Record Store Day 2017 is Saturday, April 22nd, Third Man Records is ecstatic to partner with the Bob Seger camp is to release the first vinyl reissue of Bob Seger System’s “2+2=?” in nearly four decades. Remastered directly from the analog tapes by Robert Vosgien and cut by Ron McMaster at Capitol Mastering, Third Man will release a limited edition yellow-colored vinyl version for Record Store Day, April 22nd, with a standard black vinyl version to follow. Fittingly, both versions are being manufactured at Third Man’s new pressing plant in Detroit.
As the debut release under the Bob Seger System moniker, “2+2=?” is a landmark moment in the evolution and career of Bob Seger . The January 1968 release of “2+2=?”, Seger’s first single on Capitol Records, is an emotional, spirited anti-war protest delivered at the height of escalating tensions in Vietnam. Stylistically, the hypnotic, repetitive bass line is accented by a stinging fuzz guitar accompaniment, all paired with Seger’s signature vocal rasp. Credited to “The Bob Seger System,” this first single from the 1969 album Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man was a hit in Seger’s native Detroit when it was released a year ahead of the LP, but ignored by mainstream audiences.
But “2 + 2 = ?” has a special connection to White, who once called it his famous song. And a finely-tuned ear won’t have to go far to notice the similarities between the Seger tune and “Seven Nation Army,” one of the best-known tunes by White’s breakthrough band, The White Stripes.
Backed with the classic track “Ivory”, this 7-inch single will feature artwork originally used on European picture sleeves for both songs.
The Fat Angel Sings 