Collector's Bane

Is there actually anyone out there who likes picture discs? No? Didn't think so. I've never met a single person that does. Yes, it's kinda cool that you can put pictures on vinyl but that doesn't mean that you really have to do that, right? I can think of three more picture discs that I own. One was a present that came with a trade, the other two are part of another collection. Now, if you decide to collect a particular band and you want to get all releases, well, I guess then you have to bite the bullet occasionally and go after these abominations that are called records. Probably the only good thing about owning a picture disc is that you get the satisfying feeling that you don't have to worry about getting this version any longer. Erm, or something like that... Bane - The Note - Equal Vision - picture disc - /1000 - check.

Believe The Hype

Sometimes people are as stupid as stupid can be. Take me for instance. I used to ignore hyped bands simply because they were hyped, only to realize a few years later that the hype had been more than justified. Best example: Have Heart. I remember getting a copy of The Things We Carry some time after it was released in 2006 and kind of liking it, but I couldn't really get into it simply because they were the next big thing at that time. I fear I'd have shrugged at many a classic band and made some smug remarks if I had been born a few years earlier.
Fast forward to 2013: I love Have Heart. The demo already had some good songs on it. The same goes for the What Counts EP. The songs are still kind of rough and a little simplistic maybe, but they're already foreshadowing the things to come. But The Things We Carry is what it's all about. Everything about this record is great. Music, lyrics, artwork, packaging - you name it. One of the best and most powerful records of the 00s. I'm pretty sure that hardcore kids in 20 years will talk about this record in the same vein as people talk about let's say Start Today nowadays.
Coming back to me being stupid. So I missed out on an awesome band for too long. That's one of the drawbacks of behaving like a close-minded idiot. Another one is that you have to pay a lot more for records when you jump on the bandwagon a couple of years too late. At least I have this 1st press out of 260 copies covered now. And at a moderate price, too, thanks to my new favourite website discogs. This record is going through its 8th pressing at the moment, which is an insane amount for this day and age, but it just shows how huge and important this band was and still is.

I guess sometimes it can be a good thing to believe the hype.

Relentless

Man, I love Sick Of It All. They've been delivering awesome hardcore for such a long time. Yes, the recent records pale in comparison with their early releases, I'll admit that, but it's still good hardcore. Solid tunes on this 7", too. 550 copies were pressed on white/maroon vinyl. There are also 300 of these pressed on white vinyl and 100 on black vinyl with blank pinkish/purple labels. The latter ones were sold at a Posi Numbers Festival, I believe. Most likely in 2003 when this 7" was released on Bridge 9. There are also ridiculously limited versions out of 12 (clear red/white split) and out of 4 (clear with the dragon motive). Good luck with these.