New Releases for February 24th, 2015

CDs + Vinyl:

Aether Drop – Mannequins CD (Agoge)

New album by the alternative/nu metal band from Rome, Italy. The band was formed by members of Zeroworld, Inkblade, Youthanasia, Rusty Row, and Quintoquarto.

Agonist – Eye Of Providence CD (Century Media)

This Montreal-based five-piece has established themselves as torchbearers of a new generation of Canadian metal.

Ahamkara – The Embers Of The Stars CD (Nordvis)

Perhaps it is arrogant to make the statement that there are very few bands in the black metal realm striving to make music like this anymore, but this is a blatant truth. Ahamkara have truly dug deep on their 2015 debut, The Embers Of The Stars, and birthed a world sculpting and endlessly atmospheric album for the ages that embraces a onetime Scandinavian darkness and innovation, while adopting an organic strain of modernity.

The Airborne Toxic Event – Dope Machines CD/LP (Epic)

“The Airborne Toxic Event has its roots grounded in sunny Los Angeles, California but their sound reminds me of a band out of London, England. The edgy guitar riffs and the melancholy voice of Mikel Jollett give The Airborne Toxic Event a sound that is similar to a hybrid of The Smiths and Muse. After their massive success with All At Once that featured the amazing track, ‘All I Ever Wanted’ and their less notable release, Such Hot Blood, The Airborne Toxic Event is looking to make some noise in the alternative music space with Dope Machines. ‘Chains’ is a track that brings The Airborne Toxic Event back to the sound from All At Once with the use of crescendos, decrescendos and varying levels of energy within the song.” – New Alt Sounds

Alcoa – Party Tricks CD/LP (Bridge Nine)

New album by Defeater singer/guitarist Derek Archambault — a slightly twangy and honest sound with shades of wistful, jangly ‘90s alternative rock acts.

Alien Ant Farm – Always & Forever CD (Executive Music)

“Always And Forever is a good old-fashioned hook-a-thon that proves Alien Ant Farm are – and continue to be – about more than just the one song.” – Rock Sound Magazine

All That Remains – The Order Of Things CD/2xLP+MP3 (Razor & Tie)

Working for the first time with producer Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Gojira) All That Remains pushed themselves creatively, continuing to evolve while remaining true to the principals that etched their place as purveyors of hard rock. The diversity on the album ranges from total brutality to a ballad, resulting in a cohesive journey from beginning to end.

Altan – The Widening Gyre CD (Compass)
On The Widening Gyre, Altan explores the musical relationship between American roots music and the traditional music of Ireland. Includes guest appearances by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Darol Anger, Alison Brown, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Todd Phillips Tim O’Brien and others.

BADBADNOTGOOD/Ghostface Killah – Sour Soul CD/LP (Lex)

“Everything about the formula for Sour Soul screams instant classic. Toronto trio BADBADNOTGOOD made a name for themselves over the last couple of years via a retro fusion of jazz and instrumental hip-hop. Part of that notoriety came from whip-smart covers of tracks by the likes of Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame, but also from imaginative, expressive originals — the keys/bass/drums trio acting as a younger generation of The Bad Plus, choosing their covers from the hip-hop and electronic canon rather than pop and rock. Pairing the Canadians with Ghostface Killah, a rap legend who excels over soulful, spacy throwback production, would seem to be beyond a no-brainer” – Consequence Of Sound. (Limited copies pressed on gold vinyl.)

Mahalia Barnes & The Soul Mates Featuring Joe Bonamassa – Ooh Yea! The Betty Davis Songbook CD (J&R Adventures)

Powerhouse singer Mahalia Barnes, one of the most impressive female vocalists to come out of Australia, and her band The Soul Mates have teamed up with American blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa to release an album of Betty Davis covers. Ooh Yea! The Betty Davis Songbook explores tracks from Davis sexy, raw funk records of the early ‘70s.

Bedemon – Child Of Darkness CD/LP+MP3 (Relapse)

Relapse presents the first legitimate release of the legendary Bedemon sessions. Assembled in the early ‘70s by sometimes-fifth Pentagram member and friend of the band Randy Palmer, Bedemon was a private project to record his doomy Black Sabbath-like songs filled with imagery of demons, darkness and drugs.

Big Sean – Dark Sky Paradise CD (G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam)

The rapper’s follow-up to 2013’s Hall Of Fame includes contributions with Skyscrapers, Drake, Kanye West, E-40, Christ Brown & Ty Dolla $ign, Jhené Aiko, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West & John Legend. Production credits come courtesy of Mike WiLL Made-It, DJ Dahi, Key Wane, Boi-1da, and Vinylz. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds two bonus tracks, which feature additional collaborations with PARTYNEXTDOOR and girlfriend Ariana Grande.

The Black Ryder – The Door Behind The Door CD/LP (The Anti-Machine Machine)

“Ethereal drone, ceremonial percussion, and dead-eyed harmonies carry on together until they build up to something sublime. There’s never really a climax because the whole thing feels like one overwhelming wave of gorgeous noise.” – Stereogum

Black Star Riders – Killer Instinct CD/2xCD (Nuclear Blast)

Fresh from the critically acclaimed debut album All Hell Breaks Loose in 2013, Black Star Riders release their sophomore studio album The Killer Instinct. In October 2014 the band gathered in Nashville, TN and entered the studio with Grammy award winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, The Foo Fighters, Alice In Chains, Mastodon) to record the album. Hard rock in the classic tradition. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a bonus CD. Vinyl version due March 3.

Anouar Brahem – Souvenance: Music for Oud, Quartet And String Orchestra CD (ECM)

The music of Souvenance, by turns graceful, hypnotic, and taut and starkly dramatic, was recorded in 2014 six years after oud-master Anouar Brahem’s last ECM album, The Astounding Eyes Of Rita. New directions for the music find Francois Couturier returning to the Brahem group, frequently supported by subtle string orchestration. The strings have a glowing transparency and fragility in these pieces, often providing shimmering texture against which the contributions of the quartet members and, above all, Anouar Brahem’s unique oud-playing stand out in bold relief.

Travis Bretzer – Waxing Romantic CD/LP (Mexican Summer)

Recorded at Gary’s Electric studio and produced by Jorge Elbrecht (Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffitti, Lansing-Dreiden), Waxing Romantic features members of Haunted Graffiti, James Richardson of MGMT and Regal Degal’s Josh da Costa. The album is very personal—it navigates the giddy and elated feelings of falling in love, and the process of looking back and reflecting on it. In keeping with the album’s ’70s pop mode, the lyrics are kept simple and sweet, but never cloying. RIYL: Orange Juice, Nick Lowe, Cass McCombs.

Brothers Born – Knife Wounds CD (Nine Mile)

Brothers Born is Joel Stroetzel (Killswitch Engage) and Michael Wyzik (Storm The Ohio). The project is a big departure from the metal of Stroetzel’s Killswitch Engage or the indie-Americana of Wyzik’s bands, occupying a musical middle-ground of sorts. Vinyl version due March 10.

Chris Brown/Tyga – Fan Of A Fan The Album CD (RCA)

New collaboration between Chris Brown and Tyga. Fan Of A Fan The Album features Pusha T, Wale, T.I., 50 Cent, Schoolboy Q, TY Dolla Sign, Boosie and Fat Trel, and is available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe includes a special booklet.

Eric Burdon & The Animals – Winds Of Change [Reissue/1967] CD/LP (Sundazed)
Eric Burdon & The Animals – The Twain Shall Meet [Reissue/1968] CD/LP (Sundazed)

Reeling from poor management decisions and inter-band strife, The Animals fell apart toward the end of 1966.
Seeking a rebirth, lead vocalist Eric Burdon relocated from London to California. There, Burdon assembled a new Animals lineup, retaining only drummer Barry Jenkins from the previous incarnation. Now known as Eric Burdon and The Animals, the group immersed themselves in the psychedelic culture of San Francisco and their sound followed suit. Burdon and the group returned in April 1968 with The Twain Shall Meet, continuing their psychedelic journey. “Monterey” chronicled the previous summer’s seminal festival while “Sky Pilot” reflected the growing anti-war sentiment as the Vietnam Conflict escalated. Steeped in a dense, layered sound full of electric guitars, sitars, strings, brass and washes of phased vocals, the album served notice that Burdon and company were totally in-step with America’s youth movement. (Vinyl version of Winds Of Change is mono, Twain Shall Meet is stereo)

Camper Van Beethoven – New Roman Times [Reissue/2004] CD/2xLP+MP3 (Omnivore)

Reissue of Camper Van Beethoven’s 2004 “sci-fi alternate-reality rock opera” — complete with four previously unissued bonus tracks.

Carach Angren – This Is No Fairy Tale CD/LP (Season Of Mist)

Extreme metal conjurers Carach Angren unleash their bold new album This Is No Fairytale. The album is a pitch-black story of isolation, degradation, and abuse whose narrative is as intense as the music that delivers it. The acclaimed trio weaves grandiose symphonic swells and surges with razor sharp guitars. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a bonus track and a necklace.

Michael Chapman – Window [Reissue/1971] CD/LP (Light In The Attic)

Every artist has a piece of work that niggles them-something that they wish they could redo, given the chance. For the prolific Michael Chapman, that album is Window, the missing link in the series of Chapman’s early albums being reissued by Light In The Attic Records. In 1970, signed to the hip Harvest label, Chapman was still an artist waiting for that first big success, perpetually skint and permanently touring to make ends meet. With that in mind, he aimed to make Window in as little time as possible because being in the studio meant not being on the road. Producer Gus Dudgeon-who’d been working with Elton John-had other ideas and booked Chapman and his band into one of the UK’s most expensive studios, Trident. Recorded with guitarist Phil Greenberg, violinist Johnny Van Derek, and pianist Alex Atterson, the album has a blend of electric and acoustic instruments, both traditional and experimental at once, synthetic sounds melding with fingerpicked guitars.

Chicago – Live In ’75 2xCD (Rhino)

After releasing its eighth consecutive gold album in just six years, Chicago embarked upon a massive stadium tour in 1975 that’s considered to be one of its finest. The shows found the group at the pinnacle of its prowess, combining the jaw-dropping musicality and contagious onstage energy that made Chicago one of the most successful acts in American pop history. This two-disc set contains two hours of previously unreleased performances recorded June 24-26 at the Capital Centre in Largo, Maryland. The collection is presented in a hardbound slipcase accompanied by a foldout poster that features rare photos from the tour.

Chocolat –Tss Tss CD/LP Born Bad)

Pop music and hypnotic rock at white heat.

Crisopa – A Lucid Dream Kit CD (n5MD)
It’s been nearly three years since we last heard from occupational educator and experimental electronic music production moonlighter Santiago Lizon’s Crisopa nom de plume. As with all his previous work, there are moments that can be compared to Boards Of Canada but those moments are tastefully fleeting. A Lucid Dream Kit is somewhat akin in stylistic theory to some of Four Tet’s early work however with a denser cinematic pallet.

Drew Dave – Synthbased CD/LP (Mello Music)
Mello Music Group’s newest Washington, DC discovery, Drew Dave, creates jazzy instrumental hip-hop reminiscent of Blue Note and Pete Rock at their finest.

CeDell Davis – Last Man Standing 2xCD (Sunyata)

CeDell Davis is an 88 year-old delta blues legend whose ancient, dusty voice sounds as rich as the Mississippi Delta he grew up next to. Recorded on location in Water Valley, Mississippi, Last Man Standing contains songs from his storied 70-year career, with an all-star backing band that includes Screaming Trees/Mad Season/Walking Papers drummer Barrett Martin, Squirrel Nut Zippers guitarist Jimbo Mathus, Zipper’s bassist Stu Cole, and blues guitarists Zakk and Greg Binns. This double-disc set also contains CeDell’s 2002 live album When Lightnin’ Struck The Pine featuring R.E.M.’s Peter Buck on guitar and Barrett Martin on drums.

Dan Deacon – Gliss Riffer CD/LP (Domino)

“Dan Deacon’s Gliss Riffer is his first new full-length since 2012, and his first album since his 2007 breakthrough Spiderman Of The Rings that Deacon recorded and produced entirely on his own. Early singles “Feel The Lightning” and “Learning To Relax” served as good reminders of the spirited, Technicolor world that Deacon inhabits when he’s on his A-game, and the album follows in a similar vein. The Baltimore producer has made yet another record that’s deliriously all over the place, but still feels like something you’d want to spend a lot of time with.” – Stereogum

Melanie De Biasio – No Deal CD/LP (PIAS America)

Melanie De Biasio is already an acclaimed artist in her home country of Belgium and their neighbor France. She has been called the Belgian Billie Holiday and, to be fair, there is something delicately haunting about her voice. If No Deal does have an immediate relative in jazz, then perhaps it is Nina Simone’s debut Little Girl Blue.

Demrick/Cali Cleve – Losing Focus CD (Battle Axe)

Demrick, known in the hip-hop world as a member of the collective Serial Killers, releases his first album on Battle Axe Records (Swollen Members and Madchild). Key tracks include ‘”Skyscraper” featuring Logic and “We Still Here” featuring Dizzy Wright. Includes tracks with Madchild of Swollen Members.

Kristin Diable – Create Your Own Mythology CD/LP (Thirty Tigers)

Having already proven herself as one of New Orleans fastest rising stars, Diable aims to broaden her reach on Create Your Own Mythology, dipping into R&B, Americana, and full blown rock & roll.

Diamond Rugs – Cosmetic CD/LP (Sycamore)

In rock journalism, the term supergroup is often doled out a little too easy. But Diamond Rugs fit the bill in the most valiant ways — Deer Tick’s John McCauley & Robbie Crowell, former Black Lips guitarist Ian St. Pé, Dead Confederate’s T. Hardy Morris, Los Lobos’ Steve Berlin and Six Finger Satellite’s Bryan Dufresne. On the band’s new sophomore LP, Cosmetics, each musician maintains the distinct personality you loved about ‘em in the first place, while at the same time locking in like puzzle pieces, feeding off each other in a way that d make most full-time bands jealous as hell, and leaving in their wake a breezy, wide-open, unpretentious set of rock & roll songs that beg you to dance your ass off.

Dirty Passion – Dirty Passion CD (Denomination)

Third third album from the sleazy Swedish hard rockers. Recommended fans of Pretty Maids, Axxis, Edguy, and Masterplan.

Dr. Feelgood – I’m A Man: The Best Of The Wilko Johnson Years 1974-1977 CD (Rhino/Parlophone)
Parlophone harnesses the power and excitement of the group’s early years with a new 16-track collection that mixes remastered versions of studio and live recordings including hits such as “Roxette,” “Cheque Book,” and “Sneakin’ Suspicion.”

DRKWAV – The Purge CD (The Royal Potato Family)

DRKWAV is Skerik (saxophones), John Medeski (keyboards) and Adam Deitch (drums). The three master musicians have come together for The Purge, an entirely uncompromising debut album that delves deep into the psychedelic corners of the human psyche. Vinyl version due March 3.

Eartheater – Metalepsis CD/Cassette (Hausu Mountain)

Eartheater (multi-instrumentalist Alexandra Drewchin) creates a strain of free-associative electronic pop spiked with experiments in the drone and noise traditions. As the frontwoman of the ecstatic avant-psych ensemble Guardian Alien, Drewchin dives into extended improvisations in pursuit of the fearless release of emotions and sounds beyond the capacity of premeditation. On her debut solo full-length Metalepsis, Eartheater traces the opposite trajectory: the deliberate distillation of voice, synths, guitar, and studio production techniques into cyborg compositions teeming with crystalline details.

Echodrone – Five CD (Saint Marie)

A blend of shoegaze and electronic elements.

Eclipse – Armageddonize CD (Inner Wound/Frontiers)

New album from the melodic hard rock band. Vinyl version due March 31.

The Electric Peanut Butter Co. – Trans-Atlantic Psych Classics Vol. 1 CD/LP+MP3 (Ubiquity)

The dynamic duo of Shawn Lee and Adrian Quesada return with another album of ‘60s psychedelic goodness. Trans-Atlantic Psych Classics Vol. 1 has a heavier psych vibe than it’s predecessor but deftly continues a logical progression for the duo.

The Elwins – Play For Keeps CD (Hidden Pony)

The Elwins are a pop band from the lakeside town of Keswick, Ontario that specialize in writing bright infectious songs. “On the surface everything about the Elwins’ second studio album is whimsical, light, and fizzy, from the colorful building blocks on the album cover to the first bouncing beats of ‘Bubble.’ The fivesome from Ontario produce indie pop that brings to mind Pop Rocks and Coke: crunchy, sweet, sizzling with good humor and fun, and crackling wickedly with energy. But like any semi-explosive concoction, there’s an element of complex and dark inner workings to the tracks. While the Elwins produce a form of breezy, infectious pop with ease, it’s layered over an underlying current of darker questions and revelations, and it’s this pairing of light and dark that makes the music stick with you” – Panic Manual. Vinyl version due March 24.

Ensiferum – One Man Army CD (Metal Blade)

New album from the Finnish folk metallers. Vinyl version due March 24.

Eternal Death – Eternal Death CD (Labrador)

Swedish duo Eternal Death has been described as “The perfect mix of Sabrina and Burial.” Accurate or not, it is true that their debut album is an glorious, explosive one revolving around evanescence, death and sparkling pop melodies. “Mysterious Swedish act Eternal Death is back with a new sensational disco hit. ‘Bullet’ is a sparkling witch house track that screams and shouts around the exciting, haunting female vocals of Elin Berlin. You’re probably not used to see this kind of music coming from Labrador Records (with the exception of the latest stuff from Club 8, maybe), but Eternal Death’s debut album is shaping as one of the best releases of the year.” – Going Solo

Eternal Tapestry – Wild Strawberries CD/2xLP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
Portland, Oregon’s sonic explorers Eternal Tapestry have always had a feeling of interplay between their impressionistic music and the dense forests that surround their hometown, but on their newest album, Wild Strawberries, they take that naturalistic inspiration to a new level. Wild Strawberries is a massive double album, which was recorded in a secluded cabin under the shadow of Mount Hood in Zigzag, OR. The Zigzag River flowed nearby, and the group spent time between takes learning about the area s floral make up and relaxing under the stars. This idealistic lifestyle, however temporary, helped to chart the course of the recording process. Wild Strawberries artwork and song titles, which are named after plants specific to the region, both speak to the influence of that environment.

Ewert And The Two Dragons – Circles CD/LP+MP3 (Sire/Rhino)

Despite the impressive journey Ewert And The Two Dragons have already been on, there’s always somewhere new to go. The four-piece band started playing covers in their native Estonia and has since become a worldwide draw thanks to smart, quirky pop songs and a slew of major awards.

Falling In Reverse – Just Like You CD (Epitaph)

Third studio album by American post-hardcore band.

Fashawn – The Ecology CD (Mass Appeal)

After releasing his critically acclaimed debut album Boy Meets World in 2009, Fashawn went silent. Now that he is signed to Nas’ Mass Appeal Records he has gotten his second wind drops his sophomore effort. The Ecology features Nas, Dom Kennedy, Aloe Blacc, BJ The Chicago Kid with production provided by Exile, Beewirks, The Alchemist and more. Vinyl version due April 7.

Free Nelson Mandoom Jazz – Awakening Of A Capital CD (Rarenoise)

Following on the strength of their provocative double EP, Shape Of Doomjazz To Come/Saxophone Giganticus, the Scottish free jazz-meets-doom/stoner rock trio Nelson Mandoomjazz performs more crunching anthems on Awakening Of A Capital. Vinyl version due March 10.

Future Brown – Future Brown CD/LP (Warp)

Often dubbed a “supergroup”, each member of Future Brown is a seasoned artist across genres. Fatima Al Qadiri, a Kuwaiti musician and visual artist, last year debuted her LP Asiatisch to critical acclaim via the infamous Hyperdub. L.A.-based Daniel Pineda and Asma Maroof have been producing and DJing as Nguzunguzu for the Fade To Mind crew and worked with rappers Le1f, M.I.A and R&B singer Kelela. J-Cush, runs Lit City Trax from NYC, a label providing an outlet for urban music from every corner of the globe including the late Chicago footwork legend DJ Rashad. Presenting vocal collaborators with strains of sonic ideas they would never encounter otherwise, Future Brown manage to catalyze a cosmopolitan, experimental approach to contemporary urban sounds.

Gamma Pulse – Dead But Dreaming CD (Bullet Tooth)

Debut album from this five-piece hardcore band from Indianapolis, IN. Gamma Pulse is most well known for their highly energetic and crazy live shows and they have been fine tuning their performance on stage this past year with Sleeping With Sirens, Attack Attack!, Black Veil Brides, The Ghost Inside, Of Mice & Men, I See Stars, and We Came As Romans.

Gang Of Four – What Happens Next CD/LP (Metropolis)

“Following the release of 2011’s Content, UK post-punk outfit Gang of Four underwent some lineup changes. Specifically, 2012 saw the departure of frontman Jon King, replaced by former Gaoler’s Daughter frontman John Sterry. The young singer now leads a lineup that includes bassist Thomas McNeice and the group’s sole original member, singer-guitarist Andy Gill. So, perhaps Gang of Three might be a bit more accurate nowadays? Musically, album track ‘Broken Talk’ is what we’ve come to expect from Gang of Four: jagged rock & roll facilitated by Gill’s angular guitars and some truly under-stated but effective drumming. However, the inclusion of Mosshart adds something new to the equation, as her punk-rock-Pat-Benatar croon adds a much-needed sense of organic romanticism to the band. It may only be a temporary partnership, but it definitely helps to define the band’s new era.” – Consequence Of Sound

John T. Gast – Excerpts CD/LP+MP3 (Planet Mu)

“Outstanding, otherworldly debut album proper by the Hype Williams collaborator known as Henny Moan and John T. Gast. An ambient enigma steeped in post-hypnagogic tristesse, Excerpts is a cryptic hash of mutant dance music, lo-fi pop, and screwed lounge styles every bit as skewed and enigmatic as you might hope from someone who’s worked so closely with Dean Blunt and Inga Copeland. Highly recommended.” — Boomkat

The Gibson Brothers – Brotherhood CD (Rounder)

Brotherhood is both a homecoming as well as a confident and creative step forward for the Gibson Brothers. With this work, they pay homage to those who came before, through a brilliant collection of covers, originally made famous by some of the classic brother duets of the past.

Colleen Green – I Want To Grow Up CD/LP+MP3 (Hardly Art)

I Want To Grow Up, the latest collection of songs from L.A. songstress Colleen Green, follows a newly 30-year-old Green as she carefully navigates a minefield of emotion. Her firm belief in true love is challenged by the inner turmoil caused by entering modern adulthood, but that doesn’t mean that her faith is defeated. This time, she’s got a little help from her friends: the full band heard here includes JEFF The Brotherhood’s Jake Orrall and Diarrhea Planet’s Casey Weissbuch, who collaborated with Green over ten days at Sputnik Sound in Nashville, TN.

JJ Grey & Mofro – Ol’ Glory CD/LP+MP3 (Provogue)

Ol’ Glory contains 12 new songs that feature the deep, soulful blend of blues, rock, folk, funk, gospel, gritty R&B and personal, Southern-inspired narratives that have become synonymous with JJ Grey & Mofro. The album showcases the strength of Mofro members Anthony Cole (drums and percussion), Andrew Trube (guitar), Anthony Farrell (piano/organ), Todd Smallie (bass) and Dennis Marion (trumpet) and Jeff Dazey (saxophone). Special guests include Luther Dickinson on dobro and electric slide guitar and Derek Trucks on electric slide guitar.

Steve Gunn And Black Twig Pickers – Seasonal Hire CD/LP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)

Seasonal Hire is a collaborative album between Steve Gunn and The Black Twig Pickers that combines Gunn’s circular, meditative guitar playing with the Twigs energetic mastery of old time instrumentation.

Jesse Harris With Star Rover – No Wrong No Right CD (Dangerbird)

Across his genre-spanning career, Jesse Harris has built a sterling reputation as a tireless and inquisitive collaborator, working with artists as diverse as Bright Eyes, Cat Power, Feist, M. Ward, Melody Gardot, Mike Patton, John Zorn, Solomon Burke, Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris. For his latest project, Harris was drawn to the adventurous and free musical ethos of the experimental Brooklyn duo Star Rover. Vinyl version due April 7.

Peppermint Harris – Bad Bad Whiskey: The Jewel Records Sessions CD (Airline)

Like so many blues shouters of his generation, Pep’s career faded due to the mid-‘50s rock & roll onslaught. A decade later, Harris was signed to Stan Lewis’s Shreveport, LA-based Jewel Records, updating his approach to improve his commercial prospects. That strategy didn’t work, but the results, gathered here, make for a mighty nice CD. 21 recordings.

Emile Haynie – We Fall CD/LP (Interscope)

Songwriter and producer Emile Haynie has worked with everyone from Eminem and Kanye to FKA twigs and Lana Del Rey. His debut album, We Fall features a whopping all-star cast. Previously, Haynie has released the Charlotte Gainsbourg/Devonté Hynes/Sampha collaboration “A Kiss Goodbye” and the Brian Wilson/Andrew Wyatt (of Miike Snow) collaboration “Falling Apart.” The album will also feature Randy Newman, the xx’s Romy Madley Croft, Lykke Li, Julia Holter, Father John Misty, Rufus Wainwright, Nate Ruess of fun., and Colin Blunstone of the Zombies.

Hot Sugar – God’s Hand CD/LP+MP3 (Break World Records)

The innovative productions of Hot Sugar (nee Nick Koenig) on the Muscle Milk and Moon Money EPs and tracks with artists including Das Racist, Kitty, Antwon, Big Baby Gandhi and the Roots helped to cement his status as one of the underground’s hottest beat-makers. God’s Hand is his debut LP. Koenig has pioneered the production style of ‘associative music’ in a process of manipulating recordings from non-traditional sources and everyday life which are then repurposed into their own unique sounds that make the audience hear the world around them in a whole new way.

Inquisition – Invoking The Majestic Throne Of Satan [Reissue/2002] CD/2xLP (Season Of Mist)

Reissue of the black metal band’s 2002 album. Available on CD and on Collector’s Edition vinyl packed in genuine cow leather sleeves with hand-numbered inner sleeves on crystal clear wax limited to 200 copies worldwide.

Iron & Wine – Archive Series Volume No. 1 CD/2xLP+MP3 (Black Cricket Recordings Co.)

Sam Beam gathers otherwise unreleased home recordings, covers, live sets, and curiosities from his entire career as Iron And Wine and releases them on his own label, Black Cricket Recordings Co. The songs on Volume No. 1 came to life at the same times as those selected for Iron And Wine’s debut album, The Creek Drank The Cradle (2002). Performed and recorded at home on a four-track cassette, some of this material has been widely bootlegged, but has never been widely released. (Limited copies pressed on white vinyl.)

Issa – Crossfire CD (Frontiers)

Norwegian melodic rock queen Issa is back with her fourth studio album, Crossfire. Think Roxette meets Romeo’s Daughter melded with ‘80s Heart albums.

Izah – Sistere CD (Nordvis)

Across four heavy atmospheric compositions, Izah takes you from serene post-rock passages to crushing hardcore grooves, from dark ambient to free form noise and from hypnotizing black metal to massive walls of sludge.

Danny James – Pear CD/LP+MP3 (Burger)

Recently released on vinyl – now available on CD. While Danny James’ Pear beautifully occupies the space of ‘70s mellow pop vibes, he also manages to reinvent the concept of retro.

Paul Jones – Suddenly I Like It CD (Airline)

Paul Jones is the legendary British Invasion singer who sang the Manfred Mann hits “Do Wah Diddy Diddy,” “Sha La La,” “Pretty Flamingo,” “If You Gotta Go Go Now,” “Oh No Not My Baby,” “Come Tomorrow” and “5-4-3-2-1” (the Ready Steady Go TV theme song).

Mat Kearney – Just Kids CD/LP (Republic)

Just Kids came together over the past few years while Mat toured the world. For the very first time, he built a portable studio on his bus, and he cut songs all over the globe from Los Angeles and Sweden to his home studio in Nashville. Most of this vision is a product of his own production, but he had a little help from MDL (Maroon 5, Justin Bieber) as well as frequent collaborator Josh Crosby. Known for ubiquitous anthems such as “Nothing Left To Lose,” “Hey Mama,” and “Ships In The Night,” his music has been featured in countless television shows and films ranging from Soul Surfer and Parenthood to The Closer, NCIS, 30 Rock, and Vampire Diaries.

Kid Rock – First Kiss CD (WB)

Kid Rock’s tenth studio album was self-produced (with the exception of two songs which were co-produced by Dann Huff) and was recorded at his studio in Michigan.

Daniel Knox – Daniel Knox CD/LP+MP3 (Carrot Top)

Third LP from gifted Chicago songwriter, composer, filmmaker, arranger, and piano player. While Daniel Knox’s work fits somewhere amidst the broader backdrop of American Popular Song, in recent years his compositions and arrangements have grown increasingly more informed by film score and opera, perhaps owing to his longtime job as projectionist at Chicago’s eighty-five year old treasure, the Music Box. “A weird balance of Scott Walker & Harry Nilsson.”—Time Out NY

Kult Offenzivy – Nauky Ruznic CD (Deathgasm)

New album from the black metal band from the Czech Republic.

Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders – Playmates CD (Self Portrait)

Three years after the acclaimed Hurtsville and a move from the inner city of Sydney, Australia to the Blue Mountains, Jack Ladder returns with his new album Playmates. The album’s songs are muscular, raw — yet polished to the texture of a skyscraper. The lyrics themselves are haunting; they possess the poetic slur of a black-pupilled vision of romantic despair, love’s unsure footing and a palpable air of Ballardian discord beneath the surface. The songs pulse with life. Synthesizers and drum machines rub shoulders with glam guitars and pedal steel, while above all, Ladder’s granite baritone slashes at love and darkness like a heavy blade. He is a tender, persistent lover; a despairing prince at the battlements. Sharon Van Etten contributes vocals to two tracks. Vinyl version due March 10.

Last Giant – Heavy Habitat CD/LP+MP3 (Little One Ate The Big One)

“There’s a definite good-time vibe running throughout Last Giant‘s Heavy Habitat in songs like ‘Captain My Captain,’ ‘Jef Leppard’ and the swing-happy ‘Ginger Baker,’ and of course there’s bound to be some comparison since the band — a solo-project of RFK Heise (ex-System And Station) in the studio, a trio live — worked with engineer Adam Pike, who also helmed the last Red Fang album, but the truth is there’s much more lurking under the surface of Heavy Habitat than skate-rock grooves and cheap-beer worship.” – The Obelisk

Lead Belly – The Smithsonian Folkways Collection 5xCD (Smithsonian Folkways)

The first career-spanning box set dedicated to the American music icon features 108 tracks (16 previously unreleased) and a 140-page book. Released as part of Lead Belly’s 125th year celebration.

Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti [Reissue/1975] 2xCD/3xCD/3xCD+3xLP+MP3/2xLP+MP3/3xLP+MP3 (Atlantic)

Digitally remastered edition of Led Zeppelin’s 1975 double album. CD and HQ-180gm vinyl available in Standard double-disc or Deluxe Editions. The Deluxe triple-CD/LP edition adds a bonus disc containing seven previously unreleased alternate versions of tracks from the album. The Super Deluxe Edition gathers all formats in a lavish box, packaged with a hardbound 96-page book and a high-quality print of the original album cover.

Like A Storm – Awaken The Fire CD (Century Media)

New album from the New Zealand-based hard rockers.

The Lions – Soul Riot CD (Stones Throw)

Inspired by reggae, sound system culture and the myriad of musical styles influenced by Jamaican music old and new, The Lions’ sound is firmly placed in soul music.

Lost Lander – Medallion CD/LP+MP3 (Glad I Did Recordings)

Lost Lander’s Medallion was recorded with producer Brent Knopf (Ramona Falls, Menomena), but also owes its current form to Sheehy’s bandmates; keyboardist Fennell, drummer Patrick Hughes and ex-bassist Dave Lowensohn. Medallion also features Beirut trumpet player Kelly Pratt, Akron/Family’s Dana Jenssen, and new bass and guitar player, William Seiji Marsh. “Deeply personal and emotionally charged.” – Rolling Stone

The Lowest Pair – The Sacred Heart Sessions CD/LP (Team Love)

The Lowest Pair features the duel banjo picking of Kendl Winter and Palmer T. Lee. Draped in Kendl’s high lonesome harmonies and Palmer’s Midwest croon, The Sacred Sessions is their sophomore release.

Make Do And Mend – Don’t Be Long CD/LP (Rise)

“It’s been three years since Make Do And Mend’s last full-length, a relatively short timespan that can’t help but feel like lifetime in the post-hardcore scene. In those three years the Connecticut band’s contemporaries—most notably Touché Amoré and La Dispute—have released their most accomplished works to date. Thankfully, Make Do And Mend is ready to prove all that time off wasn‘t time wasted. Don’t Be Long is a record that shows the band’s muscular take on Hot Water Music’s Epitaph-era hasn’t withered with age.” – A.V. Club

Makeshift Shelters – Something So Personal CD/LP (Broken World Media)

Since its heyday in the mid-to-late ‘00s, it certainly seems like pop-driven indie rock has been spoken for. To some that may be the case, but Makeshift Shelters is adding to the conversation while simultaneously creating their own. The Washington D.C. locals use their first LP, Something So Personal, to channel their dynamic mastery of pop and indie with songs that shake the floorboards in more ways than one.

Malik B And Mr. Green – Unpredictable CD (Enemy Soil)

With his popular Live From The Streets web series (Noisey/Vice), Mr. Green has forged a reputation for harnessing the serendipitous musical moments that arise from life’s chance encounters with talented musicians. So when he had one of those encounters with the Legendary Roots Crew emcee, Malik B, outside of The Roots’ Annual Picnic in 2012, it made perfect sense that they would turn a brief moment of mutual inspiration into a full-fledged collaborative album.

The Manhattans – With These Hands/A Million To One [Reissue/1971/1972] 2xCD (Funky Town Grooves)
The Manhattans – There’s No Me Without You [Reissue/1973] CD (Funky Town Grooves)
The Manhattans – That’s How Much I Love You [Reissue/1974] CD (Funky Town Grooves)
The Manhattans – Too Hot To Stop It [Reissue/1985] CD (Funky Town Grooves)

Digitally remastered and expanded editions of five albums by legendary soul male vocal group.

James McMurtry – Complicated Game CD/LP (Complicated Game)

With a reputation for being one of the finest lyricists around, James McMurtry crafts his songs with such clarity and precision that makes him stand in a class all in his own. Since his 1989 debut Too Long In The Wasteland (produced by John Mellencamp), McMurtry has maintained his uncompromising vision and vivid storytelling to much acclaim throughout his career. With Complicated Game, recorded and produced in New Orleans with producer CC Adcock, the Texan songwriter brings a fresh perspective to the studio exploring more expansive instrumentation and arrangements while retaining a sharp focus on his masterful guitar work and his poetic storytelling style.

Keath Mead – Sunday Dinner CD/LP+MP3 (Company Records)

The 25-year-old South Carolina native’s debut album is as pleasurable as a drive along the coast, as comforting as a day out with friends, and as sweet as pie after lunch. Steeped in the classic sounds of ‘60s and ‘70s pop singer/songwriters, Mead is just as influenced by contemporary artists such as The Shins’ James Mercer and Jack White. The album was recorded in only eight days—over the span of nine months—with the help of Chaz Bundick (Toro Y Moi, Les Sins). Bundick hosted Mead in his Berkeley, CA home studio for the recording.

The Mighty Sceptres – All Hail The Mighty Sceptres! CD/LP (Ubiquity)

All Hail The Mighty Sceptres! boldly announces the arrival of the band and is also the rightful title of their debut album. Nick Radford and Angeline Morrison have crafted an extraordinary collection of songs showcasing their love of all things “soul,” from funk, R&B, jazz, and doo-wop with just a bit of rock, all informed by the sound and attitude of the ‘60s.

MisterWives – Our Own House CD (Photo Finish/Republic)

“Depending on your perspective, New York’s MisterWives is either an indie band with the sonic sensibilities of a top-tier pop act or a radio-ready pop group with a more bohemian bent than the average Top 40 aspirant. [The album’s] title track pairs a thumping disco beat with a soaring, emotional melody from lead singer Mandy Lee, combining the best parts of Lorde and The Gossip.” – Entertainment Weekly

Mucca Pazza – Lya CD (Leather Bus)

20-odd piece ensemble Mucca Pazza assembled itself in 2004. With mismatched uniforms, improvised marching maneuvers, speaker helmets and deconstructed cheerleading, Mucca Pazza trail-blazed the “weird as we wanna be” theatrical and visual aesthetic, while exhibiting real musical talent, playing mostly through-composed original compositions that tend to land somewhere between Zappa and Morricone. Atonal harmonies, odd time signatures and labyrinthine melodies are as likely to pop up as sweet brass chords, catchy whistlers and solid grooves.

Muck – Your Joyous Future CD/LP (Prosthetic)

New album from the Icelandic hardcore/indie-punk group.

Tisziji Munoz & John Medeski – Songs Of Soundlessness CD (MRI Associated)

Renowned Late Night musician Paul Shaffer, in his autobiography We’ll Be Here For The Rest Of Our Lives, describes Munoz as a mentor and inspiration for his musical career. Pharoah Sanders has said, “He’s the only guitar player I really know that I can play with.” Songs Of Soundlessness is another rare demonstration of original spiritual jazz from Munoz and John “Lam Sobo” Medeski, who once again offers stunning, creative and inspired performances in this most challenging yet rewarding mode of jazz.

New Disorder – Straight To The Pain CD/LP (Agoge)

New album by the alt-metal quintet from Italy. New Disorder’s music is a mix of rock, metal and punk flowing in a unique, solid sound, made by fast drumming, powerful guitar riffs and catchy melodies.

Oceans Ate Alaska – Lost Isles CD (Fearless)

Stemming from Birmingham, UK, the furious five-piece Oceans Ate Alaska offers a progressive strain of experimental modern metalcore.

Of Mice & Men – Restoring Force: Full Circle 2xCD (Rise)

Deluxe edition of the metalcore band’s 2014 album, Restoring Force, expanded with a disc of four new tracks. Vinyl edition due March 24.

Os Brazões – Os Brazões [Reissue/1969] CD/LP (Mr. Bongo)

Os Brazões self-titled album was originally released on RGE Discos in 1969. It is a psychedelic masterpiece that fuses samba, R&B and rock & roll influences using fuzz guitars, synths, percussion, lush vocals and effects.

Elvis Perkins – I Aubade CD/LP (MIR)

Elvis Perkins’ third album I Aubade is a more autonomous effort than his previous releases; Ash Wednesday (2007), the eponymous Elvis Perkins In Dearland and subsequent Doomsday EP (2009) were group efforts. “I had the impulse to hear what would happen if left to and with my own devices,” says Perkins. “Not surprisingly this is the thing that sounds the most, to me, like myself.” That said, a number of musicians, including Nick Kinsey and Wyndham Boylan-Garnett of Dearland, drummer Otto Hauser and multi-instrumentalist Frank Fairfield contributed to the album. Singer Cornelia Livingston is featured on several tracks and long time collaborator Becky Stark of Lavender Diamond makes an appearance as well.

The Pop Group – Citizen Zombie CD/2xCD/LP+MP3 (Freaks R Us)

The post punk provocateurs, one of the most wildly innovative and barrier-shattering bands to emerge from the late ‘70s era, release their first studio recording in 35 years. Citizen Zombie was produced by Paul Epworth (Adele, U2, Florence & The Machine). Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds the four-track bonus disc Versions Galore as well as a patch, two art cards, a post card and a badge.

Sam Prekop – Republic CD/LP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)

Regardless of the style he is working in, Sam Prekop’s music is always imbued with a sense of wide-eyed discovery and exploration. As the singer and guitarist of The Sea And Cake, Prekop has incorporated elements of traditional styles from around the world. In recent years, he has also established himself as a modular synthesist, building his instrument meticulously to find the perfect combination of oscillators, sequencers, limiters and filters to create a system that allows him to create sounds that are surprising and inviting. His new album, The Republic, is his latest synthesizer work, following 2010’s Old Punch Card, and showcases Prekop’s talent for creating expressive music through mechanical patterns, repetitions, and chance.

Public Service Broadcasting – The Race For Space CD/2xLP (Test Card Recordings)

Working with exclusive archive footage from the British Film Institute, The Race For Space tells story of the American and Soviet space race from 1957-1972 via the duo’s eccentric mix of guitar-driven electronica, propulsive drumming and spoken word samples culled from this uniquely rich period of modern history.

Quiet Company – Transgressor CD/LP (Modern Outsider)

Through the release of three LPs and endless touring, the Austin, Texas band Quiet Company has been making a name for themselves nationally with their energetic live shows and their anthemic, dynamic, indie rock which critics have called a mix of The Beatles, Death Cab for Cutie, Arcade Fire and Weezer.

Revolution Saints – Revolution Saints CD (Frontiers)

New album from the melodic hard rock supergroup featuring Deen Castronovo (Journey, Bad English), Jack Blades (Night Ranger, Damn Yankees), and Doug Aldrich (Burning Rain, ex-Whitesnake, ex-Dio).

Romare – Projections CD/2xLP+MP3 (Ninja Tune)

With the gripping shock of the new that announces the best records of the genre – from Entroducing through Blue Lines to Ambient Classics – Romare has both a singular style, and great deal to say with it. Projections comes off like Voodoo Ray reworked by DJ Shadow; its drumming littered with infectious swing, its samples illuminating and attention gripping, its atmosphere pronounced and consistent, and its riffs and hooks heavy – and unabashedly joyous.

RST & Lenz – Heavy With Illusion CD (Metal Postcard)

The seventh album from NZ experimental guitarist Andrew Moon (RST), and his first collaboration with Lenz, the lead singer of Shanghai band Goushen. Interspersed with instrumental interludes, the mood of Heavy With Illusion constantly shifts. Familiar drone signatures appear but are re-contextualized by the human voice, as heavy space-stomping glam-doom riffs buoy soaring spoken word love-verses.

Ruby The Hatchet – Valley Of The Snake CD/LP (Tee Pee)

Philadelphia psychedelic doom-bringers Ruby The Hatchet’s music fuses the sinister tactic of brainwash with blistering riffs and the rebellious mood of sorcery, re-imagining a different path for metal. “Ruby The Hatchet doubles down on the spooky and on the fuzz. This lady-fronted, occultic rock band knows how to write tunes that groove.’” — Man Made

Arthur Russell – Calling Out Of Context [Reissue/2004] CD (Audika)

The compilations that started the renaissance. In 2002, Audika Records entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with the estate of Arthur Russell to compile and issue previously unreleased and out of print material from Arthur’s vast archive. This first album Calling Out Of Context, features 12 previously unreleased tracks of Buddhist Bubblegum Alt Disco Pop recorded during Arthur’s prime years 1985-‘90. Vinyl version due March 17.

Screaming Females – Rose Mountain CD/LP (Don Giovanni)

Screaming Females had such a clear goal for their new album that it became almost a mantra: they wanted songs that were concise, crisp and melodic. That’s exactly what the New Jersey punk trio delivers on Rose Mountain, their sixth LP.

The Shams – One And All CDEP (Shams Music Productions)

New six-song EP from the multi-faceted, Irish-influenced rock band.

Smash Into Pieces – The Apocalypse DJ CD (Gain/MRI)

Smash Into Pieces second album is a mix of ear-porn melodies, extreme vocals and crazy instrumental skills blending with modern elements. The Apocalypse DJ aims to capture the band’s live sound, resulting in a punchy, intense and more playful album, mixed by Brian Sperber (Alter Bridge, 3 Doors Down).

Solefald – World Metal. Kosmopolis Sud CD/2xLP (Indie Recordings)

New album from the Norwegian avant-garde/post-black metal band.

Spin Marvel – Infolding CD (Rarenoise)

Spin Marvel is the brainchild of drummer Martin France, British bassist Tim Harries (once part of Bill Bruford’s Earthworks), and Norwegian sound sculptor/percussionist Terje Evensen, here joined by Norwegian trumpet master Nils Petter Molvaer and additional drummer/ producer Emre Ramazanoglu. Together they create spacious and dramatic soundscapes of profound intensity on the startlingly original Infolding, blending aspects of free jazz, ambient music and electronica in provocative ways. Vinyl version due March 10.

Rick Springfield – Stripped Down CD+DVD (Loud & Proud)

For the last two years, Springfield has been treating fans to a special ongoing series of intimate solo performances of his vast repertoire, telling stories, explaining lyrics and generally connecting with his always-loyal fan base. This CD+DVD set features highlights from those performances with compelling video on the DVD as well as a new song, the clever “If Wishes Were Fishes,” plus fourteen Springfield songs recorded live, including dynamic covers of the classics “Oh Well,” “Rollin’ & Tumblin’” and ”Baby Blue.”

Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line – Wake CD (Blue Pig Music)

Wake is a powerful statement of Struthers’ own rock & roll awakening. Backed by her band The Party Line, the “beguiling…guided by fire” (NPR’s Ann Powers) singer/songwriter mixes pedal steel with robust guitar riffs and her own fearless voice. The Washington Post likened Struthers to kindred spirits Emmylou Harris and Gillian Welch and Vintage Guitar said she “sing[s] as polished as an Opry pro,” but she nevertheless maintains a genre-defying inimitability on Wake.

Taake – Stridens Hus CD (Candlelight)

“Classic Norwegian black metal. In four words, that’s how I would describe Taake‘s latest Stridens Hus, or for that matter, their entire back catalogue. Taake have been one of the most, if not the most, consistent artists writing and performing ‘true’ Norwegian black metal.” – Echoes And Dust

Tall Tales And The Silver Lining – Tightropes CD/LP (Other Music)

Tall Tales And The Silver Lining is a Los Angeles-based band led by songwriter Trevor Beld Jimenez. Beld Jimenez grew up on the sounds of ‘70s AM radio, along with L.A. classics like Jackson Browne, Court And Spark-era Joni Mitchell, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, and The Byrds. His music incorporates all of that – classic songwriting, great playing, simple, hook-heavy arrangements and thoughtful production – but updates the sound for today. It’s straightforward, heartfelt rock & roll — ten songs of love and loss, ocean-scented breezes and the hum of the open road beneath your wheels.

Jacky Terrasson – Take This CD (Impulse!)

Pianist/composer Jacky Terrasson makes his Impulse! label debut with this sparkling new album that captures the quintessence of his multifaceted musical makeup, which often draws upon modern post-bop, pop, hip-hop, European classical, and African and Afro-Caribbean rhythms and melodies. Vinyl version due March 3.

Sonny Terry & Brownie Mcghee – Blowin’ The Fuses: From Studio To Stage CD (Airline)

No blues duo was more prolific than rowdy harmonica ace Sonny Terry and rich-voiced guitar master Brownie McGhee. They formally joined forces at the dawn of the 1940s and made music in sweet tandem for four amazing decades, though their demographics shifted dramatically midway through as they built an immense recorded legacy. By the time they parted ways amidst a fair amount of acrimony, their legendary status was eternally assured. 20 songs including previously unreleased material.

THEESatisfaction – EarthEE CD/LP+MP3 (Sub Pop)

THEESatisfaction’s EarthEE is the follow up to awE naturalE, the alternative R&B group’s critically acclaimed debut. The album was recorded in Seattle and Brooklyn, and features guest appearances from Shabazz Palaces, Meshell Ndegeocello, Porter Ray and Taylor Brown. “EarthEE suggests up front a comparison to Shabazz Palaces’ second album, Lese Majesty, because both albums expand on their predecessors, stretching these sonic palates into otherworldly spaces. But that is about where the comparisons end. Shabazz Palaces’ music has always lets its seams show a bit more, but THEESatisfaction—especially on EarthEE—challenges a whole other set of listener expectations. The atmosphere is more expansive than awE naturalE, the textures more patient, but the fitful structures feel a little bit like Harris-White and Irons are constantly changing the rules just as we think we’ve got a hold of them.” – Pop Matters

Torche – Restarter CD/LP+MP3 (Relapse)

“Over what seems like a very short time span of ten years, Torche has seen their nearly exclusive sound garner an impressive number of fans as well as generally widespread critical acclaim. Even a brief listening experience reveals that the band’s coveted formula for success in the world of independent heavy music makes complete sense. The music has been catchy enough to offer accessibility to more than just the self-enclosed world of heavy metal fandom and yet versatile enough in its execution to keep (most of) the knee-jerk purist criticism at bay. Restarter, the band’s fourth full-length, sees a return to form for Torche that even in its unabashed nods to frontman Steve Brooks’ other musical endeavors, retains the pop sensibilities that have continually been the point of distinction between the two.” – The Quietus

Uriah Heep – Live At Koko 2xCD+DVD (Frontiers)

Live performance by the prog rock band recorded at Koko in London last year. Also available on stand-alone Blu-ray.

Various Artists – The Rough Guide To Rare African Groove Volume 1 CD (World Music Network)

From bright Nigerian highlife horns to Ethiopian fuzz-tone guitar riffs, this Rough Guide presents a broad selection of rare African dance grooves.

Various Artists – Ultra Dance 16 CD (Ultra)

This party mix includes dance/pop hits and dance floor favorites from Calvin Harris, Kygo, deadmau5, Mr Probz, Aron Chupa, David Guetta, Avicii, Steve Aoki, and more. It is the ultimate party mix. hits from top artists such as Calvin Harris, Kygo, deadmau5, Mr Probz, Aron Chupa, David Guetta, Avicii, Steve Aoki, and more.

V2 – We Are V2 CD (Rock Star University)

Vittorio and Vincenzo appear to be your typical 11-year-olds. They like playing baseball, video games, and fishing. Typical, until you place a guitar in Vittorio’s hands and sit Vincenzo behind a drum kit. The duo writes and plays their own original rock songs with a heavy drumbeat, power chords, and shredding blues/rock solos.

VholdGhast – Lat Oss Forbrinna CD (Vicisolom Productions)

New album from the extreme metal band.

Weedeater – God Luck And Good Speed [Reissue/2007] CD/LP (Season Of Mist)
Weedeater – Jason The Dragon [Reissue/2011] CD/LP (Season Of Mist)

Cape Fear’s own Weedeater — featuring the notorious “Dixie” Dave Collins, formerly of Bongzilla and Buzzoven — are like no other heavy metal band. With a style and presence that is unfiltered, unrefined, and unruly, the notorious North Carolina trio have burned through the heavy rock underground for over fifteen years and released four albums along the way including …And Justice For Y’All (2001), Sixteen Tons (2003), God Luck And Good Speed (2007) and Jason…The Dragon (2011).

Weeping Rat – Tar CD (Handmade Birds)

Tar is the debut album from Australia’s Weeping Rat, presented on CD by Handmade Birds with six bonus tracks exclusive to this release (including demos, B-sides, and rarities). This is brooding gothic rock that is genuinely one part danceable, one part crust, and two parts stark depression. For fans of Bauhaus, Cold Cave, Have A Nice Life, Planning For Burial, Night Sins, French new wave.

Wind In Sails – Morning Light CD (Headphone Music/Equal Vision)

Wind In Sails is the solo project of former Vanna guitarist Evan Pharmakis. He has previously toured and shared stages with the likes of PVRIS, A Loss For Words, A Rocket to the Moon, mewithoutYou, Our Last Night, the Vans Warped Tour and more. Morning Light is a raw, stripped down release touching on the loss of loved ones and betrayal of friendship, while still holding an underlying message of optimism. Pharmakis elaborates: “No matter how horrible things can get, with a positive mentality there’s nothing we can’t push through. Things will always get better with time to heal.”

The Wolf Council – The Wolf Council CD (Static Tension)

Best described as a mixture of doom, stoner rock and metal, The Wolf Council’s self-titled debut contains songs that are both heavy and catchy simultaneously. Fans of bands such as Melvins and Kyuss in particular should take note.

Tom Zé – Tom Zé [Reissue/1970] CD/LP (Mr. Bongo)

Digitally remastered edition of this rare album from the Brazilian legend. Tom Zé is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, innovator and composer who was hugely influential in the Tropicalia movement of 1960s Brazil. Zé is often thought of as Brazil’s answer to Zappa or Captain Beefheart; a true innovator and a true artist. This, his second solo album, is self-titled, and was released by RGE Discos in 1970.

Z-Ro – Melting The Crown CD (Rap-A-Lot)

Another album from the Texas rapper. Melting The Crown features the song “Keep It Real” featuring Rick Ross.

ZOM – Flesh Assimilation CD (Dark Decent)

“Blackened death metal is a hybrid between black metal and death metal, a subgenre that puts the emphasis on progressiveness and doesn’t conform to the narrow rigidity of traditional black metal. Needless to say, you either like it or you don’t, depending on your views of what metal should and should not sound like, as it is quite extreme in its sonics and its ideology. Entering the fray is Ireland’s ZOM, whose Flesh Assimilation is their debut. And what a debut it is. It is a maelstrom of pure noise, whiplash pacing and vocals that come straight out of the seventh circle of Hell.” – Pop Matters

Rob Zombie – Spookshow International Live CD/CD+T-shirt (UMe)

The first Rob Zombie live album since 2007’s Zombie Live. Available as a Standard edition and as a Collectable Gift Pack, which adds an exclusive Rob Zombie T-shirt.

DVDs + Blu-ray:

Devo – Hardcore Live! DVD+Blu-ray (MVD Audio)

Devo captured live in Oakland, performing early experimental tracks. No matter how messy, beginnings are exciting. Especially when what happens next endures the test of time. For Devo the beginning happened in the basements and garages of Akron, Ohio. The songs they wrote were raw and unfiltered with no commercial intent. They called it Hardcore Devo. Performing 21 oddities, intercut with poignant stories told by Mark, Jerry and Bob 1, this program is a tribute to the departed Bob “Bob 2” Casale.

The J. Geils Band – House Party: Live In Germany DVD (Eagle Rock Entertainment)

This classic J. Geils Band concert was filmed at the Grugahalle in Essen on April 21, 1979 for the famous German TV series Rockpalast. The band was touring in Europe in support of their very successful album Sanctuary and the hit single from it “One Last Kiss.” 68 minutes.

Uriah Heep – Live At Koko Blu-ray (Frontiers)

Live performance by the prog rock band recorded at Koko in London last year.

This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:

Baba Commandant & The Mandingo Band – Juguya LP (Sublime Frequencies)

Baba Commandant is a practitioner of the Afrobeat style, drawing inspiration from the golden era of Nigerian music. Fela Kuti/Africa 70 and King Sunny Adé are big influences, as is the legendary Malian growler Moussa Doumbia. CD version due March 3.

Luis Bacalov – Django [1966] LP (Dagored)

In 1966 the ‘spaghetti western’ genre was reworked once again by Sergio Corbucci’s Django — a director with the impressive average of 2-3 films per year. The settings change, with sand replaced by mud, and the protagonist, rather than moving on horseback, walks through wilderness dragging a coffin which hides a mysterious content. Perfect accompaniment to the muddy, cynical and gloomy scenarios, is Luis Bacalov’s music, an Argentine conductor well known to Italian progressive rock fans, since he worked with New Trolls, Osanna and Il Rovescio della Medaglia.

Bathory – Bathory [Reissue/1984] LP (Back On Black)
Bathory – Hammerheart [Reissue/1990] LP (Back On Black)
Bathory – Jubileum Vol. I [Reissue/1992] LP (Back On Black)
Bathory – Requiem [Reissue/1994] LP LP (Back On Black)
Bathory – Octagon [Reissue/1995] LP (Back On Black)
Bathory – Blood On Ice [Reissue/1996] LP (Back On Black)
Bathory – Destroyer Of Worlds [Reissue/2001] LP (Back On Black)
Bathory – Nordland I [Reissue/2002] LP (Back On Black)
Bathory – Nordland II [Reissue/2003] LP (Back On Black)

A slew of vinyl reissues from the modern black metal pioneer. (Octagon and Requiem are also available as limited edition picture discs.)

Big Dick – Disappointment 2xLP (Dirt Cult)

Big Dick is a duo featuring drums, bass, and dueling vocals. Named after a Nomeansno song, they have cultivated a sound that borders on progressive punk and post-hardcore, while also gravitating towards both the melodic and absurdly heavy.

Blues Traveler – Blues Traveler [Reissue/1990] LP (Brookvale)
Blues Traveler – Travelers & Thieves [Reissue/1991] LP (Brookvale)
Blues Traveler – Save His Soul [Reissue/1991] LP (Brookvale)
Blues Traveler – Four [Reissue/1994] LP (Brookvale)

Limited edition (some color) vinyl reissues of Blues Traveler’s first four albums.

David Bowie – Young Americans 7” (Rhino/Parlophone)

Originally released in the spring of 1975 and taken from the album of the same name, this 2007 Tony Visconti single mix is making its vinyl debut. Features “It’s Gonna Be Me” (With Strings) as the B-side.

Jackson Browne – Standing In The Breach LP (Inside Recordings)

Released last year on CD – now available on vinyl. Standing In The Breach, Jackson’s fourteenth studio album, is a collection of ten songs, at turns deeply personal and political, exploring love, hope, and defiance in the face of the advancing uncertainties of modern life.

Cheatahs – Sunne EP 12”+MP3 (Wichita)

As with all their previous material, the London based four-piece recorded the EP themselves, doing so mostly in their houses, and their friends Part Chimp’s Camberwell studio when their flatmates/neighbors got annoyed. Ever since their early releases, Cheatahs have been evolving and developing their craft, and Sunne is the most clearly defined and ambitious set to date, exploring new territory via sketchy back alleys and sunlit, swampy meadows.

Don Cherry – Complete Communion [Reissue/1966] LP (Blue Note)

1966’s Complete Communion marked trumpeter/composer Don Cherry’s first release after leaving the Ornette Coleman Quartet and debut recording on the Blue Note label. The all original 8-track free jazz set is comprised of two uninterrupted side long suites – “Complete Communion” on the A-side and “Elephantasy” on th B-side — with the leader and his polished cornet tone sharing the spotlight graciously with tenor saxophonist Leandro ‘Gato’ Barbieri, bassist Henry Grimes and drummer Edward Blackwell throughout.

Ciudad Lineal – El Nuevo Hombre LP (La Vida Es Un Mus)

Barcelona’s Cuidad Lineal finally deliver the follow up to their fantastic demo from 2013. El Nuevo Hombre is an album of dark minimal wave heavily influenced by El Alviador Dro Y Sus Obreros Especializados, The Normal or Cabaret Voltaire. Armed with a bass guitar, drum pad, a keyboard and two synths Ciudad Lineal manage to create a conceptual piece around the idea of progress and industry as opposing forces.

Classhole – Classhole LP (Terror Cult)

Fifteen tracks of New Orleans hardcore clocking in at just under thirty minutes. Features members of Eyehategod and Hawg Jaw.

Crow Bait – Separate Stations 7” (Dirt Cult)

Hot off the heels of their debut Don Giovanni LP, Sliding Through the Halls of Fate, Crow Bait returns. The NY band featuring three guys that you know from past and current projects such as Sister Kisser and Iron Chic. Crow Bait, while clearly looking forward, is also clearly trying to create something that resembles the music they grew up on—Goo Goo Dolls, Buffalo Tom, The Replacements, etc.

Jean-Pierre Decerf – Space Oddities: 1975-1979 LP (Born Bad)

From the early ’70s to the mid ’80s, this self-taught musician composed about 20 albums of production and library music with generic cover art and titles (Out Of The Way, Keys Of Future, Pulsations, etc.) that evoke interstellar travel. These experimental discs, made with love, humility, and rudimentary means, had no ambition other than to accompany other peoples’ images. By exhuming these obscurities from the dustbin of history, Born Bad Records have decided otherwise. Archaeologists with an agenda, they seek to give Decerf the renown he deserves: that of an innovator whose rhythmic, synthetic compositions inspired the harbingers of the French touch (Air comes to mind), and were sampled by many East Coast rappers, including the Wu-Tang Clan.

Dengue Fever – The Deepest Lake LP (Tuk Tuk)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Dengue Fever is in the vanguard of an emerging global pop sensibility, making music that’s both familiar, yet eerily unique. The Los Angeles sextet blends the rhythms of ‘60s Cambodian pop — heavily influenced by American surf, rock and early psychedelic garage bands — with their own eclectic mix of American and international styles.

Deströyer 666 – Unchain The Wolves [Reissue/1996] LP (Hell’s Headbangers)

Vinyl reissue of the Australian death/black/thrash metal band’s third album.

Deviation Social – Practices/Demo. June-Oct. 81 LP (Dais)

During the summer of 1981, a young Art Injeyan attended the now infamous “final transmission” of Throbbing Gristle in San Francisco’s Kezar Pavillion. This concert experience forever changed the fabric of Bay Area experimental music and sent a sonic riptide through artists such as Injeyan to form their own experimental projects. After this seed had been planted, Injeyan started pulling together a crude, loose arrangement of musical equipment and creating pulsating industrial drones and noise rhythms under his newly coined masthead Deviation Social.

Dire Straits – Brothers In Arms [Reissue/1985] LP (Mobile Fidelity)

Mo-Fi reissue of Dire Strait’s 1985 smash.

Bo Diddley – Have Guitar, Will Travel [Reissue/1960] LP (Sundazed)
Bo Diddley – Is A… Lover [Reissue/1961] LP (Sundazed)

HQ-180gm mono edition of the guitar-slinger’s fifth and sixth albums.

Eagles – Eagles [Reissue/1972] LP (Rhino)
Eagles – Desperado [Reissue/1973] LP (Rhino)
Eagles – On The Border [Reissue/1974] LP (Rhino)
Eagles – One Of These Nights [Reissue/1975] LP (Rhino)
Eagles – Hotel California [Reissue/1976] LP (Rhino)
Eagles – The Long Run [Reissue/1979] LP (Rhino)

HQ-180gm vinyl reissues of the Eagles’ classic discography.

Fireworks – Switch Me On LP+MP3 (Shelflife)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. After two brilliant 7” singles and one flexi, Fireworks unleash their debut album, Switch Me On. The album continues right where the band left off: more chainsaw fuzz-drenched feedback, more chiming 12-string guitar pop hooks, more reverb-soaked Matthew and Emma vocals, and more jumping out of your f**king seats. All and all, this album is made up of 13 A-sides and if you can sit still while listening to this record, you’re surely walking dead. White vinyl.

Fleetwood Mac – Then Play On [Reissue/1969] LP (Rhino/Reprise)
Fleetwood Mac – Kiln House [Reissue/1970] LP (Rhino/Reprise)
Fleetwood Mac – Future Games [Reissue/1971] LP (Rhino/Reprise)
Fleetwood Mac – Bare Trees [Reissue/1972] LP (Rhino/Reprise)

The transition from blues to pop started to take root over these four pre-Buckingham/Nicks Fleetwood Mac albums, marked by Peter Green’s departure from the band in 1970.

Free Weed – Introducing LP (Bad Diet)

As ringleader of great bands The Memories and White Fang, not to mention penning the “Burger TV” theme song for Burger Records, Free Weed (Rikky Gage) has built a sizable indie following that continues to veer mainstream. With Introducing, he is now positioned as ambassador of the legalize-it movement, having crafted a hit-repeat player that splices the freak power illumination of Ween with the catchy spirit of “Loser” era Beck.

Robert Glasper – Double Booked [Reissue/2009] 2xLP (Blue Note)

Pianist Robert Glasper presented both sides of his musical persona with his Grammy-nominated 2009 effort, Double-Booked, his third album for Blue Note Records. The album bridges Glasper’s parallel careers as the leader of an acclaimed jazz trio and a first-call sideman with hip-hop artists such as Mos Def, Q-Tip and The Roots. Moving nimbly from the acoustic Robert Glasper Trio to the hip-hop fusion Robert Glasper Experiment, the young keyboardist puts his versatility front and center. Special guests on the album include vocalist Bilal and rapper Mos Def.

Halshug – Blodets Band LP (Southern Lord)

Crust punk/d-beat hardcore, in line with Nuclear Death Terror, Wolfbrigade, Skitsystem.

Hot Snakes – Audit In Progress [Reissue/2004] LP (Swami)

Vinyl reissue of Hot Snakes third and final album, originally released in 2004. Led by John Reis (Rocket From The Crypt, Drive Like Jehu), Audit In Progress elaborates on the band’s downstroked rhythms and subsonic pulses with more fire to the mix than ever.

Human Remains – Using Sickness As A Hero [1996] LP (Relapse)

Human Remains was an experimental eeath metal band from Hazlet, NJ. Members went on to play in Discordance Axis, Municipal Waste and Gridlink. Silver vinyl.

Hysterese – Hysterese LP (Dirt Cult)

Second LP from Tubingen, Germany powerhouse. Melodic garage punk with teeth—imagine if the Marked Men merged with the Soviettes to make something darker and punker, and you’d be somewhere in the ballpark.

Ice Cube – Death Certificate [Reissue/1991] LP (Priority)

Death Certificate is the second studio album by Ice Cube. Limited vinyl LP pressing with 3D lenticular cover.

The Isley Brothers – 3+3 [Reissue/1973] LP (Friday Music)

HQ-180gm audiophile reissue of the legendary Cincinnati R&B/soul group’s 1973 album.

James Place – Living On Superstition LP (Umor Rex)

Living On Superstition is the debut LP from New York native Phil Tortoroli aka James Place. After his initial cassette release An Entire Matchbook A Night (Opal Tapes) in 2014, James Place returns with a harrowing, meditative record of candle-lit rhythms and frost-laden ambience. The album was composed using an intricate collection of analog equipment, including the TR-606, Casio SK-1, SP1200, and a multitude of vinyl and tape-based samples, and mastered by M. Geddes Gengras. Opaque white vinyl.

JD & The Straight Shot – Where I’ve Been LP (Caroline)

Released late last year on CD – now available on vinyl. New release from the Americana rockers. Produced by Joe Walsh, Where I’ve Been features the singles “Governor’s Song,” which challenges some of today’s most well-known political figures; “Under That Hood,” a transformative single that tells the story of Trayvon Martin; and “Hard To Find,” which is featured in film St. Vincent.

Elvin Jones – Ultimate [Reissue/1968] LP (Blue Note)

Produced by Duke Pearson, this 1968 date for Blue Note finds the master drummer in a pianoless trio with Joe Farrell (tenor and soprano saxophone, flute) and Jimmy Garrison (bass) performing a well-balanced 6-track set comprised of three Garrison originals (“What Is This?,” “Ascendant,” “Sometimes Joie”), one from Farrell (“In the Truth”) and a pair of standards (“Yesterdays,” “We’ll Be Together Again”).

Paul Kelly – Presents The Merrisoul Sessions LP (Cen)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. A swag of soul-inspired songs and Kelly classics performed by some of the country’s best young talent – as well as by the man himself, of course.

Krill – A Distant Fist Unclenching LP+MP3 (Double Double Whammy)

Third album from the Boston three piece. “Labeling Krill as “slacker rock” would overlook their bizarre mix. There’s post-rock, prog rock, and indie rock in here, a fascinating balance of the shambolic and psychotic; being able to make it appear casual speaks to the strength of their songwriting.” – Consequence Of Sound

Languis – Other Desert Cities [Reissue/2006] 10”+MP3 (Shelflife)

Featuring members of Tristeza and Aberdeen, the Other Desert Cities EP is a post-shoegaze psychedelic masterpiece with walls of sun-washed pop melodies and breezy Byrds-styled harmonies all swirling around gorgeous blissed-out guitars, ambient explosions of reverb, and a loose tangle of organic and synthetic textures. Take a deep breath and let go.

Andrew Liles –Wanton Wives, Monstrous Maidens And Wicked Witches LP (Blackest Rainbow)

Andrew Liles’ Wanton Wives… follows on from where his Maleficent Monster left off in June and also follows on from his recent Equestrian Vortex soundtrack 10″ on Death Waltz. This, the second LP of horror inspired nastiness in his series for Blackest Rainbow, features creeping giallo jazz with sultry spoken vocals, synth heavy monsters, cannibal lunacy. HQ-180gm pink vinyl with red and green splatter.

L’Orange – After The Flowers 12” (Mello Music)

In the aftermath of L’Orange’s 2014 album The Orchid Days, the After The Flowers EP is a warm vignette — a glimpse into life after the end of the world. Waking up to a surreal heavenscape, our tragic figure searches for his place somewhere between life and death. Expanding on the themes of love and loss, L’Orange teams up with artists Chuck Inglish, Meyhem Lauren, Red Pill and producer Amerigo Gazaway to bring us a stream of consciousness epilogue to his 2014 album.

Johnny Marr – Dynamo b/w Struck (New Voodoo)

“Dynamo” is the second single from Playland, and features the unreleased B-side “Struck.”

Dave Matthews Band – Under The Table And Dreaming [Reissue/1994] 2xLP+MP3 (Sony Legacy)

Deluxe reissue newly remastered from the original flat analog tapes. Includes a download of all bonus tracks that appeared on the double-CD reissue late last year.

Thelonious Monk – Genius Of Modern Music Vol. 2 [Reissue/1952] LP (Blue Note)

Belonging in every jazz collection, volume two of Thelonious Monk’s Genius Of Modern Music releases for Blue Note features material recorded between 1947 and 1952. Originally issued in 1952, the historic 8-track affair compiles takes on six iconic Monk originals including “Four In One,” “Criss Cross,” “Straight No Chaser” and “Ask Me Now” plus one a piece from the Gershwins (“Nice Work If You Can Get It”) and Ike Quebec (“Suburban Eyes”).

Ennio Morricone – For A Few Dollars More [1965] 10” (AMS)

For the score to the 1965 follow-up to Fistful Of Dollars, the maestro chose a ‘poor’ registry, consisting of folk instruments such as ocarina, Jew’s harp and chimes, respectively used to accompany the entry stage of the three main actors. But there are, as usual, the contributions of Alessandro Allesandroni and his Cantori Modern choir, for an incredibly exciting final result. 45rpm 10-inch gold vinyl. Includes a mini poster and gatefold jacket.

Ennio Morricone – The Big Gundown [1966] LP (Dagored)

Morricone’s legendary score for The Big Gundown (Italian La Resa Dei Conti) is so densely packed with pathos and drama that run so deep into the listener’s mind. Using almost the same great talents shown on Sergio Leone’s The Dollar Trilogy with the orchestra conducted by fellow Bruno Nicolai and the mighty twangin’ guitar of Alessandro Alessandroni, the maestro Morricone delivers similarly outstanding results. Limited numbered edition on splatter vinyl. Includes a poster.

Nervebreakers – I Wanna Kill You 7” (Get Hip)

These legendary first generation ‘70s punk rockers reunited in 2007 and this brand new single features an original 1977 alternate track from their latest LP, while the B-side premieres “They Were Doin’ The Pogo,” a brand new cut from their new LP coming in 2015. On limited white vinyl.

New Blockaders & Xtematic – Degenerative Themes LP (Equations)

Limited edition of 160 copies on black and gold vinyl. Packaged in matte jackets with printed inner-sleeves. Anti-nothing, anti-everything.

The Notwist – Shrink [Reissue/1998] LP (Outer Battery)

Originally released in 1998, Shrink was The Notwist’s record that set the stage for their groundbreaking Neon Golden LP on Domino.

Pan.Thy.Monium – Ill Khaoohs And Kon-Fus-Ion [1996] 12” (Relapse)

This Swedish avant-garde death metal band gained notoriety for their complex and progressive song structures and weird use of different sounds and styles.

Jessica Pavone – Knuckle Under LP (Taiga)

Jessica Pavone’s recent works for solo viola and voice, collected on Knuckle Under, stem from years of concentrated long tone practice and an interest in repetition, song form, and sympathetic vibration. She combines her long tone rituals with delay, understated melodies and sparse lyrical content while continuously experimenting with new forms.

Pelican – The Cliff LP (Southern Lord)

New “vocal driven” EP includes remixes from Justin Broadrick (Godflesh, Jesu), Aaron Harris and Bryant Clifford Meyer (Isis).

Punch Brothers – The Phosphorescent Blues 2xLP+MP3 (Nonesuch)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. After working with T. Bone Burnett numerous times—most recently on the soundtrack for the Joel and Ethan Coen film Inside Llewyn Davis and the related Town Hall/Showtime concert Another Day, Another Time—Punch Brothers decided to join forces with the multiple Grammy Award–winning producer for their new record. Last summer, the band and Burnett spent a month at Hollywood’s Ocean Way Recording laying down the songs that guitarist Chris Eldridge, bassist Paul Kowert, banjo player Noam Pikelny, mandolinist and lead singer Chris Thile, and fiddler Gabe Witcher had written during several writing “retreats” last winter and spring.

Radical Dads – Universal Coolers LP+MP3 (Old Flame)

“The trio make no bones about their love of ’90s indie rock so it’s extremely fitting that the cover art for the new album was done by prolific Greenpoint artist Steve Keene, who did the same for Pavement’s Wowee Zowee and Apples in Stereo’s Fun Trick Noisemaker and others.” – Brooklyn Vegan

Redman – Dare Iz A Darkside [Reissue/1994] LP (Def Jam)

Limited vinyl LP pressing with 3D lenticular cover. Dare Iz A Darkside is the second studio album from Redman. The album cover features Redman buried in the ground up to his neck, areference to the cover of Funkadelic’s 1971 album Maggot Brain.

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band – So Delicious! LP (Shanachie/Yazoo)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. “On the lyrical side, So Delicious! features a heavy helping of Peyton’s crisply tongue-in-cheek songwriting and sense of humor; something that he says he’s always wrestled with. Tracks like the Delta-slide barnburner ‘Raise A Little Hell’ are prime examples of how Peyton manages to convey a decidedly intense sound without taking his songwriting too seriously. But beyond its humor, its fingerpicking or its percussion, So Delicious! is notable for the stamp that will be placed upon it, that of the legendary Yazoo Records. Founded in the 1960s, the label came to prominence by reissuing the original work of legendary blues artists like Blind Lemon Jefferson, Rev. Gary Davis, Skip James and more. Because Yazoo had never been in the business of signing contemporary artists, it was a complete surprise to Peyton when the label’s name reared its head as the band searched for a new home prior to the completion of So Delicious!” – Elmore Magazine

Sonny Rollins – Newk’s Time [Reissue/1958] LP (Blue Note)

On Newk’s Time, the masterful tenor turns such unlikely material as “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top” and “Wonderful! Wonderful!” into powerfully swinging jazz. With the backing of a superb trio including pianist Wynton Kelly, Rollins brings out the hidden beauty of these songs, often by sticking close to the melody and using repetition inventively, and at other times through the sheer humanity of his sound. A volcanic force on the tenor saxophone for nearly 60 years, Sonny Rollins effortlessly uses his creative powers to create musical magic throughout Newk’s Time.

Rush – Caress Of Steel [Reissue/1975] LP+MP3 (Mercury)

Caress Of Steal was the Canadian Rock trio’s third album their second released in 1975. Certified gold, the album singles include “The Necromancer: Return Of The Prince” and “Lakeside Park.” The album has been mastered at the legendary Abbey Road studios from the original analog masters. Limited HQ-180gm vinyl LP pressing.

Russell St. Bombings – Russell St. Bombings LP (Smart Guy)

From the seemingly unending musical font of talent that is Australia comes Russell St. Bombings. The band features members of Total Control, UV Race, East Link and Dick Diver yet sounds nothing like any of them. “Australian music is at a high point presently. It’s hard to keep up with all the great records coming out. The lineup of Russell St. Bombings is too amazing to resist. I wonder if the members got together with as much curiosity as to what would be as I was listening to it—which I have. Over and over. Such a cool record.”—Henry Rollins

Saun & Starr – Look Closer b/w Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah 7” (Daptone)

Fresh off the success of their debut single “Hot Shot” b/w “Gonna Make Time,” S&S are back with two sides, equal parts complexity and subtlety – “Look Closer,” the eponymous track to their forthcoming and highly anticipated debut album, is a dark mover that creeps into your bones via the aural highway, and sticks there till you can’t do anything but shake it loose on the dance floor. The flip “Blah Blah…” is a breezy, sun-filled day of cocktails and good friends, pressed into 7″ of waxen joy. Think Island Soul ala Jackie Edwards.

Sally Shapiro – Disco Romance [Reissue/2007] 2xLP (Paper Bag)

Sally Shapiro’s debut record (originally released in 2007) was nominated as the “Dance/Electronic Album of the Year” at the US Plug Awards and was named “Best New Music” by Pitchfork. Later that year, Pitchfork named it one of their Top 50 Albums of 2007. Here it is on limited edition color vinyl (blue and white).

Silkworm – Chokes! [Reissue/2006] 12”+MP3 (Comedy Minus One)

The basic instrumental tracks for what would become Silkworm’s final record Chokes! were recorded in 2005 at Electrical Audio, a few weeks before the death of drummer Michael Dahlquist. The songs were finished later that year and issued on compact disc via 12XU at the close of 2006. Comedy Minus One helped distribute this release digitally two years later but Chokes! has been both physically out of print and never pressed on vinyl until now.

Simian Ghost – The Veil LP (Playground)

Simian Ghost is an alternative pop act from Sandviken/Gavle, Sweden. They have already shared stages with the likes of Mount Kimbie, SBTRKT, Niki & The Dove and Tony Buck. “Like some sort of musical spectre, Sweden’s Simian Ghost haunt the grey area between ‘alternative’ and ‘pop’, offering the nuance and depth you’d expect from the nebulous former genre combined with the instant appeal of the latter. As if to exemplify this, their newest album The Veil is pretty long for a pop record, with its 18 tracks running to just over an hour.” – Drowned In Sound

Somerset Thrower – Falling Swingers 7”+MP3 (Dead Broke)

This Long Island, NY band features ex-members of The Agent, Bastard Cut, Polygon, Sleepwell, Halfway To Hell Club and more. This is their debut release. Limited to 300 copies. Download code includes one digital-only track—a Smashing Pumpkins cover.

The Velvet Underground – The Velvet Underground [Reissue/1969] LP (Polydor)

Remastered edition of the highly influential eponymous third album by the iconic New York band.

Butch Walker – Afraid Of Ghosts LP (Dangerbird)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The guitarist/producer’s new album was produced by Ryan Adams at Pax Am Studios in L.A. and includes guest contributions by Johnny Depp and Bob Mould. With gritty hints of folk, pop and rock, Afraid Of Ghosts weaves a journey through life, love, death and everything in between.

Riccardo Dillon Wanke – Cuts LP+MP3 (Three Four)

Wanke’s work with guitars and keyboards (piano and Rhodes) started from pure radical improvisation and since veered into more drone/static sounds. He has recently developed systems to elaborate acoustic sounds with analogue filters and synthesizers.

Warhorse – As Heaven Turns To Ash [Reissue/2001] 2xLP (Southern Lord)

Reissued and back on vinyl after 14 years. A massive conjuration from Boston’s old lords of doomed darkness.

Wasted – Final Convulsion [1985] LP (Denomination)

Final Convulsion is the unreleased 1985 album from Danish heavy metal masters Wasted. Heavier sounds and still in the veins of Mercyful Fate and Jaguar. Ever wondered how AC/DC would sound if they played heavy metal? Check out Wasted’s version of “Let There Be Rock.” Transparent red or black vinyl.

Weed – Thousand Pounds b/w Turret 7” (Lefse)

Weed’s new blown out pop-slop single “Thousand Pounds” is from their upcoming sophomore effort Running Back, and is paired with a gloomy, droney, previously unheard cut from their first-ever recording sessions.

Johnny Winter – Live Bootleg Series Vol. 10 [2013] LP (Friday Music)

The blues wielding axeman steps out with super workouts on concert classics like his masterful version of the Dale Hawkins classic “Suzie Q,” Johnny’s own rocker “One Step At A Time” and a super long jam on the Lowell Fulson’s “Love Her With A Feeling.” Always paying homage to his fellow bluesmen, Johnny also dug into his archives for two rare performances of the stellar Muddy Waters classic “Catfish Blues” and the jump blues of John Estes’ “Diving Duck Blues.”

Yak – Hungry Heart b/w Something On Your Mind 7” (Fat Possum)

“’Hungry Heart’ is Yak’s first song, and they already seem to have built up something of a mythology around themselves. The trio has been playing shows around their home base of London for the past few months, picking up rave reviews from publications like NME and drumming up enough attention to get their first single released on Fat Possum, all without a single song to their name. ‘Hungry Heart’ is a track with soul-crushing, foot-stomping fury that’s designed to evoke some kind of visceral reaction, whether positive or negative. In terms of introductions, it’s pretty memorable.” – Stereogum

Cassettes:

Eartheater – Metalepsis CD/Cassette (Hausu Mountain)

Eartheater (multi-instrumentalist Alexandra Drewchin) creates a strain of free-associative electronic pop spiked with experiments in the drone and noise traditions. As the frontwoman of the ecstatic avant-psych ensemble Guardian Alien, Drewchin dives into extended improvisations in pursuit of the fearless release of emotions and sounds beyond the capacity of premeditation. On her debut solo full-length Metalepsis, Eartheater traces the opposite trajectory: the deliberate distillation of voice, synths, guitar, and studio production techniques into cyborg compositions teeming with crystalline details.

German Army – Clan Cheftains (Handmade Birds)

Germany Army is a reclusive duo from outside of Los Angeles who combine field recordings, loops, beats, minimalist composition, acoustic structure, and many other layers that come together to produce original, refined and nuanced soundscapes.

Helena Hauff – A Tape (Handmade Birds)

Helena Hauff is a premiere Hamburg, Germany-based DJ and producer. A Tape is the follow-up to her 2013 Obscure Object cassette on Blackest Ever Black’s Krokodilo Tapes imprint.

Book:

John Wiese – Deviate From Balance (Hesse Press)

Very dignified document covering recent work—sound installation, video, collage, photography, typography, and graphic sound scores, with an essay by Bruse Russell. 64 pages, full color.