Me" 7" (Alien Snatch)
THE FEVERS "Love Always Wins" CD (Alien Snatch)
THE KIDNAPPERS "Ransom Notes and Telephone Calls" CD (Alien Snatch)
THE RETAINERS "Lose It" 7" (P. Trash)
THE PLUTONES/LOS RAW GOSPELS split 7" (P. Trash)
CHEB SAMIR & THE BLACK SOULS OF LEVIATHAN "Don't Like Girls" 7" (Yakisakana)
THE NORMALS & JEFF CLARK "Street of Your Heart" 7" (Yakisakana)
BOB BURNS & THE BREAKUPS "Frustration" LP (P. Trash)
HUE BLANC'S JOYLESS ONES "Fait Accompli" LP (P. Trash)

Act swiftly if you need this stuff!  My stash of the new Local Oafs LP, featuring two members of the MANIKINS, is already gone.  What a great record!  It sounds like Henry Fiat's Open Sore meets Dean Dirg!  I will restock as soon as I can, so please check back with me if you want a copy.

I posted lots of new reviews on the Press page, so be sure to hit that up if you need another take on Plastic Idol's catalog.

Thanks as always for your continued support!

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9/15/06 - THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

I expect FEVERS test pressings next week!  While we're anxiously awaiting the vinyl, I'm fixin' to throw up a song from the new record on Plastic Idol's MySpace page real soon, so add me to your "friends" list if you haven't already done so.  Also, be sure to visit the Fevers' page right here.

The FLIP TOPS' upcoming record on Plastic Idol will officially be a three-song EP.  "Dangerous Game" will grace the A-side, while the B-side will be home to "Looks So Scary" and "T.V. Love," originally by the SIMPLETONES.  It's time to start getting excited, because this shit rules!!!  Joel dropped off the tunes for mastering this afternoon.

The MINDS single has been mastered and we're just about ready to put it into production.  The Flip Tops EP should follow the Minds single out the door.  But back to the Minds.  I've got some exciting "band" news to share with you, but I can't spill the beans until we get closer to the release of "Knifed" b/w "Twist It Off."  More on that later.

I'm pleased to announce that Plastic Idol has two new records in the works by IMAGINARY ICONS (ex-DISSIMILARS, SHOP FRONTS, TIE REDS) and the REMENBERS (blown-out racket from France, a bit like the FATALS).  Look for them to land as soon as we get everything right, and expect great things!

The nice folks at Victim of Time recently spotlighted Imaginary Icons as part of their "Breaking Sounds" feature.  Check out the goods right here!

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9/2/06 - STAYIN' BUSY

The new BOB BURNS AND THE BREAKUPS record, "Hydrostatic Heart," is turning heads and selling briskly!  I've heard nothing but raves from everybody that has ordered this EP.  And we got our first review on the Press page!  So give these guys a whirl if you're new to the party!

The artwork for the upcoming FEVERS single is ready to go and it looks striking!  Next stop:  the printer.  Hopefully I'll have test pressings in a couple weeks.  We're still on track for an October release, so stay tuned!

I recently got new FLIP TOPS recordings and the new songs are the best they've ever written!  I've given the new tunes plenty of time and I think I'm pretty close to nailing down the Plastic Idol EP.  I expect final mixes early next week, at which time I'll make the final song selection.  This record should drop before the end of the year, along with the MINDS' "Knifed" b/w "Twist It Off" single.

THE FEELERS paid a visit to northern California a few weeks ago and floored me with a killer set!  Like everybody else, I flipped out when I heard their debut, the "Fuhrer's New Miniskirt" EP.  I've tracked down every release since then and it was awesome to finally hear all their great tunes live.  After the damage was done, I hit them up to do a record on Plastic Idol and they were all for it!  Yes!

Hungry for more ANTEENAGERS MC vinyl?  Me too!  Word is, the band is slated to lay down some new tunes this fall and they're sending 'em my way!  I pitched the idea of doing another record on Plastic Idol to Laurent (drums, vocals) when the "Let's Not Have a Party" EP was released, but he wasn't sure when they would be able to focus on writing and recording new material due to other commitments.  Well, it looks like that day is almost here!  More news as it happens!

New stuff on the Catalog page:

THE BAYONETTES "Stuck In This Rut" 7" (Deranged)
CHINESE LUNGS "Get Yer Lungs Out" 7" (Squoodge)
LOOK BACK AND LAUGH "Street Terrorism" 7" (Deranged)
RAT TRAPS "Complications" 7" (Ken Rock)
RED RED RED "Static Signals" 7" (Perpetrator)
REVEREND SAVAGE & HIS HOLY ROLLERS "God's In My Garage" 7" (Squoodge)
ROYAL ROUTES "I Want Her" 7" (Perpetrator)
THE TRANZMITORS "Bigger Houses, Broken Homes" 7" (Deranged)

Pick up these fine records and many more with the new Bob Burns and the Breakups EP!  Or the ANXIETIES' "De-Evolution Will Be Televised" EP, which is fading fast.  Only 40 copies left before you start kickin' yourself for being a slowpoke!

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8/5/06 - MORE RECORDS, PLEASE!!!

The brand new BOB BURNS AND THE BREAKUPS record, "Hydrostatic Heart," is ready to fly!  Like their recently released "Frustration" LP/CD, this EP absolutely smokes!  The songs are there, the band can flat-out play, and it's damn fun to hear them deliver the goods.  I'm confident you'll agree with me once you hear this fine record!  The "Hydrostatic Heart" EP features three new songs pressed on clear vinyl and is limited to 500 copies.  Head to the Catalog page and get yours today, along with the CD or LP version (now in stock) of their debut full-length "Frustration."

Up next on Plastic Idol is the new FEVERS record, "Get On Again" b/w "Can't Be True."  Gavin (bass, vox) is working diligently on the sleeve, Mark at Prairie Cat Mastering is ensuring the vinyl sounds impeccable, and I've still got a smile on my face about everything.  Hopefully we can roll out this single in early October, maybe even sooner if we get lucky.  Meanwhile, if you're gonna be anywhere near Minneapolis, Minnesota, on September 1, the Fevers will be making a very rare live appearance with the legendary HYPSTRZ!  Click here for the details!

In other news, Joel Jett recently shared with me that the FLIP TOPS recorded a truckload of new songs for their upcoming Dirtnap LP/CD and Plastic Idol EP.  Word is, the recording went swimmingly!  Keep your fingers crossed for a new Flip Tops record on Plastic Idol before the end of the year!  And don't forget about the MINDS single.  It's coming, I swear!

New non-label additions to the Catalog page:  BOB BURNS AND THE BREAKUPS "Frustration" LP, HUE BLANC'S JOYLESS ONES "Fait Accompli" LP, and a restock of the great "Killed By Trash" LP.  Act fast!

Finally, I've posted many new reviews of Plastic Idol product on the Press page in recent weeks.  How do these takes compare with yours?

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7/9/06 - SPEND THE NIGHT ALONE

The MANIKINS' "Spend The Night Alone" EP is now sold out on this end!!!  Please pick up the record from your favorite mail order or local record store if you missed it here, or send me a note and I'll point you in the right direction.  This is such a great record and you need a copy for your collection!  And don't forget that you can keep up with the Manikins' other releases on the Catalog page, where there are several hot records up for grabs, including a brand new three-song EP on Squoodge Records (Austria).

New non-label stuff now available:  I scored more copies of the MAGNETIX and SEXAPHONE (members of BLACK TIME) records on Yakisakana.  I had some of these before, but they sold out really fast.  I highly recommend both EPs and encourage you to act fast if you need them!

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7/4/06 - THE TIME IS NOW

I'm down to just 15 copies of the MANIKINS' "Spend The Night Alone" EP!  If you wanna score it here, now is the time to score.  Otherwise, keep your eyes peeled for the Manikins record at many of the excellent mail orders listed on the Ordering page.  Or ask your favorite local record shop to order it from Revolver USA!

I recently procured a modest stash of another new (and already out-of-print) Manikins EP entitled "Bad Papers," released by Austria's Squoodge Records.  This gem is limited to 333 copies, and odds are, you won't find it elsewhere in the U.S.  I also have for sale a few copies of the new Reverend Savage and His Holy Rollers record, "God's In My Garage," another fine product of Squoodge.  Hit the Catalog page now!

More additions to the catalog page:  the great new HAIRCUTS single and an oldie but goodie from LES SEXAREENOS, both on Sack o' Shit, along with a couple titles that disappeared quickly a few months back.  Who's paying attention?

In other label news, there will be a new FEVERS single on Plastic Idol later this summer!  YES!!!  The Fevers are hands down one of the best power pop bands of the modern era and I'm honored to share with you two new songs recorded last year.  Every time I hear them I can't stop smiling or singing along!  Stay tuned!

The new BOB BURNS AND THE BREAKUPS record will be here by the end of the month!  Get their new "Frustration" CD on the Catalog page, dingus!  It rules!

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6/16/06 - NO MORE LONELY NIGHTS!

The MANIKINS' "Spend The Night Alone" 7" is here for you!  Three fantastic songs, white vinyl, and a killer sleeve, limited to 500 copies.  The total package!  Visit the Catalog page right now and plunk down $4 if you're in the USA, $6 elsewhere, and you'll have your very own copy in a matter of days.  The Manikins rule!!!

Speaking of bands that rule, I just got test pressings for the BOB BURNS AND THE BREAKUPS 7".  It sounds awesome!  While you're waiting for their hotshit new EP, I encourage you to check out their debut full-length "Frustration," which they just released on CD on their own Mad Cook Records.  Pick up a copy on the Catalog page when you snag the new Manikins record.  You won't be disappointed!

Word is, I will have the final master for the MINDS' "Knifed" single within the next few weeks.  Though this project has had its share of delays, I assure you that the finished product will be worth the wait.  Thanks for your continued patience!

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5/26/06 - ANGRY ANGLES REDUX

ANGRY ANGLES' "Apparent-Transparent" 7" EP is once again available, now in its second pressing on opaque yellow/gold wax with yellow/black labels!  The second pressing is also limited to 600 copies--the first 600 were pressed on "mixed" vinyl with silver/black labels--and I expect these to disappear just as quickly, because I'm already down to double digits after filling distro orders!  Go for the gold and make a beeline for the Catalog page right now!

Up next on Plastic Idol is the MANIKINS' "Spend The Night Alone" 7" EP, which should drop within the next few weeks.  Its beautiful WHITE vinyl pressing is ready to roll, and the sleeves should be here soon.  While you're waiting, visit the band's recently launched MySpace page here and get acquainted with one of Sweden's best bands!  And keep your fingers crossed for a U.S. tour later this year!

It's official:  there will be another HEARTATTACKS record on Plastic Idol.  "Your Lies" is a total smash and there are tentative plans to deliver yet another stellar batch of tunes for your listening pleasure later this year.  I couldn't be happier!

I've been listenin' to lots and lots of BOB BURNS AND THE BREAKUPS lately--and with good reason.  Their Plastic Idol EP, "Hydrostatic Heart," is in full-swing and it's a corker.  Hit up these dudes on MySpace here and join the party.  Hydrostatic heart, baby!

While you're wolfing down the Angry Angles repress, make a note of the 19 new and restocked distro titles that I've added to the Catalog page.  We're talking the cream of the crap from the likes of P. Trash, Yakisakana, Certified PR, Out of Order, The Party's Over, and Profet.  You know the drill:  lots of great records in limited quantities!  Go!!!

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5/3/06 - WHERE DO ALL THE RECORDS GO?

So records are coming and going pretty damn fast around here, eh?  It's not exactly a bad problem to have, but don't let the competition get to you.  I hope you're all keeping up, keeping track, and having fun, because there's lots more in the works and you won't be disappointed.  Thanks so much for coming back!

Need a HEARTATTACKS record?  Your best bets domestically are Underground Medicine, Know Crap, and Midheaven, all of whom have stocked Plastic Idol stuff since day one.  Midheaven took the biggest chunk of copies, and many of those will end up in stores via Revolver USA, but I think they're sometimes overlooked from a mail order perspective.  Try them if you're looking for an out-of-print title.  Or visit the Ordering page, where you'll find links to lots of potential sources for Plastic Idol product.

The ANGRY ANGLES repress has been pushed back a week.  That's the word from the pressing plant, anyway.  I'd share with you more news if I had it, but I don't.  I really thought I'd have the records by now.  Stay with me!

I'm pleased to announce a new addition to the Plastic Idol fold:  BOB BURNS AND THE BREAKUPS.  These Midwestern cats turned heads with a killer debut EP on the underrated Dingus label, and now they're gearing up for the release of their debut full-length on P. Trash.  I got ahold of a brand new session they did literally a few weeks ago and it rules completely!  Three of those songs will be released as the "Hydrostatic Heart" EP on Plastic Idol in the near future.  Visit the band on MySpace and get on board right now!

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4/30/06 - THIS ISN'T A LIE, EITHER

I'm sold out of the HEARTATTACKS' "Your Lies" EP!  Yes, they only lasted a week!  Though I don't have any more copies to sell, the good news is that you will have an opportunity to purchase the record from many great people.  I'm sending out distro orders left and right, so records should be available within 2-3 weeks.  More on that in a few days.  In the interim, you may be pleased to know that I've asked the Heartattacks to do another 7" on Plastic Idol.  It's early, but I think we're going to make it happen.

Look for an update sometime this week with new and restocked P. Trash vinyl for sale!

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4/22/06 - NO LIE, HEARTATTACKS RECORDS ARE HERE!!!

The HEARTATTACKS' "Your Lies" 7" EP is ready to go!  This fine piece of wax is the band's first U.S. release, their fifth overall, and it really smokes.  "Your Lies" features three new songs, including a spot-on FEATURES cover, and it was pressed on lovely gold vinyl, which matches Magnus' killer sleeve design.  Sample the EP's brilliant title track on the Catalog page, and order yours today for just $4 ppd. within the USA and $6 ppd. elsewhere.

The ANGRY ANGLES repress should be here within two weeks.  This time, you'll be treated to beautiful opaque yellow vinyl!  The second pressing will also be limited to 600 copies, and while that sounds like a lot, trust me, it's not.  Judging by the volume of e-mails I've received about the repress, it wouldn't surprise me if the EP's second pressing disappears just as quickly as the first.  While you're waiting for more Angry Angles records, check out Jay Hinman's (Agony Shorthand blog) awesome review of "Apparent-Transparent" on the Press page.

While we're on the subject of records disappearing quickly, now would be a good time to secure a copy of the ANXIETIES' "De-Evolution" EP.  I'm down to about 50 copies, and odds are, that number will be significantly lower by the next update.  While this record is conspicuously absent from the Press page, because I haven't sent out review copies yet, a few folks have e-mailed me and likened the Anxieties' sound to a grittier BRIEFS, and that's pretty close.  Don't wind up reading about this record after it's gone!

The MINDS' "We Got The Pop" 7" EP lasted, like, two days after my "last call" warning.  It's sold out on this end and won't be repressed.  "Knifed" b/w "Twist It Off" continues to inch forward, and now there's talk of limited hand-screened sleeves!!!

I got test pressings for the MANIKINS' "Spend The Night Alone" EP last week and everything sounds great.  Look for this release in late May 2006.

New stuff on the Catalog page:  more of the Heartattacks' "Radio Radio" EP and Manikins' "Kriminella Tendenser" EP, both on Ken Rock and limited to 300 copies, and a handful of the Heartattacks' debut 7" on Savage.  I'm expecting a package from P. Trash any day now that includes new vinyl from the Mind Controls, Brutal Knights, Digger & the Pussycats, and more.

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3/30/06 - WAIT AROUND

Though the ANGRY ANGLES' "Apparent-Transparent" 7" EP is temporarily sold out on this end, roughly half the record's first pressing of 600 copies found its way into the hands of distros in the United States and abroad.  This means you have a great chance of scoring a copy of the first pressing if you regularly peruse the Internet for records.  Don't be duped into paying ridiculous sums of cash for this one, because the exact number of colors available and their respective quantities is unknown.  The batch of vinyl I got was truly a "mixed" pressing and I didn't count colors as I stuffed records.  The only record-buying advice you need is to act swiftly when the opportunity presents itself, because you may not get a second chance.

More Angry Angles records are on the way.  We're finalizing the details of the repress right now, but the plan is to have them ready in time for the last "Chicago Blackout" in May 2006, where you'll have a chance to experience Angry Angles live.  I've already lined up record deals with several distros that missed out on the first pressing, but there will be no pre-orders for mail order folks.  In the interim, befriend Plastic Idol on MySpace and/or send me a note with "Mailing List" in the subject line and you'll be "in the know" when it counts.

In other label news, I have only 20 copies left of the MINDS' "We Got The Pop" 7" EP.  This is your "last call" for this killer slab of beautiful opaque green wax; it won't be repressed again.  Meanwhile, the highly anticipated "Knifed" b/w "Twist It Off" single is finally starting to pick up speed.  Joel estimates the sleeve design will be finished sometime in April.  Lucas Jones is once again on board to help us out with the design, so you know it's gonna look awesome!!!  In related "Joel" news, the FLIP TOPS are gearing up to record for their Plastic Idol EP, and their upcoming full-length for Dirtnap, next month.

Speaking of awesome, Jonas Norway, record sleeve designer extraordinaire, just sent me the sleeve for the upcoming MANIKINS record on Plastic Idol, which is A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  Yes, capital letters are entirely appropriate for Jonas' work on this sleeve.  I can't wait for you to see it!  And I just got the final CD-R master from the band, which means all the pieces are in place.  No "estimated release date" just yet.

Next up on Plastic Idol is a ripping new EP from the HEARTATTACKS (ex-BLACKS, ex-TOKYO KNIVES), a band pegged by some as Sweden's answer to TEENGENERATE.  Heartattacks test pressings have come and gone, sleeves are now in the building, and it's only a matter of time before you can rock this vinyl on your very own turntable.  Here's the quick-and-dirty:  three songs (including a killer FEATURES tune) on gold wax, limited to 500 copies, with a punchy sleeve design courtesy of Magnus Andersson, the Heartattacks' talented guitar-playing front man.  Don't snooze!!!

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3/23/06 - ANGRY ANGLES RECORDS TEMPORARILY SOLD OUT!!!

It's time to make more Angry Angles records!!!  A repress is in the works, but for now, they're temporarily unavailable.  Details of the repress will be available very soon, so be sure to check back here often.  In the interim, I encourage you to visit the Shattered Records web site and pick up the record from Alix and Jay.  They'll love you for it!

Thanks for your support!

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3/21/06 - DRUM ROLL, PLEASE...

ANGRY ANGLES records are now available!!!  A few lucky South by Southwest attendees got their hands on this gem over the weekend, and now you can join them by visiting the Catalog page.  "Apparent-Transparent" features three new songs, including a killer version of WIRE's "The 15th."  First pressing is 600 copies, all on "mixed" colored vinyl.  There is a wide assortment of colors available, but the color you'll get is the next record I pull out of the box--it's completely random.  The damage:  $4 ppd. within the USA and $6 ppd. worldwide.  Have fun!

Kudos to Jay and Alix for their exceptional work on this project!  We set a rather ambitious deadline and we actually made it, which was a bit of a surprise to all of us.  In addition, special thanks go out to Matt Wong, who provided some valuable technical assistance when we were in a pinch, setting all our minds at ease.  You all rule very much!

In other label news, I'm now officially sold out of Anteenagers MC records.  There are no plans for a repress, so if you see one floating around, don't think twice about picking it up!  For more evidence, check out yet another stellar review of "Let's Not Have a Party" on the Press page courtesy of Now Wave zine.  What a brilliant record!

Speaking of reviews, Maximum Rock 'n' Roll checked in with a spot-on review of Digital Leather's "Simulator" single in the new issue (#275).  Though I've been sold out of Digital Leather records for months, some distros actually still have copies!  Send me a note if you're looking to complete your collection and I'll try to point you in the right direction.

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3/12/06 - DO YOU WANNA KNOW?

Angry Angles records should be here later this week!  I'm not sure if they'll be ready for the band's SXSW shows on March 17-18, but we're trying.  Meanwhile, click here to visit the band's MySpace page and get information about this week's happenings in Texas, including what promises to be a killer Shattered Records showcase.  Don't miss Angry Angles live!

I'm now sold out of Dissimilars records.  You still have a chance to score this fine record from a handful of distributors, but supplies are limited.  In a similar vein, I'm nearly sold out of Anteenagers MC records.  Act fast!

The Heartattacks' "Your Lies" 7" EP has gone into production and is moving right along.  This should be ready to roll out in late April.

I posted a couple new reviews of Anteenagers MC and Digital Leather, courtesy of Dusted, on the Press page.

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2/25/06 - EVERYTHING'S GREEN

The ANXIETIES' "De-Evolution" 7" EP is now in stock and ready to rock!  Like every Plastic Idol release, I'm really proud of this one.  Three songs at 45 RPM, pressed on clear green vinyl, sounding killer and looking hot.  Sample the EP's title track on the Catalog page before picking up a copy for your collection.  The cost:  $4 ppd. within the USA and $6 ppd. everywhere else.  I hope you enjoy the record!

I expect ANGRY ANGLES test pressings next week; I approved the proof of the sleeve a couple weeks back.  We're shooting for a SXSW record release, but we're cutting it awfully close.  If you're headed to Austin, Texas, in mid-March, you may be the first to get your hands on this amazing record!

I got my first dose of new HEARTATTACKS recordings this past week and almost wore out the master disc, because they're so damn good!  Their upcoming Plastic Idol EP is entitled "Your Lies" and will feature three songs, including a FEATURES cover.  Very TEENGENERATE/REGISTRATORS-like!  Believe the hype!

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2/19/06 - ANTEENAGERS MC 7" IS A TOP-TENNER TIMES TEN!!!!!!!!!!

Anteenagers MC's "Let's Not Have a Party" 7" EP made a whopping 10 "top 10" lists in the March 2006 (#274) issue of Maximum Rock 'n' Roll!  It also got a great review by Carolyn Keddy, whose impeccable taste I've admired for years.  The love for Anteenagers MC continued in Mitch Cardwell's "Let's Get Hurt" column, where he gushed about this fine record and even finer band.  Hit up the Press page to read the reviews.

Speaking of Ms. Keddy, she also singled out the Minds' "We Got The Pop" 7" EP as one of the best records of 2005 in the same issue!  Yes!  In fact, the "We Got The Pop" EP is prominently displayed on the first page of the multi-page spread devoted to staff favorites.  Right on!

In addition to the mandatory stuff outta France that I added to the web site a couple days ago (FRUSTRATION, the FOUR SLICKS, LES DRAGUEURS), I've got lots of new stuff up for grabs from Ken Rock (Sweden) and Perpetrator (New Zealand).  Visit the Catalog page on your way out and stock up!

I have exactly 7 copies left of the Dissimilars' "Landmine" 7" EP for sale.  Seven.  If you don't own this record and you snooze, you will kick yourself when the band's debut LP comes out on P. Trash.  Trust me!

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2/16/06 - ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE ANXIETIES

The Anxieties' record is in the building and it looks as sharp as it sounds!  But I'm not ready to roll out this baby just yet.  I'm waiting on sleeves, which should land sometime next week.  Stay tuned for a late February release!

The Angry Angles record is moving along quite nicely.  It will be a three-songer,  featuring two top-shelf originals ("Apparent-Transparent" and "You Fell In") and a brilliant version of Wire's "The 15th."  Best Angry Angles record yet?  Can they get any better?  You'll find out next month!

Visit the Press page to scope new reviews of Plastic Idol product.  Today I posted new write-ups for Anteenagers MC, Digital Leather, the Minds, the Dissimilars, and Black Dahlias.  Thanks go out to Lowcut, Pocketful of Change, Terminal Boredom, and Screaming Bloody Mess for their kind words.

Got some new stuff on the Catalog page direct from France, courtesy of the Born Bad and Wild Wild labels:  FRUSTRATION, LES DRAGUEURS, the FOUR SLICKS, and an oldie but goodie from the KAISERS.  Get 'em before their gone!

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2/3/06 - GREEN LIGHT FOR GREEN VINYL

The Anxieties' "De-Evolution" 7" EP should ship from the pressing plant sometime next week.  I approved the proof for the sleeve about a week ago, so that's in the works too.  Stay tuned for a mid-February release!

Just posted on the Catalog page:  new LPs from the MIND CONTROLS (awesome 250 gram picture disc version, featuring Mark Sultan of BBQ, SPACESHITS, and LES SEXAREENOS fame), JEFFREY NOVAK ONE MAN BAND, and the MANIKINS.  You need all three of these, because they kill!!!

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1/22/06 - THE UPDATE

How 'bout that Anxieties sleeve, huh?  If you think it looks cool now, imagine how cool it will look when paired with GREEN vinyl!  Special thanks to Anxieties frontman Scott Von Rocket for his hard work on the "De-Evolution" sleeve.  I think you're gonna dig this package a lot.

In other news, Angry Angles songs should be here sometime this week.  I got a sneak peek yesterday and was once again floored by Jay and Alix's spectacular creations.  And they cover Wire's "The 15th" for cryin' out loud!  Yes!  Visit the band's MySpace page to sample some of their new material and make a note of their upcoming tour itinerary.   Go see Angry Angles live!

Digital Leather's new LP on Shattered Records is open for pre-orders beginning February 1.  First 100 come in a hand-sewn leather jacket?  Get your orders for this one in early!

Sweden's the Manikins have a new web site:  www.the-manikins.com.  Stay tuned for details about their upcoming Plastic Idol EP, "Spend The Night Alone."

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1/14/06 - THAT'S WHAT THEY SAY

I just posted new reviews of the Minds, the Dissimilars, and Black Dahlias records on the Press page.  Thanks to Go Metric!, Batarang!, and This is Rock 'n' Roll for their kind words.  Speaking of kind words, Josh Rutledge of Now Wave zine posted his "Best of 2005" list and Plastic Idol is represented in a couple areas, including an "honorable mention" for "Best Record Label!"  And my pal Willy of the Punk Information Directory pegged the Minds' "We Got The Pop" 7" as the best EP of 2005!  Thanks, gentlemen!

In "coming soon" news, the Anxieties "De-Evolution" 7" EP has been mastered and forwarded to the pressing plant.  Now, we're waiting for test pressings.  February 2006 is the "ETA" for this superb record and we're certainly on pace to meet that target.

The Manikins' upcoming Plastic Idol EP will feature artwork by Jonas Norway, a talented artist whose designs have been featured on many great records, like the recent Manikins EP on Ken Rock.  I've exchanged several e-mails about this project with Jonas and it sounds like he's got another fabulous sleeve design in the works for this record.  Expect great things all around!

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1/7/06 - SNATCH IT UP

Today I added three brand spankin' new Alien Snatch titles to the Catalog page:  Baseball Furies "Lost Ones" 7"; the Mojomatics "Nothin' About Nothin'" 7"; and the Mighty Go-Go Players "Play, Lose, and Die" 10".  Get 'em while they're hot!  Look for new stuff from P. Trash and France's Born Bad Records (Frustration, the Four Slicks, Les Dragueurs, etc.) soon.

Anteenagers MC records are moving rather quickly.  Don't be left out!

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12/30/05 - THINGS ARE MOVING

The ANXIETIES' "De-Evolution" 7" EP has gone into production!  The master is now in the very capable hands of Mark at Prairie Cat Mastering, whose great work may be heard on a couple of Plastic Idol releases, like the new Anteenagers MC 7" EP.  Hopefully we'll have Anxieties test pressings towards the end of January 2006.

In other news, I'm pleased to announce that Plastic Idol will release an ANGRY ANGLES 7" EP in 2006!  Yes!  This incredibly talented, well-traveled duo, consisting of Jay Reatard and Alix Lid, is responsible for one of 2005's best EPs, "Things are Moving," which you can find on their excellent Shattered label.  Jay and Alix are busy recording as we speak, and I can't wait to hear what they've cooked up for us this time!  We're going to try and get this record out in time for their February 2006 tour and Shattered label showcase during South by Southwest, in Austin, Texas, in March.  Things are moving, indeed.

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12/18/05 - WE GOT THE POP AGAIN (BUT NOT FOR LONG)

The MINDS' "We Got The Pop" repress is now in stock!  Pressed on lovely opaque green vinyl, which falls somewhere between seafoam green and "surf" green (it almost reminds me of Astroturf), and housed in a green/white sleeve, there are only 300 copies of this gem up for grabs.  I think this is a brilliant record, and if the wonderful feedback on the Press page is any indication, lots of other folks are on board too.  Visit the Catalog page and claim yours today!

Early reports have confirmed what we knew all along:  that ANTEENAGERS MC can deliver the goods with the best of them!  Their "Let's Not Have a Party" EP is one of 2005's best records!  Listen to a sample of "Les Conformistes," one of the EP's four songs, on the Catalog page and hear for yourself.

I plan to hit the ground running in 2006 with the ANXIETIES' "De-Evolution" 7" EP, which will be the first release out of the gates.  You can look forward to a striking green/black sleeve design, green wax, and three of the bounciest, most addictive '77-ish punkers you're liable to hear in the '06.  Befriend these cats on MySpace here!

In other label news, the MANIKINS' 7" EP is going to be a MONSTER!  This will be a three-song EP, featuring one song from their "Lie, Cheat, and Steal" LP on P. Trash Records, and two brand new, exclusive cuts.  Last week, I had the pleasure of hearing the new recordings and one word sums it up:  Wow!  You'll just have to wait and hear why I'm flipping out.

Fellow Swedes the HEARTATTACKS are headed into the studio in January 2006 to record their upcoming Plastic Idol EP!  How exciting!  The Heartattacks' debut LP on P. Trash was one of 2005's best releases and their Plastic Idol EP is going to be a doozy, guaranteed!  And I just saw Magnus Black's sleeve design.  AMAZING!

I have a few copies each of new Goodbye Boozy releases from Italy:  7"s from the MILKY WAYS (members of the SPACESHITS, LES SEXAREENOS, the EVOLUTIONS, etc.) and MONITORS (members of the KILL-A-WATTS).  Lots of great stuff on the Catalog page, all limited of course.  Act fast!

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12/12/05 - IT'S PARTY TIME!!!

Anteenagers MC records are in the building, and hot damn, do they look spiffy!  Special thanks to Sunny Buick for all her hard work on the sleeve.  It was such a pleasure working with her on this project!  And the tunes?  Impressive to say the least.  France is home to many exciting sounds these days and Anteenagers MC is at the forefront of their underground rock 'n' roll scene.  On the Catalog page, you can now purchase their brand new four-song 7" EP (on RED vinyl) entitled "Let's Not Have a Party."  Sample an MP3 if you need to, but don't delay!  It's a great record and it'll be gone before you know it.

The Minds repress is almost ready to go!  I just need to put together the pieces and we'll be all set.  I hope to start shipping green vinyl by the end of this week.

The first review of Digital Leather's "Simulator" 7" is now posted on the Press page.  Thanks to Bitch Deluxe himself, Mitch Cardwell, for the kind words.  Again, I'm not repressing the Digital Leather single, so if you see one, snap it up!

I'm down to about 25 copies of the Dissimilars' "Landmine" 7" EP.  Its descent into out-of-printsville has officially begun.

While you're picking up the hot new Anteenagers MC record, you might consider stocking up on new P. Trash Records releases, like 7"s from the FEELERS, JEFFREY NOVAK ONE MAN BAND, the MISTREATERS, DIGGER & the PUSSYCATS, and a split EP featuring the ULCERS and the soon-to-be-Plastic-Idol-ized MANIKINS.  All these records and more are up for grabs on the Catalog page.

Happy Holidays!!!

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11/30/05 - RECORDS & REVIEWS

Anteenagers MC records landed earlier this week!  Yes!  The red vinyl pressing looks hot and sounds even hotter!  I'm just waiting on sleeves, which are in the mail and should be here within a week.  Check back often for updates.

It's official:  Digital Leather's "Simulator" 7" will not be repressed.  You may still pick up a copy from some of the distributors on the Ordering page, but I imagine their stock won't last much longer.  Act fast!  Also, keep your eyes peeled for a brand new Digital Leather LP from our pals at Shattered Records.  The first 100 reportedly come in a hand-sewn leather sleeve!  Brilliant!

The Minds' "We Got The Pop" repress should be here within the next couple of weeks; both records and sleeves are in the mail as we speak.  I encourage you to pre-order your copies now via the Catalog page, because the second pressing of 300 copies (green vinyl, green sleeve) will disappear quickly.  And this is all she wrote.

I posted two new reviews each of the Minds, the Dissimilars, and Black Dahlias on the Press page.  And be sure to check out the awesome rant about Plastic Idol from Henry Yu's What We Did Was Secret blog.  Thanks, Henry!!!

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11/19/05 - PLASTIC IDOL GROUNDS OUT

Digital Leather's "Simulator" 7" is now officially sold out.  Thank you very much for your support!  The jury is still out on a repress.

No Anteenagers MC records yet.  Soon.  I'm just as impatient as you are.

I posted a new review of the Dissimilars' "Landmine" 7" EP on the Press page.  This one comes from Beat the Indie Drum and it inspired today's headline.

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11/10/05 - HOT OFF THE PRESS

Two new reviews of the Dissimilars and Minds records courtesy of Terminal Boredom are now posted on the Press page!

I added a few new non-Plastic Idol titles to the Catalog page:  records from the A-FRAMES, BABY 63, the FUNCTIONAL BLACKOUTS, HENRY FIAT'S OPEN SORE, LIL' BUNNIES, the PARKINSONS, STREET BRATS, and SUPERHELICOPTER LTD.  Limited quantities available!

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11/7/05 - TURN ME LOOSE


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10/31/05 - ...AND NOW FOR TODAY'S HEADLINES

I approved test pressings for the Anteenagers MC 7" this morning!  The vinyl sounds awesome and we're now one step closer to throwing a party for the "Let's Not Have a Party" 7" EP!  We're still on pace for a December 2005 release.

This just in:  By popular demand, I'm repressing the Minds' "We Got The Pop" 7" EP.  The wheels are turning:  different color sleeve, different color vinyl, and even more limited than the first pressing.  These will disappear quicker than you can say "Record that wouldn't die."  With that in mind, I've made available on the Catalog page PayPal buttons for you to pre-order this gem.  Use them.  Or send in your order via snail mail, using the Ordering page as a guide.  DO IT NOW!!!

Plastic Idol will continue its quest for world domination in 2006 by releasing EPs from the MANIKINS and the HEARTATTACKS, both of whom hail from Sweden.  I think it's safe to say that both bands rank among the strongest of the current garage punk crop, and I look forward to bringing you the best each band has to offer next year.

So 2006 is shaping up like this:  the ANXIETIES, the MINDS, the FLIP TOPS, LYME REGIS, the BANANAS, the HEARTATTACKS, the MANIKINS, and JETPACK.  All this is subject to change, of course, but it looks like one helluva ride on paper.  I invite you to join me, and I thank you for your continued support.

The Dissimilars rock NorCal this weekend.  Here's the damage:



Have a MySpace account?  Be my friend here.

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10/27/05 - RECORDS SCHMECORDS

I have approximately 50 copies of Digital Leather's "Simulator" single in stock.  That's it!  I negotiated with one of my distributors to take fewer copies so that I could have a handful to sell directly to you, mail out promos for review, and the like.  Everybody wins!  For now, the single is back up on the Catalog page, but I suspect it won't be there much longer.  I encourage you to order a copy or 10 immediately!  The jury is still out on a repress, but if I take the plunge, you can count on different colors for the vinyl and sleeve.  Mmm, records are good.

Anybody pick up the current issue of Maximum Rock 'n' Roll (#270)?  You know, the issue where the Minds and Dissimilars records got awesome reviews and made a gazillion top ten lists?  Uh-huh.  Check it out on newsstands now; I'll have the reviews posted shortly.  In the interim, you should know that Dissimilars records are dwindling.

Speaking of the Dissimilars, those crazy San Diegans will be here in northern California next week for a pair of shows:  one at Thee Parkside, in San Francisco, on Friday, November 4, and one at the Firedance Lounge, in Sacramento, on Saturday, November 5.  It promises to be a great rock 'n' roll weekend, so get out and see these guys if you're in the area.

Now, for some "in progress" news:  I expect Anteenagers MC test pressings any day now.  Our friends at Prairie Cat Mastering completed mastering for vinyl last week, and word is, it sounds fantastic.  In other news, I just saw a draft of the Anxieties sleeve and it looks awesome.  Three cheers for Scott Von Rocket!

I've got lots of projects in the works on Plastic Idol these days, and I couldn't be happier to share them with you.  In recent weeks, I've added both the FLIP TOPS and LYME REGIS to the Plastic Idol roster; those EPs should drop sometime next year.  I'm also lobbying a pair of incredible Swedish bands to do 7"s.  It's too early to call it, but I hope to have good news for you very soon.

Finally, please support the great German label P. Trash Records!  Peter and I have become fast friends, and I'd like to acknowledge him here for all his help.  Thanks, Peter!

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10/25/05 - WHOA!!!

I'm out of Digital Leather singles right now.  It only took two weeks!  One of my distributors placed a large order today that cleaned me out.  So although I'm sold out of the record (perhaps temporarily), you shouldn't have a problem scoring a copy if you need one.  Stay tuned for another update in a few days.

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10/12/05 - SIMULATOR, SIMULATOR



10/5/05 - THE SONG THAT WOULDN'T DIE


9/26/05 - NOW ON DECK:  DIGITAL LEATHER
9/1/05 - DUSTED