The Captured Tracks record label will launch its new compilation series Excavations this fall with a 28-song collection of largely forgotten indie gems from the era that followed post-punk called Strum & Thrum: The American Jangle Underground 1983-1987.
The compilation first will be released in a limited orange-vinyl pressing of 1,000 on the Record Store Day “drop” on Oct. 24. The full release on black vinyl, CD and digital follows on Nov. 13.
The 2LP set — spotlighting bands like Cyclones, Riff Doctors, Crippled Pilgrims and 28th Day — includes an 80-page booklet with what’s being billed as an extensive oral history of the ’80s indie scene, an introduction penned by Captured Tracks label chief Mike Sniper and copious archival images.
Of the new compilation, Sniper writes:
“Strum & Thrum seems like the right fit for the first reissue compilation for Captured Tracks. I’m happy that the first compilation I’ve ever produced features overlooked records that are still affordable — anyone who enjoys this comp can dive deeper into this scene without having to take out a loan. People nowadays sometimes say that guitar music is dead. Strum & Thrum is certainly against that notion. Listening to it and reading the oral history sheds a light on a largely forgotten scene full of great bands with some really great songs. I’m glad to be able to help share this story and get the bands some of the recognition they’ve deserved all along.”
Below, see the set’s full tracklist — and hear album opener “Trusted Woods” by The Reverbs.
Strum & Thrum: The American Jangle Underground 1983-1987
LP 1
1. The Reverbs, “Trusted Woods”
2. Start, “Where I Want To Be”
3. Cyclones, “I’m In Heaven”
4. Windbreakers, “All That Stuff”
5. Primitons, “All My Friends”
6. Bangtails, “Patron Of The Arts”
7. The Love In, “Late As Usual”
8. Sex Clark Five, “She Collides With Me”
0. Three Hits, “5 O’Clock”
10. Crippled Pilgrims, “Black And White” (Alternate Version)
11. Vandykes, “Breaking My Heart”
12. Salem 66, “Seven Steps Down”
13. The Outnumbered, “I Feel So Sorry Now”
14. The Darrows, “Is It You”
LP 2
1. Riff Doctors, “Say Goodbye”
2. The Ferrets, “She Was Unkind”
3. 28th Day, “Pages Turn” (Alternate Version)
4. Great Plains, “When Do You Say Hello?”
5. Downy Mildew, “Purple Parlor”
6. The Strand, “You And Me”
7. The White Sisters, “Misery, Me, & You”
8. Absolute Grey, “Remorse”
9. One Plus Two, “Promise”
10. The Springfields, “Sunflower”
11. Holiday, “Change”
12. Pop Art, “The Meeting”
13. The Reactions, “Tomorrow’s Time Today”
14. A New Personality, “Essential Things”
I want my 80’s back.
You mean REM copycats?
This is the stuff. Bands that had a few songs that deserved a wider audience but got lost in the din. There’s so many bands like these in every era. I always wonder how many bands never got their due just because of timing, lack of exposure and all the other x factors.
Really looking forward to this.
Bought the CD two days ago and enjoyed listening a lot. I owned many of these records but sold most of them 20 years ago (kept Primitons and Crippled Pilgrims). This music meant so much to me at that time. Thanks to Captured Tracks for releasing this stuff and the brilliant booklet. Looking forward to following compilations from this great label.