Tape Deck Heart (RSD 23)

Record Store Day 2023 coincides with the exact tenth anniversary of English singer-songwriter Frank Turner’s fifth studio album, Tape Deck Heart, and brings with it the next in the series of Turner’s collectible tenth anniversary editions.

Pressed on two limited edition burnt red vinyl, the original album is accompanied by a second LP of previously unreleased ‘The Evolution Demos’, mastered and cut by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road Studios.

In line with previous editions, this expanded reissue is packaged in a striking, metallic-printed, gatefold sleeve, within an O-Card. The 4 page insert contains lyrics and brand new liner notes written by Frank, reflecting on the album and his journey over the last 10 years. The artwork features designs by two tattooists – a painting of Frank on the O-Card by Matt Hunt, and gatefold sleeve illustrations by Heather Ann Law.

The album was recorded at El Dorado Studios (Burbank, CA) in 2012 with Frank’s band, The Sleeping Souls, and producer Rich Costey. The sessions came off the back of extensive touring for Frank’s fourth studio album, England Keep My Bones, which had included a sold-out headline show at Wembley Stadium. Tape Deck Heart debuted at No.2 on the UK album charts.
In Frank’s own words:

“A ‘Tape Deck Heart’ is someone who has a love of music above anything else. I don’t miss cassettes, but I am of an age – like many of us – whose music listening life was defined by Walkmen and C90 tapes.”

This album is about self-examination, running through your own faults, about change, and about ending. Something like that.”