Tar
I’ve written about Tar before, way back when. I hate to think I’m repeating myself, but when it comes to Tar I think everyone should listen up. From 1988 through 1995 Tar were responsible for some of the finest noise rock to be found, releasing albums and singles on Amrep, Touch & Go, and their own No Blow imprint. With no disrespect to their impressive albums (Jackson and Over and Out top my list), some of Tar’s best work appeared on their singles and compilations. Unfortunately, none of these tracks have been reissued. (to my knowledge) Strange Reaction got the ball rolling last summer, posting Tar’s second and fourth singles. I figured I’d fill in the blanks by posting the band’s first and third single
.
Play To Win/Mel’s was released on the bands own No Blow records in 1988. “Mel’s” would be re-recorded for the band’s Handsome 12″. Solution 8/Non-Alignment Pact was a Europe only AmRep release (I think, no scale number) released in 1991 between the Roundhouse and Jackson albums. Both records are well worth a listen.
from their debut single
Tar - Play To Win.mp3
Tar - Mel’s.mp3
from their third single
Tar - Solution 8.mp3
Tar - Non-Alignment Pact.mp3 (Pere Ubu)
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thank you so much for posting these! i became addicted to Tar when i saw them opening for Jesus Lizard
Cool, I haven’t listened to these in years. Any chance that you have the split 7′ they did with Jawbox? I picked it up during their tour w/Jawbox in ‘93, but ended up losing it during one of my many moves over the years.
Brian… I do have the Jawbox/Tar split, thought about posting it yesterday but didn’t feel like digging through my boxes to find it. Look for it in the near future
tar was a great band, for sure.
i have jackson on vinyl and the cover is possible one of the tackyest covers i’ve ever seen.
i dont know if tacky means what i want to say, and if it’s “most tacky” or “tackyest” jejejje.
seeya!
tar was too good. jackson was the first album i heard and i loved it instantly. when i saw them play with rocket from the crypt, arcwelder, and some other chicago band (maybe flour? albini was filling in on bass for whomever it was), tar blew the other bands away. there’s one song on roundhouse — the one that starts with atonal guitar and a phone operator’s voice — that distills everything i love about tar.
What a great band they were, excellent live as well. I hadn’t heard the 3rd single before, thanks!
I don’t get out much, but these still sound pretty good.
Holy cow. I was just lamenting losing ‘Play To Win’/Mel’s’ years ago.. And it magically appeared! Incredible, powerful stuff. The liner notes were great too.
Aluminum guitars.
Still two of my favorite singles from the early nineties. So good, in fact, that I snag copies when i see them just so I can give them out as presents at a later time…. Classic shit.
I left my TAR vinyl in Australia and really miss the 12 ” EP they did on AM REP & Roundhouse any chance?
Thanks for posting these. Tar is one of those bands I always wanted to check out but never did for some reason.
I pulled out “Jackson” the other night and was really digging it. Thanks for the post on these singles.
Man there’s no chance AT ALL of you uploading Roundhouse? I really can’t get hold of a copy (I’m from Wales)
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