CDs:
Aries – Mermelada Dorada CD/LP (La Castanya)
Isabel Fernandez Reviriego (The Charades) delivers a moving collection of hypnotic ‘60s-influenced pop gems on Mermelada Dorada. Her influences include The Left Banke, The Zombies, Jefferson Airplane and Laura Nyro, as well as J Dilla and Dead Moon. Full of Rundgren-approved multi-layered vocal harmonies, Reviriego’s lyrics provide a world where one could live forever.
Assassins – War Of Aggression CD (E1)
Assassins is a metalcore/post hardcore band hailing from Detroit, MI. Recommended for fans of August Burns Red, We Came As Romans, and Job For A Cowboy.
Black Lips – Underneath The Rainbow CD/LP (Vice)
Atlanta’s favorite sons Black Lips present their first full length in three years. Recorded at a variety of locations over the course of 2013, the twelve songs boast a stable of studio collaborators whose pedigree speaks to how much the band has grown and sonically matured over the course of their career.
BL’AST – Expression Of Power [Reissue/1985] CD/LP (Southern Lord)
Having formed in 1982, the highly influential Santa Cruz hardcore legend: BL’AST! released their first album, The Power Of Expression in 1985. This debut album went on to become one of the highly sought after “must have” hardcore albums from the ‘80s.
Brain Dead – Menace From The Sickness CD (End Of The Light)
Brain Dead are an old school thrash metal band from Ivrea (a small town not far from Turin, in Northern Italy) inspired by the Bay Area thrash metal sound of the ‘80s (especially by Exodus, Annihilator, Testament and Slayer).
Broken Glazz – Divine [Reissue/1991] CD (End Of The Light)
Reissue of the 1991 thrash metal album from the Italian band. Includes the never released before first demo of the band. Digitally remastered.
Richard Buckner – Bloomed [Reissue/1994] 2xCD/LP+CD (Merge)
Double-disc reissue of Buckner’s 1994 debut album, expanded with a disc of radio sessions, live performances and original recordings of songs that appeared on future releases. Pitchfork called it “A traditional outsider-country record in the lineage of Townes Van Zandt. Buckner’s voice is all honey & oak, his guitar style elaborately twanging, his constant subject matter heartache.”
Mick Chillage – Saudade CD (Carpe Sonum)
Saudade is defined as “the recollection of feelings, experiences, places or events that once brought excitement, pleasure, well-being, which now triggers the senses and makes one live again.” While Mick Chillage has been creating upbeat but laid-back electronic music, he brings home the “Chill” in his moniker with a deep, heavy ambient opus that ventures fathoms away from his previous album FAXology.
Citrus Sun – People Of Tomorrow CD (Dome)
Citrus Sun is the new jazz band from Bluey, founder and leader of the UK band Incognito.
The Coathangers – Suck My Shirt CD/LP (Suicide Squeeze)
Suck My Shirt is the fourth full-length for The Coathangers. “It’s a balance between overthinking and just going for it,” guitarist Crook Kid (Julia Kugel) says of their songwriting strategy. It’s a duality immediately apparent with the album opener “Follow Me.” It’s a classic Coathangers tune with Stephanie Luke’s raspy vocals belted out over their signature ragged garage rock. But the chorus opens into one of the most accessible hooks in the band’s canon, just before segueing into the next verse with a squall of violent dissonant guitar.
Coffinworm – IV.I.VIII CD (Profound Lore)
Six tracks of pure, blackened, unholy doom metal terror.
Giles Corey – Giles Corey’s Stoned Soul CD (Delmark)
Giles Corey’s credits include being in the bands of Billy Branch & The Sons Of Blues and Otis Rush. Giles also played and recorded with Syl Johnson, Mississippi Heat and Buddy Miles. The talented singer/guitarist was a founding member of the funk/blues/rock & roll powerhouse Lubriphonic. His debut album features ten new originals and covers of Wilson Pickett and Gary Clark Jr., and is a unique blend of roots music, rich in history yet contemporary and forward-looking.
The Crimson Projekct – Live In Tokyo CD (Inside Out U.S.)
New live album the King Crimson spin-off. Featuring the talents of Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, Markus Reuter, Julie Slick and Tobias Ralph, The Crimson Projekct primarily focus on repertoire from the early 1980s through to the mid-‘90s. The band has a ”double trio” line-up, as made popular by Crimson between 1994-1997.
CYNE – All My Angles Are Right CD/LP (Hometapes)
Their beats have been used by Joey Bada$$, they’ve been remixed by Four Tet, and they’ve collaborated wth To Rococo Rot, Daedelus, and Nujabes.
D-A-D – 30 Years 30 Hits: The Best Of D-A-D 1987-2014 2xCD (AFM)
Denmark’s most successful rock act in history celebrates its 30th anniversary with this career-spanning retrospective.
Dead Rider – Chills On Glass CD/LP (Drag City)
Dead Rider is Todd Rittmann (US Maple), Matthew Espy (Atombombpocketknife), Andrea Faught and Thymme Jones (Cheer Accident). “Lurching from pole to pole, pausing mid-stop, leaping and bursting into a double-twist and then resolving into a sweet glide; the dust they kick up in this fracas glitters gold, spicing the recipe with elevated powders of perception, deflecting metallically, hip-hoptically, free and jazzy, operatic, electronic, flashing like squad-car rollers.”
Death Of Samantha – If Memory Serves Us Well CD/2xLP (St. Valentine)
After three albums and an EP on Homestead, Death Of Samantha reunited the original line up and recorded If Memory Serves Us Well while rehearsing for a reunion show. 18 songs later, it’s a collection that spans the career of the band, from 1984-1990. The band’s iconoclastic approach inspired, among others, Robert Pollard of Guided By Voices, Thurston Moore, and Mark Lanegan. All three contribute liner notes, along with esteemed critic Byron Coley.
Demon Hunter – Extremist CD/CD+DVD+7” (Solid State)
Seventh album from the Christian metalcore band. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe edition includes two bonus tracks, a DVD, 7” vinyl single, hardcover book and more. Vinyl version due April 1.
Luther Dickinson – Rock And Roll Blues CD/LP+CD+MP3 (New West)
As a member of North Mississippi All Stars, Luther Dickinson may have innovated blues and boogie rock but he is also an acutely observant songwriter. The new album tells the story of a guy growing into a life in music. Rock And Roll Blues is not punk, but it does maintain a similarly hardcore DIY ethos.
Kevin Drew – Darlings CD/LP (Arts & Crafts)
Kevin Drew was the lead singer and creative force of indie vanguards Broken Social Scene. His new album, Darlings, showcases his songwriting in top form with eleven cuts of lush, textured production and catchy pop ballads. Features contributions from Ohad Buchetrit (Do Make Say Think), Charles Spearin (Broken Social Scene), Dean Stone (Apostle Of Hustle), and Feist.
Earth Crisis – Salvation Of Innocents CD (Candlelight)
The metalcore band returns with a new album.
Sleepy John Estes – Live In Japan ’74 With Hammie Nixon CD (Delmark)
This album was recorded in November of 1974 at concerts in Japan, one of the very first tours of that country by a blues artist – preceded only by a B.B. King State Department appearance.
The Floacist – Rise Of The Phoenix Mermaid CD (Shanachie)
The multi Grammy nominated group Floetry, founded by Natalie The Floacist Stewart and Marsha Ambrosius, established the gold standard for creativity in neo soul. Selling over a million albums and establishing a loyal following which follows their every move up to the present day, both The Floacist and Marsha Ambrosius have gone on to successful solo careers.
Foster The People – Supermodel CD/LP+MP3 (Columbia)
“Supermodel largely echoes the Torches template of blissfully blending genres into a churning whirlpool of euphoric pop: most tracks are overflowing with trademark sky-scraping synths, star-cradling melodies, and distorted guitars. Ultimately this is an unashamedly vibrant collection of variegated pop songs best enjoyed during a dancefloor freak-out.” — Clash Music
Lyla Foy – Mirrors The Sky CD/LP+MP3 (Sub Pop)
Mirrors The Sky is the debut album by 25-year-old London songwriter Lyla Foy. Lyla started as a solo artist in 2012 under the name Wall, garnering acclaim from Black Cab Sessions, BBC Radio (Steve Lamacq declared “Magazine” his favorite song of the year), and Pitchfork (who praised Lyla’s haunting cover of Karen Dalton’s “Something On Your Mind,” and spotlighted 2013’s Shoestring EP). Lyla Foy’s hypnotically hushed songs have come quite a long way over the past two years.
Gallon Drunk – The Soul Of The Hour CD/LP+CD (Clouds Hill)
Eighth new album from the cult UK rock band, featuring James Johnston (Faust, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds), Terry Edwards (studio and session musician for Tom Waits, PJ Harvey, Julian Cope), Ian White, and new bassist Leo Kurunis. With an emphasis firmly upon hypnotic, locked down grooves, free flowing instrumental passages and all manner of European inspirational music that courses through the band’s collective bloodstream.
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Piñata CD/LP (Madlib Invazion)
Freddie Gibbs is the product of violent, drug-laden streets but unlike most rappers with similar resumes, he brings the block to the booth without inhibition or an exaggerated rap persona. Piñata, a 17-track collaboration with producer Madlib, is the best distillation yet of his transparent approach to making music, combining an at times stark honesty with electrifying talent as a lyricist and performer. Guests include Danny Brown, Mac Miller, Earl Sweatshirt, Raekwon, and Scarface.
Eliza Gilkyson – The Nocturne Diaries CD (Red House)
The Nocturne Diaries is a beautiful, haunting album inspired by the sort of thoughts that keep us awake at night in this modern world where the news always seems to be bad. The songs range from uptempo country stompers to a haunting version of the folk classic Fast Freight by her father Terry Gilkyson.
The Glaciers – From Sea To Ski [Reissue/1964] CD/LP (Rockbeat)
Originally released in 1964 on Mercury Records, The Glaciers brought the surf and hot rod sounds of the early ‘60s to the ski slopes with From Sea To Ski. Featuring the all-star wrecking crew of Hal Blaine, Leon Russell, Carol Kaye and Glen Campbell and a few tunes penned by Lee Hazlewood (“Snow Bowl,” “June Mountain,” “Blue Ridge,”) this super rare album has not been available in nearly half a century.
Yair Elazar Glotman – Northern Gulfs CD (Glacial Movements)
Yair Elazar Glotman is a musician and sound artist living and working in Berlin. His focus is on experimental electroacoustic composition, sound installations and sound sculptures.
GoGo Penguin – V 2.0 CD (Gondwana)
Featuring pianist Chris Illingworth, bassist Nick Blacka and drummer Rob Turner, GoGo Penguin are an exhilarating live act, drawing on a heady brew of influences from Aphex Twin to Brian Eno, Debussy to Shostakovich and Massive Attack to EST. Vinyl version due March 25.
Gus G – I Am The Fire CD (Century Media))
Gus G has spent the past decade quietly affirming his place as one of metal’s reigning guitar virtuosos. He has recorded more than a dozen studio albums, performed around the world as a member of acts ranging from Arch Enemy and Dream Evil to his own band Firewind, and has been Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist since being personally handpicked by the heavy metal legend in August 2009.
Hauschka – Abandoned City CD/LP (Temporary Residence)
Hauschka is a composer, songwriter and experimental musician who has brought an exciting new perspective to the prepared piano a technique for getting new sounds from the acoustic keyboard by resting pieces of paper or drumsticks on the strings of the instrument.
I Am The Avalance – Wolverines CD/LP (I Surrender)
Punk rock from New York City.
I Exist – From Darkness CD (Prosthetic)
Vinyl version due March 25. “Sludge is, at its core, disgusting. It needs to have a bass-heavy mix so grimy that Severus Snape himself would tell it to wash itself for God’s sake. Beyond that, the field is wide open. You have the trippy-as-hell Baroness, the Russian storytellers in Neurosis and the all-conquering Mastodon, who redefine themselves every time they release an album. They’re the big three, but there are hundreds of other bands vying for their time in the limelight, and one of them is Australian-based I Exist.” – Mind Equals Blown
Enrique Iglesias – Sex And Love CD (Universal Republic)
Iglesias’ tenth studio album features guest appearances from Kylie Minogue, Pitbull, Flo Rida, Marco Antonio Solis and Romeo Santos.
Illuha – Akari CD (12k)
Akari is the Japanese word for “Light.” Conceputally the duo used this word as a guide, as if they were searching through the dark, trying to keep the light alive, as if one is cradling a candle doing everything in their power to keep it alight in a storm. It is this almost visceral sense of sheltering, of protection that gives Akari a very human and personal sound whose intensely deep focus is as impressive as it is arresting.
Kangding Ray – Solens Arc CD/2xLP (Raster Noton)
Industrial techno stompers dissolve into granular sound waves and filtered space pads, before being overtaken by cinematic drums and rising arpeggios.
La Dispute – Rooms Of The House CD/LP (Workhorse Music Group)
Third studio album by the post-hardcore band.
Magic Touch – Palermo House Gang CD/2xLP (100% Silk)
Joining forces with a vast cast of collaborators sourced from his intercontinental travels—Octo Octa, Newbody, Benny Badge, The Horses, Sarah Bates, Sorcerer, Ash Williams—Palermo swings and sweats through funky new wave club mixes, freestyle R&B, mesh-top house, freeform hardware workouts and decadent disco for a sprawling celebration of communal motion and dancefloor idealism.
Jo Dee Messina – Me CD (E1)
New Kickstarter-funded album from the forward-thinking country music singer/songwriter.
Minni Pops – Sparks In A Room [Reissue/1982] 2xCD (Factory Benelux)
A new deluxe double-CD edition of the second studio album by Dutch electronic group Minny Pops, originally released by Factory Benelux in May 1982. Formed in Amsterdam in 1978 by vocalist Wally Van Middendorp, Minny Pops took their name from the primitive Korg drum machine that propelled their austere, post-punk rhythms and provocative live performances. Bonus tracks include the non-album singles “Time” and “Een Kus,” as well as demo tracks and an EP by instrumental splinter project Smalts. This new edition also adds a bonus disc featuring an entire live performance recorded at Amsterdam Melkweg in April 2012 on their 30th anniversary tour.
Kylie Minogue – Kiss Me Once CD (WB)
The Australian pop icon’s first studio album since 2010’s Aphrodite is a return to the dance floor after 2012’s orchestral compilation The Abbey Road Sessions, and was executive produced by Kylie and Sia, who co-wrote the title track. Kylie also teams up with Pharrell Williams, who wrote and produced “I Was Gonna Cancel.”
The New Mastersounds – Therapy CD/LP (Legere)
A forward thinking sound mixing vintage funk with raw soul, smart jazz and original disco.
Nurse With Wound – Bar Maldoror 2xCD (United Jnana)
Disc One is a remastered version of Live At Bar Maldoror, originally recorded between 1984 and 1986; Disc Two features a previously unreleased 2007 live show from Ghent, Belgium.
Perfect Pussy – Say Yes To Love CD/LP (Captured Tracks)
Perfect Pussy are one of the boldest and most intriguing projects to surface in recent years, garnering widespread critical acclaim following the release of a four song EP, “I Have Lost All Desire For Feeling.” Veiled beneath layers of exquisitely abrasive noise, frontwoman Meredith Graves’ lyrics are disarming, brutally honest and poetic, possessing a feverish intensity that can only be matched by her electric stage presence. Hailing from Syracuse, NY, the band is comprised of members from the local punk and hardcore community.
Elvis Presley – Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis 2xCD (Sony Legacy)
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis, this Legacy Edition presents an expanded double-CD release of the monumental complete concert featuring tracks left off the original album (because of the spatial limitations of vinyl). The entire concert has been remixed and remastered.
The Pretty Reckless – Going To Hell CD/LP+MP3 (Razor & Tie)
“Rock & roll needs to make a resurgence,” insists Taylor Momsen, speaking to her belief that the genre has slipped from the mainstream. “It needs to come back in a big way and take over again.” The 20-year-old singer, whose band the Pretty Reckless broke out in 2010 with their alt-rock debut Light Me Up, says she’s fully prepared to hold up her end of the bargain. “We’re really trying to come to something unique and different,” she tells Rolling Stone of Going To Hell, the band’s new album. Available two versions on CD (deluxe adds three bonus tracks) and on gatefold red vinyl with download code.
Sandra Rhodes – Where’s Your Love Been [Reissue/1972] CD (Omnivore)
While Sandra Rhodes made a name for herself singing behind Al Green on his classic Hi Records sides and writing songs including Conway Twitty’s #1 single, ”The Clown,” her best work missed the public eye. And ear. Where’s Your Love Been was Sandra’s 1972 album, recorded at Sam Phillips’ Recording Studio in Memphis and originally released on Fantasy Records.
Ringworm – Hammer Of The Witch CD/LP (Relapse)
Cleveland’s legendary kings of metallic hardcore return with their Relapse debut Hammer Of The Witch. Thirteen songs of fiery rage propelled by lead vocalist Human Furnace’s wrathful fury, this is a record sure to satisfy metalheads and hardcore kids alike.
Jason Roebke Octet – High/Red/Center CD (Delmark)
Composer and double bassist Jason Roebke is the backbone of many of Chicago’s forward-looking jazz groups. Now he brings an octet of Chicago’s finest improvisers on the new recording, High/Red/Center. The program of eleven new compositions is deeply rooted in rich Ellingtonian harmony while re-imagining the approach with exciting individual interplay between the soloists and ensemble. The gorgeous ballads and fiery free jazz compliment each other and consistently surprise. The recording features an all-star ensemble of brilliant Delmark stalwarts, Jason Adasiewicz, Josh Berman, Jeb Bishop, Keefe Jackson, Jason Stein, Mike Reed, and Greg Ward.
Dex Romweber Duo – Images 13 CD/LP (Bloodshot)
New album from the underground music icon. On Images 13, Dex, his sister Sara and his lecherous slithery Silvertone take you through haunted neon-lit alleys full of pulp fiction juvey rock, should-have-been sci-fi TV theme songs and greasy denim ‘50s hipster jive.
Ruby The RabbitFoot – New As Dew CD/LP (Normaltown/New West)
Sophomore release by the Athens-based songstress, Ruby Kendrick AKA Ruby The RabbitFoot. Humid grooves, glittering guitars, barnacle-sharp piano melodies, and Ruby’s deft turn of phrase adorn this diverse family of pop songs.
Savage Messiah – Fateful Dark CD/LP (Earache)
Savage Messiah was formed in London in 2007 out of a desire and dedication to creating 100% heavy metal music. In the 6 years since their formation, the band has completed multiple tours and festivals with artists such as Overkill, Evile, Death Angel, Queensryche, Skeletonwitch, Sylosis, Onslaught, Wintersun, Bloodshot Dawn, Havok and Angelus Apatrida.
The See See – Days, Nights & Late Morning Lights CD/LP (Sundazed)
The See See is a contemporary psychedelic band with one foot in 1967 and the other in 2014. They originated out of the ashes of some of the modern pop world’s hippest guitar psych acts, most notably Richard Olson’s The Eighteenth Day Of May.
Sh!t Robot – We Got A Love CD/2xLP (DFA)
Like Lambkin’s 2010 debut From The Cradle To The Rave, We Got A Love sports an array of guests that include DFA veterans Nancy Whang, Museum Of Love and Luke Jenner (The Rapture), plus hip-house hero Lidell Townsell and Australian singer Holly Backler. The album’s distinctive artwork was created in collaboration with Irish graffiti artist Maser.
Sisyphus – Reverie Sisyphus CD/LP (Asthmatic Kitty)
Sisyphus is the new name for the collaboration between Serengeti, Son Lux, and Sufjan Stevens (formally s/s/s), whose new project under this moniker is a self-titled album partly inspired by the art of Jim Hodges, and commissioned by the Walker Art Center and The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s Liquid Music series in Minneapolis/Saint Paul.
Skrillex – Recess CD (Atlantic)
“It’s not quite the same thing as pulling a Beyoncé, but a little more than a week ago, nobody even knew that the divisive dubstep moppet Skrillex was working on an album, and now that album, entitled Recess, is set to come out next week. The album is actually Skrillex’s full-length debut; to this date, he’s made his name on EPs and remixes and his face-melting DJ sets. The LP features collaborations from people like Chance The Rapper, Diplo, Niki & The Dove, Passion Pit frontman Michael Angelakos, and K-Pop stars G-Dragon and CL.” – Stereogum
The Spits – Kill The Kool CD/2xLP (In The Red)
Expanded re-release of the limited tour-only collection from these space-age mutant punk rockers.
Rod Stewart – Tonight’s The Night: Live 1976-1998 4xCD (WB)
Warner Bros. shines a spotlight on Stewart’s phenomenal legacy on stage with a four-disc collection that spans more than 20 years with 58 unreleased live recordings that include his biggest hits along with some incredible covers.
Taking Back Sunday – Happiness Is CD/LP (Hopeless)
Taking Back Sunday is back with their sixth studio album and first since joining Hopeless.
Christopher Tignor – Thunder Lay Down In The Heart CD/LP (Western Vinyl)
In the 90’s Christopher Tignor immersed himself in minimalism, working as an assistant for LaMonte Young while learning sound engineering on the job at a New York contemporary music festival produced by Philip Glass. He went on to refine his skills mixing live sound for bands at two of New York’s seminal clubs, CBGB’s and Brownies. More recently, Tignor has contributed his skills as violinist and string arranger both in the studio and on tour to This Will Destroy You, John Congleton’s Nighty Nite, and Lymbyc Systym.
Twilight – III: Beneath Trident’s Tomb CD/LP (Century Media)
New album from the black metal supergroup.
Tycho – Awake CD/LP (Ghostly International)
For years, Tycho was the solo musical alias of graphic designer Scott Hansen/ISO 50, but for Awake, a three-piece band has joined him. Relating closer to post-rock than ambient soundscapes, the record is situated in the present, sounding more like Hansen than drawing from his influences.
Colin Vallon/Patrice Moret/Julian Sartorius – Le Vent CD (ECM)
Like the wind celebrated in the title track, the Colin Vallon Trio has a subtle, insinuating power. From a still and silent place its music may breathe gently, or steadily build pressure until attaining an eruptive forcefulness. This sense of poetic compression and quiet relentlessness was evident on the ECM debut Rruga, but with leader Vallon now writing almost all of the program and new drummer Julian Sartorius detailing its floating rhythms, the Swiss trio has entered a brave new space where touch and inflection are more important than a solo gesture.
The War On Drugs – Lost In A Dream CD/LP (Secretly Canadian)
These tunes reveal a careful and thrilling reinvention of the sound that’s become The War On Drugs’ trademark. The signature meld of long tones and scattershot layers still stands, with phantom drum machines and organ lines dotting the musical middle distance all across Lost In The Dream.
White Suns – Totem CD/LP (The Flenser)
Totem is rock music realizing its obsolescence; the work of a band compelled to mutate. Exploring the intersection of punk and electronics, White Suns sculpt organic noise with detuned guitars, amplified drums and makeshift electronics, oscillating between crushingly dense assaults and articulate hushed passages.
Woo – When The Past Arrives CD/LP (Drag City)
Emboldened by the success of the recent reissue of It’s Cosy Inside, brothers Mark & Clive Ives had a listen to hundreds of previously unreleased tracks recorded in the ‘70s and ‘80s to assemble their first new record in two decades. When The Past Arrives is a collection of deceptively airy jams that are at once addictive and crystalline.
Y.G. – My Krazy Life CD (Def Jam)
New a collaboration between Pu$haz Ink and Jeezy’s Atlanta-based CTE label. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds three bonus tracks.
John Zorn – Fragmentations, Prayers, & Interjections CD (Tzadik)
The first release of Zorn’s orchestral work in over 15 years.
DVD + Blu-ray:
The Dukes Of September (Donald Fagen/Michael McDonald/Boz Scaggs) – DVD/Blu-ray (429)
Filmed in November of 2012, this concert features The Dukes Of September’s dynamic rock and soul revue with not only showcasing their well-known hits such as “Reelin’ In The Years,” “Lido Shuffle” and “Takin’ It To The Streets,” but also forays into rock and R&B gems such as “Sweet Soul Music” and “Love T.K.O.” 90 minutes.
Vinyl:
Bjelland Brothers/Taste Of New York – Sparkling Apple Juice b/w Can We Stay With You? (Split) 7” (Drag City)
Curated by Fred Armisen himself under his “Hometown Heroes” imprint, both Bjelland Brothers and Taste Of New York are little-heard pop music classics. If you’ve seen Fred’s SNL skits, then you know these bands.
Burnt Ones – Gift LP (Castle Face)
A potent blend of wide-eyed strummers on shifting sands is punctuated by blinking oscillators, left turns into wispy sound collage and tape manipulations, drug-rug-wrapped lushness and telephone whispers from a supremely stoned sounding Mark Tester, the guide through this cultish and vaguely sinister headphone-scape. CD version due March 25.
Jefre Cantu-Ledesma – Requiem (For Violin & Magnetic Tape) 10”+MP3 (Infinite Greyscale)
Cantu-Ledesma (The Alps, Tarentel) delivers a darkly beautiful and plaintive piece built of violin and tape loops. One-sided canary yellow vinyl.
John Coltrane – Dakar [Reissue/1957] LP (Fantasy)
For several reasons, Dakar occupies a sweet spot in John Coltrane s discography of the 1950s. The album places him in the context of two other saxophonists, baritone players, Cecil Payne and Pepper Adams, and a rhythm section comprised of Prestige all-stars Mal Waldron on piano, Doug Watkins on bass, and Art Taylor on drums. The setting yields tough-and-lovely ensemble work on almost every tune.
Converge – Live At The BBC 7” (Deathwish)
Live in the studio renditions of “Dark Horse,” “Axe To Fall,” “Damages,” as well as a rare, electrified version of “Hanging Moon” (the original You Fail Me recording features only acoustic guitars).
The Cramps – Flame Job [Reissue/1994] LP (Drastic Plastic)
On their self-produced sixth studio album, Flamejob, The Cramps returned to their punk/rockabilly-esque style, and of course, ratchet up the sexual double entendre. Available on HQ-200gm black or 150gm opaque red vinyl.
Current 93 – I Am The Last Of All The Field That Fell: A Channel 2xLP (Spheres)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. David Tibet’s collaborators this time around include Nick Cave, John Zorn, Andrew Liles, James Blackshaw, and members of The Groundhogs and Comus.
Direct Effect – Sunburn LP (Tiny Engines)
Youthful and reckless noise rock — loud to say the least — existing somewhere between ‘80s hardcore and ‘90s Nirvana worship.
The Ex – How Thick You Think b/w That’s Not A Virus 7” (Ex Records)
Two blinding new tracks by The Ex.
Ex Hex – Hot & Cold 7”+MP3 (Merge)
Ex Hex is a power trio hailing from Washington, DC, featuring Mary Timony (Helium, Wild Flag), Betsy Wright, amd Laura Harris.
Funkadelic – Funkadelic [Reissue/1970] LP (4 Men With Beards)
New color (yellow and red opaque) vinyl reissue of the 1970 debut from Detroit’s nastiest, most shredding progenitors of funk-rock.
Gluebag – Confused [2008] LP (Framework)
This Western Massachusetts three-piece blends the songwriting of late-‘60s rock with the urgency of American hardcore punk. Fans of Neil Young, Dead Moon take note.
Josefus – Dead Man [Reissue/1970] LP (Numero)
Dead Man is a 13th Floor Elevator descent headlong into southern-fried bloody Sabbath. Released on the Hookah imprint in 1970, the LP’s gaping cranium cover, sludged-up blues, and bone-bleached riffs outsold Let It Be, if only locally, being far “too psychedelic” and skull-crushing for Houston’s International Artists label to touch.
MØ – No Mythologies To Follow LP (RCA)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Debut album from the 24-year-old Danish singer/songwriter is a unique blend of bedroom beats, soul/punk/electro/R&B and pop harmonies.
Motorjesus – Electric Revelation LP (Artoffact Records)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Twelve tracks of explosive heavy metal, howling stoner-rock, and riff-crunching mania.
Lips N’ Ass – 2 Song 7” (Sixgunlover)
With respectful nods to the likes of The Soft Boys, Captain Beefheart, The New York Dolls and The Minutemen, this brand new act provides an excitingly fresh take on all established rock & roll. Jarring, yet danceable rhythms support simple guitar parts that quickly morph into controlled chaos.
Brad Mehldau + Mark Guiliana – Mehliana: Taming The Dragon LP (Nonesuch)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Mehliana is the debut album from the new electric duo of Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana. The two have been performing for several years, including a brief US tour this fall, with Mehldau playing Fender Rhodes and synthesizers and Guiliana on drums and effects, as they are on the record.
Nillson – Aerial Ballet [Reissue/1968] LP (Sundazed)
Nillson – Pandemonium Shadow Show [Reissue/1971] LP (Sundazed)
HQ-180gm mono editions.
Johnny Noise – The Day Is Coming LP (Siltbreeze)
For the discerning pinetoppers of contemporary, post-everything aggro grit, the name Johnny Noise should be synonymous with the sound of grizzled, sonic élan. One of the principal constructors of Los Llamarada’s estimable creepy crawl, Noise’s guitar howls and snarls went deep in guiding that band’s portent vision of bleak, psychedelic ache. And now he’s cast all his brut-moderne madrigals—drums, strings, vocals, the whole shebang—into a solo cauldron of hairy, distempered muzz for your consumption. Sounding like a lurching composite of Randy Holden, Bruce Gilbert, Steve Hall and Eric Hysteric, The Day Is Coming is the out-of-nowhere masterpiece of 2014 no one saw coming.
David Novick – Your Sister’s Hand LP (God? Records)
Your Sister’s Hand stands distinctly from his debut, bringing the deep-country campfire folk vibe in from the great out-of-doors, where the shape of the sound is more defined and more pronounced, forward and colorful in arrangement, all of which allows the songs to shine brighter. Released on Ty Segall’s God? imprint.
Nina Persson – Animal Heart LP (The End)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Nina Persson, lead singer of The Cardigans and A Camp, presents her debut solo album.
The Residents – Santa Dog [Reissue/1972] 2×7” (Superior Viaduct)
First-time vinyl reissue of The Resident’s landmark debut from 1972. A fully-formed avant-garde pastiche of musique concrète, Raymond Scott-esque exotica, television sound effects and the group’s own mutilated take on rock & roll that later became their trademark aesthetic.
The Residents – Residue Of The Residents [Reissue/1983] 2xLP (Superior Viaduct)
First-time vinyl reissue of the late ’70s/early ’80s Residents compilation. 14 bonus tracks including classics “Loser = Weed” and 1980’s Subterranean Modern compilation tracks.
Rob – Maniac [OST] LP (Death Waltz)
As is with many genre scores of recent times, Rob’s score is heavily indebted to the synth sounds of the ‘80s. It’s a really striking piece of work, absolutely grimy and sleazy and appropriately murderous, but with a real sense of melody. Behind the echoing electronics, there are flickers of humanity and even regret. But Rob also presents moments of euphoria, cemented with the floor-shaking finale “Juno,” with Chloe Alper’s amazing Goldfrapp-esque vocals. HQ-180gm on frosted clear wax.
Gabriel Saloman – Riots Don’t Just Happen 10” (Infinite Greyscale)
Saloman (Yellow Swans) begins “Riots Don’t Just Happen” with a shuddering drum roll before settling into a series of brooding, rumbling guitar drones. One-sided cherry red vinyl.
Silver Fox – Silver Fox LP (Upset The Rhythm)
Debut full-length from UK-based noisy pop band. Wistful and intuitive rock sketches with a hefty dose of dream-pop.
Still Sweet – Pirouette 7” (Edible Onion)
Still Sweet is equally indebted to the influences of ‘60’s girl groups and synth pop. The A-side is a sad and wistful tango centered on interweaving guitar, harp, and synth parts and features hollowed harmonies in a lonesome chorus. The B-side is even more subdued, a guitar based waltz that straddles the line between a pleasant stroll and a self-defeated crawl, a quick rumination on death both hopeful and cynical that briefly builds into layers of organ and synth textures before fading out to a lullaby.
Sunn O))) & Ulver – Terrestrials LP (Southern Lord)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New collaboration between two of the most respected avant-metal bands in the underground. Three movements which are fluid like the flow of magma beneath the Earth’s crust, sonically uninhibited, unpredictably cosmic, haunting and stirring yet simultaneously ceremonious and beautiful.
Tadzio – Queen Of The Invisible LP (Edible Onion)
Tadzio is a collaboration between visual artist and vocalist/violinist Mandy Katz and pianist Ross Lipton. Queen Of The Invisible is an episodic suite that inhabits the terrain between dissonance and harmony, narrative and fragmentation, and features lush orchestral instrumentation.
Twin Forks – Twin Forks LP (Dine Alone)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Twin Forks are Chris Carrabba (Dashboard Confessional) Suzie Zeldin (The Narrative), Ben Homola (Bad Books), and Jonathan Clark.
Unwound – Rat Conspiracy 3xLP (Numero)
Second installment in Numero’s exhaustive four-part Unwound reissue undertaking. The band’s advancing threat is captured in 32 tracks, a trove of house-show B&W period photographs, and a vivid 10,000-word narrative by latter-day Unwound diarist David Wilcox. Rat Conspiracy, its name a one-time working title for their 1993 debut — the earliest Kill Rock Stars LP — brings the roiling, watershed Fake Train into natural integration with its sibling record, 1994’s New Plastic Ideas. Both get exacting remaster and replica sleeve treatment, while the set’s third LP tracks the band’s restless work toward synthesis with the Mkultra & Negated 7″ material, previously unissued radio sessions, indie compilation rarities, and the spidery Minutemen cover “Plight.”
Dean Wareham – Dean Wareham LP (Double Feature)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Debut solo album from the former Galaxie 500/Luna frontman (following last year’s mini-album Emancipated Hearts). Nine new songs produced by Jim James (My Morning Jacket). Personnel include bassist Britta Philips and drummer Anthony LaMarca with Jim James on keyboards, guitars and backing vocals.
Warm Soda – Young Reckless Hearts LP (Castle Face)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Second album of power pop perfection from Matthew Melton’s latest group. “Melton’s talent, and he’s full of it, lies in the ability to write songs with irresistible melodies, carried and enlightened by a devastating art and sense of the riff. This delicious recipe takes him on a rock and roll, power pop and glam sauce, supported by a hilarious Rock And Roll High School-esque aesthetics as you can see in the video clips or material of all his projects.” – Foggygirlsclub.blogspot.com
Kanye West– 808s & Heartbreak [Reissue/2008] 2xLP+CD (Def Jam)
Kanye’s 2008 album is available once again on vinyl.
White Murder – White Murder LP (Razorcake)
Take the L.A. that Dangerhouse captured, double the Exene, strain it through John Reis’ exotic take on the California sun, pour in a brown Bronco’s worth of Long Beach, and enjoy the shadowy, hostile, born-in-a-bar elegance of White Murder. Songs that simultaneously latch and push away, the waves break and vanish, but the cracks in the sidewalk just keep getting bigger.
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