Pantera: Vulgar Display of Vinyl

It might actually be time for me to get a record player.

I had overly hopeful plans to get one about two years ago, then realized a good vinyl sound system actually isn't all the cheap. Sure I probably could just settle for something crappier, but I like the idea of owning a sweet record player... maybe someday.

My record player aspirations aside, for all you vinyl lovers out there, three of Pantera's most iconic albums will be reissued on vinyl. That means you will be able to pick up brand new record copies of Cowboys From Hell, Vulgar Display of Power and Far Beyond Driven on a release date TBA later this year.

I meant to purchase Master of Puppets when that was reissued awhile back, but never got around to that one either. I might have to look into that one as well.

I also kind of wish Pantera's often forgotten classic, The Great Southern Trendkill would be released on vinyl, but I can't complain too much.

In the meantime, listen to some Pantera below.

UPDATE: In other Pantera news, former frontman, Phil Anselmo, has made plans for an autobiography. I remember reading a feature on him in Revolver (back when it was much cooler), and the dude has definitely been places. Should be one of the more interesting rocker reads.

Metallica Perform Dyer's Eve Live

It's not perfect, but who would have expected this one???



Also check out pictures of this exclusive vinyl release from Megaforce Records of the colored vinyl for "Feel the Fire" coming out on May 12. Also being released is the "Fuck You and Then Some" album. These are limited to 500 copies, so vinyl collectors be on the watch!

Record Store Day is METAL!

Saturday, April 18, 2009, marks the second annual celebration of Record Store Day. A day that celebrates the little guy, those record stores that supply us with heavy metal CDs and vinyl. Listed below you will find some of the cool record stores/suppliers right here in Iowa City.

Check out more info about the day and events at the official Web site.

Do yourself a favor and visit one of these stores and let them know that they need to keep carrying the metal music!

Record Collector



Location:

116 South Linn Street
Iowa City, IA
(319) 337-5029

Why it rocks:

Record Collector has a big collection of, you guessed it, records. The store also carries new cds and has a special order service. They usually have some good metal releases in stock too. If you are an audiophile, then you can buy yourself a brand new record player there for the ultimate sound experience. Nothing represents old school thrash like vinyl does. Record Collector sells used record players too. Check this place out!

Real Compact Discs and Records



Location:

203 North Linn Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 341-7800

Why it rocks:

Real Compact Discs and Records is right inside the Northside Book Market. The store has a decent amount of new cds and vinyls, but it doesn't have much of a metal selection. However, you can call in to the number listed above and tell the store what you want and they will order it via one-day shipping and call you when it has arrived. Do this in advance of the new releases and they will get them in earlier than most retail stores would!

Now that's service!

Sweet Livin' Antiques and Art



Location:

940 Gilbert Court (not Gilbert Street)
Iowa City, IA
(319) 337-5015

Why it Rocks:

Sweet Livin' is home to largest selection of used vinyl in the area! It has a lot of variety and is the place to go if you are looking for old school vinyl. Also you can spin the vinyl in store before you buy it, which is a really cool thing for them to let you do.

Rusty Records



Location:

113 South Linn Street
Iowa City, IA

Why it rocks:

Look at the front of that store! It reminds me of the Megadeth "Rust in Peace" album cover!

This store is located right by Record Collector. It has a real "hippie vibe" if you will, but you should see it at least once. This place only sells used CDs and vinyls, but I saw Down- "Nola" for only 6 bucks used. That is a pretty good deal if you ask me.

Also below is the coolest thing going for the day that I have seen so far...

Most Metal Record Store Event:



Florida death metalers CANNIBAL CORPSE will take part in a signing session at Exclusive Company in Greenfield, Wisconsin on "Record Store Day" (Saturday, April 18). The event will begin at 2:00 p.m.

The details are as follows:

Exclusive Company
5026 S. 74th Street
Greenfield, WI 53220
414-281-6644

Also check out this article discussing the "resurgence" of metal vinyl.

Remember to support local music and record stores!

Mastodon and Lamb of God Marketing Blitz

It is cool to see that in the age of online music some bands are still trying to get us to remember why physical albums are that much cooler than their digital counterparts.

Mastodon announced that they would have a limited edition tunnel book release for Crack the Skye which comes out on March 24th.



The limited edition release is rather expensive at $39.99, but it may just be some of the coolest album art out there. I am sure some of the more loyal fans will want to get their hands on this one! It even puts bands like Tool to shame.

Mastodon also just launched a trippy Web site promoting Crack the Skye. It requires the latest version of Adobe Flash software. Here is a preview of what it looks like below.



Lamb of God is also doing a unique contest with their new album Wrath and are releasing a deluxe version of it as well (contains vinyl, CD, USB stick with bonus songs).

The first 100,000 people who purchase the CD, which is released tomorrow, will be able to enter a code at the Escape the Plague Web site. Upon entry of the code, fans will be asked to answer questions and will then be entered into a drawing for 100 different prizes.

As each prize is chosen it will be deleted until they are all gone. Here is a list of the prizes as seen on Lamb of God's Web site.

"Escape The Plague prizes include:

2 - Trips for two to see Lamb of God perform at a major UK festival in August

1 - Barbecue at your home hosted by Randy Blythe

2 - Mark Morton Guitars (Courtesy of Jackson guitars)

2 - Willie Adler Guitars (Courtesty of ESP Guitars)

2 - John Campbell Basses (Courtesy of Jackson Guitars)

1 - Chris Adler drum kit w/ an autographed Chris Adler snare (Courtesy of Mapex drums)

5 - Golden laminates, good for entry at any Lamb of God show for a year

10 - Introduce the band onstage in your town

20 - Roadie for a day in your town

7 - Sing on stage at soundcheck with the band

20 - $50 giftcards to the Lamb of God webstore (Courtesy of Bravado)

25 - Autographed super deluxe Wrath packages, including the CD, Vinyl, and UBS stick with bonus tracks

1 - Mark Morton guitar lesson

1 - Willie Adler guitar lesson

1 - John Campbell Bass lesson"

If only more bands would do stuff as cool as this maybe people would stop stealing so much music!