Don't Fuck It Up

I've never been a big fan of the Side By Side compilation that Rev released back in 1997. The band is one of my favorites from that era, but that record is just too messy for me. Songs from the original 7 inch, compilations, the demo and live stuff... ugh, it's always been too much for me to sit down and listen to. When I listened to the Side By Side episode of the Where It Went podcast, I was surprised to hear Sammy talk about feeling the same way, and that he wanted Rev to reissue a cleaner version of the band's discography.

This year we saw that Side By Side reissue happen. Seven songs from the 7 inch, and the three songs that ended up on the Together and The Way It Is comps. Because I'm impossible to please, I do miss So Fucking Blind from this tracklist though. Since I already own a copy of the original 7 inch (3rd press), I really wasn't sure that I needed this 12 inch reissue, but in the end I figured that I'd better buy a copy now and not regret it later... although has there been a person in the history of record collecting that regretted not buying a reissue? Either way, I've got one.

The packaging on this looks fantastic with the original cover design, and I love the nice large insert. I'm not too excited about the vinyl color, but as a REVHQ exclusive limited to 450, that was the way that I went.

...Shall Be Judged and Reissued

When I was a kid, I collected Star Wars trading cards. I blew a lot of lawn mowing money on those things. I remember walking to the corner store, picking up a few packs, chewing on the cardboard flavored gum, and flipping through them to see which new ones I could add to the collection. One of my favorite things about collecting those cards was the checklist, where you could tick off each new one you recieved in your attempt to build a complete collection.

At this point, it would be really helpful if someone could put together one of those checklists for REV reissues. Seriously. I feel like I'm so lost at this point. What have I missed? And the question has to be asked...if I missed one, would I really be fussed to track it down and buy it at this point?

I still haven't stepped up to buy a pink vinyl copy of the Burn record, so every time I buy a reissue I feel guilty and inadequate. Still, this blue vinyl looks great. 487 pressed.

In an attempt to beef up my order, I was reviewing the latest vinyl from REV and discovered that Side By Side had been pressed on grey. I have no idea when this happened, but I'll gladly take a copy. Another REV release that I'll keep buying. Limited to 547 on grey.

Another Thing That Still Holds True

The REV repress train keeps on a rollin'. Damn, these things are starting to hurt my wallet.

Considering that this blog is named The One Thing That Still Holds True, it is a bit embarrassing that I haven't owned this Chain LP on vinyl until now. Yup, I opted for the CD when this was first released in 1996, and then I even ignored the second pressing in 2001. Shameful, really. I was not going to miss out this time around, and didn't hesitate to place my order.

557 pressed on white vinyl. My copy has a spot of pink streaked in it. It isn't that big of a deal, but I'm curious if they all had this.

Like Chain, Side By Side's REV 7 inch release is an undeniable classic...and like Chain, I completely ignored REV's expanded LP release in 1997. Meh...I had the 7 inch and comp songs, plus I had a copy of Lost & Found's CD pressing...did I really need an LP copy of this? You better believe I did. Too bad it took me until now to realize it.

550 pressed on red vinyl.

While not nearly measuring up to classics like Chain of Strength and Side By Side, when Ignite started making noise in the mid-90's, it was still a refreshing change from the Metal influenced Hardcore of bands like Earth Crisis, and along with bands like Fastbreak, Ten Yard Fight, and Floorpunch, they were a reminder of how great Hardcore should sound. Ash Return still can give me chills.

549 on gold vinyl.