words: Jamie Milton

This isn’t an entirely original idea, I’ll grant you that. Of Montreal released 2008’s ‘Skeletal Lamping’ in the form of “a collection” which included t-shirts, badges and yes, some paper lanterns, and each package came with a digital download code. 

This either passed South West-England label Art Is Hard by, or they were greatly inspired by the concept. In all honesty, it’s surprising that an idea of such potential has yet to spread, when you consider that the music industry is looking left, right and centre for new means of bringing in the dollar. 

But the best part of the Art Is Hard collection, ‘Brink Of The Clouds’, is that it’s a mere 9 British pounds and comes with an exclusive zine, contributed towards by the bands featured in the compilation. All, Everyone, United, indeed.

If the CD is to eventually die, it wouldn’t begrudge an idea of such community and charm taking its place.

The tracklist:
1. Dutch Husband - Gratitude  (mp3 below)
2. Colours - Desert Dessert 
3. They That Cried Wolf - We’re Like A Boat Without Paddles 
4. Cycling Season - 1943 
5. My Names Is Ian - If I’d Only Tried 
6. True Swamp Neglect - Map of the Map 
7. Mojito Soundsystem - Post 
8. Cycle Schmeichel - Bitchin’ 
9. Kinnie The Explorer - Blind Spider 

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