Barsuk is excited to present a new pressing of Yellow Ostrich’s The Mistress, available now on standard black vinyl. Each copy is prominently stickered touting its download code containing the original 10-track album and 18 bonus tracks, including the 2011 Barsuk bonus material, four previously unreleased b-sides, an early alternate version of the hit “WHALE”, plus 10 covers (recorded in 2010) of songs that inspired founder Alex Schaaf during the writing and recording of The Mistress: songs by Beach House, Jon Brion, Dirty Projectors, The National, Joanna Newsom, The Replacements, The Rural Alberta Advantage, The Tallest Man on Earth, Sharon Van Etten, and Yeasayer. Since songwriter and band-leader Alex Schaaf first uploaded The Mistress (at age 22) to Bandcamp as a free download at the beginning of the last decade, it has captivated listeners: the team at Barsuk (who reissued it within a few months of Schaaf’s initial self-release); fans who fell under the hypnotic spell of standout track “WHALE”; and a host of fellow musicians (notably including Moses Sumney, who included it on his short list of favorite albums of the 2010s, not to mention future Yellow Ostrich members Michael Tapper [Bishop Allen] and the great indie sideman and composer Jon Natchez [Beirut/The War on Drugs/David Byrne/St. Vincent/etc]). The 10th anniversary reissue of The Mistress at the start of the pandemic heralded something of a rebirth of the Yellow Ostrich moniker as the band went on to release a slew of new music over the past few years including their latest album Soft in 2021; Like a Bird: An Alex Schaaf Anthology (2010-2021), a compilation spanning the career (so far) of the quietly brilliant songwriter/producer Schaaf; and Make It Make Sense EP, released earlier this spring
Release date:
June 9, 2023
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Cave In The Sacrifice Poles
Relapse
August 15, 2025 -
Sofia Kourtesis Volver
Ninja Tune
August 1, 2025 -
Panic Shack Panic Shack (Red)
Brace Yourself
August 1, 2025 -
James Morrison Fight Another Day (White)
Cooking Vinyl
October 3, 2025 -
Ambush Evil In All Dimensions
Napalm Records
September 5, 2025 -
Olivia Dean The Art Of Loving (Pink)
Island
September 26, 2025 -
Vernon Reid Hoodoo Telemetry
Players Club
October 3, 2025 -
Arcadea The Exodus of Gravity [2xLP]
Relapse
August 22, 2025 -
Sinsaenum IN DEVASTATION
Earmusic
August 8, 2025 -
Oasis (What's The Story) MORNING GLORY? (30Th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) [3xLP]
Big Brother Recordings Limited
October 3, 2025 -
Anand Wilder Psychic Lessons
Last Gang Records
August 22, 2025 -
Drain ...is Your Friend
Epitaph
November 7, 2025 -
SWEET SAVAGE Bang
Earmusic
September 12, 2025 -
Lucrecia Dalt A Danger to Ourselves
Rvng Int'l
September 5, 2025