Dement, Iris - Way I Should (30th Anniversary, Summer Sky Color Vinyl) (RSD 2026)
Dement, Iris - Way I Should (30th Anniversary, Summer Sky Color Vinyl) (RSD 2026)
Format: Vinyl LP
UPC: 634457208391
Release Date: 04/18/26
Condition: N
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Event: RECORD STORE DAY 2026
Release Date: 4/18/2026
Format: LP
Label: Yep Roc Records
Quantity: 900
Release type: RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release
With The Way I Should, Iris DeMent stepped boldly into new territory, delivering a collection that balanced her fierce lyrical conviction with tender vulnerability. Released in 1996, this third studio album from the revered Americana singer-songwriter expanded on her folk and country roots, blending sharp political commentary with deeply personal storytelling.
Backed by a fuller, more contemporary sound and featuring collaborations with legends like Delbert McClinton and Mark Knopfler, DeMent doesn’t shy away from weighty topics. From government corruption ("Wasteland of the Free") to working-class struggle ("Quality Time"), she gives voice to the disillusioned with searing honesty and soulful grit. Merle Haggard lends his iconic vocals to “This Kind of Happy,” bringing a warm, lived-in authenticity that deepens the album’s emotional core.
Yet for all its pointed critique, The Way I Should is just as powerful in its quieter moments. Songs like "When My Mornin’ Comes Around" and "Keep Me God" shimmer with grace, hope, and an unwavering moral compass. DeMent’s unmistakable voice anchors every track with a sense of authenticity that’s rare and resonant.
The Way I Should isn’t just an artistic evolution; it’s a fearless statement from a singular voice in American music. Timeless in message and rich in heart, it remains one of DeMent’s most compelling and relevant works.
In celebration of the album’s 30th anniversary, Yep Roc Records is pressing The Way I Should on vinyl for the first time. The album is remastered by Mike Westbrook of Material Mastering and is pressed on Summer Sky color vinyl, limited to 1,000 copies worldwide.
Tracklist
A1. When My Mornin' Comes Around A2. There's a Wall in Washington A3. Wasteland of the Free A4. I'll Take My Sorrow Straight A5. This Kind of Happy A6. The Way I Should
B1. Letter to Mom B2. Keep Me God B3. Quality Time B4. Walkin' Home B5. Trouble (with Delbert McClinton)
SHIPPING & RETURNS
SHIPPING & RETURNS
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RETURNS
Items may be returned within 90 days of the delivery date.
If not defective, any product returned must be in the same condition in which customer received it and in the original retail packaging.
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GRADING
GRADING
Yellow Racket assigns condition based on the Goldmine Standard for grading records.
New (N) (Not typically included in the Goldmine Standard)
New records are purchased directly from the label, distributor, or registered wholesaler. Records are still sealed. Jackets may have slight shelf wear, but media has never been played.
Mint (M)
Still sealed. Never played. No observable flaws. Items have been purchased secondhand.
Near Mint (NM)
A Near Mint (NM) record will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback. The record should show no obvious signs of wear.
The cover (and any additional packaging) has no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable defects.
Very Good Plus (VG+)
A Very Good Plus (VG+) record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.
Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches.
The disc and LP cover may have slight signs of wear, and may be gently marred by spindle marks, paper scuffs, wrinkled corners, etc.
Very Good (VG)
Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident, but will not overpower the music. Disc may have light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.
Labels, jackets, and inserts will have visible cosmetic flaws such as wrinkles, cut-outs, slight splitting, etc. However, it will usually have less than a dozen minor flaws.
Good (G)
A record in Good condition can be played through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present.
While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and "ticks" will almost certainly accompany the playback.
Poor (P), Fair (F)
The record may be cracked, badly warped, or won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve may be water damaged, split, or heavily marred by wear and writing.
