Deluxe reissue of "Drop Out"
After many years of speculation, discussion, false trails and the emergence of a new generation of indiepop bands influenced by East Village (most notably on Matinée Recordings), it has FINALLY happened.

I am talking about the deluxe edition of East Village’s "Drop Out" CD on Excellent Records which includes a second disc containing the songs found on the long-lost gem, "Hot Rod Hotel", PLUS a few extras including Freezeout (original version from Caff 7” flexi), Violin (Summershine 7”) and Barrel Dog (B-side of Excellent 7”).

The Heavenly and Summershine editions of "Drop Out" are long deleted while the even rarer "Hot Rod Hotel" CD on Summershine has entered into eBay folklore as arguably the most expensive indiepop CD ever.

A few reasons why this CD matters:
1. East Village has the flawless template for melancholic pop melodies. Heart-achingly beautiful Byrdsian guitar harmonies with minor chords pitched to crack the hardest shell of a heart.

2. Beatlesque boots, sombre-hued turtleneck tees, swinging corduroys and jeans, dashing looks. Fashionistas could only look on in envy. What has style got to do with music? In this case, everything.

3. The gorgeous double LP-style packaging. The gatefold pic of the band is reason enough to buy it and lots of exclusive pics are made available for the first time. With the Japanese trademark of quality stamped all over the sleeves, you are guaranteed a visual masterpiece. This CD being made in the birthplace of karaoke, lyrics to all the songs are published for the first time.

4. A long-term investment. "Hot Rod Hotel" could be had for probably around US$10 or so in 1994. Fierce bidding wars propelled its value to hover around US$600 on eBay some time back. The only 12" of Episode 4 (pre-East Village) sold for close to US$500. Do your sums and even your stock portfolio cannot match this rate of return.

5. In sum, two of the greatest albums ever released. Many tears shed knowing that this rare beauty will never ever be matched (Hopkirk & Lee's "Beneath The Apple Tree" EP comes very close). East Village's stardust trail is blazing as bright as ever, long after the band imploded on stage in 1991.

Of course, the essential web details:
1. Email to windbell@colourfield.co.jp for mail orders. For some reason, the Excellent Records website hasn't been updated to reflect the new release.

2. Alternatively, order via HMV Japan.

-Vernon
(reposted from the Peekaboo mailing list)

Pop Renaissance 3CD Compilation
Released in July 2004 by Japanese label, excellent, features a previously unreleased East Village song and a solo effort by guitarist John Wood, along with other great artists! More details in discography.

Drop Out re-issue on vinyl LP
Japanese label, excellent has re-issued "Drop Out" on vinyl LP, limited to 1000 copies.

Black Autumn 7" single
Also on excellent, the new 7" vinyl-only single "Black Autumn" was released in May 2003. The b-side features the previously unavailable instrumental "Barrel Dog". Packaged beautifully in textured heavy card sleeve, with a bonus band photo postcard.