I've spoken here a couple of times about buying local music. It has its pitfalls--the quizzical glance from the clerk, finding the tiny local section in the first place, lacking many places to find local CDs online, and on and on--but the rewards are that much sweeter. And that leads me to talk about one of my absolute favorite things about local musicians: CD release parties.
The notion of a CD release show in itself is brilliant. You have this artist, or group of artists who have presumably put a lot of time, work, and let's not forget money, into doing something that they are truly passionate about. After all that, the CD release show has got to be a tremendous source of pride and celebration. For the most part, I think these shows are where most artists put on the best performances ever. Sure, they may have celebrated too much, but it's the fun, it's the love, man. You have to respect that. And the best thing about it is that, if you follow bands like I do, you can finally get a studio version of the songs you've been hearing over and over again.
What's gotten me into this mood? Well, it's a big ol' CD release party for one of my local favorites: Superhopper. They'll be playing at the Triple Rock on Friday night with Die Electric, and The Holy Ghostriders. They'll be debuting their new CD "Party Killers," which I'm told has some serious jams. Those who can't make it, be forwarned that Superhopper will also have a show July 27 at the Minnesota Museum of American Art in downtown St. Paul.
So, what's the best (or worst) CD Release party you've been to?
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Brett Baldwin
Web Producer, Minnesota Public Radio
Talk more about Minnesota Music at mnmusic.gather.com
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Comments: 5
Parties at bars are fun too -- I'm a master of the obvious -- although there seems to be a lot of pressure at these shows. Anyone who has thrown a party knows the red hot worry that no one will show up (the feeling is not as acute at a record store). But if everyone's partying, who cares?
Back to your question: My favorite release party so far, though: Soviettes in the Mainroom at their CD release party last summer. That was a good one. Die Electric opened for that one too.
BTW, When is someone going to give Die Electric a medal for being the most consistent local headliner in the past few years? They don't break up, they always draw a decent, fun crowd. Any Die Electric fans out there?
The release show was amazing, although it was unique in that Kubla Kahn didn't headline. Instead, Spymob's reunion/farewell set took the headlining honor. They sounded amazing... it was truly bittersweet. I'll miss those guys.