Superchunk - Cup of Sand (2003/2017) [Official Digital Download]

On Record Store Day, Superchunk will release Cup of Sand, their 2003 singles and rarities compilation on vinyl for the first time. The original CD packaging has been expanded for this edition to showcase Laura Balance's original paintings, and features expanded conversations with Mac, Jon, Jim and Laura about every track included–the ones they remember recording, anyway. The notes have been expanded to comprise the three additonal songs from out-of-print compilations which have been added to this remastered reissue. The limited edition packaging will be available exclusively to independent record stores.

Superchunk drummer Jon shares his clear memories on the occasion of the reissue:

I’ll be honest: this compilation came out 14 years ago, and I still don’t recognize the titles of 60% of these songs, despite drumming on all but one of them. You think Alan Alda remembers every M*A*S*H episode? I’m sure he can give a scene-by-scene breakdown of the show’s now-legendary final installment (“So Long, Farewell, Goodbye”) and yet have no memory whatsoever of the episode where they help an injured cow give birth (“The Birthday Girls”). It doesn’t mean that one episode is better than the other… ok… this argument doesn’t hold water, and I can see that now.

The songs on Cup of Sand may not have found homes on our studio albums, but that doesn’t mean they are unworthy of your time. Sure, a few didn’t make the grade, but most of these songs were recorded specifically for compilations, one-off 7”s, EPs, and soundtracks. “With Bells On”—a song I wrote the bulk of—was left off 1997’s Indoor Living in an effort by the others to keep me from buying a new motocross bike with the publishing money I’d have received. I cover this in much greater detail in my upcoming memoir, Wrongs I’ve Endured (PenguinLite).

This marks the first time Cup of Sand has been released on vinyl. We’ve even added three extra songs that weren’t on the original album. This was done to give fans something special, but also to help us realize our dream of one day releasing a three-LP set that somehow has eight fewer songs than Sandinista!

Yours in haste,

Jon Wurster

AllMusic Review by Tim Sendra
Superchunk have been at it for a long, long time, 14 years when Cup of Sand – a double-disc (25 tracks) roundup of singles, B-sides, rarities, and unreleased songs recorded between 1992 and 2002 – was released in 2003. Through their entire career, the band have maintained a steady track record, having never put out a record that is anything less than first-rate indie rock. This disc is no different. It is jam-packed full of songs that deserved to be collected under one roof, and has funny and insightful liner-note remembrances from the four bandmembers. Even fans who have all the singles, EPs, and comp tracks will want to own this because of how good the songs sound one after the next. Superchunk are firm believers in giving their fans value for their money, and the group's B-sides are always strong. In fact, some of the band's best songs end up tucked away on their EPs and singles. Examples: the absolutely aching "Small Definition" from 1996's Laughter Guns EP, a beautiful acoustic take on Here's Where the Strings Come In's "Detroit Has a Skyline" from 1995's Hyper Enough single, the sweet shuffle "Sexy Ankles" from 1999's Hello, Hawk CD5 that sounds like a classic Thin Lizzy track and has one of Mac McCaughan's most artful vocals, a lovely laid-back acoustic version of "1,000 Pounds," and "A Collection of Accounts" from the Art Class CD5, a sparse tune that has one of McCaughan's most heartbreaking melodies and vocals. The band never hand out throwaway tracks to compilations either; the buzzing "Dance Lessons" from 1993's Rows of Teeth, the almost funky "Fader Rules" from 1995's Lounge Ax Defense & Relocation, the chiming and rambunctious "Clover" from 1997's Oh, Merge, and the wonderfully emotional and melodic "Does Your Hometown Care" from the soundtrack to 1996's Suburbia are ample proof of this.

"Does Your Hometown Care" is a perfect example of why this band is so great: the twin guitar attack, the powerful rhythm section, McCaughan's heartfelt and then some vocals, the sharp and poignant hooks, and the sentimental and clever lyrics. It is the kind of song that will have you rocking with tears in your eyes. It is the kind of song that Superchunk seem to be able to knock off at will. There are also a few unreleased tracks that are fun to hear but not too essential: the charging but formulaic "Still Feed Myself" recorded for Foolish and wisely left off that record, a hilarious cover of Adam & the Ants' "Beat My Guest" recorded during the On the Mouth sessions in 1992, a fiery cover of Government Issue's "Blending In" with guitarist Jim Wilbur taking over on vocals, and the energetic "Thin Air," recorded for 1999's Come Pick Me Up. The discs hold up well to repeated airings and each time through you just have to marvel at how steady and consistently powerful and moving Superchunk's music is. Superchunk are one of the great American rock bands. Period. And this is an absolutely smashing collection that is one more argument in favor of that.

Tracklist:
1 The Majestic 3:01
2 Reg 4:25
3 Her Royal Fisticuffs 3:36
4 The Mine Has Been Returned To Its Original Owner 3:25
5 A Small Definition 3:59
6 Dance Lessons 2:59
7 Basement Life 2:57
8 Still Feed Myself 1:53
9 Fader Rules 5:52
10 Never Too Young To Smoke 5:00
11 Detroit Has A Skyline (Acoustic) 3:44
12 Does Your Hometown Care? 4:19
13 Everyone Gets Crushed 3:53
14 Beat My Guest 3:45
15 With Bells On 3:11
16 Clover 4:14
17 Sexy Ankles 2:54
18 White Noise 4:17
19 Thin Air 2:04
20 Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) 4:39
21 1,000 Pounds (Duck Kee Style) 3:30
22 Anything Could Happen 3:20
23 The Length Of Las Ramblas 2:52
24 Becoming A Speck 3:26
25 The Hot Break 1:57
26 A Collection Of Accounts 4:34
27 Freaks in Charge 3:48
28 Blending In 1:21


Thanks to the Original customer!