Abecedarians

[NuWaveRx]

I've heard the single Ghost by these guys a couple of times in the past, and just the other day on Flashback Alternatives. I thought about getting their compliation "The Other Side of the Fence" or any of their other releases, and have found them to be fairly expensive (US$80 or so) on several sites. Before I shell out that kind of money I'd be interested in the expert opinion of the group..Good Band? Is there other stuff similar to Ghost? Which album should I get? Any info appreciated.

[design_femme]

I have [i]Resin[/i] on vinyl. It is pretty good, and I would love to buy more stuff by them, but I'm afraid of shelling out $80+ (I've never spent more than $40 on any music item. I'm always nervous about online stores).

"Smiling Monarchs" is probably their most famous single; it's happy, delightful new wavish 80s music. The other songs I heard by them are "They Said Tomorrow" (which is on [i]The Other Side of the Fence[/i]) and this other one whose title escapes me now. The lyrics are about people living underground—that's all I know. Those 2 songs sound more guitar-oriented pop/alternative (for lack of a better description). But they sound terrific.

I'm guessing that [i]Other Side/Fence[/i] is similar to [i]Resin[/i]; less new wavy and more focused on lush guitars.

I know there are some Abecedarians fans on this site b/c I've downloaded 2 songs from the Hub!

[goutroy]

I have their only cd, AB-CD, on the hub (although I don't think the song titles are on it yet...). It basically compiles most of their tracks from their EPs (Resin, Eureka, Smiling Monarchs) as well as some unreleased songs. If you're looking to buy the cd, eBay would be a good place to start - it usually sells for around $50.

[Otters Walk Among Us]

I ripped by vinyl copy of The Other Side of the Fence so I can make copies if there is demand. Not the best sounding, mind you, but you get what you pay for! It's actually a collection of demos and early recordings that were (I think) unreleased until 1990 or so. It's a double 10" vinyl in wonderful Independent Press packaging, I've seen it go for a lot on eBay.

I was on the hub, but only 1 or 2 people were ever able to see my lists and I could only see a couple of folks myself. I'm on a Mac and ridiculously clueless about these matters, so I just stopped getting on. I know at least one person managed to grab a few tunes from me, so there are some Abercedarians tracks on the hub.

I like the early recordings better than the album and later singles, although I'm really saying that from memory, I haven't listened to the later stuff in a long time. They Said Tomorrow and Come Out should've been huge.

[eight6]

I've got "The Other Side of the Fence" (actually 2 copies, I scratched one of the records in the first set.) It's got it's high points and it's low points, as you would expect for a demo and outtake record.

The good and the bad:

Good - 2 10" records, a different look and a nice folding lp cover that is really unique. They Said Tommorrow is a great track.

Bad - It was a small company that pressed the records, and there were only 1750 copies printed (I think) and I've found that my copies weren't of the best quality. Surface noise in spots mainly.

I'd be happy to send you an mp3 of They Said Tommorow, which IMO is the best track they've done next to Smiling Monarchs.

BTW, for anyone looking, you can find a copy of The Other Side of the Fence from Aural Assault on GEMM.com for under $20.00 U.S.


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[eight6]

[quote][i]Originally posted by design_femme[/i]
<br>I have [i]Resin[/i] on vinyl. It is pretty good, and I would love to buy more stuff by them, but I'm afraid of shelling out $80+ (I've never spent more than $40 on any music item. I'm always nervous about online stores).

"Smiling Monarchs" is probably their most famous single; it's happy, delightful new wavish 80s music. The other songs I heard by them are "They Said Tomorrow" (which is on [i]The Other Side of the Fence[/i]) and this other one whose title escapes me now. The lyrics are about people living underground—that's all I know. Those 2 songs sound more guitar-oriented pop/alternative (for lack of a better description). But they sound terrific.

I'm guessing that [i]Other Side/Fence[/i] is similar to [i]Resin[/i]; less new wavy and more focused on lush guitars.

I know there are some Abecedarians fans on this site b/c I've downloaded 2 songs from the Hub!
[/quote]


Design Femme:

I've bought hundreds of items online and haven't been burned once yet. GEMM.com is a safe bet, especially if you purchase from vendors who have the GEMM guarantee shield. I've had to return only 1 item to date because it was rated as exc. when it was in reality a frisbee. Sent it back to the vendor and was refunded in full + shipping charges as per the guarantee.

eBay is also a good place to buy provided you take time to read the feedback. I've spent as much as $370.00 for an item and more than I can remember in the $75.00 to $100.00 range and feel very comfortable now with the process. In fact, it's the only way I shop for vinyl now.

BTW, the other Abecedarians song you're thinking about is probably "Beneath the City of the Hedonistic Bohemians". How could you forget a title like that![:D]

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[design_femme]

THANK YOU EIGHT6!!! [:)][:)][:)]

That IS indeed the title! I remember it was long and quirky, but it was so long ago.

I'm glad to hear a positive take on GEMM. They seem to have all the stuff that I want. Musicstack looks pretty good too. I've had some success with ebay, but GEMM had the best selection, in my opinion.

[eight6]

[quote][i]Originally posted by design_femme[/i]
<br>THANK YOU EIGHT6!!! [:)][:)][:)]

That IS indeed the title! I remember it was long and quirky, but it was so long ago.

I'm glad to hear a positive take on GEMM. They seem to have all the stuff that I want. Musicstack looks pretty good too. I've had some success with ebay, but GEMM had the best selection, in my opinion.
[/quote]

Of the 3 vendor networks listed, Musicstack requires the most care. You have to do your homework on the vendors selling through Musicstack. You're right about GEMM, I've found it to be the best option for hard to find vinyl.

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[NuWaveRx]

[quote]I'd be happy to send you an mp3 of They Said Tommorow, which IMO is the best track they've done next to Smiling Monarchs.

[/quote]

I would much appreciate it! I'll be happy to trade for an mp3 of your chosing--although I suspect that compared to the audiophiles here at NWO, I probably have nothing in my collection that you don't already have or don't want. [:I][:D] Still, anything you'd like let me know.

I have to admit, I considered joining the Hub--it sounds like a treasure trove, from y'all's descriptions. But, again, I'm not sure I'd have much to add that isn't already there.

I'll check out GEMM. If they are as good as you say, they'll be getting a lot of business from me

Thanks to you and to all for your imput!

[eight6]

Nuwave:

I've sent the mp3 of "They Said Tomorrow" to you. Hope you enjoy it!

I think you'll be happy with GEMM, just remember to use their feedback history and other ratings as a guide when ordering. 4 and 5 star sellers are a safe bet, anything less, I would establish an e-mail rapport with the vendor. If they answer and are upfront with info then I would order otherwise I'd steer clear.

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