Et in Arcadia Ego: The Detritus of Brent Eyestone

MEDITATIVE SECT "Laceration Points" LP

2010-05-29T00:43:00.000-04:00

Meditative Sect is a band I do with Graham Scala, Mike Haley, and Sean Connolly. This past winter, we put together a full length that will be coming out on LP format on the label. Been busy editing that and doing drawings for it. Test presses have been approved and I just sent off the covers to be silkscreened, so be on the lookout for that soon.

You can preview some of the tracks and "like" us at: http://www.facebook.com/meditativesect

Here's a preview of the cover:

FORENSICS "You Don't Have to Win, But You Have to Fight"

2010-01-29T05:30:00.001-05:00

Notes on Forensics "You Don't Have to Win, But You Have to Fight." 10"/CD/Digital: This is the latest recording from the band I've suddenly been doing for the last 7 years. I say "suddenly" because the last full length we did was in 2004, yet it doesn't feel like it at all. This 10"/CD is four songs and, this time around, we wanted to retain a lot of the heaviness that most of our music has had in the past, yet try out some more traditional song structures. Verse-chorus-verse type shit. I also wanted to actually spend some time working on the vocals and NOT just have them be an afterthought scrawled onto notebook paper in the driveway of whatever studio, literally minutes before recording them on the last day booked. So we did all that, recorded the tracks, did the vocals, mixed with John Congleton, mastered with Nick Zampiello, and sent it out to be made. I'm really happy with how it all turned out and I hope you dig it. Being able to still write songs, play them with friends, and make records after all these years is literally the only thing keeping me from driving tanks through shopping malls, so I certainly appreciate each and every opportunity to keep doing these things.

MBL125-1 : FORENSICS "YOU DON'T HAVE TO WIN, BUT YOU HAVE TO FIGHT" 10"/CD/SHIRT/STICKERS BOX SET

DOWNLOAD THE MP3 "SHOULDERING" HERE
STREAM THE FULL 10" HERE

- 100 box sets made. Each box contains a limited copy of the 10" w/download code, the CD, an exclusive shirt, and a sticker assortment.
- Shirt sizes: Adult Small - 2X Extra Large
- Shirts feature grey ink on heather grey material. They feature the band's logo, as rendered by master illustrator Aaron Horkey.
- In the box, you will either receive regular red vinyl (limited to 300 copies) or a red TEST PRESS edition leftover from tour (#'d to 75 and randomly inserted)
- Mixed by John Congleton
- Mastered by Nick Zampiello
- Album artwork by Daniel Danger
- Guest vocals on last track by Tracy Wilson
- $18.99 ppd in the US.

• To order this box set online, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

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MBL125-1 : FORENSICS "YOU DON'T HAVE TO WIN, BUT YOU HAVE TO FIGHT" 10" AND CD

DOWNLOAD THE MP3 "SHOULDERING" HERE
STREAM THE FULL 10" HERE

- Mixed by John Congleton
- Mastered by Nick Zampiello
- Album artwork by Daniel Danger
- Guest vocals on last track by Tracy Wilson

Vinyl info:
- 10" on Red vinyl: we made 300 of these. Comes with a jacket and poster insert + download code.
- 10" on Black vinyl: we made a dickload of these, so if you're like me and don't care about colored vinyl, this is your jam.
- Both versions are $9.99 ppd in the US.

CD info:
- We ran all of the ecopaks at Stoughton Printing - really killer results. No generic jewel case bullshit - you'll be stoked to own the packaging.
- And for $5.00 ppd, you can't really go wrong.

• To order the 10" or CD (non box set versions) online, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore

• If paying by cash or money order, write
info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

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MBL125-1 : FORENSICS "YOU DON'T HAVE TO WIN, BUT YOU HAVE TO FIGHT" SKATEBOARD DECK/CD COMBO

- Deck limited to 100 - we only have 15 left as of this writing
- Each deck comes with a free copy of the CD
- Art by Daniel Danger
- Available in 8" or 8.12"

• To order the deck/CD, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

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iTunes Downloads: go here.

Thank you.

BALBOA & PLAGUE SERMON split LP up in the webstore now

2010-01-12T04:35:00.000-05:00

Notes on Balboa & Plague Sermon "Split" LP : In a transatlantic collaborative effort, Philadelphia's BALBOA and Virginia's Magic Bullet Records team up with Brighton's PLAGUE SERMON and Midmarch Records put forth a split LP featuring exclusive tracks from both bands. Building upon previous output on the now-defunct Level Plane label, BALBOA deliver 4 passionate and politically-charged bouts of unfiltered rage and discontent with a tight brand of pinpoint precision and wide open sonic force. PLAGUE SERMON complements BALBOA well, playing an emotionally-charged brand of hardcore that you'd expect to find in a sweaty 90's basement somewhere in the midwest. Limited to only 100 domestic copies, I've only got 32 of them left for mailorder.

MBL120-1 : BALBOA & PLAGUE SERMON "SPLIT" LP

- Only 100 copies available in the United States
- Only 32 copies left in the Magic Bullet webstore
- All copies on this weird amber-ish/red vinyl

• To order this LP online, please visit http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/mailorder.html
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions
• BALBOA on the web: http://www.myspace.com/balboa
• PLAGUE SERMON on the web: http://www.myspace.com/theplaguesermon

RORSCHACH Reunion prints now up for mailorder

2009-11-27T01:45:00.000-05:00

RORSCHACH
2009 Reunion Tour Print
by Brent Eyestone

- 19" x 24"
- 5 color silkscreen
- French paper stock
- Signed/numbered edition of 200
- 150 originally sold on tour, 50 copies stashed for mailorder customers

To order this print online, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore Auxiliary Section
For Vinyl and CD's, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore

Thank you.

Stephen Brodsky : "Stolen Echoes Won't Return" archival video

2009-09-17T14:58:00.001-04:00

Here's one from the vaults: beautiful music video shot by Matt Tarle for "Stolen Echoes Won't Return," a track off of the "Olé Sunday" CD/LP. Enjoy!

Sigur Rós Radio Special available on Podcast

2009-09-17T01:24:00.002-04:00

A few weeks back, I "curated" a special tribute to Sigur Rós for my friend Tracy's radio show (that she does with her friend Alex). Lots of rarities and such... it was fun. You can now download the whole thing from:

http://wrir.org/x/modules/news/article.php?storyid=10678

Enjoy.

INTEGRITY BOX SETS!

2009-09-11T05:52:00.003-04:00

MBL126 : INTEGRITY "VVALPÜRGISNACHT" BOX SET

- Hand-screened and #'d Vvalpürgisnacht CD
- 5-color spot printed "Sandra Good" organic cotton ringspun T-shirt
- Shipped to you in a hand-screened box numbered 1-100
- A collaboration between Magic Bullet Records and Shirts & Destroy limited to a strict edition of only 100 boxes
- 50 available from Magic Bullet, 50 available from Shirts & Destroy
- Sizes = Adult Small - Adult XXL

• To order this Box Set online, please visit http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/august09.html
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

9/23 : RVA : RORSCHACH | PULLING TEETH | FORENSICS

2009-09-11T04:32:00.002-04:00

AUSTIN LUCAS "Hammer" LP repress, THE PAPER CHASE "Someday..." LP (180 gram)

2009-09-01T00:11:00.002-04:00

Notes on Austin Lucas "Putting the Hammer Down" : In keeping with the theme of going back and repressing killer Magic Bullet titles of both the distant and recent past, I decided to revisit the first record Austin did for the label. When we first agreed to do it, there was a tour coming up quickly and the focus was on getting CD's out for it, plus 200 tour edition LP's. The cover design for the tour LP was simple and functional. While it did the job, it was far from what I wanted to be able to put the time into. Well, that's all remedied now. 400 more copies of this LP now exist and it finally comes with a silkscreened cover design that I'm totally stoked on. Metallic gold ink on a "hot fudge" stock, plus all kinds of different colors of vinyl (6 to be precise). 4 are available in the webstore now, 1 is only available from Austin on tour, and 1 is only available in independent record stores. Enjoy.

MBL103-1 : AUSTIN LUCAS "PUTTING THE HAMMER DOWN" LP

- Reissue of the classic full-length
- Comes with complimentary digital download coupon of entire album
- You can try out/download the entire recording for free at: http://www.gimmesound.com/AustinLucas
- Exclusive silkscreened covers designed by Brent Eyestone
- Add the fully packaged CD version for only $3.00

• To order this LP online, please visit http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/august09.html
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

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Notes on The Paper Chase "Someday This Could All Be Yours" : I first met John Congleton a bit over a year ago when we were recording the This Will Destroy You/Lymbyc Systym split down in Dallas. We both started playing in bands around the same time and have been through a lot of the same circles and have both endured the bizarre "evolution" of the underground ever since, so it wasn't hard to hit it off at all. When I left Dallas, a pact was in place to continue crossing paths and collaborating on projects down the line. So a few months later, when word came down that Kill Rock Stars wasn't going to do the vinyl version of The Paper Chase's newest record, it just seemed like a no-brainer that it should come out on Magic Bullet.

MBL114 : THE PAPER CHASE "SOMEDAY THIS COULD ALL BE YOURS" LP

- The Paper Chase's latest full length
- 180 gram vinyl

• To order this LP online, please visit http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/august09.html
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

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Next:

Christie Front Drive "Stereo" LP+DVD, CD+DVD, digital
Christie Front Drive "Discography" CD, 2xLP, digital
Forensics "You Don't Have To Win, But You Have To Fight" 10", CD
Integrity "Vvalpürgisnacht" CD/shirt box set
Integrity "Vvalpürgisnacht" skateboard deck
Loser Life "My Hell + More Hell" CD
Made Out of Babies "The Ruiner" LP

Thank you.
http://www.magicbulletrecords.com
http://www.twitter.com/magicbulletrecs
http://www.gimmesound.com/magicbulletrecords (FREE full-album downloads!)

Sigur Ros radio special airs tonight

2009-08-20T13:50:00.000-04:00

I put together a playlist for my friend Tracy's radio show tonight - a two-hour special on Sigur Rós. Included will be some Sigur Rós rarities and live tracks, side projects, an interview, some of their peers, and some of the bands they've gone on to inspire. Very comprehensive, very fun.

Tune in tonight from 7-9PM EST on http://www.wrir.org

If you're in RVA, tune to 97.3.

Thanks.

Rorschach reunion art currently being worked on

2009-08-15T02:16:00.001-04:00

We're around 6 weeks away...

New releases: KAOSPILOT "Shadows", THE PAPER CHASE "Someday..." LP (test press!), A CITY SAFE FROM SEA CD

2009-08-07T04:49:00.003-04:00

Notes on Kaospilot "Shadows" : Judging by the layout Kris put together for this record, I really need to go to Norway. I mean... just look the fucking thing. Anyway, Kaospilot hail from Norway and play a really emotional strain of heavy music probably more at home in what would be Norway's equivalent of a sweaty VFW hall or cramped DIY space versus a multi-stage festival sponsored by Monster or Dr. Scholl's or what have you. These guys are looking to come over for some stateside touring this winter, so be on the lookout. A CD version has been tossed into every copy of the album on this one.

MBL121 : KAOSPILOT "SHADOWS" LP+CD

- First pressing of the new full length from Norway's KAOSPILOT (includes both an LP and a CD)
- Additional coupon for free downloads included in every jacket
- You can try out/download the entire recording for free at: http://www.gimmesound.com/Kaospilot

• To order this LP+CD online, please visit http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/august09.html
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

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Notes on A City Safe From Sea "Throw Me Through Walls" : My friend Daniel makes some really cool artwork and gets hired to do all kind of concert posters and album covers, gallery shows, toys, all that stuff. Turns out he's also a huge guitar gear junkie and plays in a really cool band called A City Safe From Sea. He sent me demo tracks of stuff they were doing at practice years ago and I told him to just keep me up on future recordings. He held up that end of the bargain and now I'm pretty excited for people to hear what they've been up to for all these months. Gear nerds will certainly geek out on all of the batshit-crazy sonic tomfoolery, but at the heart of everything lies some super catchy songs that serve a fitting end to the summer season. Try the CD out for $5 ppd now or wait for the vinyl in the coming months.

MBL128 : A CITY SAFE FROM SEA "THROW ME THROUGH WALLS" CD

- Debut full length from a great new Boston band
- Features original art and layout by Jay Ryan
- You can try out/download the entire recording for free at: http://www.gimmesound.com/ACitySafeFromSea

• To order this CD online, please visit http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/august09.html
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

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Notes on The Paper Chase "Someday This Could All Be Yours" : I first met John Congleton a bit over a year ago when we were recording the This Will Destroy You/Lymbyc Systym split down in Dallas. We both started playing in bands around the same time and have been through a lot of the same circles and have both endured the bizarre "evolution" of the underground ever since, so it wasn't hard to hit it off at all. When I left Dallas, a pact was in place to continue crossing paths and collaborating on projects down the line. So a few months later, when word came down that Kill Rock Stars wasn't going to do the vinyl version of The Paper Chase's newest record, it just seemed like a no-brainer that it should come out on Magic Bullet.

I had originally intended to do a run of test presses for the band to sell on their summer tour before the album formally came out. Instead of that going down, the master got flagged and held up at the plant for an uncleared sample. Needless to say, it had to be moved to a different plant and, in doing so, we lost weeks in production and blew the tour. Thus, those 45 copies slated for the tour are now available for mailorder. You win? 180 gram black vinyl, hand-numbered out of 45, hand-stamped, and includes full album sleeve and insert. Snatch these up if you're a collector, or just wait a week or two and I'll have the regular edition.

MBL114 : THE PAPER CHASE "SOMEDAY THIS COULD ALL BE YOURS" LP (TEST PRESS EDITION)

- Limited Test Press edition of The Paper Chase's latest full length
- Hand numbered and stamped to 45 copies
- 180 gram vinyl
- Includes full sleeve and inserts

• To order this LP online, please visit http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/august09.html
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

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Next:

Christie Front Drive "Stereo" LP+DVD, CD+DVD, digital
Christie Front Drive "Discography" CD, 2xLP, digital
Forensics "You Don't Have To Win, But You Have To Fight" 10", CD
Integrity "Vvalpürgisnacht" CD/shirt box set
Integrity "Vvalpürgisnacht" skateboard deck
Loser Life "My Hell + More Hell" CD

Thank you.
http://www.magicbulletrecords.com
http://www.twitter.com/magicbulletrecs
http://www.gimmesound.com/magicbulletrecords (FREE full-album downloads!)

Represses: MAJORITY RULE (both LP's) + THIS WILL DESTROY YOU "S/T"

2009-08-07T04:46:00.001-04:00

Notes on Majority Rule "Interviews With David Frost" and "Emergency Numbers" : I can't say I look back too much... In fact, I think it's safe to say that at any point, I genuinely feel like I've only been alive for 3 years. It's fuckin' retarded. Anything beyond that just kind of goes into deep storage and gets pulled out only on a rare frozen moment of introspection.

However, I can say with complete certainty that my absolute favorite time in life to reflect on centers around the period in which these two albums came out. It was without a doubt the most pure and altruistic time in the lives of the band, myself, our friends, their bands, and the things we were committed to. Anyone active in the DC/NoVA punk/hardcore scene of the time would probably tell you the same. When I think about these records in particular, I'm reminded of a rare moment in life where I actively felt a part of a thriving (local) community. It was very exciting waking up every day and knowing that you were going to see all of your friends and work on so many projects before returning to your bed (if you even went to sleep that day!). Things felt urgent and everyone's actions and behaviors followed suit.

In many ways, Majority Rule was the anchor for everyone during those times. Starting with the record release for "Interviews With David Frost" at the Wilson Center (w/pg.99, Darkest Hour, Waifle, and City of Caterpillar opening!), Majority Rule shows became these pulsing beacons of community pride where hundreds and hundreds of people would come to every show, know every single word to every song, and altogether combine to create a truly transcendent experience that left us all with.... hope? Motivation? Cathartic satisfaction? These three guys and their music definitely did something special for and to all of us living in the area at the time.

What's most amazing to me in the present day is how well both of these albums held up. Repressing them doesn't feel at all like a novelty or nostalgic kitsch in the slightest. I still get goosebumps. I still believe in what's going on from the point the needle touches down all the way until it picks back up. It's my sincerest hope that a lot of folks that weren't into DIY punk/hardcore back then (or maybe missed out on the whole DC/NoVA revival of the early 00's) will be able to pull even a sliver of what these records have already given so many people. You're in for a treat...

MBL014-1 : MAJORITY RULE "INTERVIEWS WITH DAVID FROST" LP

- Second pressing of the classic debut album from Washington DC's MAJORITY RULE
- Coupon for free downloads included in every jacket
- At checkout, you'll be able to add the CD version for only $4.00
- You can try out/download the entire recording for free at http://www.gimmesound.com/MajorityRule

• To order this LP online, please visit http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/august09.html
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

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MBL035-1 : MAJORITY RULE "EMERGENCY NUMBERS" LP

- Second pressing of the classic final full length album from Washington DC's MAJORITY RULE
- Coupon for free downloads included in every jacket
- At checkout, you'll be able to add the CD version for only $4.00
- You can try out/download the entire recording for free at http://www.gimmesound.com/MajorityRule

• To order this LP online, please visit http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/august09.html
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

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Notes on This Will Destroy You "S/T" : We're now on the 3rd pressing of this thing. It's kind of weird knowing that most people living in modern society have probably heard something by this band in just a few short years (whether they realize it or not)... be it in a movie trailer, a TV show (usually where "men" are crying and getting snot on their shirts), a commercial, a coffee shop's stereo, and on and on. It's definitely been an unexpected and educational ride to say the least. At the end of the day, they're still an actual band of 4 dudes driving around, playing shows, making records just like the rest of us. And this was/is a damn fine record at that. Some new marble-y color variations for this one... enjoy.

MBL100-1 : THIS WILL DESTROY YOU "S/T" 2xLP

- Third pressing of the critically-acclaimed full length album from Austin's THIS WILL DESTROY YOU
- Coupon for free downloads included in every jacket
- At checkout, you'll be able to add the CD version for only $5.00
- You can try out/download the entire recording for free at http://www.gimmiesound.com/ThisWillDestroyYou

• To order this 2xLP online, please visit http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/august09.html
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

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Next:

Christie Front Drive "Stereo" LP+DVD, CD+DVD, digital
Christie Front Drive "Discography" CD, 2xLP, digital
Forensics "You Don't Have To Win, But You Have To Fight" 10", CD
Integrity "Vvalpürgisnacht" CD/shirt box set
Integrity "Vvalpürgisnacht" skateboard deck
Loser Life "My Hell + More Hell" CD

Thank you.

http://www.magicbulletrecords.com
http://www.twitter.com/magicbulletrecs
http://www.gimmesound.com/magicbulletrecords (FREE full-album downloads!)

Magic Bullet Records featured as Vinyl Collective's Label of the Month

2009-07-09T03:17:00.002-04:00

(Original article can be viewed on the Vinyl Collective site).

Thu 2 Jul 2009

July VC Label of the Month: Magic Bullet Recordings

Posted by virgil under ... Of the Month, Vinyl Collective
1 Comment

I am honored to bring you our July Label of the Month, Magic Bullet Recordings. Magic Bullet has put out so many incredible bands since their beginning in 1996 including Boy Sets Fire who “peer-pressured” Brent into putting out their first album. Since that first release, they have released records from a diverse number of bands from This Will Destroy You, Austin Lucas, Doomriders, Golden City, Boris, Ringfinger, and later this year, they will begin reissuing the Christie Front Drive catalog (stoked for this, used to see CFD back in the mid 90’s). Magic Bullet was started and continues to run on D.I.Y. ethics. And in their 13 year history, the label has long been releasing vinyl. Brent was kind enough to discuss what he looks for in a band, why he puts out vinyl, thoughts on variants, and much more.

Also worth noting is Magic Bullet’s recent announcement that they will be giving away much of their digital catalog away for free through a partnership with gimmesound.com who shares ad revenue with labels and artists for their legal, free downloads.

Thanks Brent for taking the time to answer these questions. Everyone please take a second to check out the feature, check out the label, and hell download some of their tracks for free.

VC: When did your label start? What inspired you to start the label? Where is your label based? Do you do the label full time? What don’t most people know about you/your label?
MB: The label started in 1996 out of my sophomore year apartment at Penn State. I was inspired to start the label when some buddies named Boy Sets Fire peer-pressured me into it (in order to put out their first CD). It’s currently located out of Fredericksburg, Virginia and it is my full-time “job.” Judging by the mail/demos I receive, I’d say most people don’t know that it’s a DIY/punk-rooted label run by a singular dude hanging out at his house. Thus, it’s really funny when people send EPK’s… or when bands I work with go get a manager or three and have them try to play “fake music industry” with me.

VC: What active bands are on your label?
MB: The latest releases have come from Loser Life, Golden City, Disappearer, Golden Holy, Boris, This Will Destroy You, Lymbyc Systym, Ringfinger. Upcoming stuff includes stuff by Integrity, Forensics, the Paper Chase, Kaospilot, and more. This year I’ll also reissue the Christie Front Drive discography, Jesuit discography, and Engine Kid discography.

VC: Why do you press vinyl? Do you collect vinyl?
MB: I’ve never really thought about it. It’s just something that I’ve always done since starting the label. Vinyl has always been an important part of the DIY/punk/hardcore scenes, so there was never a second thought about it. The fact that I grew up listening to my dad’s LP’s exclusively probably helped shape that too. And yes, I have a pretty excessive collection of my own after all these years. I have a “listening room” set up solely for playing records.

VC: What do you look for in a band? Have you ever signed a band from a demo? What advice do you have for bands trying to get your attention? What band or bands would you kill to work with?
MB: I’ve never gone for a “label sound.” I’ve always just put out whatever moves me to do so. Generally speaking, I tend to work with guys and girls that are funny people who like to party. Those are the best people in the long run. If you can hang out with a band and immediately hit it off, it’s going to work out. I really enjoy looking at album covers of stuff I’ve done and just getting immediately flooded with awesome memories of hanging out and playing with all these people.

Advice for getting my attention? Presentation and lack of pretension. I like seeing a band’s whole “vibe.” I don’t give a shit who you “shared the stage with.” I want to see artwork, read lyrics, and be blown away by the music.

Bands I’d kill to work with… I can honestly say that I’ve been lucky enough to already be in that position (aside from the killing). Christie Front Drive is one of my favorite bands of all time, so I’m bouncing off the walls as we’re planning out all the reissues. And the hardcore kid in my is circle-pitting over the Integrity stuff that’s coming up. Too many bands to name… I’m sure that many more good things will come along the journey.

VC: What manufacturer(s) do you press your records through? Do you recommend them?
MB: I’ve been at United Record Pressing since day one. I recommend that people use plants close to their homes. It saves a ton in terms of the natural resources burned up in shipping. Plus, it keeps jobs and industry in your region.

VC: What release is your best selling record? How many has it sold?
MB: Probably the Boy Sets Fire “This Crying, This Screaming, My Voice is Being Born” CD, which is the first thing I ever put out. It sold many tens of thousands… I guess in some ways you could say that it’s all been downhill from there? Ha.

VC: There are lots of opinions with regards to pressing numbers and number of variants with vinyl. I personally prefer to press 1,000 copies initially over 2 variants (300 of one and 700 of another). What is your thought on number of variants and pressing numbers? How about with represses?
MB: I just go with whatever the band wants. If they don’t have a preference, I’ll take a look at the band and what I perceive to be their audience (as well as the color scheme of the artwork) and work something out that way. For some of the more “serious” bands, it would just seem kind of weird to do anything but black or simple solids. As a collector/listener, I personally prefer black on everything in my personal collection. So I tend to have at least some of the pressing on black. I guess it’s a case by case basis. Generally speaking, I try not to go too overboard and keep it classic/simple… I feel like to much hoopla over the variants and splatters, etc. can detract from what we’re really trying to push: the music itself.

VC: Who handles your distribution?
MB: Naturally, Vinyl Collective has been helping out. Thanks Virgil! I like doing a lot of mailorder, so I push that a bit. Dischord handles a lot of store sales. I’ll also be working with some friends via a new thing called ILC. Overseas, Shellshock takes care of a lot of UK/EU sales and Disk Union brings stuff into Japan.

VC: What do you see as the future of music sales?
MB: Give it away for free on “officially licensed” sites, have corporate America foot the bill via movie trailers and commercials that the consumer sees while waiting for their downloads. The end user pays nothing, the label and bands get ad revenue.

VC: What is your stance on bundling mp3 coupons with your vinyl? Do your releases come with mp3 coupons?
MB: I’m way into it. Consumers are way into it too. Anybody who’s not doing this currently needs to catch up or sink.

VC: If you could tell the world to buy one release on your label, which one would you tell people to purchase? Why?
MB: That’s really a tough one since there’s around 125 things to pick from. I’m thinking Majority Rule’s “Interviews With David Frost” LP. Solely because it serves the functions of reminding me of a very pure and exciting time in my life while holding up musically.

Thanks.

Magic Bullet and GimmeSound featured on Village Voice blog

2009-07-09T03:14:00.002-04:00

"Another Indie Label Goes the Totally Free Route"

Click the above link to read about the Magic Bullet/Gimmesound partnership on the Village Voice blog.

You can download full Magic Bullet albums at:

http://www.gimmesound.com/magicbulletrecords

Thanks.

INTEGRITY CD, FORENSICS SVU CD, LOSER LIFE LP repress, STICKY ICKY Skate DVD out NOW!

2009-07-09T03:10:00.001-04:00

Notes on Integrity "Vvalpürgisnacht" : The recent vow of getting the label back to its early roots in spirit, packaging, and more "lifer"-oriented bands continues on, this time in the form of a very special release from a band that needs very little introduction: INTEGRITY. After being put in touch via mutual friends, Dwid and I exchanged several emails about some cool projects that we could work on. Given our mutual appreciation for hardcore music, skateboarding, DIY, and the efforts of artists like Pushead, ideas flowed and things fell into place very quickly.

First up is a very special CD to kick things off right. In many ways a tribute to Pushead's days running the Bacteria Sour label, "Vvalpürgisnacht" features hand-screened cover art, a hand-screened skull logo patch, an insert featuring lyrics and an illustration from Florian Bertmer, the two tracks that comprised the 7" on A389 Records, plus two SEPTIC DEATH covers thrown in for full homage vibes. A stamped and hand-numbered edition of 666 copies is now available from my webstore and will be with the band at future shows. Non-numbered copies will be available in independent stores this month.

Fair warning: in the coming days, I will be offering this CD in a limited box set (100 made) with a t-shirt featuring Florian's "Sandra Good" illustration (a collaboration with friends at Shirts & Destroy) as well as a "Vvalpügisnacht" skateboard deck that will come with a free copy of the CD under the shrinkwrap. A separate/stand-alone "Vvalpügisnacht" shirt will also be made available in the coming weeks. So if you intend to pick up one of the box sets, a deck, or shirt, feel free to hold off on ordering until those items are in stock.

MBL124 : INTEGRITY "VVALPÜRGISNACHT" CD

- 2 new INTEGRITY songs and 2 exclusive SEPTIC DEATH covers
- All copies feature silkscreened cover artwork
- Special hand-numbered/stamped edition for Magic Bullet mailorder and INTEGRITY shows (numbered to 666)
- All copies include silkscreened patch and offset insert featuring artwork from Florian Bertmer
- You can try out/download the entire recording for free at gimmesound.com/Integrity
- PLEASE NOTE: we are issuing both a CD/shirt box set very soon AND a CD/skateboard deck package soon. Just a heads up so you're not like "awww fuck" later...

• To order this CD online, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

--

Notes on Forensics: Sonic Victimization Unit "Deathscream" : Out here in Virginia, we have this annual festival called Macrock. It's been around for a while and changes hands every 3-4 years or so. Anyway, depending on who's in charge for any given year, we'll either get asked to play it or we'll have to apply to play it. Last year was an application year, so we put in the application and just kind of forgot about it. A couple of weeks before the event, they finally announced who was playing. In true bass-player fashion, our guy Andy figured we weren't going to do it on such short notice and went off on a snowboarding expedition. Not being one for canceling and seeing that we were slated for the "metal showcase" (kinda notorious for being in oversized, off-site venues with not nearly enough bodies to fill them), the idea was hatched to do an alter ego set with guitars, electronics, and all kinds of circuit-bent goodness.

So myself, Graham, and former Magic Bullet intern Daniel Bachman got together one spring weekend and jammed on some material that we'd play the following Friday at Macrock. That rehearsal session was recorded and edited throughout the week for a C-45 that we made 50 copies of for the show. After playing 30 minutes in front of like... 12 people, we came home and got rid of the remaining tapes in a couple of days via the webstore. After getting enough "awww duuuude, I wanted one"s, it's now being issued on CD with a hand-screened cover featuring art that I signed and numbered.

Some of the covers came in with some slight imperfections, so they're not included in the signed/numbered edition. Instead, they're being sold as a "DIY edition" for $5 ppd for anyone who doesn't care about the whole signed/numbered/pristine aspect and just wants the jamz.

MBL126 : FORENSICS: SONIC VICTIMIZATION UNIT "DEATHSCREAM" CD

- 4 songs, 28 minutes of material created for a special alter ego noise set at Macrock 2009
- All copies feature silkscreened cover artwork designed by band member Brent Eyestone
- 2 editions: signed/numbered (out of 88) vs. DIY (no signing/numbering, slight silkscreening imperfections)
- All copies include silkscreened patch
- You can try out/download the entire recording for free at gimmesound.com/ForensicsSonicVictimizationUnit

• To order this CD online, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

--

Notes on "Sticky Icky" : Every couple of years, my brother Mark (who owns the local skate shop) and I collaborate on a new skate DVD that documents all of the rad kids who rip in this surprisingly fertile tiny town we live in. This year's video is definitely my favorite... mainly because the kids in it are just so talented and so ambitious. This thing took us into more countries and onto more continents than any of the previous. Pretty much the only places not hit were Antarctica and Africa... haha. Anyway, this one runs about 40 minutes and features all kinds of Magic Bullet bands and friends. And at $6 ppd, I hope you'll enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed putting it all together.

MBL420 : STICKY ICKY SKATEBOARDING DVD

- Third collaborative DVD between Magic Bullet Records and Fredericksburg Skateboards documents modern skateboarding across multiple continents and countries
- View the full trailer at YouTube
- Soundtrack features JESUIT, LOSER LIFE, RINGFINGER, AUGHRA, and many more
- Hand-built packaging features custom-made stickers and reclaimed/recycled kraft digipaks

• To order this DVD online, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

--

Notes on Loser Life "I Have Ghosts and I Have Ghosts" : I think it's been a couple years since I've had this LP in stock... way too long. It was a split with 16oh and Mism (who still have copies of the OG press). Anyway, the band really wanted as much merch as possible for their extensive tours of the U.S. and Europe this summer, so I put together a new tour/mailorder cover design to distinguish it from the original. Only being sold on Loser Life summer 2009 tour dates and in the webstore... 175 on gray-ish marble and 25 on red marble. This thing still rages.

MBL093-1 : LOSER LIFE "I HAVE GHOSTS AND I HAVE GHOSTS" LP (SECOND PRESS)

- Second pressing: 175 on mixed marble, 25 copies on red marble
- Brand new design features silkscreened cover
- Coupon for free downloads included in every jacket
- You can try out/download the entire recording for free at gimmesound.com/LoserLife

• To order this LP online, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore
• If paying by cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions

--

Thank you.
http://www.magicbulletrecords.com
http://www.twitter.com/magicbulletrecs
http://www.gimmesound.com/magicbulletrecords (FREE full-album downloads!)

Download full albums from Magic Bullet Records... for FREE.

2009-06-11T23:45:00.001-04:00

Evolve or die!

Rather than try to fight, sue, or waste incessant time bad-mouthing the music-acquiring habits of people who "illegally" download full albums created by the glut of "hard-working" 20-somethings piling into vans and smoking the reefer in every city, forward-thinking individuals have been spending the last few years acknowledging the behavior and figuring out how to adapt accordingly.

With that said, Magic Bullet Records is proud to announce a partnership with the newly launched Gimmiesound.com, whereby visitors and music fans like yourself will be able to download "official"/"legal" high-quality, virus-free Mp3's of entire albums spanning the entire Magic Bullet discography at NO COST. As an added incentive, bands/artists will be compensated financially by the advertising revenue generated by the site. Further, Gimmesound.com is donating 2% of their net revenue to a charitable cause of your choice (selected each time you download).

I have already uploaded over 20 full albums for immediate no-cost download (including some of the newest releases!), with another 80 or so that will be steadily available for download in the coming weeks and months. Please see the list/links below and feel free download every last song and album your heart desires.

In the event you hear something you like, physical copies of the CD's and vinyl can be purchased at:
www.magicbulletrecords.com/mailorder.html

Thank you.

--

The following albums are available for immediate download:

AUGHRA
"Proof of Dark Matter | Light the Lights"
"Is There Anyone Else Outside?"
www.gimmesound.com/aughra

AUSTIN LUCAS
"The Common Cold"
"Putting The Hammer Down"
www.gimmesound.com/austinlucas

BIG CHINA & LITTLE TROUBLE
"Black Blood of the Earth"
"Fur & Teeth"
www.gimmesound.com/bigchinaandlittletrouble

BOY SETS FIRE
"This Crying, This Screaming, My Voice is Being Born"
www.gimmesound.com/boysetsfire

DISAPPEARER
"The Clearing"
www.gimmesound.com/disappearer

EKSI EKSO
"I Am Your Bastard Wings"
www.gimmesound.com/eksiekso

FRODUS
"F-Letter"
"Radio Activity"
www.gimmesound.com/frodus

GOLDEN CITY
"S/T"
www.gimmesound.com/goldencity

GOLDEN HOLY
"S/T"
www.gimmesound.com/goldenholy

LYMBYC SYSTYM
"Field Studies"
"Carved By Glaciers"
www.gimmesound.com/lymbycsystym

MOSH PATROL
"Is There Anyone Else Outside?"
www.gimmesound.com/moshpatrol

ROMANCE OF YOUNG TIGERS
"I Have Supped Full on Horrors"
www.gimmesound.com/romanceofyoungtigers

THE WAYWARD
"Overexposure"
www.gimmesound.com/thewayward

THIS WILL DESTROY YOU
"Field Studies"
"S/T"
"Young Mountain"
www.gimmesound.com/thiswilldestroyyou

--

(Stay tuned for dozens upon dozens of more albums available in the very near future.)

Austin Lucas "The Common Cold" LP now available for mailorder

2009-06-04T23:44:00.001-04:00

Notes on this one: Sometimes it's easy to forget how I got acquainted with the music of Austin Lucas... mainly because the story is pretty off the wall. Converge was on tour in the Czech Republic and stayed with a local who gave Nate some of Austin's music. Austin happened to be living over there playing music and bartending at the time (after having spent most of his life in Bloomington, Indiana). Nate got home, checked out the songs, and instantly told me that I'd fall in love with it. He was correct and, within about 24 hours of first hearing about this guy and his music, Austin and I had agreed to release the freshly-recorded "Putting The Hammer Down" together.

The journey from that point was a pleasure to be a part of. In the span of a calendar year, he went from playing an auxiliary venue at The Fest 6 (to a mere smattering of people) to recording albums with Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music, playing several weeks on the Revival Tour (with Chuck, Ben Nichols of Lucero, Tim Barry of Avail, Tom Gabel of Against Me! and more), being flown in to play all sorts of legit country/bluegrass shows, and eventually landing a feature spot at Common Grounds by the time The Fest 7 rolled around. It wasn't necessarily overnight, but once people heard the music, they latched on with an enthusiasm and fervor that was palpable... the most fulfilling aspect being that it was all made possible via hard work and strictly DIY avenues, entities, and methodology.

"The Common Cold" was the first recording I heard by Austin Lucas, so it's a privilege and a treat to be able to re-issue this recording in North America (for the first time on vinyl). Enjoy.

MBL112-1 : AUSTIN LUCAS "The Common Cold" LP

- Formal North American reissue of Austin's debut album
- Comes with complimentary digital download coupon of entire album
- First pressing: 500 copies on black vinyl
- North American edition features exclusive photography and artwork from Jason Hellmann and Brent Eyestone
- Add the fully packaged CD version for only $4.50
- Add the new LP ("Somebody Loves You") on color vinyl for only $9.00
- Check out an Mp3 here

• To check out AUSTIN LUCAS on MySpace, please visit http://www.myspace.com/austinlucas1
• If paying cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions.
• To order this LP online, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore

--

Restocked today in the webstore:
• Ringfinger "Decimal" CD (limited to 100 - signed/numbered - 4 left!)
• Pulling Teeth "Paranoid Delusions | Paradise Illusions" LP (color vinyl)
• Pulling Teeth "Martyr Immortal" LP
• Pulling Teeth "Vicious Skin" 10" picture disc (limited to 666)
• Oak "S/T" LP (for fans of Burning Witch)

Still fresh:
• Loser Life "Friends With a Demon" deluxe CD/patch
• Ringfinger "Decimal" 2nd press LP (color vinyl, new color scheme)
• Disappearer "The Clearing" 2xLP/CD (about 50 copies left of the first press!)
• Golden City "S/T" 10"/CD
• Doomriders "Black Thunder" repress LP (getting really low)

Thank you.
http://www.magicbulletrecords.com

LOSER LIFE "Friends With A Demon" CD : $6.00!

2009-05-26T22:25:00.001-04:00

Notes on this one: After a few years of dealing with some bullshit bands, bullshit managers, and trendy douchebag fans (all who call records "vinyls"), I made a simple promise to myself in 2009: get back to the roots that made the label fun for its first 10 years or so. What made it fun back then? Well, for starters, coming up with killer ideas for packaging (without having to give a crap about barcodes or if a store would carry it or not). And most importantly, working with bands who "get it." That's all that needs to be said. Without a doubt, Loser Life "gets it..." and this CD was fun as hell to put together. 12 tracks of ripping hardcore/punk all housed in a multi-layered non-retail-friendly presentation, complete with a patch that you can sew onto your favorite jacket or bag. It's all it needs to be, it's not for everybody, and we're all fine with that. These dudes will be tearing it up self-booked style all summer across the U.S. and all of Europe. I highly recommend showing your support however you can.

MBL117 : LOSER LIFE "FRIENDS WITH A DEMON" CD

- The latest full length from Bakersfield, CA's LOSER LIFE
- Limited edition: 500 pieces
- Custom packaging with lyrics, photos, layered stickering, and an exclusive patch
- 12 brand new raging tracks of hardcore punk
- Check out an Mp3 here.

• To check out LOSER LIFE on MySpace, visit http://www.myspace.com/loserlife
• If paying cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions
• To order this CD online, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore

Thank you.
http://www.magicbulletrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/magicbulletrecords
http://www.twitter.com/magicbulletrecs

Magic Bullet's e'mail of the week.

2009-03-24T15:55:00.004-04:00

Hello. I ordered the This Will Destroy You self titled vinyl through a privately owned record shop that I really love supporting. It came in, I believe, in early February of this year factory sealed. Today I opened it up to play it for the first time and noticed extra etchings on each side of the two discs. They read as follows:

"MBL100-1-A I may have fucked my life up...
MBL100-1-B Flatter than hammered shit,
MBL100-1-C But I stand here before you today...
MBL100-1-D beholden to no human cocksucker."

I would like to know if this is some sort of weird thing that went along with the record because if it is not, I'd like to take it back to the shop, have another one ordered, and exchange it for one that doesn't have such marks, as I have a small child running around and wouldn't want him to happen across this sometime in the future. I mean, I don't know if this is a common occurrence with the record or if this is some employee error that someone needs to get fired over. But please let me know. I'd like to do something about it if this was a mistake.

Thanks very much, Kelly

--

The e'mail, by itself, brought enough laughter and high-fiving over on this end. But, as a wise-man once said, "if it's worth doing, it's worth over-doing. The next step was to escalate and make a contest awarding the best possible response. Dozens and dozens were received and, in the process, some amazing revelations about "Kelly" were unearthed. We'll go chronologically through the results and events. Some of the top early submissions:

--

Dear Kelly,

I am so sorry your child may have been exposed to this shocking content, but i have good news, you found the winning record from our recent 'Shocking AH' promotional contest in conjunction with Decibel Magazine, Wiggle Media, and Tanzen Promotional Holdings LTD.

If you provide a picture of yourself with the record showing us your shocked reaction we will post your picture on our blog and provide you with an all expenses payed vacation to the holy land courtesy of Tanzen Promotional Holdings LTD. Congratulations!

Included in your prize package is the regular version of this record along with the special edition with 20 minutes of deleted digital content including outtakes, an interview with the band on sitting down as a part of performance, and a short track of me pronouncing the names of my favorite fruits. I apologize again for any trouble on the homefront this may have caused but i hope that winning this prize package will make up for it.

Yours in Christ,
Brent Ubungu Eyestone
CEO Magic Bullet Records Inc

--

Dear Kelly,

As President, CEO, Czar, Emperor, King, and Grand Poobah of Magic Bullet Records I would both like to offer our sincerest apologize and an explanation for your, shall we say, unique record. Magic Bullet is an equal-opportunity employer, and as such, we have a special needs individual working at the plant. For obvious legal reasons, we cannot release his name, but rest assured that he is in fact retarded. We'll call him 'ughbrabra,' or 'u,' if you will.

U has had a rough couple days. Earlier this week, as you may have heard, Barack Obama told him on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno that he doesn't know how to bowl. U has been bowling for a week and a half now, so naturally, this was very upsetting to him and as a result, he defamed your record. How would you feel if Barack Obama told you that you couldn't bowl? I hope you see where he was coming from.

We'll have a new record on the way as soon as possible, but in all future life dealings, please be sensitive to the situation because who knows, your next child may be a 'U'.

Sincerest regards,
Brent Eyestone
I run this shit

--

Dear Kelly,
Your lifestyle will determine your deathstyle.
Namaste,
MBR

--

Dear Kelly,

I am sorry to hear about your predicament. If your kid is offended by a piece of art, then having you as his mother was a mistake that I feel very deeply about. Sadly, no one can be fired over this quandry. Thanks for the money, though. Here is a picture of it:

{ballinBEyestone.gif}

Sincerely, Brent Eyestone CEO, Magic Bullet Records

--

my record was pressed with a hole in the center, so when i put it on the player, it looks as if it is being violated. i don't want to expose my child to such a violently arousing thing such as this. i would be comforted, as a parent, if someone was fired for gross display.

--

Dear Kelly

Are you from Maryland, you piece of shit?

Brent Eyestone/MBR

--

dear kelly,

thanks for bringing this to our attention. this is a manufacturing 'defect' our records are manufactured in china and we believe this to be the work of a rogue and disgruntled employee with a firm grasp on the english language. (it IS china, more than likely we'd be disgruntled too). as there are a large number of them, it would be impossible to find the guilty party and if found they would, in all likeliness, be executed.

i appreciate your business and would like you (and your child!) to enjoy the record. please let me know if you'd like tips on removing the etching.

yours,
brent eyestone, esq.

or

Dear Mrs. Kelly,

We appreciate your comments in and your taking the time to express your opinion. Feedback from our customers is very important to us. Your opinions have been forwarded to our Product Development Department as well as our Marketing Department. By bringing this matter to our attention, you are helping us to formulate better consumer satisfaction regarding our products.

Thank you for the opportunity to correspond with you,
Sincerely,
Brent Eyestone
Senior Consumer Representative

--

Then, a dramatic development occurs. One of the contributors finds a thread on another messageboard where 'Kelly' is not only posting about the etchings, but calling other users "dipshits" and the like. Further, she has an icon that simply says "White Drugs." Here is the link:

http://afterthepostrock.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=8927&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=325

From there, users find out all of her public information (from that site - all that she volunteered herself) and unleash havoc... the quality of the proposed response e'mails ratchet up tenfold:

--

Dear Kelly,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding your recently purchased Magic Bullet item!

While I certainly understand the contents of the matrix etching are certainly not anything for little eyes I really must ask you which is more likely--your small, but presumably highly literate, child reading these tiny little etchings and being exposed, presumably for the first time, to swear words or your small but still highly literate child looking over your shoulder while you post on the forums at afterthepostrock.com and seeing your avatar which says simply (in much bigger letters than the matrix in question) "WHITE DRUGS" Which of these is going to be easier to talk yo your child about--swear words or cocaine?

Remember, protecting your sweet, innocent child starts at home, not at the pressing plant.

At any rate, I will not be doing anything about your complaint because I too am beholden to no human cocksucker, you human cocksucker.

Sincerely
ballinbeyestone.gif

--

While this is happening, people start locating photos of Kelly, the baby in question, her pubic tattoos, her breast tattoos, and her various boyfriends. Information that she's a former junkie-turned-born-again-Christian also surfaces... A tidbit from her online diary:

--

Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:38 am

I had a drug problem a while back. A friend of mine and I would do them all the time together. We justified it by having a set of rules that we weren't allowed to break to one another. I broke them all the time behind her back. I left home several times and was homeless from Michigan To California living from the streets to the middle of the Missouri woods. I'm glad I've maintained sobriety. Everyone in my life is so amazing. I was the only one who had the biggest problem forgiving me. I wouldn't trade my family for the world and to this day sometimes feel remorse for the pain I brought upon them.

I used to get drunk all the time. Even at school in highschool. I had a friend whose mom was a meth addict and would buy me Vodka all the time to keep my mouth shut. I'd spike my Gatoraide or OJ with Vodka every day and drink all day afterwards. I was in the marching band and would have Vodka bottles instead of waterbottles on the field.

To each their own. But I'm not gonna get myself all wrapped up in that shit again. And can't associate with anyone who is.

I'm just an at-home mom. But before that, I managed a record store for three years. Which ruled. In my entire short-lived career there, I was held up at gun point three times.
My husband works for godaddy.com.

--

At this point, the Internet bears its teeth and lunges...

These photos:

become THESE photos within minutes of discovery:

And it just keeps piling on:

--

Dear Kelly,

I'm sorry to have offended anyone with this matrix etching. To clarify, the record is supposed to be that way, and no nefarious employee is to blame. However, let me explain. Let us take a close look at the etchings:

I may have fucked my life up...
Flatter than hammered sh*t,
But I stand here before you today...
beholden to no human c*cks*cker.

If you delve into the philosophy a little further, he is saying he is beholden to no human c*cks*cker. Demons aren't mentioned so this is clearly still a positive Christian message.

Again, sorry,
Brent Eyestone
Owner, Magic Bullet Records

--

Dear Kelly,

I regret to inform you that you have picked up the "dirty" version of the album. I don't know if you are familiar with the practice or not, but labels sometimes release "dirty" and "clean" versions of the same album, as some retail chains will only carry the clean version. The ones without the parental warning label are clean. If that sticker was missing, it was the store's fault.

I apologize, and will gladly take it in exchange for a clean version of this album. In addition to the different matrix etchings, several tracks are different. If listen very carefully, on "They Move on Tracks of Never-Ending Light", a grumbling voice can be softly heard in the background saying the phrase "motherf*cking c*cks*ckers". The new matrix etchings are as follows:

MBL100-1-A Kelly, I am sorry...

MBL100-1-B No, that name wasn't just a coincidence,

MBL100-1-C I really mean you, Kelly Lastname...

MBL100-1-D all the members of this band raped an entire petting zoo once

Thank you for wasting my time,
Brent Eyestone
Owner, Magic Bullet Records

--

Dear Kelly,

You're a former meth head, you should know what to do. It's just like a pistol, scratch off the serial number so they don't know how many bodies are on it. Don't you listen to rap? Jeez, listen to more rap. Do I have to tell you how to do everything?

Don't worry about the BATF, they don't monitor records. Just alcohol, tobacco, and firearms, like the name says. Just those three things. NOT RECORDS.

Speaking of the BATF, would you like to join my militia?

Posse Comitatus,
Brent Eyestone
Colonel, Virginia Irregular Militia "The Flying Magic Bullets Squadron"

--

Dear Kelly,

These markings are indeed common to all of the records pressed. It is a common practice for bands to request personal comments or messages to be etched into the vinyl. This Will Destroy you requested these phrases be made visible as they are being broadcast subliminally through their music. In fact, each track is full of subliminal messages. The band requested many of their messages to be included, but these were the only ones that I could accept. Many of the original suggestions offended my own sensibilites. Here are some of the other messages included in the record that were not etched into the matrix:

"Rub Italian dressing on my taint"

"Shit or get off the Pol Pot"

"The Holocaust never happened"

"What good are these hookers...

without any cocaine?"

"I met Jesus at a bear bar"

If you have a record player that is able to play records backwards and at 16 rpm, many of these messages are easily heard. I suggest of course that you do not do this while your children are around!

Yours,

Brent Eyestone
King Of Fuck Mountain

--

It's spiraling out of control at this point... people uncover multiple photos of her pubic tattoos, a NIRVANA CHESTPIECE, and all kinds of hypocrisy. Full details can be found in the original (and still developing) Viva La Vinyl thread, of course.

I'll end it here with one of my favorites:

--

Dear Kelly,

YOU HAVE FOUND THE GOLDEN TICKET!

You and your wonderful child, who is an absolutely adorable little one, judging from the pictures i have seen, should be at the gate of the MBR factory at fifteen minutes past 9 am tomorrow to start your unique visit. Expect a day full of wonders and a marvelous experience all around! Just Magic!

Much love,
Brent Wonkastone

March 25 : here in Fredericksburg

2009-03-13T00:21:00.002-04:00

March 25, 2009
Fredericksburg, VA:

• MT. STINKLE (Fxbrg Psych Freakout)
• STICKY ICKY (Special promo/trailer screening of the upcoming 3rd Fred Skates/Magic Bullet skate video)
• ROMANCE OF YOUNG TIGERS (on tour from Dayton, OH - awesome wall of sound on Magic Bullet Records)
• GULL (One-man-band from Richmond, VA. One of the most unbelievable and musically awesome things you will ever see.)

@ PARTY DORM (615 SPOTTSWOOD ST.)
Starts at 7PM SHARP
Bring $3.00 to take care of ROYT and GULL.

Thanks.

BORIS decks, GOLDEN CITY CD, AUSTIN LUCAS "The Common Cold" CD, THIS WILL DESTROY YOU "Young Mountain" LP repress

2009-03-07T01:45:00.004-05:00

BORIS : "FEEDBACKER" : SKATEBOARD DECK SERIES

Done for no other reason but to commemorate one of my favorite albums/projects from one of my favorite bands, BORIS' "Feedbacker" skateboard deck series features the stunning imagery that gave the album (and subsequent "bootleg" DVD) its distinctive character. Each band member is portrayed in a pool of their own blood, with new typography from Stephen O'Malley.

As a bonus, each deck is issued with a special Dropcard featuring free downloads for 8 Boris tracks spanning their career (you can thank Greg Anderson at Southern Lord for that one). 2 tracks are exclusive live versions ("Rainbow" and "You were holding an umbrella") and the card also features a special Wata illustration that Stephen worked up.

As you might already be well-aware of, BORIS merchandise tends to sell very quickly, so please act now if you intend to purchase any decks from the series.

- Available in 7.5", 7.8", and 8.1" models (all white-dipped)
- Comes shrinkwrapped with download card featuring 8 free songs (includes 2 live exclusive tracks!)
- Purchases can be made for individual decks or for the entire set

• If paying cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions.
• To order these decks online, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore

--

MBL111 : GOLDEN CITY "S/T" 8 SONG CD

- Debut CD from ex-members of CHRISTIE FRONT DRIVE, ANTARCTICA, and THE 101
- Special webstore-only price - $6.00 ppd!
- Shitty economy/dead music industry special: add the new AUSTIN LUCAS CD for only $4.00 more at checkout

• To check out GOLDEN CITY on MySpace, please visit http://www.myspace.com/therealgoldencity
• If paying cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions.
• To order this CD online, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore

--

MBL112 : AUSTIN LUCAS "THE COMMON COLD" 9 SONG CD

- Stunning debut available now for the first time in North America
- Brand new artwork exclusive to the Magic Bullet edition
- Special webstore-only price - $6.00 ppd!
- Shitty economy/dead music industry special: add the new GOLDEN CITY CD for only $4.00 more at checkout

• To check out AUSTIN LUCAS on MySpace, please visit http://www.myspace.com/austinlucas1
• If paying cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions.
• To order this CD online, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore

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MBL081-1 : THIS WILL DESTROY YOU "YOUNG MOUNTAIN" LP (5TH PRESS)

- Stunning and landmark debut album
- 5TH PRESS - Handscreened Pink and Blue Covers, Marble Pink Vinyl
- Mailorder-only exclusive edition of 400 pieces (you can only get it here)
- Add the fully packaged CD version for only $4.75

• To check out THIS WILL DESTROY YOU on MySpace, please visit http://www.myspace.com/thiswilldestroyyou
• If paying cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions.
• To order this LP online, please visit the Magic Bullet Webstore

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THIS WILL DESTROY YOU news...

2009-03-07T01:39:00.003-05:00

THIS WILL DESTROY YOU SONG FEATURED IN NEW DENZEL/TRAVOLTA SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE TRAILER

If you're a TWDY fan and you've been in a movie theater or watching TV lately, you may have been surprised to hear a very familiar song synced up to the trailer for Denzel Washington and John Travolta's latest summer blockbuster trailer. The movie is a remake titled "The Taking of Pelham 123" and the TWDY song "There Are Some Remedies Worse Than The Disease" is featured prominently over the entire second half of the theatrical trailer.

We're all super happy with the edit and you can view the results for free via the trailer found at:

http://www.catchthetrain.com/

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THIS WILL DESTROY YOU TO PERFORM AT ALL TOMORROW'S PARTIES WITH DEVO, THE JESUS LIZARD, & SLEEP

You read that correctly. Not only is DEVO headlining ATP, THE JESUS LIZARD reforming for it, and SLEEP playing "Holy Mountain" in its entirety, but god dammit, THIS WILL DESTROY YOU is also going to be a part of it all. Having had the privilege of being with the band from the early days and subsequently watching this band grow from such humble beginnings to such great international recognition over the years, I can genuinely say that this is one of those moments in life where it's hard to wipe the smile from my face (no matter what else is going on in the world).

The festival will run from May 8-10 at Butlins Holiday Centre in Minehead, Somerset (that's in the UK). Also on the bill are some favorites and friends (PINK MOUNTAINTOPS, SPIRITUALIZED, GRAILS) and numerous notables (BEIRUT, M83, ELECTRIC WIZARD, tons more).

For full details and ticketing, please visit:

http://www.atpfestival.com

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"BURIAL ON THE PRESIDIO BANKS" TO BE FEATURED ON "CSI: MIAMI" MONDAY, MARCH 16

"CSI: MIAMI" will once again be featuring the music of THIS WILL DESTROY YOU. Tune into CBS on Monday, March 16 and check local listings for times.

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To purchase THIS WILL DESTROY YOU albums, please visit:

http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/mailorder.html

Thank you.

LYMBYC SYSTYM "Carved By Glaciers" LP

2009-03-07T01:33:00.002-05:00

LYMBYC SYSTYM "CARVED BY GLACIERS" LP

- Remastered re-issue of LYMBYC SYSTYM's long out-of-print self-released debut - AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER ON VINYL
- Limited edition marble vinyl (each copy unique, just like you, Sunshine)
- Bonus remixes from HER SPACE HOLIDAY and AMERICAN ANALOG SET
- Includes coupon for free download of entire album
- Magic Bullet webstore exclusive: available 1 month before it hits stores
- Special deal: add the CD version at checkout for only $5 more

• To check out LYMBYC SYSTYM on MySpace, go to http://www.myspace.com/thelymbycsystym
• If paying cash or money order, write info@magicbulletrecords.com for instructions.
• To order this LP online, please visit http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/mailorder.html

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Thank you.

STICKY ICKY : June 26, 2009

2009-02-23T02:52:00.002-05:00

Mark's down to the final weeks of filming (our 3rd collaborative skate DVD), so I've started the art process. Here's a quick shot from my sketchbook, so that you can get a sense of where the art is going on this one.

The premiere will be in the Central Rappahannock Regional Library here in Fredericksburg on June 26, so please plan to attend. Plenty of good things in store that haven't been revealed yet...

Desert Sessions collection: COMPLETE!

2009-02-19T19:21:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Atomic Records (Milwaukee) and Sahan for hooking up vol. 1, a record that's eluded me for like 8 years (I started on vol. 3).

These are all the original 10"s and the one 7" w/PJ. Done!

THIS WILL DESTROY YOU & LYMBYC SYSTYM "Field Studies" LP's are in

2009-02-08T00:13:00.002-05:00

Technically, these don't hit stores until March 24. However, you can get copies now direct from Magic Bullet if you just can't live without it.

The CD has been out for about a month and it's on iTunes, etc. etc.

http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/mailorder.html

LUX INTERIOR : 1946-2009

2009-02-04T23:38:00.000-05:00

I bought "Bad Music For Bad People" in 1987 at the tender age of 11 over in Germany. My brother and I would ALWAYS put it on while playing Nintendo (along with Exploited LP's for some reason), especially on snow days. Even my parents grew to memorize the lyrics and my brother and I would get PSYCHED whenever the garbage truck would come lift the dumpster near our place.

I can't say I've ever gone two weeks without listening to a Cramps record since :^).

If I made stickers calling your network's faceguy a "splotchy shithead," would you pay me for music?

2009-01-21T05:13:00.001-05:00

Apparently the answer is "yes... twice even."

2008 SPX Football: Base, Rookies, and Rookie Auto Jersey Tier 1 & 2 complete

2009-01-07T05:15:00.003-05:00

I guess it's fitting that in the last week of the regular season, I've essentially completed collecting the major components that comprise the 2008 SPX Football card set. The regular base set is complete (cards 1-90) and the regular serial numbered rookies (cards 91-150) are all here (pictured above).

In a bit of insanity, I also decided to collect all of the tier 2 autographed jersey rookies (cards 151-177), the tier 1 autographed jersey rookies (cards 179-185), and all of the non-jersey autographed rookies (cards 186-225). There is no card #178 for some reason.

Above is all of the tier 1 autographed jersey rookies (179-185): Brian Brohm, DeSean Jackson, Matt Ryan, Darren McFadden, Jamaal Charles, Devin Thomas, and Jonathan Stewart. As mentioned in a previous post, the absurdity of collecting these is pretty over the top, as there were only 325 possible sets produced (the cards are serial numbered). But since they're all distributed through packs, the actual number of complete sets in the world is a mere fraction of that. In fact, some would say that anyone attempting such a pointless accomplishment is certifiable. Well, here I am.

And now we have the tier 2 autographed rookie jerseys (above), which are numbered out of 599. There's a green parallel limited to 199. I tended to favor these over the 599 edition because of the far more interesting swatches (they tend to have pieces of patches and screenprint ink from the jerseys versus standard mesh). Standouts in tier 2 would be Joe Flacco, Matt Forte, Chris Johnson, Eddie Royal, Steve Slaton, and Felix Jones.

These two are about as crazy as it gets. They are part of the gold rookie jersey autograph parallel set. In the gold parallel, there's only 25 total sets made! So the Jordy Nelson is serial numbered #22/25 made and the Jake Long is #20/25. With the gold parallel, the materials usually include a ball swatch, a multi-color jersey patch swatch, and a mesh jersey swatch.

As for the non-jersey rookie autographs, I need two more that I'm waiting on to arrive: J. Leman and Ryan Clady. I'll definitely be pretty stoked when the last 2 cards I need show up at the house... pictures to follow accordingly.

2010: The disintegration of the U.S.?

2008-12-31T04:48:00.001-05:00

Curious as to what this is all about? Read the full article at The Wall Street Journal.

Cheick Kongo leg-kicking Paul Kelly in a Las Vegas department store

2008-12-30T16:00:00.000-05:00

LYMBYC SYSTYM : Daytrotter Session : Download 4 Exclusive Live Tracks!

2008-12-30T06:02:00.002-05:00

The ever-awesome Daytrotter site recently posted a very special live session from our favorite brotherly duo LYMBYC SYSTYM. The session features Jared and Mike performing 4 tracks (including two from the upcoming split with THIS WILL DESTROY YOU) and giving insight/explanations behind their creations. Additionally, the crew over at Daytrotter took the time to write their own description of the band's music AND drew a funny picture of the guys.

We can't thank the folks over at that site enough for all of the wonderful work they did in making all of this happen. In fact, the best way to thank them would be for as many people as possible to download the session and enjoy!

Download the songs here.

• LYMBYC SYSTYM "Carved By Glaciers" CD in stores everywhere January 13
• THIS WILL DESTROY YOU & LYMBYC SYSTYM "Field Studies" CD in stores everywhere January 13

(iTunes available now)
(LP versions available March 24)

Decibel Magazine's review of the Big China & Little Trouble CD

2008-12-30T06:00:00.002-05:00

Some great Skate Rock finds in the bins at Long in the Tooth (Philadelphia)

2008-12-23T06:38:00.006-05:00

Long in the Tooth is a great record store located on Sansom St. in Central Philadelphia. I hadn't been prior to this past weekend, but thankfully we were able to stop by before leaving town after Forensics' show the previous night. Some gems were to be had. I walked out with about 25 LP's and 7"s both new and old (Graham did similar damage). Below are a few skate rock gems from my haul.

Here it is: Odd Man Out's debut (and only) LP. I had this on tape as a kid and have had it on my vinyl want list for many years since. To find this in the bins gave me an unbelievable natural high: a mixture of nostalgia and adrenaline over "the hunt" finally being over. And all for $7.99... unreal. I put this on a few minutes ago and didn't forget a single word. This was Steve Caballero's band after the Faction. Ray Stevens played drums on it... Definitely a huge/major want now scratched off the list.

Killer comp territory right here: "Rat Music for Rat People Vol. 2" LP from 1984. MDC, DRI, JFA, Dicks, Fang, Minutemen, Big Boys, The White Lie, Tales of Terror, Butthole Surfers, and Personality Crisis. This one was in pristine shape with both inserts - couldn't believe it.

JFA's "Camp Out" b/w "Travels With Charlie" 7" on Spontaneous Combustion. Green vinyl and hand-stamped #41 out of 100 (though only 85 were issued with red ink). Really awesome screenprinted sleeve. This was mid-90's-era JFA, issued well after all of the classic JFA material that was caked into my memory/nostalgia (a la the Odd Man Out LP, Drunk Injuns, etc.). Thus, I don't remember these songs offhand and look forward to getting re-acquainted.

And finally, here's another 90's-era JFA 7" ("Lightning Storm" b/w "People's Revolutionary Party"). This supposedly came out in 1991, but the credits clearly state that it was recorded 5.1.92. Hand numbered out of 1000 on the label.

Really looking forward to making more and more regular visits to Long in the Tooth. Definitely everything you hope a record store to be - the perfect mix of all the new stuff you could ever want plus really tough to find old stuff at a great price. I highly recommend stopping by if you're a serious record nerd.

Stuart from Mogwai walks through the live set-up

2008-12-17T14:31:00.002-05:00

I play music while you shoot people.

2008-12-17T02:04:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I got a package from Activision containing copies of "Paintball 2009," our first foray into video game soundtracks. This one features "Boat Day At The Marina." It's available for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, XBox 360, and Wii. The Wii version is pretty awesome because it's compatible with the Wii Zapper. Can't wait to dive in... You can pick up a copy of this game in just about every video game retail outlet - have fun.

Next week I should be able to announce the next video game we're going to be a part of. Super excited about all of this stuff - no better feeling than to do the things in your adult life that the 12-year old version of you can be stoked on...

The quest to complete 2008 SPX Football : Update #1

2008-12-14T03:00:00.004-05:00

As none of you know, I've been working on completing Upper Deck's 2008 SPX Football set - all 225 cards (including the short print rookies and even shorter-print triple jersey rookie autographs). This isn't a very easy task and bears no resemblance to the relative ease in putting a set together back in the 80's/90's and early 00's.

These days, there's a market for extreme/serious collectors with disposable incomes. There are now single packs that cost literally $300 or more new. That's right - one pack. SPX is a more moderately priced premium brand, retailing for around $20 per pack (4 cards).

Anyway, because of the print runs of the tier 1 rookie autograph jerseys (only 325 of each card were issued), there can only ever be a maximum of 325 complete sets in the world. This figure shrinks exponentially when you account for the collectors that have individual cards from the 325-edition tier 1 (but nowhere near a complete set).

In spite of all this, I'm damn close to finishing. I have all of the serial-numbered, non-autographed rookies in hand or on the way, I only need 10 more of the 90-card base set (these are easy to get), I've got about 70% of the autographed rookies, 24 of the 27 tier 2 rookie auto jerseys, and now all of the tier 1's (the ones that are limited to 325 apiece).

Above is (arguably) the most important card to the set: the Matt Ryan tier 1 autograph/triple jersey. This one is serial numbered 229/325. While the Darren McFadden books for a bit more ($250 vs. $175), it's not indicative of the actual market. Whereas McFadden was the pre-season hype beast, Ryan is the one to become the real-life phenom and the one surely to lock up ROY honors.

More importantly than book values and rarity, Matt Ryan (and all of his 2008 cards) represent to many a very "happy" ending to a very ugly story - namely the Michael Vick legacy. After all of that awful information came before the public, it certainly appeared that the Atlanta Falcons organization had hit the skids and would be there for years to come. Surely with a first year head coach and a rookie quarterback, there would need to be a serious rebuilding and healing period.

Thankfully for that city (and dog-lovers everywhere), just the opposite evolved. The rookie quarterback and first year coach ended up leading their team to a winning record, exciting games, and are currently eying up a spot in the playoffs. And while I'm not a fan of the team (the Chicago Bears are whom I root for in the NFC), I'm certainly touched by what they've been able to do and feel it's the most significant and meaningful story from this year's NFL season.

In that regard it's strange to say, but sincere: I'm certainly proud to have a very small piece of this guy's first season. Everyone has a vice (mine clearly being pricey football cards), but it's great anytime something about that vice can connect you even closer to a truly inspiring time for a team/city that needed something special to rise out of what could have been a completely disastrous and dark era.

A brief account of some of the exchanges I overheard at the Ravens/Redskins game

2008-12-09T21:50:00.003-05:00

Ravens fan: So where are your seats?
Redskins fan: They're kind of behind the Skins' bench. I'm psyched.
Ravens fan: Oh good, then you can tell your boy Jason Campbell how much fucking cock he sucks this season.
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Ravens fan (to Redskins fan in Sean Taylor jersey): Who's 'Taylor?'
Redskins fan (falling for it): Sean Taylor. You never heard of him?
Ravens fan: Fuck no, tell me more.
Redskins fan: Well, he was our best defender until he got shot last season.
Ravens fan: He got shot?
Redskins fan: Yeah, and he died.
Ravens fan: How many bullets?
Redskins fan: One, I think.
Ravens fan: Just one?!?
Redskins fan: Man, I don't know.
Ravens fan: One bullet - what fucking pussy. Shit, Ray Lewis got shot by one bullet, but he's playing tonight. He probably took the bullet out and ate it. 50 Cent got shot by like 9 bullets and he still made a bunch of records. Sean Taylor was just a pussy.
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Ravens fan (to Chris Cooley, who was coming out of the tunnel for the second half and glanced up at our seats - literally 4 feet away): What are you looking at, faggot?
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Drunk Ravens fan (to sideline reporter Andrea Kremer, in reference to NBC's overhead pulley camera sliding over the field): Hey Suzy Kolber! Suzzzzzy Kolber! Get your fucking UFO camera out of my fucking face.
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Amazing female Ravens fan (to male cheerleader who looked up at her in the stands): Haha, you're a male cheerleader.
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Needless to say, it was a pretty ridiculous night. And a rather cold one, as temperatures were in the low 20's with a wind-chill that drove it down even further. Even still, a completely enjoyable time. Flacco looked great and it's apparent he's got a bright future ahead of him. Ed Reed had 3 takeaways, one for a TD... it's kind of absurd how often he's been able to do this.

Super excited for this Sunday's game v. the Steelers.

p.s. The seats were great... endzone by the visiting tunnel and right on the field:

Welcome to the island...

2008-12-09T04:30:00.003-05:00

It's interesting... when you become a workaholic and actually enjoy what and all you do, it's increasingly easy to become submersed in that world and isolated from the bigger picture. This becomes even more the case if you're lucky enough to not have to answer to bosses or set responsibilities... where you're able to dictate your own actions and inactions completely. I was able to make that leap almost 6 years ago and, in that time, I've noticed that the more "professional" aspects of what I involve myself with seem to dominate overall perceptions. It makes sense... a lot of times, that's all I care to make available.

Sometimes all it does is make others assume we can't relate. It pushes them away. Sometimes I'm just as guilty in thinking that the life I lead makes it impossible to relate to too many people. And thus, I'm doing the pushing. Either way, sometimes even those close to me don't feel like they know what's going on in my head... or that perhaps all I care about is the work.

So to anyone stumbling in, consider this blog a self-imposed tracking device where you'll be able to get quite a bit more of what goes on here than what I give out via the traditional channels. More "me," less formality and entity-speak. Perhaps you'll stumble across some great revelation on the human condition... More than likely, you'll just be subjected to the banality of me constantly posting about rare football cards and records that I pick up.

Either way, I hope you find something interesting (or at least find amusement) in what is to come. Thanks for reading.