After five full-length albums and three EPs, along with a bevvy of compilation tracks and other rare gems, the Weisstronauts have pulled out the stops and compiled their absolute best music in a super-lavish, lovingly-assembled anthology. The recordings were completely remastered from the original mixes and the collection contains all 12 songs from the limited edition vinyl LP edition, as well as 15 (yes, "fifteen") additional songs from the Weisstronauts' canon. Die-hard completists, please note... This collection contains TWO previously unreleased Weisstronauts songs, "Handball!" (a live favorite, especially when performed in supermarkets) and the band's rippin' take on the Bubble Puppy classic "Hot Smoke & Sassafras." The latter features the great Mitch Easter guesting on lead guitar and electric sitar and was mixed by the legendary Roger Bechirian (Elvis Costello, Squeeze, the Undertones, etc.) Speaking of Roger, he also deftly remixed "Perky" for this collection, giving it more power and atmosphere than its original 2005 mix. Musicians: Pete Weiss Kenny Lafler Kevin Quinn George Hall Jeff Norcross Nathan Logus Emily Jackson Jeff Berlin Peter Linnane Aaron Tap Neal Spaulding Malcolm Travis Mitch Easter Recording engineers: Pete Weiss Peter Linnane Matt Jugenheimer Jeff Powell Lucas Peterson Dave Green Neal Cappellino Mixing engineers: Pete Weiss Mitch Easter Roger Bechirian Studios: Zippah, Boston Verdant, Athens VT Ardent, Memphis Poppi, Nashville The Fidelitorium, Kernersville NC Brightside, London Bandmember quotes... I really enjoyed my time with The Weisstronauts. The great friendships and collaborative atmosphere made it unlike any other previous musical experience of mine. The Weisstronauts also gave us an opportunity to wear costumes and use pseudonyms. As for the resulting music, there is an undeniable element of fun at its surface yet something quite serious and adventurous underneath.  -Peter Linnane (guitar, accordian, 1999-2001) I am honored to be able to call myself an original Weisstronaut. I will never forget the first moment we stepped on stage and sang a song called "Don't Go Fast". It was clear at that moment that we were destined to be an instrumental band. -Kevin Quinn (bass, vocalizations, 1999-present) With the Weisstronauts it's been my fortune to dance a pas de deux in Worcester, drive while sleeping in Ohio, witness the birth of rock 'n' roll in Brookline, meet a man in a banana suit in Philly, arrive a shell of myself in New Orleans, learn the diamond chord in Vermont, find the true meaning of the word "impossible," have a splendid time with five neat guys (and one classy lady), get my friends to play a song about fried clams, and strike up a long term relationship with Jaunty, Spritely, Chicky, Tawdry, and Dr. Sanchez. -Kenny Lafler (guitar, keyboards, 2001-present) In a cozy basement in Brookline, sometime in 2004 a bunch of wikkid nerds circled around as head nerd-of-the-moment Kenny attempted to describe the "easy" mathematical way to commit to memory the structure of his and Pete's latest tune, "Fibonacci." Each time the B section came around somebody screwed it up. Possibly even Kenny himself. A couple days later, it all fell into place and yet, to this day, I can't figure how Fibonacci's number plays into it.  I feel like there was always a '10' in our accounting... -Aaron Tap (guitar, 2001-2004 and beyond) My first appearance with the Weisstronauts was at a Christmas show at the Lizard Lounge, when Pete asked me to write an introduction to a skit that otherwise wouldn't make any sense, and perform it in a red union suit. This was about an hour before the set. I'm still not sure if it made any sense, but the next time - a couple years later - they told me to bring a guitar. Over the years, the band has consistently provided me with the purest reminder that playing music on stage & in the studio is FUN. I mean, you wouldn’t think musicians would need a reminder, but... -George Hall (guitar & brief instances of harmonica, 2005-present) I'd be lying if I didn't say that my initiation into the Weisstronauts brotherhood was preceded by some measure of consternation. After all, most of their tunes consist of more than 3 chords played by uber-accomplished musicians. Any anxious feelings were soon put to rest by not only the title of the first song in the rehearsal, "Tabasco Fiasco," but the zen-like patience of the band. I was grateful to be among a sublime group of musician whisperers. At home, safe, at ease, rocking the crap out of it. -Neal Spaulding (bass, 2008-present) Wish I could play with you guys more than once in a lifetime. Definitely the most fun I've ever had in a band. -Doug Yule (fiddle, bass on some recordings and on the 2006 tour) I sure had a great time with the 'Nauts, our road trips, recording, gigs, and mucho silly fun. If I hear someone say 'tamp it down' I think of a banana. And, yes, I recently used the term "unrewarding." Hearing "Fruity" now is like a postcard from my own summer vacation. Memorable quote? "Hey Kenny, it's not the Laflernauts!" -Emily Jackson (drums, 1999-2004) Ardent, banana suit, Chapel Hill, DC, Easter, Falstaff, girls' camp, house party, impossible, Jaunty, keep goin', listen, Memphis, Nashville, Orson, PVB, quiet down, Rodeo Bar, Shartlesville, Telecaster, unrewarding, Verdant, Weisstronauts, (e)xtra relish, Yule, Zorn Jeff Norcross (bass, drums, guitar, 2006-present) I learned bass *on tour* with the 'Nauts... still not exactly sure why anyone let that happen. -Nathan Logus (drums, bass, 2006-present) A "Waiting for Guffman"-esque situation unfolds as we begin to load in to the small town gig. I notice the octogenerian couple, who arrived so early (as they do for all events at this venue), that they're lucky enough to get fired a warning shot -- our soundcheck. Yet they remain! We proceed to unleash our instrumental onslaught, complete with George Hall's "Adrian Belew's troubled cousin" 6-string pyrotechnics and Pete's now famous "Beck Dance." Later, as I load my bass drum out of the venue (in a road case whose brand shares a name with a famous American luxury car), I'm confronted with a spritely silver-haired lady who notices the case's logo, stops me and exclaims: "Cadillac. Now that's a car! You haven't driven a car until you've driven a Cadillac!" God, I love the Weisstronauts! -Jeff Berlin (drums, 2004-present) I'm a lucky guy. I love and value this band. This collective. This concept. This musical thing. Whatever you want to call it. It's been my therapy -- simultaneously a diversion and obsession. It's caused joy, tension, bafflement, laughs, and, strangely, poignance. As benevolent dictator of the organization, I found it REALLY difficult to distill almost a hundred recorded Weisstronauts songs down to the twelve "best" for this vinyl collection. (And only slightly easier to pick an extra fifteen "bonus best" for the CD version.) What can I add that my Weisstronautical siblings haven't already? I guess just the fact that, in the thirteen years of the band's existence, it's clear that we have mastered the subtle art of "inside humor" both musical and civilian. Oh, one more thing… Hey Kenny, it's not the Laflernauts! -Pete Weiss (guitar, bass, keyboards, founder, etc.)