Alex Lahey Celebrates a Decade of ‘B-Grade University’ with Expanded Reunion Edition
A decade after bursting onto the alt-rock scene, Alex Lahey is revisiting the roots of her career. In the summer of 2016, Lahey released her debut EP, B-Grade University, a high-energy collection of songs that quickly established her as a powerhouse in the indie circuit. Now, she is returning to that foundational work with the release of B-Grade University (Reunion Edition).
This expanded reissue doesn’t just repackage the original kinetic tracks; it evolves them. The Reunion Edition adds five new recordings to the original set, including high-profile collaborations, intimate acoustic-style versions, and a live recording from triple j’s renowned Like A Version series.
A Full-Circle Collaboration with Tegan & Sara
The centerpiece of the reissue is a fresh take on the EP highlight, “You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me,” featuring Tegan & Sara. This version elevates the original through enhanced production, a more complex arrangement, and the addition of a sleek keyboard part that balances drama with playfulness.
For Tegan & Sara, the collaboration is more than just a recording—it’s a milestone in a ten-year professional relationship. Reflecting on their history with Lahey, Tegan or Sara Quin shared:
“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.”
Fans looking for more insight into this creative partnership can find a “Dream Dump” interview segment featuring Lahey on Tegan & Sara’s Substack.
Expanded Content and Tracklist
Beyond the Tegan & Sara collaboration, the Reunion Edition offers a glimpse into different sonic environments. The release includes a collaboration with Slowly Slowly on “Let’s Go Out,” as well as “bathroom” and “bedroom” versions of two tracks, providing a more stripped-back, intimate perspective on the original compositions.
The complete tracklist for B-Grade University (Reunion Edition) is as follows:
- 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)”
Key Takeaways: B-Grade University (Reunion Edition)
- Original Release: The debut EP first arrived in the summer of 2016.
- New Content: Five additional tracks, including collaborations and alternative versions.
- Major Feature: A reimagined version of “You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me” featuring Tegan & Sara.
- Label: Released via Dead Oceans.
- Release Date: July 17.
B-Grade University (Reunion Edition) serves as both a nostalgic look back at Lahey’s early alt-rock energy and a testament to her growth as a songwriter and collaborator. The project will be available on July 17 through Dead Oceans.