CDs + Vinyl:
Adult Mom – Momentary Lapse Of Happily CD/LP (Tiny Engines)
Clever pop songs that offer a glimpse into the journey of a gender-weird queer navigating through heartache, trauma, and subsequent growth.
Armchair Migraine Journey – Magnet Coupling Blood CD-Record (Beta-lactam Ring)
A teaser EP for the forthcoming CD/LP Blood Coupling Magnet by Armchair Migrain Journey. One 20-minute track of acid psych and a three-minute track of LSD induced drone. Issued as numbered edition of 100 copies in a custom made gatefold sleeve, insert and CD-Record. 20 minutes of CD audio and three minutes of audio playable on your turntable.
Bored Youth – Are You Alive: 1982 CD (Alona’s Dream)
Captured at the band’s zenith, the 31 track Are You Alive finds Bored Youth unleashing their unique blend of UK-inspired Midwest hardcore punk across ten tracks originally engineered by then-Necros bassist and Touch and Go Records honcho Corey Rusk in 1982. Also included are tracks from an early incarnation of the band as a three piece in 1981. Live at the legendary Detroit venue Nunzio’s, the trio is no less powerful as they blaze through a set of future hardcore classics and throw in a few fundamental punk covers along the way.
Camera Shy – Camera Shy CD/10” (Run For Cover)
Recently released on vinyl – now available on CD. Before they came to be known as Camera Shy, Nick Bassett and Alexandra Morte had been working on crafting warm weather indie pop indebted with influence to The Smiths, The Sundays and Sarah Records catalogs while the pair made loud, shoegazing punk together in Bassett’s band, Whirr. While the Bay Area act has moved onto a darker terrain since Morte’s departure, she and Bassett have remained a creative unit that serves as a brighter outlet to contrast the caustic dreariness Whirr indulges. Camera Shy’s first exhale of melancholy bedroom pop arrived properly on last year’s Jack-O-Lantern EP, and now, Bassett and Morte refine their soft start with their eponymous debut full-length for Run For Cover Records.
Cape Snow – Cape Snow CD (Haint/Burst & Bloom)
Cape Snow is a cross-continental collaboration between L.A. based singer Bree Scanlon and members of the long running New England based band Tiger Saw. Over several years, Bree sang melodies into her iPhone while raising two daughters. Tiger Saw’s Dylan Metrano and Guy Capecelatro III wrote lyrics to Bree’s melodies and assembled a band complete with guitars, bass, keys, sax, trumpet, cello, xylophone, organ, vibraphone and more to record the sultry, moody album that would become their debut. Among those contributing to the album from various other parts of the country are Dan Sullivan (Songs: Ohia), Jerusha Robinson (Brown Bird), and Andy Abelow (Small Sur).
Benjamin Clementine – At Lease For Now CD (Capitol)
New album by the North London-based poet, pianist, singer, and songwriter. Benjamin has been praised by the press for his unique piano playing, charisma on stage and his powerful vocals which have been compared to Nina Simone and Antony Hegarty.
Alice Cooper – Studio Albums 1969-1983 15xCD (Rhino/WB)
The set is presented in a clamshell box and includes 15 albums, each one featuring the original artwork: Pretties For You (1969), Easy Action (1970), Love It To Death (1971), Killer (1971), School’s Out (1972), Billion Dollar Babies (1973), Muscle Of Love (1973), Welcome To My Nightmare (1975), Alice Cooper Goes To Hell (1976), Lace And Whiskey (1977), From The Inside (1978), Flush The Fashion (1980), Special Forces (1981), Zipper Catches Skin (1982), and DaDa (1983).
Bill Evans – The Complete Fantasy Sessions [Reissue/1989] 9xCD (Fantasy)
Evans’ 1973-1979 recordings for Fantasy have often been underrated in favor of his earlier work, but this incredible nine-CD set proves that the pianist/composer/improviser never lost his touch. These 98 selections taken from 11 sessions include nine tracks from a previously unreleased 1976 concert with his trio, plus as a special bonus, the box winds down with Evans’ appearance on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz radio program! A few of the songs: Nobody Else but Me; Reflections in D (live); My Foolish Heart; The Touch of Your Lips; A House Is Not a Home; Sugar Plum (live), and more.
Finger Eleven – Five Crooked Lines CD (Bicycle Music Com.)
The seventh album from Canadian rockers Finger Eleven and their first in five years. The writing took place over a two-and-a-half-year period that saw the band experimenting with a variety of musical styles. Once the songs were ready the Juno-Award winning band headed south to Nashville to work with producer Dave Cobb (Rival Sons, Sturgill Simpson). Immediate, urgent and unfiltered, Five Crooked Lines expresses the exultant spirit of rock & roll.
The Fourth Wall – Lovely Violence CD (Bug Hunt)
Originally from Hawaii, members Stephen Agustin, Kasey Shun, and Paul Brittain, made their way east to the Pacific Northwest, planting their music roots in Portland, Oregon where they met new drummer Max Lilien, 2012. On Lovely Violence, The Fourth Wall’s island mentality and lyric heart emerge through their sound: a spectrum of waves ranging feather-soft to thunderously loud, consistently toeing the line between emotional explosiveness and loving restraint.
Gatherers – Quiet World CD (Equal Vision)
Second album from the New Jersey post-hardcore act.
Vince Guaraldi Trio – Peanuts Greatest Hits CD (Fantasy)
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Peanuts brand, Peanuts Greatest Hits is an all-new compilation featuring 12 of the most memorable recordings from the beloved animated Peanuts TV specials, all with the sophisticated, yet accessible jazz stylings of the Vince Guaraldi Trio. The album, which includes such favorites as the instantly recognizable “Linus And Lucy,” the “Charlie Brown Theme” and the humorous “Little Birdie,” also includes all new liner notes by Peanuts historian Derrick Bang. Vinyl version due September 4.
Gunplay – Living Legend CD (Maybach/Def Jam)
Debut album from the Miami rapper, featuring guest appearances and contributions from Rick Ross, Yo Gotti, and more.
Buddy Guy – Born To Play Guitar CD (RCA)
Guy’s 28th studio effort arrives on the heels of 2013’s Rhythm & Blues, a double-disc LP that became his fourth to hit No. 1 on Billboad’s Top Blues Albums chart. This time out, Guy reunited with producer Tom Hambridge and invited Van Morrison, Billy Gibbons and Fabulous Thunderbirds frontman Kim Wilson to lend support. “Far from the decisive sound split of his previous record, it returns to the tested Guy formula. Combining his smoky, backhouse-troubled lyrics with collaborators such as Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Guy takes a wonderful, dirty, six-string, foot-stomping trip that takes you through ‘Back Up Mama,’ ‘Beer & Wine’ and ‘Turn Me Wild,’ making this not just a must for blues fans.” – The Music
Albert Hammond Jr. – Momentary Masters CD/LP (Vagrant)
The third solo album from The Strokes’ guitarist. “The 35-year-old’s music, however, has always revealed a more thoughtful, sensitive soul. Hammond’s third solo album takes its title from Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot, a book about mankind’s place in the universe and our potential to transcend it, while thematically, he’s been talking up the influence of the confessional poet Anne Sexton on his lyric writing. His previous albums, 2006’s Yours To Keep and 2008’s ¿Cómo Te Llama? have shown a knack for sweet, lovingly-crafted, mid-fi pop songs, some of which are good enough to make you wonder if the next Strokes album could be that long-awaited rival to Is This It. Realistically, The Strokes seem to be moving further away from what Hammond does, and that’s a shame, because on this evidence, he’s getting better and better at it.” – NME
Have Guns, Will Travel – Science From An Easy Chair CD/LP (This Is American)
Concept albums are fewer and farther between than they used to be. However, every now and then a band comes up with a concept album, and it generally has an interesting back story. The story behind the new concept album by Have Gun, Will Travel is certainly an interesting one. Science From An Easy Chair is inspired by the trans-Antarctic expedition of Sir Ernest Shackleton from 1914-16. Whether or not the subject was ripe for a concept album, it certainly is a topic that has not been mined by songwriters.
Natalie Imbruglia – Male CD (Masterworks)
As the title suggests, Male – Imbruglia’s first album since 2009 — is a collection of classic and contemporary songs all performed by men including Cat Stevens (“The Wind”), Tom Petty (“The Waiting”), Neil Young (“Only Love Can Break Your Heart”), Damien Rice (“Cannonball”), Peter Townshend (“Let My Love Open The Door”) and The Cure (“Friday I’m In Love”). The first single from Male is “Instant Crush,” which was originally recorded by the electro-pop Grammy winners Daft Punk.
Insane Clown Posse – The Marvelous Missing Link: Found CD (Psychopathic)
The Marvelous Missing Link: Found is the 14th studio album and second part of the third Joker Card in the second Deck of the Dark Carnival Saga by Insane Clown Posse. “Everyone has an opinion on Detroit horrorcore lifers Insane Clown Posse, but no one can dispute that 1) they have one of the most loyal fan bases in the universe, so much that they commandeer their own festival, hell, their own subculture — move over, KISS Army, the Juggalos are wanted by the FBI — and 2) they love their fans to Faygo-spattered pieces.” – SPIN
Jeremy And The Harlequins – American Dreamer CD/LP (ORG Music)
The sweet, rebellious sentiment of yesteryear’s sound is alive Jeremy & The Harlequins’ new album, American Dreamer. The record, their follow-up to their self-titled EP, and debut full-length, is a raw continuation of their throwback rockabilly sound, with recurrent nods to everything from beach-rock slow jams to the rolling acoustic rhythms of Americana to dance hall swing tunes, all penetrated by Jeremy Fury’s even more heavily reverbed vocals, to give the ghostly effect of the past returning to present.
Edward Ka-Spel – The Victoria Dimension CD (Beta-lactam Ring)
“D’Archangel rises. And yawns. Wiping the crust from his eyes, he stumbles from his cryogenic coffin and makes his way to the head, the dull thrum of machinery his only companion. Disturbed by the cracked and worn face staring back at him from above the washbasin, he wonders if something went wrong in stasis. Surely there shouldn’t be stubble! No matter, it’ll be good to be back home. Making his way to the cockpit, he spins the dial on the subspace radio, flipping past caterwauling clockwork orchestras ticking off by-the-numbers covers of White Noise and The Incredible String Band. Oldies again! As he fumbles through his 8-track collection, he catches a glimpse of the vast world hovering in the inky blackness beyond the cockpit window, it’s landscape pitted and scorched. A knot forms in his stomach as he punches in his descent pattern. That’s the trouble with these long business trips — you never know what nightmares await you upon your return.”
Kataklysm – Of Ghosts And Gods CD (Nuclear Blast)
Of Ghosts And Gods was recorded in three different studios from Montreal, Ontario to Dallas, Texas and Sanford, Florida in order to harness the expertise of the metal industry greats who best understood that band’s talents and their vision. Vinyl version due August 7.
King Dude – Songs Of Flesh & Blood – In The Key Of Light CD/LP (Not Just Religious Music)
Released last week on vinyl – now available on CD. King Dude’s latest full length is not only a spiritual revelation, but also a revelation of the life of the man behind the music. TJ Cowgill’s own recent real life experiences with love, loss, death and violence are illuminated and explored herein, sure to be canonized alongside the rest of his work. “The record mixes driving and distorted anthems like ‘Black Butterfly’ and mescaline-fuelled, castanet-clacking Tex-Mex shufflers like ‘Holy Water’ alongside more ruminative pieces like ‘Deal With The Devil,’ a song that has the baritone croak of the Dude contemplating a Faustian move in the name of love.” – Exclaim
Knuckle Puck – Copacetic CD (Rise)
Debut full-length album from the Chicago pop punk band.
Dave Koz – Collaborations: 25th Anniversary Collection CD (Concord)
Dave Koz marks the 25th Anniversary of his recording career with this collection of musical collaborations throughout his career, along with three new songs: ”Good Foot” featuring Jeff Lorber; ”Game of Thrones Theme” and the hit theme song from Disney’s movie: Frozen, ”Let It Go.”.”
Lianne La Havas – Blood CD/LP (Nonesuch)
When touring for her debut album Is Your Love Big Enough? came to a close, Lianne La Havas headed to Jamaica with her mother for a long-awaited holiday that evolved into an experience of self-discovery. She enjoyed emotional reunions with long-lost relatives; embraced Kingston’s clubs; and even jammed in front of her family for the first time during a session with legendary dancehall/reggae producer Stephen McGregor. Exploring her roots inspired La Havas’s writing. Lyrically, she says, the songs she wrote are almost all related to “the feeling of who you are and where you come from.” And musically, La Havas took inspiration from Jamaica’s love of grooves, rhythms, and syncopation. McGregor ultimately joined in the making of Blood along with a rich collection of others, including Adele/FKA twigs collaborator Paul Epworth and Matt Hales of Aqualung.
Nicolette Larson – The Very Best Of Nicolette Larson CD (Varese Sarabande)
New compilation of Nicolette Larson’s WB recordings, including “Hello Stranger” with Emmylou Harris from the album Luxury Liner. Also includes the hit single “Lotta Love,” as well as “Let Me Go, Love” with Michael McDonald, “The One That Got Away” with Steve Goodman and key album and soundtrack cuts.
Led Zeppelin – Presence [Reissue/1976] CD/2xCD/LP/2xLP/2xCD+2xLP+MP3 (Atlantic)
Led Zeppelin – In Through The Out Door [Reissue/1979] CD/2xCD/LP/2xLP (Atlantic)
Led Zeppelin – Coda [Reissue/1982] CD/2xCD/LP/2xLP/2xCD+2xLP+MP3 (Atlantic)
The last batch of Led Zeppelin reissues – Available in Regular, Deluxe and Super deluxe editions. Deluxe features the original remastered album plus bonus disc(s) of relevant studio session outtakes. Super deluxe box set includes the remastered album on CD in vinyl replica sleeve, companion audio on CD in card wallet, remastered album on HQ-180gm vinyl in a sleeve replicating first pressing, companion audio on HQ-180gm vinyl, high-def audio digital download card of all content, hard bound book filled with rare and previously unseen photos and memorabilia and high quality print of the original album cover.
Lil Dicky – Professional Rapper CD (CMSN)
Debut album from the Philly-born hip-hop/YouTube sensation.
Migos – Yung Rich Nation CD (300 Entertainment)
Debut studio album from the hip-hop trio, featuring production from long-time collaborator Zaytoven, DJ Mustard, TM88, Honorable C Note and more.
Quantic – Quantic Presents The Western Transient: An New Constellation CD/LP (Tru Thoughts)
Quantic Presents The Western Transient brings a new sound from Will Holland with jazz instrumentals, paying homage to a classic recording sense with all revered L.A.-based musicians, recorded through an Ampex tape machine.
Daniel Romano – If I’ve Only One Time Askin’ CD/LP+MP3 (New West)
Not quite country, Americana, folk, singer/songwriter or pop, Daniel Romano’s exquisite and expansive new album, If I’ve Only One Time Askin’, is pieces of each, but ultimately the work of a singular mind. Already hailed by Rolling Stone, the 11 new self-produced and largely self-performed songs “lead their baritone-voiced creator down a path filled with countrypolitan crooning, honky-tonk heartache and mid-century melodrama.”
Russkaja – Peace Love & Russian Roll CD (Napalm)
Vienna’s sons and kings of turbo polk metal love catchy rhythms, badass riffing, punk spirit, Russian disco — hell, even country and ska have a place here.
Saint Asonia – Saint Asonia CD (RCA)
Debut album from the hard rock supergroup comprised of Adam Gontier (former lead singer of Three Days Grace), Mike Mushok (lead guitarist of Staind), Rich Beddoe (formerly of Finger Eleven) and bassist/background vocalist Corey Lowery (Dark New Day, Stereomud, Eye Empire).
Kaya Stewart – In Love With A Boy CD (WB)
Debut album from Dave Stewart’s (Eurythmics) 16-year-old daughter. Stewart wrote all of the songs on her as-yet-untitled debut album after writing her first song at the age of 6. Having a rock star dad to help guide that songwriting has certainly helped. “”Me and my dad are best friends, and we’re writing songs together 24/7,” she says. “I’m so lucky. I mean, he lives in my house, and we’re just working all the time — moving on to new things and coming up with new ideas. … He really respected the fact that I had my own thing. I think he was just excited to work on a project that was his daughter’s, and I always felt like I could be honest with him.”
Joss Stone – Water For Your Soul CD (Stone’d)
Water For Your Soul is a culmination in Joss Stone’s travels in sound, demonstrating how the teen soul prodigy has blossomed into an artist of style and substance. This is an album that pulses with the liquid groove of reggae, dazzles with the mix and match sonic adventure of hip-hop, shimmers with the exotic sounds of world music and delivers the emotional belt of R&B. Instrumentation includes Indian tabla, Bengali lute, Bansuri flute, African and Asian percussion, plus gospel choirs, New Orleans horns and full orchestra. Vinyl version due August 14.
Stornoway – Bonxie CD (Slimstyle)
The Great Skua is known in England under the name bonxie. Because of it’s size and aggressive attitude, the animal has no enemies. But what have the love Stornoway with such a ruffian of the skies to do? “Bonxie” calls the band from Oxford their third album, it is the first for which they employed a producer. Not just any producer Gil Norton (Pixies, Foo Fighters), the world of Stornoway jolted a little and brought the band to leave their comfort zones. Is Norton the Great Skua? Hardly. Singer Brian Briggs is an ornithologist, the band loves nature and birds, on “bonxie” two is thought lovingly. Around the Brent Goose, whose song can be heard in addition to the 19 other birds. Otherwise the sound is richer than before: In “Between The Salt Marsh And The Sea” about to Stornoway show of it’s electronic page, and “Get Low,” the first single, is a great pop song. No question: “bonxie” is a very musical bird. Vinyl version due August 21.
Teenage Time Killers – Greatest Hits Vol. 1 CD (Rise)
The long-gestating brainchild of Corrosion Of Conformity founder/drummer/vocalist Reed Mullin, guitarist Mick Murphy (My Ruin, The Birds of Satan, Neanderthal) and producer John “Lou” Lousteau, Teenage Time Killers’ Greatest Hits Vol. 1 is 20 concise seismic shocks created by an all-star line up of punk and metal legends spanning decades. Joining Reed on drums and Mick on guitar on the album’s 20 mostly original tracks and few covers of underground classics (including the Rudimentary Peni deep cut that inspired the project’s title) includes: Jello Biafra, Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God, Dave Grohl and Pat Smear of Foo Fighters, Nick Oliveri, Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio, Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour, Tommy Victor of Prong and Danzig, Lee Ving of Fear, Mike “IX” Williams of Eyehategod, Mullin’s Corrosion of Conformity band mates Mike Dean and Woody Weatherman, Karl Agell and many more. Vinyl version due September 11.
Titus Andronicus – The Lost Lamentable Tragedy 2xCD/3xLP+MP3 (Merge)
The Most Lamentable Tragedy is the fourth studio album by Titus Andronicus, and is a rock opera in five acts. The central narrative of TMLT (“a work of fiction,” claims singer/songwriter Patrick Stickles) concerns an unnamed protagonist whom we meet in deep despair. Following an encounter with his own doppelgänger (an enigmatic stranger, identical in appearance though opposite in disposition), long held secrets are revealed, sending our protagonist on a transformative odyssey, through past lives and new loves, to the shocking revelation that the very thing that sustains him may be the thing to destroy him.
Un Festin Sagital – Kosmodynamos CD/LP (Beta-lactam Ring)
“Slowly the great ashen dynamo surges, spilling molten droplets of plasma and cosmic waste, each taking shape, coalescing into stars, planets, entire galaxies, drifting ever further away from the throbbing energy and boiling gasses that lie at the crux of all creation. A massive, disembodied heart that beats out a rhythm so impossibly slow — each pulse separated by an epoch, each quaver a thousand thousand lifetimes, burning and fuming with dark energies. This is power on an unimaginable scale, machinery vast and magnificent, spinning entire realities into existence. This is Kosmodynamos.”
Xandria – Fire & Ashes CDEP (Napalm)
New EP from the German symphonic metallers.
Year Of The Goat – Unspeakable CD/LP (Napalm)
The Swedes indulge in occult doom rock full of blackened heart’s blood and elegiac melody lines.
DVDs + Blu-ray:
Lynyrd Skynyrd – One More For The Fans DVD/Blu-ray (Loud & Proud)
Recorded live at The Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA November 12th 2014 with guests Randy Houser, Robert Randolph & Jimmy Hall, Aaron Lewis, Blackberry Smoke, O.A.R., Cheap Trick, moe. & John Hiatt, Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes, Jamey Johnson, Jason Isbell, Peter Frampton, Trace Adkins, Charlie Daniels & Donnie Van Zant, Alabama, and Gregg Allman.
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
The Band – Capitol Albums 1968-1977 8xLP (Capitol)
Eight classic albums from The Band on HQ-180gm vinyl. Includes: Music From The Big Pink (1968), The Band (1969), Stage Fright (1970), Cahoots (1971), Rock Of Ages: The Band In Concert (1972), Moondog Matinee (1973), Northern Lights – Southern Cross (1975) and Islands (1977). (The first four titles are only available in this box set.)
Barenaked Ladies – Silverball LP (Welk)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New album from the Canadian pop/rock outfit. This follow-up to 2013’s Grinning Streak finds Barenaked Ladies again delivering a batch of whip-smart pop/rock gems with indelible melodies.
Tina Brooks – True Blue [Reissue/1960] LP (Blue Note)
With a strong, smooth tone and an amazing flow of fresh ideas every time he soloed, tenor saxophonist Tina Brooks should have been a major jazz artist, but his legacy is confined to a series of dates that he did for Blue Note as a sideman and leader. True Blue is the only album under his own name to come out in his lifetime. He and Freddie Hubbard had recorded Hubbard’s Open Sesame a week earlier. True Blue also features Hubbard on trumpet along with Duke Jordan on piano, Sam Jones on bass and Art Taylor on drums. Brooks made the best out of this opportunity here as it is a phenomenal set containing five of his originals.
James Brown – Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag [Reissue/1965] LP (Polydor/UMGD)
August marks the 50th Anniversary of James Brown’s classic release Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag, hitting #1 on the R&B chart for two months straight.
Chairlift – Does You Inspire You? [Reissue/2009] 2xLP (Kanine)
HQ-180gm white vinyl reissue of Chairlift’s debut album. “What’s extraordinary about Chairlift is the uninhibited nature of their ambition. From folk to trip-hop to power pop, each song on this record fizzes with lyrical complexity and glowing production values” [8/10] – NME. “Startlingly impressive debut: astute, melodic evocations of plunky new wave and the Cocteau Twins’ smeary dreams that achieve a timeless emotional resonance.” – SPIN
Chuck Cirino – Not Of This Earth [OST/1988] LP+MP3 (Terror Vision)
Soundtrack for the sc-fi chiller Not Of This Earth starring Traci Lords. Opaque yellow/transparent milky clear vinyl with liner notes by Chuck Cirino and Jim Wynorski.
Eric Clapton – Forever Man 2xLP (Reprise)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New best-of collection — available on HQ-180gm double-vinyl LP.
Creeping Pink – Mirror Woods LP+MP3 (Castle Face)
Released last week on CD – now available on vinyl. New album from the bedroom singer/songwriter and producer. The self-proclaimed “tape glam” artist mixes components of electronica and lo-fi indie rock to create music that’s both jarring and hypnotizing. As for the album? A fog of memories caught in the sun-flakes settling in the forest, a beautiful album indeed. Many glittering gems are woven into these tunes but one listen is not enough to hear them all. Like trying to appreciate the silver strobing of ocean waves, they are different every time you glance at them. Better to watch their reflections on the ceiling and just soak it up. Think United States of America meets Vangelis meets July meets Silver Apples in Arthur Russell’s New York apartment.
Miles Davis – Volume 1 [Reissue/1956] LP (Blue Note)
Miles Davis’ Volume 1 was the first in a pair of compilation albums of recordings made by the jazz legend over 1952-1954, released by the Blue Note Record label. The LP was originally released in 1956 (followed by Volume 2) after Davis won the Down Beat readers poll as best trumpeter. The music was taken from separate recording sessions made over 1952-1954, some of which had been previously issued as singles, and as three now discontinued 10” LPs. Volume 1 contained takes of the May 9, 1952 and April 20, 1953 sessions for the label, including alternate takes of some songs.
Miles Davis – First Miles [Reissue/1990] LP (Savoy Jazz)
First Miles includes tracks from Davis’s first recording session, backing singer Rubberlegs Williams on April 24, 1945, and the first session produced under his name, leading the members of Charlie Parker’s band on August 14, 1947. Davis plays no solos in the session with Rubberlegs Williams, only being heard as part of an ensemble. He says in his autobiography he was so nervous on his first ever recording he could hardly play, and he forgot most of the details as he put the experience out of his mind.
Ramin Djawdi – Iron Man LP (Silva Screen)
Emmy Award winning Ramin Djawdi’s powerful, pulsating, contemporary score to Marvel’s masterpiece Iron Man appears here on black vinyl for the first time. There has only been one previous pressing of 500 records (on red vinyl). Produced by Hans Zimmer, the album includes the previously unreleased 1960s “Iron Man Theme” from the animated TV series and a bonus track from California trash giants Suicidal Tendencies.
Grimace Federation – The Measure In Mixture LP (Rhymesayers)
Early on as a sextet, which included dueling drums and guitars, bass, keys, and a vibraphone, Grimace Federation’s musical foundation could be discovered in the grooves of records from post-rock legends such as Jaga Jazzist, Tortoise, and Stereolab. And with the addition of a horn section later on, David Axelrod and Steve Reich became major influences. Combining spastic krautrock beats with the grandeur of an Ennio Morricone soundtrack on a Boards Of Canada sonic landscape, The Measure In Mixture features two new tracks along with superbly badass, bass-heavy remixes from Aesop Rock.
Erroll Garner – Penthouse Serenade [Reissue/1958] LP (Savoy Jazz)
Classic Savoy LP reissue of recordings from one of jazz’s most distinctive and beloved piano stylists from sessions recorded in 1945 and 1949 in LA and NYC.
Warren Haynes featuring Railroad Earth – Ashes & Dust 2xLP (Concord)
Released last week on CD – now available on vinyl. Ashes & Dust is a masterful work of art and a particularly important statement for the Grammy Award winning artist Warren Haynes. The songs are immediately and clearly different from his usual style — encompassing beautiful acoustic arrangements, a rootsy/Americana soundscape and honeyed vocals that cut straight through to the soul. Knowing that he wanted to pursue a more folk-based approach on this project, he brought in the New Jersey-based Americana band Railroad Earth as collaborators. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a disc containing four demo tracks and one live cut.
Joe Henderson – Page One [Reissue/1963] LP (Blue Note)
A Blue Note essential, Page One — jazz tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson’s debut release — is part of the Blue Note 75 anniversary vinyl reissue campaign. The album features some of Henderson’s most appreciated pieces such as “Recorda Me,” later to become a jazz standard, and “Out Of The Night,” originally written in 1957. The front cover lists ”Joe Henderson/Kenny Dorham/Butch Warren/Pete La Roca, etc.”. Only McCoy Tyner’s name is absent. Tyner had just signed with Impulse!, so this first Blue Note appearance was not very adherent to the contract.
Andrew Hill – Point Of Departure [Reissue/1964] LP (Blue Note)
Point Of Departure is not only one of the greatest jazz recordings of 1964, but of all time. The stellar lineup (Eric Dolphy, Kenny Dorham, Joe Henderson, Richard Davis and a teen aged Tony Williams) was given a set of challenging compositions by the brilliant pianist and composer Andrew Hill.
Hurry Up – Hurry Up LP (Army Of Bad Luck)
Hurry Up features Kathy Foster and Westin Glass of the mighty Thermals and Maggie Vail of the legendary Bangs. Radon huffing basement punk in the Northwest tradition, with a grudge and one bare light bulb.
Joe & Bing – Daybreak [Reissue/1971] LP (Mapache)
This is the adventure of two young American songwriters who had the chance to get in the studio with Brazilian composer, arranger and superstar Dexodato
J.J. Johnson & Kai Winding – Jai & Kai [Reissue/1954] LP (Savoy Jazz)
This LP reissue of the classic 1954 Savoy mating as co-leaders trombonists and jazz luminaries J.J. Johnson & Kai Winding surrounded by a stellar cast including Wally Cirillo, piano; Charles Mingus, Bass; Billy Bauer, guitar; Kenny Clarke, drums.
Kamelot – Epica [2010] LP (Sanctuary)
Sixth full-length album by the American power metal band – first time available on vinyl.
The Knife – Ready to Lose / Stay Out Here 12” (Brille)
Remix EP featuring “Ready To Lose (Tarantism Remix),” “Stay Out Here (Paula Temple Remix),” “Stay Out Here (Paula Temple Percussion Remix),” and “Stay Out Here (Kane Roth Remix).”
Ludacris – Word Of Mouf [Reissue/2001] 2xLP (UMe/Def Jam)
Ludacris – Release Therapy [Reissue/2006] 2xLP (UMe/Def Jam)
Two albums from the rapper – back in print and pressed on color vinyl. Part of UMe’s Respect The Classics vinyl reissue campaign.
Lynyrd Skynyrd – (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd) [Reissue/1973] LP (Geffen)
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Second Helping [Reissue/1974] LP (Geffen)
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Nuthin’ Fancy [Reissue/1975] LP (Geffen)
Lynyrd Skynyrd – One More For The Road [Reissue/1976] 2xLP (Geffen)
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Gimme Back My Bullets [Reissue/1976] LP (Geffen)
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Street Survivors [Reissue/1977] LP (Geffen)
HQ-180gm vinyl reissues of the Southern rock band’s first six albums.
Jackie McLean – Capuchin Swing [Reissue/1960] LP (Blue Note)
One of McLean’s more underrated albums from a plethora of Blue Note releases, 1960’s Capuchin Swing finds the bebop alto saxophonist in fine form on a mix of covers and originals. While McLean’s future fascination with Ornette Coleman’s free-form innovations can be sensed in some solos here, the majority of the album is in a classic hard bop vein. Like contemporaries Hank Mobley, Sonny Clark, and Lee Morgan, though, McLean doesn’t just churn out pat jam-session fare, but comes up with consistently provocative charts and solos.
Thelonious Monk – The London Collection, Volume 2 LP (ORG Music)
The London Collection, Volume 2 is the second installment of Thelonious Monk’s final recording session as a band leader. The album features bassist Al McKibbon and drummer Art Blakey backing up Monk as he plays eight original tunes. It was remastered from original analog tapes by Bernie Grundman for the first vinyl pressing in over 27 years. Originally released for RSD 2015 as an exclusive clear vinyl edition, it now sees a wide release on HQ-180gram audiophile-grade black vinyl.
New Swears – Junkfood Fever, Bedtime Whatever LP+MP3 (Dirt Cult)
Ottawa’s original party animals are back with their second LP. Said to sound like “Mean Jeans partying with the Black Lips,” and that description continues to be pretty spot on. However, this time around, in addition to the revved up, surf tinged, catchy as hell garage rock, the band experiments with country, riffy space rock, and indie pop.
Night Court – Law & Order LP (Not Not Fun)
The origins of these enigmatic VHS-scrambled prog-techno explorations are so true and tripped they’re worth quoting in full from co-chairman Christopher Hontos: “Night Court was recorded in July two summers ago (’13) in a remote cabin on Lake Namekagan (located on national forest grounds in northern Wisconsin). We usually do these ball-busting weeklong recording sessions up there with a good group of folks and a grip of mushrooms. For this one we had this idea of setting up our synths on the deck and doing a trippy somnabulistic overnight open-air recording sesh that would be called Night Court.”
Charlie Parker All-Stars – Memorial Vol. 1 [Reissue/1955] LP (Savoy Jazz)
Savoy LP reissue of historic Charlie Parker All Stars sessions — Charlie Parker with jazz giants Miles Davis, Max Roach, John Lewis, Bud Powell, Curly Russell, and Tommy Potter.
Art Pepper – 3-In-1 Value Pack 3xLP (Omnivore)
Color vinyl pressings of his three-part live Neon Art series, each originally released in 1981.
Jimmy Scott – Very Truly Yours [Reissue/1955] LP (Savoy Jazz)
Released in 1955, Very Truly Yours was the first album that Jimmy Scott recorded for the Savoy label. After spending the better part of a decade singing in ensembles, first with Lionel Hampton and then with New Orleans bandleader Paul Gayten, Scott was poised to make a name for himself as a solo artist. These dozen songs, executed with a small jazz combo supporting him (including Charles Mingus on bass), find Scott in beautiful voice, confidently investing himself in well-chosen covers as well as some of his own great originals.
Seaweed – Actions And Indications [Reissue/1999] LP+MP3 (Merge)
Seaweed formed out of the fertile northwest punk scene of the mid-to-late ‘80s in Tacoma and Olympia WA. Singer Aaron Stauffer, fresh off a stint in the little-known Spook & The Zombies, founded the band with best friend Clint Werner, who assumed guitar duties. After the recruitment of guitarist Wade Neal, bassist John Atkins, and drummer Bob Bulgrien, Seaweed began playing clubs throughout the Pacific Northwest. From 1989 to 1999, Seaweed recorded five punk-pop LPs and played over a thousand shows. According to AllMusic Guide, “they played D.I.Y. with the Sub Pop label for their first three records, went ambitiously astray by signing with Hollywood Records, then did the cool right thing by returning to indie Merge.”
Social Distortion – Prison Bound [Reissue/1988] LP (Bicycle Music)
After the long layoff that followed their groundbreaking debut, Mommy’s Little Monster, Mike Ness and Social Distortion dropped another seminal punk offering, Prison Bound, in 1988. Available on Regular 140gm vinyl or Deluxe HQ-180gm concrete color vinyl which includes a commemorative art print and embossed/debossed album jacket.
Sun Ra – Calling Planet Earth LP (ORG Music)
Calling Planet Earth comes from a concert recorded at Tivoli Hall in Copenhagen, Denmark on December 5, 1971. Sun Ra and his Arkestra are captured in their prime, while exploring some of their most far out material to date. The recording received its first ever vinyl release with for RSD 2015 as an exclusive color vinyl pressing. Now it receives a wide release on black vinyl.
The The – Hyena [OST] 2xLP (Death Waltz)
Vignettes of hip-hop and house beats with incredible synthesizer melodies laid on top, threatening electronic effects roaring like a Formula 1 car engine, even choral sections with haunted vocals that show the inevitable influence of Vangelis. Double-LP on 140gm custom blue vinyl with etching on Side Four.
Robert Tomaro – Slime City [1988/OST] LP (Strange Disc)
Slime City is the debut film by cult horror director and author Gregory Lamberson. The story follows Alex, who after moving into his new apartment is seduced by his neighbor and soon turns into a melting ghoul who is forced to kill innocent victims in order to maintain a normal human physique. Slime City debuted in 1988 and spent months in the NY midnight movie circuit, at the tail end of the grindhouse era.
Toupee – Leg Toucher LP (Moniker)
Representing Chicago’s robust network of outsider artists and house punks, Toupee spare no one from their sharpened, penetrating vision on Leg Toucher. From behind their masks, they lend observations to their listener. They offer heightened sensations that hide nothing. Toupee lurk beneath gentle and ferocious vocals and wicked sonic blowouts, piercing their listener with their glare. Placing slow, soft frequencies against frantic, unchained crashes, Toupee carefully extract the supernatural from mundane life.
Twenty One Pilots – Blurryface 2xLP+MP3 (Fueled By Ramen)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Fourth album of piano-driven schizoid pop from the duo.
Various Artists – The Best Of Trojan DJ Reggae Volume 1 LP (Sanctuary)
Various Artists – The Best Of Trojan Instrumental Reggae Volume 1 LP (Sanctuary)
Various Artists – The Best Of Trojan Mento & Calypso Volume 1 LP (Sanctuary)
Various Artists – The Best Of Trojan Rude Boy Ska Volume 1 LP (Sanctuary)
Various Artists – The Best Of Trojan Soul Reggae Volume 1 LP (Sanctuary)
Next wave in a series of LPs celebrating the re-launch of Trojan Records in the US.
Various Artists – Rough Guide To Legends Of Indian Music LP+MP3 (World Music Network)
India’s classical music is deeply bound to the country’s mystical ancient traditions. Stretching back through time to the Vedic period musical historians encounter the Rigveda, an ancient collection of Sanskrit hymns, and the Sama Veda, a text which begins to discuss the origin of seven shruti (notes) from the sounds of nature. The practice of combining tones in certain sequences and the notation system that was developed during this era is connected to the development of the Indian classical raga form. ‘Raga’ literally translates as a ‘hue’ of colour and is a musical method of constructing melody through prescribed conventions.
Brandon K. Varrett – Legend: Music From The Motion Picture LP (BSX)
Brand new recording of Tangerine Dream’s electronic score for the ’85 film beautifully recreated by Brandon Varrett.
Wand – Machine Man b/w M.E. 7” (In The Red)
Brand new 7” single from Wand featuring two exclusive tracks. The A side, “Machine Man,” is a heavy and dark original which would’ve sounded right at home on their Golem LP. The B-side, “M.E.,” is a Tubeway Army cover which has been transformed into a heavy riff pummeler here. An essential piece of wax if ever there was one.
Young Jeezy – Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 [Reissue/2005] 3xLP (UMe/Def Jam)
Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 is the third studio album from Young Jeezy. Four singles were released from the album: “And Then What,” “Soul Survivor,” “Go Crazy,” and “My Hood.” The version of “Go Crazy” most frequently heard is the remix featuring Jay-Z. In celebration of the 10 year anniversary of this classic, Def Jam reissues this out-of-print 3xLP set on limited edition white vinyl.
Cassettes:
Sundays & Cybele – Heaven (Beyond Beyond Is Beyond)
Describing music of great power and great expanse as “cinematic” can be fitting, if perhaps overused. When it comes to the music of Tokyo’s Sundays & Cybele — a Japanese band speaking the universal language of explosive, kaleidoscopic sound, for a result easily translated as both heavy and heavenly — it’s incredibly appropriate. Sundays & Cybele seem always to be reaching for peak experience, demonstrated herein by lead guitar breaks that seems to merge the differences between Ash Ra Tempel and The Dead Boys into a single, illuminating whole where Orange amps threaten to explode in a transcendent array of colors. Cassette-only.
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