What's (Re)New?: Big Black's Headache EP

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Touch and Go Records is reissuing Big Black's Headache, a four-song EP originally released in 1987. Now past its thirty year mark, I'm aware of Headache thanks to the The Rich Man's Eight Track Tape compilation, which pulled together tracks from the EP as well as Atomizer and the "Heartbeat" single.  I expect these remastered tracks to sound much better than they do in the Eight Track Tape compilation.  Big Black's Steve Albini, ever the critic of digital technology, had no qualms with illustrating the limitations of first-gen CD systems by intentionally building this CD-only release from analog masters.  Consequently, the tracks don't have much depth or bottom.  In fact, they sound crispy.  So, I'm hoping for a richer, more intensified listening experience once this EP becomes available.

The EP's most noteworthy inclusion is likely "My Disco," though the piercing, up-tempo "Grinder," the dilemma-rich "Ready Men" ("You've got your principles/I've got bills to pay/You've got your lovers/I've got mouths to feed..."), and the interestingly swinging "Pete, King of the Detectives" all make for a solid listen. 

Headache has been remastered by Steve Albini and Bob Weston (Shellac), the album is available for pre-order at Touch and Go Records.  It's scheduled to release on June 15th.  Info and links come courtesy of Touch and Go Records.  



Big Black's 1987 12" EP HEADACHE Remastered!
Available June 15, 2018

Originally released in 1987, this 4-song 12" EP is the fourth Big Black vinyl title to be remastered by Steve Albini and Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering - following the previously released remasters of Atomizer, Bulldozer, and Racer-X. Each remastered vinyl copy of Headache is packaged in a single-pocket LP jacket with 11" x 11" insert and digital download coupon.

You can preorder the remastered Big Black HEADACHE EP HERE
Orders for the Big Black Headache 12" EP will ship on or before June 15, 2018.

Listen to HEADACHE EP Remastered
Spotify / Itunes
www.touchandgorecords.com

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Sincerely,
Letters From A Tapehead

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