Glenn Branca automatically wins US presidential election six months early by reissuing Symphony No. 1 on 180-gram double-vinyl

Glenn Branca automatically wins US presidential election six months early by reissuing Symphony No. 1 on 180-gram double-vinyl
Photo: IntangibleArts

Breaking News Bulletin from TMT’s Department of FUCK YEAH:

FUCK YEAH. Venerable and unassailably cool-haired NY avant-guitar composer Glenn Branca’s 1983 SMASH HIT Symphony No. 1 (Tonal Plexus) just done-gone and got itself remastered and is coming out as a “180 gram 2LP set in a deluxe gatefold jacket” FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME EVER, courtesy the good people at Reachout International Records.

The landmark work — performed by a formidably noisy ensemble consisting of Branca, Craig Bromberg, Dave Buk, Ann DeMarinis, Barbara Ess, Robert Harrison, Thurston Moore, Lee Ranaldo, David Rosenbloom, Richard Edson, Ned Sublette, Wharton Tiers, Gail Vachon, Fritz Van Orden, Stephen Wischerth, and Margot Zvaleko — was recorded at New York’s legendary Performing Garage back in 1981 and subsequently released on good ol’ cassette two years later.

In addition to its distinct non-cassetteness, this hefty new vinyl version also contains additional liner notes by Lee Ranaldo (the guy who invented the Fender Jazz Master, I think) and new photos by iconic NY-in-the-fucked-up-dangerous-80s photographer Paula Court.

The release date for this “limited pressing” is officially May 27, but the album “has been specially priced for the pre-order from ROIR” ($25 USD instead of the full $28.98, if you’re wonderin’), and it includes a bonus digital download EXCLUSIVE to those pre-orders. So, basically: maybe don’t wait until May 27? I mean, I’m buying five. Just saying.

Most Read



Etc.