US label Captured Tracks have just released a 28 track compilation that may appeal to many who read these pages. It’s titled Strum & Thrum: The American Jangle Underground 1983-1987 and the label writes that “we’re very proud of this compilation and guarantee it’s an essential listen for any fan of classic ‘80s indie bands like the Go-Betweens, Felt, the Church, the Bats, Shop Assistants, and the like. And if you’re a fan of the early records Captured Tracks released by Beach Fossils, DIIV and Wild Nothing, you’ll find a lot to love here as well.”
They also write that “Strum & Thrum includes an 80+ page booklet with an extensive oral history of the ‘80s indie scene, an introduction by Captured Tracks label head Mike Sniper, and tons of archival images and ephemera. Long live the jangle underground!”
More details can be found on the label’s press release including the tracklisting.
Sadly it looks like the CD and vinyl versions have sold out on the label’s Bandcamp page. However I have found both formats in the UK at stores like Norman Records and Rough Trade.