On 30th June, Microcastle will be released to buy on vinyl again through 4AD, along with Weird Era Cont. which hasn’t previously been available on the format outside of the US.
Initially released in October 2008, the critically acclaimedMicrocastle was recorded over the course of a week in Brooklyn with Nico Vernhes on production detail, and represented the highly anticipated follow-up to 2006’s Cryptograms. Deerhunter’s 4AD debut, it garnered widespread plaudits internationally with Pitchfork awarding it Best New Music, and The Guardian heralding “a remarkable band”.
Moreover, on release the physical record was accompanied by Weird Era Cont., a bonus collection of tracks recorded in Atlanta following the leak ofMicrocastle earlier in 2008. Marking a prolific period of writing, this additional material is now highly regarded as a record in its own right, complementing the rest of the band’s vaunted catalogue. Released by Kranky in the US, and 4AD across the rest of the world, Weird Era Cont. was initially conceived as a bonus record for fans after Microcastle leaked ahead of advance, with Bradford Cox detailing the importance of“surprise”. In extensive writings on his blog at the time, Bradford spoke of his conception of the records as complementary, seen as a Fall/Summer record.
This is the first time that Microcastle has been available on vinyl outside of the States, accompanied by Weird Era Cont. Arriving in a gatefold sleeve with both discs on black vinyl, the artwork also now reflects the original CD cover, the record’s most recognisable cover.
