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Devil Between My Toes [ReIssue]

Guided By Voices

Reissued: 04/01/2022
Released: 02/15/1987
Format: LP
Label: Scat
Catalog #: 81
Country: U.S.A.
Discs: 1
# Tracks: 14
Images
Front Cover
Back Cover
Record (Buckeye Side)
Record (Briar Side)
Clear Vinyl (Buckeye Side)
Clear Vinyl (Briar Side)
Gray Vinyl (Buckeye Side)
Gray Vinyl (Briar Side)
Pressing Details
Vinyl Color # Pressed
Black
Clear ?  (Limited Edition (Retail))
Gray ?  (Limited Edition (Scat Records Exclusive))
Comments
Release Info: Devil Between My Toes was the debut album by Guided By Voices, originally self-released by the group in February 1987 in an edition of 300 copies. Disillusioned by the lukewarm reception to the band's debut EP the previous year, Robert Pollard resolved that this record would be conceived for an audience of one: "(it) is strictly for me and me only. Because no one's going to buy it, no one gives a fuck, but I'm still gonna do it. So I might as well put only what I want on it, for me. An album for me."

Even amongst the 30-odd proper GBV albums, Devil Between My Toes remains unique, and not simply because it was the first to be released. Much like its out-of-focus cover photo of the mean rooster next door (Big Daddy), the album's vibe is dark, minimalist, and mysterious. Most of the album was recorded as a trio, and it contains more instrumentals than any other GBV album, but like the best LPs in their catalog, the sequencing renders these tracks essential to the flow and mood of the LP. While there are the expected Brit Invasion hook-fests sprinkled throughout, we're also treated to career highlights like the monolithic "A Portrait Destroyed by Fire" (Tobin Sprout's first GBV appearance) and "Cyclops," a track that would be right at home on Vampire On Titus had it been recorded more crudely.


Scat Records website Release Info: GBV's 1987 debut remains unique in the band�s discography, even after 3 dozen subsequent albums. It has an often dark and mysterious vibe, contains more instrumentals than any GBV album, includes Tobin's first appearance, and features both studio and homemade recordings. Many germs of what would become defining traits for the group are already present here, right out of the gate.


Older info from Scat Records website: GUIDED BY VOICES Devil Between My Toes LP

Over the next two years we will be reissuing all the early GBV albums individually beginning with this, their 1987 debut. Expect this one out in early summer-ish.

December 12, 2021 email mentions this: Guided By Voices Devil Between My Toes LP - crystal ball says April or May.

Also mentioned in the 12/12/2021 email: WAY OFF IN THE DISTANCE: Guided By Voices Sandbox LP
Devil Between My Toes
A
1.   Old Battery 1:46
2.   Discussing Wallace Chambers 1:48
3.   Cyclops 1:50
4.   Crux 2:24
5.   A Portrait Destroyed By Fire 5:09
6.   3 Year Old Man 1:39
B
1.   Dog's Out 2:09
2.   A Proud And Booming Industry 1:03
3.   Hank's Little Fingers 2:13
4.   Artboat 2:27
5.   Hey Hey, Spaceman 2:51
6.   The Tumblers 2:39
7.   Bread Alone 1:09
8.   Captain's Dead 2:00
Total Length: 31:07
Other Formats
Label - Catalog [Format] (Country) # Tracks
Get Happy!! - BIG 02 [LP, Reissue] (Germany) 14
Scat - 40 [5 CD Box Set] (U.S.A.) * 72
Scat - 40-1 [6 LP Box Set] (U.S.A.) * 87
Schwa - GBV0001 [LP] (U.S.A.) 14
* Title is part of Multi-Disc Set

Album Credits
Artwork/Design
Role Name
Photography - Front Cover Mitch Mitchell
Production
Role Name
Engineer Steve Wilbur
Producer Robert Pollard
Studio
Role Name
Recording Location Steve Wilbur's 8 Track Garage - Dayton, OH
Publishing
Role Name
Publisher Needmore Songs
Other
Role Name
Additional Album Text "2/15/87 What Makes Big Daddy Happy?"
Thanks Geo
Thanks Pete Jamison
Thanks Todd Robinson