Scat Records Releases First Bill Fox Reissue

Things have been quiet in the Scat Records camp since the release of last year's Prisonshake album. But now comes word from label head Robert Griffin that a reissue of Bill Fox's Shelter from the Smoke is now available on CD and double LP.

In the '80s, the songwriter fronted dreamy Cleveland garage-poppers the Mice, a trio that would have sent the hearts of Elephant 6 fans aflutter had they been around a decade later. (Superchunk fans would also be wise to listen to 'em.) But Fox's stripped-back Smoke, which was originally released on now-defunct NYC label spinART Records, is described by Scat thusly:

Definitive reissue of Bill Fox's 1997 debut album. Comprised of home recordings from the previous several years, most of the songs are acoustically based and rife with personal atmosphere, and survey a complete spectrum between folk and pop. The songs are anchored by Bill's versatile voice, often in harmony with himself, as well as his high-level songcraft and deft though spare arrangements. There are also four dynamite electric tracks with Bill's short-lived early 90s group, The Radio Flyers. 23 songs in all - this edition compiles both previous releases of the album, which had varying tracklists, along with the beautiful 1995 Scat 45, "Bird of the World" b/w "I May Never Know." The CD jacket is a miniature tip-on gatefold with a matte finish, and was printed as a true duotone. The first-ever double vinyl pressing ($14) has a standard single-pocket design and matte finish, pressing at RTI, mastering by Golden, and includes a free mp3 download of the album. Design in both cases is spare and true to the original. No liner notes or glorification, the music speaks well enough for itself.

Grab it -- as well as a compilation album from the Mice -- right here.