Post-Nothing
Encyclopedia
Background
The band self-financed the recording of Post-Nothing in the summer of 2008, with the intention of self-releasing it in 2009. However, by the fall of 2008, King and Prowse had become convinced that the band was going nowhere, and mutually decided to call it quits at the end of the year. It was agreed that they would self-release the album early in 2009, but would not promote it.In January 2009, Japandroids signed to independent Canadian label Unfamiliar Records, who were eager to release the album, despite the band's reservations about continuing. Frustrated by label interest only after they had decided to break-up, King and Prowse reluctantly agreed to continue Japandroids temporarily, and began performing live again. In March 2009, taste-making website Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork or P4k, is a Chicago-based daily Internet publication established in 1995 that is devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on underground and independent music, especially indie rock...
awarded the song "Young Hearts Spark Fire" a 'Best New Music' designation, instantaneously exposing the band to a large audience outside of Canada.
Release
Post-Nothing was released in Canada on April 28, 2009 by Unfamiliar Records, originally on vinyl only (Unfamiliar had offered to press Post-Nothing on either CD or LP, but not both, with the band opting for an LP release). Pitchfork immediately championed the album, awarding it a 'Best New Music' designation, and praising its rawness, energy and reckless abandon. Japandroids were subsequently signed to Polyvinyl Record Co.Polyvinyl Record Co.
Polyvinyl Record Co. is an American independent record label based in Champaign, Illinois. It has released notable records by of Montreal, Japandroids, Braid, Mates of State and many others.-History:...
in June 2009. Polyvinyl Record Co.
Polyvinyl Record Co.
Polyvinyl Record Co. is an American independent record label based in Champaign, Illinois. It has released notable records by of Montreal, Japandroids, Braid, Mates of State and many others.-History:...
re-released Post-Nothing worldwide on August 4, 2009.
Reception
Post-Nothing was released to widespread critical acclaim, especially in Canada where Exclaim!Exclaim!
Exclaim! is a monthly Canadian music magazine that features in-depth coverage of new music across all genres with special focus on Canadian and cutting-edge artists...
named it the second best album of 2009. It was long-listed for the Polaris Music Prize
Polaris Music Prize
The Polaris Music Prize is a music award annually given to the best full-length Canadian album based on artistic merit, regardless of genre, sales, or record label...
as well as nominated for the Juno Award
Juno Award
The Juno Awards are presented annually to Canadian musical artists and bands to acknowledge their artistic and technical achievements in all aspects of music...
for Alternative Album of the Year
Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year
The Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year is presented annually at Canada's Juno Awards to honour the best album of the year in the alternative rock and/or indie rock genres...
. The album was also well-received internationally, appearing on many year-end lists including Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork or P4k, is a Chicago-based daily Internet publication established in 1995 that is devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on underground and independent music, especially indie rock...
(#15), SPIN
Spin (magazine)
Spin is a music magazine founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr.-History:In its early years, the magazine was noted for its broad music coverage with an emphasis on college-oriented rock music and on the ongoing emergence of hip-hop. The magazine was eclectic and bold, if sometimes haphazard...
(#16), NME
NME
The New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
(#39), The A.V. Club
The A.V. Club
The A.V. Club is an entertainment newspaper and website published by The Onion. Its features include reviews of new films, music, television, books, games and DVDs, as well as interviews and other regular offerings examining both new and classic media and other elements of pop culture. Unlike its...
(#25), Pop Matters (#35), Stereogum
Stereogum
Stereogum was one of the first MP3 blogs. It was created by Scott Lapatine in January 2002 with a focus on independent and alternative music news, downloads, videos, and gossip. Stereogum has received several awards and citations, including the 2008 Plug Award for best music blog, Blender's...
(#21). The album peaked at #22 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.
Track listing
Personnel
Japandroids- Brian King – guitar, lead vocals (1,2,3,5,6,7,8), backup vocals (4)
- David Prowse - drums, backup vocals (1,2,3,5,6,7), lead vocals (4)
Technical personnel
- Jesse Gander - Engineer
Singles
Although no official singles were released from Post-Nothing, the songs "Young Hearts Spark Fire" and "Wet Hair" were released to promote the album prior to its release in the US and UK/EU respectively.- "Young Hearts Spark Fire" (March 9, 2009)
- Digital download (US)
- "Wet Hair" (July 20, 2009)
- Digital download (UK/EU)
- CD single b/w: "Young Hearts Spark Fire" (UK/EU)
Initially, the band had desired to include several more tracks on the album, but were unable due to insufficient funds. Many of the un-included tracks that the duo had written for the album were later recorded and released in 2010 as series of limited edition 7" singles.
- "Art CzarsArt Czars"Art Czars" is the debut 7" single by Canadian rock duo Japandroids. It was released by Polyvinyl Record Co. on April 12, 2010. The initial pressing was limited to 2000 copies on clear vinyl. It is currently out-of-print....
" (April 12, 2010)- 7" single b/w: "Racer-X" (Big BlackBig BlackBig Black was an American punk rock band from Evanston, Illinois, active from 1981 to 1987. Founded by singer and guitarist Steve Albini, the band's initial lineup also included guitarist Santiago Durango and bassist Jeff Pezzati, both of Naked Raygun...
cover)
- 7" single b/w: "Racer-X" (Big Black
- "Younger UsYounger Us"Younger Us" is the second 7" single by Canadian rock duo Japandroids. It was released by Polyvinyl Record Co. on July 20, 2010. The initial pressing was limited to 2500 copies on clear vinyl....
" (July 20, 2010)- 7" single b/w: "Sex and Dying in High Society" (X cover)
- "Heavenward Grand PrixHeavenward Grand Prix"Heavenward Grand Prix" is the third 7" single by Canadian rock duo Japandroids. It was released by Polyvinyl Record Co. on November 16, 2010. The initial pressing was limited to 2000 copies on clear vinyl.-Track listing:# "Heavenward Grand Prix" - 3:55...
" (November 16, 2010)- 7" single b/w: "Shame" (PJ HarveyPJ HarveyPolly Jean Harvey is an English musician, singer-songwriter, composer and occasional artist. Primarily known as a vocalist and guitarist, she is also proficient with a wide range of instruments including piano, organ, bass, saxophone, and most recently, the autoharp.Harvey began her career in...
cover)
- 7" single b/w: "Shame" (PJ Harvey