Various Artists – Hey Drag City(1994)

Biography
Drag City is an American independent record label based in Chicago, Illinois. It was established with a Royal Trux single release (“Hero Zero” – DC1) in Chicago in 1990 in by Dan Koretzky and Dan Osborn. It specializes in genres such as indie rock, experimental rock, psychedelic rock, folk rock, and alternative country. http://www.dragcity.com

Album & Cover
This multi-band compilation from one of Chicago’s most droll and original underground rock labels is a decidedly subjective listening experience. “Hey Drag City” is riveting and off-putting at the same time, like a rambling, drunken 4 a.m. phone call from a long-lost high school buddy. The 15-band CD features a poignant lead-off track from Louisville’s Palace Brothers-a sepia-toned homage to rock’s remaining individualists, titled “For The Mekons et al”-which alone justifies a hearing of the disc. “Hey” also includes contributions from former label mates Pavement and Royal Trux, as well as Chicago’s Red Red Meat, Gastr del Sol, Desert Storm, Burnout and Mantis (some of whom have gone on to bigger labels). To indie rock savants, this low-fi compendium is a long overdue salute to the mavericks and misfits who have found a home at Drag City during its five years. Those in the market for one-spin-and-you-love-it pop just won’t get it and there is no reason why they should. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-12-15/features/9412150189_1_star-gastr-del-sol-drag

This cover design was actually photographed in the late 70’s and was not used until the label Drag City purchased it for their compilation album in 1994. As Aubrey Powell explains, wall mount mallard ducks, usually three, were all the rage in Britain from the late 30′ to the early 70’s. It was decided to recreate this scene by using real ducks nailed to a studio wall. The ducks were fresh and that is real blood running down the wall. A bit gruesome and what band would want it as their cover?

Cover Location: Hipgnosis Studio, London, UK.
Who Did What: Photography A. Powell/S. Thorgerson
Label: Drag City-DC20(US)  
Source: Vinyl. Album. Cover. Art, The Complete Hipgnosis Catalogue: Aubrey Powell

Tracklist