CDs + Vinyl:
Against Me – 25 Live Sex Acts 2xCD/3xLP (Total Treble)
Against Me released Transgender Dysphoria Blues in early 2014, chronicling Laura Jane Grace’s highly publicized gender transition. This double-disc live set includes older fan-favorites “I Was A Teenage Anarchist” and “White Crosses,” along with highlights from the latest album, including the focus track “True Trans Soul Rebel.” (Vinyl version is available as a Regular and Deluxe HQ-180gm gram clear with blue and yellow splatter vinyl.)
Amorphis – Under The Red Cloud CD/LP (Nuclear Blast)
New album from the Finnish masters of melancholic metal.
Anathema – Distant Satellites [Tour Edition] 2xCD (Kscope)
Double-disc tour edition of the British rock band’s 2014 album, expanded with exclusive bonus tracks.
The Arcs – Yours, Dreamily CD/LP (Nonesuch)
The Arcs is a new band led by The Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach. The band’s aesthetic isn’t too far removed from the Black Keys’ utilitarian blues-rock, but it puts a little more emphasis on fleshed-out arrangements that recall classic Southern soul. Features contributions from Richard Swift (who has played with the Shins and released a bunch of solo albums), Leon Michels (who worked with Action Bronson and Michael Bublé), Homer Steinweiss (whose drumming credits include Amy Winehouse and Bruno Mars), bassist Nick Movshon (another Winehouse collaborator), versatile Nashville guitarist Kenny Vaughan, and the women of New York’s Mariachi Flor De Toloache. “This project was about making music with some of my longest relationships in music,” Auerbach told NPR. “Leon (Michels), Richard (Swift) and I have not only worked in The Black Keys together, but we have produced together, played on various projects of each other’s, and we’ve collaborated longer than a lot of bands stay together. It just kind of came naturally.”
Arkona – Vozrozhdenie CD (Napalm)
Arkona’s debut album Vozrozhdenie was originally released in 2004 and firmly placed both the band and its Russian mother country on the pagan/folk metal map. Frontwoman Masha’s powerful performance plus Slavic mysticism and varied songwriting turned the first release (it’s name means “revival,” by the way) of young Arkona into a success and the beginning of a remarkable career. The band has now re-recorded Vozrozhdenie and not only revisits its roots, it let’s those old songs shine with a massive production and new instrumental skills.
Clarence Ashley – Country Music Pioneer: Selected Tracks 1927-1935 4xCD (JSP)
This set collects a fantastic array of early old-timey country recordings from some of the true giants of the era. Top billing is given to Clarence Ashley and many of his influential early sides, released either as a solo artist under his own name or in conjunction with other artists and groups — including here Ashley & Green, Blue Ridge Entertainers, Ashley & Foster, Carolina Tar Heels, Byrd Moore And His Hot Shots and Ashley & Abernathy. Like many black blues contemporaries, Clarence Ashley found what little wider fame that came his way in the early 1960s, when the folk boom led to his re-discovery and re-emergence as a recording and performing artist.
Backyard Babies – Four By Four CD/LP (Gain Music Entertainment)
New album by the recently reunited Swedish sleaze rockers. “Rock is not dead.” – Dregan
Lou Barlow – Brace The Wave CD (Joyful Noise)
Vinyl version due September 18. “Lou Barlow’s circuitous path as a recording artist has taken him through key roles in Sebadoh and Dinosaur Jr., not to mention The Folk Implosion, which cracked the pop charts with ‘Natural One’ back in the ’90s. He’s also put out a bunch of solo work, both under his own name and in the bedroom-recording project Sentridoh, but in recent years he’s focused more on repairing old professional relationships. That’s meant rejoining Dinosaur Jr., in which he once feuded famously with bandleader J Mascis, and putting out 2013’s Defend Yourself, the first new Sebadoh record in 14 years. Brace The Wave keeps Barlow’s sound stripped to its barren bones, an approach suited to the pleas and confessions therein.” – NPR
Dan Bern – Hoody CD (BFD)
Hoody is filled with highlights and surprises, including “Lifeline,” an up-tempo country-rocker featuring guest vocals by original Old Crow Medicine Show member Willie Watson. “Waffle House” is a hilarious live showstopper delineating one of the true dividing lines in modern-day America: “Red states got the Waffle House, blue states don’t.” Another gem on Hoody is the harder rocking “Welcome,” a three-minute indictment of our modern-day information overload. On a lighter note, there’s a charmingly spirited take on Johnny Cash’s novel 1976 country chart-topper, “One Piece At A Time.” The album closes with one of Dan’s loveliest songs ever. “Sky” is a heartbreakingly beautiful love song, not just to a true love, but to life itself.
Black Tongue – The Unconquerable Dark CD/LP (Century Media)
The Unconquerable Dark punishes with claustrophobic atmospheres in the vein of Meshuggah and Neurosis at their most abrasive mixed with the raw, riffed-soaked energy of Remission-era Mastodon and the raw, belligerent brutality of The Acacia Strain.
Black Trip – Shadowline CD/LP (Steamhammer/SPV)
New album from the Swedish hard rockers.
Blank Realm – Illegals In Heaven CD/LP (Fire)
The Brisbane band Blank Realm play a form of DIY guitar-rock that vacillates back and forth between shimmering psych-pop and bluesy punk.
Burn Halo – Wolves Of War CD (E1)
Burn Halo bridge the gap between the evocative sonic power of rock conquerors like Seether, Stone Sour, and Breaking Benjamin and the unrelentingly heavy metallic bite (with big flashes of melody) of All That Remains, Pierce The Veil, and Black Veil Brides.
Joey Cape – Stitch Puppy CD/LP (Fat Wreck Chords)
Lagwagon frontman Joey Cape releases his first solo album in five years. “Out of all of the older punks to pick up an acoustic guitar in recent years, Joey Cape might be one of the best.” – Noisey/Vice
Captain Beefheart – Live In Cowtown Kansas City 22nd April 1974 CD (United States Dist)
By the time of this April 1974 broadcast, Captain Beefheart — and the 29th incarnation in along line of ever-mutating Magic Bands — had reverted to more traditionally-structured compositions, to the chagrin of some fans. Caught live in Kansas City, Beefheart was amidst an extensive US (and subsequent European) tour promoting his eighth album, Unconditionally Guaranteed.
Dianne Coffee – Everybody’s A Good Dog CD/LP+MP3 (Western Vinyl)
Unlike the production limitations that defined the sound of Diane Coffee’s debut My Friend Fish (recording drums on an iPhone, using a detuned guitar in lieu of a bass, etc.) Everybody’s A Good Dog was recorded in proper studios with an assortment of guest appearances, horns, and a string ensemble, finally bringing to life Fleming’s deep well of talent and ideas. The album covers a lot of ground from sweet acapella harmonies, to bursts of big brass and Motown swagger, to unhinged psychedelic mayhem.
Cold Beat – Into The Air CD/LP (Crime On The Moon)
Moving past the themes of grief and loss prevalent on Over Me, Into The Air explores ideas both earthly and celestial. Some songs are attempts at describing complex emotional landscapes, while others playfully wonder about physics and astronomy, often delving off into deep fantasy. While the record explores a wide swathe of sonic territory—the propulsive rock hooks of “Broken Lines,” the trance electronics of “Cracks,” the ethereal abstraction of “Clouds”—it seamlessly transitions between modes, all anchored by primary singer/songwriter Hannah Lew’s distinctive glassy vocals.
Lloyd Cole – 1D Electronics 2012-2014 CD/LP+CD (Bureau B)
Lloyd Cole is mostly known for his outstanding pop music, but he certainly has a taste for electronic music. In 2013 he released a highly acclaimed album together with electronic music legend Hans Joachim Roedelius, for whom he also curated a compilation of his electronic music recordings Kollektion 2 – Roedelius – Electronic Music. On 1D Electronics 2012-2014 some pieces were originally created with overdubs by another in mind. Some were simply experiments. One or two may have had loftier ambitions…. None of the pieces involves the use of a piano keyboard or a computer, except to record it. Some modulations were executed by hand. Most were generated by programmed sequencers and logic. Each piece is a self contained electronic circuit.
Conveyor – When Given Time To Grow CD (Victory)
Conveyer offers a fresh take on catchy, fast hardcore with tight, punchy riffs, melodic leads, up-tempo technical drumming and fierce, impassioned vocals.
Ian Cooke – Antiquasauria CD+DVD/LP+DVD (Greater Than Collect)
“Cooke, his cello and his looping effects pedal are now fixtures — icons, even — in Denver’s thriving independent music community. And after years of climbing the ranks, playing clubs, galleries, living rooms and museums, the singer/songwriter/cellist/pianist was voted the top musician in the ninth annual Denver Post Underground Music Poll.” — Denver Post
Larry Coryell – Aurora Coryellis 3xCD (Cleopatra)
One of the most respected and celebrated jazz fusion guitarists of his generation, Larry Coryell presents this captivating box set of unreleased live performances.
Cretus – Dux Mea Lux CD (Pavement Ent.)
Cretus’s music is hard-hitting thrash, sludge, heavy rock metal at it’s core, with mathematically-precise riffs, dive-bombing guitar solos, and thundering drums.
Cruciamentum – Charnel Passages CD (Profound Lore)
Having only released a demo, split and EP since forming in 2007, UK band Cruciamentum wields a reputation as one of the most prominent acts in today’s death metal scene alongside counterparts Dead Congregation and Grave Miasma (with whom Cruciamentum share two members).
Dâm-Funk – Invite The Light CD/3xLP+MP3 (Stones Throw)
Dâm-Funk’s second album features Snoop Dogg, Q-Tip, Flea, Ariel Pink, Junie Morrison, Jody Watley, Computer Jay, Nite Jewel, JimiJames, Jane Jupiter, Novena Carmel, Leon Sylvers III and IV. Design by Freddy Anzures. “Just as you try to get a grip on Dâm-Funk’s sound, he glides away and comes at you from a new direction on Invite The Light. In the last few years, he’s worked with the likes of former Slave frontman Steve Arrington, Snoop Dogg and new beat producers like Benedek and Computer Jay, so it’s no surprise that the guest list runs long on his latest. In addition to the folks named above, Dâm-Funk also invites Q-Tip, Jody Watley, Nite Jewel and Kid Sister along for the ride, with each song changing to fit the contours of its guests. But beyond all the interlopers, this remains Dâm-Funk’s show, and for all his chameleonic funk moves, it’s the skate-rink boogie of the penultimate track that makes his modus operandi evident: ‘Kaint Let ‘Em Change Me.’” – NPR
Dave Davies – Rippin Up New York City: Live At The City Winery CD/LP (Red River Entertainment)
At the City Winery NYC on November 24 and 25, 2014, Dave and band put on an amazing concert to an audience of new and longtime Kinks fans. This live album captures the live electricity of turbo charged rockers along with delicate and sensitive versions of acoustic favorites from past and present.
The Dear Hunter – Act IV: Rebirth In Paradise CD (Equal Vision)
The release of Act IV marks the long-awaited continuation of the band’s six album concept series chronicling the story of a boy at the turn of the century, only referred to as “The Dear Hunter.” The Dear Hunter is the main project of multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter Casey Crescenzo. From the beginning, it was a high-concept project: Casey mapped out multi-page treatments for a six-album story arc about the birth, life, and abrupt death of a boy, set at the dawn of the 20th century. Vinyl version due October 2.
Diemonds – Never Wanna Die CD (Napalm)
Diemonds is a Canadian hard rock outfit inspired by the Sunset Strip. Never Wanna Die is their second album.
Willie Dixon – Live In Chicago 1984 CD (Hi Hat)
Willie Dixon is one of the fathers of modern American blues, and had a profound influence on Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and countless others. This superb 1984 performance was recorded for FM radio broadcast at a tiny club at 7644 North Sheridan Road on Chicago’s north side, and captures the great man in fine form performing a selection of self-penned classics. The complete broadcast is presented here in digitally remastered sound with background notes and images.
DJ Richard – Grind CD/LP (Dial)
With the launch of his White Material label in New York 2012, DJ Richard began releasing a line of stunning works by Galcher Lustwerk, Young Male, Morgan Louis, and himself. Around the time of DJ Richard’s collaboration with Carsten Jost for Lawrence’s 2013 Films & Windows Remixed 12″, the Dial Records crew fell deeply in love with his work. After his contribution to Dial’s 2015 15-year anniversary compilation All and almost two years of production, here is DJ Richard’s debut album, Grind. A tribute to what contemporary club music and enthusiastic sound experiments should be about: exaltation and addiction. This is what DJ Richard’s club sets feel like — an incredible sound seduction, another dimension.
The Doors – Other Voices / Full Circle 2xCD (Rhino)
The Doors – Other Voices [Reissue/1971] LP (Rhino)
The Doors –Full Circle [Reissue/1972] LP (Rhino)
Digitally remastered two CD set containing the final two albums by The Doors, both recorded and released as a trio after the death of lead vocalist Jim Morrison: Other Voices (1971) and Full Circle (1972). The Full Circle CD includes a rare bonus track, “Treetrunk,” which was the B-side to the 1972 “Get Up And Dance” single. (Each has been separately repressed on HQ-180gm vinyl.)
Eat The Gun – Howlinwood CD (Steamhammer/SPV)
Vinyl version due October 2. “’Howlinwood,’ the title track, is an excellent choice for kicking off this album. Downtuned guitars with a certain stoner appeal gets you into the album. Eat The Gun wouldn’t be Eat The Gun if they wouldn’t combine their crispy rock with catchy melodies. Again they succeeded and added a chorus to this tune that sticks to your mind immediately.” —
Markus’ Heavy Music Blog
Family Of The Year – Family Of The Year CD (Nettwerk)
Recorded in Berlin and back home in Los Angeles, Family Of The Year’s new eponymous album delivers an exciting musical progression with a more electric sound than previous releases. The indie group gained notoriety with “Hero” from 2012’s Loma Vista and its featured appearance in the Oscar-nominated, Golden Globe winning film Boyhood. “With the success of ‘Hero,’ we knew that more people were going to hear the new album. We were all about moving forward and making something new. We didn’t try to make a reactionary record or try to recreate anything we’d done in the past, we just wrote the same way we always have. We went into the studio and recorded songs that were dear to us and pushed ourselves to make something that we love,” stated lead singer/guitarist Joe Keefe. Vinyl version due October 16.
Fenster – Emocean CD/LP (Morr Music)
Fenster’s Emocean is the soundtrack to a sci-fi adventure film created by and starring the band. The music is a swirling cosmos of richly varied post-psychedelia, transcending the boundaries of reality and traditional pop records to join the ranks of other genre-bending music films like Daft Punk’s Interstella 5555 (2003) or Prince Rama’s Never Forever (2013). With Emocean, the band utilizes its classic approach to non-traditional percussion and instrumentation, but this time ventures deeper into new territory with funky basslines.
Fidlar – Too CD/LP (Mom + Pop)
This 12-song collection of pop-infused garage rock expands on the band’s 2013 self-titled album that put them at the forefront of modern punk music. Too showcases a band that continues to fine-tune its sonic approach while also highlighting a more introspective and revelatory approach to songwriting. It also marks the first time the band has worked with a producer (Jay Joyce, Nashville). “We could have made record number one again… but instead we decided to challenge ourselves and admit that we don’t know everything,” said guitarist and lead vocalist Zac Carper. “Up until this point we had recorded everything ourselves, so working with a producer taught us so much. I didn’t want to make a standard rock record. The goal for this album was to think outside the box and I think Jay really helped us do that.”
Five Finger Death Punch – Got Your Six CD (Prospect Park)
Sixth album — Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds three bonus tracks. Vinyl edition due September 11.
Forced Order – Vanished Crusade CD/LP (Revelation)
Southern California hardcore/metal underground artists Forced Order and Revelation Records present their debut full-length, Vanished Crusade. The album features 14 tracks of hard, fast, and heavy metallic hardcore delivered in a similar vein as genre pioneers Integrity, In Cold Blood, and Hatebreed.
Peter Frampton – Now [Reissue/2003] CD (Omnivore)
Originally released in 2003, Now is Peter’s 12th studio release. Proclaiming “I’m Back,” he addressed his longest gap between releases, and offered up a seriously strong collection of material. From riff-filled rockers to shimmering ballads and instrumentals, the album was not only a culmination of what made Frampton a superstar, but showed he was far from done creating.
Get Bent – Discography CD/LP (Dead Broke)
Remastered recorded output of this defunct, short-lived Queens, NY band. Get Bent included members of Iron Chic, Potboiler, Red & Blue, State Lottery, Down In The Dumps, Jonesin’ and other respected punk outfits. The group disbanded in 2009.
The Ghost Ease – Raw CD (K Records)
Raw is simultaneously heavy and ethereal like an amethyst raincloud. The ten tracks ebb and flow from softened layers of melody to frenetic shreds of distortion.
Hammercult – Built For War CD+DVD (Steamhammer/SPV)
Two years after the release of Steelcrusher, the Israeli thrash metal war machine return to the front. Vinyl version due October 2.
Helena Hauff – Discrete Desires CD/2xLP+MP3 (Werkdiscs/Ninja Tune)
Ten tracks deep, Discreet Desires is the embodiment of Helena’s deep-seated beliefs about music as a radical force and unifying movement. Something that is evident from her growing stature as a selector and her enthusiasm for musical subcultures from punk to nu wave, industrial, krautrock and avant garde electro – all of which were rooted in raw experimentation and existed in polar opposition to the perfect, polished mainstream.
Helen – The Original Faces CD (Kranky)
Helen is is comprised of Liz Harris (aka Grouper/vocals/lead guitar), Jed Bindeman (drums/tambourine), Scott Simmons (bass/guitar), and Helen (back-up vocals). Originally started with the intention of being a thrash band, it turned into something else entirely. The Original Faces was recorded over a period of several years in Portland by the band members, their friends Nick, Chris and, largely, Justin Higgins. Written together, some songs based on Liz and Scott’s demos. Vinyl version due September 11.
Fred Hersch – Solo CD (Palmetto)
Fred Hersch swoops and soars in his high-flying interactive trio. He sets a daunting standard as an exploratory duo partner and creates brilliantly detailed compositions and arrangements for variously configured chamber ensembles. But as an improviser of unsurpassed lyricism and technique he’s at his most intimate and revealing in a solo setting. With Fred Hersch Solo, the pianist kicks off a creatively fecund yearlong celebration of his 60th birthday with a definitive statement of his solo artistry.
Hills – Frid CD/LP (Rocket Recordings)
Part of a rich local scene that also includes friends and Rocket Recordings label-mates Goat, Hills form the next chapter in a tradition of Swedish psychedelia that found it’s origins in late ’60s and early ’70s freakouts and mind-melts by the likes of Baby Grandmothers and Älgarnas Trädgård — not to mention the unholy trinity of Parson Sound, International Harvester, and Träd, Gräs & Stenar — before being developed by the likes of The Spacious Mind and Dungen around the turn of the millennium.
John Howard & The Night Mail – John Howard & The Night Mail CD/LP (Tapete)
In 1975 CBS released Kid In A Big World, the debut LP by a golden voiced young piano man called John Howard. But somehow, between glam and pub rock, this early masterpiece fell through the gaps. The world may have been ready for Bowie flirting with androgyny, but not quite ready yet for an out gay pop star. Forty years later, in 2015, Canterbury based/Vienna born pop writer and musician Robert Rotifer enticed this living singer/songwriter legend back to England from his Spanish exile to work on the collaborative project John Howard & The Night Mail.
Incognito – Live In London: The 35th Anniversary Show CD (earMusic)
To celebrate their 35th anniversary in style, jazz group Incognito played a show at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire and invited friends, family and fans to join in for a wild night out.
Iron Maiden – The Book Of Souls 2xCD/3xLP (BMG Recorded Music)
Iron Maiden’s 16th studio album, The Book Of Souls, contains 11 tracks and runs 92 minutes — it is the metal maestros’ first ever double studio album. The CD version is available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe is packaged in a hardbound book featuring 24 pages of designs and photos.
Jerusalem In My Heart – If He Dies, If If If If If If CD (Constellation)
Radwan Ghazi Moumneh returns with a second full-length album from his acclaimed Jerusalem In My Heart (JIMH) project, conceived and recorded in his dual homes Montréal and Beirut. Moumneh expands his compositional palette on If He Dies, If If If If If If, exploring new deconstructions and juxtapositions of both traditional and popular Arab musical currents, with an album that oscillates between powerfully emotive vocal tunes and instrumental works that primarily make use of Radwan’s expressive acoustic playing on buzuk and zurna as a point of departure. Vinyl version due September 18.
Jigmastas – Grass Roots: Prologue CD/2xLP (BBE)
Jigmastas is a group made up of DJ Spinna and MC Kriminul. They come from Brooklyn and have been making hip hop since 1996. Grassroots: The Prologue features many of the group’s early singles from around the release of their one and only LP, 2001’s Infectious, as well as a collection of material that was not included on the album.
K Camp – Only Way Is Up CD (Interscope)
Debut album from the rapper – featuring guest appearances by T.I. Snoop Dogg, Bun B,French Montana, Yo Gotti, Fetty Wap, CyHi The Prynce, among others. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds three bonus tracks.
Tommy Keene – Laugh In The Dark CD/LP+MP3 (Second Motion)
Laugh In The Dark, while characterized as always by Keene’s distinctive flair for melodic guitar-driven rock and brawny power pop, marks a subtle shift in the artist’s songwriting modus operandi in that unlike previously, the material is all of recent vintage. Opening track “Out Of My Mind,” with its brash power chords and anthemic vibe, subtly conjures vintage Who, while “Last Of The Twilight Girls” has a Radio City-worthy opening riff and a succinct-yet-meaty solo to remind listeners of Keene’s prowess as a lead guitarist. Likewise, the title tune’s jangly invocations and wistful choruses speak to his instincts as a pop classicist.
Lamb Of God – As The Palaces Burn [Reissue/2003] CD (Razor & Tie)
Originally released in May of 2003, Lamb Of God’s As The Palaces Burn is considered to by many to be among the most influential, modern day metal records. Digitally remastered and remixed under the band’s supervision.
James Leg – Below The Belt CD/LP (Alive)
“The new album from musician James Leg, also known as one half of the rowdy blues/punk/soul hybrid Black Diamond Heavies, could pass as the soundtrack to some sort of immoral revivalist service. His second solo record, Below the Belt is built around Leg’s thick keyboard sound, driving drums and his wildly charismatic and gruff vocal performance.” – Chris Steffen/AllMusic
The Libertines – Anthems For Doomed Youth CD/LP (Harvest)
Anthems For Doomed Youth is the long-awaited follow-up to the band’s 2004 self-titled album. The Libertines was formed in London in 1997 by front men Carl Barât (vocals/guitar) and Pete Doherty (vocals/guitar). The band, centered on the songwriting partnership of Barât and Doherty, was part of the garage rock revival and spearheaded the movement in the UK.
Magic Castles – Starflower CD/LP (A. Recordings)
Magic Castles are a five-piece band from Minneapolis, MN. Their sound has been described as droney psychedelic pop, combining the organ-drenched hazy atmospherics of the mid-/late-’60s with sun-drenched West Coast folk-rock. (Vinyl edition is pressed on HQ-180gm lilac-opaque wax.)
John Mayall – Find A Way To Care CD/LP (Forty Below)
New album from the blues rock legend. John adds harmonica on two songs as well as a classic guitar track reminiscent of Huber Sumlin or Muddy Waters on the latter’s legendary “Long Distance Call.” He is joined by his killer touring band, Rocky Athas (guitar), Greg Rzab (bass) and Jay Davenport (drums).
Heather McIntosh – Z For Zachariah [OST] CD (Varese Sarabande)
The original score for the new sci-fi thriller Z For Zachariah is composed by Heather McIntosh, the cello player from the Elephant 6 Collective. The long lists of artists she has performed with include; Animal Collective, Cat Power, Superchunk, M Ward, Of Montreal, The Clientele, St. Vincent, Azure Ray, Bright Eyes, Washed Out, Dr. Dog, Gnarls Barkley and Lil Wayne. The film stars Margot Robbie, Chris Pine and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
MC Yogi – Only Love Is Real CD (Black Swan Sounds)
Blending his love and knowledge of yoga culture with hip-hop, reggae and electronic music, MC Yogi is recognized as a leading voice in the emerging genre of conscious music.
Mouse On The Keys – Flowers Of Romance CD/LP (Mule Musiq)
Mouse On The Keys, the Japanese trio of Daisuke Niitome (piano, keyboard), Akira Kawasaki (drums, piano, keyboard), and Atsushi Kiyota (synths, piano, keyboard), are an energetic, hard-to-pigeonhole Tokyo-based group that combine the sound of diverse pianos and synthesizers with out-there drumming. Their locomotive American hardcore rhythms and virtuosic post-rock grooves dance fearlessly with jazz, contemporary classical, and shreds of electronic music.
Mueller-Roedelius – Imagori CD/LP (Grönland)
The first collaborative recording from Roedelius (Cluster, Harmonia) and Christoph Mueller (Gotan Project) features electronic beats, buoyant piano melodies and percussive elements. It’s an album with an atmospheric density that is warm and harmonious throughout.
Natural Snow Buildings – Terror’s Horns CD/LP (Ba Da Bing!)
After a string of Natural Snow Buildings reissues, each more elaborate then the last, Ba Da Bing presents their first ever release of new material from the French duo. For a group known for its use of horror imagery and lyricism, perhaps the most shocking thing of all is that this album clocks in at just under 45 minutes. If there ever was a release that served as the proper entry point for Natural Snow Buildings, Terror’s Horns is it.
Nurse With Wound/Blind Cave Salamander – Cabbalism I & II 2xCD (ICR)
Nurse With Wound/Blind Cave Salamander – Cabbalism I & II/Cabbalism III 3xCD (ICR)
Cabbalism sprung from Blind Cave Salamander supporting Nurse With Wound at a show in Italy: consequently, the two groups started to play live together, working around the seminal Nurse record Soliloquy For Lilith. The multiple results of those shows are presented here.
Offshore – Offshore CD/LP+MP3 (Big Dada)
Two and a half years on from the sad and untimely passing of Ewan Robertson aka Offshore, Big Dada releases the last album from the Aberdonian musician and designer. Offshore’s tracks hop around with a light touch, synths, drum machines and a tune-centric sensibility all playing off each other perfectly. (Limited copies pressed on blue + white marbled vinyl.)
Oh Wonder – Oh Wonder CD/LP (Republic)
Oh Wonder is London based duo Anthony and Josephine. With Oh Wonder, both members share vocals and production duties, giving a 50/50 split to every aspect that rinses their head-turning pop.
Once I Remember – The Life I Remember CD (earMusic)
New project from hard rock guitarist/producer Logan Mader (Machinehead/Soulfly).
Painted Palms – Horizons CD/LP+MP3 (Polyvinyl)
On their sophomore full-length, Horizons, electronic duo Painted Palms draw inspiration from a number of sonic palettes — the song structure of ‘60s pop, ‘80s synths, the hypnotic vibes of early ‘90s Creation Records bands like Primal Scream and Happy Mondays, and the beats of early ‘00s Southern hip-hop — to create a panoramic pop sound that is uniquely their own. Mixed by former DFA house engineer Eric Broucek (LCD Soundsystem, Classixx), Horizons is the work of two musicians who share a singular focus and absolute trust in each other’s talents.
Pat Patrick & The Baritone Saxophone Retinue – Sound Advice [Reissue/1977] CD/LP (Ks Art Yard Series)
As composer, bandleader, and full-time member of the Sun Ra Arkestra, Pat Patrick was a visionary musician whose singular contribution to the jazz tradition has not yet been fully recognized. As well as holding down the baritone spot in the Arkestra for 35 years, Patrick played flute and alto, composed in both jazz and popular idioms, and was a widely respected musician, playing with Duke Ellington, Eric Dolphy, Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane, with whom he appeared on Africa/Brass (1961). But he is best known for his crucial contributions to key Sun Ra recordings including Angels And Demons At Play (1967), Jazz In Silhouette (1959), and The Nubians Of Plutonia (1967), among dozens of others. But as a bandleader, Patrick only released one LP — the almost-mythical Sound Advice, recorded with his Baritone Saxophone Retinue, a unique gathering of baritone saxophone masters including Charles Davis and Rene McLean.
Phaedra – Blackwinged Night CD/LP (Rune Grammofon)
Phaedra is Ingvild Langgard, singer, composer, and artist. From the ethereal folk universe of the debut, Blackwinged Night dives into a darker dream-pop underworld, where acoustic elements of woodwinds, strings, and marimba are mixed with layers of analog synths, bigger drums, and darker basslines. Vocals are as crystal-clear and haunting as ever, with lyrics circling around themes like creation and collapse, time and falling stars.
Wilson Pickett – Mr. Magic Man The Complete RCA Studio Recordings 2xCD (Real Gone Music)
Between 1964 and 1972, Wilson Pickett established himself as one of the greatest soul men of all time with a string of incendiary pop and R&B smashes like “In The Midnight Hour,” “Land Of 1,000 Dances,” “Mustang Sally” and “Funky Broadway.” But the Wicked Pickett’s scorching career didn’t stop when he left Atlantic Records. Beginning with 1973’s Mr. Magic Man, Pickett recorded four soulful studio albums for RCA Records, where, in an extremely productive two years, he notched his final Hot 100 hits as well as a string of R&B chart successes. Yet, Pickett’s RCA discography has been all but ignored in the compact disc era.
Pig Destroyer – Prowler In The Yard [Reissue/2001] CD/LP (Relapse)
Deluxe reissue of Pig Destroyer’s landmark 2001 Relapse debut Prowler In The Yard fully remixed and remastered by guitarist/engineer Scott Hull complete with a recently unearthed never-before-heard bonus track from the Prowler sessions. Limited edition CD comes packaged as a double-CD set, with the original mix of the album and a bonus track presented on the second disc, along with expanded artwork and layout, unreleased photos and liner notes from the band.
Duane Pitre – Bayou Electronic CD/LP (Important)
New Orleans ambient musician/minimalist composer Duane Pitre concludes his trilogy of albums on Important Records. Pitre captured the field recording utilized in Bayou Electric on a late night in August, 2010, at the edge of Four Mile Bayou, Louisiana, which has been in Pitre’s family since January 14, 1922. Upon listening to what he’d captured, Pitre became enthralled by the fabric of sound that the wildlife on this waterway had created. For synthesizers; sine tones; amplified violin, viola, and cello; field recording; and custom software.
Public Enemy – Live From The Metropolis Studios 2xCD/2xLP/2xCD+2xLP+Blu-ray (Def Jam)
Double-disc live release from the rap legends. On 8/6/14, Public Enemy performed at London’s Metropolis Studios in the most intimate gig of their career. This live show features the band performing their biggest hits and fan favorites including “Bring The Noise,” “Night Of The Living Bassheads,” “Terrordome,” “Fight The Power,” “Rebel Without A Pause,” and many others. Also available on stand-alone DVD and Blu-ray.
Public Image Ltd. – What The World Needs Now… CD/2xLP (PiL Official)
PiL’s 10th album follows the huge critical success of 2012’s This Is PiL, the band’s first album in 17 years. In winter 2014 PiL returned to Steve Winwood’s Wincraft studio in the Cotswolds’ to record What The World Needs Now... Commenting on the album, John Lydon says, “Buy now while stocks last.” It is self-funded by PiL and released on their own label, with artwork partly inspired by Native American Hopi characters, was designed and painted by John Lydon. “t’s a sturdy, muscular affair wherein Lydon rants energetically about everything from blocked toilets to Botox and the iCloud, on quintessentially cranky, ruck-friendly fare such as ‘Double Trouble’ and ‘I’m Not Satisfied’” – Record Collector. “A record of disarming directness…” — Mojo
Pugwash – Play This Intimately (As If Among Friends) CD/LP+MP3 (Omnivore)
Irish pop band Pugwash has been around for more than fifteen years. Their new album, Play This Intimately (As If Among Friends) features guest appearances from Ray Davies (The Kinks), Heil Hannon (The Divine Comedy), Andy Partridge (XTC) and a cameo from Jeff Lynne (ELO). The album opens with “Kicking And Screaming,” a good rock tune that sounds a bit like The Monkees’ “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone.” There’s a positive bent to the song, with lines like, “’Cause hate’s stopped living in my mind/I ran it out/I dragged it out/Kicking and screaming/On its knees.” “It’s no shame to state that Pugwash is best located somewhere very near to The Beatles and E.L.O.” – Power Pop Square
Ramming Speed – No Epitaphs CD (Prosthetic)
Packed to the brim with galvanizing riffs, breakneck solos and thunderous blastbeats comes No Epitaphs, the new release from Richmond-based rebels Ramming Speed. Vinyl version due October 2.
Max Richter – From Sleep CD/2xLP (Deutsche Grammophon)
Acclaimed British composer Max Richter made history, with a ground-breaking piece of work: his 2015 work, Sleep, is an eight-hour lullaby. An exploration of music, consciousness and human connectivity, the work is intended to be listened to while sleeping. The landmark work is played on piano, strings, with subtle electronic touches and vocals — but no words. This album, From Sleep, is a one-hour version.
Riverside – Love, Fear And The Time Machine CD/LP (Inside Out U.S.)
Riverside have abandoned the foundations of their previous approach towards composing; no more 15-minute songs here. The shorter tracks require defter songwriting, and these ten richly arranged songs promise to keep fans smiling long after the journey is over.
Savant – Artificial CD/2xLP (RVNG International)
The story of electronic music pioneer K. Leimer continues with a focus on his auteurist studio project Savant. Compiling the standalone album, 1983’s The Neo Realist (At Risk), with Savant’s debut 12” and a grip of compilation and unreleased tracks, Artificial Dance documents Leimer’s complete collaborative venture into the unpredictable realities of music, exploring the gulf between what is expected by its creators and what is eventually — and eternally — committed to tape. Aligning himself with the Cage-ean principles of chance operations and musical contingency, Savant was a band sans jam. Allegorically, a blindfolded collaboration whose happenstance source music Leimer would sample, loop and sculpt at will. Leimer was creatively autonomous to the point of being a persona absentia in Seattle’s ‘80s rock scene. Unconcerned by social status, Leimer enlisted musicians from experimental and post-punk groups in the area to come record as Savant at his home studio, Tactical.
Scarface – Deeply Rooted CD (BMG Rights Management)
Deeply Rooted features all new material from Brother Mob aka Scarface and includes guest appearances from Nas, Rick Ross, John Legend, CeeLo, Akon, ZRo, Avant and Papa Reu.
Travi$ Scott – Rodeo CD (Epic)
Debut album from the Houston-based rapper featuring guest appearances from The Weeknd, Toro y Moi, Juicy J, Kanye West and Future. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds two bonus tracks.
Joan Shelly – Over And Over CD/LP (No Quarter)
“If Kentucky folk singer and guitarist Joan Shelley had written the stories of her second album, Over And Even, for a book instead, its cover would be the forest green of middle Appalachia, and its edges would be worn. Her voice is milky and smooth, but her songs are aged and made wise by their lyrical weight. From the best of her genre she’s inherited the illusory ability to write songs that sound ancient and unimpeachably true. So there would be no first edition of her book — it would arrive well-loved.” — NPR
Sh*t & Shine – Everybody’s A F**kin Expert CD/LP (Editions Mego)
The ascent of Shit and Shine is one of the great audio headf**ks in memory, from it’s genesis out of the South London noise rock revivalist scene to a zone where rabbit-costumed maniacs bled a unique form of multi-drum and electronic hysteria to it’s incarnation of destroyed lysergic dance music. Everybody’s A F**kin Expert takes a smorgasbord of sounds and styles and contorts them into a bright hope in twisted theater, disorientating dance, and hefty hedonism. Both the faint-and strong-hearted allowed permanent entry to this club.
Snow Patrol – Songs For Polar Bears [Reissue/1998] CD (Republic Of Music/Jeepster)
Snow Patrol – When It’s All Over We Still Have To Clear Up [Reissue/2001] CD (Republic Of Music/Jeepster)
Expanded reissues of the Northern Ireland/Scottish alt-rock band’s first two albums, each expanded with B-sides.
The Souljazz Orchestra – Resistance CD (Strut)
Canada’s Afro/Latin/Tropical collective, The Souljazz Orchestra, return with a powerhouse new album that sees the ensemble exploring some new sonic territory. Vinyl version due September 18.
Sun Ra Arkestra – Babylon Live CD (In + Out)
Legendary pianist and bandleader Sun Ra departed from this Earth in 1993 but his cosmic legacy lives on via this excellent live set featuring his Arkestra recorded at the Babylon Club, Istanbul in May 2014. Now directed by ninety-year-old alto saxophonist/flautist Marshall Allen, the music reflects the imperturbable spirit of freedom and creativity of a band which has existed for some six decades.
Szakcsi Lakatos Trio – Na Dara CD (BMC)
The brilliant pianist’s first trio release on BMC Records, dating from 2004. Hungarian and Gypsy elements fuse with the strains of Asian music, occasionally straying into the blues, and there is the undeniable influence of 21st-century contemporary music… but always pulsing with an underlying current of jazz.
Thighpaulsandra – The Golden Communion CD/LP (Editions Mego)
Thighpaulsandra presents his seventh full-length album and his first since 2006’s The Lepore Extrusion. Well over a decade in the making, The Golden Communion is his debut for Editions Mego. It comprises ten songs and runs well over two hours, with individual pieces clocking in between four and 28 minutes. Drawing on his long-time background as a key member in such diverse groups as Coil, Spiritualized, and Julian Cope’s band (in each case arguably at the height of the group’s creative prowess) and his work as producer and sound engineer for an even larger variety of customers, he offers classical passages next to hard rock riffing; krauty experimental work-outs turning into super-catchy, almost radio-friendly songs; and more.
Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats – The Night Creeper CD (Rise Above)
Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats’ new album is comprised of ten tracks of the type of sonic psyche-frazzling heaviness and blood-drenched pop that have made them one of Britain’s great cult bands. Recorded at Toe Rag studios in early 2015 with engineer Liam Watson (White Stripes, Tame Impala, Electric Wizard), their fourth opus The Night Creeper finds the quartet in full-on death-tripping, third eye-widening mode. Here songs ooze louche evil over flesh-melting riffs that creep like hot magma bubbling up through the earth’s crust at their own malevolent pace. Vinyl version due September 18.
Vaguess – The Bodhi Collection CD/LP+MP3 (Omnian Music Group)
Vaguess (pronounced “Vegas”) is the moniker of rock and roll nobody Vinny Vaguess. Screaming out of the Long Beach punk scene like hell on a skateboard, Vaguess stomps like The Seeds and shrieks like The Reatards, but with the poppy snarl of ‘70s punk kings The Vibrators. The best of three years’ worth of tapes, all perversely remastered so that we don’t get sued for frying your stereo.
Various Artists – Boogie Woogie Gals: Boogie Songstresses & Piano Stylists 2xCD (JSP)
The word boogie dates to the 14th century. “Bugge” meant phantom or ghost. A similar word, “booger” may originate in West Africa — the Mandingo word “bug” was associated with a fast drumbeat in the performance of voodoo music. Somehow the two words converged. Two CDs, 50 sides.
Various Artists – Cocoon Compilation O CD/6xLP+CD (Cocoon)
Sven Väth’s Cocoon Recordings drops the latest edition in its alphabetically-titled compilation series. Includes songs from Dana Ruh, Tripmastaz, Tom Demac, Reset Robot, Lee Van Dowski and youANDme.
Joanna Wang – Bob Music CD (Sin Taiwan)
2015 Golden Melody Awards multi-nominee Joanna Wang is back to treat listeners to more of her wonderfully quirky and innovative music in Bob Music. Collaborating with Korean producing duo Coach & Sendo, Joanna conjures up a “rock children’s TV show soundtrack.” 50% science experiment and 100% fun.
Widowspeak – All Yours CD/LP+MP3 (Captured Tracks)
A honed and elegant interweaving of dream-pop and slowcore rock & roll, easygoing melodies and dusty, snaking guitars. All Yours is ambitious without feeling labored-over, anchored in the strengths of Widowspeak’s consistent influences. There are those familiar Morricone-come-Verlaine guitar passages, moody and country-tinged instrumentation, watery tremolo, velvety stacked vocals. You can hear Molly’s affection for The Cranberries and The Sundays in the wavering melodies of “Dead Love” or “Girls,” and Rob’s adoration of George Harrison and Robbie Robertson in his brilliantly economical guitar playing.
The Wonder Years – No Closer To Heaven CD/2xLP (Hopeless)
Fifth album from Philadelphia-based pop punk band. No Closer To Heaven is the follow-up to their 2013 album The Greatest Generation. Includes “Cardinals,” “Cigarettes & Saints,” “A Song For Ernest Hemingway,” “I Wanted So Badly To Be Brave” and more.
Lizz Wright – Freedom & Surrender CD (Concord)
The new album from this acclaimed vocalist is a mixture of newly written songs and covers, sitting at the crossroads of soul, jazz, and gospel. Produced by Larry Klein, Freedom & Surrender features collaborations with some great writers such as Larry Klein, David Batteau, Maia Sharp, JD Souther, Toshi Reagon, and Jesse Harris. The album also includes a duet with Gregory Porter on the track “Right Where You Are.” Vinyl version due October 2.
Wstr – Skrwd CD/LP (No Sleep)
Wstr’s debut EP, Skrwd, is a full force introduction to the band’s keen ear for instantly familiar hooks and head bobbing grooves, showcasing more savvy and swagger than many bands with ten times their experience.
Young Empires – The Gates CD/LP (Votiv Music)
Toronto-based indie pop crew Young Empires follows-up 2012’s Wake All My Youth EP with a new full-length album, The Gates. Of the title cut, Exclaim! stated “A piano-driven melody gets bolstered by hand claps, tribal-sounding background chants, and a healthy dose of synths, eventually building itself into a danceable electro-pop banger.” Despite the song’s upbeat sound, the message behind it is a bit more serious. In a statement, the band revealed the track is about overcoming depression and self-doubt by accepting that everything won’t always be perfect. “It suggests that by uniting with those around us (that may or not struggle with the same), we can overcome this feeling of isolation that is so commonplace in this world,” they said.
Young Wicked – Slaughter CD (Psychopathic)
New album from the rapper (also known as one-half of dup Axe Murder Boyz) with guest support from Insane Clown Posse and Jelly Roll.
Tapper Zukie – Man Ah Warrior [Reissue/1973] CD/LP (Kingston Sounds)
Tapper Zuki’s debut album Man Ah Warrior was originally released in 1973. It’s classic deejay style has been copied by many but bettered by few. Man Ah Warrior is proof that raw talent can more than make up for scarce resources. Tapper Zukie (born David Sinclair in 1956, Kingston, Jamaica) was raised in the rough and tough West Kingston area of Jamaica between the districts of Trench Town and Greenwich Farm. Living pretty much on the streets from an early age, Tapper and his peers had no choice but to fall into the hands of the political parties that controlled the various ghetto areas of the town. To prevent him from landing in even more trouble, Tapper’s mother, brother, reggae producer Blackbeard, and family friend Bunny Striker Lee devised a plan to send the wayward Tapper to England to set him straight.
DVDs + Blu-ray:
Aerosmith – Rocks Donington 2014 DVD+2xCD/Blu-ray (Eagle Vision)
Captured live at Donington Park in Leicestershire, UK, in June 2014 as part of the band’s critically acclaimed Let Rock Rule definitive rock ‘n’ roll experience. Set list includes the band’s iconic hits “Love In A Elevator,” “Janie’s Got A Gun,” “Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing,” “Dude Looks Like A Lady,” “Walk This Way,” “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion” and many more. Also available on DVD+2xCD and stand-alone Blu-ray formats.
Public Enemy – Live From The Metropolis Studios 2xCD/2xLP/2xCD+2xLP+Blu-ray (Def Jam)
New live release from the rap legends. On 8/6/14, Public Enemy performed at London’s Metropolis Studios in the most intimate gig of their career. This live show features the band performing their biggest hits and fan favorites including “Bring The Noise,” “Night Of The Living Bassheads,” “Terrordome,” “Fight The Power,” “Rebel Without A Pause,” and many others.
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
Aerosmith – Rocks Donington 2014 3xLP+DVD (Eagle Vision)
Captured live at Donington Park in Leicestershire, UK, in June 2014 as part of the band’s critically acclaimed Let Rock Rule definitive rock ‘n’ roll experience. Set list includes the band’s iconic hits “Love In A Elevator,” “Janie’s Got A Gun,” “Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing,” “Dude Looks Like A Lady,” “Walk This Way,” “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion” and many more. Also available on DVD+2xCD and stand-alone Blu-ray formats.
Gene Ammons/Sonny Stitt – Boss Tenors: Straight Ahead From Chicago August 1961 [Reissue/1962] LP (Verve)
This encounter between tenor saxophonist Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt (who doubles on tenor and alto) is a true classic. Ammons and Stitt teamed together many times over a three-decade period, including co-leading a band during 1950-1952, but Boss Tenors is arguably their finest recording.
Anberlin – Never Take Friendship Personal & Cities: Live In NYC 2xLP (Tooth & Nail)
Recorded at The Gramercy Theater in New York, NY on November 17th, 2014. Cities is pressed on orange crush variant and Never Take Friendship Personal on royal blue variant in reverse board gate fold sleeve, with printed inner sleeves.
Ancient Sky – All Get Out LP (Wharf Cat)
Ancient Sky – Castle b/w Allegory 7” (Wharf Cat)
A common theme emerged among much of the press for Ancient Sky’s 2012 LP, T.R.I.P.S.. This band, listeners agreed, does psychedelic rock right. Embracing equal parts Psychic Ills, Moon Duo and Hawkwind, they embrace psychedelic expanse without sacrificing rock’s raw power. With its eight songs across 41 minutes, All Get Out gives its songs has plenty of room to breathe, and the more spacious textures featured on this album suit that sensibility. But it’s still a concise album, free from aimless pedal tapping and lethargic repetition.
The Barreracudas – Can Do Easy LP (Oops Baby)
Atlanta quintet The Barreracudas deliver a perfect blend of powerdirtbag-pop and dirty ‘70s glam.
William Basinski & Richard Chartier – Divertissment LP (Important)
Third collaborative full-length utilizes electronics, piano, tape loops, and short-wave radio to evoke a dense atmosphere suggesting hundreds of years of history rising up from the depths of a reverberating cathedral. Subtle, buried, and intense murmurs of melody morph through this deeply consuming and slowly evolving composition in two parts.
Bass Communion/Freiband – Split LP (Important)
This is the third collaborative release by Steven Wilson (Bass Communion) and Frans de Waard (Freiband). On the A-side, “Courage” is in the tradition of ambient musique concrete, and continues the style and approach of the previous Bass Communion/Freiband releases. On side B, “Cowardice” shatters expectations with a slab of psychedelic noise assault, complete with exploding rhythm machines and gnarled electric guitar.
Kail Baxley – A Light That Never Dies LP (Forty Below)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. A hard hitting, lush and beautifully haunting collection of songs co-produced with producer/engineer Eric Corne whose recording credits include Lucinda Williams, Glen Campbell, Kim Deal and John Mayall.
Jeff Beck – Live + LP (Rhino)
Released last May on CD – now available on vinyl. New live release spanning the legendary guitarist’s vast and varied career along with two new studio tracks.
Billy Synth And The Turn Ups – Off The Deep End [Reissue/1980] LP+MP3 (Mind Cure)
Billy Synth – We Have Got To Make It On Our Own: Collected Tracks ’78-83 LP+MP3 (Mind Cure)
Mind Cure Records releases two LPs from Pennsylvania Punk legend Billy Synth. Besides being a pre-internet authority on rare garage punk records and the mastermind behind the essential Psychedelic Unknowns comps Billy’s personal pedigree is of the highest caliber releasing records and tracks on Sordide Sentimental, Bomp/Voxx and Bona Fide—though the bulk of his recordings have up to this point been self released.
Björk – Vulnicura 2xLP (One Little Indian)
Limited double neon yellow LP pressing.
Björk – Lionsong [EP1] 12” (One Little Indian)
Björk – Lionsong [EP2] 12” (One Little Indian)
Björk – Family 12” (One Little Indian)
Björk – History Of Touches 12” (One Little Indian)
Björk – Notget [EP1] 12” (One Little Indian)
Björk – Notget [EP2] 12” (One Little Indian)
A pile of EPs featuring a scattering of remixes of Vulnicura tracks by The Haxan Cloak, Mica Levi, Krampfhaft, Rabit, UNTOLD, Lotic, and more.
Blanche Blanche Blanche – Breaking Mirrors LP (Wharf Cat)
Blanche Blanche Blanche have an unusual approach as evidenced on releases on Night People, Feeding Tube, and NNA. Their songs are often difficult to play but easy to hear. On Breaking Mirrors, arrangements are sparer than ever, structures clearer and better defined; but the band seems to have taken advantage of the high fidelity recording environment to invite more elements of noise, chance & chaos into their song environments, splattering flecks of paint on the Sharpie blueprints.
Blood For Blood – Outlaw Anthems LP (Victory)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The final studio recording from this Boston based band known for breaking bottles, smashing tables, and brawling.
Bolt Thrower – The IVth Crusade [Reissue/1992] LP (Earache)
Vinyl reissue of the British death metal band’s fourth album.
The Brian Jonestown Massacre – Thank God For Mental Illness [1996] LP+MP3 (A. Recordings)
Available on HQ-180gm yellow vinyl with download code for the original CD’s 33-minute closing track “Sound Of Confusion,” excluded from this LP. This the first time that this title has been available on vinyl.
The Bug – Zim Zim Zim 12” (Ninja Tune)
The Bug’s hermetic bass-war continues with the previously unheard “Zim Zim Zim,” a dread-laced dancehall pairing with Burro Banton.
Carcass – Necroticism – Descanting The Insalubrious [Reissue/1991] LP (Earache)
Vinyl reissue of the grindcore band’s third LP.
Constant Insult – Constant Insult LP/Cassette (Let’s Pretend)
Hailing from Minneapolis, Constant Insult formed from the ashes of Frozen Teens, Uranium Club, Hard Feelings and Alas Alas.
Lee Brown Coye – Where Is Abbey? & Other Tales Read By Robert Coye LP (Cadabra)
Lee Brown Coye (1907-1981) is best known as one of the most original and influential artists to capture the feel of nightmare and unease in the field of illustrative literature. A godfather of the macabre. From the original Weird Tales pulp magazine to the finest of Arkham House Publishing Lee’s art as proven to live on. For the first time collected anywhere, are the finest of Lee Brown Coye’s “Chips And Shavings” stories, rarely known until now. Brought to life through the readings of son, Robert Coye, you will hear haunting stories the fantastic and the absurd, of folklore and of legend, nightmares and death. The uniqueness and strength of Lee’s art is shown here by the spoken word.
Defeater – Abandoned LP+MP3 (Epitaph)
Released last week on CD – now available on vinyl. One of Boston’s most devoted and steadfast hardcore bands, Defeater knows what it takes to remain credible in a scene where fans demand both unapologetic, in-your-face power and intense emotional honesty.
Destroyer – Forces From Above 12”+MP3 (Merge)
Features the DJ johnedwardcollins@gmail.com remix of “Forces From Above,” backed with “Times Square, Poison Season.”
Django Django – Reflections 12” (Because Music)
Django Django’s recent album Born Under Saturn expands on the slippery, indefinable brilliance of their 2012 self-titled debut. Here, they follow the catchy “First Light” album single with the thumping, house-inflected, ritualistic “Reflections.” There’s barely any guitar on it; instead, it’s driven by a relentless 4/4 pulse.
Eleh/Tara Jane O’Neil – Split LP (Important)
Sound sculptures and gongs by Harry Bertoia unite the sides of this split LP from Tara Jane O’Neil and Eleh. O’Neil’s composition was commissioned by Venessa Renwick for her Medusa Smack video installation (originally screened in 2012 at the Oregon Biennial). The piece is partially created from sounds recorded by Bertoia on his own Sonambient sound sculptures, as well as O’Neil’s recording of Athanasius Kircher’s Bell Wheel at the Museum Of Jurassic Technology. Eleh’s side consists of 100 gongs synthesized on a Serge modular system to honor the 2015 centennial of Bertoia’s birth.
Envy – Atheist’s Cornea LP (Temporary Residence)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. First new album in five years from legendary Japanese post-hardcore band. Despite its relative brevity (at 43 minutes it is Envy’s shortest album since their early ‘90s thrash days), Atheist’s Cornea is easily the band’s most progressive work. Beginning with a punishing pummel, holes of light are gradually punched open to reveal an uncanny series of dynamic, emotionally charged epics.
Esplendor Geometrico + Hijokaidan – E.G. Kaidan LP (Geometrik)
Awesome collaborative recording by Spanish industrial music pioneers Esplendor Geometrico and legendary Japanese noise kings Hijokaidan.
Bill Evans – Trio ’64 [Reissue/1964] LP (Verve)
Joining Bill Evans (piano) on Trio ’64 — his initial three-piece recording for Verve — is the compact rhythm section of Gary Peacock (bass) and Paul Motian (drums). The effort spotlights their communal and intuitive musical discourse, hinging on an uncanny ability of the musicians to simultaneously hear and respond. All the more interesting, Evans had not interacted in this setting before, having most recently worked with Chuck Israels (bass) and Larry Bunker (drums).
Extinction A.D. – Faith Killer LP (Good Fight Music)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. “Comprised of ex-members of This Is Hell, Extinction A.D. has made a hard left-turn out of This Is Hell’s hardcore into full-blown thrashing metal mode” – Metal Underground.
Georgia – Georgia LP+MP3 (Domino)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Georgia is the eponymous debut album by multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter Georgia Barnes. Born and raised in north west London, the last few years have seen Georgia steadily establish herself as an important fixture in the city’s most singular and imaginative artistic circles, playing drums for Kwes and Kate Tempest among others before emerging as an irresistible creative force in her own right with last year’s Come In EP. Written, performed and produced by Barnes in its entirety, Georgia is the product of a young lifetime of voracious music listening — a bold, boundless 21st century amalgam that marks her out as an intuitive curator, distinctive songwriter of real spirit and self-taught producer of soulful, progressive and highly-defined electronic pop.
Nathan Gray – Nthn Gry LP (Good Fight Music)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Sinister urges, carnal desires, and the darker impulses deemed evil by superstitious, rigidly inflexible ideologies will, in reality, offer transcendent ecstasy. When primitive, animalistic hunger is channeled through ritual, rudimentary tools and unrestrained expression, the pulse shared between living things and objects emerges victoriously. Nathan Gray explores these simplistic, basic, fundamental needs through music, summoning the basic motivations inherent in humankind’s search for meaning and processing them through the tools created by the necessity of creative expression.
Jean Guerin – Tacet [1971] LP (Souffle Continu)
Highly surreal and wonderfully futuristic, Tacet, one of the best kept secrets of the Futura catalog, is the 1971 soundtrack work of Jean Guerin for Claude Faraldo’s anarchic 1971 film Bof… Anatomie d’un livreur. This avant-garde psychedelic jazz masterpiece is a blend of abstract vocals, unusual electronics, twisted sound envelopes, and nervous brass instruments. This first-ever officially-licensed vinyl reissue is the fourth in Souffle Continu’s series reissues of Futura reissues, fully licensed by Futura founder Gerard Terrones. (Limited copies pressed on grey vinyl.)
The Hemingers – What’s A Heminger? 12” (Magnetic South)
Loud, snotty, and fully loaded, The Hemingers carry the trash-rock torch like a fistful of dynamite. Fronted by rock-cult illustrator Ben Lyon, the trio adds scuzzy freakshow alchemy to atomic-era tittyshakers and frat rock.
Van Hunt – The Fun Rises, The Fun Sets LP (Godless Hotspot/Thirty Tigers)
Released last May on CD – now available on vinyl. Van Hunt, a Dayton, Ohio-born musician, made his way to Atlanta where he drew acclaim for his production efforts and crafty songwriting, featured on recordings by such diverse artists as Dionne Farris, Rahsaan Patterson, and Cree Summer as well as the platinum-selling soundtrack, Love Jones. His own self-titled debut album arrived in 2004, instantly establishing Hunt as a distinctive and original talent with its idiosyncratic melding of R&B, neo-soul, funk, pop, and rock & roll. Full of African rhythms, blues and funk, The Fun Rises, The Fun Sets is full of contemporary components often found in the music of St. Vincent, James Blake, Dev Hynes and FKA Twigs. “It is the history of Black-American music filtered through modern technology,” explains Hunt.
The James Hunter Six – If I Only Knew b/w Heartbreak 7” (Daptone)
“Since the LP release of James Hunter’s jaw-dropping Minute By Minute we’ve been flooded with requests from DJ’s across the nation for a 45rpm pairing. It takes a special kind of record to warrant a 7” single two years after street date but this, ladies and gentlemen, is a long player of such quality.
Iced Earth – Burnt Offerings [Reissue/1995] LP (Century Media)
Iced Earth – The Dark Saga [Reissue/1996] LP (Century Media)
Iced Earth combine influences from thrash metal, power metal, progressive metal, opera, speed metal and new wave. Their third and fourth albums are back in print on vinyl.
Infinity Girl – Harm LP+MP3 (Topshelf)
Harm is rooted in shoegaze — but is less “wall of sound” and more “fuzzy dream pop”. For fans of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Yuck, The Swirlies or The Pixies.
Johnny Touch – Inner City Wolves [2014] LP (Shadow Kingdom)
Shadow Kingdom Records is proud to introduce the debut album from the band Johnny Touch. Hailing from Australia, they’ve only put out a demo tape and 2 split 7″ records and are barely known outside of their homeland. Imagine the best parts of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Yngwie Malmsteen ripping leads that’ll shred your soul.
The Lloyd Pack – Tribute LP (Amish)
The Lloyd Pack is a project band of transplanted Englishman Dan Melchior. For two British-expats living in the US in the twenty-first century, this LP offers a peculiarly whimsical variation on the “Faux African,” infusing lo-fi tribal rhythms with post-punk dance in the spirit of early Adam Ant, Fun Boy Three and the Fall. If one were to imagine adding Ivor Cutler to this British-mix, it might approach what Melchior delivers on this LP.
Norma Lyon – The Music Of Norma Lyon LP (Little Axe)
A collection of 16 pieces privately released by Norma Lyon in the late 1960s. All are original compositions for piano and organ. Dark, moody and dramatic, each of these “sketches” was inspired by a place Ms. Lyon has lived. The tone of the record is set by its fantastic titles, including “Flight of the Spirit Geese,” “Phantom Cathedral Of The Sea” and “Dirge Of The Sea Gods.” The first side, “Dune Sketches,” is based on a period when she lived amidst the dunes in southwest Oregon. The second side, “Sea Sketches,” is drawn from the time she spent living with her twin sister overlooking the ocean in Coos Bay.
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – The Good Earth [Reissue/1974] LP (Creature Music)
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – Nightingales & Bombers [Reissue/1975] LP (Creature Music)
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – Angel Station [Reissue/1979] LP (Creature Music)
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – Chance [Reissue/1980] LP (Creature Music)
After a very successful period in the ‘60s with the pop group named after him and a much less successful intermezzo in jazz with Chapter Three, the South-African born keyboardist Manfred Mann turned towards rock music. In 1971 he formed Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. Mann’s use of the Moog synthesizer was key to the sound of this band. MMEB had a very successful area during the mid ‘70s and early ‘80s but was disbanded by Mann in 1987 after being fed up with trying to produce hit records.
Mars – Mars Archives Volume One: China To Mars LP (Feeding Tube)
The first of a trilogy of LPs tracing Mars’s development from their first audition gig at CBGB through the shows following their 1980 Lust/Unlust EP, China To Mars for the first time how much the band’s earliest music was a mutated variation on some of NYC’s extant juggernauts, in particular Television and the Patti Smith Group. While their sound was clearly their own, the textures and techniques they’re using to achieve them are far less alien than they’d become.
Master Musicians Of Bukkake – Further West Quad Cult LP (Important)
Prefigured by the inclusion of a secret extra pocket in the original packaging of the Far West LP (2013) this painstakingly crafted complimentary LP is intended for synced playback with that release. With two turntables or other playback devices, the listener can experience fully unique quad playback. Further West Quad Cult offers deeper journeys into the cave where the self dissolves. It also stands alone as an inverted Far West universe, and the listener is invited to enjoy it by itself as well. Liquid synth journeys into the void. All tracks dubbed and manipulated from Far West source material.
Method Man – The Meth Lab 2xLP (Tommy Boy)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Recorded in Staten Island and featuring lifelong cohorts and SI residents Redman, Raekwon, Hanz On, Streetlife, and Inspectah Deck, along with Uncle Murda, Cory Gunz, and Mack Wilds, The Meth Lab features production from Ron Browz, Allah Mathematics, J57, and 4th Disciple. 17 new and gritty tracks dripping with Mef’s lyrically imaginative, deliberate and laid-back style.
mewithoutYou – Pale Horses LP (Run For Cover)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. mewithoutYou’s sixth studio album hearkens boldly to the raw intensity of 2004’s Catch For Us The Foxes, while building on the rich imagery of 2006’s Brother, Sister. Epic in scope, Pale Horses is mewithoutYou at their best, breathing fresh life into the end times, gloriously terrifying and hauntingly iconic.
Wes Montgomery – Bumpin’ [Reissue/1965] LP (Verve)
Bumpin’ is the thirteenth album by jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery, originally released in 1965. It reached number 116 on the Billboard 200 chart. It was Montgomery’s first album to reach the charts.
Kevin Morby – Moonshiner b/w Bridge To Gaia 7” (Dead Oceans)
In anticipation of Kevin Morby’s Dead Oceans’ debut in 2016 and in support of a thorough fall touring schedule, “Moonshiner” and “Bridge To Gaia” are two unreleased gems from Morby’s reliably powerful, yet understated work.
Ennio Morricone – Revolver [OST/1973] LP (Dagored)
Revolver is one the finest Ennio Morricone thriller scores, composed in 1973 for Sergio Sollima’s great 1973 Giallo film. No sweeping themes, no quirky effects, no dissonant sounds — just simple ideas, executed to perfection.
Motopony – Welcome You LP (eOne)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. “[Welcome You] starts off with the song, ‘Welcome You,’ a very majestic song that almost reminds me of the artist Sting in the beginning, and then as you carry on throughout the song you hear lovely vocals and guitar that welcome you into the album. The second track is the single, ‘Daylights Gone,’ because of its lyrics that make you want to sing along and upbeat melody, it’s truly a tune. Another song I like is, ‘1971,’ the fourth track on the album, it kind of reminds me of PEACE in a way, and it takes things back to a slower pace with roaring vocals. My favorite is called ‘Molly,’ and it has a great sound behind it with vocals that compliment it very well. The eleventh track, ‘Where It Goes,’ is very interesting and I like it quite a bit because it sounds a bit Egyptian and was a great way to end the album.” – The Girls At The Rock Show
Muslimgauze – Uzbekistani Bizzare And Souk [1996] 2xLP (Staalplaat)
Uzbekistani Bizzare And Souk has long been considered one of the pillars of the Muslimgauze catalog though it has never enjoyed a proper vinyl release (the CD edition was repressed by Important in 2002 and again in 2004).
Neurosis – Through Silver And Blood [Reissue/1996] 2xLP (Relapse)
Neurosis – Times Of Grace [Reissue/1999] 2xLP (Relapse)
Tribes Of Neurot – Grace [1999] 2xLP (Relapse)
Deluxe HQ-180gm vinyl reissues now available.
Anita O’Day – Anita O’Day & The Three Sounds [Reissue/1962] LP (Verve)
Anita O’Day & The Three Sounds is as much a Three Sounds record as it is an Anita O’Day recording — the group is represented by four instrumentals, including “Someday My Prince Will Come,” “My Heart Stood Still,” and “Blues By Five,” cut at the same time as their album Blue Genes, while O’Day sings five songs.
Ossia – Red X 12” (Blackest Ever Black)
With a hand in several local Bristol labels, it’s no surprise Young Echo man Ossia is described by Blackest Ever Black as one of the city’s “most vital behind-the-scenes operators.” Prior to this Red X 12″ there has been very little material from Ossia, but he’s clearly a very confident producer on the basis of the three tracks featured. The title track takes inspiration and sonics from the personal recorded diaries of Peter Tosh, filtering out his paranoid words and splicing them with near ten minutes of apocalyptic, dread-filled, slowed down techno. The B-Side sees Ossia veer off into more abstract and largely beatless terrain that slots in nicely with the more adventurous tape mangling antics of his Young Echo cohorts.
Oscar Peterson – The Jazz Soul Of Oscar Peterson [Reissue/1959] LP (Verve)
Oscar Peterson’s 1959 album The Jazz Soul Of Oscar Peterson features the jazz pianist backed by longtime bandmates bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen. As with most all of Peterson’s recordings, this is a swinging, straight-ahead affair featuring superb playing throughout.
Todd Rundgren/Emil Nikolaisen/Hans-Peter Lindstrøm – Runddans Remixed 12” (Smalltown Supersound)
Todd Rundgren/Emil Nikolaisen/Hans-Peter Lindstrøm’s Runddans was launched to wide acclaim in May this year. As a compendium of a release to the album, the trio invited some of their favorite artists to interpret the Runddans material, making their own versions of the piece. Remixes by Stereolab, High Llamas, Erol Alkan and EYE (Boredoms).
Al Scorch & David Dondero – Hold On Right b/w Country Cliché 7” (Let’s Pretend)
Fingerpicked guitar, banjo, bass and spare piano accompany songs of loss and farewell with gentle vocals from Chicago’s Al Scorch and eternal roadhound, David Dondero.
Nina Simone – High Priestess Of Soul [Reissue/1966] LP (Verve)
Perhaps a bit more conscious of contemporary soul trends than her previous Philips albums, this is still very characteristic of her mid-’60s work in its eclectic mix of jazz, pop, soul, and some blues and gospel. Hal Mooney directs some large band arrangements for the material on this LP without submerging Simone’s essential strengths. The more serious and introspective material is more memorable than the good-natured pop selections here.
Soul Coughing – Ruby Vroom [Reissue/1994] 2xLP (Rhino)
Soul Coughing – Irresistible Bliss [Reissue/1996] LP (Rhino)
Soul Coughing – El Oso [Reissue/1998] 2xLP (Rhino)
Long out-of-print on the format, Soul Coughing’s three albums have been repressed on HQ-180gm vinyl.
Spike – Orange Cloud Nine LP+MP3 (Golf Channel)
Long awaited retrospective by the enigmatic Dutch musician Spike, whose four privately pressed LPs from the ’80s are the stuff of legend. Officially certified by the Dutch government as a “fool”, and a conscientious objector to nearly everything, Spike Wolters refused to work, and after a few court cases, won the right to be able to claim unemployment benefit for life. Fiercely political, he dropped out of society and during the ‘80s and produced a string of LPs which he pressed and sold himself. These sank without trace but were happened upon a few years ago by an ardent digger. Orange Cloud Nine presents 16 amazing tracks from the four LPs — shimmering, lo-fi oddball stoner pop played with a deft musicality. Clean concise pop songs, filtered through a heavy haze of marijuana, produced on cheap equipment, and almost entirely in isolation that have finally come of age.
Terminal Death – Terminal Death LP (Shadow Kingdom)
When you talk about the earliest death metal bands, you might think of Sepultura, Death, Possessed (all stemming from Venom), but there were a few ripping bands that quickly fell into obscurity and Terminal Death is one of them. This LP collects the band’s 1985 six-song demo along with two rehearsal sessions dating late ’85/early ’86.
Terror – The 25th Hour LP (Victory)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. 14 tracks of punishing, no-filler hardcore.
Ukiah Drag – Crypt Cruiser 12” (Wharf Cat)
The Ukiah Drag’s newest slab is more like a taped-up scrapyard majesty than a slick-prick showboat. The band volleys harder here, with amphetamine-deranged insults to surf rock, dashboard-to-the-face guitars, primitive yet well arranged rock & roll with enormous energy, no pretense or foolery. Features a scorching cover of The Stooges immortal classic “Dirt.”
Unwound – Empire 4xLP (Numero)
The climactic entry in Numero’s four-set Unwound exploration, Empire compiles the final pair of albums by the Olympia, Washington, trio. On 1998’s Challenge For A Civilized Society, the band toyed with conventional verse/chorus form, stacking layers of noise and distraction on top of tightly constructed melodies. They’d abdicate entirely just three years later with 2001’s Leaves Turn Inside You, executing a 14-song masterclass in home recording that observed a crucial band in graceful transition from post-hardcore trio to experimental quintet. The Empire box-set teems with period singles, B-sides, unreleased studio tracks, and demos, alongside a 15,000-word essay exploring the terminal stages of the ’90s, indie rock, Unwound, and civilization as we know it.
Vacation – The Do Sh*t Wax 10” (Let’s Pretend)
The Do Sh*t Wax was the first official release by Cincinnati punkers, Vacation. The band has since released two well-received full length albums and through diligent touring have established themselves as a staple in the DIY world.
Matt “MV” Valentine – Midden Mound 2xLP (Golden Lab)
A wondrous, expansive, sun-blinded summer stoner record, featuring a host of guest performers: Erika Elder, J Mascis, Jeremy Earl (Woods), P.G. Six, and Michael Flower. HQ-180gm double-LP housed in a super-heavyweight, UV-coated gatefold jacket with enormous poster insert.
Michael Vallera – Distance LP (Opal Tapes)
Vallera makes a clear case for just how easily industrial and dark ambience swing between beauty and fear, with more than a wink of the gothic. Brings to mind a host of classic cvlt missives by Lycia, Vidna Obmana, or Maeror Tri.
Various Artists – 90’s House & Garage Part Two [Compiled By Joey Negro] 2xLP (Z. Records)
Part two of two double-LP versions. Tracks: USG’s “Ncameu (Ron Trent Main Mix),” Bougie Soliterre’s “Got The Bug,” Danube Dance’s “Unique (New York Underground Mix),” Station Q’s “That Special Melody (Club Mix),” Mike Delgado’s “The Murder Track,” Robert Owens’s “Gotta Work (Final Take),” Leee John’s “Mighty Power Of Love (Mood II Swing Vox Mix),” Janet Rushmore’s “Joy (Kaoz Gone Insane).”
Various Artists – The Sigh Of Silver Strings From Suvannabhumi: The Western Stringed Instruments Of Burma LP (Little Axe)
During the 1800s, various Western stringed instruments came to Burma by means of traders, explorers, and colonizers. These instruments—the acoustic slide guitar, mandolin, banjo, violin, and zither—were quickly and ingeniously adapted to the intricacies of Burmese music. The music draws from Burma’s rich vocal tradition, and the centuries-old royal repertoire of the Burmese harp and xylophone.
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Spectrum Philadelphia 23rd May 1988 LP (Echoes)
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s guest slot for Robert Plant on the Non Stop Go tour was not at all representative of his worth in terms of bill position, or a true reflection of his talent, but was ultimately prestigious enough considering the continuing legacy of Led Zeppelin and their iconic frontman. Vaughan and his band Double Trouble were already enjoying the formation of their own legacy, which would grow in stature on the strength of the 1986 album Live Alive, and Vaughan’s past collaborations with David Bowie and Jackson Browne. The set-list performed here is in places reminiscent of the songs chosen for the 1986 album, but the relaxed mood of this 1988 performance captures the early sobriety of his formative shows and a tender ferocity, allowing for a more honest picture of the legendary guitarist.
Bernard Vitet – La Guepe [Reissue/1972] LP (Souffle Continu)
Bernard Vitet was a key figure in the French free jazz and improv scene of the early ’70s. This mythical avant-jazz LP, originally released in 1972, is the result of a truly magical session he put together in December ’71 with Beb Guerin, Jean Guerin, Francoise Achard, Dominique Dalmasso, Jouck Minor, Francois Tusques, and Jean-Paul Rondepierre. Not just free jazz from the ’70s, the music has some 20th-century elements that recall some of the most memorable albums on the Italian label Cramps Records. (Limited copies pressed on white vinyl.)
Wardruna – Runaljod – Yggdrasil LP (Indie Recordings)
Runaljod – Yggdrasil is the second album by Norwegian Nordic folk Wardruna. It is an interpretation of the Elder Futhark and is sung in Norwegian, Old Norse and Proto-Norse. The lyrics center around Norse spiritual themes.
The Ben Webster Quartet – Soulville [Reissue/1957] LP (Verve)
Ben Webster, wrote the jazz historian J. E. Behrend, “was two men in one: in fast pieces he was a musician with a throaty, croaking vibrato, while in slow ones he was a master of erotic and intensive ballads.” In this compilation of both his own works and standard numbers with the promising title of Soulville, ‘Big Ben’ shows the gentle and the rougher sides of his nature. The album starts things off with a few good and honest blues numbers, but it’s in the classics “Lover Come Back To Me” and “Makin’ Whoopee” that the very heartbeat of the Age of Swing can easily be discerned.
We Came As Romans – We Came As Romans LP (Equal Vision)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New album from the melodic metalcore band.
Woolen Men – Temporary Monument LP+MP3 (Woodsist)
Punk-influenced DIY music in the Pacific Northwest tradition of Dead Moon and the Wipers.
The Lester Young Teddy Wilson Quartet – Pres And Teddy [Reissue/1957] LP (Verve)
Although it has been written much too often that Lester Young declined rapidly from the mid-’40s on, the truth is that when he was healthy, Young played at his very best during the ’50s, adding an emotional intensity to his sound that had not been present during the more carefree days of the ’30s. This classic session, a reunion with pianist Teddy Wilson and drummer Jo Jones (bassist Gene Ramey completes the quartet), finds the great tenor in particularly expressive form.
Cassettes:
Constant Insult – Constant Insult LP/Cassette (Let’s Pretend)
Hailing from Minneapolis, Constant Insult formed from the ashes of Frozen Teens, Uranium Club, Hard Feelings and Alas Alas.
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