CDs:
7 Days Of Funk – 7 Days Of Funk CD/LP (Stones Throw)
New release from the modern funk outfit featuring Dam-Funk and Snoopzilla aka Snoop Dogg.
Beastmilk – Climax CD/LP (Svart)
Climax is the debut full length from Finnish apocalyptic post-punk rock quartet Beastmilk.
Bone Thugz-n-Harmony – Art Of War: World War III CD (Seven Arts Music)
Art Of War III brings together Bone’s original producer, DJ U-Neek who was instrumental in all their early hits.
Brendan Benson – You Were Right CD/LP (Readymade)
After Brendan Benson released his 2012 album What Kind Of World, his manager suggested he launch a monthly singles series. He was a bit hesitant at first, but eventually he came around. And now, just a year after that album, Benson is back with You Were Right, which collects both the releases from the series as well as reworked versions of songs that didn’t quite fit on his previous albums.
Caspian – Hymn For The Greatest Generation CDEP (Triple Crown)
The new EP coincides with Caspian’s national headline tour along with the UK’s 65daysofstatic and features over 30 minutes of music, including three new tracks, remixes and more.
Childish Gambino – Because The Internet CD (Glassnote)
Sophomore full-length album from writer, actor, standup comedian and rapper Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino. Because The Internet features guest appearances from Chance The Rapper, Jhene Aiko and Azealia Banks, with production handled by Gambino himself, Christian Rich, Thundercat and Ludwig Goransson among others.
Eric Clapton – Give Me Strength: The ’74/’75 Recordings 2xCD/5xCD+Blu-Ray/3xLP (Polydor)
Three mid-‘70s period Clapton albums, repacked in several editions: Double-disc edition includes remastered and expanded versions of two of Eric Clapton’s classic albums from his ’74/’75 sessions, 461 Ocean Boulevard and There’s One In Every Crowd. The six-disc set features 88 remastered, remixed, rare unreleased and live recordings, including session outtakes, from his landmark studio albums 461 Ocean Boulevard and There’s One In Every Crowd, and his legendary live album E.C. Was Here. Also included is a Blu-ray audio disc featuring new 5.1 Surround Sound and Quadrophonic mixes. Double-LP set collects all three remastered albums.
Crown The Empire – Fallout CD (Rise)
Crown The Empire fuse a love of hardcore music with infectious and soaring choruses.
Danny And The Darleans – Danny And The Darleans CD/LP (Nero’s Neptune)
Danny Kroha is a founding member of the Gories, who released two albums and a handful of singles containing influential blues/punk between 1986 and 1992. From 1993-2006, Kroha co-led the Demolition Doll Rods through five long players of primitive glam/roots scorch. Now, Kroha comes full circle with his latest combo, Danny & The Darleans, who play what Kroha describes as ”garage rock’, a style of American folk music which is blues-based and is played with electric guitar, electric bass, and drums.”
The Durutti Column – Paean To Wilson [Reissue/2010] 2xCD (Kooky)
Factory Records boss Tony Wilson was Vini Reilly’s first manager, his biggest supporter, and his close friend. After Wilson’s 2007 death, numerous public events commemorated his accomplishments, but Reilly sought to honor him by focusing on the person he knew outside the media spotlight. He felt the best way to do this was to create a musical suite his friend would have liked.
E-40 – The Block Brochure: Welcome To The Soil Vol. 4 CD (Heavy On The Grind)
E-40 – The Block Brochure: Welcome To The Soil Vol. 5 CD (Heavy On The Grind)
E-40 – The Block Brochure: Welcome To The Soil Vol. 6 CD (Heavy On The Grind)
The rapper releases three new albums on the same day.
Evergreen Terrace – Dead Horses CD/LP (Rise)
For over a decade, Jacksonville, FL’s Evergreen Terrace built their diehard fan base by doing what they do best; delivering fast paced melodic hardcore with soaring choruses and brutal breakdowns.
Brigitte Fontaine – Brigitte Est…Folle [Reissue/1970] CD (Superior Viaduct)
Brigitte Fontaine – Comme à La Radio [Reissue/1971] CD (Superior Viaduct)
French poet and chameleonic vocalist Brigitte Fontaine’s career spans over four decades. Only a few years before her 1968 debut, Brigitte Fontaine Est…Folle, she moved to Paris to become an actress and took her prodigiously mature voice into the studio. Rich in the drama she brought to theater, Fontaine synthesized chanson (French pop song) and world music, which eventually won her international acclaim as a performer and collaborator with a variety of artists from around the world (Art Ensemble Of Chicago, Sonic Youth and Stereolab, to name just a few). Vinyl versions due December 24.
Glaxo Babies – Put Me On The Guest List CD (Superior Viaduct)
Glaxo Babies are the greatest UK post-punk band you’ve never heard, formed in Bristol in late 1977 and named after the British pharmaceutical giant who allegedly inoculated thousands with a toxic vaccine. Put Me On The Guest List collects the band’s propulsive demos, mostly performed live in the studio with no overdubs and not originally intended for release. Vinyl version due December 24.
Glaxo Babies – Nine Months To The Disco [Reissue/1980] CD/LP (Superior Viaduct)
Reportedly recorded in a single day, Nine Months To The Disco originally appeared on Heartbeat Records in 1980. Glaxo Babies’ sole proper album veers between wiry electro à la Liquid Liquid (“Free Dem Cells”), piano-based free jazz burners (“Seven Days”) and progressive post-Krautrock jams that would make even This Heat blush, culminating in the mutant funk masterpiece “Shake (The Foundations)” (which was regularly covered by The Pop Group in their live set). Nine Months To The Disco is a monster statement, equal parts ballroom bangers and dancefloor clearers.
Good Old War – Live From The City Of Brotherly Love CD (Sargent House)
Known far and wide as one of America’s best live bands, Philadelphia’s Good Old War has finally captured the experience in a live recording. The trio has played hundreds of shows over the past five years, including tours with Alison Krauss, Guster, Joshua Radin, Dr. Dog, Xavier Rudd, Brandi Carlile, Counting Crows, Needtobreathe, Dispatch, Anthony Green, Gaslight Anthem and more.
Keith Jarrett – Concerts: Bregenz/Munich 3xCD (ECM)
Two 1981 improvised concerts from Austria and Germany are featured, recorded respectively at the Festspielhaus Bregenz and the Herkulessaal Munich, venues noted for outstanding acoustics. “The Bregenz/Munich concerts were Jarretts most brilliant live solo recordings to date; his level of inspiration is quite extraordinary, and the music covers a wider musical and emotional range than ever.” — Jarrett biographer Ian Carr
Jellyfish – Radio Jellyfish: Live Radio Broadcasts 1993 CD/LP (Omnivore)
Radio Jellyfish contains 10 tracks culled from two international radio stops in 1993; one in Holland, the other in Australia. The foursome plays tracks from both LPs, and naturally some covers. Even taken out of the studio, and away from the stage, the sound is unmistakably Jellyfish.
R. Kelly – Black Panties CD (RCA)
Combining sexual innuendos and witty word play on such tracks as “Cookie,” “Genius” and “Legs Shakin’,” Kelly harkens back to a style that has undoubtedly embedded him into the fabric of contemporary R&B music over the past two decades. Black Panties also includes the hood anthem “Right Back,” a sensual duet with Kelly Rowland “All The Way,” and surefire club hit “Spend That,” featuring Jeezy. Other guest appearances include Ludacris, 2 Chainz, Migos and Juicy J. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds four bonus tracks.
Shelby Lynne – Thanks CD (Everso)
”As a musician, these songs are a way to express my love and gratitude to the universe and to all of the music appreciating souls out there for the friendship and fellowship that music brings us — all in the name of love and sharing,” says Shelby.
Moan – Think About Forgotten Days CD (Lightning)
The proper debut album from Moan, the solo project of Japanese rock legend Shinji Masuko, best known as founding member and guitarist/vocalist of rock gods DMBQ and principal guitarist and integral member of noise art prophets the Boredoms. Employing brilliantly composed and agile drones and virtuosic guitar work, Think About Forgotten Days launches off on a more massive, rock-informed scale.
Nightwish – Showtime, Storytime 2xCD/2xLP (Nuclear Blast)
Recorded during their live performance at the Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany on August 3, 2013. Showtime, Storytime is the first Nightwish production to feature Floor Jansen on vocals. She initially replaced previous vocalist Anette Olzon during their North America tour leg, and on October 9, 2013, it was revealed that she would become an official band member, alongside with Troy Donockley. (Also available as either stand-alone Blu-ray or DVD combo editions, both of which include the audio CDs.)
Robert Pollard – Blazing Gentlemen CD/LP (GBV Inc.)
Blazing Gentlemen is the last Robert Pollard record. That will be released in 2013. It is also the finest Pollard-related record to come out in this or several years, aural evidence of a rock mage reinvigorated by the fact, according to the man himself, that he’s “finally figured out how to write a song after 55 years.”
Pyrolator – Pyrolator’s Wonderland [Reissue/1984] CD/LP (Bureau B)
Reissue of this 1984 album from D.A.F. and Der Plan member. A post punk, avant-garde electronic take on easy listening, sprinkled with samples of animal calls.
Palmer Rockey – Rockey’s Style: Movie Album CD/LP (Trunk)
Incredibly weird cult soundtrack to Rockey’s infamous missing film.
Gunter Schickert – Kinder in Der Wildnis [Reissue/1983] CD/LP (Bureau B)
OG krautrock gem originally released in 1983.
Ryo Takematsu – Six-O-Seven Blues CD/3×7” (EM)
Six-O-Seven Blues will appeal to listeners of pre-war country blues, John Fahey, Tacoma Records, new age, experimental, downtempo.
Titus – Voice In My Head 2xCD (Comedy Central)
Dysfunction, 9/11, Love, America. In his first four specials Titus only took on the small issues that face us. In his fifth 90-minute special Titus turns the intensity on himself and on all his amazing f*ups. Voice In My Head takes you to a place of the worst mistakes in the life of a horribly damaged human.
Various Artists – Angola Soundtrack 2: Hypnosis, Distortions & Other Sonic Innovations 1969-1978 CD/2xLP (Analog Africa)
Second volume of ongoing series of compilations of Angolan music.
Various Artists [Robert Crumb & Jerry Zolten] – Chimpin’ The Blues CD (East River)
Crumb and Zolten play 78 RPM blues records from their collections and discuss — “chimp” — the music and record collectors’ nervous systems. Sides from Lottie Kimbrough, Cannon’s Jug Stompers, Macon Ed and Tampa Red, Geeshie Wiley, lots more.
Various Artists – I Heard the Angels Singing: Electrifying Black Gospel From The Nashboro Label 1951-1983 4xCD (Tompkins Square)
In this first licensed reissue of Nashboro material in decades, this highly influential music, a vital part of the fabric of American music, can finally be heard. Begun by Ernie Young in Nashville, TN, at the height of gospel s golden age, Nashboro was arguably the greatest, most prolific and longest-living gospel record label. This exceptional set mirrors the evolution of the music itself from hard-shouting quartets and riveting solo artists through to organ-driven groups and heavy gospel soul. Among the many highlights are tracks by The Consolers, Swanee Quintet, The Angelic Gospel Singers, The Radio Four, The Supreme Angels, Pilgrim Jubilees, Fairfield Four, Edna Gallmon Cooke, Hightower Brothers, Brooklyn All Stars, Bro. Joe May, Gospel Keynotes, The CBS Trumpeteers, Holmes Sisters, Five Singing Stars, The Jewel Gospel Trio and The Gospel Harmonettes.
Various Artists – Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom [OST] CD (Decca)
The motion picture soundtrack to the new film chronicling Nelson Mandelas life journey from childhood in a rural village to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa. Includes the new U2 song “Ordinary Love,” as well as tracks by Gil Scott-Heron, Art Blakey, Bob Marley, and more.
Various Artists – Verve – The Sound Of America – The Singles Collection 5xCD (Verve)
Five-CD collection featuring 100 singles from the Verve catalog — over 20 of which have been out of print for years. Packaged in a stylish, two-part, lift-off box Verve – The Sound Of America also includes a 48-page booklet and extensive liner notes.
Vatican Shadow – When You Are Crawling CD/LP (Hospital Productions)
When You Are Crawling is a 35-minute companion piece to Vatican Shadow’s recently released Remember Your Black Day album, the iconography and tracklisting concluding its narrative, with a musical focus more directly aimed at the club bolstered by additional production from Juan Mendez aka Silent Servant.
The Velvet Underground – White Light/White Heat [45th Anniversary Edition] 2xCD/3xCD/2xLP (Polydor)
This expanded reissue of The Velvet Underground’s 1968 classic is available in three editions: a 2xCD, 20-track set featuring the original stereo release, completely remastered, with bonus tracks including alternate versions, unreleased outtakes, John Cale’s last studio sessions with the band, and a second CD with the official release of their complete show at The Gymnasium in New York recorded on April 30, 1967, which includes five previously unreleased performances culled from John Cale’s personal copy. The 3xCD version adds mono versions of album tracks, four newly prepared remixes, and expanded hardbound book packaging. The 13-track vinyl set comes in a beautiful gatefold jacket with the music on HQ-180gm audiophile virgin vinyl.
Neil Young – Live At The Cellar Door CD/LP (Reprise)
Comprised of unreleased live performances from late 1970, this album is the latest in Young’s ongoing Archives Performance Series, and collects recordings made during Young’s intimate six-show solo stand at The Cellar Door, a venue in Washington D.C., between November 30th and December 2nd, 1970.
DVD + Blu-ray:
Nightwish – Showtime, Storytime 2xDVD+2xCD/2xBlu-ray+2xCD (Nuclear Blast)
Recorded during their live performance at the Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany on August 3, 2013. Showtime, Storytime is the first Nightwish production to feature Floor Jansen on vocals. She initially replaced previous vocalist Anette Olzon during their North America tour leg, and on October 9, 2013, it was revealed that she would become an official band member, alongside with Troy Donockley. The DVDs include footage from the live show as well as a 120-minute documentary about the first days of Jansen in the band, still as a only live member, and her process of adaptation in the band.
Vinyl:
Matt Baldwin – Imaginary Psychology LP+7”+MP3 (Spiritual Pajamas)
Matt Baldwin on the Fender Strat is the last living prophet. Here is a young man who plays with a technical skill and virtuosity that few can ever hope to attain, and does so rather easily. Wherever one hears this record, one will find him. His lucid tapes are for truck drivers, surfers, painters, pilots, miners, lovers, loners, what have you; for those in prayer; for those performing surgery; for those on the moving sidewalk… It’s music to win by. This deluxe album is pressed on white vinyl and comes packaged in a foil-stamped jacket replete with a bonus 7” flexi disc.
Bosnian Rainbows – Live At Clouds Hill 10” (Clouds Hill)
Faust & Omar Rodriguez Lopez – Live At Clouds Hill 10” (Clouds Hill)
While Bosnian Rainbows issued their self-titled debut album earlier this year, it should come as no surprise that the band’s always active prog explorer Omar Rodríguez-López has another couple of releases to get him through the year. Faust & Omar Rodriguez Lopez Live At Clouds Hill was recorded live at the Clouds Hill premises in Hamburg in 2012, and the 10”release features an improvised performance divided into two parts. Both on white vinyl.
Dead Meadow – Warble Womb LP (Xemu)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The sixth studio release for the D.C. psychedelic rock/stoner rock trio sees the return of drummer Mark Laughlin, who had left the band in 2002.
D.O.A. – Welcome To Chinatown: D.O.A. Live 2xLP (Sudden Death)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Live album from the legendary punk band recorded over three nights between June 4th, 2011, and January 19th, 2013, at The Rickshaw Theatre in the heart of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown.
Francisco Franco – Francisco Franco LP (New Images)
Francisco Franco is a trio originating in Philadelphia, playing instrumental music for two guitars, bass, and electronic rhythm tracks. Influences such as the first Microdisney LP, The Durutti Column, and ‘70s library records may be heard, but crowds at recent shows have made comparisons as diverse as Neu! and Dick Dale. This is new wave elevator music: melodic, minimal, and extremely listenable.
Gallon Drunk – Live At Clouds Hill 10” (Clouds Hill)
Five exclusive live recordings on white vinyl. “Often compared to dark and brooding sounds of such artists as Tom Waits, Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, and Morphine, the London quartet Gallon Drunk originally formed in 1990.” – AllMusic.com
The Late Great Fitzcarraldos – Listen To The Sound Of The Late Great Fitzcarraldos LP (Fake Diamond)
Experimental pop trio featuring members of Choir Of Young Believers indebted equally to Otis Redding, John Cale, and Luther Vandross.
Linkin Park – Recharged 2xLP (WB)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. A collaboration record featuring the new single with Steve Aoki, “A Light That Never Comes,” plus reinterpretations of tracks from Living Things by Rick Rubin, Datsik, Dirtyphonics, and many more.
Negative Trend – Negative Trend [Reissue/1978] 7” (Superior Viaduct)
Negative Trend were ground zero for California punk. Formed in San Francisco in 1977, they shared the stage with other now-legendary bands such as Dead Kennedys, The Dils, The Avengers, and The Sleepers. Their sole EP first appeared in 1978 to reveal the shape of punk to come.
Katy Perry – Prism 2xLP (Capitol)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Katy Perry returns with a shimmering new album that includes her latest, #1 single, “Roar.”
Slayer – Reign In Blood [Reissue/1986] LP (American)
Slayer – South Of Heaven [Reissue/1988] LP (American)
Slayer – Seasons In The Abyss [Reissue/1990] LP (American)
Slayer – Undisputed Attitude [Reissue/1996] LP (American)
Slayer – Christ Illusion [Reissue/2006] LP (American)
Back in print on vinyl!
Tennis – Small Sound 12” (Communion)
Small Sounds serves as a precursor to the third full-length from husband and wife pair Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley, also known as Tennis, set to come out next spring.
Various Artists – Piercing Brightness [OST] LP (City Projects)
Sci-fi film soundtrack featuring Acid Mothers Temple, Alexander Tucker & Decomposed Orchestra, Mordant Music, and more.
Cassettes:
Advance Base – Tomorrow’s Homes Today (Orindal)
Released as a companion piece to his Washington Phillips tribute EP, Owen Ashworth (Casiotone For The Painfully Alone) has re-imagined The Magnetic Fields’ classic EP The House Of Tomorrow. These cover versions are built from loose, ragged, live performances of autoharp, electric piano, mellotron, omnichord, and kitchen-sink percussion.
Fast Times – Bodytalk (100% Silk)
Brooklynite Jorge Day’s musical CV includes synth duties in Wierd Records mope-pop act Plastic Flowers as well as production for sultry neo-wavers Lingerie, but when left to his own devices he crafts gritty skeletal house sketches under the Fast Times flag.
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