Heatmiser’s Final Album “Mic City Sons” Set for Reissue by Third Man Records

30th Anniversary Edition Details

Third Man Records is commemorating the upcoming 30th anniversary of Heatmiser’s last album, Mic City Sons, with a special reissue set to release on July 25. Originally launched in 1996, this new edition features a remastered version of the album’s original 12 tracks, accompanied by an exciting collection of 12 rarities and previously unreleased material. Notable among these is a “Rock Version” of the Elliott Smith classic “Christian Brothers.” A teaser video and the complete tracklist are available below.

Collaborative Efforts for the Reissue

The surviving members of Heatmiser—vocalist and guitarist Neil Gust, bassist Sam Coomes, and drummer Tony Lash—decided to embark on this reissue journey after their collaboration with Third Man on the Music of Heatmiser anthology. In a press release, Lash reflected on the process, stating, “I started to go through and found stuff that was pretty much finished, but just never mixed, and some other things that we had run out of time to fully develop. It brought me back to that time in a really visceral way.” He added, “It made me appreciate this creative space and creative life that we were able to sustain there for a little bit. If only we could have somehow worked our way through all the interpersonal issues. I think the record shows that we could be a really good band.”

Heatmiser’s Legacy

Heatmiser released three studio albums during their time together: Dead Air (1993), Cop and Speeder (1994), and Mic City Sons. The band disbanded in part due to the burgeoning solo career of Elliott Smith, whose rise overshadowed their group plans. As Neil Gust noted, “He became such a thing on his own, and then just disappeared from the plans we’d made together. It sucked.”

Recognition in Indie Rock

Heatmiser’s impact on indie rock culture is notable, with Mic City Sons earning a spot at No. 30 in the list of “The 50 Best Indie Rock Albums of the Pacific Northwest.” This recognition highlights the enduring significance of the album and the band’s contributions to the music scene.

Conclusion

The reissue of Mic City Sons by Third Man Records not only celebrates a pivotal moment in the history of Heatmiser but also offers fans a chance to revisit the band’s creative journey. With remastered tracks and a selection of rare material, this anniversary edition is set to resonate with both longtime followers and new listeners alike.

FAQs

When will the reissue of Mic City Sons be available?

The reissue will be available on July 25.

What additional content will the reissue include?

The reissue includes a remastered version of the original 12 songs, along with 12 rarities and previously unreleased tracks.

Why did Heatmiser decide to reissue Mic City Sons?

The surviving members wanted to revisit their past work and appreciate the creative space they had during that time, especially after collaborating on the Music of Heatmiser anthology.

How many studio albums did Heatmiser release?

Heatmiser released three studio albums: Dead Air, Cop and Speeder, and Mic City Sons.

What was the impact of Elliott Smith’s solo career on Heatmiser?

Elliott Smith’s rise as a solo artist contributed to the band’s disbandment, as his success overshadowed their collective plans.