Japanese Breakfast Vinyl Records Guide For Collectors and Fans

The Rise of Japanese Breakfast and Their Vinyl Records

Japanese Breakfast, the indie pop project of Michelle Zauner, has quickly become one of the most popular acts in alternative music. Led by Zauner's intimate songwriting and unique vocal style, Japanese Breakfast creates dreamy, hazy pop songs that are both melancholic and uplifting. After gaining attention with their 2016 debut album Psychopomp, Japanese Breakfast broke through to the mainstream with their 2017 follow-up Soft Sounds From Another Planet. However, it's their latest album Jubilee, released in 2021, that has cemented them as critical darlings and fan favorites. Jubilee was not only one of the most acclaimed albums of 2021, but it also marked Japanese Breakfast's major label debut on Atlantic Records. Riding high on the success of Jubilee, which was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 2022 Grammy Awards, Japanese Breakfast has announced an extensive global tour for 2022 and 2023.

Japanese Breakfast's Vinyl Resurgence

One remarkable aspect of Japanese Breakfast's rise has been the prominent role of vinyl records. In recent years, vinyl has made a major comeback, overtaking CD sales and capturing interest from both music fans and collectors. Japanese Breakfast has seized on this renewed passion for vinyl. All three of their studio albums have received deluxe vinyl releases with special coloring, alternate cover art, and bonus content. Their album Soft Sounds From Another Planet was pressed on cosmic purple and blue "nebula" vinyl. Psychopomp was reissued in 2020 on translucent green vinyl for its 4th anniversary. Most striking was the vinyl release of Jubilee - a tie-dye splatter pressing in a prism foil jacket that perfectly matched the album's psychedelic, 70s retro aesthetic.

Why Vinyl Works for Japanese Breakfast

There are several reasons why vinyl has proven to be such a perfect format for Japanese Breakfast's music. The warm, crackling sound of vinyl brings out the texture in their lush guitar tones, glitchy electronic flourishes, and Zauner's intimate vocals. The large format artwork and packaging allow the band's psychedelic visual style to shine. Exclusive colored vinyl pressings appeal to collectors and superfans. And in an era of digital streaming, there is something special about owning a physical memento of your favorite album. Ultimately, the vinyl revival and Japanese Breakfast have been perfect complements. The band's success has gone hand in hand with the resurgence of vinyl among indie music audiences.

Japanese Breakfast's Vinyl Back Catalog

Beyond their major label studio albums, Japanese Breakfast has also released much of their back catalog on vinyl. Early EPs like Japanese Breakquest and The Woman That Loves You are now widely available on vinyl after being out of print for years. Their two live albums, Live at Roadrunner and Five Demos, document different moments in the band's evolution. Perhaps most prized by collectors are their early cassette releases, which have been painstakingly remastered for vinyl. These include Japanese Breakfast's 2013 debut Where Is My Great Big Feeling, which received its first wide vinyl release in 2021. Even more obscure is their 2014 cassette It's Nice To Have A Friend, originally recorded in Zauner's college dorm room and limited to just 100 copies. The chance to own these rare early recordings on vinyl has been a boon for collectors.

Notable Vinyl Releases

Some of the most sought-after Japanese Breakfast vinyl releases include:

• Jubilee - Tie-dye splatter indie retail exclusive
• Psychopomp - 2020 green translucent vinyl reissue
• Soft Sounds From Another Planet - Nebula purple and blue vinyl
• Japanese Breakquest - First time vinyl pressing in 2021
• Live at Roadrunner - First official live album on vinyl
• Where Is My Great Big Feeling - Debut album remastered on vinyl in 2021

The Best Way to Collect Japanese Breakfast Records

For both casual fans and completionist collectors, Japanese Breakfast's vinyl catalog offers endless possibilities. But navigating the many variants and limited editions can also be a challenge. Here are some tips for successfully collecting Japanese Breakfast records on vinyl:

Follow the Band and Label on Social Media

Oftentimes first word of new Japanese Breakfast vinyl releases will come directly from the band's Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook page. Their label, Dead Oceans, also announces releases and pre-orders on their social channels. Following them is a great way to stay on top of new vinyl announcements and limited variants.

Sign Up for Band and Label Newsletters

Both Japanese Breakfast and Dead Oceans have email newsletters that provide updates on new music, vinyl releases, and tour dates. Subscribing ensures that you never miss a new vinyl variant or exclusive preorder.

Check Band and Label Webstores Regularly

Japanese Breakfast and Dead Oceans both run their own webstores that stock vinyl exclusives. Bookmark these sites and check regularly for special vinyl colors and bonus items that may not be available anywhere else.

Follow Your Favorite Local Record Stores

Independent record stores often receive exclusive variants and early stock of new vinyl releases. Follow your favorite local shops to stay on top of limited editions only available in-store.

Join Vinyl Collecting Communities

Vinyl releases often sell out fast, so connecting with other collectors can help you track down elusive records. Groups like /r/VinylReleases on Reddit are great for alerting members about new vinyl preorders and restocks.

The Future is Bright for Japanese Breakfast Fans

With Japanese Breakfast's star continuing to rise and vinyl's popularity growing, there has never been a better time to jump on board the band's vinyl collecting train. Their Discogs page shows new Japanese Breakfast vinyl releases, variants, and reissues appearing almost weekly from labels and stores around the globe. For both longtime fans and new converts discovering the band through Jubilee, starting or completing a Japanese Breakfast vinyl collection is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. Each new album promises stunning new sonic textures to appreciate and gorgeous visuals to display. Not to mention the thrill of the hunt for rare records and color variants. Japanese Breakfast's success has brought much deserved attention to Michelle Zauner's songwriting genius. Likewise, their vinyl resurgence has offered fans a tactile way to appreciate the band's retro modern sound. For this unique artist, the vinyl format simply makes sense.

FAQs

What is the rarest Japanese Breakfast vinyl record?

The rarest and most sought after is their 2014 cassette release It's Nice To Have A Friend. Originally limited to just 100 copies, it was remastered and pressed on vinyl for the first time in 2021 as a Bandcamp exclusive. Very few copies were made, making it extremely rare and valuable to collectors.

Where can I buy Japanese Breakfast vinyl records?

Your best bet is to check the official band and label webstores. They often have exclusives not available elsewhere. Independent record stores also receive limited variant vinyl pressings. And you can find many releases being resold on sites like eBay and Discogs.

What is the best sounding Japanese Breakfast vinyl pressing?

Most fans agree that the standard vinyl edition of Jubilee sounds phenomenal. It was mastered specifically for the format. The heavy weight double LP allows for greater dynamic range capturing the album's intricacies.

Should I take the vinyl records out of the shrink wrap?

For rare records, keeping them sealed in the original shrink wrap will maximize resale value if you plan to sell later. However, you won't be able to enjoy the full tactile experience of the packaging and records themselves until you open it.

How can I display my Japanese Breakfast collection?

Japanese Breakfast's vinyl artwork stands out beautifully when framed and put up on a wall. You can also display the records themselves on open shelving. Or save the outer plastic sleeves and hang them up using pins, nails, or command strips.