I found out last week that one of our favorite labels Mexican Summer has now decided to start repressing all of their vinyl (basically). You can read that article here.
Here is a snippet from the article (taken out of context)
For the record, none of us think it’s bad to repress a record – in fact, we’re thrilled that there’s enough demand to warrant them. Hearing about stuff like eBay prices is just ridiculous and certainly not a trend we wish to perpetuate.
There is a problem with this idea of thinking that should be addressed. First off, Kemado is the label that has Mexican Summer as its imprint for limited edition items as seen below.
“”Mexican Summer is a limited edition vinyl and digital only label that officially launches in September 2008. Our records will all be pressed in very limited quantities and will also be available for download via our website.”
Repressing vinyl that is “limited edition” and justifying it by saying that the cardboard sleeves are not as good as the original is as good as saying. ”We found out how to double our money, and reduce our costs!” I understand that Mexican Summer is a business, and if it were me, I would do the same thing too (most likely). When they got the opportunity to put out Washed Out, Kurt Vile, Pearl Harbor, and Real Estate; they got the opportunity to print money. All of those incredible bands, have blown up (at least increased their fanbase) since their releases on Mexican Summer, and people that want those records don’t have the opportunity to own them, unless they want to pay $50 a record on eBay.
What is annoying/troubling is the fact that since they started a “limited edition” label, they should knew beforehand that they would sell out (as almost all of their releases have). Sometimes people abuse the fact of these records are popular and use it to resell them, it is a shame, but limited edition is special, and really should be treated that way. Saying the first editions are special by having thicker cardboard sleeves, makes people feel cheated especially when the new sleeves look identical (including the pressing size). I don’t see MS reducing the price for consumers (still charging $20 for a 4 song EP). I see people that are looking to re-cash in with leftover vinyl master plates.
Seriously though, these records, if you don’t already own them should be in your collection. There isn’t a bad one that I’ve discovered, and I personally own quite a few. If you missed out you should look for them in your local store or direct from MS. (although ignore the pressing size on the back, it doesn’t mean anything).
Without further ado here are some of the best from the previously mentioned records:
Washed Out – Feel It All Around
Kurt Vile – Beach On the Moon (Recycled Lyrics)
