Margot to issue sophomore disc… twice

I had been wondering when Margot & the Nuclear So and Sos would resurface to follow up their brilliant debut, The Dust of Retreat. So, I was happy to hear the follow up, Not Animal, was due Oct. 7. Then things got a bit strange.

It seems the band’s new label, Epic Records, didn’t like what the band turned in as it’s sophomore outing, Animal, and so, after months of wrangling, the two parties came to a compromise: Epic would issue Animal on vinyl on Sept. 30, and Not Animal, a disc containing the songs the label likes, the next week. The upshot is that the band will release 19 songs — 12 each on the albums, with overlap of five songs. The vinyl disc also will be available via digital download, meaning those of us no longer keen on dragging out the turntable can buy the label-sanctioned Not Animal, grab the seven Animal songs found only on that release and curse both parties for the trouble.

As a teaser, the band is offering another confusing batch of songs. It recorded a Daytrotter session featuring four tracks from Animal/Not Animal. It also is selling a Daytrotter Sessions EP that includes two tracks on available for free at Daytrotter, and three that are.

Regardless, the music is worth tracking down. Richard Edwards‘ songs are consistently compelling, blending simple folk strumming with a competent, confident ensemble that flesh out and color those songs to create alternately fragile and muscular tunes full of smart hooks.