Description

Jad Fair & Kramer – Roll Out The Barrel – Cassette

Roll Out the Barrel is a collaborative album by Jad Fair and Kramer, released in 1988. Jad Fair is known for his work with the experimental rock band Half Japanese, while Kramer is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and founder of Shimmy Disc, known for his work with artists like Bongwater and Galaxie 500. This album blends their unique styles, creating a distinctive sound that combines elements of experimental rock, lo-fi, and avant-garde pop.

The album features a mix of experimental rock and lo-fi aesthetics, characterized by unconventional song structures, raw production, and a DIY ethos. Jad Fair’s quirky vocal delivery and Kramer’s eclectic instrumentation create a sound that defies traditional pop conventions while remaining catchy and accessible.

Track Highlights:

‘Cheerleaders Wild Weekend’: A track that combines Jad Fair’s distinctive vocal style with Kramer’s atmospheric instrumentation, creating a unique and engaging listening experience.
‘Double for Me’: This song features a more upbeat and energetic feel, with playful lyrics and a catchy melody.
‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’: A track that showcases the duo’s ability to create mood and atmosphere through minimalist production and evocative lyrics.

The lyrics often have a whimsical and quirky quality, reflecting Jad Fair’s unique perspective and playful approach to songwriting. Some tracks delve into more emotional and reflective themes, exploring the complexities of life and relationships with a sense of sincerity and vulnerability.

The production is intentionally raw and unpolished, giving the album an authentic and intimate feel. This lo-fi approach adds to the album’s charm and distinctive character. Kramer’s use of various instruments and sounds creates a rich and eclectic sonic landscape, complementing Jad Fair’s vocal style.

Roll Out the Barrel has developed a cult following among fans of experimental and lo-fi music, appreciated for its originality and the unique collaboration between Jad Fair and Kramer. The album’s innovative blend of styles and its DIY ethos have influenced subsequent generations of indie and experimental musicians.

Roll Out the Barrel by Jad Fair and Kramer stands as a significant example of experimental and lo-fi music from the late 1980s. The album’s blend of whimsical lyrics, raw production, and eclectic instrumentation captures the essence of the DIY spirit and the avant-garde approach of its creators. Jad Fair and Kramer’s collaboration results in a unique and engaging listening experience that defies conventional genre boundaries. The album continues to be celebrated by fans of experimental music for its originality, emotional depth, and the distinctive styles of its two creators. Roll Out the Barrel remains an enduring testament to the creative possibilities of collaboration and the power of independent music.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the original plastic seal

Shimmy Disc Records

Track Listing
1. Cheerleaders Wild Weekend
2. Double for Me
3. Bird of Prey
4. Subterranean Homesick Blues
5. If It’s O.K.
6. Better Safe Than Sorry
7. Den of Angels
8. Blind Hope
9. California
10. When Is She Coming
11. Second Thought
12. Best Left Unsaid
13. By & By
14. Help!
15. Around & Around
16. What I’ve Been Waiting For
17. Load & Mount
18. Nosferatu
19. Twist & Shout
20. King Kong
21. Rockin’ Chair
22. Easy to See
23. On the Sunny Side of the Street
24. Paths of Glory