Tangibility: The Muslims – S/T
This experiment is about the music, but it’s also about the albums. I got my copy of the Muslim’s (now the Soft Pack) self-titled LP in the mail today (unbeknownst to me, shipped from about 4 blocks away). The album cover is matte white, with three holes in it, going straight through the inside photo of the band and through the back cover. From the 1928 Recordings page on the release:
The first pressing was a 7 song 12″ EP that included a CD version with additional tracks Extinction, Bright Side, and Nightlife, songs that were available on various 7″s at the time. The recordings feature several musicians that helped flesh out material written by founding members Matt Lamkin and Matt McGlouhlin. As the lineup solidified into what is now the Soft Pack and initial pressings sold out, the 7 song EP became a 10 song LP with a digital download compliment. The one physical constant throughout the evolution of the release, each gatefold jacket has been shot with .22 caliber pistol.
I think that about sums up why I’m doing this. To hold an object important enough someone shot with a gun. No amount of embedded album art and iTunes LP liner notes can replicate that experience and physicality.