April (Retail Version)

Infobox Album
Name = April (Retail Version)
Type = studio
Artist = VAST


Background = Orange
Released = October 16, 2007
Recorded = 2006 in Austin, Texas
Genre = Alternative rock
Acoustic rock
Length = 41:20
Label = 2blossoms
Producer = Jon Crosby
Last album = "Seattle 2007"
(2006)
This album = "April (Retail Version)"
(2007)
Next album =
Reviews =
*Sputnikmusic Rating|1.5|5 [http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?albumid=22291 link]
*AllMusic Rating|3.5|5 [http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:39fpxzlhldde link]

"April (Retail Version)" is the "finished" version of the latest VAST album, April, and was released in October 16, 2007. According to a post at the official VAST message boardFact|date=March 2008, the "finished" version will contain six new songs, and members of the VAST Fan Club will have the opportunity to have their names printed in a "special thanks" section of the album sleeve.

On November 11 2006, Jon Crosby (at the official VAST message board) indicated that the new album "April" has "a very human feel to it". Because of this, it was decided that the fans will have the opportunity to submit both front- and back-cover artwork for the new record. The first place winner will have their artwork implemented on the new album "April". Second place will have their artwork placed upon a "limited edition" version of the record that will be available online only, prior to the retail release of "April". Third place will have their artwork used on a tour poster/s; and, finally, the remaining four-through-ten are set to receive a VIP pass to a VAST show in their area.

In the Visual Audio Sensory Theater 2007 "Q & A" audio commentary, Jon Crosby confirmed that "Frog" and "Everything Passing By" (both unreleased VAST songs) will appear on April.

In early February, 2007, a posting at the official VAST website said:

In May, 2007, an advance download of the completed retail VAST CD album "April" was made available to download. Additional comments were also made by "The VAST Camp":

In August, 2007, the VAST message board had an announcement of the online-only limited edition of the album and also the site had Jon Crosby's quote about the album distribution:

cquote|"What Jon Crosby has to say about "April":

"All the touring we did in early 2007 got in the way of finishing the album on time. The version we released two months ago didn’t seem right to me so I spent all of June and July mixing the album again. The only song I had mixed on previous albums was "Lost" on "Nude". Some other VAST records have a more commercial sound but the sound on this record reflects how I want the songs to be heard.

The theme of "April" is loss. Some people may think all VAST albums are about loss but I would say the first album was about conflict, the second about longing for freedom, and the third about beauty. These songs were written during a time in my life were I was going through the deep loss of my lover and the loss of all my money from bad deals and bad labels. The result was that I was down and didn't treat myself very well.

I put all those feelings into this record and it’s something I’m very proud of. While it’s true that I will always feel most proud of my latest effort, I do however feel that this record comes from my heart and that in itself makes it a success if only artistic. I only have a few albums like this in me. This and my first album are my favorite albums to date.

I also am happy with the beautiful artwork Angel Royster created for it. The manufacturer told me recently that this is one of the best packages they have ever made. I only want to sell small quantities of the thicker booklet for environmental reasons.

We also want to do things a little differently this time. We want to show more support for the smaller and independent stores out there that care about music and not toasters. It’s unfortunate that this decision could limit peoples exposure to the music but I don’t want to be just another person who makes excuses for why they are doing something they know is wrong. You will not be able to buy this record in Wal Mart or Target. These stores hurt local business which is something I know about first hand. When I was a kid, my mother owned a small record store that was put out of business by large chains.

Thanks again for all your support over the years. It’s inspiring to know that people all over the world can hear and own my music instantly. I hope that "April" lives up to your expectations. "

-Jon Crosby "

Additionally, the following was announced:

This "new version" was dubbed "April (Retail Version) 2.0" and is a much more polished mix of the record. It is the final version that will appear on both the "limited edition" and regular retail releases of "April".

"April" received mostly negative reviews from critics, but was mostly positive from fans. Some embraced the dull, acoustic atmosphere of the album while some attacked the album's bare, acoustic tone, Crosby's vocal performance, and as one reviewer put it, "...his ever-failing voice seeming more trite than it did in Turquoise and Crimson." Still, it has sold well, especially for a VAST album, reaching the Amazon Top 100 on its week of release.

Track listing

#"You're Too Young**" – 3:11
#"Dedicate (A Place for Me*)" – 4:18
#"Everything Passing By*" – 4:01
#"Sunday I'll Be Gone**" – 3:37
#"Frog*" – 3:04
#"One More Day**" – 3:33
#"Tattoo of Your Name**" – 3:45
#"Is It Me*" – 2:54
#"I'm Too Good**" – 3:25
#"She Visits Me**" – 2:54
#"I Am a Vampire**" – 3:00
#"Take Me With You*" – 3:35

*Five new songs
**(Alternate recordings of songs appearing originally on the April (Online Version) download.)

References