More instore news – this Friday 10th September sees a special instore performance from super-talented super-group, Super Melody! For the uninitiated, Super Melody is the hyperactive, electro-sleazin’, margherita sippin’, copacabana dwellin’ brainchild of one James Cecil (ex-Architecture In Helsinki, currently percussionist all-rounder for Qua). We’re pretty excited about this one – truth is, we kinda have no idea what he has planned as James likes to keep the cast constantly shakin’ and rotatin’, but main members generally include Cornel Wilczek (Qua) and members of World’s End Press. Super Melody’s debut album “Destination Unknown” is instore now and causing quite a stir with critics, as are their energetic live efforts headlining and already playing supports slots with the likes of Jamie Lidell among others.

Super Melody will perform at 6pm this Friday 10th September at our Melbourne city store, 288 Flinders Lane. Hope to see you there! x

The Ancients, Mogwai, Surf City, Magic Kids









Some great new albums in this week from locals The Ancients, New Zealands Surf City, as well as a brain blowing live album / dvd from Mogwai called 'Special Moves/ Burning'! The live dvd was shot by Vincent Moon (who also filmed 'The National' dvd A Skin, A Night) and by all reports sounds incredible in the old 5.1 surround sound.

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE release visual extravaganza ODDSAC

Animal Collective "Oddsac" - Trailer from Gregory Kochan on Vimeo.

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs









The new Arcade Fire album ‘The Suburbs’ has arrived instore today and it’s fair to say this album will be on repeat for some time to come. As the reviews start coming in it’s hard to imagine this album rating anything less than a 9 out of 10. For a great track by track review check out this one on thequietus.com .

New Albums - M.I.A, DANGERMOUSE/SPARKLEHORSE, WOLF PARADE, SUN KIL MOON









Some great new releases in this week; the new album from M.I.A, Sun Kil Moon, Wolf Parade and the long-awaited collaboration from Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse 'Dark Night Of The Soul'. The album was completed before the passing of Sparklehorse main man Mark Linkous earlier this year and was inspired by a David Lynch photography project. Guest vocalist include Iggy Pop, The Flaming Lips, Jason Lytle, James Mercer, Black Francis and more. Dig it!

Polyester Records 2010 Top 10 Mid Year Recommendations
Polyester Records 2010 Top 10 Mid Year Recommendations
THE NATIONAL – High Violet
SALLY SELTMANN – Heart’s That Pounding
LCD SOUNDYSTEM – This Is Happening
SHARON JONES AND THE DAP KINGS – I Learned The Hard Way
CARIBOU – Swim
BEACH HOUSE – Teen Dream
FOUR TET – There Is Love In You
LAURA VEIRS – July Flame
PIKELET – Stem
FLYING LOTUS – Cosmogramma

June Releases Out Now - The Drums, Ratatat, Ariel Pink, Midnight Juggernauts & Daniel Johnston Box Set









We’re always happy to see good albums do well and in the last month The National, Band Of Horses, LCD Soundsystem and Black Keys all made the Top Ten in the USA charts and charted in the OZ mainstream charts. Plus they did well here at our shops as you can see our bestsellers below. It’s hard to believe a couple of years ago all these bands would be so popular but it’s great they’re getting widespread recognition. The National ‘High Violet’ is already our bestseller of 2010 after being released only a month ago and we think it will top a lot of critic’s end of year polls. Inertia Records have kindly supplied us with another 10 copies of the limited edition coloured National vinyl for each store. We have a handful left, so if you missed out first time you can get a copy if you’re quick.

The Tame Impala are only releasing 500 copies of their debut album on vinyl at the end of June and we’ll have 20 copies available. You can pre-order a copy now for $39.95 at our website. Also we have more copies of the limited edition Bill Callahan vinyl only version of ‘Rough Travels’ in today. LCD Soundsystem album on vinyl has been very popular, we’ll have more copies from Europe on Tuesday, if you want a copy we suggest doing an order at our website.

One of our favourite releases of last year was the Drums ‘Summertime’ EP, today they’ve released their self titled debut album which if is as good as their EP it will be a good thing. Today the latest Chemical Brothers ‘Further’ album is available; we have a few copies of the limited DVD version. It’s been a long time between drinks but Paradise Motel are back with a new album ‘Australian Ghost Story’ instore now. Other local releases we have in now include the limited edition Midnight Juggernauts album with bonus disc only $19.95 and the new Fabulous Diamonds 2nd album ‘ii’.

The new Daniel Johnston 6 ‘The Story Of An Artist’ CD boxset is available now to order from the Polyester website, this won’t be available instore just from our online store. It’s $130 and features 131 songs, a 64 page booklet, poster and illustrations and very limited.

New Band Of Horses, LCD Soundsystem, Black Keys & Crystal Castles Albums - Instore Now!









May is shaping up to be a huge month for new releases. Already this month there's been releases from The National, Flying Lotus, UNKLE, Dead Weather, Flaming Lips and now you can add the new LCD Soundsystem, Band Of Horses and Black Lips, all will be available on CD.

We're been big fans of Band Of Horses, since their 1st album their been very impressive and we're really looking forward to the new album 'Infinite Arms' which we have now on CD and vinyl. Recorded over 16 months the band haven't strayed too far from the albums that made them so special.

There's talk from James Murphy that this will be the last LCD Soundsystem so we will be relishing what they've dished up on 'This Is Happening.' This album sees them in an ultra pop mode and if you like 'Drunk Girls' the first single from the album you'll enjoy this. The vinyl is also available.

We thought the Black Keys best albums were behind them but the last album produced by Danger Mouse 'Attack & Release' dispelled that notion. Their back with another album called 'Brothers' which is their fifth and with a bit of luck they will announce a tour for later in the year very soon. Vinyl in store.

The National ‘High Violet’ CD Instore Now Plus New Flying Lotus & UNKLE
Yes we’re very excited about the arrival today of the new National album on CD to the point of nearly hyperventilating. We have no doubt this album will feature heavily in albums of the year like its predecessor ‘The Boxer.’ The latest album ‘High Violet’ takes all those same important ingredients and delivers an album that constantly rewards each listen. A lot of people have recently found The National due to their amazing track on the ‘Dark Was The Night’ double album which they also compiled. Rumoured to be touring again here at the end of the year/early 2011 we’re happy to have ‘High Violet’ to keep us company now. We should have the limited edition vinyl available this Friday. If you want a copy of this limited edition don't delay we've already had lots of orders and our allocation is running low!




FLYING LOTUS ‘Cosmogramma’
Flying Lotus is back with his third album ‘Cosmogramma’ the follow-up to ‘Los Angeles’. His new opus is 17 tracks and is the product of live instrumental collaborations with Thom Yorke, bassist Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner (Sa-Ra Creative Partners), harpist Redekah Raff (collaborator with Ghostface Killah and Harry Patch) & saxophonist Ravi Coltrane. We hope to have vinyl later this week.

UNKLE – ‘Where Did The Night Fall’
James Lavelle finally returns with a new Unkle album and his contributors this time around include indie Mark Lanegan, San Francisco’s Sleepy Sun, and Texan rockers The Black Angels. We have a few very limited editions of the album that come in amazing packaging and with a bonus instrumental disc. There’s also a 32 page booklet featuring cool artwork.

Other albums being released in May include Band Of Horses, Flying Lotus, The Black Keys, Tame Impala, Jamie Lidell, Cocorosie, most of these are available now to pre-order at website.

New Releases In Store Now – Broken Social Scene, Flaming Lips, New Pornographers, Bill Callahan & Roky Erickson & Okkervil River









Believe it or not its been 5 years since the last Broken Social Scene album so it’s good news the new album ‘Forgiveness Rock Record’ is finally available. There’s also been a lot of buzz about the Flaming Lips covering Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side Of The Moon.’ Originally this was only an online release, we now have copies available on CD. The New Pornographers keep getting better with each release and the new album ‘Together’ features include collaborations from St. Vincent, Beirut's Zach Condon, and Okkervil River's Will Sheff. And for those who thought we would never see another Roky Erickson release will be over the moon to see him in great form with the help of Okkervil River. And if you’re a fan of the Soul Jazz series we highly recommend the new Deutsche Elektroniche Musik album which is a collection of experimental German rock and electronica from 1972 – 1983, we’re already sold out several times in the last week. And there’s a plenty more good electronica/beats instore now, check out the online store or new release section.

Like usual we have plenty of new vinyl in, its popularity continues un-abated, check out the new arrivals at the online store. We finally have the new Eddy Current album ‘Rush To Relax’ in on vinyl. Bill Callahan has released a new double vinyl only edition ‘Rough Travel For A Rare Thing’ which is also very limited and recorded here in Melbourne. Plus we have some releases that have been highly anticipated from Trans Am, Caribou and Tallest Man On Earth.

Thanks To Everyone That Supported Our Charity Day!
Wow we're over the moon with all the support our charity day received on Saturday. It was such a fun day and good to see so many people come through the doors. We ended up raising $4116 for the Cancer Council which is a mighty effort from you all. It’s $600 more than we raised last year. A huge thanks to all our helpers The counter staff on the day are Fee B-Squared, Ben Birchall and Tim Shiel (RRR Breakfasters), Alan Brough & Myf Warhurst (Spicks & Specks), Andrew McClelland & Josh Earl (comedians) and Julia Zemiro (RockWiz). And thanks also for Kid Sam for kicking off the day in the city store and David O'Doherty doing a short set to a very full store.

New Releases From Jonsi (Sigur Ros), Sharon Jones & Sally Seltmann (New Buffalo)
Jonsi from Sigur Ros has a new album; he had plenty of new songs that didn’t fit the Sigur Ros format. We have the album on cd and vinyl, and next week we’ll also a limited cd version with a bonus DVD.

Sally Seltmann has lost her New Buffalo moniker and has a new solo album called ‘Heart That’s Pounding’ that finds her in more of pop mode (we should have copies this afternoon). Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings have released 3 wonderful albums and so we’re happy she’s got a new album ‘I Learned The Hard Way’ that holds it on against her previous releases. David Byrne rarely does the same album twice and now he’s teamed up with Fatboy Slim to do a concept album based on the life of Imelda Marcos, we’re very intrigued to hear what this sounds like. Guest vocalists on the album include Sharon Jones, Sia, Alice Russell, St. Vincent, Martha Wainwright, Sanitgold and Rosin Murphy.

If you’re looking for new beats/electronica releases we can highly recommend the latest from Pantha Du Prince, Four Tet, Bonobo, Dam Funk & Gonjasufi. These are albums we haven’t stopped listening to since they’ve come out. We’re looking forward to the new Jamie Lidell and Flying Lotus when they come out in May.

Mid-March 2010 New Releases - Laura Marling, Goldfrapp, Bonnie Prince Billy, She & Him and My Disco









When first announced, She & Him seemed liked a one-off side project for M.Ward, with Zooey Deschanel rounding out the collaboration. But the success of their debut album sees the partnership back again with Volume 2 (cd & Vinyl). Laura Marling recently toured and now she’s released her second album ‘I Speak Because I Can.’

The words Bonnie Prince Billy and prolific always go together but it’s been 12 months since his last studio album, we have his latest ‘Wondershow Of The World’. The Broken Bells album (new James Mercer from the Shins) has already been extremely popular as well as the Joanna Newsom triple cd/vinyl. Other new releases include Goldfrapp, local band Otouto, a live White Stripes CD/DVD and finally copies of the My Disco 12”.

Only a couple of weeks away on Friday April 2nd we’ll have the anticipated new album from Sharon Jones ‘I Learned The Hard Way’ – available to pre-order now from the Polyester website. Also on the same day we’ll have the new album from Sally Seltmann which we’re really looking forward to. She’s dropped the New Buffalo moniker but we’re sure the quality songs will be the same – also available to pre-order now.

And we know we may be getting ahead of ourselves but May looks like being a corker of a month for new releases, here’s a short list so far - The National, Band Of Horses, Broken Social Scene, Flying Lotus, Jamie Lidell, New Pornographers, Coco Rosie and the Black Keys.

March New Releases - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Knife, Broken Bells, Pavement & Fionn Regan









We hope 2010 is treating you well. All is well here with the new releases keeping on rolling in. There’s been a lot of happy people this week with the release of the triple Joanna Newsom album (the vinyl comes in a lovely packaged box). In the past week alone there’s been another 20 new releases, a lot to keep up with. These include Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Pavement (their 1st ever best of compilation we’ll also have all their albums available again on vinyl next week), Kimya Dawson fans should check out new project called Bundles. Other notable new releases include The Knife, Holly Miranda, Frightened Rabbit, Pantha Du Prince and Fionn Regan.

We also have the new album from James Mercer’s (The Shins) new band and Danger Mouse called Broken Bells.

Later in the month we have new albums we’re looking forward to from She & Him, Laura Marling, Goldfrapp and Tunng. Our vinyl racks are again bulging full of new releases the huge interest in vinyl just keeps getting stronger. Below you can also check out the best selling of releases of the last month.

New Releases Instore Now - Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Joanna Newsom, Local Natives, Gil Scott-Heron & Shearwater









We have album No. 3 from Eddy Current Suppression Ring album ‘Rush To Relax’ in now and already very popular (the vinyl is still a couple of weeks away). The Joanna Newsom triple album ‘Have One On me’ is in now on CD and and a special boxed vinyl . We’re enjoying the new releases from Gil Scott-Heron, Pikelet and Local Natives.

Other new releases just in include Shearwater, Efterklang, Silver Mt. Zion, Shout Out Louds, Frightened Rabbit and Holly Miranda.

We got our hands on some Mumford & Sons vinyl, plus we’ve got more copies of Beach House on vinyl and more of Rowland S Howard’s ‘Pop Crimes’ on vinyl. And we’ll have the new Midlake in on vinyl.

New Magnetic Fields, Beach House, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Vampire Weekend & Midlake









We hope you had a good start to 2010 and lucky enough to get a holiday or small break at least. Thanks to everyone that visited us over Christmas and the New Year it’s been a extremely busy time for both our stores. We thought we’d better send out a newsletter, there are only a handful of new releases so far for 2010 but a very impressive start nonetheless. We look forward to bringing you all the latest release and ticket news for throughout the year. We’ve also listed below some of the great new releases coming out in February and March including new Joanna Newsom, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Hot Chip & Yeasayer.

For those hanging out for the new Midlake album it's in now! We also have the new Beach House album ‘Teen Dream’ with bonus DVD (vinyl also available). We really enjoyed their last album ‘Devotion’ but think this is even better and wouldn’t be surprised this is in year’s end list even 12 months away. The Magnetic Fields are back with ‘Realism’ which originally was going to be released as a double album with ‘Distortion.’ The joy of the Magnetic Fields is they never release a similar album twice and this is as far removed from their album as possible taking them into folk terrain. Charlotte Gainsbourg has teamed up with Beck on her new album ‘IRM.’ Beck expanded his producing role to co-write and sing on a lot of tracks and taking his Gainsbourg obsession to a new height. Rounding out new arrivals include Spoon, Vampire Weekend (plus bonus 3 track CD), Laura Veirs, Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy) & Basia Bulat.

Polyester Records Top 20 Bestsellers Of 2009
Our best selling release of 2009 by a long way was the wonderful double compilation ‘Dark Was The Night.’ 41 exclusive tracks compiled by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National featuring many of our favourite artists, a charity compilation that has raised over $500,000 from its worldwide sales. An extra bonus this CD teamed up a lot of artists for some amazing recordings like Gillian Welch & Conor Oberst, David Byrne & Dirty Projectors, Grizzly Bear & Feist and The Books & Jose Gonzalez. This CD is a must for your collection.

The juggernaut that is Bon Iver ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’ came in at number two after 18 months since its release date and is quickly on the way to becoming the biggest selling album ever in Polyester. Another band that was in our Top 20 last year and again this year is Fleet Foxes. We were also impressed by the amount of local bands featuring in our Top 20 like Kid Sam, Mum Smokes, Grand Salvo & The Wagons. If you’re looking for any Christmas gifts then we can highly recommend any of this years bestsellers.

From all of us at Polyester have a Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year!!

POLYESTER RECORDS 2009 BESTSELLERS - CDs
1. DARK WAS THE NIGHT - Various
2. BON IVER – For Emma, Forever Ago
3. GRIZZLY BEAR – Veckatimest
4. BILL CALLAHAN – Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
5. ANIMAL COLLECTIVE – Merriweather Post Pavilion
6. ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS – The Crying Light
7. FAT FREDDY’S DROP – Dr Boondigga & The Big BW
8. YEAH YEAH YEAHS – It’s Blitz
9. PHOENIX – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
10. WILCO – Wilco (The Album)
11. GRAND SALVO – Soil Creatures
12. DIRTY THREE – Live At Meredith
13. MUM SMOKES – Easy/House Music
14. FLEET FOXES – s/t
15. KID SAM – s/t
16. P.J. HARVEY & JOHN PARISH – A Woman A Man Walked By
17. WAGONS – Rise & Fall Of Goodtown
18. BEIRUT – March Of Zapotec
19. GEOFFREY YUNUPINGU – s/t
20. YO LA TENGO – Popular Songs

New David Rawlings Albums (With Lots Of Help From Gillian Welch) & Tom Waits Live Album









Who knows when Gillian Welch will finally put out a follow-up to 'Soul Journey'. The good news is her partner in crime David Rawlings has released a great debut album 'A Friend Of A Friend' and if you love Gillian Welch we highly recommended this album. It's a de facto Welch album where she co-writes and sings on most of the songs, while highlighting how much a talent Rawlings is and has made her solo albums what they are. There's also the Rawlings song he co-wrote with Ryan Adams that first appeared on 'Heartbreaker'. Already this album has been extremely popular so it could be the perfect summer album your collection is crying out for.

The long awaited new Tom Waits double live album 'Glitter & Doom' has landed at Polyester. Disc One is designed to sound like one evening's performance, even though the 17 tracks are selected from 10 cities, from Paris to Birmingham; Tulsa to Milan; and Atlanta to Dublin. Sonically the album is superb and has been beautifully recorded and meticulously mastered. Disc Two is a bonus compendium called Tom Tales, which is a selection of the comic bromides, strange musings, and unusual facts that Tom traditionally shares with his audience during the piano set. The vinyl will be available early December.

Also Tom Waits is finally releasing his 'Orphans' boxset on 7 pc vinyl. We're taking pre-orders now at the website for $179.95. The vinyl boxset includes 56 tracks (6 not on the cd boxset) and a booklet with all the lyrics. So if you're after ideal Christmas presents don't miss out this is extremely limited.

New Releases Instore Now - Sufjan Stevens, Mumford & Sons, Flight Of The Conchords, Alec Ounsworth & Ned Collette









Sufjan Stevens ‘BQE’- CD/DVD release from the singer/songwriter, a cinematic suite inspired by the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the Hula-Hoop. Commissioned by Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), The BQE was originally performed in the Howard Gilman Opera House in celebration of the 25th anniversary Next Wave Festival in October of 2007. The BQE is available as a double-disc format (CD/DVD), which includes the original 16mm/8mm film (in widescreen display), the original motion picture soundtrack, a 40-page booklet (with extensive liner notes and photographs), and the stereoscopic image reel (playable in all View-Master viewers).

Flight Of The Conchords ‘I Told You I Was Freaky’ – 2nd full length album from the New Zealand duo Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement. This release features a lyric book with not only the lyrics, but the chords to each song as well. Thirteen hilarious tracks including 'Sugalumps' and 'Too Many Dicks (On the Dance Floor)'. Also available on vinyl. We have limited posters to giveaway with this album.

Alec Ounsworth ‘Mo Beauty’ – Debut solo release from celebrated singer/songwriter Alec Ounsworth, who earned acclaim with his band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Ounsworth has crafted a collection of songs that pick up where Clap Your Hands Say Yeah leave off. Mo Beauty carries on that band's vein of quirky humour, unashamed melody, and sonic experimentation, but with the weight of New Orleans and its history hovering over the recording.

New October Releases Instore Now - Flaming Lips, Atlas Sound, Broadcast, Bridezilla & Can You Dig It









This weeks new releases features a great batch of varied and wonderful range. The Flaming Lips deliver their highly anticipated new album 'Embryonic' - we also have a limited version with bonus booklet and DVD. Fans of Deerhunter have been waiting for the new Atlas Sound' Logos' and it doesn't disappointment - also available on vinyl. Broadcast have teamed up with Focus Group to deliver a good minimalist album - also available on vinyl. There's been a lot interest in Bridezilla since their EP, we've now copies of their debut album. And Soul Jazz rarely disappoint and their new compilation 'Can You Dig It' (The Music And Politics Of Black Action 1968 - 1975) is a winner. Great package, great songs, also available on vinyl.

New Releases Instore Now - Mayer Hawthorne, Daniel Johnston, Built To Spill, Where The Wild Things Are & Crayon Fields









Recent RRR album of the week by Mayer Hawthorne is in on CD and very cool vinyl which comes with a 4" vinyl record. Thom Yorke fans don’t miss the strictly limited 12” ‘Feeling Pulled Apart By Horses’ and we have the new Kurt Vile album “Childish Prodigy’ on Matador.

Other new releases just in include Lou Barlow, The Clientele, No Age vinyl, Zero 7 and store favourite Built To Spill. It's been 7 years since the last Daniel Johnston album, long overdue, but you can't accuse him of cashing in on the documentary and tribute album. We also have the new Yoko Ono plus the new Osso album who re-interpret the Sufjan Stevens album and release it as 'Run Rabbit Run.'

Lots of good local releases from the likes of Kill Devil Hills, Crayon Fields, Philadelphia Grand Jury & Bluejuice. Just landed we have the soundtrack for Where The Wild Things Are, all new songs from Karen O from Yeah Yeah Yeahs on CD and Vinyl.

We also have debut album from San Francisco’s ‘Girls’, new album from the Mountain Goats ‘The Life Of The World To Come’, the highly anticipated Why? Album, new Raveonettes and finally Fat Freddys Drop vinyl has arrived.

New Releases Instore Now - Yo La Tengo, The Clean, Hope Sandoval & Love Of Diagrams









Plenty of good new releases all instore now. Yo La Tengo rarely fail to impress and their new album 'Popular Songs' is as good as any that we can think of. The new release shelves are full of other newies including Hope Sandoval, Taken By Trees, The Clean, Six Organs Of Admittance, El Perro Del Mar, Arctic Monkeys, Blitzen Trapper, the list goes on and on. Visit the new release section for the entire list of new CDs and vinyl.

Some other new releases that have been literally years between last recordings, Os Mutantes new album ‘Haih’ is 35 years after their last album, we’re struggling to think of a longer time between albums. Polvo’s new album ‘In Prism is 12 years after their ‘Shapes’ album and Circulatory System are back after 8 years with ‘Signal Morning’; luckily they’re all good albums!

New Releases Instore Now - Jonsi & Alex (New Sigur Ros side project), Magnolia Electric Co, Fiery Furnaces & Crooked Fingers









Instore now we have the new project from Sigur Ros singer Jon Thor called Jonsi & Alex. The band was originally known as Riceboy Sleeps but that's now the title they're giving the album. This album is a must for all Sigur Ros fans and from what we've heard sounds fantastic. It's been awhile since Magnolia Electric Co have released a new album but that's understandable after releasing the boxset a few years back. The new album 'Josephine' is also available on vinyl. Crooked Fingers released the Forfeit/Fortune album last year but now its finally available in Australia. And Fiery Furnaces return with a new studio album in the shape of 'I'm Going Away.'

New local releases instore now include the Sarah Blasko 'As Day Follows Night' album which comes with a bonus disc and is also available on vinyl. Other local goodies include the new Decoder Ring, Jen Cloher, Red Riders, and Summer Cats

New Instore Now – The Gossip, Temper Trap, Grand Salvo, Tortoise, Regina Spektor, Mars Volta, Dinosaur Jr & God Help The Girl









This week is a cracker for newies, here’s a quick rundown of what is instore now. Fans of Belle & Sebastian should be excited about Stuart Murdoch’s new project God Help The Girl. Murdoch has written all the songs, most of Belle & Sebastian are the backing band for lots of different guest vocalists. Murdoch has been working on the project for 5 years and is very reminiscent of the early Belle & Sebastian sound and lots of 60’s girl group influences.

The Gossip return with ‘Music For Men’ the long awaited follow-up to their brilliant ‘Standing In The Way Of Control’ album. Local lads Temper Trap finally deliver their debut album ‘Conditions’ after releasing some very popular EPs over the last year. After their dark concept album ‘Death’ Grand Salvo return with ‘Soil Creatures’ which is just as amazing as previous releases. It’s been 5 years since Tortoise released ‘It’s All Around You’ so the new album ‘Beacons Of Ancestorship’ has been eagerly waited by fans.

New Yorker via Moscow Regina Spektor releases her new album ‘Far’ the follow up to the hugely popular ‘Begin To Hope’. Mars Volta fans can to now be sated with ‘Octahedron’. The new Dinosaur Jr album ‘Farm’ comes with a limited edition bonus disc. Add to this list Jordie Lane’s splendid debut album, a new Deerhunter EP, Sunset Rubdown and it’s a huge week for new releases.

Polyester Records 2009 Top 10 Mid Year Recommendations
It’s that time of the year where we rifle through the racks to give you the heads up on some great albums that your collection will thank you for:

DARK WAS THE NIGHT – Various
(compilation albums do not get any better than this. So many great tracks and all exclusive!)

GRIZZLY BEAR – Veckatimest
(this album debuted last week in the US mainstream charts at No. 8, it’s only a matter of time Oz will catch on)
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE – Merriweather Post Pavilion
(still loving this album, lived up to all the hype and hopefully we’ll get a tour later in the year)
MUM SMOKES – House Music/Easy
(double albums on CD are always a big task but local underdogs deliver a standout album)
LEE MEMORIAL – The Lives Of
(Karl Smith proves he’s one of the most gifted songwriters, first with Sodastream and now with Lee Memorial)
KID SAM – s/t
(it’s been one of those albums - word of mouth has been amazingly strong, so far in 09 our bestselling local release)
DIRTY PROJECTORS – Bitte Orca
(this album is on high rotation at the stores at the moment. A critics fave and one of our as well)
BILL CALLAHAN – Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
(this man can do no wrong, so many Smog masterpieces which this album matches)
PHOENIX – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
(we’re a sucker for French pop especially when it’s Phoenix, looking forward to the shows in August)
PAINS AT BEING PURE AT HEART – s/t
(out nearly 6 months and still enjoying this New York bands debut. A bit of luck they will be out for summer touring)
JEFFREY LEWIS – Em Are I
(toured here recently and we think this is his best album yet!)

June Batch Of New Releases - Fat Freddys Drop, Sonic Youth, Dirty Projectors & Alek & The Ramps









After 18 years with Geffen Records, Sonic Youth have released their 16th studio album ‘The Eternal’ independently, highly recommended especially if you’re fans of ‘Sonic Nurse’ and ‘Rather Ripped’ (in now also on 180gm limited edition vinyl). It’s been 4 years since Fat Freddys Drop highly successful ‘Based On A True Story’ album and they sell out everytime they come to Melbourne so there will a lot of keen people waiting to get their hands on ‘Dr Boondigga & the Bw’ (vinyl copies are still a couple of weeks away.) The Dirty Projectors kicked off the recent ‘Dark Was The Night’ compilation with their wonderful ‘Knotty Pine’ track with David Byrne. If you loved that track then check out their newie ‘Bitte Orca’ which comes with a bonus disc for a limited time. Local band Alek & The Ramps have released their latest album which we're enjoying.

Our top ten bestsellers for May contain some albums we’re big fans of so if you don’t have the new Grizzly Bear, Bill Callahan, Dark Was The Night compilation, Iron & Wine, Wagons the we think they’re great additions to any music collection.

May Batch Of New Releases - Iron & Wine, Grizzly Bear, Jarvis Cocker, Phoenix & Jason Lytle









This week it's a good one for new releases that we can highly recommended, here's what is in now. For those missing Grandaddy then the new solo album from ex-lead singer Jason Lytle is a beauty and we think is as good as anything from Grandaddy (also available on vinyl.) It's been awhile since Iron & Wine have released anything, this time around there releasing 'Around The Well' a double CD of un-released and rarities. If you're a fan of the earlier Iron & Wine albums then make sure you get your hands on this. Apart from the recent Animal Collective album we think the new Grizzly Bear album is up there as one of the most highly anticipated of 2009, we've now got the CD & Vinyl in now. Also we're have the newies from Jarvis Cocker and Phoenix (as well as vinyl.)

Other newies instore now include Au Revoir Simone, Warlocks, Field, Pony Up & St. Vincent.

What's New Instore - Bill Callahan, Conor Oberst, Peaches, Mum Smokes & Bat For Lashes









Bill Callahan rarely put a foot wrong when he was Smog and even now he's lost the moniker to go under his own name for a second time he's in good form. Sure it's May but we'll be talking about this album in end of year lists. Already very popular at Polyester it was No.1 seller for April and now also in on vinyl. Conor Oberst is in the same boat as Bill, he's lost the Bright Eyes tag and recorded again under his own name. The new album 'Outer South' comes less than 12 months since his last album and if you were a fan of that you should grab this one.

The Mum Smokes album has been very popular around these parts and its good to see local bands on indie labels doing very well. Other new stuff recently out include Peaches, Pink Mountaintops, Bat For Lashes and if you're a fan of Camera Obscura we can highly recommended the new one.

April Batch Of New Albums - Yeah Yeah Yeah's, The Decemberists, MSTRKRFT, Doom & Fever Ray









If you looking forward to grabbing a new album you've come to the right spot. The Yeah Yeah Yeah's are back with their synth pop new album 'It's Blitz' (vinyl will be available in May). The Decemberists are in concept album mode with 'Hazards Of Love (vinyl also available.) A lot of people have been asking for the new MSTRKRFT 'Fist Of God', their follow-up to 'Looks' (also comes on vinyl.) Whatever moniker he goes under whether it's Doom, Madvillian, MF Doom, Dangerdoom you know you're getting quality hip hop each time, 'Born Like This' is his first solo album in years (vinyl next month.) There's been a lot of interest in the new Fever Ray album and it lives up to the hype, so all you Knife fans its best next thing to a new Knife album.

Other new albums include Dan Deacon, Lotus Plaza, Great Lake Swimmers, Obits, Condo Fucks (Yo La Tengo). As well as PJ Harvey and Peter, Bjorn & John

Instore Now Lots Of Great New Indie Releases - Bonnie Prince Billy, Odawas, Casiotone For The Painfully Alone & Mirah









We may be in a global recession and the dollar is in the doldrums but that hasn’t stopped us going crazy on importing lots of great new releases CDs and vinyl. We’re trying keep all our imported CDs as the same price as our local CDs, so the big list of new releases you see below a lot of them are imports but currently aren’t available locally yet.

It’s been less than year since Bonnie Prince Billy’s last studio album ‘Lie Down In the Light’, he may be the most prolific songwriter around but his new album ‘Beware’ highlights he’s also one of the most consistent. It’s indie kid heaven this week at Polyester with lots cool bands releasing anticipated follow-ups like Casiotone For The Painfully Alone who is in good form who happens to cover a song from their last album on this one plus 2 unique covers of Bruce Springsteen. The new Mirah is charming as ever and the new Odawas album is quickly becoming a store fave. For those who like their Modest Mouse and Wolf Parade mode of rock than the new Handsome Furs and Mt St Helens Vietnam Band would be perfect additions.

On the local front Darren Hanlon puts together a rarities compilation ‘Pointing Ray Guns At Pagans’ featuring the often asked for cover of Fischer Z’s ‘Perfect Day.’ Melbourne band Kid Sam has released what we think will go down as one of the best releases of the year, an amazing album all the more amazing its only their debut album. Spunk Records local signing Leader Cheetah deliver their debut album ‘Sunspot Letters’. It’s been awhile since Sodastream broke up but Karl Smith has now a new project called Lee Memorial and a debut album out now called ‘The Lives Of Lee Memorial.’

For a complete list of all the new CDs and Vinyl instore now check out the New Releases section.

New Collection Of Books @ City Store - Mighty Boosh, Leonard Cohen, Peter Singer & Don Walker












We have a small but quality range of books at our 288 Flinders Lane store. A collection of music, pop culture and social issue books make up most of what we have in stock. The Mighty Boosh book has been extremely popular over summer, so if you're into their TV show and live show then this book is a must. To coincide with the recent Leonard Cohen tour, Text Publishing has released two of Cohen's books 'Beautiful Losers' and 'Favourite Game' locally. Don Walker from Cold Chisel has been getting a lot of publicity with his new book 'Shots' about his Chisel days. And if you social issues and ethics are you're thing then the Peter Singer 'The Life You Can Save' is a timely interesting book.

Instore Now - M. Ward, Morrissey, Beirut & Great New Compilation 'Dark Was The Night'









What an amazing week for quality music out of the USA. Amongst the Britney Spears and Beyonce releases, last week Andrew Bird, Animal Collective and the new Bon Iver EP all charted in the mainstream USA Top 20 which we find incredibly amazing and satisfying at the same time. All three releases have been extremely popular at Polyester, so if you’re after some newies to start off 2009 you can’t go wrong with any of these three.

Instore now is the new M. Ward album, a double EP totalling 11 tracks from the incredible Beirut, Morrissey is back with ‘Years Of Refusal’, The Black Keys lead singer Dan Auerbach releases his debut solo album plus newies from Diplo and Trail Of Dead.

If that’s not enough to get you excited then a new double cd compilation called ‘Dark Was The Night’ curated by The National should. The 31 tracks feature all new tracks and covers by some of favourite artists, check out some the names on this compilation – Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, Gillian Welch, The Books, The Decemberists, My Morning Jacket, Beirut, Cat Power, Yo La Tengo, Arcade Fire, the list goes on and on and literally features the who’s who of indie acts. All sales of the CD/LP will benefit the Red Hot Organization; an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS.

We’re mighty chuffed to see the continued popularity of vinyl. We’re now selling more vinyl than ever in the 21 years history of the store. Last year worldwide sales of vinyl doubled and a result we’re stocking more and more vinyl as it becomes available. You can get a basic new turntable for only $250 and with so many releases including free MP3 download of the album as well and in some cases the vinyl includes a free CD, there’s never been a better time to get your hands of some new vinyl.

Some good Aussie releases just in – we’ve got Dirty Three’s famous Live At Meredith performance on CD, Pikelet has a new limited edition EP which won’t last long, and other new Eps from Washington, Wellyn & The Basics. On the ticket front we’ve got Gareth Liddiard (The Drones), Summer Tones (The Mistletone celebration at The Espy), Dan Deacon, Darren Hanlon & Jeffrey Lewis and Of Montreal to name a few

New Antony & The Johnsons, Animal Collective, Andrew Bird & Bon Iver EP Out Now









The first batch of releases of 2009 has kicked off with four great new releases - Animal Collective, Andrew Bird, Antony & The Johnsons and Bon Iver EP. The Andrew Bird album 'Nobel Beast' is also available with a bonus disc with new instrumental tracks, plus a lyric booklet, poster and different album cover. Antony & The Johnsons album 'The Crying Light' follows his recent 'Another World' EP and his first full length since 'I Am Bird Now.' And to coincide with his first Australian tour Bon Iver is releasing 4 track 'Blood Bank' EP featuring all new songs.

This weekend we also have Thom Yorke 'Eraser Remixes' featuring remixes from Four Tet, Burial, The Bug and new albums from Future Of The Left and A.C. Newman. Also the most recent Sigur Ros album 'Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust' finally makes it vinyl and is instore now.

Polyester Records Top 20 Bestsellers Of 2008
1. BON IVER – For Emma, Forever Ago









2. SIGUR ROS – Med Sud I Eyrum
3. NICK CAVE – Dig, Lazarus, Dig!
4. KINGS OF LEON – Only By The Night
5. CAT POWER – Jukebox
6. EDDY CURRENT SUPPRESSION RING – Primary Colours
7. FLEET FOXES – s/t
8. PORTISHEAD – Third
9. LITTLE RED - Listen To
10. MARTHA WAINWRIGHT – I Know You’re Married…
11. C.W. STONEKING – Jungle Blues
12. PRESETS - Apocalypso
13. DRONES – Havilah
14. BLACK KEYS – Attack & Release
15. RADIOHEAD – In Rainbows
16. GRAND SALVO - Death
17. JOAN AS POLICE WOMAN – To Survive
18. FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS – s/t
19. BONNIE PRINCE BILLY – Lie Down In The Light
20. VAMPIRE WEEKEND – s/t

All the Polyester staff favourites of 2008 are at the Staff Picks section.

New Deerhunter, Francoiz Breut, Eagles Of Death Metal, Bloc Party & Ryan Adams Now Instore









A lot of people are excited about the new Deerhunter 'Microcastle' album, which comes with a bonus disc (as does the vinyl) both of which we have in store now. We also have new releases just in from Francoiz Breut 'A L'aveuglette' and three rock records to varying degrees from Eagles Of Death Metal 'Heart On', Bloc Party 'Intimacy' and Ryan Adams 'Cardinology'. Other newies include Squarepusher, Belles Will Ring, Hermane Dune and another live album from Bonnie Prince Billy.

Ticket Update:
Tickets are now on sale for St. Jerome's Laneway Festival at both stores and are $104 from us. The festival is on Sunday Feb 1st and features Stereolab, Girl Talk, Four Tet, Hold Steady, Jay Reatard, No Age, Holly Throsby, Pivot & Mountains In the Sky to name a few. All our tickets and prices are at the ticket section.

Lots Of Great New Australian Releases Instore Now









This month there's heaps of great new Aussie releases. If you didn't get a chance to check out Qua & Mountains In The Sky playing live at our city store recently, then make sure you grab their new albums, Qua 'Q & A' and Mountains In The Sky 'Electron Suite.' Augie March have been popular at Polyester ever since their early EP's, so their new album 'Watch Me Disappear' won't disappoint. In 2006, C.W. Stoneking's album 'King Hokum' was our biggest Australian album of the year, he has followed it up with 'Jungle Blues.'

Other recent Aussie releases include Tex perkins, Children Collide, Jackson Jackson, Epicure, Sun Blindness & Children Of The Wave. Check out the 'New Releases' section for heaps of overseaes, beats and vinyl new releases.

Also we'll new releases from Of Montreal, Sea & Cake, The Dears to name a few instore now.

New 'TV On The Radio', 'Mogwai' & 'Cold War Kids' Instore Now









The mountain of good releases keep on coming with newies from Mogwai (standard, deluxe DVD version & vinyl), TV On The Radio (standard and bonus track versions), The Drones, Kings Of Leon, Oliver Mann, Black Seeds to name a few. Like usual heaps of new vinyl including plenty of classics which you can read about below – the Santogold album has finally been released on vinyl. We also have the new Cold War Kids album, Tv On The Radio vinyl, Mercury Rev album and a Silver Jews DVD.

Over the years we’ve been constantly asked if our posters are for sale, so now we’ve decided to get our hands on some very cool limited edition hand numbered posters from the US by the same artists who do a lot of Fitzroy store posters. The posters are on sale now at our city store and include The Shins, Smog, Blonde Redhead, Modest Mouse, Low, Decemberists – we only have a limited amount of these posters and they would make a great gift, so if you’re interested pop into Flinders Lane soon and check them out.

If free posters are more your bag, we’re giving away posters with the new Okkervil River, Calexico (which we highly recommend), Tv On The Radio and Emiliana Torrini albums.

New 'Because Of Ghosts' Album Plus Heaps Of New Releases
We’re excited to have the new Because Of Ghosts album ‘This Culture Of Background Noise’ instore now. One of the most consistent bands going around Melbourne all their releases have been amazing, so add this to your collection as a lot of their earlier releases are now no longer available.

Here's some of the newies we have have in store now:

CALEXICO – Carried To Dust (15 new tracks more like ‘Feast Of Wire’ than their last album)
OKKERVIL RIVER - The Stand Ins (available Monday)
KIMYA DAWSON – Alphabutt (a new album full of kids songs. Some tracks wouldn’t be out of place any of her albums, others are for the kids)
EMILIANA TORRINI - Me and Armini (long awaited follow-up to ‘Fisherman’s Woman’
DAMIEN JURADO – Caught In The Trees (one of favourite singer songwriters who never fails to deliver)
TALLEST MAN ON EARTH – Shallow Grave (much hyped Swedish folkster)
ROOTS MANUVA - Slime & Reason (UK MC returns for his 4th album)
METALLICA - Death Magnetic

Big Shipment Of Vinyl Just Arrived!!!
Loads and loads of new, re-released and limited edition vinyl have just arrived in both stores. A lot of these releases will sell quickly and once they go we won't be able to get our hands on them again:

PORTISHEAD - Third (deluxe packaging)
Portishead's latest album comes in this special box set with double vinyl, USB with video clips, etched 12" and limited edition print. We had some copies when the album first cam out and they sold out in a day and we haven't had more until now.

BJORK & SUGARCUBES - Re-Issue Limited Editions
We've got limited quantities of these 200gm vinyl using Direct Metal Mastering, all individually numbered, limited to only 500 copies worldwide. At the moment with have 'Debut', 'Gling-glo', 'Greatest Hits', 'Vespertine', 'Post' & 'Selma Songs'. In the next couple of weeks we'll have the remaining Bjork catalogue in this series. The 3 Sugarcubes albums we have in now are 'Great Crossover Potential', 'Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week' and 'Stick Around For Joy.'

OTHER NEW VINYL ARRIVALS
GOTYE - Like Drawing Blood (for first time available on vinyl, includes CD copy)
JURASSIC 5 - Quality Control (one of our best selling vinyl releases, back in stock for the first time in 4 years!)
PRESETS - Apocalypso (after a few delays its finally in)
CUT COPY - In Ghost Colours (first album never released on vinyl but luckily the new one is
STEREOLAB - Chemical Chords (It seems like an eternity but after 4 years Stereolab are thankfully back - also on CD)

NEW CD ARRIVALS - Instore Now
MILES BENJAMIN ROBINSON – s/t (debut from Brooklyn singer-songwriter with help from members of Grizzly Bear & TV On The Radio)
AIR FRANCE – No Way Down (much hyped Swedish band)
XAVIER RUDD - Dark Shades Of Blue
FIERY FURNACES - Remember
RA RA RIOT - Rhumb Line (New York bands debut album on Barsuk)
WALKMEN - You & Me
OXFORD COLLAPSE - Bits (new Sub Pop release)

We have lots of good new releases in now that still aren’t released locally including the new Brendan Canning (from Broken Social Scene), Black Kids (a lot of hype on this Florida group), Lykke Li (Swedish sensation produced by Björn Yttling from Peter Bjorn & John) and High Places (Brooklyn duos compilation of singles on Thrill Jockey).

New 'Conor Oberst' CD & Vinyl Instore Now
After umpteen releases under the Bright Eyes moniker, Conor Oberst has released his first solo album in 13 years. We’ve been big fans of Bright Eyes over the years and this solo album continues the country-tinged vibe of ‘I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning’ and continued on ‘Cassadaga’ and are looking forward to this album and upcoming tour.

Thanks to everyone that turned up to the Luluc instore last week, we’ve been overwhelmed by the support of our instores and in particular the great support of our city store. If you’re a fan of Grand Salvo, Dawn Landes and/or Gillian Welch than we highly recommend the debut album ‘Dear Hamlyn’ from Luluc.

Our Mid-Year Top 10 Recommendations
As we’re halfway through the year so we thought we would share 10 albums released this year that continue to impress and we can heartily recommend to anyone looking for a new album. In no particular here are faves so far this year:

BON IVER – For Emma Forever Ago
(every year a complete unknown comes out the blue and blows us away, this year its Bon Iver)







MGMT – Oracular Spectacular (lives up to the hype full of great pop anthems)