A Record Collector's Guide

Seaweed released a good handful of albums while they were active.  In my opinion, it took a little while for them to hit stride, but they did, and with really solid results.  Let's take a look...

Seaweed

Tupelo TUPLP28, released 1990

This was officially a Tupelo release in the UK, but also contained Leopard Gecko's logo.  It was a compilation of Seaweed's first three singles, two of which were on Leopard Gecko, and the other on K.  Most copies of this record are on black vinyl.  However, a light blue marble vinyl version exists as well.  I have only seen it once, several years ago, and was outbid in the auction.  It's pretty rare.  The record also came with a folded Seaweed poster.

Poster

Despised

Sub Pop SP110b (CD), released 1991

Sub Pop SP20/162 (Germany)

Despised was Seaweed's first real album, though it was still more of an EP.  The cd contains four bonus tracks (four of the eight tracks from the S/T EP).  The LP version was only released in Europe.  Black vinyl.

V/A - Fortune Cookie Prize

Simple Machines SMR 007, released 1991

Includes the Seaweed song "Foggy Eyes"

This was a Beat Happening tribute compilation released on Simple Machines.  Black vinyl.

Weak

Sub Pop SP144, released 1992

Sub Pop SP38/196 (Germany)

Seaweed really began to come into their own at this point.  There are some excellent songs on this album.  The U.S. version was released on green vinyl.  The European version was on black.

Four

Sub Pop SP222, released 1993

Sub Pop SP110/286 (Germany)

It seemed that Sub Pop rushed Four to market when it came out.  There was very little hype around the album before it came out.  They tried to push it a little more after its release.  The album was released in conjunction with the band's appearance at the Sub Pop Lamefest in Japan in 1993.  All of the bands that participated had albums that Sub Pop put out right when the Japan Lamefest shows were starting.  Four was probably Seaweed's most complete album.  Really good stuff, start to finish.  Released on vinyl in both the U.S. and Germany.  Both versions were on black vinyl.

Insert

V/A - Metal CD Collection 14

Northern & Shell Productions MCD14, released 1993

Includes the Seaweed tracks "Metal Gazer" and "Your Privilege"

I don't know much about this compilation.  Apparently, it came with Metal CD Magazine Volume 2 Issue 2.

The John Peel Sub Pop Sessions 1989-1993

Sub Pop SP254b, released 1993

Includes the Seaweed tracks "Sit in Glass" and "She Cracked"

This was a collection of exactly what the title says...great John Peel recordings of Sub Pop bands.  I don't believe this was ever released on vinyl.  There is some excellent material on here by many of the featured artists, though, so go check it out.

Spanaway

Hollywood HR62009-1, released 1995

Hollywood/For All the Right Reasons EV2A 0035 (UK)

Seaweed's only major label release hit the market after the popularity of their sound had already started to significantly decline.  I have no numbers to back this up, but it certainly seemed as though the Spanaway album did not do all that well.  It has had some staying power, though.  It seems to have more supporters now than it ever did in the mid-'90s.  It is a solid album.  There are some great tracks and some less great tracks mixed in together.  A lot of people consider this to be Seaweed's best album.  I prefer the two previous albums, but it is still very good.  The U.S. vinyl was black.  There was also a UK version on a neon yellow-green color vinyl.  It was licensed from Hollywood to the For All the Right Reasons label.  The sleeve for the UK version is also a little different - the silver parts are done in a shiny silver foil.  On the U.S. version, it is just a flat grey color.  The U.S. version has a printed inner sleeve containing the lyrics.  On the UK release, that information is printed on a separate insert.

Insert

Actions & Indications

Merge MRG150, released 1999

A few years after Seaweed's unceremonious departure from Hollywood, they put out one additional album on Merge.  Actions & Indications never did much for me.  Again, many people like it.  It isn't really my style.  Black vinyl.

Oh, Merge - A Merge Records 10 Year Anniversary Compilation

Merge MRG162, released 2000

Includes the Seaweed track "Brand New Order"

One more Seaweed track...this time for Merge's anniversary compilation.  I don't believe this was ever released on vinyl, but I can't say I have spent much time checking.