CDs + Vinyl:
Action Bronson – Mr. Wonderful CD (Atlantic Urban)
Mr. Wonderful is a culmination of every ingredient that’s made Action Bronson’s discography delectable. The musicality is grade A; live instrumentation turns the ablum into a wonderland of sonic discovery. “A Light In The Addict,” featuring Party Supplies and Fools Gold vocalist Black Atlass, and “City Boy Blues,” which boasts the bottom production of 88 Keys and top coating of Party Supplies, both soar with gorgeous orchestration. The latter track in such a zone that Bronson doesn’t spit a single bar, instead letting his vocals ride the wave of soulful rock.
Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit And Think, Sometimes I Just Sit CD/LP (Mom+Pop)
“While other young musicians pour their most profound thoughts on to their lyric sheet, Courtney Barnett finds the tedium of modern life more interesting. The Australian’s debut album contains songs about hay fever (‘Dead Fox’), swimming (‘Aqua Profunda!’) and the suburbs (‘Depreston’), all delivered in wry lyrical couplets. The music is brilliant, too; fans of early noughties garage-pop acts like Giant Drag, Ben Kweller and Brendan Benson have much to admire with buzzy, upbeat songs such as ‘Elevator Operator.’ Buoyant melodies are tempered by grungy basslines and an occasional slacker-pop vibe. The closing brace of Kim’s Caravan and Boxing Day Blues exhibits a depth and darkness underneath Barnett’s droll exterior” – Irish Times. (Vinyl edition pressed on orange wax.)
Barren Earth – On Lonely Towers CD (Century Media)
Finnish progressive death metal outfit Barren Earth combines elements of modern and traditional death metal with ‘70s prog rock and folk.
James Bay – Chaos And The Calm CD/LP (Motown/Universal)
“Admittedly, James Bay ventures dangerously close to MOR territory. He’s a troubadour that enjoys his craft — weaving soul, blues, Americana and soft rock into an easily appreciated message, it’s not difficult to see his appeal. But while some may accuse him of not taking risks, or suggest that by writing popular and infectious melodies he’s any less entitled to respect, there is enough substance here to warrant continued interest in his development.” – Clash Music
Bee Gees – 1974-1979 5xCD (Reprise)
This five-CD clamshell box set features four original albums from 1974 to 1979: Mr. Natural, Main Course, Children Of The World, Spirits Having Flown and a bonus disc of non-album singles and B-sides from the era called The Miami Years.
Big Data – 2.0 CD (WB)
Big Data made their television debut playing “Dangerous” on Late Night with Seth Meyers and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Entertainment Weekly, named one of Rolling Stone’s “10 New Artists You Need to Know” and picked for USA Today’s “On the Verge” spotlight. The band’s new album 2.0 features a wide variety of guest spots from Rivers Cuomo (Weezer), Twin Shadow, White Sea, Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak), Dylan Rau and Ted Feldman (Bear Hands), Jamie Lidell, and Kimbra.
Björk – Vulnicura CD/LP (One Little Indian)
Vulnicura is the eighth studio album from Icelandic artist Björk. The album was written, produced and recorded in collaboration with Venezuelan producer Arca and British musician The Haxan Cloak. Of the album’s nine tracks, six are written by Björk with two co-written with Arca and one co-written with Spaces. Six songs are produced by Björk and Arca, one by Björk, Arca and The Haxan Cloak and two by Björk. All string arrangements are by Björk. The album was mixed by The Haxan Cloak, except two songs mixed by The Haxan Cloak and Chris Elms, and mastered by Mandy Parnell.
Blackberry Smoke – Holding All The Roses CD (Rounder)
An emotion-charged mix of bluesy rock, gospel soul, and country, with Charlie Starr’s raspy twang matched by his and Paul Jackson’s snarling guitars, Brandon Still’s hauntingly expressive organ and piano, and the propulsive sibling rhythm section of Richard and Brit Turner.
Bombadil – Hold On CD/LP (Ramseur)
Bombadil’s rapturous harmonies, sparkling instrumental work; sharp, poignant songwriting and imaginative arrangements still show off their folk roots, but traces of funk, country, rap, R&B, new wave inspired dance beats and the rock of the ‘50s and ‘60s also drift through the mix.
Joe Bonamassa – Muddy Wolf At Red Rocks 2xCD (J&R Adventures)
The blues guitarist tribute to legends Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf on this double-disc live release. Also available on stand-alone DVD and Blu-ray. Vinyl version due March 31.
Buena Vista Social Club – Lost And Found CD (World Circuit)
Coming almost two decades after the release of the original Grammy-winning, self-titled LP Lost And Found is a collection of previously unreleased tracks––some of which were recorded during the original album’s sessions in Havana and others from the years that followed. The studio tracks presented here were recorded at the 1996 Egrem studio sessions in Havana and during a period of rich and prolific creativity stretching into the early 2000s following the recording of the original album. Lost And Found also features live recordings from the world tours of Buena Vista’s legendary veterans. Vinyl version due March 31.
Cathedral – Supernatural Birth Machine [Reissue/1996] CD/2xLP (Century Media)
Reissue of the UK doom metal band’s fourth album. Supernatural Birth Machine walks a fine line between doom and stoner rock.
Chastity Belt – Time To Go Home CD/LP+MP3 (Hardly Art)
“Blink and you may have missed Chastity Belt’s 2013 debut, No Regerts, but the Seattle four-piece is back with a new song and album that will make them pretty hard to ignore: ‘Time To Go Home’ digs even deeper into a jaded melancholia that they only scratched the surface of on their debut. ‘Everything is beautiful because we’re delusional/Yeah, I think I’ve figured it out,’ Julia Shapiro sings towards the end of the track, aware that she’s saying it with a matter-of-factness that only comes with youth. The slow-burn track has an imposing drum buildup that breaks free only sporadically, while the guitar sludges along like the bottom of an ashtray. ‘I just wanna have a good time,’ she says and is met with a few seconds of silence, shooting her down; meanwhile, ‘I can’t see straight’ is greeted with affirmative coos. It’s the ultimate party song, capturing the before and after in pointed succession.” – Stereogum
Chon – Grow CD (Sumerian)
Debut album from the budding prog-rock four-piece.
Confessor – Condemned [Reissue/1991] CD/LP (Earache)
Reissue of the technical doom band’s 1991 debut.
Courage My Love – Becoming CD (InVogue)
Courage My love consists of twin sisters Mercedes Arn-Horn (vocals, guitar) and Phoenix Arn-Horn (drums, vocals) with their friend Brandon Lockwood (bass). Their blend pop/punk, alternative metal received a Juno Award nomination for ‘Breakthrough Group Of The Year.’
The Cribs – For All My Sisters CD (Arts & Crafts)
“These are pivotal times in Cribsland. The Jarman brothers’ spell with long-time label Wichita and brief self-imposed hiatus have expired, and they return with promises of two new albums – one all-out pop, one all-out punk – and everything to play for. Their critical standing as one of the most consistently adored guitar bands of the past decade remains as firm and reliable as the incompetence of Apprentice contestants, but the fate of Ash, Supergrass et al beckons – years of diminishing returns and dinnertime festival slots – unless they make a Monkeys-level leap into the Big Time. On sixth album – the ‘pop one’, recorded in New York with producer Ric Ocasek of The Cars for maximum geek-rock gloss – they give it their best shot while sticking firmly within their screamy garage punk parameters.” – NME. Vinyl version due March 31.
Brad Davis – A Bluegrass Tribute To George Jones CD (MRI Associated)
Grammy-winner Brad Davis is known in bluegrass circles for his original “double-down-up” guitar technique, his songwriting, vocals and producer talents. He has worked with the likes of Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Earl Scruggs, Marty Stuart, Tommy Shaw, Billy Bob Thornton just to name a few. Here he pays tribute to the legendary country artist.
Der Weg Einer Freiheit – Stellar CD/LP (Season Of Mist)
New album from the German black metal band.
Eartheater – Metalepsis CD/Cassette (Hausu Mountain)
Eartheater is the solo project from Alexandra Drewchin of Guardian Alien. Metalepsis traces the deliberate distillation of voice, synths, guitar, and electronic production techniques into short-form compositions teeming with crystalline details. “Ritualistic, boundary-pushing psychedelia” – Pitchfork
Eskmo – SOL CD/LP (Apollo)
As Eskmo, Brendan Angelides has released genre-defying electronica on Ninja Tune, Warp and Planet Mu. His latest Apollo Records release, SOL, unravels with a glacial slowness, as each subsequent track gradually adds to the inevitable inertia that propels the record from beginning to end.
Kevin Eubanks/Stanley Jordan – Duets CD (Mack Avenue)
The impeccably balanced Duets includes four spontaneous arrangements of well-known classics. “Nature Boy,” “Blue In Green,” “Summertime” and “A Child Is Born,” plus interpretations of modern pop songs (Adele’s “Someone Like You” and Ellie Goulding’s “Lights”).
Fantasma – Free Love CD/LP (Soundway)
New release by this project led by South African innovator and pioneer Spoek Mathambo. Fantasma is a five-man collective which weaves together electronica, hip-hop, traditional Zulu maskandi music, shangaan electro, South African house, psych-rock and punk to form a unique, original and fresh hybrid.
Feufollet – Two Universes CD/LP (Feufollet)
Feufollet’s melting pot sound fuses the southwestern Louisiana band’s musical repertoire of Cajun, classic country, indie rock, swamp pop, and earnest Americana.
Fórn – The Departure of Consciousness CD (Gilead Media)
Debut album from the Boston-based doom quintet. The Departure Of Consciousness is a devastating debut record, without question. It is an offering of completely destructive energy. Throughout the album Fórn ascend to a realm of apocalyptic riffage and scathing vocals, giving way only briefly to lulls of despondent melody. Before any glimmer of hope is capable of penetrating the filth and the grime, this entity of misery plunges back to immeasurable depths and broods in despair.
Florian Fricke/Popol Vuh – Kailash: Pilgrimage To The Throne 2xCD+DVD/2xLP+DVD (Soul Jazz)
This posthumous collection serves as an informal career retrospective, largely comprised of solo piano recordings made by Popol Vuh’s Florian Fricke. Present are sketches which led to influential early works by the krautrock band (such as Hosianna Mantra) as well as unreleased improvisations and recordings found after Fricke passed away. The material spans from 1972 through 1989. Fricke, who scored four films for director Werner Herzog, made three films of his own over the course of his career. The 1995 documentary Kailish gives the collection its name and is included on DVD for the first time. The movie was made in collaboration with original Popol Vuh member and filmmaker Frank Fiedler and documents the duo’s ascent of the holiest mountain in Asia, known as Kailish or “The Throne Of The Gods.” An audio version of Fricke’s soundtrack is included.
Fulgora – Stratagem CD/LP (Housecore)
A name representing the female personification of lightning in Greek mythology, Fulgora is a shadowy grindcore/death collective featuring members of Pig Destroyer, Misery Index and Agoraphobic Nosebleed. Together they concoct violent hymns of destruction fusing death/grind and hardcore-ish, vulturine vocal infiltrations.
Andy Gabbard – Fluff CD/LP (Alive)
Brimming with creativity, Fluff is the debut album from singer-songwriter Andy Gabbard (Buffalo Killers). Modern grunge fuzz pop with ‘60s aura.
Geographer – Ghost Modern CD/LP+MP3 (Roll Call)
Geographer is an indie rock band based in San Francisco, California.
Formed in 2007, by Michael Deni the band have described their sound as being ‘soulful music from outer space’ using analog, electronic and acoustic elements to craft dense layers and unique sound textures. This is their third album. Available on CD and on translucent red color vinyl.
Ben Goldberg – Orphic Machine CD/LP (The Royal Potato Family)
“Clarinetist Ben Goldberg is not exaggerating when he calls Orphic Machine the most ambitious project of his more than 25-year career. Working from the “speculative poetics” of author and critic Allen Grossman’s “Summa Lyrica” and addressing the subject of artistic inspiration itself, Goldberg’s cross-genre compositions–combining jazz, rock and klezmer–are complex and compelling.” – Elmore Magazine
The Go! Team – The Scene Between CD/LP (Memphis Industries)
“Across-the-pond pop band The Go! Team has returned after a four-year hiatus with the uplifting and light-hearted cross-genre LP, The Scene Between. If this new effort from the British band could be described in one word, it would simply be: fun. The record is just…fun. It’s fun the way swimming on a hot summer day is fun, or fun the way staying up all night and talking to friends is fun. It just oozes a euphoria of adventure. It’s exactly what you’d want out of an indie pop record” – Under The Gun Review. (Also available on pink vinyl.)
Gouge – Beyond Death CD/LP (Hells Headbangers)
Gouge is a death metal band from Kolbotn, Norway.
Groovie Ghoulies – Appetite For Adrenochrome [Reissue/1989] CD/LP+MP3 (Greed Door Recording)
Reissue of the Sacramento, CA pop/punk band’s debut album.
Robin Guthrie/Mark Gardener – Universal Road CD (Soleil Apras Minuit)
Universal Road is the new album by Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins) and Mark Gardener (Ride). Their former band’s work ought to give hints as to where a collaboration between the pair might lead, but this remarkable new album has it’s own chemistry and is an unexpected treasure from the two well established artists. The pairing of Guthrie and Gardener might, at first glance, be expected to deliver a very particular brand of guitar-driven euphoria, however, Universal Road, defies expectations across ten tracks whose diversity is one of the album’s great strengths.
Darren Hanlon – Where Did You Come From? CD/LP+MP3 (Yep Roc)
Australian troubadour Darren Hanlon had a long, rich musical history by the time fifth album Where Did You Come From? arrived in 2015. Starting out as a supportive player in mid-’90s indie pop acts like the Lucksmiths and the Dearhunters, Hanlon stepped out solo around the start of the 2000s with a charmingly simple indie folk sound, rooted in the twee pop sentiments of his full-band days but presented with a candle-lit intimacy and sparsity. As the years went on, he would develop a sound more informed by the busking tradition than the Sarah Records catalog, turning to more traditional folk structures for his sweetly sung compositions. Where Did You Come From? melds traditionally minded playing with Hanlon’s intelligent songwriting, wavering in between different production worlds.
Hayden – Hey Love CD/LP (Arts & Crafts)
On Hey Love, Hayden’s eighth full-length record, the Toronto musician and songwriter writes the most intimate passage yet in his decades-deep story. The follow-up to 2013’s Us Alone, his sonically warm and emotive debut record on Arts & Crafts, is a heartrending love letter of hope and disarray, the album’s thirteen songs among Hayden Desser’s most affective, tactile, rousing yet restrained work to date. The title track, a languid anthem exposed by chiming pedal steel, introduces this dialogue – about loves both comfortable and disconnected, exhilarating and naive – with Hayden’s woozy pre-dawn falsetto propped up by a watchful chorus.
Dave Hill – Two Seasons CD (Dave Hill Music)
Guitarist Dave Hill’s first album with Adam Cohen, on bass, Bill Fulton and Kevin King on keyboards, Tom McIntyre on drums and special guests performances by Andy Suzuki on sax, Ernest Tibbs on fretlass bass, Dave Karasony (Rippingtons) on drums, along with Gregg Karukas on piano. In a musical age driven by a cookie cutter, hit single mentality, where the powers that be do everything to pigeonhole artists to fit into simple categories, Dave Hill goes joyfully out on a limb to celebrate the true adventurous spirit of contemporary jazz.
Hit The Lights – Summer Bones CD/LP+MP3 (Pure Noise)
Hit The Lights has been a pop/punk main stay for nearly ten years. Summer Bones is their fourth studio album and was recorded with engineer/producer Kyle Black (Paramore, Comeback Kids, Set Your Goals).
Holocausto – Campo De Exterminio [Reissue/1987] CD/LP (Cogumelo/Greyhaze)
Reissue of the Brazilian thrash/black metal band’s debut album. In May 1987, when Campo De Exterminio was first released, many people misunderstood the band’s intentions, believing that it was praising the fascist ideology. In fact, the band intended exactly the contrary, since its lyrics criticized and accused the brutality and abuse which happened in the world’s recent history, and which are still present in our days. That’s why the album is so up to date: the world hasn’t changed in terms of violence and absurd wars, and the exploitation of one man by the other.
Humming House – Revelries CD/LP (Rock Ridge)
Woven together from diverse backgrounds (Americana, classical composition, bluegrass, soul, and traditional Irish music), Humming House playground of musical exploration has something for everyone. Their debut record brought a whirlwind of press including features on NPR’s ‘Live In Studio C’ and ‘All Things Considered,’ Nashville’s Lightning 100 local spotlight, reviews in American Songwriter Magazine, and a Daytrotter session, and rotations on CMT Pure and Zuus Country, plus placements on FX’s Justified and The CW’s Hart of Dixie. Having played over 150 dates, they are always touring nationwide with notable performances at Bristol Rhythm and Roots, the Americana Music Festival, the Cayamo Cruise, and SXSW. They have shared the festival stage with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Dr. Dog, Justin Townes Earl, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Lyle Lovett, Ricky Skaggs, and Bruce Hornsby.
Inquisition – Magnificent Glorification Of Lucifer [2004] CD/LP (Season Of Mist)
Magnificent Glorification Of Lucifer, the third full-length from Inquisition, is widely considered one of their strongest “early albums” and part of the vanguard of satanic black metal. Featuring several tracks that are staples of their live set to this day, Magnificent Glorification delivered thunder with purpose and authority, cementing their place at the forefront of the international black metal movement.
James – Laid [1993] 2xCD/2xLP (Island/Mercury)
James – Laid/Wah Wah [Reissue/1993/1994] 4xCD (Island/Mercury)
James’ Laid (also available separately as an expanded double-CD set) and Wah Wah albums are reissued as a Super Deluxe box set, which features 20 previously unreleased recordings including rehearsals, out-takes, jams, B-sides, radio sessions and live tracks. The 12”x12” box includes a 56-page hardcover book, four button badges and four postcards. (Each title also reissued separately on HQ180gm vinyl.)
Jeff The Brotherhood – Wasted On The Dream CD/LP (Infinity Cat)
“The Nashville duo JEFF the Brotherhood became notorious in the early 2010s for its rip-roaring take on scuzzed-out rock. The clamor around the Orrall brothers (Jake and Jamin) grew loud enough to get them snapped up by Warner Bros. But the partnership between scrappy band and corporate behemoth proved to be a nightmare for JEFF, which in February announced that it had liberated itself from the ‘demented vulture’ and would be releasing its eighth album on its own label, Infinity Cat. Wasted On The Dream is tight and snarling, an amalgamation of punk brevity, metal riffs, and garage attitude, tailor-made for blaring from parked cars idling while their passengers figure out how to maximize the night’s fast, cheap, and out of control quotients. Jethro Tull leader Ian Anderson lends his flute to the witheringly pessimistic ‘Black Cherry Pie,’ while the sweet vocals of Best Coast mastermind Bethany Cosentino turn ‘In My Dreams’ into a wistful portrait of ships passing.” – Boston Globe
Jiln – Dark Energy CD/2xLP+MP3 (Planet Mu)
From the angular, minimal beats of RP Boo to the widely admired sound of sadly departed DJ Rashad, footwork has lovingly seeped into hearts and feet worldwide whilst continuing to innovate. Dark Energy signals a return to Planet Mu for the Gary, Indiana-based footwork producer, who contributed two tracks to the Bangs & Works Vol.2 compilation back in 2011, including album cut “Erotic Heat.” The eleven-track album picks up where those earlier tracks left off, experimenting with a darker strand of rhythmically jarring and sonically abrasive footwork that matches high energy with high drama.
Kansas – Miracles Out Of Nowhere CD+DVD/CD+Blu-ray (Legacy)
Miracles Out of Nowhere is the documentary film that tells the uplifting true story of the classic rock band Kansas and its climb from impossible obscurity to stadium headliners. Directed by Emmy-nominated Charley Randazzo, the documentary features the original Kansas lineup, revisiting Topeka together for the first time in more than 30 years, where music mogul Don Kirshner first discovered them. The documentary also features interviews with Garth Brooks, Queen guitarist Brian May, producer Brendan O Brien, Rolling Stone journalist David Wild, and more.
Karyn Crisis Gospel Of The Witches – Salem’s Wounds CD (Century Media)
While select circles of people know and appreciate Karyn Crisis’ prior vocals with the metal band Crisis from 1993-2006, many are unaware of her influence and impact on the genre. This demure girl raged harder than many men, slugging it out with impactful live performances at hardcore and metal shows screaming oftentimes like a demon, other times singing like an angel. Vinyl version due April 21.
King Hitter – King Hitter CDEP (Restricted Release)
Featuring vocalist Karl Agell (ex-Corrosion Of Conformity) and his Leadfoot band mate, guitarist Scott Little, King Hitter create classic ‘70s-style hard rock/metal with a modern edge.
Curtis Knight & The Squires [feat. Jimi Hendrix] – You Can’t Use My Name The RSVP PPX Sessions CD/LP (Legacy)
Archive release featuring early recordings of Jimi Hendrix when he was a member of Curtis Knight & The Squires. The title You Can’t Use My Name is a play on the decades-long battle Hendrix’s management — first Animals bassist Chas Chandler, then his own estate — faced in order to end a 1965 contract the guitarist signed with PPX Records to be Knight’s sideman. After the Jimi Hendrix Experience released Are You Experienced?, PPX released Hendrix’s Knight-era tracks as an album. Another album, Got That Feeling, was planned for the UK in 1968 before the courts barred the release.
Lightning Bolt – Fantasy Empire CD/2xLP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
Over the course of its two-decade existence, Lightning Bolt has revolutionized underground rock in immeasurable ways. The duo broke the barrier between stage and audience by setting themselves up on the floor in the midst of the crowd. Their momentous live performances and the mania they inspired paved the way for similar tactics used by Dan Deacon and literally hundreds of others. Fantasy Empire is Lightning Bolt’s first album for Thrill Jockey and was recorded at Machines With Magnets (Battles, The Body). It is their first album to be recorded in a proper studio.
Like Pacific – Like Pacific CDEP (Pure Noise)
The Toronto band’s Pure Noise debut is a balance of aggressive punk rock and captivating melody.
Liturgy – The Ark Work CD/2xLP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
The Ark Work is the much-anticipated follow-up to Liturgy’s 2011 breakout album Aesthethica. Liturgy is a Brooklyn-based, self-styled “transcendental black metal” band whose yearning, energetic music exists in an uncanny space between avant rock, black metal, fine art and shamanic ritual. The band is led by songwriter and conceptual architect Hunter Hunt-Hendrix, who is joined by guitarist Bernard Gann, bassist Tyler Dusenbury and drummer Greg Fox (Guardian Alien, Zs, Ben Frost).
LoneLady – Hinterland CD/LP+MP3 (Warp)
LoneLady recalls fractured memories of minimal wave and even early techno and dance, dynamically spliced through with Julie Campbell’s intricate, choppy and propulsive guitar playing. “It’s channeling Parliament/Funkadelic, Stevie Wonder, Rufus, Prince, Arthur Russell… among others. A strange — but nonetheless real — meeting of funk and… me from Audenshaw, Manchester.”
The Loons – Inside Out Your Mind CD/LP (Bomp!)
The Loons have been described as “a perfect pairing of Love-influenced garage-psych and British underground in the mould of the Pretty Things.”
Laura Marling – Short Movie CD/2xLP+MP3/2xLP+7”+MP3 (Ribbon Music)
Laura Marling returns with her fifth studio album in seven years. Short Movie, a follow up to 2013’s Mercury Prize nominated Once I Was An Eagle, marks a new chapter in her sound and artistic development. The album sees Marling move into new musical territory and may surprise fans with its prevalence of electric guitar. The album is freer and looser sounding than anything she has done before. Marling produced the album, was recorded at Urchin Studios in London and aided by her long time drummer Matt Ingram and studio engineer Dan Cox. (Vinyl version is available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a limited-edition two-track 7”.)
Nellie McKay – My Weekly Reader CD (Savoy Label Group)
Noted for her critically acclaimed albums, visits to NPR and A Prairie Home Companion, as well as The Washington Post saying she “…has all the makings to be the great singer/songwriter of the century,” Nellie McKay pays homage to the ‘60s with her new album, My Weekly Reader. From Haight Ashbury to Greenwich Village to Carnaby Street, the album (in collaboration with famed Beatles engineer, Geoff Emerick) features unlikely gems from Country Joe, Moby Grape, Frank Zappa, Richard Farina, Crosby Stills and Nash, The Beatles and The Kinks.
Lloyd McNeill/Marshall Hawkins – Tanner Suite [Reissue/1969] CD/LP (Universal Sound/Soul Jazz)
Reissue of the third album from deep jazz flautist and composer Lloyd McNeill. Tanner Suite is one of the most beautiful and by far the rarest of all of McNeill’s records. A unique piece of music especially commissioned by the Smithsonian National Gallery Of Art in the late 1960s, to accompany an exhibition of the work of Henry Ossawa Tanner, the first African-American painter ever to gain international success.
Myra Melford – Snowy Egret CD (Enja)
Melford’s music blends classical with blues piano, North-Indian harmonium, Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture, James Joyce, the paintings of Don Reich, Zen Buddhism and Rumi poems.
Merzbow/Mats Gustafsson/Balázs Pándi/Thurston Moore – Cuts Of Guilt, Cuts Deeper 2xCD (Rarenoise)
Double-CD collaboration between Japanese noisemaker, Swedish saxophonist, Hungarian drummer and the skronking guitar hero/Sonic Youth founder. Vinyl version due April 28.
Jeff Mills – Woman In The Moon 3xCD (Axis)
Woman In The Moon is a science fiction silent film that premiered in 1929. It is often considered to be one of the first serious science fiction films, written and directed by Fritz Lang, who is the one of the biggest names in German expressionist cinema, the creator of Metropolis (1927). Detroit techno music producer and a futurist Jeff Mills composed the new soundtrack for this classic film, initially for the Fritz Lang Film Retrospective event for Cinematheque Francaise in Paris in 2011. Since then, Mills has been consistently performing the soundtrack in the form of a cine-mix.
Mind.In.A.Box – Memories CD (Metropolis)
With the dense, complex electronics MIAB is known for, the band masterfully creates moods and mixes them with highly danceable tracks to create a complex musical journey.
Mini Mansions – The Great Pretenders CD/LP (Capitol)
New release on T Bone Burnett’s Electromagnectic Recordings label. Hailing from California, Mini Mansions formed as jam sessions turned into recordings. Michael Shuman is the bassist in Queens Of The Stone Age, Zach Dawes has worked with longtime mentor T Bone Burnett, and Tyler Parkford releases music under his solo moniker Mister Goodnite.
Monokino – Fake Virtue CD (Zip)
Hailing from Amsterdam and Monokino has emerged as a cross-cultured rarity that features English lyrics and deft guitar movements layered between obscure electronic streams.
Van Morrison – Duets: Reworking The Catalog CD/2xLP (RCA)
On Duets: Reworking The Catalog, Van Morrison and the guests selected and recorded some of his songs from the catalog of 360 songs across his career. Deliberately steering away from his more well known classics, he enlisted some of the artists he most respects to perform these songs with him to re-craft and re-imagine them. Produced by Van Morrison along with Don Was and Bob Rock, the album features duet performances with Bobby Womack, Steve Winwood, Mark Knopfler, Taj Mahal, Mavis Staples, Michael Bublé, Natalie Cole, George Benson, Gregory Porter, Clare Teal, P.J. Proby, Joss Stone, Georgie Fame, Mick Hucknall, Chris Farlowe, and Van’s daughter Shana Morrison.
Mugwump – Unspell CD/LP (Subfield)
With Mugwump’s modern-day classic Boutade being the cornerstone of a rich catalogue, that so far has spawned cult dance releases on Kompakt, R&S, Gigolo, Cocoon, Throne Of Blood, Eskimo, Astrolab, Permanent Vacation and International Feel, Mugwump is coherently building a legacy of non-formulaic music, fusing together 80s pop music, EBM, dub, film scores, disco and techno with industrial new-beat influences.
The Myrrors – Arena Negra CD/LP+MP3/Cassette (Beyond Beyond Is Beyond)
The Myrrors sound is one of urgency, but urgency not beholden to velocity. Arena Negra comes on strong, as clearly, evenly and undeniably as the very light that enters your eyes, fueled by a heroic dose of Bardo Pond-esque levels of elevation and amplification. The album is — both by turns and, miraculously, all at once — dramatic, reflective, ecstatic and otherworldly.
New Composers – Boring Music CD (Psychonavigation)
New release from the Russian electronic group. Based in St. Petersburg, New Composers worked with Pete Namlook and also had the pleasure of collaborating with legendary ambient composer Brian Eno. The new album displays the bands signature melodic ambience and at times throughout you can hear an icy chill lying deep within.
Niyaz – Fourth Light CD (Six Degrees)
Fourth album from this band who call Montreal home although they originally hail from Iran. Fourth Light was produced by Damien Taylor, who has produced/mixed Björk, Arcade Fire, The Killers and others.
Nocturnus – The Key [Reissue/1990] CD/LP (Earache)
Formed in 1987 in Tampa, FL by former Morbid Angel drummer Mike Browning, Nocturnus stood out from the death metal crowd for their heavy use keyboards and science fiction themed lyrics (both virtually non-existent in extreme metal at the time).
Nymphalida – Portraits CD (Tranquillo)
Each track on the sweeping, classically influenced album features a lineup of various orchestral instruments, sometimes with some electronics and vocals, to generate different segments of a vast musical landscape.
Oasis – Stop The Clocks 2xCD (Big Brother)
Double-CD collection by the Britpop superheroes curated by guitarist/songwriter Noel Gallagher. Includes “Live Forever,” “Wonderwall,” “Some Might Say,” “Champagne Supernova,” “Acquiesce,” “Don’t Look Back In Anger” and more.
Oceano – Ascendants CD (Earache)
Windy city deathcore titans Oceano awaken with their brand new studio album, ‘Ascendants’. Oceano’s evolution continues on their 4th full-length venture. The band’s trademark vicious hybrid of bone-splintering brutality ascends into a new realm and reach previously undiscovered depths. Their signature sound is revitalized through guitarists Scott Smith and Michael Kasper (Carnivale/Dead To Fall) and bassist Chris Wagner (Monsters). Vocalist Adam Warren’s visceral screams and guttural onslaught are further refined and expanded with near inhuman tone.
Opeth – Orchid [Reissue/1995] CD (Candlelight)
Opeth – Morningrise [Reissue/1996] CD (Candlelight)
Opeth – My Arms, Your Hearse [Reissue/1998] CD (Candlelight)
The Swedish prog metal band’s first three albums are back in print on CD.
M. Ostermeier – Still CD (Tench)
Still is M. Ostermeier’s first album in four years. The album features his poignant and at times avant-garde piano style mixed with the spare use of electronics and processed acoustic recordings. Empty space and minimalism figure heavily in the compositions, making for a stark and reflective album.
Perdition Temple – Tempter’s Victorious CD/LP (Hells Headbangers)
Second album from the black/death metal band composed of Angelcorpse and Immolation members.
Perfect Blue Sky – Emerald CD (Scarecrow)
The inspiration behind this Swedish band’s songbook is the uninhibited vibes of ‘60/’70s psychedelic rock imbued with folk poetry.
Michael Schenker’s Temple Of Rock – Spirit On A Mission CD/CD+DVD/2xLP (Inakustik Label Group)
The new studio album from the legendary guitarist. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a bonus track and DVD.
Seasick Steve – Sonic Soul Surfer CD/LP (Bronze Rat)
Produced and written by Seasick Steve and recorded in his front room at the little farm where he lives, Sonic Soul Surfer is his seventh studio record and most ambitious work yet. Along with long-time drummer Dan Magnusson, the album also features Luther Dickinson (Mississippi All Stars) playing slide guitar on two tracks, Georgina Leach on fiddle and Ben Miller playing jaw harp on lead track “Summertime Boy,” a song celebrating the life and sunshine of California. “The whole record is mostly me and Dan sitting there drinking and playing,” says Steve. “There ain’t a whole lot of producing going on! But I know what I’m doing and I know what I want.”
Sh!t And Shine – 54 Synth-brass, 38 Metal Guitar, 65 Cathedral CD/LP (Rocket Recordings)
Taking the repetitive rhythmic drive of krautrock and marrying it to a percussive Butthole Surfers-style strain of acidic intensity, Sh!t And Shine have carved out a unique niche for themselves as one of the most unpredictable and—occasionally—outright unpleasant outfits in living memory. Like a robot Can-Hawkwind hybrid in a Philip K. Dick future, reassembling disco, abstract electronica, and noise rock into elegant new shapes, Sh!t And Shine furrow brows and fry synapses in equal measure.
The Silence – The Silence CD/LP (Drag City)
After announcing the 30-year run of his Japanese psych legends, Ghost, Masaki Batoh immediately formed The Silence. After a chance meeting in 2013 with Okano (who played on Ghost’s Lama Rabi Rabi), and still in need of direction, Batoh turned to another old companion and original Ghost-mate, Ogino. Tasked with the production and arrangement of The Silence, Ogino selected Jan Stigter on bass, Ryuichiro Yoshida on flute and saxophone, and himself on organ and piano. With Okano playing drums and percussion and Batoh supplying guitar and vocals, The Silence was complete.
Smallpools – Lovetap! CD/LP+MP3 (RCA)
New album from the Los Angeles-based synth pop group. “L.A. band Smallpools generated significant buzz in 2013 with their ruthlessly catchy debut single ‘Dreaming.’ A minor hit on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart, the breezy jam lives on in the soundtracks of multiple video games and TV shows. Sean, Mike, Joe and Beau followed that up with another track called ‘Killer Whales’ in the summer but take things to the next level with new synth-rock anthem ‘Karaoke.’
Co-produced by Ricky Reed and John Ryan, “Karaoke” is an ’80s-influenced jaunt with a serotonin-raising chorus and (intentionally) tinny synths. Think Walk The Moon in a mellow mood or Bleachers without the lashings of nostalgia.” – Idolator
Sorcerer – In The Shadow Of The Inverted Cross CD (Metal Blade)
Epic doom from the recently re-formed Swedish metal band.
The Spanish Donkey – Raoul CD (Rarenoise)
The sound of Joe Morris’ electric guitar, with distortion pedal set on stun and wah-wah pedal fully engaged, colliding with Jamie Saft’s droning, microtonal organ and Mike Pride’s thunderous free drumming approach to the kit creates a mind-numbing maelstrom on Raoul. Vinyl version due April 28.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion – Freedom Tower – No Wave Dance Party 2015 CD/LP (Mom+Pop)
New York City is a big place. A loud place. Some of that noise is music. And some of the music is noise. Sucking it all in and turning it loose with prejudice, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion takes a ferocious bite out of the Big Apple with their new long-player, Freedom Tower – No Wave Dance Party 2015, the first record of the new era that demands to be stopped and frisked.
Like the best sides that percolated up from the Bronx, the Lower East Side, and Greenwich Village across the 1970s and ‘80s – Freedom Tower is more than a high-octane dance party record, it is a document of New York City, a chronicle of grit and terror and love. (Also available on hot-pink vinyl.)
Ray Stevens – Here We Go Again CD (Player)
A collection of musical comedy tracks, featuring two R&B standards with a hillbilly bluegrass treatment.
Frederick Michael St. Jude – Gang War [1982] CD (Drag City)
After the introductory, opening theme sets the stage, it quickly becomes apparent that Gang War isn’t exactly about gangs, but is a metaphor for the personal and professional struggles of life. St. Jude incorporated an interesting amalgamation of styles for the album, as the songs bring to mind glam rock titans, Bowie and Bolan; the softer side of Led Zeppelin; the futuristic, dystopian imagery of Gary Numan; and anthemic arena rock by the likes of Styx, Queen, and REO Speedwagon. It’s funky, punky, and rocks with a fist in the air. It’s quite a record.
Striking Matches – Nothing But The Silence CD (I.R.S. Nashville)
Striking Matches is a guitar-wielding duo of Sarah Zimmerman and Justin Davis who also share vocals duties. While their debut album Nothing But The Silence fits in with today’s commercial country scene, it also stands out from the rest of the pack with its driving rhythms and simple yet artful production. Helmed by super-producer T Bone Burnett, the album is designed to showcase the compelling harmonies, honest lyrics and innovative guitar playing that makes them such a compelling live duo.
Strung Out – Transmission.Alpha.Delta CD/LP (Fat Wreck Chords)
Transmission.Alpha.Delta is the latest blast from the champs of metal-laced punk rock. True to form, the band continues to evolve their patented sound through 12 new tracks saturated with lightning fast riffs, clobbering rhythms, and fresh vocal melodies.
Surf City – Jekyll Island CD/LP (Fire)
New Zealand psychgazers Surf City return with an album of sticky summer jams and fuzzy swirls and out and out dream pop blasts.
Tartu Popi ja Roki Instituut – Marienbad CD (Minty Fresh)
The third album from Estonian band draws serious inspiration from Stereolab, combining Krautrock grooves, gurgling analog synthesizers, and bright melodic shapes gleaned from so-called sunshine pop acts like the Free Design.
Roger Taylor – Roger Taylor’s Fun In Space [Reissue/1981] CD (Omnivore)
Roger Taylor – Strange Frontier [Reissue/1984] CD (Omnivore)
Reissues of the Queen drummer’s first two solo albums. In between legs of Queen’s tours in 1980, drummer Roger Taylor spent time at Mountain Studios in Montreux, Switzerland, making his first solo recordings since the release of the 1977 single “I Wanna Testify.” Those recordings would make up his first solo album, 1981’s Fun In Space. Taylor wrote and performed the entire project himself, with only “approx. 50% of keyboards” being handled by engineer David Richards. Three of his Queen bandmates joined him on his second album, Strange Frontier. Vinyl versions due April 7.
Theories – Regression CD/LP (Metal Blade)
Debut album from the Seattle, WA based death/grind newcomers.
Thursday – Waiting: 15-Year Anniversary Edition CD/LP+7” (Collect)
Features the original 1999 album remastered and repackaged with a die-cut sleeve, original liner notes, and a bonus 7” EP featuring previously unreleased demos from this period—including one never-before-released song. (Also available on blood-orange vinyl with bonus 7” containing an unreleased song.)
Too Close To Touch – Nerve Endings CD (Epitaph)
This Lexington, KY band’s sound flows easily from alternative to theatrical rock to post-hardcore. Taking cues from the 1975, Walk The Moon and The Neighbourhood, they’ve refined it to a mix of indie and classic cool.
Toto – XIV CD/2xCD (Frontiers)
XIV is the Toto’s first album of new material since 2006’s Falling In Between. However, the band personally considers the new album to be the true follow-up to Toto IV, which made the band global superstars. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe includes a making-of-the-album documentary on DVD. Vinyl version due March 31.
Trans Van Santos – Moon Mirage LP/Cassette (Royal Oakie)
Moon Mirage is the first official release by Trans Van Santos—the new project from acid gospel visionary Mark Matos, formerly head of rambling San Francisco psych-folk collective Os Beaches and dusty desert rockers Camp Bravo. In late 2013 Matos disappeared into the desert near Joshua Tree, CA. He returned with this seven-song batch of sunbaked ballads. For fans of Lee Hazlewood, Jim Sullivan and Bill Callahan.
Vamps – Bloodsuckers CD (Spinefarm)
Vamps is a Japanese rock duo formed in 2008 by Hyde (vocalist, rhythm guitarist, lyricist and songwriter) and K.A.Z (lead guitarist, backing vocalist and songwriter).
Various Artists – Classic American Ballads CD (Smithsonian Folkways)
Born of the British ballad, its American offspring was the blank canvas for all type of tale, the more calamitous or scandalous, the better. Jesse James and Billy the Kid, train wrecks and hurricanes, the Titanic and Tom Dooley, fatal lovers’ quarrels and foiling the devil, all and more were normal fare, served up in a song. Classic American Ballads is 25 tracks of timeworn tragedy drawn from the deep fount of the Smithsonian Folkways archives.
Various Artists – Next Stop Sowetto Vol. 4: Zulu Rock, Afro-Disco And Mbaqanga 1975-1985 CD/LP (Strut)
The latest in Strut’s Next Stop Soweto continues to mine the archives of South African music to spotlight the fertile era of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Tightly controlled by oppressive Apartheid laws, South Africa’s music scene had nevertheless progressed into myriad new directions, embracing funk, soul, rock and disco.
Vetiver – Complete Strangers CD/LP (Easy Sound/Welk Music Group)
Crafted once again with producer Thom Monahan, Complete Strangers is a stunning collection, at once beautiful and fragile, sweeping and delicate, haunted and hopeful. “Current Carry” is a soft-lit indie pop gem simultaneously reminiscent of ‘70s AM gold and startlingly current. Likewise, “Loose Ends” is a straight-ahead power pop anthem sure to be welcomed by Vetiver fans new and old.
Von Hertzen Brothers – New Day Rising CD (Spinefarm)
New studio album from Finland’s #1 rock act. Mixed by Juno Awards winner Randy Staub (Metallica, Alice In Chains, etc.), New Day Rising blends the key elements of VHB’s music — atmosphere, intelligence, epic feel, progressive leanings — with an even greater focus on melody and hooks.
Williams Shift – We Were Wonderers CD (Burnt Toast Vinyl)
Williams Shift is a new project from Matthew Stone (Soporus, Saxon Shore) and Stephen Roessner (Saxon Shore, Small Signals). We Were Wonderers was recorded in various home studios, produced and mixed by Grammy award winning producer Roessner in conjunction with Stone, and features the vocalist Jill Purdy. Williams Shift comes to life as an outgrowth of the poppiest elements incorporated in songs recorded as members of the instrumental band Saxon Shore combined with the concept of the “Williams Shift” where defenders would align themselves to better field naturally pulled hits from Boston slugger Ted Williams. Vinyl version due April 7.
Leo Bud Welch – I Don’t Prefer No Blues CD/LP (Big Legal Mess)
At age 82, bluesman Leo “Bud” Welch rocks on stage like a teenager — dancing and spinning as he beats out jagged chords and grimy solos on his pink, sparkle-covered guitar. That raw youthful energy and Welch’s old-school juke-joint jones blend full-throttle in the 10 songs on I Don’t Prefer No Blues. The album is a garage-blues manifesto that weds waves of prickly six-string distortion and gutbucket d rums with Welch’s smoke-and-ash voice and mud-crusted guitar.
DVDs + Blu-ray:
Joe Bonamassa – Muddy Wolf At Red Rocks DVD/Blu-ray (J&R Adventures)
The blues guitarist tribute to legends Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf on this double-disc live release.
Miley Cyrus – Bangerz Tour DVD/Blu-ray (RCA)
Features performances from tour stops in Barcelona and Lisbon, along with behind-the-scenes look into the tour and Cyrus’s personal life.
Everything Is Terrible! – The Legends 3xDVD (Everything Is Terrible)
The Legends collection is 16 hours of the best of EIT’s shorts, including many that have been banned from the web. Seeing all this madness chronicled in one-place reminds us that in the right hands, garbage can be turned into gold. The mindfreaks at EIT have taken thousands of forgotten VHS tapes, chewed them up, and spit them back to their young via daily website postings. During that time they’ve exposed the world to massaging cat ladies, apocalyptic facial exercises, pizzas parties in hell, and our immortal party-god, Duane.
Various Artists – A MusiCares Tribute To Paul McCartney DVD/Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)
On February 10, 2012, Sir Paul McCartney was honored as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year. At a gala event in Los Angeles, Paul and a cast of superstar guests performed some of the quintessential songs from his renowned and celebrated career. Features performances by: Cirque du Soleil featuring The Beatles Love Cast, Alicia Keys, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Duane Eddy, Norah Jones, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Sergio Mendes, Coldplay, James Taylor with Diana Krall, Diana Krall with James Taylor, Dave Grohl, and Joe Walsh. 60 minutes.
Zu – Cordor Todo CD (Ipecac)
For over fifteen years, Zu’s modus operandi of straddling and abusing musical genres has resulted in over fifteen unique album releases across labels such as Ipecac, Atavistic and Headz (Japan). Their experimental amalgam of metal, math, no-wave, noise and electronics, led acclaimed composer John Zorn to describe their sound as “a powerful and expressive music that totally blows away what most bands do these days.” “Combines the abstractions of Sonic Youth with the out-there explorations of the best free jazz” – The Times. Vinyl version due April 14.
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
Acid Mothers Temple – High On New Heaven: Live In New Haven 3xLP+MP3 (Safety Meeting)
Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Parasio U.F.O. celebrates its 20th year as Japan’s premiere psychedelic freak-out collective with the release of this intimate live 4/20/2013 recording. Recorded on site at Cafe Nine in downtown New Haven, CT, Kawabata and crew delivered a solid live show totally deserving of the holiday it was conceived on. Sometimes heavy, sometimes slow and quiet, the set endlessly climbed through the frequencies delivering the fuzzy and hypnotic to a sweaty, gleeful, bleary-eyed room of psychedelic enthusiasts.
Ilyas Ahmed – I Am All Your Own LP+MP3/Cassette (Immune)
Written and recorded entirely on 12-string and electric guitars and recorded fully analog for an intimate & homespun atmosphere, I Am All Your Own is Ahmed’s most direct work, with his vocals brought to the fore and un-obscured.
Attendant – Freaking Out LP (Salinas)
Single-sided 12″ of melodic punk rock from west Philadelphia.
Baast – Dimensions LP (Ubiquity)
A potent mix of hard rhythms, direct horns and spatial electronics.
Bonny Doon – Bonny Doon 7” (Salinas)
Debut 4-song 7″ of twangy laid-back indie rock from Detroit. Features members of Tyvek and Growing Pains.
Broken Water – Wrought LP (Night People)
A follow up to 2012’s widely-praised Tempest, Olympia, Washington favorites Broken Water’s new album was recorded and mixed with Steve Fisk (Nirvana, Soundgarden) and features a mix of noisy, fuzzed-out guitars and melodic vocals. Features a guest appearance from Lori Goldston (Earth) on cello.
Brothers Born – Knife Wounds LP+MP3 (Nine Mile)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. 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.
Jackson Browne – Standing In The Breach LP (Inside Recordings)
Released last year on CD – now available on vinyl. 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.
Budos Band – Magus Mountain b/w Vertigo 7” (Daptone)
“Magus Mountain” opens with the chords of an acid-soaked troubadour, the guitars wavering harmony summoning the band into position.
John Butcher/Gino Robair – Bottle Breaking Heart Leap LP (Alt. Vinyl)
Intense 2012 live recording from The Left Bank in Leeds (a deconsecrated church with great acoustics) by two world-class improvisers who continue to develop a radical attitude to sound and interaction. HQ-180gm vinyl.
Johnny Cash – American Recordings I-VI 7xLP (UMe)
All six of the iconic Johnny Cash American Recordings LP’s are now available in their entirety in one box for the first time. Produced by legendary producer Rick Rubin, all are pressed on HQ-180gm LP’s and are housed in a beautiful 12×12 cloth covered box. Includes: American Recordings (1994), Unchained (1996), American III: Solitary Man (2000), American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002), American V: A Hundred Highways (2006), American IV: Ain’t No Grave (2010).
Charles Howl – Sir Vices LP (Ample Play)
New release from the London-based indie Brit-psych group. Comprising two members of The Proper Ornaments, Charles Howl are some of the last children of the ’80s, and with a Britpop upbringing, it is no wonder they have produced an album that sounds like My Bloody Valentine channeling The Stone Roses, while maintaining a contemporary charm.
Christian Death – Catastrophe Ballet [Reissue/1984] LP (Season Of Mist)
Christian Death – Ashes [Reissue/1985] LP (Season Of Mist)
Limited edition gatefold LP editions of two cornerstones of the gothic/deathrock/post-punk/early punk scenes. RIYL: Siouxsie And The Banshees, Sisters Of Mercy, Bauhaus.
Clark – Flame Rave 12”+MP3 (Warp)
Follow up EP to 2014’s eponymous album featuring two new songs and overhauled versions of “Unfurla” and “Winter Linn.” Die cut front with download.
Common – Like Water For Chocolate [Reissue/2000] 2xLP (Interscope)
Like Water For Chocolate is the fourth studio album by rapper Common, originally released in 2000. The album’s cover photo, 1956 Alabama by Gordon Parks, is a photo of a young black woman in Alabama, dressed for church, and drinking from a ‘Colored Only’ drinking fountain. White and green vinyl.
Wayne Cochran – Wayne Cochran! [Reissue/1967] LP (Sundazed Music)
Originally released by Chess Records in 1967, Wayne Cochran! captured the outrageous energy of his live show within the album’s grooves. This explosive collection of songs proved that Cochran deserved to share the label home of R&B greats like Etta James, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. Rather than a traditional artist portrait, the front cover features an outline of his white pompadour against a black background. Simple and direct, it stood in stark relief against the sea of day-glo, psychedelic imagery of the day. To put it another way, the cover art clearly conveyed that this album was all killer, no filler.
Dead Rider – New End b/w Uncomfy 7” (Drag City)
Dead Rider speculatively examines potential futures, black mirror-style! On the A, they consider the late night thoughts of the insomniac, as he contemplates the endless parade of humanity who’ve passed through the very room in which he’s trying fruitlessly to sleep. How many of them were there? They who laid in this exact spot? As sheets of black guitar reign all around, these are the thoughts you might have — when you are facing “New End.” The B-side features the post-apocalyptic B-boy trying to fight off boredom and a bellyache. It can get a bit “Uncomfy.”
Echosmith – Talking Dreams [2013] LP (WB)
Echosmith is an indie pop band formed in February 2009 from Toluca Lake, Los Angeles. The band is composed of four siblings: Graham Sierota, Sydney Sierota, Noah Sierota, and Jamie Sierota. They are best known for their hit song “Cool Kids” which reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Splatter color vinyl.
ELEL – ELEL 12” (Mom+Pop)
For fans of: Vance Joy, Tame Impala, Dreamers, Ex Cops.
Kurt Elling – Flirting With Twilight [Reissue/2001] 2xLP (Blue Note)
Grammy winner Kurt Elling is among the world’s foremost jazz vocalists. He won the DownBeat Critics Poll for fourteen consecutive years and was been named “Male Singer Of The Year” by the Jazz Journalists Association eight times in that same span. Every one of Elling’s ten albums has been nominated for a Grammy.
Eminem – Vinyl LPs 10xLP (Shady)
Includes: Slim Shady, Marshall Mathers, The Eminem Show, Encore, Curtain Call: The Hits, Relapse, Recovery, Marshall Mathers 2, 8 Mile OST, and the Eminem Presetns: The Re-Up compilation.
Ensiferum – One Man Army LP (Metal Blade)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New album from the Finnish folk metallers.
Esplendor Geométrico – Nador LP+7” (Geometrik)
Geometrik presents the first vinyl edition of Esplendor Geométrico’s Nador, originally released by Dirk Ivens’ Daft Records on CD in 1995. Nador is a collection of alternate takes and otherwise unreleased tracks recorded in 1988 and ’89 — one of the duo’s best creative periods. Includes tracks recorded in the Sheikh Aljama and Arispejal Astisaró period, an especially interesting time when the unique and characteristic rhythmic-industrial EG style, developed throughout the ‘80s, turned more minimalistic, schematic, cold, and rough, with sporadic influences from Arabic music and rhythms.
Ben Folds Five – Whatever And Ever Amen [Reissue/1997] LP (Original Recordings)
Whatever And Ever Amen is the second album by Ben Folds Five, originally released in 1997, featuring songs “Brick,” “Kate,” and “Song For The Dumped.” The album has been out of print on vinyl for over 15 years.
Frameworks – Tides LP (First Word)
Tides sees the Manchester-based producer Tides sees him joining the dots between instrumental hip-hop heroes Aim and RJD2, the epic soundscapes of Cinematic Orchestra and the deft songwriting of Bonobo.
Brian Gascoigne/David Briscoe – Phase [OST/1974] IV LP (Waxwork)
The definitive soundtrack release of the 1974 mind bending science-fiction masterpiece. HQ-180gm yellow vinyl.
Goodbye Party – Silver Blues LP (Salinas)
Debut LP from The Ambular’s Michael Cantor. Silver Blues sits at a crossroads between introspective, lo-fi bedroom pop and catchy energetic power pop.
Goodly Thousands – Sunshine Hair 7” (Shelflife)
Goodly Thousands’ songs are filled with their classic pop goodness that will absolutely knock your socks off. Lovely Byrds-y guitar lines, jangly rhythms, and Colm’s perfectly crafted vocal melodies will make this one release you do not want to miss.
Grateful Dead – Three From The Vault 4xLP (Future Days Recordings)
Recorded live at the Capitol Theatre (Port Chester, NY) in 1971, this seminal show features the five-piece line-up of Pigpen, Garcia, Weir, Lesh, and Kruetzmann (Mickey Hart had temporarily left the band at that point). Limited quadruple vinyl LP pressing housed in a gatefold Stoughton “tip-on” jacket.
Richie Havens – Mixed Bag [Reissue/1967] LP (Sundazed Music)
Richie Havens – Something Else Again [Reissue/1968] LP (Sundazed Music)
Originally released by Verve Forecast in 1967, Mixed Bag gathered songs from Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, Lennon/McCartney as well as two self-penned compositions and one co-written with future acting star Lou Gossett, Jr. Havens followed up a year later with Something Else Again. The cover portrait found Havens clad in dashiki and wearing beads while playing a sitar, looking like a standard bearer for the counterculture. HQ-180gm mono.
Ryan Hemsworth – Alone For The First Time LP (Last Gang)
Released late last year on CD – now available on vinyl. “Garage, footwork, juke — each of these underground elements momentarily finds a home within the overall bliss of Alone for the First Time. Throughout the quick seven tracks here, Hemsworth challenges the sensibilities of indie pop without restricting its appeal.” – Consequence Of Sound
Hot Water Music – 20th Anniversary Collection 4xLP (Rise)
This limited edition four-LP collection is a look into the band’s storied 20 years, featuring songs from their seven studio albums and numerous 7” releases, all on HQ-180gm color vinyl.
Freddie Hubbard – Blue Spirits [Reissue/1965] LP (Blue Note)
One of the acknowledged giants of jazz trumpet, Freddie Hubbard recorded many albums for Blue Note in the 1960s including the 1965 hard bop gem, Blue Spirits, which found him in three different ensembles – an octet with congas and a euphonium, a septet with McCoy Tyner (piano), and a sextet with Herbie Hancock (piano, celeste) and Elvin Jones (drums) — and served as his last studio effort for the label.
Implodes – Reverser 12”+MP3 (Gilead Media)
Implodes is a Chicago group featuring Matt Jencik (live bassist for Slint and Papa M), Ken Camden (who has two solo albums on Kranky), Emily Elhaj (of Angel Olsen’s band and of Chicago band Mayor Daley), and Justin Rathell (of Chicago band El Mejor). Reverser is a brand new 20-minute EP that follows the bands two albums released by Kranky (Black Earth and Recurring Dream). Pressed on black, opaque purple/pink blend, and transparent gold vinyl.
Jimmy Whispers – Summer In Pain LP (Moniker)
Jimmy Whispers is a walking, talking, singing, and dancing bundle of paradoxes. Greatest among them, perhaps, is his ability to transform the most seemingly basic melodies sketched out hastily with an electric organ on an iPhone voice message into such a profound racket, or how this dirty weirdo from Chicago managed to insinuate himself into the tradition of great American sentimental balladeers.
Jessika Kenney – Atria – LP (Sige)
This is Jessika Kenney’s first solo release following collaborations and recordings with artists such as Eyvind Kang, Ellen Fullman, Oren Ambarchi, Sun City Girls, Sunn O))), Mamiffer, Wolves in the Throne Room, and many more. “Her strong vocals display a deep understanding of the nature and history of [gamelan] music, tracing beyond her and Kang’s arrangements towards the foundations of what they are performing.” – Dusted
J.J. Johnson – Willie Dynamite [OST/Reissue/1974] LP (Geffen)
Appreciators of ’70s blaxploitation cinema consistently rank Willie Dynamite among the best that the genre had to offer, and the soundtrack is no exception as it is truly one of the top blaxploitation soundtracks of all time. The soundtrack features “Parade Strut,” as sampled by Massive Attack, Wu-Tang Clan, etc.
Mark Kozelek – Live At Biko 2xLP (Caldo Verde)
Release last summer on CD – now available on vinyl. Live recording from Kozelek’s April 6, 2014 gig in Milan Italy. Includes tracks from Benji, Admiral Fell Promises and Perils From The Sea.
Lids – Debut 7” (Telephone Explosion)
LIDS might seem like an unlikely pairing on individuals at first—Alex Edkins of METZ on bass and backups, Brian Borcherdt of Holy F**k on guitar, vocals, beats and sounds and Doug MacGregor of The Constantines on drums—but the concept for Lids has been in development in the back rooms of Toronto basement bars for over three years.
Maribou State – Rituals LP (Counter)
“Maribou State’s music is easy to listen to but hard to place. At times, the band’s sound resembles Flying Lotus’ bass-infused acid jazz, at others the music reflects pop sensibilities of Disclosure and/or the instrumental genius of Caribou.” — Earmilk
Alan Menken/Howard Ashman – Little Shop Of Horrors [OST/Reissue/1986] LP (Geffen)
Vinyl reissue of the soundtrack to one of the most well known musical/horror/comedies of all time. Menken and Ashman’s soundtrack is lively and upbeat — a fantastic collection of Broadway-style, doo-wop and lavish songs along the lines of Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The Minus 5 – Dungeon Golds LP+MP3 (Yep Roc)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Dungeon Golds was recorded primarily in the basement (aka The Dungeon) of Scott McCaughey, leader of The Minus 5. These songs are the product of sporadic spare moments of inspiration over the last few years. This collection was artfully curated, by McCaughey, from the extremely limited edition (750 copies) Record Store Day 2014 vinyl only box set, Scott The Hoople In The Dungeon Of Horror. In the process of compiling these tracks, McCaughey could not resist reworking several of these songs. As a result, half the songs are different versions than what appeared on the box set. Guests include, Peter Buck, Jeff Tweedy, Ian McLagan, Jon Moen and Nate Query (The Decemberists), Linda Pitmon, and many others.
Grachan Moncur III – Evolution [Reissue/1963] LP (Blue Note)
The first avant-garde jazz trombonist, Grachan Moncur III, recorded two dazzling classics for Blue Note during 1963-64: Some Other Stuff and Evolution. In the 1950s J.J. Johnson’s boppish trombone style was dominant, resulting in scores of young trombonists sounding quite a bit like Johnson. Moncur, who picked up experience with Ray Charles and The Jazztet, was a very different case. While very familiar with Johnson, Moncur expanded the emotional range of the trombone, and led to its acceptance in free jazz.
NOFX & Friends – Home Sweet Home: Original Songs From The Sh!t Musical LP (Fat Wreck Chords)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Home Street Home tells a story of survival and love among runaway teenagers living on the streets, and features music by Fat Mike with lyrics by Fat Mike, Jeff Marx and Soma Snakeoil. The Home Street Home concept album includes a portion of the songs that will ultimately comprise the full score of the new musical. Based on true stories of the author’s experiences, the store of Home Street Home revolves around Sue, a 16-year old runaway who plunges headfirst into the deviant subculture and alternative lifestyle of the streets. After being adopted into a tribe of homeless teens, Sue finds empowerment and acceptance from her new chosen family.
Of Mice & Men – Restoring Force: Full Circle 2xLP (Rise)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Deluxe edition of the metalcore band’s 2014 album, Restoring Force, expanded with a disc of four new tracks.
Paradise Lost – Shades Of God [Reissue/1992] 2xLP (Rise)
Shades Of God was the beginning of the English metal band’s integration of cleaner melodies and quieter passages in their transitioning sound. Clear vinyl.
People Of The North – Era Of Manifestations LP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
People Of The North is Kid Millions and Bobby Matador of Oneida joined by Oneida’s Shahin Motia and Richard Hoffman of Sightings. Together they create cosmic improvised music performed with the intensity of a rock band. Their music is loud and distorted, anarchic to its core and imbued with a devotional spirit. The band’s new album, Era Of Manifestations, is its most intense statement of purpose, and documents their impressive tonal and rhythmic interplay.
Platinum Boys – Future Hits LP (Dusty Medical)
“Platinum Boys is the union of four native Milwaukee party animals hell-bent on creating the greatest vibes from rock’s most disparate sub-genre’s. These rapscallions are on a mission to pursue babes, beers, blow, and bongs; riffage and good times abound. Like a forgotten collegiate-farce movie of the 1980s, Platinum boys unite the furious stoner grooves of Black Sabbath with the immediacy of Midwest power pop. There is little else that exists in 2015 that is as entertaining as it is ripping.” — Zach Weil (Oozing Wound)
Sonny Rollins – Volume 1 [Reissue/1957] LP (Blue Note)
In jazz history, Sonny Rollins ranks among tenor-saxophone giants with Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Ben Webster and John Coltrane. In his dazzling 60-year career at the top, Rollins has balanced melodic development with unpredictable phrases, infusing his innovative ideas with his memorable wit. Who else could take the show tune “How Are Things In Glocca Morra?” and turn it into a fertile device for a heated solo? On Volume 1, Rollins plays that song and several of his originals in a quintet with Donald Byrd and Max Roach.
Wayne Shorter – Night Dreamer [Reissue/1964] LP (Blue Note)
With some musicians, it is obvious from the start that they are going to make a major impact on jazz. Wayne Shorter had only been with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers for a short time when Miles Davis made him an offer to join his group, although he would not join until 1964. By then he had been with Blakey for four years and developed his own unique musical language and logic, both as a tenor-saxophonist and as a composer. Shortly before joining Davis, Shorter recorded his first Blue Note album, Night Dreamer, in a quintet also featuring Lee Morgan, McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones.
The Skints – FM LP (Easy Star)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The Skints is a reggae/dub/punk fusion band from London.
Sonic Youth – Sonic Youth [Reissue/1981] LP (Goofin’)
Recently reissued on CD – now back in print on vinyl. Sonic Youth’s eponymous debut 12-inch was recorded in late 1981 at Radio City Music Hall in NYC and originally released on composer Glenn Branca’s Neutral label. The album is loosely based on compositions the newly formed group had performed at that year’s weeklong Noisefest event (and remains the only recorded document of an early line-up featuring actor Richard Edson on drums).
The Staple Singers – Freedom Highway Complete: Recorded Live At Chicago’s New Nazareth Church [Reissue/1965] 2xLP (Legacy)
Freedom Highway Complete is a newly remixed, remastered and expanded edition of the live concert masterpiece recorded by the Staple Singers in April 1965 in support and celebration of that year’s historic civil rights marches from Montgomery to Selma, Alabama. Features previously unreleased performances, the spiritually uplifting service, “Pops” Staples’ intro and outro, and more.
Sun Glitters – Scattered Into Light LP (Mush)
Released late last year on CD – now available on vinyl. Scattered Into Light is the Mush debut from the Luxembourg-based electronic act, Sun Glitters. The eleven-track album remains true to the glitchy R&B and deep tech-house sound that has blasted Sun Glitters into the consciousness of electronic music fans over the last two years. Stuttering beats and wobbling synths are soft-focused through a sun-bleached lens in a way that will appeal to synth-pop, ambient, and dustup fans in equal measure.
Thin Lizzy – Jailbreak [Reissue/1971] LP (Mercury)
Thin Lizzy – Shades Of A Blue Orphanage [Reissue/1972] LP (Mercury)
Thin Lizzy – Vagabonds Of The Western World [Reissue/1973] LP (Mercury)
Thin Lizzy – Nightlife [Reissue/1974] LP (Mercury)
Thin Lizzy – Fighting [Reissue/1975] LP (Mercury)
Thin Lizzy – Jailbreak [Reissue/1976] LP (Mercury)
Thin Lizzy – John The Fox [Reissue/1976] LP (Mercury)
Thin Lizzy – Bad Reputation [Reissue/1977] LP (Mercury)
HQ-180gm vinyl reissues of the Irish rock band’s first eight albums.
The Van Pelt – Imaginary Third LP+MP3 (La Castanya)
2014 archive release, the previously unreleased final album by the indie rock band. Originally scheduled for release in 1997, Imaginary Third was intended to be the balanced yet wiser culmination of their previous two albums. However, at the peak of their success they decided to call it quits. Members went on to play in bands like Jets To Brazil, Enon, St. Vincent, The Lapse and Vague Angels to name a few, while the tapes collected dust in Rare Book Room studio in Brooklyn.
Warm Thoughts – Intangible 7” (Asian Man)
Two songs from Elliot Babin’s (Touché Amoré) wonderful solo project. Punk rock with the hooks and thoughtfulness usually associated with songwriters like John K. Sampson and Brian Wilson.
The Who – My Generation [Reissue/1965] LP (Interscope)
The Who – Quick One [Reissue/1966] LP (Interscope)
The Who – Who Sell Out [Reissue/1967] LP (Interscope)
The Who – Who’s Next [Reissue/1971] LP (Interscope)
The Who – Who By Numbers [Reissue/1975] LP (Interscope)
The Who – Who Are You [Reissue/1978] LP (Interscope)
The Who – Fire Dances [Reissue/1981] LP (Interscope)
The Who – It’s Hard [Reissue/1982] LP (Interscope)
The Who – Endless Wire [Reissue/2006] LP (Interscope)
The Who – The Who Hits 50 [2014] 2xLP (Interscope)
HQ-180gm remastered vinyl reissues now available.
Witchery – Symphony For The Devil [Reissue/2001] 2xLP (The End)
Witchery’s 2012 album continues in the style of their previous releases, with thrash metal riffing and solos, but with a black and death metal influence. Clear vinyl.
Michael Yonkers – The Neverending Light Beam From Planet ‘00s/Deep Within Home Planet / Plan A LP (Mysteria)
This is a collection that Yonkers put together from CDRs that he gave out to friends once a year between 2001-2008. One-time pressing of 600 copies packaged with silkscreened/hand-painted/collaged jackets.
Cassettes:
Ilyas Ahmed – I Am All Your Own (Immune)
Written and recorded entirely on 12-string and electric guitars and recorded fully analog for an intimate & homespun atmosphere, I Am All Your Own is Ahmed’s most direct work, with his vocals brought to the fore and un-obscured.
Eartheater – Metalepsis (Hausu Mountain)
Eartheater is the solo project from Alexandra Drewchin of Guardian Alien. Metalepsis traces the deliberate distillation of voice, synths, guitar, and electronic production techniques into short-form compositions teeming with crystalline details. “Ritualistic, boundary-pushing psychedelia” – Pitchfork
The Myrrors – Arena Negra (Beyond Beyond Is Beyond)
The Myrrors sound is one of urgency, but urgency not beholden to velocity. Arena Negra comes on strong, as clearly, evenly and undeniably as the very light that enters your eyes, fueled by a heroic dose of Bardo Pond-esque levels of elevation and amplification. The album is — both by turns and, miraculously, all at once — dramatic, reflective, ecstatic and otherworldly.
Soren Roi – Flood Out (Handmade Birds)
Moving on from his work as guitarist, vocalist and programmer in the now defunct Røsenkøpf, Soren expands the underlying electronic elements of his past project into the forefront as an electronic producer. This tape shows him moving out of the learning stages of hardware techno and into a more refined level of production while still sticking to groundwork of experimentation.
Book:
The Pitchfork Review – Issue 5 (The Pitchfork Review)
The fifth edition of the perfect-bound quarterly music publication features contributions from the Pitchfork staff and was edited by JC Gabel of Stop Smiling. Combines new long-form feature stories, photography, illustrations, and other ephemera with selected recent pieces from P4K, Issue 5 features a lengthy, candid interview with Björk, a 19,000-word oral history of iconic Easy Bay punks Jawbreaker that focuses on the 24-Hour Revenge Therapy era, as well as pieces about the beginnings of the B-52s and their lasting effect on queer Southern artists, Dead Moon’s Toody and Fred Cole’s multi-decade musical marriage, and a sprawling critical essay about the tandem rise of NWA and the reality show Cops. Also included: a recipe for unleavened bread
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