Helmet’s seminal album Betty is receiving a 30th anniversary vinyl reissue via the Interscope Vinyl Collective. The reissue arrives June 1st as a 2-LP configuration featuring grey vinyl that was pressed at Third Man Records.
The expanded tracklist features five additional songs: “Flushings,” “Thick,” “Pariah,” “Biscuits for Smut – Mutt Mix” and “Biscuits for Smut – Pooch Mix.” The set also includes updated and new artwork illustrated by Derek Hess (plus a Hess illustration etched onto Side D), an exclusive lithograph of the original cover, and a “thank you” message from Helmet founder Page Hamilton on the inner sleeves.
“After recording our first two albums, Strap It On and Meantime, with Wharton Tiers in his downtown NYC basement studio, Fun City, we decided to try something different,” said Hamilton of the origins of Betty. “We knew the L.A. Motown studio Neve 8078 console was owned by Donald Fagan of Steely Dan, so we ended up at his upper, upper east side studio, River Sound in NYC. It was a bit daunting to leave the comfort of Wharton’s place but we ended up 30 years later with an album Betty we still dig. All of the songs are still performed live.”
Hamilton added that a fall tour is “in the works” and will presumably be tied into the Betty reissue. Ten years ago, Helmet played the album in its entirety on a tour celebrating its 20th anniversary; it’s reasonable to expect something similar this fall.
As for the reissue, it marks the first time Betty has been in print on vinyl since 2014.
“It’s been a lot of fun working with old and new friends at our longtime label,” Hamilton said. “My pals at Interscope introduced me to the folks at Third Man Records in Nashville, who will be pressing the vinyl in Detroit. I couldn’t be happier with the results.”
You can sign up for the Interscope Vinyl Collective via its website for early access to the reissue’s release. Check out a product photo and an Instagram trailer for the vinyl repress below.