Hum are reissuing their first four albums on vinyl.

Set for release on December 8th via the band’s Earth Analog Records and Polyvinyl, Hum’s first proper full-length album Electra 2000 will receive its first repress since its initial release in 1993; their seminal 1995 album You’d Prefer an Astronaut will receive its first band-approved repressing; and 1998’s Downward Is Heavenward and the 2020 comeback Inlet will return to print after previous pressings sold out.

The announcement is a major boon to collectors and hardcore fans who’ve been eager to own copies of Electra 2000 and You’d Prefer an Astronaut (modern repressings of the latter have been marred with defects, leading the band to publicly disown them).

Notably, the members of Hum handled the quality control this time around, overseeing “every step of the re-mastering, lacquer cutting, and manufacturing stages while working with original designer Andy Mueller/OhioGirl in updating the artwork,” per a press release. Each album will come in a double-LP 180g 45 RPM form (in either black or a color variant).

Remarked the band in a press statement: “On a personal note, we remain grateful and humbled by the ongoing interest in our music from fans old and new. Sincerest thanks for the decades of support and kindness.”

Hum released their first two albums — 1991’s Fillet Show and 1993’s Electra 2000 — through the independent label 12 Inch Records before eventually signing to RCA.

Their major label debut, 1995’s You’d Prefer an Astronaut, spawned the breakout alt-rock hit “Stars” which lifted the band from relative obscurity to nationwide fame. It hit No. 11 on Billboard‘s Hot Modern Rock Tracks and at No. 28 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks. Ultimately, “Stars” helped the album sell over 250,000 copies.

In 1998, Hum dropped their excellent album Downward Is Heavenward, though a bus accident and poor record sales would lead to the band’s break up.  However, in 2020, Hum surprised fans by releasing the reunion album Inlet — their first new LP in 22 years — which received widespread acclaim, including its rightful spot as one of the best heavy albums of 2020.

Sadly, the band’s longtime drummer Bryan St. Pere passed away in 2021. In the press release for the vinyl reissues, Hum stated that they currently “do not have plans for new music or live performances/touring.”

You can pre-order the Hum vinyl reissues via Polyvinyl.