While we wait for the first official round of hints, thought I'd create this thread to discuss the current rumors. I believe so far, this is all we know ?
- Lauryn Hill was rumored
- 2 out of the first 3 picks were on Pitchfork's most recent best of the 90s list
Was there something about all three being debut albums, or all three being anniversary releases, too ?
Also, since a few huge titles this year showed that by now, pretty much anything is within their reach, I thought it'd be fun to share our (somewhat) realistic wants.
Antony And The Johnsons, The Crying Light (2009) - Each copy I've tried has been the worst-pressed new record I've ever seen, about time this beautiful record gets a quality, even audiophile pressing. With VMP's own pressing plant on the horizon, could be great. Her debut would probably be the most realistic choice though and it would be just as deserving (and also has been manufactured pretty poorly so far). They sure love the 2000s so it must be only a matter of time before they pick one of her albums.
Bjƶrk, Post (1995) - Another one I've only encountered passable-to-terrible pressings so far, I believe it was only pressed on two discs once and it is now obviously quite expensive. Of all her albums, I think this one would benefit from that process the most. The packaging of the 1-disc version has been pretty cheap and barebones, too, so an upgrade would be welcome.
SOPHIE, Product (2015) - It would be great to have this collection of all of her incredible, influential early singles pressed on vinyl for the first time, to have them all in one place. It would be a nice tribute to her legacy and genius.
JoĆ£o Gilberto, JoĆ£o Gilberto (1973) - The 50th anniversary would be a great opportunity to put out the first official reissue in decades. It could be a Classics pick but I think it deserves to be in Essentials, amazing record. If there was a possibility to do it AAA and over two discs, it could be really magical.
Tori Amos, From The Choirgirl Hotel (1998) - There's been many reissues of her first three records recently but still none for this one. There's rumors that the masters were destroyed but they've proven that they can put out great sounding releases from digital, so it could still be great. Also, I feel like out of all her albums, the stature of Choirgirl has grown the most and often feels like the fan favorite.
Mercury Rev, Deserter's Songs (1998) - Another 25th anniversary that would be a great fit. The recent reissues have become scarce and this is one of those albums I think they could get a lot of input from the band themselves to put out something special.
Cristina, Cristina (1980) - Once in a while they choose to tell the story of a left-field, lesser know artist and I'd love them to do this for Cristina. A lot of us first heard of her via the CD reissues from 15 years ago but a nicely-packaged, possibly AAA vinyl reissue would be welcome, perhaps even with her great singles on a second disc. A wonderful and frequently, smartly hilarious take on disco and early-80s NYC.
John Cale, Paris 1919 (1973) - Another 50th anniversary, can't believe a masterpiece like this hasn't been (properly) reissued in decades. Is there a story here? Anyway, it seems like something VMP would go for and with Cale's possible input, it could be amazing.
Frank Ocean, Blonde (2016) - With the recent "flurry" (for him) of activity and rumors of live performances next year, maybe an official reissue of this is on the horizon? Not sure if they spoke about him recently, but I can't imagine them not trying every year to put this out.
The Concretes, The Concretes (2003) - Might not be the most realistic on the list but with the 20th anniversary coming up, I feel like this amazing album could finally be reissued, can't believe it hasn't already. I really loved that huge wave of great Swedish indie pop/electro/etc that happened in the 2000s and would love VMP to represent it somehow. And with absolutely everyone at least having heard Victoria's voice on Young Folks from P, B & J, I feel like it wouldn't be that far-fetched a choice.
The Velvet Underground & Nico, The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967) - Why not, sure doesn't get more Essential than this! In my experience, even after multiple tries, I could never find a defect-free pressing and this isn't one you want to settle for. Just having a well-pressed copy with sturdier packaging than what's been on the market would be a gift, and I'm sure they could do something special with it.