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Tar Box

by Tar

supported by
Michael Kaczmer
Michael Kaczmer thumbnail
Michael Kaczmer This is an outstanding reissue. Usually when stuff like this comes along, I buy ‘em to relive the glory days, but the remastering on these is truly amazing. There are so many little bits and things I never noticed before. It’s not completely different, like some new fangled “2021 remix”. It’s the same awesome TAR with even better sound. 100% worth every penny.

Now, let’s get some new music and shows from these lads. Favorite track: Goethe.
Robert Raschke
Robert Raschke thumbnail
Robert Raschke The remastering on these is awesome and the vinyl is so lush. Just the right amount of polish, while leaving all the scratchy bits in place. Favorite track: Les Paul Worries.
markandmegan2002
markandmegan2002 thumbnail
markandmegan2002 Great band, great memories of one of my first ever shows. Classic. Favorite track: Static (Live).
Ch Ra
Ch Ra thumbnail
Ch Ra Tar is not a bunch of hit songs, it's a dark, contemplative, heavy state. This set captures their most essential tracks, and with the remaster, the recordings (especially Roundhouse and Handsom) have a new depth. The live recording is surprisingly high-fidelity and a great bonus. This box is essential listening. Favorite track: Viaduct Removal.
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  • Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    Only a handful of these.....
    - Handsome - Green w/dark blue swirl vinyl
    - Roundhouse - natural w/ metallic blue swirl vinyl
    - Jackson - clear with Red swirl
    - Bonus record - “Holding Fast, Hitting Long” White vinyl. Missing a picture sleeve, but a sturdy white one is in its place.

    - Certificate of Authenticity - A sequentially numbered certificate signed by all band members, second edition of 240, including an official Chicago stamp imprint, and a pearloid embossed TAR guitar pick.
    - Included are digital files of all songs
    - The Box is a fancy embossed heavyweight sleeve in the classic TAR minimalist style.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Tar Box via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 4 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      $99.99 USD or more 

     

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

    Also includes PDFs of artwork for each respective album.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $30 USD  or more

     

  • Tar Box
    Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    Edition of 300, includes;
    - Handsome - Coke Bottle green vinyl
    - Roundhouse - Silver vinyl
    - Jackson - Gold vinyl
    - Bonus record - “Holding Fast, Hitting Long”. Incendiary live set recorded at Lounge Ax in March 28, 1992.  The band had just returned from multiple tours and was in top tour shape, tearing through a 55 minute set comprised entirely of songs from that era. This record includes a recreated flyer from the show and your very own copy of the set list. The live record is only available with the Box Set.
    - Certificate of Authenticity - A sequentially numbered certificate signed by all band members, including an official Chicago stamp imprint, and an embossed TAR guitar pick.
    - Included are digital files of all songs
    - The Box is a fancy embossed heavyweight sleeve in the classic TAR minimalist style.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Tar Box via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

    Sold Out

  • Tar Box V2
    Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    Edition of 240, includes;
    - Handsome - Green w/dark blue swirl vinyl
    - Roundhouse - natural w/ metallic blue swirl vinyl
    - Jackson - clear with Red swirl
    - Bonus record - “Holding Fast, Hitting Long” White vinyl. Incendiary live set recorded at Lounge Ax in March 28, 1992. The band had just returned from multiple tours and was in top tour shape, tearing through a 55 minute set comprised entirely of songs from that era. This record includes a recreated flyer from the show and your very own copy of the set list. The live record is only available with the Box Set.

    - Certificate of Authenticity - A sequentially numbered certificate signed by all band members, second edition of 240, including an official Chicago stamp imprint, and a pearloid embossed TAR guitar pick.
    - Included are digital files of all songs
    - The Box is a fancy embossed heavyweight sleeve in the classic TAR minimalist style.

    (we are waiting on Jackson)

    THIS IS A PRE-ORDER AND SHIPS IN EARLY MARCH.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Tar Box via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ... more

    Sold Out

1.
Static 03:43
2.
Mumper 03:16
3.
Same 03:18
4.
SBP 00:29
5.
Downtime 04:05
6.
Seam 04:43
7.
Mel's 04:37
8.
9.
Cold 03:52
10.
Glass Grief 03:37
11.
Pick One 03:25
12.
Black Track 03:13
13.
Bad Box 04:23
14.
15.
Gag Reflex 03:39
16.
Thermos 03:00
17.
Jurbo 03:40
18.
Short Trades 03:55
19.
Cross Offer 03:39
20.
21.
22.
Trauma 03:21
23.
TSN 01:01
24.
Dark Mark 04:53
25.
Goethe 03:33
26.
Tellerman 03:29
27.
Land Luck 03:22
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.

about

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.

Edition of 300, includes;
- Handsome - Coke Bottle green vinyl
- Roundhouse - Silver vinyl
- Jackson - Gold vinyl
- Bonus record - “Holding Fast, Hitting Long”. Incendiary live set recorded at Lounge Ax in March 28, 1992.  The band had just returned from multiple tours and was in top tour shape, tearing through a 55 minute set comprised entirely of songs from that era. This record includes a recreated flyer from the show and your very own copy of the set list. The live record is only available with the Box Set.
- Certificate of Authenticity - A sequentially numbered certificate signed by all band members, including an official Chicago stamp imprint, and an embossed TAR guitar pick.
- Download cards included
- The Box is a fancy embossed heavyweight sleeve in the classic TAR minimalist style.

credits

released September 1, 2021

Handsome EP:
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.

Roundhouse LP:
This LP was recorded in Chicago at Idful Music over by Wicker Park.

Produced by Iain Burgess and Tar.
Engineered by Brad Wood. Recorded October 21 and 22, 1989, April 21, 22, 29 and 30, 1990, and, finally, on May 12, 1990.
Mastered by Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering Service.

Here’s the lyric sheet: All the time...How does it feel...Twice the problems...You burn...Tear my living down...It just hurts...I’m the keeper of it...In perpetuity...Raised them up...Get used to it.

Cover photograph by Kevin Kurtz.
Holding out his hand: Henry Owings.
The Roundhouse LP was originally released in 1990 on Amphetamine Reptile Records. Thank you, Haze.

All songs written and played by Tar (Tartar Music, BMI).
Tar on this record is: John Mohr: Guitar and vocals. Mark Zablocki: Guitar.Mike Greenlees: Drums, graphics and notes. Tim Mescher: Bass.

Jackson LP:
Recorded at Chicago Recording Company in beautiful downtown Chicago in July, 1991 by Steve Albini. All songs and sounds by Tar (Tartar Music, BMI).

These are not in the proper order: Nothing good here...should have stirred...take you out...then it’s gone...it’s all true...with the brim of your hat...I know your work...wait to win...it’s just an idea...I don’t understand.

Front cover photograph by James Crump. Trickery by Steve.

Aluminum guitar and bass built by Ian Schneller over at Specimen Products, now in Humboldt Park.

Tar on this record is: John Mohr: Guitar and vocals. Mark Zablocki: Guitar. Mike Greenlees: Drums, graphics and notes. Tom Zaluckyj: Bass.

Mastered at CMS over by Garfield Park, by Bob Weston.
Originally released in 1991 on Amphetamine Reptile Records. Thank you, Haze.

The hands of progress: Henry Owings.
Graphics and notes: CESB.

Live LP (aka "Holding Fast Hitting Long"):
Recorded live in Chicago March 28 1992 at Lounge Ax

Tar: John Mohr: guitar and vocals, Mike Greenlees: drums and graphics, Tom Zaluckyj: bass, Mark Zablocki: guitar

All songs written by those guys, except "Les Paul Worries," "Static," "Black Track" and "Antlers" which were written with Tim Mescher before Tom was in the band. (TarTar Music, BMI)

Recorded and transferred by Mike Vinikour.
Mastered by Drew Crumbaugh.
Live photography by Henry Owings.
Back cover photograph by Steve Gullick.

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Chunklet Industries Atlanta, Georgia

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