Overview
Sound & Production
Performance & Vocals
Highlights
Weaknesses
Packaging & Extras (2011 Repack)
Who it鈥檚 for
Verdict
The neon sign above the door of 鈥淭he Archive鈥� flickered with the rhythmic mortality of a dying insect. Inside, the air smelled of ozone, stale popcorn, and the desperate kind of hope that only springs from being twenty-two and convinced that the past held all the answers.
Leo didn鈥檛 want the new releases. He didn't want the shiny, shrink-wrapped optimism of the current pop charts. He was hunting for a ghost.
He moved past the bins of vinyl, his fingers dancing over the spines of CD jewel cases鈥攁n obsolete medium for an obsolete feeling. He was looking for a specific pulse, a specific auditory scar from 2011. He stopped. His breath hitched.
There it was, wedged between a water-damaged copy of Mylo Xyloto and a greatest hits compilation nobody asked for.
The spine was cracked, the case slightly yellowed. The insert was a chaotic collage of primary colors and abstract dread. The text was typed in that specific, messy font that screamed "bedroom project" and "existential crisis."
warpaint the fool deluxe edition 2011 repack
Leo picked it up. It wasn鈥檛 the standard issue. This was the "repack." The one that circulated on file-sharing blogs in the dead of night a decade ago, the version that supposedly had the hidden tracks, the demos, the rough edges that hadn't been sanded down by the studio executives. The version where the bass sounded like a heartbeat trapped in a jar.
He checked the back. The tracklist was scrawled in sharpie on the back insert, a tell-tale sign of a CD-R, or perhaps a promo copy that had escaped the label's clutches. Stars, Beetles, Elephants. The songs weren't just titles; they were landmarks of a hazy, narcotic summer he spent in a friend's basement, back when the future was a looming storm cloud they all ignored.
He checked the price tag. Fifty cents.
He took it to the counter. The clerk, a guy with sleeves of tattoos and eyes that had seen too many bands come and go, raised an eyebrow.
"Found the holy grail, huh?" the clerk muttered, scanning the barcode. The machine beeped鈥攁 harsh, digital rejection. He typed the price in manually. "I remember when this dropped. The production on the title track... it just sounds like drowning, doesn't it? In a good way."
"That's exactly why I need it," Leo said, handing over two crumpled quarters.
Leo walked out into the gray afternoon. He slid the disc into his portable player鈥攁 relic he refused to retire鈥攁nd put the headphones over his ears. He skipped to the bonus tracks, the ones that defined the "repack."
The music started. A driving, relentless bassline. Ethereal guitars that sounded like sirens wailing in the distance. And then, the vocals, layered and haunting, singing about being a fool.
It was 2011 again. The world was ending, or maybe it was just beginning, but nobody cared because the rhythm was perfect. For the duration of that first track, the neon sign stopped flickering, the cold wind didn't bite, and Leo wasn't a twenty-something hunting for scraps of the past. He was just a listener, floating in the sonic architecture of a masterpiece, finally complete.
Warpaint鈥檚 The Fool was already a landmark in atmospheric indie rock, but the 2011 Deluxe Edition (often referred to as the "Repack") serves as the definitive document of a band mastering the "inner-space" of their sound. The Original Foundation
The core album remains a masterclass in tension and release. Unlike their peers who leaned into upbeat garage rock, Warpaint focused on:
Interlocking Grooves: Stella Mozgawa鈥檚 drumming provides a jazz-inflected backbone.
Vocal Weaving: Emily Kokal and Theresa Wayman鈥檚 harmonies feel like ghosts passing through one another.
Psych-Rock Textures: Tracks like "Undertow" and "Shadows" prioritize mood over traditional verse-chorus structures. The Deluxe Additions
The 2011 repack isn't just a cash grab; it rounds out the band鈥檚 identity by including the Exquisite Corpse EP and crucial remixes.
The Inclusion of "Billie Holiday": Moving their breakthrough EP onto the same disc allows listeners to hear the evolution from the raw, basement-tape feel of 2008 to the polished gloom of 2010.
The Remixes: Specifically, the Andrew Weatherall mix of "Baby." Weatherall strips back the folk elements and replaces them with a pulsing, dub-heavy heartbeat that highlights the band's danceable undercurrents. Why It Holds Up
Production: Tom Biller and Flood (U2, Depeche Mode) captured a sound that is "wet" and cavernous without losing the punch of the bass.
Chemistry: This was the first full-length with the "classic" lineup, and you can hear the telepathic connection in the jams.
Longevity: While many 2011 indie albums sound dated, The Fool feels timeless because it avoids trendy synths in favor of pure guitar-and-drum interplay.
猸� Key Takeaway: The Deluxe Edition is essential for the Weatherall remixes alone, which bridge the gap between their psychedelic roots and their later, more electronic-leaning work. If you鈥檙e looking to dive deeper, I can: Compare this album to their later, self-titled work. Suggest similar bands with that same "moody/groovy" vibe.
Break down the gear and pedals they used to get those specific tones. Which part of their sound interests you most? warpaint the fool deluxe edition 2011 repack
Deep Diving into Warpaint鈥檚 "The Fool" (Deluxe Edition) September 26, 2011 , less than a year after their haunting debut album, released a special Deluxe Edition Rough Trade Records
. This "repack" served as a comprehensive look at the band's early career, combining their breakthrough full-length with the influential Exquisite Corpse The Sound of Modern Mysticism The album was produced by Tom Biller
(known for work with Liars and Sean Lennon) and featured iconic mixing from Andrew Weatherall
on tracks like "Undertow" and "Baby". Critics and fans alike praised the record for its: Intricate Psychedelia
: A blend of weaving guitar lines and driving post-punk rhythms. Hypnotic Vocals : Soft yet magnetic delivery from vocalists Emily Kokal Theresa Wayman Otherworldly Atmosphere
: A skeletal, reverb-heavy sound that felt both intimate and mystical. Deluxe Edition Tracklist
The 2011 deluxe repack is notable for its second disc, which effectively serves as a retrospective of the band's pre-album material. Notable Details Set Your Arms Down Album opener Mixed by Andrew Weatherall Mid-album highlight Shadows (Neon Lights Remix) Deluxe Bonus Track Exquisite Corpse Exquisite Corpse Billie Holiday Exquisite Corpse Billie Holiday (Steve Mackey Edit) Deluxe Bonus Track Legacy and Rarity Following the release,
earned a silver certification in Europe, representing over 20,000 copies sold. While the original 2010 pressing sometimes suffered from technical issues like "swooshing" noises, the later repacks and deluxe editions corrected these mastering flaws for a fuller soundstage. For fans looking for the ultimate version, the Rough Trade store and platforms like
remain the best places to track down physical copies of this 2011 release.
Warpaint - The Fool (Deluxe Edition, 2011 Repack)
Release Date: January 25, 2011 (Original Release), 2011 (Repack)
Genre: Indie Rock, Experimental Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Label: XL Recordings
About the Album:
The Fool is the debut studio album by American indie rock band Warpaint, released on January 25, 2011, through XL Recordings. The Deluxe Edition, released later in 2011, includes additional tracks, remixes, and a DVD featuring live performances and music videos.
The Music:
The Fool is a critically acclaimed album that showcases Warpaint's unique blend of indie rock, experimental rock, and psychedelic rock. The album features dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes, intricate instrumentation, and haunting vocal harmonies. The band's music is often described as hypnotic, introspective, and emotionally charged.
Tracklisting:
Original Album:
Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks:
DVD:
Reception:
The Fool received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the band's atmospheric soundscapes, intricate instrumentation, and enigmatic live performances. The album has been praised by publications such as Pitchfork, NME, and Rolling Stone.
Warpaint:
The Fool (Deluxe Edition, 2011 Repack) is a must-have for fans of indie rock, experimental rock, and psychedelic rock. This repackaged deluxe edition offers a comprehensive look at Warpaint's early work, featuring bonus tracks, live performances, and music videos.
The Fool Deluxe Edition, released in 2011, is the definitive version of Warpaint鈥檚 debut studio album. It pairs the original 2010 LP with their breakthrough 2008 EP, Exquisite Corpse. 馃捒 The Tracklist Disc 1: The Fool (LP) Set Your Arms Down 鈥� Atmospheric, slow-burn opener.
Undertow 鈥� The band鈥檚 signature melodic bass-driven hit. Bees 鈥� Psychedelic, swirling guitar textures. Shadows 鈥� Moody and vocal-heavy.
Composure 鈥� Shifting tempos and intricate vocal harmonies. Baby 鈥� A sparse, hauntingly beautiful ballad. Majesty 鈥� Epic, reverb-drenched builds. Lissie's Heartbeat 鈥� Driven by hypnotic percussion. War paint 鈥� Gritty, experimental post-punk. Disc 2: Exquisite Corpse (EP) Stars 鈥� High-energy art rock. Elephants 鈥� A fan-favorite featuring heavy groove shifts. Billie Holiday 鈥� A dreamy homage with soul influences. Beetles 鈥� Grungy and rhythmic. Burgundy 鈥� Dark, cinematic vibes. Krimson 鈥� Complex, interlocking guitar lines. 馃挕 Collector's Notes
Production: The LP was produced by Tom Biller; the EP was mixed by John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers).
The Sound: Expect a blend of dream-pop, post-punk, and psychedelic rock.
Key Feature: This repack is the easiest way to own the rare EP tracks on physical media.
Visuals: Look for the signature hand-drawn aesthetic on the inner sleeve artwork. 馃帶 Critical Listening Tips
Focus on the Bass: Jenny Lee Lindberg鈥檚 melodic lines drive the songs more than the guitars.
The Harmonies: Notice how Emily Kokal and Theresa Wayman鈥檚 voices bleed into each other.
The Transition: Listen to the shift from the polished The Fool back to the raw, gritty energy of Exquisite Corpse. Review 鈥� Warpaint: The Fool (Deluxe Edition, 2011
馃殌 Key Takeaway: This edition is essential for any fan who wants the complete "early years" evolution of the band in one package. If you'd like to dive deeper into this release: Vinyl vs. CD differences Specific gear used on the album Live versions of these tracks
Warpaint鈥檚 self-titled debut and the subsequent expanded releases didn't just introduce a band; they introduced a mood. When the The Fool (Deluxe Edition)
arrived in 2011, it wasn't just a repackaging鈥攊t was the definitive map of a sonic wilderness. The Alchemy of the 2011 Repack
While the original 2010 release established their "art-rock" credentials, the 2011 Deluxe Edition served as a bridge between their DIY origins and their status as indie icons. This version bundled the haunting atmospheric layers of with their seminal debut EP, Exquisite Corpse 馃寫 Why It Matters The Complete Narrative:
By pairing the LP with the EP, listeners could hear the evolution from the John Frusciante-mixed raw energy of "Billie Holiday" to the polished, interlocking grooves of "Undertow." The Rhythm Section:
This era solidified the lineup with powerhouse drummer Stella Mozgawa. Her arrival turned their ethereal jams into driving, hypnotic masterpieces. Sonic Scarcity:
Before streaming made everything instant, this physical repack was the "holy grail" for fans wanting the bonus tracks and the specific, moody aesthetic of the expanded artwork. Key Tracks to Revisit "Undertow"
鈥� The quintessential Warpaint track. It features a bassline that feels like a heartbeat and vocal harmonies that swirl like mist.
鈥� A masterclass in tension. It builds slowly, utilizing space as much as sound. "Elephants" (from Exquisite Corpse)
鈥� A fan favorite that showcases their ability to pivot from psychedelic folk to heavy, driving rock.
鈥� Eerie, buzzing guitar work that proves why they are often compared to Cocteau Twins or Siouxsie and the Banshees. The Legacy of "The Fool"
Warpaint proved that "all-female band" was a lazy label. They were simply one of the best psych-rock ensembles
of the decade. The 2011 Deluxe Edition remains the best entry point for anyone looking to lose themselves in music that feels both underwater and light-years away.
The album was produced by Tom Biller, who helped capture the "live in a room" feel that makes the record sound so intimate yet expansive.
If you're looking to dive deeper into this era of music, I can help you: original vinyl tracklist differences. similar bands from the 2010-2012 indie-psych scene. Explore the gear and pedals the band used to get those specific "washy" tones. What part of the Warpaint sound interests you most?
The story of the Warpaint: The Fool Deluxe Edition (released September 26, 2011) is one of an "older sister" album coming into her own. It arrived less than a year after the band's original debut, serving as a comprehensive repackage that bridged the gap between their experimental beginnings and their rise as indie-rock icons. The Evolution of a Sound
The The Fool was born in the "3 a.m. Laurel Canyon" atmosphere of Los Angeles, recorded at Curves Studio and The Boat Studio in 2010. While the original album introduced the world to the band's hypnotic, sprawling "underwater" mood, the 2011 Deluxe Edition sought to tell the full story of their early journey. What the Repackage Added
The 2011 Deluxe Edition was designed to be a definitive collection for fans, notably including:
A Complete Second Disc: This featured the band's acclaimed debut EP, Exquisite Corpse, which had originally been mixed by John Frusciante.
New Layers: It included the Neon Lights Remix of their breakout single "Undertow" and the Steve Mackey Radio Edit of "Billie Holiday".
The Weatherall Connection: The repackage highlighted the influence of legendary producer Andrew Weatherall, who mixed tracks like "Baby" and "Undertow" for the original release. The Album's "Spirit"
Critics and fans often describe the album as a "mesmerizing" and "sultry" descent into heartbreak and mysticism. Warpaint: The Fool - review | Pop and rock - The Guardian
Released on September 26, 2011, the Deluxe Edition of The Fool arrived less than a year after Warpaint's debut full-length album. This repackaging served as a definitive collection of the band's early output, bridging the gap between their independent beginnings and their breakout success on Rough Trade Records. Content and Tracklist
The deluxe version is a comprehensive two-disc set that combines the original album with the band's earlier work and new remixes:
The day the "Warpaint" deluxe repack arrived in 2011, it felt less like a CD delivery and more like a transmission from a distant, cooler planet.
Elias lived in a town where the loudest sound was usually a lawnmower or a distant freight train. When he peeled back the plastic on the double-disc set, the artwork alone鈥攕wirling, psychedelic, and moody鈥攑romised an escape from the beige walls of his bedroom.
He slid the first disc into his beat-up laptop. The opening bassline of "Set Your Arms Down" filled the room, thick and hypnotic. It wasn't just music; it was an atmosphere. By the time "Undertow" hit, he was staring out the window, the grey afternoon suddenly feeling like a scene from a noir film.
But it was the bonus material鈥攖he remixes and the "Rough Trade" sessions鈥攖hat felt like the real secret. These weren't just filler tracks; they were echoes. The Winter version of "Billie Holiday" felt colder, more skeletal, like a ghost dancing in the corner of his room. The 2011 repack wasn't just an album; it was a map of where the band had been and a hint of the cult legends they were becoming.
That night, Elias didn't sleep much. He just kept the deluxe edition on a loop, the twin guitars of Emily Kokal and Theresa Wayman weaving through his dreams like silver thread. In a small town in the middle of nowhere, four women from LA had just handed him a key to a much wider, weirder world. If you'd like, I can:
Give you a track-by-track breakdown of what made the deluxe edition special. Tell you more about the band's history during that era.
Recommend similar albums from 2011 if you're looking for that specific vibe.
Deluxe Edition of by the Los Angeles quartet , released on September 26, 2011, serves as the definitive repack of the band's breakout era. Arriving less than a year after their debut full-length album, this edition expanded the original record into a two-disc set that bridged the gap between their haunting early recordings and their polished studio debut. The Sonic Evolution of The core of the repack remains the original 2010 album
, a record characterized by its "sensual" desert rock, intricate art rock, and dark psychedelic influences. Critics noted its hypnotic, "night-swimming" aesthetic, often comparing the dual vocals of Emily Kokal and Theresa Wayman to a "seance" or a ghostly "underwater mood". Warpaint: The Fool - review | Pop and rock - The Guardian 21 Oct 2010 鈥�
Deluxe Edition of Warpaint鈥檚 , re-released in late 2011, serves as a definitive archive of the band鈥檚 early meteoric rise. While the original 2010 album established them as masters of atmospheric, "night-swimming" psychedelic rock, this repackaging rounds out their identity by officially pairing the debut with their 2008 EP, Exquisite Corpse The Core Experience: At its heart,
is a masterclass in tension and subaqueous sonics. Produced by Tom Biller and featuring mixes by the legendary Andrew Weatherall, the album feels like music designed to submerge the listener. The Guardian "Undertow" The Fool (Deluxe Edition, 2011 repack) collects Warpaint鈥檚
: The album鈥檚 standout single uses simple, nostalgic bass chords and haunting vocal harmonies reminiscent of Stevie Nicks to pull the listener into its namesake current. "Composure"
: A rhythmic centerpiece where Stella Mozgawa鈥檚 drumming shines, acting like a "boxer tripping on acid"鈥攗npredictable yet intensely focused.
: A rare moment of vulnerability, stripping away the dense layers for a stark acoustic ballad that highlights Emily Kokal鈥檚 emotional vocal range. beatsperminute.com The 2011 Deluxe Additions
The value of the 2011 repack lies in its "essential piece of the puzzle" approach. By including the Exquisite Corpse
EP on a second disc, the release traces the band's evolution from loose, jam-heavy structures to more refined, albeit still expansive, songwriting. Amazon.com Key Bonus Content: Warpaint - The Fool (Deluxe Edition) - Webcuts Music
The centerpiece of the repack鈥檚 bonus content is 鈥淛ubilee.鈥� Originally recorded during the The Fool sessions but left off due to sequencing, 鈥淛ubilee鈥� is a six-minute meditation on loss and repetition. Its circular guitar riff and Kokal鈥檚 whispered refrain鈥斺�淵ou鈥檙e on your own now鈥濃�攅ncapsulate Warpaint鈥檚 ability to create intimacy through sparseness. Including it in the deluxe edition retroactively fills a gap in the original album鈥檚 narrative, suggesting that The Fool was always a more fragmented, vulnerable work than first perceived.
Similarly, the cover of 鈥淎shes to Ashes鈥� strips Bowie鈥檚 original of its synth-pop sheen, replacing it with reverb-laden guitars and a funereal tempo. The choice is deliberate: Bowie鈥檚 lyrics about Major Tom鈥檚 isolation and addiction mirror the themes of emotional detachment running through The Fool. By covering it, Warpaint positions themselves within a lineage of art-rock introspection, while their arrangement asserts a distinct, contemporary femininity absent from Bowie鈥檚 version.
The live tracks鈥攅specially a raw rendition of 鈥淏eetles鈥� recorded at KCRW鈥攈ighlight the band鈥檚 improvisational chemistry. Where the studio album feels meticulously constructed, these performances reveal the nervous energy beneath, reminding listeners that Warpaint is, at its core, a band of instrumentalists who thrive on collective trance states.
If you鈥檙e shopping online, beware of bootlegs. Here鈥檚 a quick checklist:
It is important to note that the "Repack" is an unauthorized copy. Warpaint is an independent band that relies on album sales, vinyl purchases, and streaming royalties. If you want to support them, the best course of action is:
However, for the archivist and the digital historian, understanding the "Warpaint The Fool Deluxe Edition 2011 Repack" is a lesson in how music preservation and fan dedication intersect with the seedy world of file-sharing. It is a ghost in the machine鈥攁 perfect, error-corrected shadow of a beautiful album.
The "Deluxe" tag wasn鈥檛 just cosmetic. The 2011 Repack featured:
For the casual listener, streaming The Fool in hi-res is fine. But for the fan who appreciates the ritual of physical media鈥攖he crackle of vinyl, the smell of a lyric booklet, the joy of a hidden demo鈥攖he Warpaint "The Fool" Deluxe Edition 2011 Repack is essential. It represents a moment when a young, all-female band from Los Angeles refused to compromise their hypnotic vision, and a record label stepped up to repackage that vision in its most complete, respectful form.
Whether you find it in a dusty record shop bin or pay a premium on a collector鈥檚 marketplace, this repack isn鈥檛 just a reissue. It鈥檚 the definitive statement of a modern classic.
Have a copy of the 2011 Repack? Share your matrix numbers and pressing stories in the comments below.
The Complete Portrait: Warpaint鈥檚 "The Fool" Deluxe Edition
Released on September 26, 2011, via Rough Trade Records, the Deluxe Edition (often referred to as a repack) of Warpaint's debut album, The Fool, arrived just shy of the original record's one-year anniversary. This expanded release serves as a definitive "first arc" of the band鈥檚 career, bundling their critically acclaimed debut LP with their formative 2008 EP, Exquisite Corpse. What鈥檚 Inside the Deluxe Repack?
The 2011 Deluxe Edition is primarily a two-disc set designed to provide a comprehensive look at the band's early evolution.
Disc One: The FoolThe original 9-track studio album, featuring standout singles like "Undertow" and "Shadows". Bonus Track: Includes the "Shadows (Neon Lights Remix)".
Disc Two: Exquisite Corpse + ExtrasA complete reissue of their debut EP, which was originally produced by Jacob Bercovici and featured mixing by John Frusciante.
EP Tracks: "Stars," "Elephants," "Billie Holiday," "Beetles," "Burgundy," and "Krimson".
Additional Bonus: Includes the "Billie Holiday (Steve Mackey Radio Edit)". Critical Reception and Legacy
Critics from outlets like Webcuts Music noted that while deluxe editions can sometimes feel extraneous, this repack is "essential" for fans who missed Exquisite Corpse the first time around. The pairing highlights the band's transition from the "loose, jammy structures" of the EP to the "clinical accuracy and baleful mystery" of the full-length album. The Fool - Deluxe: Amazon.co.uk: CDs & Vinyl
The 2011 deluxe repack of Warpaint鈥檚 debut album, The Fool, was released on September 26, 2011, through Rough Trade Records. This edition effectively consolidated the band's early career by pairing their full-length debut with their breakthrough EP and select new remixes. Core Components
The 2011 deluxe edition is primarily recognized as a 2-CD set or a 17-track digital release.
Disc 1: The Fool (Original Album): Features the nine original tracks produced by Tom Biller, with mixing by Andrew Weatherall and Adam Samuels.
Disc 2: Exquisite Corpse (EP): Includes the band's 2009 debut EP in its entirety, which was famously mixed by John Frusciante.
Bonus Tracks: Two specific remixes were added to this repack:
"Shadows" (Neon Lights Remix): A popular remix that appeared frequently on BBC Radio 1 playlists in 2011.
"Billie Holiday" (Steve Mackey Radio Edit): A "tweaked" version of the track by Pulp bassist Steve Mackey. Full Tracklist (Deluxe Repack) Track Name 1 Set Your Arms Down Lissie's Heart Murmur Shadows (Neon Lights Remix) 2 Billie Holiday Burgundy (Live) Billie Holiday (Steve Mackey Radio Edit) (Source: Discogs and Spotify) Critical & Community Perspective Warpaint - The Fool (Deluxe Edition) - Webcuts Music
Here is the tracklist for the standard edition of Warpaint 鈥� The Fool (2010), along with details regarding the 2011 Deluxe Edition content.
Please note that while The Fool was released in 2010, the Deluxe Edition was released in 2011. The "repack" designation usually refers to a release group tagging for archival purposes, but the content remains the official deluxe tracklist.
In the landscape of 21st-century indie rock, few debut albums arrived with as much hypnotic, slow-burning gravity as Warpaint鈥檚 The Fool. Released in October 2010, the album was a bewitching blend of post-punk basslines, ethereal harmonies, and percussive dreamscapes that felt both improvisational and meticulously arranged. However, for collectors, audiophiles, and latecomers to the band鈥檚 haunting universe, one particular version stands above the rest: the Warpaint "The Fool" Deluxe Edition 2011 Repack.
This article dissects everything you need to know about this sought-after pressing鈥攊ts origins, what鈥檚 included, how it differs from the standard release, and why the "2011 Repack" remains a holy grail for fans.
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