In the summer of 2016, Alex Lahey released her debut EP B-Grade University, a kinetic and catchy set of alt-rock songs that directly led to us naming her an Artist To Watch. A decade later, she's running it back. A new reissue of the EP called B-Grade University (Reunion Edition) tacks on five extra tracks, including remakes with Tegan & Sara and Slowly Slowly, "bathroom" and "bedroom" versions of two tracks, and a live recording from triple j's Like A Version series.
First up, we get to hear a fresh version of EP highlight "You Don't Think You Like People Like Me" infused with 100% more Tegan & Sara. Sometimes these remakes can feel perfunctory, but this one has elevated the track in every way: production, arrangement, performance, maybe even undefinable joie de vivre. The sleek new keyboard part adds both drama and playfulness to the song's vibe, and the hook remains astounding.
A word from either Tegan or Sara Quin:
The first time I heard Alex Lahey, I remember thinking, oh — this is the artist I wish I was, but don’t quite have the lungs to pull off being. When we toured together ten years ago, I realized she wasn’t just a great songwriter and performer — she’s also weird and very funny, which somehow makes her even more of a powerhouse. Going from watching her sing "You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me" from side stage to singing on it for the ‘B-Grade University’ ten-year re-release feels like a full-circle moment. If you don’t know Alex yet, congratulations — you’re about to have a new favorite. Just remember we knew her first.
Listen below. And for more Alex Lahey x Tegan Quin, check out their new "Dream Dump" interview segment on Tegan & Sara's Substack.
TRACKLIST:
01 "Ivy League"
02 "Let’s Go Out"
03 "Wes Anderson"
04 "You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me"
05 "L-L-L-Leave Me Alone"
06 "You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me" (Feat. Tegan and Sara)
07 "Let’s Go Out" (Feat. Slowly Slowly)
08 "Wes Anderson - Bathroom Version"
09 "Let’s Go Out - Bedroom Version"
10 "You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me (triple j Like A Version)"
B-Grade University (Reunion Edition) is out 7/17 on Dead Oceans. Pre-order it here.
