CDs + Vinyl:
2 Chainz – Pretty Girls Like Trap Music CD (Def Jam)
The follow up to last year’s Hibachi For Lunch EP, Pretty Girls Like Trap Music features a star-studded lineup, consisting of Drake, Travis Scott, Gucci Mane, Quavo, Nicki Minaj, Ty Dolla Sign, Jhene Aiko, Trey Songz, Pharrell, Swae Lee and others.
Arcadea – Arcadea CD/LP (Relapse)
Drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor (Mastodon), guitarist/keyboardist Core Atoms (Zruda, Gaylord) and keyboardist/guitarist Raheem Amlani (Withered, Scarab) are said pioneers, the space wizards of psychedelic soundscapes where organic drums collide with synthetic keys to create an infinite transmission from an event horizon. They go by Arcadea and their otherworldly brand of psyche-electric, synth-driven, metallic madness sounds alien yet somehow familiar.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – Louie Louie Louie CD/LP (Savoy)
The incomparable kings of swing return with an electrifying celebration of jazz legends Louie Armstrong, Louie Jordan and Louie Prima.
Big Star – The Best Of Big Star CD/2xLP (Stax)
If the short-lived but fondly remembered Big Star could have experienced popular success in direct proportion to its posthumous influence, the rangy Memphis rock quartet would have lived up to its ambitious name, and then some. With the possible exception of the Velvet Underground, no other underground pop band has left such a lasting and indelible legacy. Taking the gritty soul of Memphis rhythm and blues and fusing it with the artful melodies and vocal harmonies of British power pop, and injecting it all with a flailing, pre-punk, garage-band energy, Big Star created a unique sound with a potentially universal appeal. This new Best Of compilation celebrates the founding fathers of power pop with 16 tracks spanning all three of their LPs (1972’s #1 Record, 1974’s Radio City and Third, released after the group disbanded). Includes rare single versions of some of their most popular songs, plus new liner notes.
David Bowie – Cracked Actor (Live Los Angeles ’74) 2xCD (Rhino)
A previously unreleased live recording from Los Angeles on September 5, 1974. This was a pivotal gig in the transition between the Diamond Dogs tour and the Philly Dogs tour. [Limited vinyl edition was released on RSD 2017.]
Broadside – Paradise CD (Victory)
As soon as the majestic opening licks of the album’s lead off track burst onto the speakers, it’s obvious that Broadside are setting bigger and better goals the second time around. An album of boundless energy, Paradise is a culmination of two years’ worth of experiences, sacrifices, and tireless effort, and the end result is a go-for-broke tour de force in pop tinged punk rock. With the line “The sun peeking from the tall palm trees,” the title track “Paradise” sets the personality for a summer sunshine-stained statement. “The whole concept of Paradise is that you should chase that little view of happiness you create in your mind,” explains frontman Ollie Baxxter. “We often put our dreams and desires to the side believing they’re unrealistic, but this record is about building a bridge to reach your goals, your dream, your…Paradise.” [Vinyl edition due June 30.]
Sammy Brue – I Am Nice CD/LP+MP3 (New West)
Sammy Brue embodies the kind of wisdom, talent and natural empathy that are often signs of age and maturity, and yet at 15 years old, he can place himself in the shoes of others, real or fictionalized, and write stories about them. The Ogden, UT based songwriter has been writing songs since the age of 10. I Am Nice is a brilliant album with nuanced dimension that provides emotional resonance to Brue’s songs which Rolling Stone described as “a collection of devastatingly beautiful songs that touch on heartbreak, jealousy, God and suicide.” They would further declare Brue “an Americana prodigy.” Though Sammy may appear quiet and unassuming, his songs speak volumes. From busking at Sundance at age 10, to opening for Justin Townes Earle, John Paul White, Lucinda Williams and John Moreland to mention a few, as well as performing at Summer Set and the Newport Folk Festival, you will be hearing a lot about Sammy Brue.
Can – The Singles CD/3xLP (Mute)
The Singles collects all the A and B-side versions that the krautrock pioneers released over the course of their career (1969-1986). This unique document is the first time the singles have been presented together, from well-loved tracks like “Halleluwah,” “Vitamin C” and “I Want More” to more obscure and sought-after singles such as “Silent Night” and “Turtles Have Short Legs.” The tracks are all presented in their original single versions, many of which have been unavailable for many years and not presented outside of the original 7″ releases.
Jefre Cantu-Ledesma – On The Echoing Green CD/LP (Mexican Summer)
On The Echoing Green is an elegant work of shimmering sound, rendered by eternal electric romantic Jefre Cantu-Ledesma. Eight rapturous and melodic slow dives of swirling guitar, bass, synthesizer, piano, and drum machines, accented by heavenly vocal arcs from Argentinian musician Sobrenadar and contributions from Alexis Georgopoulous and Byron Westbrook.
Carach Angren – Dance And Laugh Amongst The Rotten CD/LP+MP3/Cassette (Season Of Mist)
The Dutch masters of horror are back with their most flamboyant album yet, pushing their unashamedly theatric style to a new intense height. On Dance And Laugh Amongst The Rotten Carach Angren have employed all the sonic colors on their palette to dazzling effect. Their trademark whipping guitars weave harsh melodies and sinister soundscapes, which are beautifully contrasted by opulent keyboards and majestic orchestrations. That Till Lindemann (Rammstein) and Peter Tägtgren (Pain) have called upon the composition talent of Clemens “Ardek” Wijers is a telling sign of his outstanding mastery of the craft. Another signatory counterpoint is provided by Seregor’s fierce rasping and shrieking vocals. Adding to the impact, Namtar has become a relentless driving force with his hart hitting yet intricate drumming. [CD is available in Regular and Deluxe ‘digibox’ editions.]
Chain & The Gang – Best Of Crime Rock CD/LP (In The Red)
Chain & the Gang are singular, terrifying, and unparalleled. Not only the most ferocious live combo ever witnessed but also the world’s only anti-liberty rock ‘n’ roll group.
Cheap Trick – We’re All Alright! CD (Big Machine)
Cheap Trick’s eighteenth studio album We’re All Alright! follows 2016’s acclaimed Bang, Zoom, Crazy…Hello. Features the electrifying lead single, “Long Time Coming,” which Billboard raved is, “a crunchy hard rocker driven by a Kinks-flavored riff…a bit of a one-song tribute to Cheap Trick’s influential forebears.” Cheap Trick is an indisputable American institution, beloved around the globe since 1974 for their instantly identifiable, hugely influential, brand of pop rock ‘n’ roll. The band – Robin Zander (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick Nielsen (lead guitar), Tom Petersson (bass guitar), and Daxx Nielsen (drums) – are true pioneers with an unparalleled streak of certifiably classic tunes, from “He’s A Whore,” “California Man” and “Dream Police” to “Surrender,” “I Want You To Want Me” and the worldwide No. 1 hit single, “The Flame.” 2016 saw Cheap Trick’s long awaited induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We’re All Alright! is available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds three bonus tracks, among them a kaleidoscopic cover of The Move’s “Blackberry Way.” [Vinyl edition due August 18.]
Chon – Homey CD (Sumerian)
Sophomore album from the instrumental progressive band. [Vinyl edition due July 21.]
CKY – Phoenix CD (Metal/E1)
“Raw, authentic, earth shaking rock ‘n’ roll, liberated from useless pretense. There’s heavy, dark, signature CKY grooves, driving, and almost danceable stuff, big melodies, total ear candy, immense diversity… There are even parts that sound like maybe Quincy Jones was given the keys to Rancho De La Luna and just ran amok with the dudes in CKY.” [Vinyl edition due June 30.]
Color Film – Living Arrangements CD/LP+MP3 (Epitaph)
Color Film is a New York-based art pop duo formed in 2012 by Daryl Palumbo and Richard Penzone. Palumbo and Penzone are the first to admit that the influences and music on Living Arrangements may be less straightforward than their previous projects. “There’s the pop thing, a lot of synthesizer sounds, sampled instruments and smooth bass and I feel so lucky that we’re in a place where we can write this type of music,” Palumbo explains.
Com Truise – Iteration CD/2xLP+MP3/Cassette (Ghostly Int’l)
Six years after Galactic Melt introduced the cosmic story of Com Truise, Iteration now concludes his sprawling saga. True to its name, the album is built on Com Truise hallmarks: neon-streaked melodies, big drums, robotic grooves, bleary nostalgia. But Iteration is also the most elegant and streamlined that Seth Haley’s singular music has ever sounded. At the album’s heart is an elaborate narrative, one full of longing, hope, anxiety, and triumph. Iteration illustrates the last moments Com Truise spends on the perilous planet Wave 1, before he and his alien love escape its clutches to live in peace. Some of Haley’s smartest, catchiest work is here, from the weightless pop of “Isostasy” to “Ternary’s” lush synth-funk. “Vacuume” somehow balances massive bass drops and smashing drums with angelic gasps, and “Usurper” gracefully pairs subtle poignancy and uplifting dance beats. The closing title track “Iteration” ends it all in a gush of majestic revelry. [Limited blue and white color vinyl pressing also available.]
Dead Heavens – Whatever Witch You Are CD/LP (Dine Alone)
The early sparks of the Dead Heavens’ sound began on a solo from frontman/guitarist Walter Schreifels (Vanishing Life, Gorilla Biscuits, Rival Schools, Quicks) with Drew Thomas (Youth of Today, Bold, Into Another) and Nathan Aguilar (Cults) as the backing band. They were obsessing over Cream’s first album Fresh Cream and MBV, My Bloody Valentine’s both miasmic yet blissful follow up to Loveless. Aguilar also introduced them to the psych beauty of White Fence on that tour, which resonated with Schreifels, who was in the mood for heavier music, guitar solos, and a big rock feeling after a recent Quicksand tour. Upon returning to NYC, Aguilar reacquainted Thomas and Schreifels with musician, painter, engineer and dude who came up with the title Use Your Illusion, Paul Kostabi, who had previously played in White Zombie and Psychotica. Eventually Kostabi joined Dead Heavens, which had morphed mid-recording from a project into an actual band, changing the sound dramatically. Heavier and dual guitar leads, more sonic possibilities. Whether they’re connecting the sounds of the psychedelic ‘70s or channeling the now, Dead Heavens have sound tracked their explorations their full-length debut, Whatever Witch You Are.
Beth Ditto – Fake Sugar CD (Virgin)
Beth Ditto, who rose to fame as the dynamic frontwoman of punk ‘n’ soul band Gossip, releases her debut solo album. In an interview with BBC 1 Radio, Ditto said she spent two years writing nearly 80 songs for her solo album, including some tracks written with producer Jacknife Lee. However, her main collaborator on Fake Sugar was songwriter and producer Jennifer Decilveo. “She was the rollerblades to my roller skates. We’d argue all day long and I loved it,” Ditto said of the collaboration. In addition to album opener “Fire,” the 12-song LP also features “Go Baby Go” that serves as a tribute to late Suicide singer Alan Vega. The singer’s 2014 marriage to her longtime girlfriend also informed Fake Sugar’s lyrics. “This is adulthood, baby,” Ditto added. “You fought for marriage equality, now you gotta live in it.”
Kevin Drumm – Elapsed Time 6xCD (Sonoris)
Since his emergence in the experimental music scene, about 20 years ago now, Kevin Drumm has perpetually shaken up conventions of various sub-genres with his major albums, for example, shifting from the tabletop/prepared guitar with his first self-titled album, to noise with Sheer Hellish Miasma, to ambient/drone with Imperial Distortion. He has been notably prolific recently, with numerous self-released CD-R and digital releases. Elapsed Time is a collection of some of these recent works, dating from 2012 to 2016: desolate ambient drone (Middle Of Nothing, February), “cassette tape music” or raw musique concrète (Earrach, The Whole House), computer assisted live electronics and rough spectral music (Crooked Abode, Bolero Muter), with additional tracks from Tannenbaum and Shut-In.
The Drums – Abysmal Thoughts CD/2xLP+MP3 (ANTI-)
With The Drums’ new Abysmal Thoughts, band founder Jonny Pierce is making the exact album he has always held in his heart. Of course, this is The Drums, so that heart is broken – but there’s beauty and even bliss in this kind of heartbreak, as well as that special kind of glorious delirium that comes from taking everything life can throw at you and still walking away triumphant. If Abysmal Thoughts doesn’t sound at all abysmal – really, Pierce has rarely been this irresistibly pop – that’s because this is a story about how to figure out what happiness means once the worst has already happened: “If there’s one thing I can rely on it’s the healing power of being an artist,” he says. “I’m falling back in love with music.”
The Dustbowl Revival – The Dustbowl Revival CD/LP (Signature Sounds)
The Dustbowl Revival’s always-joyous sound now reveals a more soulful, funky side that exudes deeper emotions and taps a more modern vibe. The Dustbowl Revival reveals the band moving in an exciting new direction. Instead of Dixieland jazz and Depression-era folk songs serving as musical mile markers, it mines an energizing vein of soul, funk and roots-infused rock that evokes the work of Fleetwood Mac, Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin and classic Stax recordings, and fits the band alongside such contemporaries as Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and St. Paul & the Broken Bones.
Steve Earle & The Dukes – So You Wanna Be An Outlaw CD/2xLP (WB)
If you ever had any doubt about where Steve Earle’s musical roots are planted, his new collection, So You Wannabe An Outlaw, makes it perfectly plain. “There’s nothing ‘retro’ about this record,” he states. “I’m just acknowledging where I’m coming from. I’m always gonna be a Texan, no matter what I do. And I’m always going to be somebody who learned their craft in Nashville. It’s who I am.” So You Wannabe An Outlaw is an homage to outlaw music. “I was out to unapologetically ‘channel’ Waylon as best as I could.” says Earle. “…Waylon Jennings’ Honky Tonk Heroes was the template for the new album. And I’ve always considered that record to be really important. I consider his Honky Tonk Heroes the Exile On Main Street of country music.” The new songs include the gentle, acoustic folk ballads “News From Colorado” and “The Girl On The Mountain.” “Fixin’ To Die,” on the other hand, is a dark shout from the hell of Death Row. “The Firebreak Line” returns Earle to his pile-driving, country-rock roots. “You Broke My Heart” is a sweet, simple salute to the 1950s sounds of Webb Pierce or Carl Smith. “Walkin’ In L.A.” is a twanging country shuffle. The guitar-heavy “Sunset Highway” is an instant-classic escape song. And the deeply touching “Goodbye Michelangelo” is Earle’s farewell to his mentor, Guy Clark, who passed away last year. [Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds four cover tracks.]
Entrails – World Inferno CD (Metal Blade)
New album from the Swedish death metallers. [Vinyl edition due June 30.]
Erudite Stoner – Erudite Stoner CD (Sundust)
Erudite Stoner aka Brazilian composer Matheus Novaes uses the medium of classical guitar to poignantly craft meditative organic atmospheres permeated with echoes of instrumental-rock, shoegaze and melodic doom.
E.S.G. – Step Off [Reissue/2002] CD/LP+MP3 (Fire America)
Pumping their way out of the South Bronx of New York in the early ‘80s, this rhythm and dance-punk outfit made unforgettable funk that was also unusually rooted in post-punk. This is band-approved reissue of Step Off includes artwork from award nominated illustrator Hannah Alice, who recently gained critical praise for her work on the Bert Jansch reissue of Avocet. [Limited pink vinyl color vinyl LP pressing also available.]
Fleet Foxes – Crack-Up CD/2xLP (Nonesuch)
Crack-Up is the long-awaited and highly anticipated third album from Northwest indie-folk act Fleet Foxes. The Nonesuch Records release comes six years after the 2011 release of Helplessness Blues and nearly a decade since the band’s breakout 2008 self-titled debut. All 11 songs on Crack-Up were written by Robin Pecknold who also co-produced the album with longtime bandmate and close collaborator Skyler Skjelset. The album comes preceded by “Third of May / Ōdaigahara,” a nearly nine-minute epic powered by piano and electric twelve-string guitar, string quartet, and the group’s trademark sparkling harmonies. “When Fleet Foxes released the nine-minute album centerpiece ‘Third Of May / Ōdaigahara,’ they were sending a message, letting us know that this would be an album of multi-part suites and proggy digressions and quiet ruptures. On that score, they have been true to their word. Crack-Up is an album full of pretty, soothing music that nonetheless delights in taking odd turns, in branching off in unexpected directions.” – Stereogum
The Garden – The Life And Times Of A Paperclip CD/LP/Cassette (Burger)
Recently released on vinyl and cassette – now available on CD. The Garden is a constantly evolving, conceptual punk band based in Orange County, California. Established in in 2011 by twin brothers Wyatt and Fletcher Shears, the band consistently defies categorization and continues to break ground in their self-inflicted Vada Vada genre. They are the auditory invaders of the new world; borderless, informed and decentralized, slick sound released from constraint and old ideologies.
Sam Gleaves & Tyler Hughes – Sam Gleaves & Tyler Hughes CD (Community Music)
Tyler Hughes & Sam Gleaves play old time country music and newly written songs from the Appalachian Mountains.
Goldie – The Journey Man 2xCD3xLP (Cooking Vinyl)
Goldie delivers a double-album of high quality drum ‘n’ bass that ticks numerous boxes – dancefloor darkness, jungle revivalism, liquid funk warmth – with a string of suitably impressive collaborators (Ulterior Motive, Swindle, José James, Natalie Williams, Terri Walker) swinging by to ensure the set oozes soul.
GospelbeacH – Another Summer Of Love CD/LP (Alive)
The second album from GospelbeacH continues to deftly honor the grand tradition of West Coast rock and roll. This time around its more ‘70s FM rock than ‘60s AM gold, more cosmo than country with a theme of timeless love. Straightforward, inviting songwriting and singing by Brent Rademaker (a founding member of Beachwood Sparks).
Arve Henriksen – Towards Language CD/LP (Rune Grammofon)
“The Norwegian trumpeter’s ninth album feels like an opaque and ambient jazz album you can walk right into. Truly, his instrument always seems on the verge of speaking.” — Pitchfork
Hey Colossus – The Guillotine CD/LP (Rocket Recordings)
The interplay of Hey Colossus’ three-guitar lineup has never sounded more fluent than on these eight songs, nor their song-craft more well-defined. The Guillotine is a record whose alchemical charge arrives from a reinvention of loud rock shapes into forms both feral and fresh.
Hey Violet – From The Outside CD/LP (Capitol)
Debut album from alt-pop band. Formerly known for their exuberant, brash punk-pop as Cherry Bomb, the band now makes shiny R&B-drenched pop with electronic beats, choppy ‘80s-style guitars and massive choruses. [Limited white color vinyl pressing also available.]
Hidden Orchestra – Dawn Chorus CD (Tru Thoughts)
A highly personal yet expansive work from producer and composer Joe Acheson, Hidden Orchestra’s third album Dawn Chorus is built around a collection of birdsong and other field recordings captured across many years in diverse locations around the UK and abroad. Rich in detail and character, these sonic snapshots intertwine with layers of bass, drums, percussion and eclectic instruments – including piano, electro-harp, glockenspiel, Turkish mey, clarinet and cello – for an emotive and transporting listen. [Vinyl edition due July 7.]
Nick Höppner – Work CD/LP (Ostgut Ton)
“The Ostgut Ton staple yields a 2nd album of intricate house and electronica designs with Work for the Berlin-based powerhouse.” — Boomkat
House And Land – House And Land CD/LP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
House And Land is the duo of Sally Anne Morgan (fiddle, shruti box, banjo, vocals) and Sarah Louise Henson (vocals, 12-string guitar, shruti box, bouzouki). On their self-titled debut, the duo showcases a variety of Appalachian music styles, incorporating elements of drone, microtonality and minimalism, each often drawing connections to nature, and linked to music across a spectrum that evokes trance and other spiritual states, which can also be seen in artists like Agnes Martin and composers such as Éliane Radigue and John Luther Adams.
Howsla – Howsla CD (Owsla, LLC)
To push the timeless genre of house music forward for a younger generation by showcasing a new breed of producers pushing the boundaries of the genre in every direction.
Hundredth – Rare CD/LP+MP3 (Hopeless)
Hailing from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Hundredth are traditionally known for their energetic
live shows, dark and introspective lyrics, and unique musical style that is both brutally heavy and full of melody. Taking a completely new direction from their past melodic hardcore albums, the band sets out in a new direction with songs in the shoegaze/post-punk styles.
Iced Earth – Incorruptible CD/2xLP (Century Media)
After nearly three dedicated decades, guitarist/songwriter Jon Schaffer, drummer Brent Smedley, vocalist Stu Block, bassist Luke Appleton, and new guitarist Jake Dreyer have assembled the fiercest Iced Earth record since 1996 milestone The Dark Saga and 1998’s chart-blazer Something Wicked This Way Comes. “When a new Iced Earth album arrives, you can trust it will include three things: bombast, bravado and triplets. Many, many triplets. Incorruptible is the veteran band’s 12th album of 100% pure American power metal and the third to feature the talented Stu Block on vocals. In many ways, it’s exactly the album you’d expect from Mr. Schaffer and company at this stage of their career. It’s full of thick riffs, powerful vocals and tales of bravery, battles and brotherhood.” – Angry Metal Guy [Limited red color vinyl pressing also available.]
Impetuous Ritual – Blight Upon Martyred Sentience CD/LP (Profound Lore)
Australia’s Impetuous Ritual follow up their last album Unholy Congregation Of Hypocritical Ambivalence with their new musical abomination of ambient death metal surrealism.
The Indoor Garden Party – The Musical CD (Model 101)
Curated by principal songwriter Russell Crowe, The Indoor Garden Party currently features Canadian folk rock hero Alan Doyle and chart-topping producer Carl Falk, as well as master vocalists Scott Grimes and Samantha Barks. Free from conventional restraints, their ever-growing songbook spans a variety of genres including pop, soul, rock and folk. [Vinyl edition due July 14.]
Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit – The Nashville Sound CD/LP (Southeastern Records)
“The title of Jason Isbell’s sixth album, The Nashville Sound, could be construed as either wildly presumptive or absurdly aspirational. In truth, it’s a little bit of both. The idea of a homespun artist like Isbell eclipsing any number of corporate country megastars as the public face of “the Nashville sound” is far-fetched, but it’s no longer entirely laughable. The bro-country backlash has made Isbell’s cerebral, folky brand of songwriting somewhat en vogue to the point that even the most mainstream country artists have started chasing at least the perception of the rootsy authenticity he exudes. Even if Isbell only plays a miniscule role in defining what comes out of Nashville these days, he’s exercising that influence the best he can on The Nashville Sound. The album is more eclectic and energetic than his other recent efforts, which have seen Isbell’s voice and vitality as a songwriter crystallize just as his sound has become slicker and more uniform. It may not entirely be the full-throated ‘return to rock’ we were promised, but it’s convincing evidence that the Nashville sound can and should encompass more than country—alternative or otherwise—and mean more than just somber acoustic dirges about sobriety and marriage.” – Slant [Limited vinyl pressing including a 11”x11”, 22-page songbook also available.]
Jet – Get Born (Deluxe Edition) [Reissue/2003] 2xCD (Elektra)
One of the greatest and most successful debut Australian albums of all time, Jet’s Get Born is now available as a deluxe double-CD set featuring a disc of rarities and B-sides.
Jonwayne – Rap Album Two CD/LP (Authors Recording Company)
Jonwayne’s Rap Album Two is the latest offering of music from the California based MC and producer.
Lea Porcelain – Hymns To The Night CD/2xLP (Lea Porcelain)
The electronic post-punk duo release of their debut album.
Dave Liebman/Joe Lovano – Compassion: The Music Of John Coltrane CD (Resonance)
Now approaching the 50th anniversary of Coltrane’s passing, Compassion is a fitting tribute to his legacy. Featuring Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Billy Hart, Phil Markowitz, and Ron McClure – these recordings cover the various periods of Trane’s life.
Lorde – Melodrama CD (LAVA/Republic)
“Playing to tens of thousands of people at the main stage of Coachella is a disquieting proposition for a self-described introvert. But Lorde is making some of the most exciting music in pop by living in contradictions like this. Her second album, Melodrama, packs an emotional wallop, especially considering how coolly analytical her debut was. ‘For a lot of people, their teenage years would be where they were most emotionally accessible, and for me it was the opposite,’ she says. ‘I realized I was feeling all the feelings, and they feel so singular and so young. When I was 16, it felt important to be unfazed by things. Now I’m deeply fazed.’ This record is not only a test of her unique position in the pop firmament but also an attempt to capture the feeling of being young in 2017: tense, urgent, uncertain about the future. To be a success, it needs to speak to this moment. As she puts it, ‘Nobody wants an apathetic pop record right now.’” – Time
Lost Balloons – Hey Summer CD/LP (Dirtnap)
Texas and Japan team up for a trans-pacific, two-man summertime pop explosion. Lost Balloons is Jeff Burke (Radioactivity, Marked Men, etc.) and Yusuke Okada of Japan’s incredible Suspicious Beasts. The two play all the instruments (although there is a live lineup as well) and split singing/songwriting duties. Wistful, sun-shiny ’60s-inspired pop with a bit of ’80s college rock jangle and even a little modern garage/Americana twang.
Jason Loewenstein – Spooky Action CD/LP (Joyful Noise)
13 new songs of unwavering rock from the influential Sebadoh member.
Major And The Monbacks – Moonlight Anthems CD/LP+MP3 (Yep Roc)
Three years ago, with little more than some saved-up bar mitzvah money to their name, Major And The Monbacks bought a used van, booked over 150 shows in nine months, and embarked on their first-ever national tour, a 30,000-mile odyssey that would elevate them from local favorites in Norfolk, VA, to one of the most promising young rock bands working today.
Bob Marley And The Wailers – Lively Up Yourself: Roots Of A Revolution 1967-1971 CD/2xLP (WeWantSounds)
A superbly crafted Bob Marley set, compiled and annotated by French journalist Vincent Tarrière, chronicles the story behind this legendary article “The Wild Side of Paradise” published by Rolling Stone Magazine in 1973. Features a handpicked selection of Bob Marley’s best songs, recorded at his creative peak, during the late ’60s and early ’70s, when he was working with producers Bunny Lee, Leslie Kong, and Lee Perry.
Rod Melancon – Southern Gothic CD/LP (Blue Elan)
On Southern Gothic, Rod Melancon has brought the sound and feeling of South Louisiana’s storied towns filled with conflicted characters; his Americana songwriting filtered through a swamp-like, country blend that often borders on the parameters of psychedelic-rock.
Moby & The Pacific Void Choir – More Fast Songs About The Apocalypse CD/LP (Mute)
As with much of Moby’s output during his nearly three-decade-long career, it’s not surprising that a spiritual & political questioning underpins the nine songs comprising latest full length album. In characteristically iconoclastic fashion, the weighty themes explored throughout More Fast Songs About The Apocalypse find expression as some of the most direct and personal music Moby has ever created. “That quality of atmospheric sadness I’ve done so much of before isn’t here – there’s nothing quiet or ambient,” he notes. “Sonically, this record isn’t subtle: it’s big & loud, with huge kick drums & massive choral choruses.” [Limited orange color vinyl pressing also available.]
Moniquea – Blackwavefunk CD/LP (MoFunk)
Moniquea established herself as one of the foremost female artists in the modern funk scene with her 2014’s Yes No Maybe. For her follow-up, she continues exploring and expanding upon the boogie/modern soul sound of her debut, and at the same time, ventures bravely into a new sound inspired by the new wave and synthpop sounds of the ’80s.
Thelonious Monk – Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1960 2xCD (Sam/Saga)
Performances of classic Monk tunes heard in Roger Vadim’s 1960 French film Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Features Monk’s 1959 all-star band of Charlie Rouse, Sam Jones & Art Taylor, plus special guest saxophonist Barney Wilen. [Limited vinyl edition was released on RSD 2017.]
Kevin Morby – City Music CD/LP (Dead Oceans)
City Music is an airplane descending over frozen lakes into Chicago. City Music is riding the Q Train out to Coney Island to smell the ocean and a morning in Philadelphia where great cranes reconfigure the buildings like an endless puzzle. City Music is also the new album by Kevin Morby. Full of listless wanderlust, it’s a collection inspired by and devoted to the metropolitan experience across America and beyond by a songwriter cast from his own mold. It is a collection crafted using the other side of its creator’s brain, the jumping off point perhaps best once again encapsulated by an image. “Here, Lou Reed and Patti Smith stare out at the listener,” explains Morby. City Music sees Morby joined once again by cohorts Megan Duffy (guitar) and Justin Sullivan (drums). Here the vocals were recorded at night, in darkness, overlooking a Pacific Ocean illuminated only by the stars, the wash and whisper of the ebbing tidal a distant soundtrack. The record was completed with Richard Swift in Oregon (producer of Foxygen, sometime member of The Black Keys). Here the album gives voice to all those cities speaking the same universal language of chaos and commerce and culture.
Shannen Moser – Oh, My Heart CD/LP (Lame-O)
Philadelphia folk artist Shannen Moser has been self-releasing albums under her own name for years, stunning people in Philly with her powerful voice and spectacular live shows.
Alison Moyet – Other CD/LP (Cooking Vinyl)
Pop legend Alison Moyet return with her second studio album on Cooking Vinyl, which is also her second collaboration with producer Guy Sigsworth. Other finds Alison at the top of her game – this is intelligent, adventurous electronic pop that’s defined by Sigsworth’s signature soundscapes.
Mt. Wolf – Aetherlight CD/LP (CRC Music)
There is true diversity across the London band’s new album, Aetherlight – from single “Heavenbound” and its melodic debt to the classic, literate songcraft of Echo & The Bunnymen, The National and Elbow to the expansive collision of skewed folk and post-rock on “Hex,” “Soteria” and “Anacrusis,” all showcasing a stunning use of falsetto and atmosphere to create something quite other-worldly. The band layer tension and beauty across the album’s 12 tracks, teasing melodies, textures and cleverly placed ideas that only reward further listens.
John Mulaney – The Comeback Kid CD/LP (Drag City)
John Mulaney has performed standup comedy on stages around the world, written for such shows as Saturday Night Live and Documentary, Now!, and starred in his very own cancelled sitcom. The Comeback Kid is his third comedy album, drawing from the Netflix special of the same name.
Michael Nau – Some Twist CD/LP+MP3 (Suicide Squeeze)
“For the second album released under his own name, Michael Nau distils some of the best elements of his works with Page France and Cotton Jones into a warmly organic mixture of low-key, sleepily pastoral chamber pop.” – PopMatters [Limited pink color vinyl pressing also available.]
Nickelback – Feed The Machine CD (BMG)
“The band that’s the butt of the music world’s jokes, Nickelback, recently dropped a new single called ‘Feed The Machine’, and ever since then the song has been feeding listeners’ insecurities about their own music tastes. ‘Feed The Machine’ is packing some metal-influenced guitar riffs and Muse-y lyrics, and while the band are still clearly trying to sound more like their beloved Metallica, they’ve captured the attention of people who wouldn’t normally be too keen on Nickelback music, and it’s led to some strong reactions: “Twitter confession: I listened to the new Nickelback, and, um… it’s good. Nickelback is good. I like the new Nickelback. I’m a monster;’ ‘New Nickelback is good, new James Blunt is good, I had a good run as a respectable music critic, I have no regrets;’ ‘Okay, I’ll concede – the new Nickelback track is really good.’”
Molly Nillson – Imaginations CD/LP (Night School)
Since 2015’s Zenith, Berlin-based songwriter Molly Nilsson has surrendered to the world, traveling from Mexico to Glasgow, observing the changing socio-political landscape and imagining something better. For an artist who has so successfully created her own environment and gradually let in others, her eighth studio album Imaginations directly engages with her surroundings, engendering change and allowing love in. This album dreams big, recasting storming, stadium-sized pop into the internal language of the solo auteur. It’s not escapism, it’s a kaleidoscope and an alternative view, an agent of change.
Palehound – A Place I’ll Always Go CD/LP+MP3/Cassette (Polyvinyl)
Palehound is the solo moniker of 24-year-old singer, songwriter and guitarist Ellen Kempner. With its potent combination of lyrics that cut to the quick and guitar riffs that constantly delight with their inventiveness, sophomore album A Place I’ll Always Go is the perfect record to introduce Palehound. [Limited pink color vinyl pressing also available.]
Palm – Shadow Expert CDEP/12”+MP3/Cassette (Carpark)
“One of the music industry’s weird quirks is that sometimes records get trapped in limbo. Case in point: Palm’s new Shadow Expert EP was recorded just a month after they released their debut album, Trading Basics, but it’s just getting released now. Shadow Expert already sees them becoming a more complicated and confident band compared to their debut — which led us to name them a Band To Watch — but it’s fun to imagine where they could possibly go from here. And if you’ve seen them live at any point over the last two years, it’s clear they’ve somehow become even better than what’s demonstrated on the six songs here. And these six songs are good, including early singles ‘Walkie Talkie’ and the title track, but this feels like just a stepping stone on the way to something even greater, and that’s an exciting prospect.” – Stereogum [Limited royal blue color vinyl pressing also available.]
Peacers – Introducing The Crimsmen CD/LP/Cassette (Drag City)
Escalating from a disembodied voice to slowly mounting full-band hypnosis, this is a trip into the goldenrod days of fandom, a dimension where a t-shirt could change your life. Since their first LP in the summer 2015, The Peacers have been gigging in SF and around, wood-shedding and collecting tunes for this divinely awaited moment: Introducing The Crimsmen. The tunes rock forth from a jukebox with a crack in the glass, with channels leaking/kaleidoscopic aspects of low-fi life directed back through the wires to form discrete detail, little shadows, backdrops, edgework.
Portugal. The Man – Woodstock CD (Atlantic)
“It’s been a long time coming since 2013’s Evil Friends from Portugal. The Man, but a new album is on the way. Between 2006 and 2013, the Alaska-born psych-indie pop group released a whopping eight studio records, never leaving more than two years in between. As we approach four years since their last album, fans have begun to wonder what the wait is, — would a new album ever come? On a trip back home, frontman John Gourley was met by the same questioning by his father, who asked him ‘What’s taking so long to finish the album?’ according to a press release. ‘Isn’t that what bands do? Write songs and then put them out?’ It light a fire under PTM’s collective asses, leading them to throw out all previous material of what they were going to call Gloomin’ And Doomin’, enlisting the help of Beastie Boys’ Mike D, Danger Mouse, and John Hill on the production side. With a bit of inspiration from finding an old Woodstock ’69 ticket of his Gourley’s father, PTM went back to the drawing room table to produce an album that can inspire some good in this ‘avalanche of flaming biohazard material sliding down a mountain of used needles into a canyon full of rat feces’ that sums up 2017 so far.” — Indie88 [Vinyl edition due in August.]
Ride – Weather Diaries CD/2xLP (Wichita Recordings)
Ride’s first album in over 20 years was produced by legendary DJ, producer and remixer Erol Alkan, and is packed with all the classic elements that made Ride one of the defining bands of the early-‘90s. Trembling distortion, beautiful harmonies, pounding rhythms, shimmering soundscapes and great songwriting all combine to make an album that’s ambitious in scope, timeless and thoroughly addictive. Weather Diaries sees the band reunited with label co-founders Mark Bowen and Dick Green, who worked with Ride during the band’s early years on Creation Records. It also brings the band back together with mixer Alan Moulder (Arctic Monkeys, Smashing Pumpkins, The Killers) who mixed their seminal 1990 album Nowhere and produced its follow up Going Blank Again.
The Rolling Stones – Ladies & Gentlemen CD (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
The Rolling Stones – Some Girls: Live In Texas ‘78 CD (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
The Rolling Stones and Muddy Waters – Checkerboard Lounge: Live In Chicago 1981 CD (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
Previously released on DVD — now available as standalone CDs for the first time. Two live sets recorded in Texas (1972 and 1978, respectively) and another in Chicago in 1981.
Rosebud – Rosebud [Reissue/1971] CD (Omnivore)
“As part of Frank Zappa’s deal with Warner Bros., two imprints were established, Bizarre and Straight, on which FZ would release his own albums, as well as those artists he signed. Those signees included Captain Beefheart, the GTO’s, and Wild Man Fischer, amongst other outsiders. In 1969, Straight released Farewell Aldebaran, the debut LP from Judy Henske & Jerry Yester. Like most of the non-Zappa albums on Bizarre/Straight, Farewell Aldebaran sold squat at the time, though it later developed a cult following, thanks to its unconventional contents. Lesser known is the 1971 album the duo recorded with their band, Rosebud, newly reissued with a slew of previously unreleased tracks. ‘Panama,’ the first song on Rosebud, opens with sound effects, then morphs into a piano ballad—with Henske’s eccentric vocal affectations firmly on display—before shifting into a funky, world music-like number, complete with African drums. Other highlights include ‘Reno,’ a groovy cowboy song with synth, and the bubblegum country rock mixed with gospel that is ‘Yum Yum Man.’ Both ‘Western Wisconsin,’ a lovely tune passionately sung by Doerge, and ‘Le Soleil,’ a showcase for Rosebud’s group harmonies, are fine examples of the numerous hymn-influenced tunes on the album. The record ends with the dreamy ‘Flying To Morning,’ featuring a fantastic vocal performance from Henske.” – Dangerous Minds
Roya – Roya CD/LP+MP3/Cassette (Burger)
Recently released on cassette – now available on vinyl and CD. Roya, the poetic Persian name of a little girl means an ominous dream, a mind trip, a fantasy. Such was the vision lead singer Rahill Jamalifard first had when hatching the idea for the band. A moody and seductive tone set against a primitive and surreal soundscape, lending its voice to somber echoes and jangles of post punk and psychedelia.
Royal Blood – How Did We Get So Dark? CD/LP (WB)
After becoming the biggest breaking British rock band with their self-titled 2014 debut album, Royal Blood returns with their eagerly anticipated second album, How Did We Get So Dark? The album’s first single “Lights Out” ups the ante on their first outing with a wrecking ball of a groove cemented by Thatcher’s thunderous rhythms, while Kerr wrangles the twisted invention of his bass riffs to a whole new level. Their patented two-man artillery of carefully constructed melodic aggression is prevalent throughout, especially in “I Only Lie When I Love You,” which is a compelling cowbell-assisted reminder of the power of a stop-start riff and a strident chorus. There are times when Royal Blood are more visceral than ever – notably the gargantuan introduction to “Hook, Line And Sinker” and also the intense denouement that brings “Look Like You Know” to a close.
Royal Trux – Platinum Tips & Ice Cream CD/LP/Cassette (Drag City)
“The duo’s first album in 17 years is a surprisingly practical gesture, a career-spanning live album that connects the accessible and impenetrable extremes of the Trux discography.” – Pitchfork
Trevor Sensor – Andy Warhol’s Dream CD/LP (Jagjaguwar)
It’s Trevor Sensor’s voice you notice first. A deep bubbling black tar pit of a sound, it’s a voice whose unique timbre resonates far beyond the constraints of the songwriting format. It demands the listener reaches for a new vocabulary. The 23 year old’s debut album Andy Warhol’s Dream is part of a literate folk lineage that runs from Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan through Tom Waits and onto the likes of Bon Iver, Bright Eyes and Sufjan Stevens. [Limited metallic silver color vinyl pressing also available.]
Single Mothers – Our Pleasure CD/LP (Dine Alone)
10 tracks of raging punk perfection.
Songhoy Blues – Résistance CD/LP (Fat Possum)
Songhoy Blues’ second full-length outing Résistance is bold, inspiring and outward-looking, perfectly reflecting the position in which the band found themselves following the massive success of their breakthrough 2015 debut, Music In Exile. Lyrically and sonically, the album is a huge leap forward: richer, more eclectic and musically adventurous, it captures a band who, for the last three years, have toured the world and soaked up music far beyond the borders of their native Mali. With more time and a wider armory of equipment at their disposal, the album is the sound of Songhoy Blues stretching themselves, with hints of R&B, soul and hip-hop all fusing seamlessly with the band’s trademark exuberant sound, with themes for our time. Whereas their debut was lyrically rather parochial, dealing with the problems faced by the people of Mali, Résistance is more universal in tone and speaks positively about their homeland, lovingly talking about the beauty of the Sahara and night-life in Bamako.
Styx – The Mission CD/LP (UMe)
A thrilling return to Styx’s progressive roots, The Mission is a thrilling return to Styx’s progressive roots — their first studio album of new music in 14 years.
Matthew Sweet – Tomorrow Forever CD (S. Matthew Sweet)
Purely in terms of its guitar payload, Tomorrow Forever is a breathtaking Fourth of July fireworks show, with axes trading volleys from the left and right channels in old-school-stereo fashion, as Sweet breaks out a lineup of killer players, each sporting a distinct style, like a modern-day Moby Grape or Buffalo Springfield. [Vinyl edition due June 30.]
Paul Tanner – Music For Heavenly Bodies [Reissue/1958] CD/LP (Modern Harmonic)
Paul Tanner’s Electro-Theremin space odyssey, available on CD and color vinyl in a gatefold jacket with extensive liner notes.
Tindersticks – Minute Bodies: The Intimate World Of F. Percy Smith CD+DVD/LP+DVD (City Slang)
Minute Bodies is an interpretative edit of Stuart Staples film tribute to the astonishing work and achievements of the early twentieth century naturalist, inventor, and pioneering filmmaker that combines Smith’s original footage with a new contemporary score by Tindersticks, with Thomas Belhom and Christine Ott, to create a hypnotic, alien yet familiar dreamscape that connects us to the sense of wonder Smith must have felt as he peered through his own lenses to see these micro-worlds for the first time.
Tombs – The Grand Annihilation CD (Metal Blade)
Mike Hill is not a man interested in appeasing his existing audience or modifying the music he makes in the hope of luring in a broader one. Anyone doubting this need only look to the recorded output Tombs have dropped over the past decade, which while ultimately remaining rooted in the blackened, post-metallic sound vomited up on 2007’s self-titled EP, has constantly diversified and evolved. [Vinyl edition due June 30.]
Various Artists [Steffi] – Fabric 94 CD (Fabric)
“‘The Dutch-born, Berlin-based DJ, producer and label boss gathered 15 exclusive cuts made especially for this set. Voiski, Answer Code Request, Unbalance, Dexter and Virginia are among the contributors, and Steffi herself pitches in by way of a couple collaborations. One comes from her Doms & Deykers partnership with Martyn, and the other she produced alongside Shed—the pair, working together on a track for the first time, is credited as STFSHD. Steffi says she looked to the sound of Warp’s classic Artificial Intelligence CDs as “a starting point in terms of atmosphere.’” – Resident Advisor
Various Artists – Boombox 2: Early Independent Hip Hop, Electro And Disco Rap 1979-83 2xCD/3xLP+MP3 (Soul Jazz)
A new selection of early rap music from the period 1979-83, with barely a household name in sight. Featured here are some the earliest hip-hop records that came out of New York City following the enormous commercial success of the first ever rap record, Rapper’s Delight by the Sugarhill Gang, in September 1979.
Various Artists – Jesus Rocked the Jukebox: Small Group Black Gospel (1951-1965) 2xCD/3xLP+MP3 (Craft/Concord)
Jesus Rocked The Jukebox offers a spirited celebration of some of the most foundational songs in American musical history, tracing the evolution of the modern soul, R&B, and rock ‘n’ roll genres via the likes of The Blind Boys Of Alabama, The Swan Silvertones, The Staple Singers, Sam Cooke, and The Chosen Gospel Singers featuring Lou Rawls among many others. [Vinyl edition due July 21.]
Various Artists – Seafaring Strangers: Private Yacht CD/2xLP (Numero Group)
The Numero Group’s dive into the deep end of America’s private press continues. With pop music’s volume knob adjusted for deflation in the early ’70s, softness begat smoothness. Crewmen arrived from the worlds of jazz, folk, rock, and soul, all peddling a product that was sincere, leisurely, and lofty. A sound that was buoyant, crisp, defined. Sometimes classified as West Coast – and, later, Yacht Rock – the compass points of our Private Yacht expedition are the blue-eyed harmonies of Hall & Oates, the cocaine-dusted Fender Rhodes of Michael McDonald, and the comb-over strums of James Taylor. Here, at the glassy apex of rock’s softer side, 20 strong swimmers are gathered together. An album for both relaxation and reflection, where listeners can enjoy the present, a cool breeze, and a taste of the good life.
White Suns – Psychic Drift CD/LP (The Flenser)
New York City’s purveyors of noise White Suns have returned with a new full-length recording consisting of four long-form compositions where synthesizers, field recordings, cut-up samples and lurching rhythms form a tapestry of shifting layers. The focus here is on texture and atmosphere, utilizing repurposed aspects of drone, industrial and harsh noise to create claustrophobic soundscapes that ripple and groan.
Dustin Wong & Takako Minekawa – Are Euphoria CD/LP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
The sounds of duo Dustin Wong & Takako Minekawa are a coalescence of the complexities of life, with the sheer joy of imaginative creation. Their new album Are Euphoria, continues to dive deeper into the dreamlike technicolor tapestries their songs have always explored, blossoming forward with each cycle of loops. Completely characteristic of their style, Wong and Minekawa achieve a density of textures, timbres, beats, and harmonies while remaining totally weightless, suspended in the air.
Link Wray – Mordecai Jones LP (Tidal Waves Music)
Tiring of the corporate music machine, in the 1970s Wray began recording albums using a three-track studio he converted from an outbuilding on his brother’s property that his father used to raise chickens. This is where the Mordicai Jones sessions were recorded in 1971, making it part of what we now know as the ‘Shack Trilogy’ together with the albums Link Wray and Beans And Fatback. Mordicai Jones is made out of fantastic energetic Americana blended blues, country, gospel, soul and folk-rock. The songs on this album have a tough and heartfelt vibe that sets it apart from the more pastoral country-rock albums of the time.
Eli Young Band – Fingerprints CD (Valory)
Fusing a young man’s take on heartland rock with the tougher side of Texas country music and the cocky enthusiasm of alt-country firebrands, the Eli Young Band return with their third album.
DVDs + Blu-ray:
American Epic DVD+CD (PBS)
T Bone Burnett, Robert Redford and Jack White offer up this extraordinary documentary about how America learned to make audio recordings. In the 1920s, music scouts were using a raw, but ground-breaking, technology to capture America’s voices, including the poor folk working in the cotton fields with their soulful gospel and blues music. This is a great look back with T Bone and Jack using a 1920s device to pay tribute to a slew of early recording artists.
Simple Minds – Acoustic In Concert DVD/Blu-ray (Eagle Vision)
On the eve of the release of their recent Acoustic album, Simple Minds took to the stage of London’s famous Hackney Empire to perform a special show for BBC Radio 2’s renowned In Concert series. The band performed re-imagined acoustic versions of some their greatest hits and best-loved tracks along with cover versions of some of the songs that influenced them.
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
Anchorsong – Ceremonial 2xLP (Tru Thoughts)
Tokyo-born, London based musician Masaaki Yoshida latest brings a richly textured tapestry of outward-looking sounds, blending modern electronica and retro music, whilst treading new ground with tribal rhythms fitting in seamlessly with all the wizardry.
Arbouretum – Rites Of Uncovering [Reissue/2007] LP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
Rites Of Uncovering, Arbouretum’s Thrill Jockey debut, is an album of broad scope, musically, lyrically and texturally. This first-time vinyl reissue is released to coincide with the album’s 10th anniversary and Thrill Jockey’s 25th anniversary.
The Black Crowes – Warpaint [Reissue/2008] LP (Silver Arrow/MRI Associated)
Vinyl reissue of The Black Crowes 2008 album.
Bookworms – Appropriation Loops (A Love Story) LP (Break World Records)
Bookworms’ Appropriation Loops (A Love Story) explores appropriation of music and culture throughout time. Borrowing ideas from modern classical, jazz, minimal techno, granular synthesis, Bookworms taps into the feedback loop of contemporary art.
Crystal Bowersox – Alive LP (Crystal Bowersox)
Live album from the American Idol Season 9 contestant. Crystal has drawn on her various influences – across folk-pop, classic rock, soul, blues and country – to make the kind of music that resonates with her spirit.
David Bowie – Be My Wife [Reissue/1977] 7” (Parlophone)
Originally released in the UK in June 1977 “Be My Wife” was the second and last single to be taken from his groundbreaking album Low. The The AA of this 7” picture disc is a previously unreleased live version of the instrumental Low track “Art Decade” recorded in Perth, Australia in 1978 during the Isolar II tour.
Brandy – Brandy [Reissue/1994] 2xLP (Atlantic)
Double-LP reissue of the self-titled debut album by R&B singer Brandy. The album contains a range of contemporary genres, and the songs are a mix of soft hip hop soul, pop and contemporary mid-1990s R&B.
Ronald Bruner Jr. – Triumph 2xLP (World Galaxy/Alpha)
Grammy Award winning composer, producer, singer and drummer Ronald Bruner Jr. presents his megalithic debut album. Eleven cuts of deep fusion, soul, R&B, jazz and pop, Triumph was put together with Ronald’s brothers Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner and Jameel Bruner of The Internet. It was captured during the infamous KSL Sessions that produced Kamasi Washington’s The Epic and many other West Coast Get Down recordings. Triumph‘s trajectory in fusion is, in one way, a direct result of working with century defining artists such as Stanley Clarke, Kendrick Lamar, Flying Lotus, Wayne Shorter, Prince, Chaka Khan, Q-Tip, Kenny Garrett and Stevie Wonder.
Jack (Bongo) Burger – The End On Bongos [Reissue/1957] LP (Modern Harmonic)
Vinyl reissue of a 1957 lounge classic from Mr. Bongos. These often-sampled, vibrant-yet-chill sounds bring you big jungle drums, bongos, congas, flutes, strange animal noises, and more.
John Cage with David Tudor – Variations IV Volume II [Reissue/1965] LP (Modern Harmonic)
Another seminal volume of indeterminate music, from an icon of experimental sounds reissued for the first time and thematically on color vinyl.
Camille – Ouï LP+CD (Because Music)
Recorded over a year in La Chartreuse, a 14th century monastery-turned-artist’s residence in Avignon, France, Ouï is a cornucopia thrumming with folk, hymns, ballads, pop, lullabies, and breathtaking a cappella.
The Carter Family – American Epic: The Best Of The Carter Family LP (Third Man)
The Carter Family, a family vocal group from Appalachian Virginia, were the most impactful discovery of talent scout Ralph Peer and the first vocal group to become country music stars. Apart from the beautiful harmonies that can only come from kin, Mother Maybelle Carter pioneered scratch style guitar picking, a clever synthesis of autoharp, banjo and guitar picking, and for years served as a matriarchal figure in the Grand Ole Opry. Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing housed in tip-on jacket with soft touch finish.
Alex Chilton – Take Me Home And Make Me Like It LP (Munster)
Unrehearsed, first-take recordings by Alex Chilton, recorded in 1975. 180gm. “This is music performed with some of the most callous abandon ever to have been allowed in a recording studio. Many of these tracks have a raw cinéma vérité atmosphere applied to recorded rock and roll. My own performances seem to be either obnoxious or attempting an insufferable cuteness, but often they achieve a compelling electricity in their spontaneous excitement.” – Alex Chilton, 1992
Jimmy Cliff – Best Of LP (Hip-O)
A gifted songwriter and charismatic performer, Jimmy Cliff was one of Jamaica’s first international stars. His strongest material comes from his early years with legendary producer Leslie Kong. Together they recorded many of Jimmy’s classic hits including “Vietnam,” “Many Rivers To Cross,” and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People.”
John Coltrane – Olé Coltrane [Reissue/1961] 2xLP (ORG Music)
John Coltrane’s final album for Atlantic bookends the exploratory motifs he explores on his Impulse! debut, Africa/Brass, recorded concurrently, with each involving knotty rhythmic shifts and Spanish-derived textures. Bonding with an amazing band that includes pianist McCoy Tyner, drummer Elvin Jones, and an uncredited Eric Dolphy (due to contractual reasons), Coltrane welcomes improvisations and ranging outside conventional parameters, all the while retaining melodic beauty. 180gm 45rpm vinyl pressing. [Deluxe mono vinyl reissues of Avant-Garde, Giant Steps, and Coltrane Plays The Blues due August 11.]
Commodores – Commodores [Reissue/1977] LP (Motown)
Standard-weight vinyl reissue. The R&B/funk/soul supergroup’s 1977 album includes the massive Top 5 singles such as “Brick House” and “Easy,” moving the band into the pop mainstream.
JD Emmanuel – Rain Forest Music [Reissue/1981] LP (Aguirre)
Vinyl reissue of the 1981 debut album by new age pioneer JD Emmanuel.
Enya – A Day Without Rain [Reissue/2000] LP (Reprise)
First-time vinyl pressing of the fifth studio album by the Irish singer, originally released in 2000.
Eyedress – Manila Ice LP (Lex)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Eyedress is Idris Vicuña, a 26-year-old singer/rapper/producer from the Philippines. His music is somewhere between Connan Moccasin, Mac Demarco and Frank Ocean.
Fat Joe – Don Cartagena [Reissue/1998] 2xLP (Atlantic)
Double-LP reissue of the rapper’s third album. Guest appearances include Nas, Diddy, Big Pun, Raekwon, Jadakiss, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
Faust – Od Serca Do Duszy [2007] 2xLP (Dirter Promotions)
Recorded live at Loch Ness Club, Krakow, November 15, 2006.
The Flaming Lips – The Flaming Lips Onboard The International Space Station: Concert For Peace CD (WB)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Seven live-ish tracks from Oczy Mlody reimagined as a fictional/fantastical live Flaming Lips performance on the International Space Station.
Flobots – Noenemies 2xLP (Flobots Music)
Alternative hip-hop act Flobots’ fourth full-length effort, Noenemies, is a body of songs that speak to the urgency of the current social movement. Each track serves as a powerful, poignant new anthem, packed with surprises both subtle and grandiose.
Aretha Franklin – Laughing On The Outside [Reissue/1963] LP (Doxy)
Limited clear vinyl edition of a smooth, silky and beautifully mellow album from the soul/R&B legend, originally released on Columbia in 1963.
Fredfades – Warmth LP (KingUnderground)
Fredfades is a Norwegian producer specializing in raw hip-hop. Guests include MED (Stones Throw), Mndsgn (Stones Throw), Ivan Ave, (Jakarta), MoRuf, Koreatown Oddity (Stones Throw), Chester Watson and more.
Larkin Grimm – Chasing An Illusion LP (Northern Spy)
New album from the experimental folk singer. Grimm explained the album was inspired by Ornette Coleman and the powerful experience attending his funeral last year. The album includes David Bowie-producer Tony Visconti on bass and was mixed with “the same dusty, unlabeled mixing board” as Bowie’s Young Americans.
Herbie Hancock – Head Hunters [Reissue/1973] 2xLP (Analogue Productions)
Herbie Hancock’s best-seller – a jazz-funk masterpiece – now on 200gm vinyl.
Arve Henriksen – Chiaroscuro [2004] LP (Rune Grammofon)
“One of this century’s first true modern classics, this 2004 album from Supersilent member and experimental shakuhachi-style trumpet player Arve Henriksen has long been a reference points for jazz music of the most quietly absorbing variety, containing what must surely rank as one of the most beautiful opening tracks of any album in recent memory. First-ever vinyl edition, mastered by Deathprod, artwork by Kim Hiorthøy.” – Boomkat
Humble Pie – The A&M Vinyl Box Set 9xLP+MP3 (A&M)
Formed by Steve Marriott & Peter Frampton in 1969, Humble Pie was one of the first supergroup rock bands to form, featuring lead vocalist and guitarist Steve Marriott (Small Faces), vocalist and guitarist Peter Frampton (The Herd), former Spooky Tooth bassist Greg Ridley and a 17-year-old drummer, Jerry Shirley. The box set pulls together the albums the band released between 1970 1975, which appear on heavyweight 180gm black vinyl with replica artwork from the time including original die-cut sleeves and inners.
Mississippi John Hurt – American Epic: The Best Of Mississippi John Hurt LP (Third Man)
Blues fingerpicking guitarist, singer and sharecropper Mississippi John Hurt was born in the heart of Mississippi Hill Country, along the veiny tributaries of the great American river. His moving renditions of “Frankie” and “Spike Driver Blues” were included in Harry Smith’s American Anthology Of Folk Music in 1952 and were vitally influential on the Greenwich Village folk music revival of the 1960s as well as John Fahey’s development of the American Primitive Guitar genre. Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing housed in tip-on jacket with soft touch finish.
Milt Jackson And John Coltrane – Bags And Trane [Reissue/1959] 2xLP (ORG Music)
It’s a shame more classic hard-boppers weren’t unified for multiple collaborations. Vibraphonist Milt Jackson and saxophone virtuoso John Coltrane recorded just once together, and this 1959 date makes one wish they reunited for several return engagements. Lighthearted, upbeat, and joyously fluid, Bags & Trane plays like a private after-hours session of friends hanging back and toying with the music.
Blind Willie Johnson – American Epic: The Best Of Blind Willie Johnson LP (Third Man)
Texas slide guitarist and gospel bluesman Blind Willie Johnson recorded only 30 songs over the course of his life as a preacher and street performer. Even so, the savvy combination of his gritty and powerful “chest voice” singing style coupled with his mastery of slide guitar (some report he regularly used a knife as a slide) has given him a notably influential legacy, specifically with later bluesmen Howlin’ Wolf and Robert Johnson. His tune “Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground” was selected for Carl Sagan’s Voyager probe Golden Record, the Library Of Congress as well as the National Recording Registry. Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing housed in tip-on jacket with soft touch finish.
Glenn Jones – Against Which The Sea Continually Beats [2007] 2xLP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
Against Which The Sea Continually Beats was Jones’ second album originally released in 2007 on CD-only by Strange Attractors Audio House. This first-time vinyl issue has been remastered and features expanded liner notes written by Jones just for this release.
A Killer’s Confession – Unbroken LP (Emp Label Group)
Recently released on CD – now available on limited edition color vinyl. Debut album featuring Waylon Reavis formerly of Mushroomhead.
The Kinks – Low Budget [Reissue/1979] LP (Friday Music)
180gm audiophile translucent red vinyl pressing with gatefold cover and poster. 1979 was a banner year for UK superstars with their conceptual smash album Low Budget.
Kowloon Walled City – Turk Street [Reissue/2008] 12”+MP3 (Gilead Media)
Kowloon Walled City – Gambling On The Richter Scale [Reissue/2009] LP+MP3 (Gilead Media)
Gambling On The Richter Scale is a snapshot at the foundation for the band’s sound in a much dirtier, noisier, sludgier environment. Kowloon have always been a band focused heavily on tone and atmosphere with their unique style of heaviness, and the very intentional grit on these albums shows another face to a band that has grown to embrace a cleaner, over-driven sound in recent years.
Krallice – Prelapsarian LP (Gilead Media)
Prelapsarian finds Krallice continuing the saga of their artistic growth by crafting elaborately composed works that are increasingly more impossible to define by typical genre terms. Not quite death metal, although obviously borrowing a great deal from the genre. Further from black metal than they’ve ever been without losing continuity with their prior compositions. Technical without alienating the listener or scattering the musical narrative. Heavy without giving way to basic metal gimmicks. Blistering in speed while never losing their precision or power.
Jake La Botz – Sunnyside LP (Hi-Style)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Jake La Botz’s story seems entirely too cinematic to be true. On his album Sunnyside, Jake’s songs are heavily informed by his life, one that wraps shades of Merle Haggard, Charles Bukowski, Jim Jarmusch, and Sid Vicious all in one. La Botz learned from pre-war blues masters such as David Honeyboy Edwards and Maxwell Street Jimmy Davis, but Sunnyside makes a sonic move well beyond string blues. Sunnyside was produced by Jimmy Sutton at Hi-Style Studios in Chicago, whose previous production work includes albums for JD McPherson and Pokey LaFarge. The rock ‘n’ roll groove is paramount throughout, propelled by driving bass and drums, ethereal piano, and doo-wop inspired gang vocals. This isn’t your dad’s blues music – it’s roughhewn by La Botz’s stories from the more shadowy corners of America, with an unforgettable atmosphere that hangs like thick smoke and lingers long after the first listen.
Alex Lahey – B-Grade University LP (Dead Oceans)
Lahey’s fuzzed-out, catchy-as-hell indie rock is stacked with emotion, weighing the sound of youthful anxiety against cutting, sophisticated wordplay.
Lead Belly – American Epic: The Best Of Lead Belly LP (Third Man)
Louisiana delta native Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter is the master of twelve-string blues guitar. His story is one of high-highs and low-lows, from serving stints in prison after killing a man in a fight for a woman’s heart, but then eventually earning early release by entertaining his fellow prison-mates and penning a song for the governor, thus cementing his reputation of singing his way out of prison. Folklorists John and Alan Lomax were early supporters that brought Lead Belly to the attention of Ivy Leaguers as well as a European audience. His songs have been widely covered by artists such as Elvis, Nirvana, Johnny Cash, and the Grateful Dead. Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing housed in tip-on jacket with soft touch finish.
The Life And Times – Skull Map LP (Slimstyle)
The Life And Times has lived a thousand lives since their first record more than 12 years ago, after the dissolution of Allen Epley’s former band, little guy cult fave Shiner. This fifth full-length album is a sun and drug-dappled beauty, infused with a thick sonic kaleidoscope of tones.
Little Bob And The Lollipops – Nobody But You [Reissue/1961] LP (Mississippi)
Classic Louisiana swamp soul/ R&B.
Loggins & Messina – On Stage [Reissue/1974] LP (Friday Music)
Limited edition 180gm gold colorvinyl LP pressing.
David Lynch/Alan R. Splet – Eraserhead [OST/Reissue/1977] LP+7” (Sacred Bones)
An expanded, silver color vinyl reissue of the soundtrack to David Lynch’s landmark 1977 film. This limited deluxe edition includes: a 16 page booklet, three 11″x11″ prints, digital download, and a limited edition Peter Ivers 7″. A-side of the single is “In Heaven” and the B-side unearths a newly discovered original Ivers recording entitled, “Pete’s Boogie” taken from the original audio tapes and mixed by Lynch.
Stefano Mainetti – Zombie 3 LP (We Release Whatever The F*ck We Want)
The complete uncut soundtrack for Lucio Fulci and Bruno Mattei’s 1988 cult zombie-ploitation gem Zombi 3 (aka Zombie Flesh Eaters 2, aka Sanguelia 2) for the first time ever on vinyl. Two pressings: red and green color vinyl (both 180gm).
Shelly Manne/Bill Evans with Monty Budwig – Empathy [Reissue/1962] LP (Doxy)
140gm clear vinyl repress of a hard bop classic.
Memphis Jug Band – American Epic: The Best Of Memphis Jug Band LP (Third Man)
The Memphis Jug Band, most active from 1926 into the 1950s, revolved around guitarist, harmonica player and singer Will Shade and featured a wide variety of instrumentation including harmonica, kazoo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, piano, washboard and, of course, jug. They recorded more songs than any pre-war jug band and as a result, were key in developing the jug band tradition and format. Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing housed in tip-on jacket with soft touch finish.
Moor X Jewelry – Crime Waves 12” (Don Giovanni)
Crime Waves is a collaboration between Philadelphia-producers Moor Mother and Mental Jewelry. The EP features six tracks recorded during a session at Philadelphia’s Kawari. The music speaks about systematic violence and racism. From a productions standpoint, these songs bridge avant-classical sounds with modern broken beat/sample based technologies and live instrumentation implemented via laptop.
Nick Murphy – Missing Link 12”+MP3 (Downtown)
Murphy’s first release since announcing last fall that he’ll record and perform under his given name and step away from his Chet Faker moniker. [CD edition due July 14.]
Nappy Roots – Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz [Reissue/2002] 2xLP (Atlantic)
Double-LP reissue of the debut album from the Kentucky-based rap sextet.
Oval – 94discont. [Reissue/1998] LP+12”+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
Oval – Dok [Reissue/1998] LP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
Oval – O [Reissue/2010] 2xLP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
Oval’s Markus Popp is a true pioneer in the realm of electronic music, one whose influence can still be heard today. Three of his Thrill Jockey albums are back in print on 180gm vinyl. Dok and O are pressed on color vinyl (clear and white, respectively).
Philanthrope/Flitz/Suppe/Omaure – Todai Moto Kurashi LP (Vinyl Digital)
New collaboration featuring producers Philanthrope, Flitz & Suppe and rapper Omaure.
James Place – Voices Bloom 2xLP (Umor Rex)
A distillation of cultural memory through electronic process, James Place —the creative guise of New York native Phil Tortoroli, returns with his third release for Umor Rex. The sonic realization of love and loss, re-sculpted for the Post-Modern age, pursuing his glacial take on techno into newly intimate depths. LP limited edition pressed on neon orange color vinyl.
Porcupine Tree – On The Sunday Of Life [Reissue/1992] 2xLP (Kscope)
Porcupine Tree’s debut On The Sunday Of Life was recorded solo by Steven Wilson and originally released as a double LP in 1992. More playful and lo-fi by current Porcupine Tree standards, this is an album of future possibilities including everything from psychedelic pop to ambient interludes.
Sacred Oath – 12 Bells LP (Independent Label Services)
Recently released on CD – now available on limited bronze color vinyl. Brand new studio album from one of the masters of US power metal.
ShitKid – Fish LP (Pnklsm)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. ShitKid is the project of 24-year-old Åsa Söderqvist who made her debut in 2016 with a self-titled debut EP, which quickly propelled her into being one of the most talked about new acts in Sweden. Originally from the north of Sweden, Åsa moved to Gothenburg after high school, starting a feminist punk band and acting amongst other things, before turning inward and recording what would become her debut EP on a broken computer at home, while learning to use GarageBand. The end result was a distinct sound, mixing lo-fi sensibilities and catchy songwriting with Åsa’s unmistakable vocals.
Frank Sinatra – A Swingin’ Affair! [Reissue/1987] LP (Capitol/UMe)
180gm vinyl reissue of Sinatra’s 12th album. Arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle, A Swingin’ Affair! contains the signature Sinatra classics “Night And Day,” “I Won’t Dance,” “From This Moment On,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It” and many more.
Slates – Summery LP (New Damage)
Summery serves as the follow-up to Edmonton punk band Slates’ buzzworthy 2013 release Taiga. Determined to capture the raw intensity and authenticity of their previous release, the band chose to once again record to analog tape with noted engineer Steve Albini.
Mark Slaughter – Halfway There LP (Emp Label Group)
Limited color vinyl pressing. New album from the Slaughter frontman. Picture disc also available.
The Spinto Band – Nice And Nicely Done [Reissue/1995] 2xLP (Bar/None)
Deluxe double-LP reissue of the The Spinto Band’s classic 2005 debut. Includes a bonus LP with 12 B-sides recorded during the original sessions. With one ear to the future of indie rock and the other soaking up rock and roll history; Beach Boys harmonies and Beatle licks mix with Strokes strokes, Queen drama, Cure angst and Pavement slack. “…the album’s zippy, hook-filled power pop bursts with new-wave keyboards, Strokes-like guitar riffs, ecstatic vocal harmonies and kid-in-a-candy-store touches of electric mandolins, handclaps and, on ‘Brown Boxes,’ kazoos.” (Magnet). “…The Spinto Band makes inspired, quirky power-pop that brings to mind the effortless imagination and eclecticism of bands like the Kinks and the young Flaming Lips…” – Harp
Sun Kil Moon – Common As Light & Love Are Red Valleys Of Blood 2xLP (Caldo Verde)
Mark Kozelek’s new double-album was recorded with former Sonic Youth drummer Steve Shelley in San Francisco, CA and Hoboken, NJ and for the most part captures events from January to
August of 2016 and how the mercurial singer/songwriter processed it all while traveling. A disenfranchised Kozelek laments the Nice, France terror attack and Orlando nightclub shooting on “Bastille Day” and “Bergen To Trondheim” respectively and condemns Trump’s election and tech culture on “Lone Star.”
Heather Trost – Agistri LP (LM Dupli-cation)
Heather Trost is best known for her work composing and performing as one half of A Hawk And A Hacksaw. She has also played with Neutral Milk Hotel, Beirut, Josephine Foster, and most recently Thor Harris of Swans. Named after a Greek Island, Agistri is a song cycle of freely formed pop songs touching upon soul, samba, and pop music of the ’60s and ’70s, with a subtle shade of psychedelia. Ambient and melancholic sounds interweave with Hammond organs and ’70s Italian synthesizers, reflecting the desert landscapes of New Mexico, and the sparse shrubbery and turquoise water of the Aegean Sea and its islands.
Twista – Adrenalin Rush [Reissue/1997] 2xLP (Atlantic)
Limited double-LP reissue of the rapper’s third album. Includes guest contributions by Johnny P, Liffy Stokes, Miss Kane, Malif, Mayz and Turtle Banks.
Vampilla & The Body – xoroAHbin [2015] LP+MP3 (Gilead Media)
First-time vinyl pressing. Vampillia and The Body are two creative forces that are no strangers to the worlds of experimental and abrasive music. Although both have touched upon various types of metal styles in their previous works, also has each entity shown an obvious penchant for compositions that lean heavily into the worlds of electronics and experimental music.
Various Artists – American Epic: The Best Of The Blues LP (Third Man)
Early geniuses of Delta Blues – Robert Johnson, Geeshie Wiley & Elvie Thomas, Son House, Charley Patton and many more have been painstakingly remastered using a mix of analog and digital technology for a hybrid sound that is simultaneously contemporary, immediate but still completely true-to-form. Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing in single pocket tip-on jacket with soft touch finish.
Various Artists – American Epic: The Best Of Country LP (Third Man)
Early champions of Country Music – The Carter Family, Uncle Dave Macon, the Massey Family, Jimmie Rodgers and many more – have been painstakingly remastered using a mix of analog and digital technology for a hybrid sound that is simultaneously contemporary, immediate but still completely true-to-form. Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing in single pocket tip-on jacket with soft touch finish.
Various Artists – American Epic: The Sessions 3xLP (Third Man)
An album of exclusive new recordings produced by Jack White and T Bone Burnett of music legends and contemporary artists including Alabama Shakes, The Americans, The Avett Brothers, Beck, Frank Fairfield, Ana Gabriel, Rhiannon Giddens, Merle Haggard, Bobby Ingano, Elton John, Auntie Geri Kuhia, Pokey LaFarge, Bettye LaVette, Los Lobos, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Taj Mahal, Steve Martin & Edie Brickell, Fred Martin and The Levite Camp, Ashley Monroe, Nas, Willie Nelson, Charlie Kaleo Oyama, Blind Boy Paxton, Raphael Saadiq, and Jack White.
Various Artists – Slow Grind Fever 7 LP (Stag-O Lee)
The seventh volume in the series of slow grinding R&B/soul/exotica tunes as they are played in a club in Melbourne/Australia. Fourteen songs dating from 1957-1962.
Various Artists – Black Cat Trail [Reissue/1970] LP (Mamlish)
Various Artists – Home Again Blues (Really The Post War Blues) [Reissue/1979] LP (Mamlish)
Various Artists – New Deal Blues: 1933-1939 [Reissue/1970] LP (Mamlish)
More than a genre primer, these meticulously curated and annotated sets feature such key forces as Snooky Pryor, Elmore James, Slim Pickins, Robert Nighthawk, Sunnyland Slim, Frankie Lee Sims, Brother Willie Eason, Kansas Joe McCoy, Memphis Minnie, Peanut The Kidnapper, and more.
Various Artists – Chicago Slickers 1948-1953 [Reissue/1976] LP (Nighthawk)
Various Artists – Chicago Slickers Volume 2 1948-1955 [Reissue/1980] LP (Nighthawk)
Various Artists – Windy City Blues: The Transition 1935-1953 [Reissue/1976] LP (Nighthawk)
Vinyl reissues of ultra-rare recordings from Chicago’s mid/late-‘30s to early-‘50s blues heyday. The explosive post-war outburst of musical creativity was matched by the rise of dozens of small independent labels, but after imprints like Parkway, Tempotone and Random went bankrupt, many blues classics were relegated to obscurity.
Wet Hair – The Floating World LP (Wharf Cat)
The Floating World is a kinetic collection of six tracks that represent Wet Hair’s most exciting, melodic and beautifully-produced effort. On their follow up to 2012’s Spill Into Atmosphere, Wet Hair revitalized their hybrid psych / krautrock / synth pop sound, masterfully working shimmering synths swells and fiery drum and bass grooves into pointed explorations of growth and texture. [CD edition due June 30.]
Yowler – The Offer [2015] LP+MP3 (Double Double Whammy)
Limited color vinyl pressing. “Whether she’s howling on stage alongside bands All Dogs and Saintseneca or recording solo as Yowler, Maryn Jones knows how to wring out your insides. Regardless of how personal her lyrics are, Jones’ eagerness to usher us into her intimate world makes all of her songs feel universal, wholly relatable in their specificity.” — Stereogum
Zakk Sabbath – Live In Detroit LP (Southern Lord)
Zakk Sabbath – a Black Sabbath all-star cover band featuring guitarist/vocalist Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne), bassist Blasko (Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie), and drummer Joey Castillo (Danzig, Queens Of The Stone Age, Bl’ast!, Obliterations) – unleash their Live In Detroit LP. Limited red color vinyl pressing.
Cassettes:
Carach Angren – Dance And Laugh Amongst The Rotten (Season Of Mist)
The Dutch masters of horror are back with their most flamboyant album, pushing their unashamedly theatric style to a new intense height.
Com Truise – Iteration (Ghostly Int’l)
Six years after Galactic Melt introduced the cosmic story of Com Truise, Iteration now concludes his sprawling saga. True to its name, the album is built on Com Truise hallmarks: neon-streaked melodies, big drums, robotic grooves, bleary nostalgia.
Palehound – A Place I’ll Always Go (Polyvinyl)
Palehound is the solo moniker of 24-year-old singer, songwriter and guitarist Ellen Kempner. With its potent combination of lyrics that cut to the quick and guitar riffs that constantly delight with their inventiveness, sophomore album A Place I’ll Always Go is the perfect record to introduce Palehound.
Peacers – Introducing The Crimsmen (Drag City)
Escalating from a disembodied voice to slowly mounting full-band hypnosis, this is a trip into the goldenrod days of fandom, a dimension where a t-shirt could change your life. Since their first LP in the summer 2015, The Peacers have been gigging in SF and around, wood-shedding and collecting tunes for this divinely awaited moment: Introducing The Crimsmen. The tunes rock forth from a jukebox with a crack in the glass, with channels leaking/kaleidoscopic aspects of low-fi life directed back through the wires to form discrete detail, little shadows, backdrops, edgework.
Royal Trux – Platinum Tips & Ice Cream (Drag City)
“The duo’s first album in 17 years is a surprisingly practical gesture, a career-spanning live album that connects the accessible and impenetrable extremes of the Trux discography.” — Pitchfork
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