- Chris Preston
The so-called "emo revival" is in full swing. So are the celebrations for New Granada Records' 20th anniversary. Those worlds completely collided yesterday when the Tampa-based imprint announced that it would be re-issuing their fourth release, a split 7" featuring Chicago icons Braid and New Granada flagship band Pohgoh.
Originally pressed in 1996, the release happened after Pohgoh and Braid crossed paths while touring the U.S., even playing a few shows together. It featured Braid's "What A Wonderful Puddle" on the b-side, with Pogoh's "Goodnight, Sweetheart" on the a-side (the songs have reversed sequence for the re-issue). The original release went through several short runs and sold approximately 2,000 copies along the way, but it's been long out of print. New Granada founder Keith Ulrey told CL that both bands were excited about a re-release, noting that it was Braid that suggested new artwork for the release. The art comes courtesy of Tampa local Chris Preston who was in disbelief when Ulrey approached him to take on the task of recreating the artwork.
"Getting to do artwork for an album cover has always been on my bucket list," Preston, 37, told CL. "This was definitely something special because 1996 was one of my favorite years in indie/underground music."
Braid frontman Bob Nanna and Pogoh frontwoman Susie Ulrey even contributed new liner notes to the record, which is being pressed on clear green vinyl and limited to 200 copies.
Grab a copy for yourself here, or head to Microgroove on 4906 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa to pick one up in person. Take a look at the original artwork, as well as art from the back of the reissue below.
