Pitchfork: At the Drive-In to Release Anthology

At the Drive-In to Release Anthology
7xCD set to feature strap-on afros, skinny arm add-ons, Fugazi/Yes mashup

When Texas-based At the Drive-In went their separate ways back in 2001, fans were left standing, mouths agape, wondering why. The band formed in 1994, and released two LPs and a handful of EPs before signing to Grand Royal for 2000's Relationship of Command. The LP found the band catapulted to popularity, touring with Rage Against the Machine and the Foo Fighters, and an appearing on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. But then, just as the band seemed poised to break into the mainstream, the fuse blew. Internet-savvy ATDI-heads worldwide typed simultaneous "WTF's" before hearing the "totally sweet" news that now there would be two new bands formed from the ashes. At the Drive-In essentially split down the middle, with guitarist Jim Ward, bassist Paul Hinojos, and drummer Tony Hajjar forming the more straightforward, emo-tinged Sparta, while vocalist Cedric Bixler and guitarist Omar Rodriguez formed the outrageous prog-cock behemoth The Mars Volta.

If, however, you're one of the many ATDI fans who hasn't bothered to pay all that much attention to either of their offspring, perhaps you'll be pleased to hear of Fearless Records' plan to release an anthology featuring "greatest hits, exclusive unreleased tracks, rare b-sides, covers, videos, and exclusive live footage from one of indie rock's most influential music groups." That's a Fearless quote, not a Pitchfork one, but at least it's nice to see that not everyone in the P.R. world feels it necessary to resort to hyperbole to get a point across. The important aspect remains, of course, that we've got some unreleased material to look forward to. Please join me in a "totally sweet," won't you?

Additionally, Fearless will also be reissuing both Acrobatic Tenement and Relationship of Command, which means, well, yep, basically the band's entire catalog will now be available through the label. I heard they were changing the covers to incorporate more bronzed Curly Howard heads, but then, the same guy who told me that also said he once smoked pot with Janet Reno, so I'm not sure he's the dude I wanna go around quoting.