The Spinanes consists of singer-songwriter/guitarist Rebecca Gates and drummer Scott Plouf. That's it. And this simple two-piece lineup played an important role in shaping the group's sound. Originally released in 1993, Manos became the first album released on an indie label (Sub Pop) to top the CMJ charts. Gates's meditative vocals and the stripped down, minimalist arrangement consisting of beefy guitar chords & "urgent but sensitive" drumming is a refreshing alternative to the popular grunge movement that was exploding out of the Pacific Northwest. Soothing but intense at times, sophisticated but also very raw, the LP has aged really well. Pressed on limited-edition, opaque yellow vinyl, includes an 80-page 12"12" booklet w/ rare and unseen photos and ephemera from the Manos.

• limited-edition yellow vinyl
• 8-page booklet of rare photos & ephemera
• 25th anniversary reissue
• redesigned album art
• includes digital downloads + 4 digital bonus tracks
• music label: Merge Records 1993 / 2018

reviewed by singing in japanese 12/18