José González - Veneer (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) [2LP Blue Vinyl]

PEACEFROG

£43.18

Format: 2 x LP
Catalogue No.: PFGXX066
Barcode: 5060100745367
Release Date: 27 Oct 2023
Genre: Jazz

2LP LIMITED HAND NUMBERED, BLUE VINYL, 24 PG BOOK

”Twenty years ago, something magical happened. In the space between technology and ideology, two terms that have been fighting each other to define the days that have come since, an album appeared. A collection of songs that seemed defiantly out of place. Yet somehow these songs knew themselves. Which, thinking back on it now, better explains why their creator, a young Swedish musician called José González, felt so familiar to us so quickly.” Zane Lowe on José González’ Veneer.

Today visionary singer-songwriter and guitarist José González has announced the release of a 20th Anniversary Deluxe version of his uncompromising, candid, game-changing debut album (2003) Veneer. It features newly remastered audio of the seminal album as well as a bonus disc, comprising 13 intimate recordings from his historic 2003 performance at Gothenburg Concert Hall.

The 20th Anniversary Deluxe Version of Veneer will see release on limited edition double blue vinyl and digitally on October 27th, 2023 via Peacefrog Records. It features a hand-numbered gatefold and a 24-page booklet filled with archival photos, essays, a song-by-song guide from José and more.

Veneer made an indelible mark in its understated, expressive brilliance and cemented José González as a meticulous sonic craftsman and songwriter of singular talent. It’s hard to believe an album recorded with the most basic equipment in a cramped Gothenburg flat could end up going platinum, not only in Sweden but also the UK, selling well over 1 million copies worldwide. It’s harder still when one acknowledges that, aside from one brief trumpet solo and the slightest hint of percussion, the record features just one hushed voice and the dexterous picking of an acoustic guitar’s nylon strings. But 2003’s Veneer was such an album, charting in several countries in the world, and eventually making Top 10 in the UK, thanks in part to its delicate, evocative cover of The Knife’s “Heartbeats”.

Praise for Veneer:
Magical... a supreme talent, reminiscent of the late Arthur Russell The Guardian

Veneer draws you in, it’s easy to believe that the young Swede could begin his own cult The Times
Spine-tingling The Sunday Times

Jose Gonzalez really is a rare find The Times (live review)
Gorgeous, in a word Observer Music Monthly
A fresh and intriguing talent The Independent
Affecting soulful poignancy, a quietly impressive debut The Daily Telegraph
Enormous talent The Sunday Telegraph
An intense talent Time Out
In a world of musical clones, the Argentinian Swede is a thrillingly original new talent The Sun
It's an exquisite, almost solemn privilege to be invited into Gonzalez's world Metro
Extraordinary Uncut
The most intimate music you’ll hear all year Q
Dark, still, yet oddly powerful Mojo
Wonderfully accomplished... a serious talent to watch out for, this year and beyond Clash
Jawdroppingly special, a rare talent Fact

DISC 1: Veneer Remastered:
1. Slow Moves
2. Remain
3. Lovestain
4. Heartbeats
5. Crosses
6. Deadweight On Velveteen
7. All You Deliver
8. Stay In The Shade
9. Hints
10. Save Your Day
11. Broken Arrows

DISC 2: Live In Gothenburg 2003
1. Deadweight On Velveteen
2. Save Your Day
3. Storm
4. Crosses
5. Hints
6. Suggestions
7. Heartbeats
8. Love Will Tear Us Apart
9. All You Deliver
10. Stay In The Shade
11. Remain
12. Hand On Your Heart
13. Cello Song