Omnivore Recordings release debut vinyl projects

Ominvore Recordings has announced the release of the label’s debut vinyl projects with a special, limited-edition LP of Big Star’s “lost album” titled Third and a yellow-vinyl Buck Owens 7", featuring early and unreleased recordings, officially available at retail worldwide on Record Store Day, April 16, 2001. The company, distributed in North America by EMI and in Europe by Ace Records UK, will continue to release new projects throughout the year including previously unissued recordings from Townes Van Zandt and Leon Russell, with additional projects to be announced soon. Big Star Third [Test Pressing Edition] is a special edition vinyl release limited to 2,000 pieces worldwide. The album has been described as a lost record re-discovered years after it was recorded, one that has seen many track listings, titles and album covers. It’s been dubbed a classic, and an enigma. The Omnivore Recordings edition comes complete with replicas of the original tape box, tracking and lead sheets, mastering card and is pressed on 180-gram vinyl. The new pressing was cut from the original assembly reel, on the same lathe at the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis and by the very same engineers who cut it the first time, Larry Nix and John Fry. Pressed on high quality vinyl at RTI, this is the definitive version of this album. In the limited run of 2,000, five copies of the original test pressings signed by Big Star’s Jody Stephens, original mastering engineers Larry Nix and Ardent’s John Fry will be available at retail, randomly, worldwide. Take a peek inside Larry Nix's Mastering room at the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis as Larry, John and Jody prepare the actual new master being used for the new “test pressing” edition on YouTube. The worldwide release of Omnivore’s Buck Owens 7" 45 on yellow vinyl—limited to 1,300 copies—features “Close Up The Honky Tonks” (Early Version - previously unreleased) / My Heart Skips A Beat (Early Version). After Buck acquired all of his masters from Capitol Records, most everything he recorded for the label found its way back into the marketplace in one form or another, except this January 28, 1964, take of “Close Up The Honky Tonks.” Recorded at the same sessions as his #1 single “My Heart Skips A Beat,” the Omnivore version of “Close Up The Honky Tonks” was recently discovered, buried on a multi-track reel—thought to be lost for years. It’s in a different key than the released version (recorded five months later), and whether this was an abandoned take (it does not feature Buck’s trademark, overdubbed harmonies) remains unclear. What is clear is that it is a fascinating peek into the evolution of The Buckaroos and a classic song. Although never issued as a single, “Close Up The Honky Tonks” became a fan favorite and has been covered by artists including Dwight Yoakam, The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers. The flip side featuring “My Heart Skips A Beat” was originally recorded during the “Act Naturally” sessions in 1963. This early performance carries elements—like fiddle and the honky-tonk shuffle—that Buck would eventually move away from. The track was finished and apparently readied for release, but the song was buried until the tune was re-cut almost a year later (it is possible that the success of the newer sound of “Act Naturally” was the reason for shelving the original version). While this version appeared on the Bear Family box in 2008, it has never been released in mono on a 45. This beauty is the coolest Buckin’ A & B side you’ll ever find. About Omnivore Recordings: Founded in 2010 by long-time, highly respected industry veterans Cheryl Pawelski, Greg Allen, and Brad Rosenberger, Omnivore Recordings’ vision is to preserve the legacies and music created by historical, heritage and catalog artists while also releasing previously unissued, newly found “lost” recordings and making them available for music-loving audiences to discover. Distributed by EMI in North America and Ace Records UK in Europe, Omnivore Recording’s current artist projects include limited edition releases by Big Star and Buck Owens with future projects by Townes Van Zandt and Leon Russell to be announced soon. Omnivore Recordings official website: http://omnivorerecordings.com/