Tar - (2021) Tar Box 4xLP

 

Chunklet Industries – none

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)