The Breeders: Last Splash - 30th Anniversary Original Analog Edition Vinyl 3LP

"A defining album of the 90s, Last Splash by The Breeders turns 30 this year. To celebrate, the band have returned to the original tapes to give it its first-ever remaster, and by doing so have also unearthed two lost tracks that will delight fans. Despite having had the boxset treatment on its 20th birthday, the album was still left to be remastered so 10 years on, the original 1⁄2” tapes were taken out of the archives and have been lovingly worked on by Kim Deal, Benjamin Mumphrey and Miles Showell. Entitled Last Splash (the 30th Anniversary Original Analog Edition), this new version has been cut at half speed at Abbey Road by Miles Showell, now spanning two LPs and running at 45rpm. This edition contains an exclusive, one-sided etched 12” which features two previously unreleased tracks – ‘Go Man Go’ and ‘Divine Mascis’ (‘Go Man Go’ is a track that Kim co-wrote with Black Francis while ‘Divine Mascis’ is a different version of ‘Divine Hammer’ with Dinosaur Jr.’s J Mascis on lead vocals). Both tracks originate from the original sessions and were left forgotten until the sessions were exhumed to create this new master. The attention to detail continues to the album’s art, which equally celebrates Vaughan Oliver’s iconic sleeve. With Vaughan sadly no longer with us, his long-time design partner Chris Bigg has gloriously reimagined the album’s sleeve for this new version." - 4AD

Original Lab review:

There's so much to the Breeders' Last Splash. The sophomore album, from what was originally Kim Deal's side project from the Pixies, packs in a bevy of ideas that are perfectly executed. You can feel how much heart and soul Deal poured into the album, writing the majority of the wide ranging songs and taking co-production credit as well. There are the obvious singles; the subtle but irresistible "Cannonball," "Divine Hammer" and its veiled search for good sex, and the grunge heavy "Saints." But there's more to it, from the country tinged "Drivin' On 9" to the dreampop of "No Aloha." The album's variety makes it easy to listen to from end to end without ever getting bored. It's a versatile album that could be just as at home on your next road trip or late night house party. "S.O.S." was even sampled by The Prodigy for their breakout hit "Firestarter."

• 30th anniversary edition, newly remastered from original analog tapes + supervised by Kim Deal
• black triple vinyl pressing; includes 2 previously unreleased tracks (‘Go Man Go’ is a track that Kim co-wrote with Black Francis while ‘Divine Mascis’ is a different version of ‘Divine Hammer’ with Dinosaur Jr.’s J Mascis on lead vocals) on single-sided 12" single w/ custom etching on side F
• half-speed remastered at Abbey Road Studios
• plays at 45RPM
• includes 16 page lyric + photo booklet
• printed inner sleeves
• original release year: 1993
• music label: 4AD 2023

reviewed by Hank Ohs 10/2014

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