I definitely don’t keep up with Record Store Day releases anymore, but it took place last weekend. While I was listening to the latest reissue from The Verlaines I also noticed that it was released on vinyl for RSD, by the US label Schoolkids Records. The Verlaines is one of those legendary New Zealand groups who recorded for Flying Nun in the 80s. Mostly a trio, an ex partner of mine used to work together with Jane Dodd who played bass in the group. She had left by the time Ready to Fly came out in 1991, in fact Graeme Downes was the only original member left. It also signalled their shift away from Flying Nun to Warner Bros subsidiary Slash.
I confess I’d never checked out this era of the band before, but it’s a great record – in many ways more accessible than their 80s output – with some similarities to The Lighthouse Keepers as well. On “War In My Head” they approach their past greatness, and all of the 12 tracks have been remastered for this reissue.
