Last Updated 5/6/09

Press Update for our Three New Releases!

The Handsome Family - Honey Moon

“Honey Moon is sensual and celebratory.” —Oprah Magazine

“Yet another terrific chapter in a book that I hope these guys never finish...The songs on Honey Moon are just as gorgeously haunting as anything they have done previously.” —Tim Hinely, Blurt

“Brett and Rennie Sparks continue to put a brilliantly surreal twist on everyday subjects, using nature imagery to evoke the weird intensity of all-consuming passions.” —Spin Magazine

“There's a burnt beauty to Honey Moon – something akin to Mark Twain re-written by Edgar Allan Poe – that exerts a deliciously morbid pull on the imagination and the emotions. Satisfaction is guaranteed.”—Michael Quinn, BBC

“Melodies unfold with matter-of-fact grace.” —Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune

“Honey Moon blends the baroque with spectral, old-time country atmospherics and shades of bluegrass and ragtime.”—Idio Magazine

“Brett’s baritone is so low it sounds like the earth rumbling, and it gives every tune an oracular presence that’s amply backed up by Rennie’s mystifying lyrics, which meld poetic impulses and everyday language with an effortless grace.”—J. Poet, Crawdaddy

Get a glimpse of Brett and Rennie’s view of Romanticism on 77 Square.

Speck Mountain - Some Sweet Relief

"4.5/5 Stars—Pulsating electric guitar riffs, creepy organ chords, and campfire-style backing harmonies round out each track, practically compelling the listener to lay back, turn out the lights, and stay awake until the last note fades. "—Venus Zine 

"At times haunting, at times warm and breezy, there is a dream-like ambiance that permeates the collection."—Glide Magazine

"...dreamy, impressionistic, and ambient. Like sunlight shining through a gauzy curtain, Balabanian's rich vocals are simultaneously hazy, distant and piercing."—NPR

“Behind her versatile and devastating voice, Balabanian and bandmate Karl Briedrick craft beautiful soundscapes that spread wide and deep." —Prefix Magazine

“Speck Mountain appeals to the surreal - one could imagine listening to this album in a wildly painted room filled with soft pillows and swirling, colorful lights. In a way, it’s an adequate replacement for drugs.”— FensePost

"Some Sweet Relief sounds somewhat timeless, a 40-minute offering of neo-psych gospel that's more polished, more promising, and altogether stronger than most of the band's contemporaries.” —Andrew Leahey, Allmusic

“Some Sweet Relief, is atmospheric, sexy, headphone hypnotica”— The OCMD

Listen to Speck Mountain on Breakthruradio.

The Bitter Tears - Jam Tarts In The Jakehouse

"...making Jam Tarts in the Jakehouse frighteningly difficult to pull from the stereo.” —PopMatters

"Paired with severely cryptic lyrics, brass and woodwind sounds emitted from old, partially worn-out instruments and a fishy concoction of melodious music, Jam Tarts in the Jakehouse, is a creatively convicting album." —Bryan Sanchez, Adequacy 

“Despite a dizzying array of instrumentation, what The Bitter Tears do so well, is keep it simple. The arrangements are pretty basic, which has to be applauded. They take these bare bones, and dress them with string sections, and parps of brass. More often than not they come up with something that at times borders on the magical.”—MusicOMH

"A band like none other, the Bitter Tears are theatrical and totally over the top—and consider that a good thing...the band is a twisted backwoods freak show whose music ranges from country to big band to the avant garde.” — Artvoice

"Striking a nice balance between stronger and softer sounds, “Jam Tarts in the Jakehouse” never really crosses the line into either, staying in the middle with a strong enough backbone to keep things steady and interesting."—Lowdown

"Chicago's The Bitter Tears are a truly extraordinary group of musicians that one must experience in the live concert setting to truly appreciate the in-your-face absurdity and pure drama that their rambling catchy dada cabaret has to offer."—A Thousand Ears

“This is art rock, pure and simple; Harmonious enough to catch you, dissonant to almost lose you, and endearing enough that you’ll come back to hear it again. The Bitter Tears will disturb your senses, and you’ll like it.”—Wildy's World

VDay Redux
Thought I'd take this chance to cross-post with our blog over at saki, which I really try not to do, but even I have only so many words and even fewer functioning brain cells. So here ya go:

You combine two 50º Chicago mid-February days with the arrival of our boys in blue pinstripes to Mesa for spring training in twelve and a half hours, and it's starting to feel like we might make it out of this long, dark winter of our discontent after all, to a time when all the clouds that low'r'd upon our house in the deep bosom of the ocean will be transformed into cool lake breezes, ice cold Shiner Bock, sizzling grills, and the sound of Pat + Ron narrating our summer afternoons. Ahh.

In the short term, we're giving you great new music that should warm you up inside and out. Three new songs, one from each of our next three new releases, and all of them love songs of a sort, though I'm still not quite sure what it is the Bitter Tears are trying to say here, or really anywhere (I'll have to get back to you on that). I don't really read the fine print, just the titles, so that's good enough for me. Would love to hear your interpretations of these three though, so fire away at the Comments section.

So what do you get for nothing?

The Bitter Tears The Love Letter
*A pretty acoustic number that builds to a huge climax thanks to some tasty horns and strings and superb dynamics. A sleeper pop hit that hasn't left my head for days.

Speck Mountain Angela
*A laid back dreamer with some groovy 70's keyboards, spaced out guitar and heavenly vocals that support the down-tempo groove rather than smother it. Says a lot without saying much at all. We've got a dance remix we're itching to release, but we'll save that for April or May.

The Handsome Family Darling, My Darling
*Insects have written billions of love songs. I have no idea how many love songs have been written about insects, but Honey Moon has two of them—one of them a first person crooner that lays bare the level of insect romantic commitment that humans will never begin to touch. They love unconditionally, even to their ultimate personal detriment, build the most intricate and solid structures made only from their immediate environment and secretions, generally play well with others of their own species, and make sure the kids are taken care of and get out of the house safely. Maybe we can learn a thing or two from 'em. This 3/4 time ballad full of wavering mellotrons and heavenly whistling certainly won't hurt. Bust out the headphones.

If you can't wait until Friday night, head over to our ReverbNation page where you can stream them all starting right now. Tell your friends. Tell your relatives. Tell your lover. Tell your ex.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Happy Valentine's Day from Carrot Top Records!

Head over to the main homepage of CarrotTopRecords.com for 24 hours starting at midnight on Friday night and grab three free songs, all about love in their own way. You'll get one song from each of our three new spring releases!

See you on Saturday!

Oh My! Honey, Where You Been So Long?
Busy in the kitchen, that's where. CTR kicks off the 2009 portion of it's busiest 12 months in existence with a trio of albums that make us smile every time we think of them, and in true CTR fashion, none of them sound remotely similar!

• First up, a somehow compact but sprawling beast of undefined origin. On March 3, The Bitter Tears are set to release their Carrot Top Recs debut, Jam Tarts in the Jake House—an album of wonder, awe, sometime confused discomfort, and sneaky pop hooks. The tried and true cliche "off-kilter" doesn't begin to do it justice, but as challenging as this critter is, I'll be damned if we're not all walking around here humming a new song from this album nearly every day. Their debut album is one of my favorites for the last few years, obviously, so while you eagerly await Jam Tarts, go check it out!
• Shortly afterwards, on March 17, Speck Mountain release their second album, and first for CTR, Some Sweet Relief. We couldn't be happier to do our part to help these deserving folks reach a wider audience here in the States and follow up on their unexpected underground success in the UK for their self-released debut, Summer Above, "a masterclass in understated simplicity," that garnered them one of the 20 Best Americana Albums of 2008 in Uncut. We'll get their web page up pronto! In the meantime, please check their myspace page.
• The last of the trio, but certainly not least, is the eagerly awaited new album from prodigal Chicagoans Brett and Rennie Sparks, The Handsome Family. Honey Moon celebrates their 20th Wedding Anniversary in stunning style. You see, it's a whole album of love songs! That's right! NOBODY DIES, people....Stop and think about that one for a while....Done? OK. Resume. After hanging out with it a while, I don't see how anybody can emphatically argue that they've ever released a better record than this. It is a true headphone record with ample lyrical and music depth to offer new surprises over repeated listenings on nearly every song. I can't wait for y'all to hear it, but you'll have to wait until Apri 14.

Check back shortly for word on a Valentine's Day Surprise for you and your honey, even if he's a cricket.

Sweet 16 Totals
And if you're wondering, our birthday benefit shows raised right around $12,000 for the Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis. Again, we thank everybody, everybody for their support, encouragement, donations, time, energy, and relentless good will. I still get goosebumps thinking about that weekend. Thanks to all for making it happen. How cool and likely not soon topped in CTR World.


Sweet 16 Press

Chicago Reader (Critic's Choice and Recommended)
Coctails, Antietam, KatJonBand, Bitter Tears
When: Fri., Sept. 26, 9 p.m.
Phone: 773-227-4433 or 866-468-3401
Price: $15
—There isn’t much new to say about Chicago’s beloved Coctails. Dressed in their trademark skinny suits, the quartet spent the late 80s and early 90s paying goofy, endearing tribute to every type of evening-out music, from jazz, exotica, and Rat Pack crooning to British Invasion pop. After the band’s 1995 farewell show at the Lounge Ax, John Upchurch, Barry Phipps, Mark Greenberg, and Archer Prewitt all went on to other things, but they’ve remained on call. Since their first reunion show in 2000—a joyous, generous, tightly executed set to bid the Lounge Ax adieu—they’ve been sporadically coming back together, as though at the flash of some indie Bat Signal, and each time they’ve created another were-you-there scene milestone. Today the Coctails headline the first night of Carrot Top Records’ Sweet 16 Party, one of the year’s best unsung festivals; former Chicagoans the Handsome Family headline tomorrow. Proceeds go to the Accelerated Cure Project, a multiple-sclerosis research organization. —Monica Kendrick

Chicago Sun-Times Blog by Jim DeRogatis
—Carrot Top Records, one of Chicago's least-hyped but most consistently excellent independent labels, celebrates its Sweet 16 birthday this weekend with two shows to benefit the Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. Friday's lineup includes the Coctails, Antietam, the katjonband (with Jon Langford Katerina Ex of the Ex) and the Bitter Tears, while Saturday's features the Handsome Family, Megan Reilly, Speck Mountain and Lys Guillorn.

Daily Herald (KatJonBand + Sweet 16)
—As expected, a mature pulse of antiwar sentiment and relevant social concern courses throughout the diverse proceedings. Smart, sinewy, spiky and occasionally sonorous, "KatJonBand" is evidence that even while forging their own paths, sometimes punks should listen to their elders.-Jeff Pizek
KatJonBand performs with The Coctails, Antietam and The Bitter Tears as part of Carrot Top Records' Sweet 16 Party at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., Chicago. $15; proceeds benefit the Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis. (773) 227-4433.

Time Out Chicago
—Low-key local indie label Carrot Top celebrates its 16th anniversary in style with a bevy of its favorite players. Idiosyncratic lounge act the Coctails reunite for a rare one-off, while indie mainstay Tara Key unleashes her inner guitar goddess with the revered trio Antietam. Longtime friends Jon Langford and Katherina Ex of—you guessed it—the Ex open as the KatJonBand following a set by the Bitter Tears. Profits from tonight's show will be donated to the Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis.

CTR S16 Nears with Presents for YOU!!

In order to raise a HUGE amount of money for the Accelerated Cure Project at Carrot Top Records' Sweet 16 Party this weekend at The Hideout, we have gathered an amazing, never-ending group of generous donations from our favorite people and places. Tickets to the bash are still available here.

Come celebrate with us and you can come home with one, or MORE of these fabulous prizes...

* Wine tasting for you and all your friends at Cellar Rat wine
* The Coctails - 12 inch action figure set courtesy of PRESSPOP Inc. in Japan
* 6 tickets and private opera box for Lucinda Williams @ Riviera 10/14 courtesy of Jam Productions
* 2 Signed Wilco posters
* A Thrill Jockey gift set of books, limited edition ELPEES and rare posters
* Gift certificates to: Vella, Uncle Dan's and Ruff Haus
* Tshirts from the infamous Chicago venue, Lounge Ax
* Summersweet garden consultation
* 10 tickets to Roller Derby bout at UIC on 10/25 thanks to WCR
* Beginning Pilates Package from Balance Health & Wellness
* Artwork and Dog Book from world famous illustratrix Emily Flake
* The Coctails gift set including: "Let's Enjoy..." 10" EP, Book of Images and tote bag
* A special gift package from Second City
* Bloodshot Records gift set including a signed Andre Williams poster, CDs, tshirts and a DVD
* Pairs of concert ticket for upcoming shows at Epiphany, The Hideout, Metro, Lake Shore Theater and Schuba's

Intrigued yet?! How can you NOT go?! Seriously.

Great alternate poster by Juan Pablo Langford.

Thank you to all of our generous sponsors for their contributions!
We hope to see you this weekend.


New Releases in the Pipeline
Continuing our busiest year ever, watch for a 7" and digital single from The Handsome Family, a double Halloween 7" from the Wee Scary Beasties (aka Wee Hairy Beasties), new full length studio albums from the newest roster call ups The Bitter Tears and Speck Mountain, and a vinyl reissue of the debut album from Anathallo "Floating World." Since the label unexpectedly tilted distinctly toward NYC over the last few years, we're very proud to be working with such amazing Chicagoans. Oh yeah, there's a new Handsome Family album coming in March 2009!

KatJonBand LPs and CDs Shipping This Week!
Thanks to some miracle from the pressing plant gods, the beautiful and beautiful sounding vinyl is actually here on time. It's two years in the making and worth the wait on all accounts. We'll start shipping distributors and mail order customers this week, so please get your orders in! In the meantime, check this video of their live set at the Touch and Go 25th Anniversary Party/Hideout Block Party in 2006.

Darling Downs "From One to Another" Actually On Schedule
Not believing in the jinx, we're happy to announce that the Darling Downs new album is on schedule for its October 14 release date. CD packaging came out beautifully and our fingers are crossed for the LPs. While you wait, check out this cool video for the most rocking of the new songs, Circa '65.


Carrot Top Records Has Moved!!
The label moved into its fourth home on August 23 when we moved into our very own building that we'll continue to share with CTD, Ltd. and sakistore.net.
Please note our new address:
Carrot Top Records, Inc.
3716 W. Fullerton Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773-486-1400


Final Lineups Set for CTR Sweet 16 Party
A Benefit for The Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis (contribute now!)

After many games of band Stratego, we finally have the lineups set for the big party at the end of September!

The Hideout, Chicago, IL

Friday Sept 26
The Coctails
Antietam
KatJonBand (feat Jon Langford of The Mekons and Kat Ex of The Ex)
The Bitter Tears

Saturday Sept 27
The Handsome Family
Megan Reilly
Speck Mountain
Lys Guillorn

Tickets are $15.00 for each night and are available now!
Doors at 8:30.
Show time promptly at 9:00pm.
Because The Hideout is so wonderfully intimate and because it is a benefit, there will be no guest list.

We have been inspired by SP20 and the kind gentlemen of Red Red Meat to donate any post-expense money we bring in at the door to the Accelerated Cure Project, who support cutting edge MS research and aren't screwing around while doing it.

• To further this along, Carrot Top Records is paying the travel expenses to get the artists here and back.
• All of the bands have generously agreed to donate their pay for the night as well.
• The amazing and nice ladies at Green Light Go Publicity have offered to donate their time and energy promoting these shows both locally and nationally.
• Steve W of Screwball Press has offered to donate some awesome, lovingly screenprinted posters for promotion and sale.

How cool is all this? Only one of many reasons why we love working with all of them. And big thanks to Julia and Michelle for doing the organizational heavy lifting and Kate for working so diligently on the donations.

And we've already snagged our first bit of press at a Time Out Chicago blog.


Tara Key Video Interview in PopMatters
Ever wonder what it's like to hang out with a guitarless TK? Well, Robin Cook found out at SXSW in Austin back in March. Enjoy.

Carrot Top Records Sweet 16 Party
We don't have the order and dates yet, and we're still hoping to rope in another surprise or two to add to the fun, but after a lot of discussion we can now confirm the following:

Fri Sept 26 and Sat Sept 27 The Hideout Chicago featuring
The Handsome Family
Antietam
The Coctails
Megan Reilly
KatJonBand (Jon Langford of The Mekons & Kat Ex of The Ex)
Speck Mountain
The Bitter Tears
Lys Guillorn

Logistics, price, exact running order of bands, along with several harebrained ideas are all being worked on. We'll post more details as soon as we get them both here and at The Hideout website. We can't wait!

Big, BIG ups to The Hideout for allowing us to invade for a whole weekend. Truly the most gracious club owners on the planet.

Dang that's a good weekend of music.

New Release Dates Set
KatJonBand's debut is now set for mid-September release and the North American issue of the amazing new album by The Darling Downs will now his our shores in October. Both will be issued on delicious vinyl!

Antietam Rocked Terrastock Louisville
Will get photos and thoughts posted on the sakistore blog as soon as I have 10 minutes to think.

Antietam's Brooklyn Library Show Photos
Antietam played THE BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY on Saturday. Was supposed to be outside on the steps but it rained. :-( Anyway, they had an easel with a sheet for each song using the Dewey Decimal System. Tara is a rare books librarian, so it was a natural. I guess it was a hit, with members of the audience going up to turn the page whenever the band forgot during the course of their 90 minute set. A couple of pics posted here. (Thanks Liz!)

Loads of New Releases on the Horizon
After taking the year off from new releases in 2007, 2008 is shaping up to be a record setting year with up to five more new albums to appear by the end of the year. New albums by The Darling Downs and KatJonBand are now in production! We'll post details here soon and get out Vol. II of the CTR Newsletter as well.

Antietam Record Release Party Scheduled
After a flurry of planning, details for the long anticipated record release party for Opus Mixtum have finally begun to take shape. The big show is set for Saturday February 16 at Brooklyn's Southpaw. There will be special guests aplenty. So far confirmed are the delightfully persistent and creative The Scene Is Now and a rare live appearance by Dump, the solo vehicle for James McNew of Yo La Tengo. More details as they become available.

Jon Langford and Kat Ex Finish Collaborative Album
A year and a half in the making, Jon Langford of The Mekons and Katherina Ex of The Ex have put the finishing touches on their first musical excursion. It's been described by Jon as "death techno" but that seems mearly a relative term to the rest of their work. It's a rhythm-driven propulsive machine of major proportions with the dose of political outrage from these musicians in this age. Release details and hopefully live sho info will be posted here when available.