Last month, New York/Philadelphia-based indie rockers Clap Your Hands Say Yeah released their third studio album, Hysterical, on all the standard modern formats. But guitarist/vocalist Alec Ounsworth admits there’s only one way he’d choose to listen to it if he were you: “I only buy and listen to vinyl these days, unless I’m on the road.”
Perhaps that was the motivation behind the recent vinyl reissue (and remaster) of the quintet’s self-titled 2005 debut album. “We always thought the vinyl could sound better — now it does,” Ounsworth says. We caught up with him to find out what’s been spinning on his turntable lately.
Tonight’s the Night
Neil Young
“This record is raw and immediate. I think it’s best on vinyl.”
Let My Children Hear Music
Charles Mingus
“I don’t think this is any more essential on vinyl than any of his other records, it just so happens to be the one I have been listening to most recently.”
Crawfish Fiesta
Professor Longhair
“This is a classic for me among many New Orleans ‘classic’ records that seem unable not to invite you in.”
Doug Sahm and Band
Doug Sahm and Band
“This is a great album by a performer who should be much better known.”
Sail Away
Randy Newman
“It seems to me he was really hitting his stride during this period — or at least discovering a clear path.”
Plastic Ono Band
John Lennon
“My favorite of Lennon’s records, maybe because of its spare approach. It seems he came to this record very purely.”
Lyrically Speaking
“Hide your eyes from the
trouble I’ve sewn
‘Cause I might take a ride
with the devil tonight.”
Nikki Lane
“Look Away”
The Walk of Shame (IAMSOUND, $14)