Joyful Noise Recordings is a small label out of Indianapolis, IN who put out super creative limited edition releases (like a DVD you can play on your turntable, or a 12-sided record) by some of the most talented and unique artists around.
Every month you'll receive a limited edition, uniquely screen-printed or color vinyl 7" record. Each record will come from one of their three distinct Record Series: Mystery Singles, Almost Live from Joyful Noise, or Cause & Effect.
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
About Joyful Noise Recordings VIP 7" Series
The Subscription Box: Joyful Noise Recordings VIP 7" Series
The Cost: $15.00/month + $3.00 shipping
The Products: Every month you'll receive a limited edition, uniquely screen-printed 7" record, plus all of the VIP perks.
Ships to: US
Joyful Noise Recordings VIP 7" Series May 2018 Review
Joyful Noise is known for putting out highly collectible and unique releases by artists who are prolific and/or push the boundaries of music. When subscribing to the 7" series, you'll receive a record from one of their three series.
Let's see what I got!
It's my very first "Cause & Effect" series 7"!
Cause & Effect brings highly influential artists together with the artists they have influenced. Each release of this series features a foundational and pioneering artist on Side A ("Cause"), paired with an artist on Side B who has been fundamentally influenced by this pivotal work ("Effect"). This is the evolution of a musical trajectory, contained on one 7" record. Released as a one-time pressing on split-color vinyl, and packaged in a custom die-cut jacket.
Cause & Effect Joan Of Arc/Devendra Banhart 7" - Retail Value $10.00 (There are 3 listed on Discogs right now, starting at $20.00)
How happy was I when I opened the box to lay my eyes upon this?! VERY! Joan Of Arc is one of my favorite bands and I even mentioned using my VIP status to get first dibs on preordering their new record back in March. I've always known about Devendra and even knew he had ties with Joan Of Arc since he was featured in the documentary about them (and frontman Tim Kinsella) that Noisey produced, but I never actually listened to his music.
Like the other series, this one comes in a die-cut matchbook sleeve.
There's an insert that has a note from Devendra about why he chose Joan Of Arc as the "cause" and why he chose the song he covered. I like that he urges the reader to listen to the original because it's one of my favorites as well. 🙂
So here we have the half black/half clear vinyl that makes this limited to 1,000 pressing record extra special. Side A has the "cause" band, aka Joan Of Arc covering the Devendra Banhart song, "First Song For B". I had never heard the original, but this cover is simply magical. They put a bit of an electronic spin on it while still keeping it chill and I love Tim Kinsella's voice. If I heard this without knowing it was a cover, I'd think this was a slight departure for Joan Of Arc but not in a bad way, it's just structured differently. Sadly I couldn't find their version online to link to, so you'll have to take my word for it.
The B side is Devendra covering the Joan Of Arc song, "Shown and Told" from their 2008 record "Boo Human". The song has always been on the slower side, but Devendra adds a layer of soft dreaminess to it that really brings it to another level of beauty. I don't always love covers, but am truly impressed with this one. Listen to the original here, if you're interested in comparing.
Bonus: Quarterly Joyful Noise Recordings Employee Zine
Though it's not a part of the norm, it looks like Joyful Noise decided to put out this little zine, compiled of contributions by employees. I am a sucker for this kinda stuff and it warms my heart to see a bit of DIY coming along with my record. It's just a little mishmash of whatever each contributor wanted to toss in and includes stories, art, and photos. Supes cute, you guys and gals!
PLUS! Joyful Noise VIP Membership - Retail Value $5.00
In addition to the 7", subscribing to this series gives you VIP access to Joyful Noise releases so you can get first dibs on preorders, 10% off in their store at all times, free downloads, cheap shipping, and sometimes even free tickets to shows in your area.
Verdict: The Joyful Noise VIP 7" Series this month wasn't my cup of tea but I still enjoyed trying to uncover the mystery and received those nice VIP benefits! This subscription is definitely only for Joyful Noise superfans like myself or people who otherwise love collectible vinyl.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes! You have until the end of the month to get this one!
Value Breakdown: For $18.00 ($15.00 + $3.00 shipping), I got a limited edition 7" plus a month of VIP access to Joyful Noise Recordings. Since the 7" has a retail value of $10.00, and the VIP membership is $5.00, I am basically breaking even and paying for the shipping of the record. Since JOA is near and dear to my heart, this is worth so much more to me, and if it sells out, it can certainly go for more than the retail price on reselling sites. I also wouldn't have access to it without being a VIP.
Read all of our Joyful Noise Recordings reviews or find more vinyl subscription boxes in our directory!
Rate, review, and follow this subscription on the Joyful Noise Recordings VIP 7" Series profile page.
What do you think of this installment of the Joyful Noise Recordings VIP 7" Series? Did I turn you on to Joan Of Arc at all?
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