On the final day of my busiest posting year here since 2020, I'm happy to share news of the 30th anniversary edition of one of my favorite records ever. Mel, the second East River Pipe album, is certainly one of those gems from the Nineties that is wildly deserving of more attention.
Mel, like most East River Pipe stuff, was all the work of F.M. Cornog. The guy was a wizard, crafting heartbreakingly beautiful missives redolent with all the trappings of bedsit indie, but somehow smarter. This 1996 album was his second full-length record, and his first on Merge following a leap from the legendary Sarah Records label. The record is flawless, and somehow this 2026 anniversary edition will attempt to improve upon perfection by adding in a couple of bonus tracks. "Take Back the Days" is one of those, and it's certainly worthy of some attention on its own before this anniversary edition comes out in early 2026. Enjoy.
Mel (30th Anniversary Reissue) by East River Pipe can be ordered here. Further details via Merge Records.
[Photo of F.M. Cornog by Barbara Powers]