REV25: Chicago Style

The first two Revelation 25th anniversary shows, first in CA and then in NYC, they gave us a shitty live compilation record for each as a souvenir. A nice keepsake, but pretty pointless and not something to really get excited about. I had friend hook me up with the Cali record, and then I went to the NYC and grabbed a copy of that one while I was there. When REV25 takes place in Chicago, they create a 7 inch package with unique pressings of the Gorilla Biscuits, Youth Of Today, Into Another, and Texas Is The Reason records. Figures that the one release I was excited about was also the one that was the most difficult for me to acquire.

I didn't know anyone going to the REV25 Chicago show, so this meant that I was going to have to hope the label sold the extras in their webstore if I wanted to score a set. Doug was good enough to send me an alert when REV added them to the store, but I was unplugged at the time. By the time I got the message an hour or so later, they were all sold out. When REV put the second round of records in the webstore, they again sold out before I was able to grab one. Third times a charm though, and when REV bundled the 7 inch set along with other REV25 odds and ends, and stuck a $60 price tag on it...that was when I was finally able to get my hands on a set.

I love the look of these records, as each on gets a start black cover with each band's logo on the front, and is pressed on clear vinyl.

The Chicago skyline b-side labels, along with the REV25 logo on the back cover, is a nice touch.

As I was going through my set of vinyl for this blog post, and was taking pictures, I noticed that my copy of the Texas Is The Reason 7 inch had Youth Of Today labels, with the YOT name crossed out and TITR's name hand written. What the hell? I checked Doug's post...nope, his had the right labels. How many were made like this?

Overall it was a pretty good package deal. I already have the NYC LP, and I'm not too bothered with the posters, but the REV mug and the shirts are nice...especially the NYC once, since I was there.

Discography Is The Reason

I enjoyed Texas Is The Reason in the mid-90's. I owned their album, the 7 inch, plus a couple of splits. I saw them live once at a weekend fest in New Bedford, but I don't really remember their set as it also marked the first time I saw Yen Yard Fight play. No surprise that TYF made a more lasting impression on me. So yeah, while I liked Texas Is The Reason back in the mid-90's, I think that I appreciate them more today.

Last year, when I was on my early to mid-90's Hardcore/Punk kick, I rediscovered Texas Is The Reason and it was a blast listening to them again. When I heard that REV was releasing their discography this year, I was excited to grab this double LP, and to finally have a copy of Do You Know Who You Are on vinyl. This one copy will do me fine though, and I'm not going to get caught up in REV's repress game for it. Second pressing on clear orange is available now.

REV did a great job putting this together. Nice packaging, with the vinyl color going nicely with the front cover. My only complaint is that it is damn near impossible to read the discography notes on the insert.

As a bonus, Texas Is The Reason recorded two new songs to be included on their discography. I'm not sure how I feel about new Texas material in 2013. The songs are okay, I guess...in the same kind of vein as the new Supertouch material...good enough, you know, but it wouldn't leave a gaping hole in my music world if those new songs blinked out of existence tomorrow.

Repress is the Reason

Like every other Hardcore record collector out there, I'm getting sick of trying to keep up with all these Revelation Records represses. I've never really collected REV colored vinyl, so why the Hell do I feel compelled to keep dipping into my savings account for these things...well, other than the obvious reason of total awesomeness.

I already owned the Texas is the Reason 7 inch on vinyl, but I was pretty happy to have the opportunity to finally grab a copy on colored vinyl. When I'm in a mid-90's Hardcore/Punk mood, this band never disappoints.

Quicksand is pretty hot right now. Since they played the REV25 show out in California this year, they have played the Jimmy Fallon show, and are touring early in 2013. Are they a full time band again? I'm not sure where they are headed, or if I even want them to record new material. It has been over 15 years since I've liked anything that Walter has done, so how would I feel about new Quicksand songs?

I had four different pressings of this Quicksand EP, so I figured that it was time for a photo. Three different pressings in the past year and a half...yeah, they look great, but I hope that REV chills out on this one.

It was nice to see REV repress one of their more recent titles with Down To Nothing's Unbreakable LP. Although, seeing this new pressing reminds me that I missed the boat on picking up the red vinyl they originally released back in 2008.

The dark purple vinyl doesn't look too impressive until you hold it up to the light.