Lisa Germano – Geek The Girl

Lisa Germano - Geek the Girl 30th Anniversary Special Edition 2 x Clear Vinyl / 4ad 2025

A record that is as vital a statement today as when first released, Lisa is unflinching and unbowed throughout Geek The Girl, giving a platform to the silenced, or as she says, “people who are stuck but want to go somewhere else.” Writing with a raw, emotional honesty - sometimes from a kowtowing perspective - she holds little back. An incredible body of work, the atmosphere is heightened by a jaunting violin sound and her use of (with permission and after much deliberation) of a real 911 call in which a woman confronts an intruder in her own home. Her recurring use of Sicilian folk tune “Frascilita” as an interlude jars too, even though she intended for it to give the album some needed 'comic relief.'" -boomkat-

Ranked in SPIN Magazine’s Top 100 albums of the 90s, Geek The Girl is unlike most music of the period and a testament to both Lisa’s artistry and courage. Working with Abbey Road Studios in London, the album has been remastered for its 30th anniversary and has had both Cry Wolf b-side “The Mirror Is Gone” and 5 track pre-cursor EP, Inconsiderate Bitch, added to deliver the complete package. Destined to be one of Record Store Day 2025’s highlights, it’s being pressed on double, crystal clear vinyl while designer Chris Bigg (v23) has returned to the porcelain doll cover shoot by Dominic Davies to deliver a stunning new design that complements the original album art.

was very glad that, even though i missed record store day itself, I was able to pick this masterpiece up from my local - what a pleasure to have it on wax. Thanks to bird for putting me on (iykyk). I wish more people recognised what an impressive piece of art this is.

This is a superb pressing. Very dynamic. Much improved quality over streaming versions.

FinalDamnation66 and hozomeen both reference it, but to be specific, the sample of “Frascilita” appears three times on the original album: at the beginning, after “…A Psychopath” and after “…Of Stars and Colors.” This pressing has it just at the opening. Side constraints? Creative choice? Weird stipulation to re-clearing the sample? Who’s to say.

In any event, it doesn’t make this pressing any less worth having. New mastering job does a great job at revealing the details I’ve never heard before. Dead quiet, flat & centered, and the Inconsiderate Bitch EP (new to me!) is basically re-arranged and reimagined versions of the best songs on her first album. The versions of Happiness & Dresses here are essential in particular. Great package.

Finally the fourth vinyl releases by Lisa Germano on vinyl. "Excerpts From A Love Circus" 1996 & "Happiness" 1994, which I am unfortunately still missing. 'Happiness' does not yet reach the weirdness of her music that characterises Germano's records.
And in 'Magic Neighbor' 2009 elements of
Geek the Girl and Happiness are already present here.
The sound on this is also excellent. A richer fuller sound over the digital version.
The RSD pressing of "Geek the Girl" is absolute great, sound is deadly quiet just as it should be for a Germano album. Small shortcoming, I also miss the hauntingly reprise of the Italian folk tune that opens the album. All in all, a highly recommended album!

Superb pressing and remastering. This has more clarity than the orignal CD, and the intricate elements come through really nicely. No surface noise or pops whatsoever. The additional track on Geek the Girl, "the Mirror is Gone," closes the album beautifully.

There is one difference from the orginal release which I have mixed feelings about. Originally 'Psychopath' concludes with a reprise of the Italian folk tune that opens the album. Here, that reprise is omitted; Psychopath concludes side A without the folk tune reprise, and it's not at the beginning of side B either. I'm used to hearing that reprise, and I always thought it was very effective in of the nightmarish atmosphere. I'm not sure if it was omitted intentionally; maybe it was seen as too much of a horror-film vibe in a way that might undermine the very real anguish of 'Psychopath?' Either way, I don't think it's a big loss, and could possibly see it as an improvement once I get used to it.

This album is a visionary masterpiece, and this vinyl release is phenomenal.

This is a beautiful example of how to do it right in EVERY way! This underrated masterpiece was never previously released on vinyl. I couldn't be more pleased

So happy to have this on vinyl finally. Beautiful packaging.

This is a dream reissue of a criminally underrated album. I’ve always wondered why 4AD declined to press this on vinyl back in the day, as I think this is Lisa’s masterpiece. Also, Inconsiderate Bitch is nice to have on vinyl, the remixes definitely giving This Mortal Coil. The reissue package design is outstanding, beautiful clear vinyl. Easily one of the best OG 4AD reissues!

I have waited 30 years for this to be pressed to wax and it was worth the wait. Sounds absolutely gorgeous. So quiet and with so much detail.