"We present out first "Untitled" album to mark a moment in time where we as Black Peoppe, and of Black Origin are fighting for our lives. RIP George Floyd and all those who have suffered from police brutality and systemic racism. Change is happening... we are focused. Sault x"
Waiting on more details
--
"You can't beat white people. You can only knock them out."
I've been kind of surprised that there hasn't been a swifter musical response to our current moment - RTJ4 is maybe the closest (and certainly relevant) but that was announced before shit broke out.
Maybe COVID is making it harder to collaborate but so much is done digitally now anyway...
4. "I'll be honest, I haven't really absorbed 7 yet." In response to Reply # 0
Other than "Waterfalls", I can't tell you much about that album. It's exciting to hear they have some new music coming out. One of those snippets on their IG page was kinda tight. But man, I kinda wanted them to, I don't know, sit down for 2020? I mean they put out 2 projects last year.
The music is great. I'm gonna run the album again today.
I'm just thinking... 2 full album releases in 2019. Another the summer of 2020? Even YOU know that's a lot for any artist. And while I know we're not operating under the normal record label system, there is the concern about flooding the market, even with your core audience.
I definitely agree with you. Griselda also comes to mind w/ these concerns. Seems like albums are the new mixtapes, again. 10 years ago Madlib put out brand new project every month for the whole year. I liked most of it. I don't think theres a such thing as saturation either.
15. "RE: US distribution PLEASE?!?" In response to Reply # 10
This is definitely my least favourite consequence of the way markets are turning. Being in Canada is annoying even with US only stuff if I have to pay for shipping and the price conversion, it's just as bad as Europe. LB May the Lord Watch vinyl came to over $60 for me. But yeah, end rant...
13. "my first impression: beautiful protest music" In response to Reply # 0
Yesterday I hung out at a park with a friend and we had the Gilles Peterson stream on repeat while we chatted about life and love and social issues. Sun was in full effect and we ate some cannolis. The album was really reinvigorating and inspiring for us to continue doing the work that's necessary in these times.
I'm excited to hear it in high quality and in a more private setting as well. Gilles said that it's supposed to be out "early" this week.
Really good so far - I really want more artists to get to writing about everything right now (both pandemic-related and BLM-related) but really want them to do it on their terms --- "relevant" music made for the moment can either feel cheap/gimmicky/half-hearted or fully there, coming from an authentic and engaged and complicated place. It's a disappointment when it's the former.
This feels really full and authentically present, just as it should be.
24. "This. Shit. GOES!" In response to Reply # 0 Mon Sep-14-20 11:55 AM by CyrenYoung
They dove all the way in for this journey.
By the time you get to "Black": wooooooooooooooohBOOOOOOYYYYY
That song alone made me start the entire listening experience over from the beginning, just to respect the simple fact that I lost MY ENTIRE SHIT for all 3 minutes & 54 seconds of this jarringly stark, yet somber sonic masterpiece.
Damn.
This ain't background music. This is the conversation that should be happening everywhere.
Once you make it through Eternal Life, you realize this is a different journey altogether. This isn't that same sad song that ends in tragedy and understanding. You are encouraged to push further, beyond the boundaries.
32. "everything you said!!" In response to Reply # 24
I was literally moved to tears listening to this joint. This is the younger generations What's Going On amd they put their foot all up in this project and it needs to be heard by all black people!!
28. "I'm torn on this record. HELP" In response to Reply # 0
I've only heard small bits and pieces of SAULT joints, but I liked 'em enough to cop both 5 and 7 on wax. but I'm still waiting for them to be delivered, so I have yet to hear a complete body of work from the group.
suddenly there's this Untitled album that I can enjoy digitally right now. ...but do I start here? I was looking forward to beginning with 5 and progressing with the group. this album, however, was clearly released for this particular moment in time. I love the fact that it exists, but I'm hesitant to dive into the group from this project. I know I'm overthinking this, but hey...
41. "RE: I'm torn on this record. HELP" In response to Reply # 28
Listen to the new album. Doesn't matter if you havent heard the first 2 yet because this isn't a story that you have in order. A year removed from their last 2 and the quality hasn't wavered...it's just consistently good music.
47. "These have to be 'leftovers' " In response to Reply # 42
from the same sessions for the Untitled tracks, right?
I'd be surprised and shocked if these tracks are in fact 'newer' than the ones from Untitled.
If so, I'm super impressed it only took three months to create these songs.
Also seems as if the group continues to get better and better with each release, or perhaps I was too harsh with my initial listens of the firs two releases from Sault.
Also suppose I'll have to wait a bit until local stores here in the states have this album in stock since ordering directly from Sault will cost too much with the shipping & handling.
"Sean sparks like John Starks, nah, Sean ball like John Wall" - Rest In Power Forever Sean Price.
53. "Is this group completely independent?" In response to Reply # 0
Is a major label or an imprint from a major label releasing their material? Main reason I am asking is in reference to the speed of them cranking out physical releases for their works.
"Sean sparks like John Starks, nah, Sean ball like John Wall" - Rest In Power Forever Sean Price.
56. "If memory serves me right" In response to Reply # 54
>They don't seem to care about making money very much. Giving >away Untitled (it's name your price on bandcamp) is kinda >crazy business wise.
Run The Jewels started out the same way. Outside of the fact El-P and Killer Mike are much more established artists then the folks from Sault, Run The Jewels sold a TON of merch both online and offline and also got a grip of money from touring, so they were able to profit in the end.
I do wonder how the folks in Sault are turning a profit. Perhaps Sault is almost like a side-group from the members and they make enough of a living from the works they release when they are actually credited and acknowledged.
"Sean sparks like John Starks, nah, Sean ball like John Wall" - Rest In Power Forever Sean Price.
the trigger on that $20+ shipping cost for this vinyl.
Hopefully a domestic US vinyl retailer will sell it online.
With the success and added attention the prior album received, I'm almost certain this will occur.
Pretty damn cool how they manage to change their style up with each release. I do prefer the prior album a bit more, but this isn't half bad, especially given the quick turnaround.
"Sean sparks like John Starks, nah, Sean ball like John Wall" - Rest In Power Forever Sean Price.
I ordered the colored variant for Untitled from Mr. Bongo.
Rough Trade also sold a colored variant for Untitled as well, so that's another website I'll keep my eyes on. At least for Rough Trade, I can use my bike and trek it to Williamsburg to snag a copy if they do in fact choose to sell it.
"Sean sparks like John Starks, nah, Sean ball like John Wall" - Rest In Power Forever Sean Price.
70. "On repeat..." In response to Reply # 59 Fri Sep-18-20 12:59 PM by CyrenYoung
..this is golden, in so many ways.
As a stand alone album, it holds such a critical place in modern music (esp given the current circumstances). Yet, its even more incredible when received with the rest of their catalog as a volume of musical output in a madd world.
The influences showcased on each album are pivotal.
77. "That's fucked up..." In response to Reply # 75 Wed Sep-30-20 12:10 PM by CyrenYoung
..I've been dealing with pkg theft in BK as well.
Couriers aren't ringing doorbells or honoring request for required signatures (due to social distancing) and thieves are bold as hell knowing that most people are actually home now.
Any chance they'll resend to a FedEX/UPS store without additional charges?
I'm thinking they'll be doing another big pressing of all four releases soon, maybe the cleo sol, too -- they've been getting too much press to not try for more physical copies...
82. "Courier services have been shitty for the past few years..." In response to Reply # 79
..and they've been using Covid as an excuse.
I'm currently tracking my pkg now. That shit arrived in Queens, was sent BK, to Staten Island (for who knows WHAT reason), and then back to the Queens shipping center.
87. "yo, was "Rise" the secret assassin of the bunch?" In response to Reply # 0
I'm listening to it now as an album for the first time in a minute and I might have to put this in the running with 5 as my favorite.
Maybe because it came at the end of their massive run, maybe I didn't give it the attention at the time it deserved --- but I know I ran it for a while and I just don't remember these tracks being this BIG.
Anyhow, now that we've had a chance to sit with these albums for a while, what's everyone's fav?
92. "For Sault records, always check Mr. Bongo for cheaper domestic prices" In response to Reply # 90
From the search I just did on their website, some of the new records unfortunately appear to have been sold out of their pre-order status already; the vinyl versions appear to cost just under $25 though.
To re-iterate, Mr. Bongo appears to be fans of the band and normally stock their releases for domestic availability roughly 3-6 months after the band releases them on their website.
Turntable Lab and Rough Trade also tends to sell their records as well for somewhat reasonable domestic prices.
Happy hunting for folks looking for their records for reasonable prices.
"Sean sparks like John Starks, nah, Sean ball like John Wall" - Rest In Power Forever Sean Price.
... normally I don't do the preorders that charge immediately. I prefer the get charged when it ships. I really wanted 11 though, and didn't think it'd sell out.
96. "Does SAULT do any liner notes/booklets or anything?" In response to Reply # 92
Always a disappointment to me when I buy vinyl and it’s just the record. I can listen to the music as much as I want for free if I really want to, so I’m gonna need a liner notes sheet at least! Go all out and give me a booklet(I see you LB - May the Lord Watch), and I’m probably buying all your merch too.
I still pull out The Roots CD booklets and revisit from time to time.
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