Galaxie 500, the iconic dream pop band, has announced the release of a new archival album titled “Uncollected Noise New York ’88-’90.” This collection, which includes outtakes, B-sides, rarities, and previously unreleased tracks, will be available digitally via 20/20/20 on September 20. For those who prefer physical formats, Silver Current Records will handle the vinyl, CD, and cassette releases. Fans can already listen to two selections from the album, “Shout You Down” and “I Wanna Live.”
Galaxie 500, known for their ethereal soundscapes and melancholic melodies, recorded just three studio albums during their brief but influential career: “Today” (1988), “On Fire” (1989), and “This Is Our Music” (1990). “Shout You Down” originates from the sessions for “Today,” while “I Wanna Live” was recorded during the “On Fire” era.
In a statement, Galaxie 500’s singer and guitarist Dean Wareham reflected on the newly unearthed tracks. “I can see why we left some of these songs in the vaults,” he said, “but there is pleasure in hearing them today; they sound very alive, like Galaxie 500 playing in the brick-walled room that was Noise New York.”
Bassist Naomi Yang also shared her thoughts on the archival release. “There is a sweetness in hearing the progression of us finding our own sound, our own collective voice. The Proustian power of music. Listening to these early recordings, I can hear myself figuring out how I wanted to play bass—finding my way up the neck to where the notes would cut through, where there could be a counter-melody to the singing. Making the bass my singing voice.”
The tracklist for “Uncollected Noise New York ’88-’90” is as follows:
1. Shout You Down
2. See Through Glasses
3. On the Floor (Noise NY Version)
4. Can’t Believe It’s Me
5. Oblivious
6. King of Spain
7. Jerome
8. Song in 309
9. Crazy
10. I Wanna Live
11. I Will Walk
12. Cold Night
13. Ceremony
14. Never Get to Heaven
15. Maracas Song
16. Victory Garden
17. Blue Thunder (W/Sax)
18. Cheese and Onions
19. Fourth of July (Video Mix)
20. Cactus
21. Moonshot
22. Them
23. Final Day
24. Here She Comes Now
Galaxie 500’s music has always held a special place in the hearts of their fans, and this new release is sure to be a treasure trove for those who have followed the band since their inception. The band’s ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing through their music is unparalleled, and “Uncollected Noise New York ’88-’90” promises to deliver more of the same.
The announcement of this archival album comes at a time when many bands from the late ’80s and early ’90s are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. The dream pop and shoegaze genres, in particular, have seen a renewed interest, with younger generations discovering the ethereal sounds that defined an era.
Galaxie 500’s influence can be heard in the music of many contemporary bands, and their legacy continues to grow. The release of “Uncollected Noise New York ’88-’90” not only provides a glimpse into the band’s creative process but also serves as a reminder of their enduring impact on the music world.
For those who have never experienced the magic of Galaxie 500, this new collection offers a perfect introduction. The band’s unique blend of dreamy melodies, introspective lyrics, and atmospheric instrumentation creates a sound that is both timeless and captivating.
As the release date approaches, anticipation is building among fans and music enthusiasts alike. The opportunity to hear previously unreleased tracks from one of the most beloved bands of the dream pop genre is a rare and exciting prospect.
In the meantime, listeners can enjoy the two preview tracks, “Shout You Down” and “I Wanna Live,” which are available now. These songs provide a tantalizing taste of what is to come and serve as a reminder of why Galaxie 500’s music continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
With “Uncollected Noise New York ’88-’90,” Galaxie 500 invites us to take a journey back in time, to a period when their music was just beginning to take shape. It is a journey filled with discovery, nostalgia, and the unmistakable sound of a band that has left an indelible mark on the world of music.
Source: Matthew Strauss
