Tar were an uncompromising prolific Chicago four piece band from 1988 to 1995 who put out many records and toured the US and Europe frequently with the likes of The Jesus Lizard, Arcwelder, Unsane, Surgery, and Jawbox.
Over thirty years since the original releases, Tar’s first three 12" records are being reissued. Co-released by the band’s No Blow Records and Chunklet Industries, the Handsome EP and full length LPs Roundhouse and Jackson are being rediscovered. All three records were remastered and cut to lacquer by Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering Service. The artwork was painstakingly reimagined and recreated by the band’s drummer, Mike Greenlees.
This music has withstood the test of time. With the stunning remastering and 180gm pressing at Chicago's Smashed Plastic pressing plant, this is no regular reissue. With exacting detail, the highest quality and attention to detail, the listener and fans are invited to truly reexperience these releases anew. It’s time to celebrate Tar. Again.
credits
released September 1, 2021
This stereophonic disc was recorded on 8 tracks in Chicago, up on the northwest side.
Engineered by Steve Albini on May 7-8, 1988 (Mumper, Seam and Mel’s) and September 3, 1988 (Same), and Iain Burgess on September 17-18, 1988 (Static and Downtime).
All songs mixed by Iain Bugess and Tar. Recorded in the basement. Mixed upstairs in the back room off the kitchen. The basement flooded while we were upstairs mixing Downtime. Sorry, Steve.
Here’s the lyric sheet: See these teeth...I will stay at the machine...shoo di no weh...Meet the rate...Gave you the gift...One more thing.
Mastered by Bob Weston at CMS.
The reliable man: Henry Owings.
The Handsome EP was originally released in 1989 on Amphetamine Reptile Records. Thank you, Haze.
All songs written and played by Tar (Tartar Music, BMI).
Tar for this record was: John Mohr: Guitar and vocals. Mark Zablocki: Guitar. Mike Greenlees: Drums, graphics and notes. Tim Mescher: Bass.
A fantastic album. I can see why they didn't continue under the name The Evens, as it's a different sound with the bass added. Coriky is the Evens + Joe Lally from Fugazi on bass. If you can imagine The Evens with a slightly more funky, aggressive sound like Fugazi... that's what you get! And there's no way that can ever go wrong. What a great debut album!! smiledozer
Sonic Youth is one of those bands where you easily run out of superlatives to describe what they created. This could've easily come off as a cynical cash-grab by a band that had broken up 11 years prior to the release of this record, but that's not what this is. Some of my favourite Sonic Youth instrumentals. sentient meat
I was there! I can still picture the for sale sign on John's guitar. Such an amazing show. Thanks to the band for sharing the recording with us! Michael Kaczmer