New Subscriber Playlist: “Gimme a Slice of Burnt Toast”

Along with Velvet Blue Music, which I’ve spotlighted in January 2025 and April 2021, Philadelphia’s Burnt Toast Vinyl is probably one of the best indie labels that you’ve never heard of. Launched in the spring of 1996, BTV was originally intended to highlight bands hailing from the Philadelphia region. But in subsequent years, the label grew more ambitious, releasing music from around the nation, and even the world.

This month’s playlist, titled “Gimme a Slice of Burnt Toast,” highlights just a few of the gems to be found in BTV’s extensive catalog. Clocking in at nearly 100 minutes, it’s an eclectic batch, ranging from shimmering shoegaze and introspective post-rock to post-punk, punk, folk, and whatever term best describes Jetenderpaul. (Unfortunately, some of the label’s more eclectic releases aren’t available on streaming services, which means you won’t hear any Farquar Muckenfuss, In a Lonely Place, or Psalters here.)

Accompanying the playlist is the latest episode of my “Playlist Breakdown” podcast, in which I spotlight one of the playlist’s songs and why it’s so special, interesting, and/or meaningful. This month’s episode focuses on “Goldenwest,” the trippy and expansive opening track from Ester Drang’s wonderful 2001 sophomore album of the same name.

Both of these are little bonuses for subscribers who support Opus financially. If you’d like to get access to them (and more), subscribe to Opus for just $5.00/month or $50/year. (You can also subscribe for free and get my weekend newsletter.)