INTRODUCTION:
“This record’s taking me back, we were having fun at this time.”
That single sentence says more about the heart of this release than any press headline ever could. With the arrival of Step Right Up (Purple Version), Todd Snider invites listeners to step not just into an album, but into a moment in time — one when songs were shaped by long nights, restless roads, and the kind of laughter that only comes from musicians who truly believe in what they are doing.
Originally born out of the mid-1990s Americana underground, Step Right Up marked a formative chapter in Todd Snider’s creative life. It was 1996. TS & The Nervous Wrecks had just returned from a whirlwind tour, still buzzing with momentum, still chasing the next story worth telling. That energy found its way into the original recordings — rough-edged, playful, and deeply human. Nearly three decades later, the Purple Version strips everything back to its most essential form.
This time, the spotlight is softer. It is just Todd, a guitar, and the songs themselves. No walls of sound. No distractions. What remains is the core of his songwriting — characters that feel like people you once knew, stories that sound like they were overheard at a bar just before closing time, and melodies that linger long after the final note fades. For longtime fans, this version feels like sitting across from an old friend who finally has the time to tell you how those stories really began.
The decision to release Step Right Up (Purple Version) for free streaming and download through Aimless Records and Thirty Tigers is not just generous — it is deeply in character. Todd Snider has always existed slightly outside the machinery of the mainstream music industry. His work thrives on connection rather than spectacle, on shared understanding rather than polished perfection. This release honors that spirit, reminding listeners that music can still be about joy, curiosity, and storytelling first.
Adding to the celebration are the limited Step Right Up collectibles — carefully crafted keepsakes that reflect the humor and personality that have always surrounded Todd’s world. From all-access passes to vinyl drink coasters and Moondawg’s Tavern baseball caps, these items feel less like merchandise and more like artifacts from a long-running inside joke among fans. With only 199 bundles produced, they echo the same philosophy as the music itself: personal, intentional, and made for those who truly care.
As part of the ongoing All My Songs project, this release also serves as a thank-you — to listeners who have stayed curious, to collaborators who helped shape the visuals and artwork, and to a community that understands why these songs still matter. Nearly 30 years on, Todd Snider is not chasing relevance. He is celebrating continuity.
Step Right Up (Purple Version) is not about looking backward with regret. It is about remembering a time when music was fun, honest, and alive — and realizing that, in the right hands, it still can be