Ordering Foster The People's new album “Paradise State Of Mind” two days before my birthday in mid-June of 2024 was a fun experience. Mind you, I did extensive research on the different color vinyl variants available before selecting the right one via the band's webstore for about two or three weeks until my birthday weekend. This isn't the first time I've snagged an FTP album on wax from their store, because come the first week of December of 2023, I actually purchased the special tenth anniversary edition of “Torches” with leftover money after my book deal fell through. I assure you using the Foster The People's webstore both times has been a huge win for me, and today I'll tell you how and why that is.
The end of November wasn't the best as a career deal I'd been anticipating since autumn 2015 shattered before my eyes. I, however, now had a wad of leftover money to burn in any way I pleased, and what better way to spend it than to splurge on my boy Foster. I was lucky to snag somebody's attention, I wonder who, after I forgot to include my apartment number in the address field. Whoever it was who spoke to me over email was kind enough to implement the changes to receive the package on time, in as little as a week and a half.
The hot orange double vinyl of “Torches X” arrived perfectly without a scratch anywhere on the box, albeit, it was left in the mailbox on a hot afternoon in the south, and we had to go get it before it melted. Overall, I loved the service and quickness of delivery the most. This little act of kindness made me excited to order more from the band's site in the future.
Now, as for ordering “Paradise State Of Mind” on June 21st, 2024, after researching the perfect variant for ages, I settled on the blue sparkle and autographed CD, and it was also a lovely experience just like the first time. In a haste to grab a copy of the album I originally preordered it on Amazon, yet when I noticed the signed disc and vinyl were much cheaper via the band's website, I immediately canceled my order, and snagged it via the store instead. This was a good idea, in fact, because now I have a signed CD and an exclusive vinyl straight from the label.
The day I received my package wasn't anything like the first. This time FedEx delivered straight to my door in a plastic bag with cardboard coverings. What impressed me this time was the fact that after Mark and Isom signed the art card in front of the sleeve, the album itself was sealed in shrink wrap as if it were brand new. I've ordered signed items from artists in the past, but they usually arrive unsealed or with some minor flaw where on the package, yet that wasn't the case this time since the duo went above and beyond to amaze their fans.
Now let's discuss the overall design and album cover for Foster The People's fourth effort in 2024. I adore the different colors instead of the monochromatic shades on “Supermodel” as though a cloudless sky was used as its main backdrop. As with any FTP album, there's a weird and crude drawing of a creature's butt and one of a devilish angel walking out the door as if there was a huge fight. I'm not sure if anybody noticed above the head bust is a winding staircase to what I assume is heaven since there's an angel on the cover. It's also on the artwork for every one of the singles: stairway to heaven.
I personally don't really like the translucent vinyl as I'm into a more intense color aesthetic, so I'm glad the blue sparkle provides just that. I would've preferred the lime green glow in the dark variant but the page was taken down by the time I got my money together. Also, I remember when Barnes and Noble offered an aquamarine variant, but it was ridiculously expensive. I felt as though it was the right thing to do to buy the signed edition of the album instead of a fancy and overpriced record, but that's just me.
My second gripe is that the illustrations look like a more advanced stencil of Green Day's 1995 album “Insomniac”, primarily on the vinyl sleeve. Also, I know Alice In Chains self-titled third album released the same year also looks somewhat similar, but with a song like “Take Me Back” featured on the tracklist, you just have to wonder. Whatever it looks like I'm just glad it's not a girl throwing up even if the blue schematics of FTP's sophomore effort is beautiful and a total vibe.
If you like my past experiences using Foster The People's webstore and website and want to order your own set of goodies, be sure to download the Shop app to track your purchases. Although this can also be achieved just by keeping an eye on your email as it will have links to FedEx or UPS to also track the status of the order, it's just a handy dandy tool to use. If you're wondering how I fared waiting two months until the album release, not to mention, waiting at least another week after it came out to receive my prize, it was excruciatingly painful. Sometimes it's just easier to wait until the album comes out instead of preordering, but these were exclusives, and I just wanted to show my boys some extra support.
That's it. Did you preorder the new album by Foster The People, and how did it go for you? Till next time!