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Avail

Reissues
2006
Jade Tree

Avail - Reissues (Cover Artwork)

Review by: southpawnation
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Published on April 11th 2006

These are very nice and well-put together reissues by Jade Tree of the best Avail albums. As it says in the liner notes, "this trio of discs really cemented the band's place in the legend and lore of the underground, artfully fusing hardcore, `80s punk, and classic rock, with a hint of old-school country." Each has basically all-new artwork and packaging because Lookout! lost the original art files.

As a hardcore Avail fan, I think the $38.50 I spent on the pre-order to get all 3 CDs (plus a cool t-shirt and poster) was well worth the money. These 3 CDs actually "replace" 4 CDs, a 10"/CD, and 2 7"s (plus a couple compilation tracks). Each one has a small piece of 2 Avail logos, so if you get all 3 and line them up it creates the whole logo image on your CD shelf. Small, but nice little detail. All have identical liner notes by A.C. Thompson with some additional, very short comments by Tim or Beau Beau about the specific recording(s) on the CD. Expanded lyric booklets with new and/or additional photos are included in all, as well as new CD art (the same CD art is actually on all 3, but in different colors with a `94, `96, or `98 indicated in the disc to reflect the original release year). I like the "series" touch Jade Tree put on these 3 releases.

The remastering has improved the sound on all the releases somewhat, but I wasn't blown away by any vast improvements over the original releases. So, if you're basing your repurchase decision on only improved sound quality, I wouldn't say that alone is worth replacing your original CDs. But, if you've never picked these up before, I would whole-heartedly recommend buying the reissued versions over the originals.

Dixie

Including the Attempt to Regress 7" and the bootleg-quality Live at the Kings Head Inn, Dixie is another solid Avail release, albeit a slightly different sounding band than what they evolved into on 4AM and Over the James. It was a huge step forward from Satiate, though (which wasn't reissued). The Live at the Kings Head 10"/CD was only recommendable to the most hardcore of Avail fans, so the extras on this disc aren't enough to recommend a re-purchase, and I would say pick up this album last (of the three) if you're just discovering Avail.

4AM Friday

4AM Friday is a great value not only because it is a great album, but because it also includes the Live at the Bottom of the Hill CD. Seeing Avail live is an amazing experience, and that disc captured it well. One of the highlights of the set was "Nameless," an anti-violence anthem where a fight breaks out at the show mid-song ("Uh, are you guys not listening to this song or what?"). Even though I still found no super-appreciable difference in sound quality, this is definitely the most worthwhile pickup if you never bought either release originally and could serve as a fine introduction to the band, as well. I'm sure there is some argument over whether 4AM or Over the James is the best Avail record (hell, I've also heard some crusties say Dixie is their favorite).

Over the James

Not only my favorite Avail album, but one of my all-time favorite albums period. The mostly acoustic version of "Lombardy St." from the Fall of Richmond 7"/CD|EP included here has also always been my favorite version of that song. The 3 covers -- Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" (from the Return of the Red Menace (AK Press) comp), Billy Joel's "You May Be Right" (from the Fall of Richmond EP), and Embrace's "Said Gun" (Land of Greed World of Need comp) aren't essential, however. Even though the extras aren't overwhelming, Over the James would be my pick for the first album someone should check out if they're interested in Avail.

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Posted by sickboi on 2006-04-17 16:38:09

You wanna see some shit, see Avail do "Southbound 95" in Richmond.

People lose teeth.

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 15, 2006 at 12:09 AM (EDT)

Sharkman.....Simple Song IS one of the best songs Avail has ever done. (in my opinon) Just to see that one song live would be worth it....but a whole set with great songs like New #2, Blueridge, Monroe Park ect. ect. would definately make it worth your while. Whose going on 4/20 to the church??

-Ninja

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 8:45 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Props, by the way, to Jade Tree for not just reissuing almost identical albums - Victory, et. al., I'm looking at you.

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 2:08 PM (EDT)

you know something robert, YOU SUCK!

Posted by -sidewalk- on 2006-04-13 12:46:31

Donkey Kong sucks

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 12:17 AM (EDT)

Avail sucks

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 3:25 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Avail is one of those bands that stand the test of time, as in lyrically. All three of these albums mean a lot more to me now then they did when I was younger. I was respectfully 14, 16, 18, when those albums were released. I'm 25 now, and still find myself always going back to these albums when things get rough. Avail will be in Cleveland this coming Monday and I'd love to buy those Dixie boys a drink.

Posted by MrStabone on 2006-04-12 14:08:13

best VA punk band ever!

i love them. i have almost all the bonus material outside of a couple songs, so not sure if i am gonna get these....i thought it was gonna be way more unreleased stuff

Dixie is my fave cause it's how i got in to them, but I really like Over the James too

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 9:35 AM (EDT)

anyone going to see them at maxwell's in hoboken??? i can't fecking wait! avail was the third show i ever went to. i saw them with rancid and the queers at the wetlands in 94. probably still one of the best shows i've ever been to.

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 12:54 AM (EDT)
My Score:

i just got these in the mail today. finally and great copy of Said Gun

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at 8:42 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Score's for Dixie. One of the best punk albums ever.

Posted by southpawnation on 2006-04-11 14:22:32

was $30, but w/ shipping and whatever the total was $38.50.

Posted by Dante3000 on 2006-04-11 14:18:33

There was a pre-order deal where you got all three CD's a shirt and a poster for $30.
Now they only have all three CD's for $26. Which ain't a bad deal.
-Dante

Posted by sickboi on 2006-04-11 14:10:29

What's the deal?

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at 1:55 PM (EDT)
My Score:

It's a shame I already own Dixie; I would've like to buy the CD/shirt deal.

-Chinatown

Posted by darkstarm on 2006-04-11 13:08:45

As someone who was looking for these albums for the past two years and couldn't find them, I'm glad I'm finally gonna be able to get 'em.

Posted by Dante3000 on 2006-04-11 13:03:04
My Score:

Probably some of the best reissues I've gotten or seen.
I thought the pre-order was only $30 for the package though? I don't recall as I retardedly placed my order in like February.
Still, awesome add ons. I still have to go with Over The James as my favorite album and best reissue (in my opinion).
It's a great deal if you're just starting to get into Avail because you get some shit that would be really hard to get your hands on otherwise.
-Dante

Posted by southpawnation on 2006-04-11 12:49:10

There are some "easter egg" liner notes under the CD trays too. Nothing too crazy, but some extra info/art.

Posted by skolarx on 2006-04-11 11:13:46

hey salsashark, i'm really much of an avail fan but i would still say you should see them live. they sound great and the energy is incredible

Posted by kindofalongwaydown on 2006-04-11 11:07:42

5 Bands you must see live before you die:
1.)Explosions in the sky
2.)Avail
3.)Godspeed you! black emperor
4.)Sick of it all
5.)Planes mistaken for stars

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at 11:03 AM (EDT)

i'm really looking forward to seeing avail again next monday with the draft. it'll be the first time seeing them since mid 2000 at the old euclid tavern when they were part of one of the best lineups i've ever seen at a show:

leatherface
dillinger four
avail

it was maybe the only time i saw three bands get a headliner's reaction at the same show.

Posted by primeevil7 on 2006-04-11 10:15:59

Avail's fun as hell live, you won't be let down.

Posted by sickboi on 2006-04-11 08:47:36

Such amazing albums.

And yes Salsashark, GO! There is no way in hell you could be let down by an Avail show.

Posted by OverDefined on 2006-04-11 08:43:58

4 AM Friday was my soundtrack in 11th grade. Driving around smoking cigarettes and stealing Christmas lawn ornaments.

Posted by kindofalongwaydown on 2006-04-11 07:28:37

Dixie is the best....no question. If only for the Mellancamp cover.

Posted by -sidewalk- on 2006-04-11 02:03:46

salsa shark -

I promise you that an avail show is worth the two hour drive. No doubt, hands down, one of the most amazing live shows out there. Fuck, if you go and think its lame, I'll mail you the goddamn money you spent on the ticket. That is how sure I am that you'd enjoy it. First time I saw Avail I barely knew the music too, and I was blown away, PLUS the Draft are playing as well so it's win/win.
In conclusion, if you don't have shit going on anyway, check that shit out.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at 1:49 AM (EDT)
My Score:

pretty decent reissues. they lack liner notes though.

Posted by Cos on 2006-04-11 01:37:54
My Score:

I'm on the fence between Dixie and Over The James. I was introduced to Avail with Dixie, and Over The James made me a HUGE Avail fan. But for the novice, I'd recommend picking up 4AM Friday, which is not only an incredible album, but also has "Live At The Bottom of The Hill", which is the best primer for RVA's favorite sons.

--Cos

Posted by SalsaShark on 2006-04-11 01:29:31

Part of me really wants to go see Avail on Friday in my second-favorite venue. Problem is, I don't really know any of their songs (aside from "Simple Song" and a couple of others). I wonder if it would still be worht the 2 hour drive.

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