Over 30+ years, The Slackers have remained one of the most prolific musical combos in the game. In the course of drawing from a seemingly endless well of songwriting creativity, the band has released music on some of the biggest labels in independent music, as well as on much smaller boutique ska & reggae labels across the entire world. 2008's Self Medication LP was one of the latter releases, initially released on CD through Indication Records, and a single pressing on black vinyl from Special Potato/Indication. The record has been out of print for the ensuing 15 years and a tragically overlooked chapter in the band's history. In the spirit of the title, Self Medication, this record reflects the band's DIY roots. Recorded by a longtime friend of the band, King Django (Skinnerbox, Stubborn All-Stars), at New Brunswick, NJ's Version City Studio, with overdubs overseen by singer/multi-instrumentalist Vic Ruggiero & guitarist Agent Jay Nugent at their own Studio Slack & Crazy Baldhead Studios, respectively. The sound of this record, then, is that of a band who have the talent and the confidence to chart their course, experimenting with a diverse sonic palette including elements of ska, reggae, swing, rock, and a lot of psychedelia, that nevertheless feels distinctly and unmistakably like them. And, of course, the band's combination of earnest humanity and wry humor shines through in the lyrics, right from the opening line, Every day is Sunday when you're unemployed... Indeed, this is the sound of The Slackers as dictated by The Slackers. Pirates Press Records is thrilled to put Self Medication back in print - with worldwide distribution on colored vinyl for the first time - to be discovered or re-discovered by their countless fans worldwide. This definitive remastered version of the LP also features a bonus 7 with four additional songs from these productive and experimental sessions, which have only seen previous releases as digital rarities.
Release date:
October 20, 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.
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Chuck D Chuck D Presents Enemy Radio: Radio Armageddon
Def Jam
May 16, 2025 -
Karl Ratzer Trio Vienna Red (Audiophile; Signature Edition)
In And Out Records Gmbh
July 11, 2025 -
Jennie Ruby Vinyl
Columbia Records Group
August 22, 2025 -
Jakko M. Jakszyk Son Of Glen
Inside Out Music
June 27, 2025 -
Midnight Steel, Rust and Disgust
Metal Blade
May 23, 2025 -
Hebi Katana Imperfection
Ripple Music
July 25, 2025 -
Keith Jarrett New Vienna [2xLP]
Ecm Import
June 6, 2025 -
Bruce Springsteen Lost And Found: Selections From The Lost Albums [2xLP]
Legacy Recordings
June 27, 2025 -
The Dandy Warhols ROCK REMAKER (Moon)
Sunset Blvd Records
May 16, 2025 -
Minami Kitasono Meridian
Jet Set
August 15, 2025 -
Hiroe Wield
Pelagic Records
June 20, 2025 -
Femi Kuti Journey Through Life
Partisan Records
May 16, 2025 -
Anamanaguchi Anyway (Black/Red)
Polyvinyl Records
August 8, 2025 -
Various Artists Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical [2xLP]
Universal UK
July 18, 2025