Tar were an uncompromising prolific Chicago four piece band from 1988 to 1995 who put out many records and toured the US and Europe frequently with the likes of The Jesus Lizard, Arcwelder, Unsane, Surgery, and Jawbox.
Over thirty years since the original releases, Tar’s first three 12" records are being reissued. Co-released by the band’s No Blow Records and Chunklet Industries, the Handsome EP and full length LPs Roundhouse and Jackson are being rediscovered. All three records were remastered and cut to lacquer by Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering Service. The artwork was painstakingly reimagined and recreated by the band’s drummer, Mike Greenlees.
This music has withstood the test of time. With the stunning remastering and 180gm pressing at Chicago's Smashed Plastic pressing plant, this is no regular reissue. With exacting detail, the highest quality and attention to detail, the listener and fans are invited to truly reexperience these releases anew. It’s time to celebrate Tar. Again.
credits
released September 1, 2021
This LP was recorded in Chicago at Idful Music over by Wicker Park.
Produced by Iain Burgess and Tar.
Engineered by Brad Wood. Recorded October 21 and 22, 1989, April 21, 22, 29 and 30, 1990, and, finally, on May 12, 1990.
Mastered by Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering Service.
Here’s the lyric sheet: All the time...How does it feel...Twice the problems...You burn...Tear my living down...It just hurts...I’m the keeper of it...In perpetuity...Raised them up...Get used to it.
Cover photograph by Kevin Kurtz.
Holding out his hand: Henry Owings.
The Roundhouse LP was originally released in 1990 on Amphetamine Reptile Records. Thank you, Haze.
All songs written and played by Tar (Tartar Music, BMI).
Tar on this record is: John Mohr: Guitar and vocals. Mark Zablocki: Guitar.Mike Greenlees: Drums, graphics and notes. Tim Mescher: Bass.
A NO BLOW RECORDS + CHUNKLET INDUSTRIES RELEASE
MANUFACTURED & ASSEMBLED IN U.S.A.
The more I listen to this album, the more it compels me to dive deeper. The melodies, chord shifts, and sinewy, rippling bass lines all take root in my brain, delightfully pulling me back to listen again and again. peter burris
Great sounding live audience recording. It makes you miss the 90s and the good ol' days of Lounge Ax and so forth. Great document of the time. Thanks for making these live sets available! Ken White
The Jesus Lizard is BACK!!!! Their back with a BANG!!!! One of my fave bands of all time have returned with the most fantastic album I've heard in a long time. Rack just sounds so amazing and original, just love David Yow's voice and them delicious guitar sounds from the awesome Duane Denison backed up by the incredible basslines and wicked drumming,welcome back dudes🤘 Darknight