Sublime's Diamond-Certified Self-Titled Album Turns 30 With Two Special Commemorative Vinyl Editions
(UMe) In honor of the 30th anniversary of Sublime's iconic, genre-defying, self-titled 1996 album, UMe has just released two special vinyl editions of the Diamond-certified classic.
The offerings include a limited-edition "Paddle Out" Liquid-Filled Vinyl and a premium double LP reissue, released as part of UMe's acclaimed Vinylphyle series. Together, the releases offer two distinct presentations of the landmark album that brought the Long Beach trio's signature blend of ska, punk, reggae, hip-hop and rock to a worldwide audience.
The limited-edition "Paddle Out" pressing features custom liquid-filled vinyl inspired by the sun-soaked spirit and genre-blending energy of Sublime, making each copy a one-of-a-kind collector's piece. The Vinylphyle edition has been cut by Joe Nino-Hernes at Sterling Sound from the digital vinyl master created in 2016 under the supervision of Michael "Miguel" Happoldt, which compiled the album's best available final mixes across both analog and digital formats. The double LP, with an initial pressing of 3,000, is pressed on 180-gram black vinyl at RTI and housed in faithfully reproduced original packaging, with new liner notes by music journalist and author Nate Jackson and two rare archival photographs.
Similar in presentation and execution to Blue Note's acclaimed Tone Poet series, the production and packaging of the Vinylphyle series seek to honor the stature of these recordings and include tip-on wrapped gatefold jackets in satin matte finish, printed on clay-coated board, with archival poly sleeves and four-panel inserts featuring newly commissioned liner notes.
Three decades after its release, Sublime was recently certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), for sales of more than 10 million units, a feat that has only been achieved by a little more than 100 artists. The band - founding members Bud Gaugh, Eric Wilson and new frontman Jakob Nowell, son of original lead singer Bradley Nowell - were presented with a plaque to commemorate the historic milestone at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles on July 30, where they performed an acoustic set and celebrated the exhibit Sublime: Straight From Long Beach. The significant milestone in Sublime's legacy honors the band's lasting influence and the millions of fans who have carried these songs forward through the years.
Released in 1996, Sublime, the band's final album with Bradley Nowell, became a defining release of its era, blending punk, reggae, ska, hip-hop, and alternative influences into a sound that continues to inspire artists and fans around the world. The album's breakthrough success was fueled by timeless songs including "What I Got," "Santeria," and "Wrong Way," helping establish Sublime as one of the most influential bands to emerge from Southern California's music scene.
Following the passing of frontman Bradley Nowell in 1996, Sublime's self-titled album became a powerful celebration of the band's creativity and a lasting tribute to its legacy. The record went on to become one of the most successful albums in history, introducing Sublime's reggae-punk, genre-blending sound to audiences worldwide.
Both releases are available exclusively via uDiscover Music and The Sound of Vinyl.
After nearly three decades, Sublime returned with its first new album in 30 years, Until the Sun Explodes, in 2026, featuring original members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, alongside Jakob Nowell on vocals. Boasting collaborations with H.R. of Bad Brains, Fletcher Dragge of Pennywise, G Love and more, the album stays rooted in the band's classic sound while opening a new chapter. The title track and lead single "Until the Sun Explodes" hit #1 on the Mediabase Alternative radio chart and Billboard Alternative Airplay chart for three consecutive weeks. The ascent to #1 marked Sublime's second time topping the charts with their new music, along with their 2025 single "Ensenada," which remained #1 for eight weeks and is also featured on Until the Sun Explodes.
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