- 800 newly-remastered digital tracks
- 200+ fully-restored original ads and images
- 6 x 180g LPs w/ hand-engraved metal leaf center labels
- Deluxe large-format hardcover art book: 250 pages, narrative w. full-color plates
- Encyclopedia-style reference manual: 360 pages, field guide to artists & repertoire
- Handcrafted elements: rich woods, lush upholstery, and custom-forged metal hardware
- Track & Image App: First-of-its-kind music and image player app, allows user management of 800 tracks and 200+ original ads; housed on custom-designed USB drive
The Rise & Fall of Paramount Records, Volume One (1917-27), part one of a two-volume omnibus of art, words and music in a limited-edition cabinet-of-wonder format, is a joint release from John Fahey's Revenant and Jack White's Third Man Records, co-produced by the leading researcher/writer on Paramount, Alex van der Tuuk. The set is available today from Third Man Records with a full release slated for November 19th.
The Rise & Fall cabinet chronicles in words, images and sound the curious tale of Paramount, an early American record label which, despite being run out of a Wisconsin chair factory, with bargain-basement recording and production methods, by men with few connections to and little idea of what black (or rural white) audiences were interested in, nevertheless managed to create a repository of American art that can stand with any this country has produced.
Volume One focuses on the label’s improbable rise from also-ran (known for its “tin pan tone”) to Race Records powerhouse, exploring how its fortunes were tied to the Great Migration as well as to its unconventional strategies, “open door” recording policy, opportunism, sleight-of-hand, and incredible luck. Learm more about the set and purchase yours here.
Third Man is also offering fans the opportunity to win this incomparable set by entering The Paramount Records Wonder-Cabinet Giveaway.
This set is on my “to buy” list. It is absolutely gorgeous. I also want it for the American Divas recordings that are included. I love Jack’s commitment to preserving vinyl and for putting out recordings of musical artists that most of this generation probably never heard of and doing it in such an artistic way.
Just picked mine up from the store a couple hours ago. Jenna was an absolute sweetheart while I dithered about whether or not I’d be able to carry it home on the plane (the box it comes in is huge and it’s quite heavy), but covetousness won out. It’s so wonderfully gorgeous and so solidly built, and 800 songs, and the hardbound book alone is absolutely beautiful, and the record case is fabulous, and I’m actually amazed that they were able to price this at only $400. Jack was absolutely right when he said in the Rolling Stone Q&A that God is in the details of this thing. He and everyone at Third Man should be so proud of this Wonder Cabinet. I’m proud to own it. It’s the epitome of everything that getting into Jack’s music has brought to me, opening doors to so much more than just his own music. Can you tell I’m giddy over it? Thank you, Jack.
If Canadian residents are not eligible to enter the contest, you may just lose this long-time Vault member. One for all or nothing at all, dammit!
Winning!
Already ordered mine :)
Just like waiting for Santa Claus. except I know that I’m getting what I want. Hell yeah baby, cannot freakin’ wait.
I wish I could afford it. Looks amazing
I am going to make my own :(
Contest only for US residents :(
Just got mine shipped hells yea