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How Christopher Nolan Learned to Stop Worrying and Love AI

The Oppenheimer director says AI is not the bomb. His new movie might still scare you shitless.

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Day 31: A record that sums up 2016

Ken Mode ‎– Success

Although this was released in 2015, I think tonally and lyrically it sums up the current state of mind of many Americans and perhaps the world this year. At least I know I’ll be ok as long as I’ve got something to scream along to.

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Day 30: Your most unique looking vinyl

Kowloon Walled City ‎– Grievances

Super limited hand-poured Nebula vinyl (100 pressed, mail-order / band exclusive). What can I say? This thing look absolutely insane in person. Each of the 100 records pressed looks vastly different (just look at the A top and B bottom sides). I know two other people with a copy and they’re all really amazing in their own way. Just hit up Google for images of what else was available. Easily the most unique colored vinyl I own (and honestly have ever seen) and a great, great record to top it off.

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Day 29: Selfie w/ a record that has a face on the cover

Neil Diamond Picture Disc

I’m unable to find any info on this record, as you’d expect Neil Diamond’s discography is large. All you really need to know is his face is super big and his hair flow is conditioned.

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Day 28: Picture disc day

The London Symphony Orchestra ‎– The Story Of Star Wars

Acquired from my dad, this vinyl was hanging in my room when I was little among other picture discs (mainly Disney releases). It seems extra appropriate since we lost Carrie Fisher yesterday. Star Wars has always been in my blood and this is one of my favorite pieces of my childhood.

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Day 27: The sexiest pressing of the year

Deftones ‎– Gore

Uhh, just look at it. Favorite cover of the year. The light pink center label on the clean white. The cover and art direction seem to contrast the music but at the same time compliment it so well - they really found the balance here.

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Day 26: Show off some haze vinyl

Ladder Devils ‎– Nowhere Plans

Clear w/ Black Haze / 100. Ladder Devils is comprised of former members of  The Minor Times, both of which are amazing bands.

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Day 25: Record that was a (xmas?) gift

Touché Amoré ‎– TA 2014-2016 7"s Boxset #63/200

Christmas gift to myself. Includes my first flexi (lower left).

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Day 24: Favorite 2xLP of the year

Nothing – Tired Of Tomorrow

This is a bit of a cheat since it’s technically not really a 2xLP. This deluxe edition includes hot pink smash inside electric blue vinyl and a logo shaped picture disc with bonus tracks.

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Day 23: A genre-defining album

Deafheaven ‎– Sunbather

I suppose some would argue genre-defining, but I think it stands. The black metal / shoegaze accessibility pushing alone grants it a seat at the table. First pressing, limited to 700 copies on hot pink and beer. One of my favorite packaging’s that includes a jacket featuring die cuts on front/back, spot gloss UV coating on both sides and a full color, folded 12" x 24" insert that enhances the die cuts.

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Day 22: It's marble vinyl time

Baroness ‎– First & Second

Reissue of the band's first two EP's combined on one LP. The record comes in a printed sleeve and a gatefold jacket with matte varnish and foil stamping, two sides. Top is olive green marble (of 500), bottom is red translucent (of 500) because why not have two copies.

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Day 21: Show us a cool cheapo

Drowningman ‎– Busy Signal At The Suicide Hotline

Just a nice cheap $3 find from Hastings bankruptcy sale. I hate to say it but I cleared out my local Hastings when they were going out of business and spent way too much money on (50%-75% off) vinyl. I also bought an incredibly large vinyl storage fixture that I can’t wait to get set up.

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Day 20: Least fav album of a fav band

Baroness ‎– Purple

I still enjoy this record, but the actual production is awful. The levels are crushed and sonically it is brickwalled and you can hear compression kicking in. I hold Baroness to a very high standard, they are at times my favorite band. This record is fatiguing to listen to which is unfortunate because the actual record is amazing. Great packaging for the first release on their own label, Abraxan Hymns - just look at that god damn beautiful center label.

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Day 19: The soundtrack for your funeral

Kowloon Walled City ‎– Container Ships

The literal sonic tone of this album, that is what makes it the soundtrack to my funeral. I suppose lyrically themes fit as well, but the tone man, the tone. This particular white version was super limited of 100.

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Day 18: Let's see some merge/swirl vinyl

Cursed ‎– Three - Architects Of Troubled Sleep

2016 Deathwish reissue on black/white merge vinyl limited to 693 copies. This particular merge came out very cool. Both A & B sides are wholly unique and I don’t own anything else that looks quite like it. Cover artwork also by a favorite of mine, John Baizley of Baroness.

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Day 17: Your newest arrival

Norma Jean ‎– Polar Similar

Another great release from Norma Jean. This band has been chugging (literally) along for 15 years and they keep finding something new to do while holding on to what’s always made them enjoyable. Proud to say my friend Jeff (since he was just a kid) is a part of this and doing what he loves playing guitar and seeing the world. Off white smash in translucent red really compliments the matte stock printed gate-fold.

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Day 16: A band's final album

Give Up The Ghost ‎– We're Down Til We're Underground

2011 Deathwish Records reissue on black 180 gram vinyl. I almost put this on my deserted island records post, but I thought it deserved it’s own spot. One of my all time favorite listens that never gets old and a modern hardcore staple.