And from its humble beginnings as a 'zine to the slew of releases they've blessed us with over the years, Suburban Home has been a big part of our lives and the Denver scene for the past fifteen years.
In honor of the imprint's crystal anniversary being celebrated tonight and tomorrow night at 3 Kings Tavern, with performances by Drag the River, Two Cow Garage, I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch In the House, the Gamits, Austin Lucas and more, we picked five albums as a quintessential beginners guide to Suburban Home.
With so many noteworthy releases, it wasn't easy to narrow it down to just five, but we did our best. Check out our picks after the jump.
5. V/A Punk, It's All About the Orchis Factor
It's not the best named compilation in the world, but if you're going to start a Suburban Home Record collection you should probably start near the beginning with a scattershot of different artists. Suburban Home artists appearing on this comp include the Nobody's, Discount, the Fairlanes and more, with a few classic tracks from Crestfallen, Facet and Pinhead Circus thrown in for good measure. It's like a Colorado music history lesson on one handy LP.
4. Love Me Destroyer - Black Heart Affair
If you never had the opportunity to see Pinhead Circus in action, you missed out. If you have, you'll appreciate the inclusion of Love Me Destroyer's Black Heart Affair on this list. Destroyer is the act led by Scooter James that succeeded Pinhead. Although we've always sort of taken the group a bit for granted, we've always appreciated on one level or another.
3. Ghost Buffalo - The Magician
Ghost Buffalo was one of those Denver bands that we all saw exploding onto the national scene -- but an unfortunately timed breakup made sure that could never happen. Suburban Home released two records of the Colorado-style country-rock, ensuring that if nothing else the band will always be remembered and admired here.
2. Drag the River - Closed
Suburban Home has released so many Chad Price and Drag the River records that it would be a sin to not include at least one on this list. Closed was one of our first experiences with Drag the River in recorded form, and therefore remains our favorite.
1. The Gamits - Endorsed by You
This was the first Gamits record to appear on Suburban Home, but it wouldn't be the last. There is something about the Gamits that just completely epitomizes Suburban Home to us. Perhaps it's their long relationship together, or perhaps it's something more. Whatever it is, these two were clearly meant to be together.
