Box Car Racer – Box Car Racer

Do not pay scalpers, still available for MSRP on Interscope

https://interscope.com/collections/store-exclusive-vinyl/products/box-car-racer-box-car-racer-1lp-interscope-exclusive?gQT=1

I am pleased to report that, unlike the 2017 15th Anniversary pressing, this one sounds AWESOME! It's flat, quiet - incredibly so in fact, I didn't hear a single pop or click - and, most importantly, centered...no warble! The music sounds so full and dynamic that it makes me wonder if this is a new remaster, anyone have more info on that they can speak of? Either way, if anybody is looking to replace their flawed 2017 copy, this one gets a Stamp of Approval from me, 10 out of 10.

So I purchased the 2025 black/white split pressing that just came out to replace this 2017 one, which is so incredibly off-center and warbles so badly that I couldn't even listen to it. I am pleased to report that the 2025 pressing is perfectly centered and plays beautifully, in fact it's pressed so well and sounds so great that I wonder if they put extra effort into it because of this one's flaws! Also makes me wonder if it's a new remaster, because holy cow, it sounds so full and clear and dynamic. My recommendation for anyone who is unlucky enough to have this 2017 mistake of a pressing is to seek out a copy of the 2025 one, because it is AWESOME!

https://discogs.pelisguay.com/release/33754137-Box-Car-Racer-Box-Car-Racer

Just received my copy and while I haven't listened to it yet I have to say the lyric insert (pic 5) is the worst designed one I ever seen lol. It's just a huge square of white text without any spacing or separation that is impossible to read. It almost feels like whoever designed it is trolling anyone who bought this. I don't know why they included it.

very good. The black 15year press was awful. This is very good. I wish this were available in Europe, had to order it from the US.

This is a wonderful sounding record and glad I spent the money a while back for it. Was sent to me from someone on here in a plastic bag with bubble wrap around it so have a seam split at the top but luckily the record is fine. I had to laugh at the time.

Mine is badly warped and sounds terrible. Almost sounds distorted on many part. ‘There Is’ sounds like a like a low quality CD rip. I’m very disappointed after I waited so long for a copy.

definitely pressed off center. you can hear it is tiny voices and it's so noticable. other than that, a few crackles here and there. the standard of 2023!

Pressing - 4/5
Even after a deep clean, there’s some surface noise in some of the quiet parts. Otherwise, this is a good press - nice and flat, and sharp sound right into the inner grooves.

Mastering - 4/5
It’s punchy and definitely sounds better than the 15th anniversary press. That being said, during the heavy parts, it can be a bit of a wall of sound, without much clarity between channels and all the instruments blending together. Generally speaking though, that's not something that's unique to the vinyl version and more a product of the original recording and mixing. This is not an album I'd expect to ever be super crisp and dynamic on vinyl, so it's pretty good for what it is.

Packaging - 3.5/5
Standard single LP sleeve, nothing overly special. If colored vinyl is your thing, it looks great with the cover art.

Overall - 4/5
I went through two copies of the 15th anniversary press and both times was disappointed with the sound. My first copy was pressed horribly off center, and I had to return it. My second copy was better, but ended up selling it because I just didn’t like how it sounded. This one is much better, and is my keeper copy, even if it’s still not perfect.

Record is slightly warped - tiny little ripples, nothing that affects play. Side A is off center enough to affect playback - wow/flutter, especially noteable during Cat Like Thief. Not good. Seems like a lot of people have this issue, so I think it ran throughout a large batch. Side B has no issues, though, and despite being so packed with audio that it almost goes down to the sticker, it sounds clear and punchy throughout. Shame about how off-centered this pressing is, though. I'd try buying one of the other editions if you can find one.