Filter: Title Of Record Vinyl 2LP

Title of Record is the second album from Filter, and possibly one of the punniest album titles ever. It arrived almost 4 years after Short Bus, having suffered some roadblocks due to interpersonal drama and the construction of a bespoke studio. Frontman Richard Patrick wanted to keep the music heavy and guitar-oriented, but fellow founding member Brian Liesegang wanted to go in a more electronic direction following a collaboration with The Crystal Method (included here as a bonus track) for the soundtrack of the 1997 film Spawn. This led to them parting ways, with Patrick spending the next two years mired in real estate drama as he attempted to construct a studio. The initial solo studio sessions in this new studio didn’t go well, so Patrick rehired much of the Short Bus touring band and finally hit the road (Metaphorically for now). The album was well received, going platinum in the United States in a mere two years. “Take A Picture” was a bona fide hit single (New Wavers note that this track is a tribute to the Was (Not Was) tune “Dad I’m in Jail”) with rumbling guitars below straight-ahead Britpop-ish strumming - you couldn’t avoid this song in the early 2ks. Also includes “Welcome To The Fold”, “Skinny”, and “It’s Gonna Kill Me”. This double LP reissue includes b-sides and remixes on the D side, and is packaged in a gatefold sleeve with printed inner.

• first time on vinyl
• black double vinyl pressing
• housed in gatefold jacket w/ printed inner sleeves
• original release year: 1999
• music label: Craft Recordings 2019

reviewed by DESERT BUS 08/2019