Jandek

Six and Six

scum stats: pretty sure only 1000 of these were pressed

I’ve gone down a rabbit hole recently. I had the idea years ago to get original LPs of all the Jandek records released on that format. Knocked out a handful, but got distracted by something else and kinda forgot about it.

Doing a quick troll through ‘scogs and eBay reminded me that these discs are generally available and not at crazy insane prices has had me on a binge.

Great thing about these records, while history is usually unkind to their jackets (always scuffed, ring worn or with college radio station call letters Sharpie’d on them) the discs were clearly not played often, so they tend to remind in solid condition.

I’ve probably listened to a dozen Jandek LPs in the past month and they are remarkably better than I remember.

“Six and Six” has been my favorite (re)discovery so far.

The first album released under the Jandek moniker (the first LP was originally credited to the Units), this thing is weird and odd in just enough amounts to not be completely off-putting.

In particular, there are actual moments of melody and repeating parts on this disc. I would’ve thought those were completely absent across this guy’s entire oeuvre.

If you don’t know, the backstory behind Jandek is that he’s been incredibly anonymous in his 30+ year career.

The first 25 years he never even performed live. The records are all on his own imprint, Corwood Industries, and have consistent back cover template and vague front cover photographs.

This shit ain’t streaming and only the first three albums have ever been reissued on vinyl.

If you’re looking to try something a little more out there, get the Jackpot reissue of this one and I think you may just be pleasantly impressed.

And I’ve only got five more of these things to track down before I’ve got the entirety of his vinyl output. Little victories keep me grounded.