BUDOS BAND
[HORN-DRIVEN AFRO FUNK] After two well-received full-lengths and an EP, Staten Island’s Budos Band return with III in 2010. The group’s first two recordings walked a loose tightrope line between the modern jazzed-up Afro-beat sound of Antibalas and the soulful good-time funk groove of Sugarman 3. It’s also true that while they fit the Daptone label’s groove-centric aesthetic, III reveals a new direction, offering the view that they are also something other. This 11-song set, recorded in 48 hours, offers a darker, more spacious tinge. Elements of psychedelic, Far Eastern, and even Latin sounds have entered their mix, without giving up their dance party cachet. The opening “Rite of the Ancients,” “Black Venom,” “Unbroken, Unshaven,” and “Mark of the Unnamed” all feel like they could have been instrumental interludes in a ’70s blaxploitation flick, but are fully developed harmonic ideas instead of simple vamps. The horn chart on the latter track is a monster, with popping three-way dialogue between baritone saxophonist Jared Tankel, Farfisa organist Mike Deller, and all four percussionists. Also noteworthy is guitarist Thomas Brenneck’s reverbed surf sound that introduces the darkly compelling “Nature’s Wrath.” The horns — Tankel and two trumpets (tenor man Cochemea Gastelum is absent this time out) — punch up a minor-key vibe that unwinds around a tense film noir chart and a mariachi melody. Then it gets decorated by Daisy Sugarman’s ghostly flute, as the percussionists play around all dimensions of kit man Brian Profilio’s breaks; it creates a more spaced-out set of atmospherics without losing the groove — Deller’s organ enters in the final moments as icing on the cake. Other tunes with a darker, moodier vibe include “Golden Dunes” and “Budos Dirge,” but they too give off plenty of heat and crackling energy. There’s a Malian tinge in the Budos’ Afro-soul on “Raja Haje,” led by Brenneck’s guitar. The closer, “Reppirt Yad,” is the Beatles’ “Day Tripper” given inside-out, upside-down funky treatment in a slower tempo with out atmospherics. “River Serpentine” and “Crimson Skies” are breezier in comparison to the rest and more traditionally Budos, with plenty of butt-shaking WHOMP. This third chapter in the Budos Band’s legacy is a giant step forward. That said, for band and listener alike, nothing is lost in this gambit; everything just gets deeper and wider and the payoff is nearly immeasurable.

Listen:

Mimicking Birds

[SOFT PSYCH POP] I don’t envy the task of transforming Nate Lacy’s spiraling, naturalist and homemade acoustic pop songs into fully produced album form. So strange and singular are those songs (which he’s been recording on his own for the past four years as Mimicking Birds) that it’s almost a shame to take them out of their natural environment at all. Mimicking Birds’ self-titled debut retains Lacy’s distinct vision, from his squeaky finger-picking to his biologist’s take on humanity. In melding Lacy’s vision with their own, Brock and Jones focused largely on giving the recordings weight: “New Doomsdays” is powerfully oceanic, echoing and rolling as if a great tide is pushing and pulling on Lacy’s lungs. They also broke up Lacy’s tendency to play his listeners into a trance: “Cabin Fever” peppers in synthesized strings and abstract percussion.

Listen:

OMG! Not only does Tusk stand as one of my favorite albums, but my Stevie Nicks crush ranks right up there with my Patti Smith/Blondie devotion. If you suffer from Mac Attack, you’ll share our enthusiasm for this show. Not only that, but we’re thrilled to be able to offer you, a lucky customer, a chance to win a pair of tickets! Whether you win or not, a mere 90 minute drive will get you to Santa Barbara Bowl to witness Stevie Nicks on Wednesday, August 4th @ 7:00pm, in all her glory. Ticket purchasing info below, and consider eating here (http://restaurantjulienne.com/). So tasty! This is a super fast giveaway. A winner plucked by tomorrow. Hit more & scroll down to enter to win.

BIO
Famed for her mystical chanteuse image, singer/songwriter Stevie Nicks enjoyed phenomenal success not only as a solo artist but also as a key member of Fleetwood Mac. Stephanie Lynn Nicks was born May 26, 1948, in Phoenix, AZ; the granddaughter of a frustrated country singer, she began performing at the age of four, and occasionally sang at the tavern owned by her parents. Nicks started writing songs in her mid-teens, and joined her first group, the Changing Times, while attending high school in California. During her senior year, Nicks met fellow student Lindsey Buckingham, with whom she formed the band Fritz along with friends Javier Pacheco and Calvin Roper. Between 1968 and 1971, the group became a popular attraction on the West Coast music scene, opening for Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. After moving to Los Angeles, the duo recorded their 1973 debut LP, Buckingham Nicks. Despite a cover which featured the couple nude, the album flopped; however, it caught the attention of the members of Fleetwood Mac, who invited Buckingham and Nicks to join their ranks in 1974. In quick time, the revitalized group achieved unparalleled success: after the LP Fleetwood Mac topped the charts in 1975, they recorded 1977′s Rumours, which sold over 17 million copies and stood for several years as the best-selling album of all time.

The voice and songwriting talent of Stevie Nicks has solidified her place as one of rock’s most successful female artists. Her extraordinary career includes multiple Grammy awards, numerous gold and platinum records, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and unforgettable performances across the stages of the world for over three decades.

Don’t miss your chance to see Stevie Nicks at the Santa Barbara Bowl on Wednesday, August
4, 2010. The Santa Barbara Bowl is located at 1122 N. Milpas, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, 805-962-7411.

Ticket prices range from $43 to $123 plus applicable service charges. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster outlets including: The Arlington Theatre and the Santa Barbara Bowl Box Office. To charge by phone please call, 800-745-3000. Order online at www.ticketmaster.com

Best Coast – Crazy for You CD/LP (Mexican Summer)
12-track, 29-minute collection of genuinely romantic, sandy jams. Hazy and dreamy pop perfect for summer.

Seu Jorge – Seu Jorge And Almaz CD/2xLP (Now Again)
New album from Brazilian singer/actor Seu Jorge (City Of God, The Life Aquatic) with members of Nacao Zumbi.

Mark Olson – Many Colored Kite CD/LP+MP3 (Rykodisc)
New album from The Jayhawks co-founder. Many Colored Kite greets the listener with its earthy, neo-folk feel that encompasses classic and ’60′s British folk as well as the “desert country” that he has been associated with in the past.

Madlib/Yesterday’s New Quintet – Medicine Show 7: High Jazz CD (Madlib Medicine Show)
Madlib follows Brain Wreck Show with the seventh installment in his Madlib Medicine Show series, a jazz album with his Yesterdays New Quintet ensemble.

Major Lazer – Lazers Never Die CDEP (Interscope)
New EP from producers Switch and Diplo. “On this concise and surprisingly fresh sounding EP, Major Lazer retain the sweat-soaked club feel that’s curried them so much favor but also appeals to their perennial accessibility.” [7.8] — Pitchfork

Menomena – Mines CD/2xLP+MP3 (Barsuk)
In the wake of brutal disagreements, unrelenting grudges and failed marriages (not to mention a world full of modern terrorism, natural disasters and economic collapse) Menomena is still standing, and has made an album that many are already saying defines the state of intelligent pop music one decade into the millennium.

Jesca Hoop – Hunting My Dress CD (Vanguard)
Hoop’s music is a genre-bending, time-period-blurring mix of off-kilter pop, stark ballads and classic folk. Includes a bonus five-track EP. “Hunting My Dress sounds like the sprouting of a wondrous new talent. Four stars.” — The Guardian

Jaill – That’s How We Burn CD/LP (Sub Pop)
A somewhat sneaky, rarely sleazy group of guys from Milwaukee who play with undeniable guts. Recalling the glory of ’90s lo-fi pop, these songs possess a sinewy tension honed from years of basement shows, and a palpable, gritty rock sense born of enduring cold Midwest winters.

Tom Jones – Praise & Blame CD (Mercury Nashville)
This is Tom Jones going back to his roots on an album of gospel, blues, traditional and country songs, wearing his heart on his sleeve, emotionally raw. Guest artists include steel guitarist BJ Cole, keyboardist Booker T Jones, organist Chris Holland and background vocalists Gillian Welch, Alison Pierce, Dave Rawlings and Orin Waters.

CDs:

36 Crazyfists – Collisions And Castaways CD (Ferret Music)
New album from the Alaskan heavy metal unit.

Angel Band – Bless My Sole CD (Appleseed)
Anyone who likes the “sigh-to-a-shout” vocal chops, lyrical grit and real deal instrumental abilities of the Dixie Chicks and Lucinda Williams (along with the soulful heart of Bonnie Raitt) will definitely be satisfied with Angel Band.

Avenged Sevenfold – Nightmare CD (WB)
Their first album since the death of drummer James “The Rev” Sullivan — Nightmare was produced by Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Eminem).

The Blasters – The Blasters [Reissue] CD (Wounded Bird)
Originally released in 1982. The Blasters were a rock group out of Los Angeles, featuring brothers Dave and Phil Alvin.

Burning Spear – Marcus Garvey/Garvey’s Ghost [Reissue] CD (Hip-O Select)
Burning Spear’s classic Island Records debut Marcus Garvey (1975) is paired with Garvey’s Ghost (1976), the dub mix companion — both remastered for their 35th anniversary.

Eilen Jewell Presents Butcher Holler – A Tribute To Loretta Lynn CD (Signature Sound)
“Butcher Holler is named for the little Kentucky town where Loretta Lynn was raised. In this tribute to the country star we pay homage to her humble roots and straightforward, hard-hitting performance style.” — Eilen Jewell

Robert Cray – Cookin’ In Mobile CD+DVD (Vanguard)
Live CD+DVD release from the singer/songwriter and world-renowned American blues guitarist. This is The Robert Cray Band’s first-ever live DVD release.

Cruel Hand – Lock & Key CD (Bridge Nine)
Full of just as many catchy, metallic riffs as mosh parts, Lock & Key is a heavy mix of influences including Madball, Leeway, Cro-Mags, Metallica, Suicidal Tendencies, and Obituary.

Cut Chemist – Sound Of The Police CD/LP (A Stable Sound/Soul Kitchen)
“Sound Of The Police contains African and South American inspired music from around the world. I had the privilege of performing this set opening for Mulatu Astatke which was his very first Los Angeles appearance.” — Cut Chemist

Dean & Britta – 13 Most Beautiful Songs For Andy Warhol’s Screen Tests CD (Double Feature)
Ex-Luna, Galaxie 500 members were commissioned by the Andy Warhol Museum to compose and perform songs for 13 Screen Tests — short, silent portrait films made by Warhol in the mid-’60s.

Decrepit Birth – Polarity CD (Nuclear Blast)
New from Santa Cruz, CA tech-death masters.

Die Antwoord – 5 CDEP (Interscope)
New EP from South African electronic/hip-hop group.

Miniature Tigers – Fortress CD/LP (Modern Art)
Critical darlings Morning Tigers return with a new album — produced by Chris Chu of the Morning Benders. The first single “Gold Skull” was produced by Neon Indian.

Mystery Jets – Serotonin LP+MP3 (Rough Trade)
Recently released on CD — now available on vinyl. Echoes of ELO, 10CC, Fleetwood Mac and Supertramp rub up against the band’s own idiosyncratic, very British, psychedelic sensibility.

Revamp – Revamp CD (Nuclear Blast)
After Forever vocalist Floor Jansen returns under a new guise. Revamp is bombastic, but with heavy riffing. Complex and pounding drums mix with melancholic strings while crazy synth-sounds mix with a beautiful choir.

Rufio – Anybody Out There CD (Roc-A-Fella)
New from the California pop/punk outfit.

Pete Seeger With The Rivertown Kids And Friends – Tomorrow’s Children CD (Appleseed)
Tomorrow’s Children is like a joyful town picnic featuring Pete as a global village elder, assembling his neighbors to appreciate their past and present, to celebrate their triumphs against environmental threats, to swap old and new stories, to appreciate the natural glories surrounding them and to make sure that the following generations “carry it on” — the unifying spirit and power of music, the “folk process” of adapting or writing songs to respond to current situations.

Slum Village – Villa Manifesto CD (E1 Music)
Slum Village’s sixth studio (and reportedly final) album. “To be completely fair, it’s surprising the group has stayed around this long considering the tragedy that has struck Slum Village. Aside from label changes and the typical industry bullshit, two of their founding members, J Dilla and Baatin, have died since the group formed in the ’90s. Both will appear posthumously on Villa Manifesto along with De La Soul, Colin Munroe, DJ Khalil, Little Brother, and several others.” — Prefixmag

Tech N9ne Collabos – The Gates Mixed Plate CD (Strange Music)
With an emphasis on enjoying life, The Gates Mixed Plate brings together a diverse set of notables including Jay Rock, Glasses Malone, Yukmouth, Devin The Dude and Stevie Stone, as well as the familiar Strange Music cohorts: Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun and Big Scoob.

Thievery Corporation – Babylon Central CD+DVD (Eighteenth Street Lounge)
Double-disc package includes the film and the original motion picture soundtrack. Babylon Central is the directorial debut from Eric Hilton of Thievery Corporation. The soundtrack includes tracks by: Thievery Corporation, Bad Brains, El Michaels Affair, Nostalgia 77, and more.

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble – Couldn’t Stand The Weather [Reissue] 2xCD (Sony Legacy)
Digitally remastered and expanded double-disc Legacy Edition of the blues guitarist’s 1984 album contains 16 previously unreleased tracks, studio outtakes and the live recording of Vaughan & Double Trouble’s 1984 performance at the Spectrum in Montreal.

Christopher Willits – Tiger Flower Circle Sun CD/LP  (Ghostly International)
Willits uses the language of ambient, dream pop, experimental electronic and Afro/Latin music to explore themes of love, connectivity and universal vibrations.

DVDs:

Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Pictures At An Exhibition [Reissue] DVD (Eagle Vision)
Pictures At An Exhibition was filmed at the Lyceum in London in December 1970. This new special edition, forty years on from when it was originally filmed, has the most complete version of the film available and is presented in the best possible sound and picture quality, complete with the original seventies psychedelic effects.

Grateful Dead – At The Hollywood Festival North West England, 1970 DVD+CD (Ozit)
Very rare archive film footage of the first time the Grateful Dead performed in the UK. Plus, short clips of Free, Family, Screaming Lord Switch and his Heavy Friends, John Peel and crowd footage.

Vinyl:

John Coltrane – My Favorite Things [Reissue] LP (Atlantic)
John Coltrane – Coltrane’s Sound [Reissue] LP (Atlantic)
Vinyl reissues of two Coltrane classics — originally released in 1961 and 1964, respectively.

Eminem – Recovery 2xLP (Aftermath/Interscope)
Now available on vinyl.

Will Holland, aka Quantic, the British DJ/producer/musician who has been making his own brand of soul- and funk-flavored music for the last decade, took a huge step forward with 2008′s Death of the Revolution, the first in the Quantic Presenta: Flowering Inferno series. Holland, who has been based in Colombia since 2007, was interested in bringing together the sounds of the Caribbean and Latin America, and while Death of the Revolution focused more on the Caribbean side of that equation, Dog with a Rope brings in more Latin, and is better for it (choosing between the dubby “Echate Pa’lla” [Version] and “Echate Pa’lla,” for example, the salsa of the latter is certainly the winner). Not that Holland is rewriting the book here: both cumbia and dub have a similarly lazy bassline, but credit Holland for taking advantage of these congruences to make something that sounds authentic but not derivative. Holland is sincere in his respect and love of the music, and it shows, though much of this is thanks to the other musicians on the album, mainly pianist Alfredo Linares, whose buoyant lines on “Dub y Guaguanco” make it one of the best here. Dog with a Rope is one of those records you feel like you know as soon as you hear it, that you start singing along to even though you’re not sure of the words, an album perfect for those humid, lazy summer day. Excellent stuff. (Marisa Brown-All Music Guide)

Listen To: Quantic Dub Y Guaguanco

Listen To: Echate Pa’lla

Zero 7 – Record CD (Atlantic/WEA)
Retrospective featuring tracks and remixes from Zero 7’s previous four albums and a track from their very first EP that was originally released on limited vinyl.

Frazey Ford – Obadiah CD (Nettwerk)
Debut album from The Be Good Tanyas’ Frazey Ford. Obadiah is a collection of songs hand-carved by the hardships and exaltations of life, and stained with the rich colors of soul and folk music that fueled artists like Joni Mitchell, Ann Peebles, Neil Young, and Donny Hathaway. Vinyl version due August 24.

Early Man – Death Potion CD (The End)
When it comes to Early Man, the formula is simple: riffs that detonate on impact, a rhythm section on fire and vocals that soar to Mt. Olympus.

Endless Boogie – Full House Head CD/2xLP (No Quarter)
Anchored by deep, heady grooves and epic guitar playing, Endless Boogie delivers seven fully realized studio tracks and one monumental rehearsal jam — sounding comfortable and focused, not weighed down by any pretension.

The Books – The Way Out CD/2xLP (Temporary Residence)
Over the course of three albums in nearly a decade’s time, The Books have grown to become one of modern music’s most genuine innovators. Creatively complex and truly unclassifiable, The Way Out continues their tradition of meticulous, existential songcraft, infusing the playfully surreal elements of previous albums with a humorous, childlike excitement.

Various Artists – Welcome Home/Diggin’ The Universe LP (Woodsist)
Songs by: Woods, Run DMT, White Fence, Fresh & Onlys, Mantles, Skygreen Leopards, Alex Bleeker, Moon Duo, City Center, Cause Co-Motion, Art Museums, Nodzzz and Ducktails. “The ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and ’00s are all there, bound together by shitty tape machines, reverb and easy chord changes, but melody is back and so is the joy of jamming a perfectly mangled pop song.” — Glenn Donaldson

Shellac – Terraform [Reissue] LP+MP3 (Touch & Go)
Vinyl reissue of Shellac’s now-classic 1998 album.

Sleigh Bells – Treats LP (Mom+Pop)
Recently released on CD — now available on picture disc vinyl.

CDs:

12 Stones – The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday CDEP (Wind-Up Records)
A set of solid rock tracks, featuring the single “We Are One,” a fist-pumping ode to the men and women of America’s military.

Asleep At The Wheel & Leon Rausch – It’s A Good Day CD (Bismeaux Productions)
It’s a match made in Western swing heaven as Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel team up with famed Texas Playboy Leon Rausch for their first-ever recording together.

Big Head Todd And The Monsters – Rocksteady CD (Big Head Todd And The Monsters)
The essence of Big Head Todd And The Monsters — a rootsy, emotionally direct variety of rock & roll that lends itself particularly well to a live setting — has been winning fans since the band started playing together in high school. Rocksteady is the their eighth studio album.

The Books – The Way Out CD/2xLP (Temporary Residence)
Over the course of three albums in nearly a decade’s time, The Books have grown to become one of modern music’s most genuine innovators. Creatively complex and truly unclassifiable, The Way Out continues their tradition of meticulous, existential songcraft, infusing the playfully surreal elements of previous albums with a humorous, childlike excitement.

Clutch – From Beale Street To Oblivion [Reissue] 2xCD (Weathermaker Music)
Digitally remastered and expanded double-disc edition of this 2007 album featuring upgraded artwork.

Sheryl Crow – 100 Miles From Memphis CD (A&M)
Seventh album — features guest performances by Keith Richards and Justin Timberlake.

Department Of Eagles – Archive 2003-2006 CD (American Dust)
Collection of archival material from Fred Nicolaus and Daniel Rossen (Grizzly Bear). Atmospheric and grandiose symphonic pop. Vinyl version due August 3.

Jimmy Gnecco – The Heart CD/LP (Bright Antenna)
Debut album from Ours frontman. Though Jimmy plays every instrument on the album, it’s his evocative, soulful voice that takes center stage — a potent mix of intimacy, integrity and beautiful melancholy.

Shawn Lee – Sing A Song CD/LP+MP3 (Ubiquity)
In addition to showcasing a love for ‘60s and ’70s soul, Shawn Lee steers his latest musical mystery tour into psychedelic and cinematic territory over the course of twelve brand new cuts. Sing A Song is a summertime listen, packed with catchy motor city licks and space age songs.

Lillian Axe – Deep Red Shadows CD (Love & War/MRI)
Widely respected but criminally overlooked, Lillian Axe has developed a distinctive sound between progressive rock and heavy metal. Specifically noted for their elaborate song structures and time signatures, they continue to embrace new styles and ideas on their tenth album.

Lower Dens – Twin-Hand Movement CD/LP (Gnomonsong)
Swarming guitar fuzz, bass waves, insistent drum throbs and Jana Hunter’s redolent, charred voice. Eleven tracks of post-punk drone pop.

Mad Caddies – Consensual Selections CD (Fat Wreck Chords)
Fan-selected favorites collection. Vinyl version due August 3.

Mahjongg – The Long Shadow Of The Paper Tiger CD/LP (K Records)
“The moves you’re going to bust to Mahjongg have yet to be created. Music this frenetic and intense requires a whole new repertoire of dances. The Chicago collective is always surprising… a sound fusion that demands attention and energy you didn’t know you had.” — Bust Magazine

M.I.A. – XXXO The Remixes CD (XL)
Featuring Jay Z. Six remixes of the first single from /\/\ /\Y/\.

Piebald – Volume III 2xCD (Rise)
Features the album We Are The Only Friends We Have plus two B-sides from that studio session, unheard demos, and live songs.

Queens Of The Stone Age – Rated R [Deluxe Edition] 2xCD (Interscope)
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of QOTSA’s seminal album, this deluxe package includes the complete original Rated R plus five B-sides and nine tracks from their live set at the 2000 Reading Festival.

Max Richter – Infra CD (Fat Cat)
With majestic, involved textures and fluent, sweeping melodies, Infra is an enigmatic and inherently intellectual understanding of harmonic complexities that compels and mesmerizes.

Rick Ross – Teflon Don CD (IDJ/Slip N Slide)
New album featuring Jay-Z, Kanye West, Chrisette Michele, and Raphael Saadiq.

Brian Setzer Orchestra – Don’t Mess With A Big Band: Live! 2xCD (Surfdog)
Double-disc live set recorded on his 2009 Japanese tour.

Shannon Stevens – Shannon Stevens [Reissue] CD (Asthmatic Kitty)
Repress of Stevens’ 2000 debut. Includes new artwork plus two previously unreleased bonus tracks.

Kenseth Thibideau – Repetition CD (Temporary Residence)
Debut solo album from member of Pinback, Three Mile Pilot, and Tarentel. Inspired by an increasing obsession with the Can/Cluster/Harmonia/Tangerine Dream world of classic krautrock and European prog, Repetition fittingly centers around a series of circular melodies anchored by repetitive grooves and colored by swirling keyboards and understated vocals.

Tokio Hotel – Humanoid City Live CD+DVD (Cherry Tree)
The German goth/pop band perform Humanoid City live in Milan.

Various Artists – World Ends: Afro Rock & Psychedelia In 1970s Nigeria 2xCD/3xLP (Soundway)
Compilation of guitar-driven psychedelic music from Nigeria circa the early 1970s. 32 tracks of funk-laden grooves inspired by Jimi Hendrix, James Brown and more. Vinyl edition features bonus tracks not available on the CD.

Vinyl:

Big Boi – Sir Lucious Left Foot – The Son Of Chico Dusty 2xLP (Def Jam)
Recently released on CD — now available on vinyl.

Eric Clapton – Journeyman [Reissue] 2xLP (Reprise)
Vinyl reissue of Clapton’s 1989 album.

Danger Mouse And Sparklehorse – Present: Dark Night Of The Soul 2xLP+2xCD (Capitol/EMI)
Deluxe vinyl+CD box edition includes: 2xLPs, a copy of the album on CD, a bonus instrumental CD, poster, lobby cards and a 48-page 12×12 booklet.

Dirty Three – She Has No Strings Apollo [Reissue] LP+MP3 (Touch & Go)
Vinyl reissue of Dirty Three’s 2003 album.

Gogol Bordello – Trans-Continental Hustle LP (American)
Recently released on CD — now available on HQ-180 vinyl.

Indian Jewelry – Totaled LP (We Are Free)
Recently released on CD — now available on vinyl. Totaled comprises the swamp electro of 2003′s We Are The Wild Beast, the nightmare throb of 2005′s Invasive Exotics, and the sonic angel dream of 2008′s Free Gold.

Japandroids – Younger Us b/w Sex And Dying In High Society 7”+MP3 (Polyvinyl)
New Japandroids track backed with an X cover.

The National – Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers LP (Brassland)
The National’s sophomore album — originally released in 2003 — is available for the first time on vinyl.

Rachels – Selenography [Reissue] 2xLP+MP3 (Touch & Go)
Vinyl reissue of Rachel’s fourth album. Recorded between 1997 and 1999, Selenography is a collection of songs that have been staples of the band’s live shows.

School Of Seven Bells – Disconnect From Desire 2xLP (Vagrant)
Recently released on CD — now available on vinyl.

Saint Vitus – Live [Reissue] LP (Southern Lord)
Reissue of this essential album from the premiere American doom metal act of the ’80s.

Don’t be fooled by his lack of rock star spotlighting; Leon Russell’s heart pumps true rock & roll. Since age 14, he’s been behind the scenes of major acts, and thats even before Dylan went electric. Tomorrow, Friday, July 16th, Mr. Russell will light up the stage at Downtown Brew with his presence and beautiful executed playing style. Its a no-brainer. Don’t miss out. Doors open at 7:00pm and is 21 & over.

Leon Russel BIO
The ultimate rock & roll session man, Leon Russell’s long and storied career includes collaborations with a virtual who’s who of music icons spanning from Jerry Lee Lewis to Phil Spector to the Rolling Stones. A similar eclecticism and scope also surfaced in his solo work, which couched his charmingly gravelly voice in a rustic yet rich swamp pop fusion of country, blues, and gospel. Born Claude Russell Bridges on April 2, 1942, in Lawton, OK, he began studying classical piano at age three, a decade later adopting the trumpet and forming his first band. At 14, Russell lied about his age to land a gig at a Tulsa nightclub, playing behind Ronnie Hawkins & the Hawks before touring in support of Jerry Lee Lewis. Two years later, he settled in Los Angeles, studying guitar under the legendary James Burton and appearing on sessions with Dorsey Burnette and Glen Campbell. As a member of Spector’s renowned studio group, Russell played on many of the finest pop singles of the 1960s, also arranging classics like Ike & Tina Turner’s monumental “River Deep, Mountain High”; other hits bearing his input include the Byrds’ “Mr. Tambourine Man,” Gary Lewis & the Playboys’ “This Diamond Ring,” and Herb Alpert’s “A Taste of Honey.”

In 1967, Russell built his own recording studio, teaming with guitarist Marc Benno to record the acclaimed Look Inside the Asylum Choir LP. While touring with Delaney & Bonnie, he scored his first songwriting hit with Joe Cocker’s reading of “Delta Lady,” and in 1970, upon founding his own Shelter Records imprint, he also organized Cocker’s legendary Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. After the subsequent tour film earned Russell his first real mainstream notoriety, he issued a self-titled solo LP, and in 1971 appeared at George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh following sessions for B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan. After touring with the Rolling Stones, Russell increasingly focused on his solo career, reaching the number two spot with 1972′s Carney and scoring his first pop hit with the single “Tight Rope.” The success of 1973′s three-LP set Leon Live further established his reputation as a top concert draw. In 1976, the Russell-penned “This Masquerade” earned a Grammy Award for singer George Benson.

New Releases for July 13, 2010

M.I.A. – /\/\ /\Y/\ CD/Deluxe CD/LP (XL)
New album featuring singles “Born Free” and “XXXO.” Deluxe version adds bonus tracks and lanticular cover.

Various Artists – Local Customs: Lone Star Lowlands CD/LP (Numero)
The second in Numero’s series of peeks into the world of regional studios hones in on Mickey Rouse’s Lowland operation out of Beaumont, TX. The songs themselves run the gamut; Southern boogie rock, CSNY clones, British blues thunder, garage psych hangovers, Morricone-esque supper club instrumentals, yacht rock, and what can only be described as Bobby McPherin fronting the Velvet Underground.

Danger Mouse And Sparklehorse – Present: Dark Night Of The Soul CD/2xLP+MP3/2xLP+2xCD (Capitol/EMI)
This will stand as a tribute to Sparklehorse’s Mark Linkous, who recently passed away. Featuring contributions by Flaming Lips, Julian Casablancas, Black Francis, Iggy Pop, David Lynch, James Mercer, and more. Also available: Regular and Deluxe Edition vinyl versions. Deluxe Edition includes an additional instrumental CD, 48-page book, lobby cards and a poster. Free lithograph with purchase — while supplies last!

Panda Bear – Tomboy 7” (Paw Tracks)
Paw Tracks is excited to present the first in a series of limited edition 7” singles by Animal Collective’s Panda Bear. There will be several limited singles total (on different labels), and each one will bring us closer and closer to the much anticipated release of the Tomboy full length.

Sun Kil Moon – Admiral Fell Promises CD (Caldo Verde)
An all-acoustic album, Admiral Fell Promises is played entirely by Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters) on nylon string guitar.

The Love Language – Libraries CD (Merge)
Among the moments captured on Libraries are Spector-esque walls of reckless sound, cavernous drums, middle-school percussion, and moody swells of stringed instruments, all decorated hastily with stray leads that bleed beautifully over it all.

School Of Seven Bells – Disconnect From Desire CD/2xLP (Vagrant)
The dream-pop trio returns with their highly anticipated sophomore album.

R.E.M. – Fables Of The Reconstruction [25th Anniversary Edition] 2xCD/LP (Capitol)
Lavishly expanded reissue of the band’s 1985 classic includes a bonus disc of previously unreleased demos (including three non-album tracks), packaged in a lift top box with postcards.

Sting – Symphonicities CD/LP (Deutsche Grammophon)
The companion CD to accompany Sting’s highly anticipated world tour, which is underway and features the Royal Philharmonic

The Adicts – Life Goes On CD (People Like You/EMI)
2009 album from the veteran British punk outfit, still featuring all four original members.

Autechre – Move Of Ten CDEP (Warp)
On the heels of their most well received album in several years (Oversteps), experimental electronic music producers Autechre drop an EP of 10 new tracks.

Blue Giant – Blue Giant CD/LP (Vanguard)
Features members of Viva Voce, The Decemberists, and Swords. Blue Giant combines the traditional sounds of American music — country, bluegrass, and folk — with driving, straight-ahead rock.

Carissa’s Weird – They’ll Only Miss You When You Leave: Songs 1996-2003 CD (Hardly Art)
Retrospective compilation from much-beloved and sorely missed Seattle band, which featured members of Band of Horses, Grand Archives, S, and Sera Cahoone.

Chatham County Line – Wildwood CD/LP (Yep Roc)
“Wildwood offers rich vocal harmonies reminiscent of such legendary pre-Americana outfits as Poco and Pure Prairie League, while the instrumental sound remains firmly rooted in traditional bluegrass and folk.” — Goupstate.com

Crowded House – Intriguer CD/CD+DVD/LP (Fantasy/Concord)
Produced by Jim Scott (Wilco), Intriguer brings together singer/guitarist and chief songwriter Neil Finn with original Crowded House bassist Nick Seymour and keyboardist/guitarist Mark Hart. Says Finn: “Intriguer is exotic in parts, traditional in origin. It may just be the best thing we’ve done.” Deluxe Edition adds a bonus DVD of videos and live performances.

Sandy Denny & The Strawbs – All Our Own Work CD (Witchwood Media)
These historic recordings have every claim to be called the first British folk-rock album, comprising all original material recorded in Copenhagen in July 1967. Fairport Convention first recorded in November 1967; they did not start recording with Sandy until June 1968.

(Eliza) Gilkyson/(John) Gorka/(Lucy) Kaplansky – Red Horse CD (Red House)
Red Horse’s sparse instrumentation allows these three distinctive voices to carry the magic of the music that is awash in great harmonies and songwriting.

Great Big Sea – Safe Upon The Shore CD (Great Big Sea)
New album from veteran folk/pop outfit features guest contributions by Russell
Crowe, Canadian singer/songwriters Randy Bachman, Jeremy Fisher and Joel Plaskett.

Hellyeah – Stampede CD/CD+DVD (Epic)
New album from supergroup featuring members of Pantera, Mudvayne, Nothingface, and Damageplan. Deluxe Edition adds a DVD of live performances.

The Innocence Mission – My Room In The Trees CD (Badman)
With lyrics that often evoke feelings of solitude and images of the natural world, My Room In The Trees sonically progresses along the path begun with 2003′s Birds Of My Neighborhood. Spacious and warmly grounded with baritone and nylon string guitars and upright bass, and lit from above by electric guitar and piano.

Korn – Korn III: Remember Who You Are CD/CD+DVD (Roadrunner)
Ninth studio album by the Platinum-selling metal band. Deluxe Edition includes three bonus tracks, a DVD featuring 10 in-studio videos and expanded artwork.

Mad Sin – Burn & Rise CD (Century Media)
A mix of psychobilly, rockabilly, ‘50s rock & roll, country, punk and surf.

The Maine – Black & White CD (Sire)
From unexpectedly dark pop gems like “Inside Of You” to nostalgic summertime ballads like “Growing Up,” each track on Black & White defies categorization.

Morcheeba – Blood Like Lemonade CD (PIAS America)
“Reunited again with original vocalist Skye Edwards, Morcheeba’s Paul and Ross Godfrey have managed to re-locate the band’s classic trip-hop chill-out vibe without sacrificing the growing eclecticism of albums like Charango and Dive Deep.” — The Independent

Matt Morris – When Everything Breaks Open CD (Interscope)
Co-produced by Justin Timberlake and Charlie Sexton, When Is Everything Breaks Open contains elements of rock, soul, pop and folk.

Mystery Jets – Serotonin CD/LP+MP3 (Rough Trade)
Serotonin sees the Mystery Jets mapping out entirely new musical territories with the synthesizer-fueled perfect pop of “Dreaming Of Another World” and “It’s Too Late,” which begins as an aching soft-rock ballad before unexpectedly heading somewhere infinitely weirder. In the dark, hallucinatory grind of vocalist Lorna Doone, you can hear echoes of ELO, 10CC, Fleetwood Mac and Supertramp rubbing up against the band’s own idiosyncratic, very British, psychedelic sensibility.

New Politics – New Politics CD (RCA)
Debut album from the Brooklyn-based/Denmark-born rock band.

Jerrod Niemann – Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury CD (SME Nashville)
Jerrod Niemann may be a fresh voice on the country airwaves, but this Kansas native has already been making a name for himself, both as a performer and a respected songwriter, best known for co-writing Garth Brooks’ #1 hit “Good Ride Cowboy.”

Norma Jean – Meridional CD (Razor & Tie)
New album revisits the abrasive and chaotic roots of classic Norma Jean while stretching out with moody, slow-burn jams.

Tim O’Brien – Chicken & Egg CD (Howdy Skies)
The thirteenth solo album from Grammy-winner Tim O’Brien mixes originals, collaborations, and a handful of outside compositions.

Lee “Scratch” Perry – The Mighty Upsetter CD/LP (On-U Sound)
Lee Perry and Adrian Sherwood’s first new recording together in two decades.

Lee “Scratch” Perry & Adrian Sherwood – Dub Setter CD/LP (On-U Sound)
10-track collection of heavyweight dubs comprised of both radical re-workings of Mighty Upsetter tunes alongside brand new material.

Soilwork – The Panic Broadcast CD/CD+DVD (Nuclear Blast)
New album from the Swedish metal band. Deluxe Edition includes a bonus track and a DVD featuring extended studio footage, a high-definition drum video, and photo gallery.

Sun Ra Arkestra – Egypt Strut LP (Vinyl Lovers)
1983 compositions performed with the godfather of Egyptian jazz, percussionist Salah Ragab.

Various Artists – Putumayo Presents: A Tribute To A Reggae Legend CD (Putumayo)
A multi-genre Bob Marley tribute album — features artists from around the world performing his most popular and best-loved songs.

Paul Wall – Heart Of A Champion CD (Asylum)
New album includes guest appearances by: Jim Jones, Yelawolf and Raekwon, Bun B, Chamillionaire, Slim Thug, Devin The Dude and Lil’ Keke.

Darrell Webb Band – Bloodline CD (Rural Rhythm)
Darrell Webb has been an integral part of the Lonesome River Band (at age 19), J.D. Crowe & The New South, Rhonda Vincent And The Rage and Michael Cleveland And Flamekeeper over the past 20 years.

Otis Williams & His Charms – It’s A Treat: The King/De Luxe Recordings 1959-63 CD (Ace)
It’s A Treat covers the last four years of the group’s tenure with De Luxe/King, and finds the group comfortably coping with the evolution of doo-wop into early soul.

Zero 7 – Record CD (Atlantic/WEA)
A retrospective collection of the last ten years with tracks and remixes from their previous four albums and a track from their very first EP that was originally released on limited vinyl.

Zoroaster – Matador CD/LP (E1 Music)
Sophomore album from the Atlanta, GA sludge/doom/stoner metal band.

Vinyl:
Carolina Chocolate Drops – Genuine Negro Jig LP+CD (Nonesuch)
Recently released on CD — now available on vinyl.

Vic Chestnutt – About To Choke LP (Plain)
Vinyl version of Chestnutt’s only album for Capitol Records (originally released in 1996).

Mississippi John Hurt – Blessed Be Thy Name (The Complete 1928 Okeh Recordings) LP (Monk)
The only existing recordings prior to the early 1960s when he was “rediscovered” by blues revivalists. Today he is one of the most appreciated of the Delta blues musicians, perhaps because his unique style makes him particularly accessible to modern audiences.

Blind Lemon Jefferson – See That My Grave Is Kept Clean LP (Monk)
His most popular tunes include, “Black Snake Moan,” “Matchbox Blues” and his songs can often be considered veiled protest songs decrying the condition of the rural and urban poor.

Janelle Monáe – The ArchAndroid 2xLP (Bad Boy)
Recently released on CD — now available on vinyl.

Charlie Poole – I’m The Man Who Rode The Mule ‘Round The World LP (Monk)
This influential singer and banjo player is often considered to be one of the fathers of bluegrass and one of country music’s first stars. Although he did not write his own material — relying mainly on minstrel, vaudeville and burlesque songs of the day — his genius lay in his unique ability to rework a song to make it his own.

Various Artists – Son House And The Other Great Delta Blues Singers 2xLP (Monk)
This 24-track collection of historic Delta blues recordings kicks off with 7 of Son House’s earliest recorded songs. The remaining 17 tracks feature some lesser-known Delta bluesmen, including: Rube Lacy, Garfield Akers, Joe Callicott, Jim Thomkins, Blind Joe (Willie) Reynolds, Kid Baley and Willie Brown.