CDs + Vinyl:
Nicole Atkins – Goodnight Rhonda Lee CD/LP (Single Lock)
Nicole Atkins is a rare artist whose timeless songwriting and raw, emotional voice spans decades – a miasma of faded glamour and nostalgic pop noir. Nicole’s voice has always recalled a classic vinyl collection, a heir to the legacy of Roy Orbison, Lee Hazlewood, Sinatra, Aretha, Carole King and Candi Staton. However, she remains untethered to a decade or movement or the whim of the hipster elite. In order to capture the timelessness she sought for her fourth studio album Goodnight Rhonda Lee, Nicole enlisted a modern day Wrecking Crew, Niles City Sound in Fort Worth, TX who had just risen to national acclaim as Leon Bridges’ secret weapon, and co-writers like Chris Isaak and Jim Sclavunos (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds).
Nick Cave & Warren Ellis – War Machine [A Netflix Original Film/OST] CD (Lakeshore)
Nick Cave and his Bad Seeds/Grinderman bandmate Warren Ellis composed the score for the Netflix film starring Brad Pitt, Tilda Swinton, Topher Grace, and more. “Together we made a score that was both light and dark, propulsive and meditative at the same time. We developed a kind of ‘spiritual electronics’ that captured both the melancholy and the terrible absurdity of the Afghan war,” the two of them said.
Dan Croll – Emerging Adulthood CD/LP (Communion)
There are multiple moments on Dan Croll’s extraordinary second album, Emerging Adulthood, which may cause you to question his sanity. Press play on the riotous “One Of Us” and prepare for the album’s purest pop moment. Soak up the dreamy “January Comes Too Soon” and sense the spirit of Earth, Wind & Fire summoned alongside vintage soul. Delve as deep as you dare into the Tijuana-tinged “Away From Today” and discover what could be the sound of a shotgun blast and crystal raindrops nestled next to a nod to the Pearl & Dean theme. Elsewhere, Emerging Adulthood sends languid lounge-jazz in to outer space, sets a metronome at the centre of a song, blends brass and breakbeats, finds common ground between the Beach Boys and ELO and Paul Simon and Pink Floyd and tells the tale of a phantom heart attack.
Cytoxin – Gammageddon CD/LP (Unique Leader)
The German death metal act returns after a five-year absence.
Decrepit Birth – Axis Mundi CD/2xLP (Nuclear Blast)
Awakening from a 7-year slumber, the newest offering from technical death metallers Decrepit Birth is entwined with musical athleticism and characteristic esoteric themes. Axis Mundi was recorded at three different studios over the course of a year. The clarity, the power, the musicianship, and the brutality aren’t vying for attention. They’re in absolute harmony. The guitars are razor sharp yet spine-snappingly heavy. The drums are genre-defining, recalling what Sean Reinert, Gene Hoglan, and Steve Flynn did for Death and Atheist, respectively. And the bass has a great deep-end against the ceaselessly wicked rhythms. Tracks like “Hieroglyphic,” “Spirit Guide” and “The Sacred Geometry” wouldn’t crush skulls and blow minds if it wasn’t for the accomplished mixing and mastering of Stefano Morabito at 16th Cellar Studios. The icing on the cake is the astonishing cover artwork that was made by renowned fantasy artist Dan Seagrave (Morbid Angel, Entombed, The Devil Wears Prada). [Limited blue and yellow splatter colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Lana Del Rey – Lust For Life CD (Interscope)
Along with an appearance by The Weeknd on the title track, Del Rey expanded her circle of collaborators on her upbeat new album, Lust for Life, to include Sean Ono Lennon, hip-hop producer Boi-1da (Drake, Rihanna), and pop hitmakers Benny Blanco (Ed Sheeran, Major Lazer) and Max Martin (Katy Perry, Ariana Grande), among others. As a result, Del Rey’s creative partners call Lust For Life her most diverse work to date. “There is a ton of hip-hop that’s infused,” Grant says. “But there are some [songs] that go back to her jazz and folk roots.” Says Nowels, “There’s hip-hop, piano songs, acoustic guitar songs, psychedelia.” Del Rey’s collaborators say she was well aware that listeners could use some positivity in 2017.
DWNTWN – Racing Time CD (Jullian)
Hailing from Los Angeles, DWNTWN was formed by singer Jamie Leffler and guitarist Robert Cepeda before later being joined by Daniel Vancieri on drums. Following the success of the song “Til Tomorrow” from the DWNTWN EP, the band was likened to such artists as Ellie Goulding by the UK newspaper, The Guardian. Their blend of acoustic and electric guitar work, combined with prevalent drums surrounding Leffler’s vocals place their sound in the esteemed company of The Veronicas, Varuca Salt and Tegan and Sarah. Oscillating between emotionally-charged ballads and dancey indie jams, often within the same song, Leffler displays her impressive talents as both singer and songwriter with such sun-bleached tracks as “Drowning” and “Sticks And Stones” – a song which belongs on the playlist of every memory-making beach party of the summer.
Sara Evans – Words CD/LP (Born To Fly)
The first new album from the country singer in over three years was co-produced with Mark Bright (Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts).
Foster The People – Sacred Hearts Club CD (Columbia)
Los Angeles, CA dance-pop outfit Foster The People incorporate ’60s-inspired sounds and a psychedelic influence on their third studio effort Sacred Hearts Club. “One of my favorite things about music is that it’s unifying,” says frontman Mark Foster. “We wrote these songs to reflect joy in a time where people have needed it more than ever and we thought it was a good time to share them with you.” [Vinyl edition due August 11.]
Sam Frazier Jr. – Take Me Back CD/LP (Big Legal Mess)
In the story of southern soul, the studios of Memphis and Alabama’s Muscle Shoals region loom large, effectively overshadowing other musical scenes in the South, including that of Birmingham, Alabama. A leading force in the soul movement there was Neal Hemphill, who set up his Sound Of Birmingham production studio in the basement of his plumbing shop in the mid- ‘60s and continued recording until a decade later, when health problems led him to sell the operation. A regular at the studio was Sam Frazier, Jr., whose power as a southern soul vocalist is captured here in recordings he made between 1969 and 1971.
Lowell Fulson – Classic Cuts 1946-1953 4xCD (JSP)
Lowell Fulson was one of the most creative figures in post war blues. These superb and rare early sides document how his career started with some amazingly good country blues stylings and then developed into the tough, small group rhythm & blues styling that took him through the 1950s.
Goldfinger – The Knife CD/LP+MP3 (Rise)
The Knife includes 13 catchy, energetic tracks that showcase the evolution of the punk/ska band. Goldfinger’s first new album since 2008’s Hello Destiny… features several notable guest appearances, including Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker, Twenty One Pilots’ Josh Dun, Mighty Mighty Boss Tones’ Nate Albert and ONE OK ROCK’s Takahiro Moriuchi among many others. [Limited colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Harts – Smoke Fire Hope Desire CD/LP (Washington Square/Concord)
“When Prince invited Darren Hart, aka Harts, to his Paisley Park mansion in 2014, he famously said, ‘He reminds me of me at that age.’ The praise could hardly be higher for the Melbourne singer/multi-instrumentalist, and while it would be hyperbolic to call him heir to the throne after Prince’s untimely death in April 2016, on Harts’ second LP he demonstrates the maturity, skill and range to show that he’s no flash in the pan. Where 2014 debut Daydreamer was an electro-funk-dominated nod to his musical mentor – think Justin Timberlake with guitars – Smoke Fire Hope Desire is more purple haze than Purple One, with more gravelly riffs and fewer squiggly synth lines, surely concocted with live crowds in mind. Tracks like ‘All Rise’ and ‘Power’ are rollicking rock jams that combine chant-along choruses with Harts’ virtuosic shredding, while the smoky atmospherics of ‘Fear In Me’ and ‘Deeper The Hole’ reveal the musician’s broodier side, despite the overwhelmingly positive, self-empowering tone of his broad message.” – Rolling Stone
In This Moment – Ritual CD (Roadrunner)
Throughout history, art rejoices and revels in the wisdom of women. Within a deck of tarot cards, the High Priestess serves as the guardian of the unconscious. In Greek mythology, the old oracles celebrate the Mother Goddess. William Shakespeare posited portentous prescience in the form of Macbeth’s Three Witches. On their sixth fulllength album Ritual, In This Moment—Maria Brink [vocals, piano], Chris Howorth [lead guitar], Travis Johnson [bass], Randy Weitzel [rhythm guitar], and Kent Diimel [drums]—unearth a furious and focused feminine fire from a cauldron of jagged heavy metal, hypnotic alternative, and smoky voodoo blues. It’s an evolution. It’s a statement. It’s In This Moment 2017… “It’s like we’re going into the next realm,” asserts Maria. “I had a conviction of feeling empowered in my life and with myself. I always write from a personal place, and I needed to share that sense of strength. I’ve never been afraid to hold back. Sometimes, I can be very suggestive. However, I wanted to show our fans that this is the most powerful side of myself and it’s without overt sexuality. It’s that deeper serious fire inside of my heart.” “What Maria is saying comes from deep inside,” Chris affirms. “This time, we had a bunch of ideas started before we hit the studio. There was a really clear direction. It’s different.”
Stu Larsen – Resolute CD/LP (Nettwerk)
Singer-songwriter Stu Larsen’s ‘Resolute’ brings the self-professed vagabond’s experiences around the globe to life triggering feelings as if you were right there with him on his journey.
Manchester Orchestra – A Black Mile To The Surface CD/2xLP+MP3 (Loma Vista)
Manchester Orchestra has always prided themselves on their approach. The Atlanta-based band, led by singer/lyricist Andy Hull with Robert McDowell, had spent their career challenging each other to build a poignant, exhilarating narrative with each new album and EP. Since the beginning, each subsequent Manchester Orchestra album has been a grand statement for that specific moment in their career, originated in a desire to push themselves forward creatively. For a band on record number five and seeking innovation, how do you untangle yourself from the past? How do you write songs about being happy? Describing a rock record as “cinematic” usually implies a double-length, sprawling album with a full orchestra on every song; Manchester Orchestra’s A Black Mile To The Surface is cinematic in that it conjures worlds. There’s magical surrealism at work, with songs about a boy with no ears (“The Alien”) and the father/sleeping child callback of “The Sunshine.” There’s a story to parse here – three brothers, an abandoned wife and child, a mysterious journey through the depths of a miles-deep mine, a narrative of twists and turns, recurring characters, alternating timelines – but the songs and melodies stand on their own. [Deluxe colored 180gm vinyl edition, featuring an etching on the D-side, is also available.]
Marillion – Misplaced Childhood [Reissue/1985] 4xCD+Blu-ray/4xLP (Rhino)
As openings go, they don’t come any more enigmatic than the one that ushers in Marillion’s third album, Misplaced Childhood. The concept album that was conceived during a 10-hour acid trip is widely regarded as the flagbearer for the entire ‘neo-prog’ movement and features the band’s two most famous singles “Kayleigh” and “Lavender”. Includes a new remaster and 5.1 mixes by Steven Wilson presented in a case-bound book including a 60-page booklet with extensive liner notes.
Damian Marley – Stony Hill CD (Republic)
New album from the reggae star Marley (who just came off his contribution to Jay-Z’s 4:44 album on the song “Bam”).
Declan McKenna – What Do You Think About The Car? CD/LP (Sony)
Debut album from the 18-year-old alternative singer/songwriter and socially conscious artist. Of the album’s lead single, “Humongous,” Declan says, “this was the last song I wrote for the record, not to pick a favorite child, but I think this might be. Definitely a step in the direction I’m heading in. I love big powerful choruses that you can just scream and I wanted this to be one of those.” Other tracks on the album include the song “Listen To Your Friends,” produced by Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend; “Paracetamol,” produced by Neil Comber; and “Brazil,” produced by Max Marlow.
Meek Mill – Wins And Losses CD (Atlantic)
The Philly rapper’s new album features guest appearances from Lil Uzi Vert, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, Young Thug, Rick Ross, The-Dream, Quavo, Future, Yo Gotti and more.
Stanton Moore – With You In Mind: The Songs Of Allen Toussaint CD/LP+MP3 (Cool Green)
New release from Galactic-drummer Stanton Moore with David Torkanowsky (keyboards) and James Singleton (bass) features an all-star cast: Cyril Neville, Jolynda Kiki Chapman, Nicholas Payton, Donald Harrison, Trombone Shorty, Maceo Parker, and Wendell Pierce.
Mr. Big – Defying Gravity CD (Frontiers)
Produced by Kevin Elson, who’s worked with Mr. Big on their classic albums from the Eighties and Nineties, Defying Gravity features inspired songwriting, virtuosic musicianship and most importantly, tasty fretwork.” – Guitar World [Vinyl edition due August 18.]
Billy Ocean – Here You Are: The Music Of My Life CD (Sony Legacy)
10 new Billy Ocean performances alongside five of the classic hits that made him one of the most popular UK recording artists of the 1980s.
Parmalee – 27861 CD (Stoney Creek)
Parmalee’s country rock sound has its roots in the bluegrass, traditional country, southern rock and blues covers the guys grew up hearing their families play.
Ramones – Leave Home (40th Anniversary Edition) [Reissue/1977] CD/3xCD+LP (Rhino)
Following on from the 40th Anniversary Deluxe version of the Ramones’ debut comes the expanded edition of the original punks’ second album – another 30 minute opus of buzzsaw rock. Released in January 1977, Leave Home features a clutch of Ramones’ classics including “Swallow My Pride,” “Pinhead,” “Suzy Is A Headbanger,” “California Sun” (a hit for the Rivieras in the ‘60s) and of course the controversial “Carbona Not Glue.” Produced by Tony Bongiovi and Tommy Ramone, Leave Home also features the engineering talents of Ed Stasium, who would go on to work with the band over numerous other releases, and is on hand to compile this 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of the album. Along with the remastered edition of the original album, this set includes a special 40th Anniversary Remaster Mix along with the Sundragon Rough Mix and other assorted mixes. A live set recorded at CBGB’s on 4/2/77 is also included, as well as a copy of the 40th Anniversary mix on vinyl.
Chris Robinson Brotherhood – Barefoot In The Head CD+LP (Silver Arrow)
The self-produced Barefoot In The Head serves as the third collection of new material in only two years’ time for the Chris Robinson Brotherhood. The album opens with the Americana funk of “Behold The Seer,” which sounds like something of a mission statement for the CRB. On the dreamy “She Shares My Blanket,” Robinson crafts cinematic scenes from a winter love affair in the mountains, while elegant pedal steel added by special guest Barry Sless on “Blonde Light Of Day” casts a warm, romantic haze and “Blue Star Woman” sounds like T-Rex dressed in overalls living on a West Coast commune. Throughout Robinson and Co. deftly intertwine country, blues and psychedelia, even channeling freewheeling ‘60s folk on “Hark The Herald Hermit Speaks,” a breakneck stream of consciousness that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. On the English psych inspired “Glow,” which Robinson calls “one of the most special things I’ve ever done in the studio,” The CRB are joined by the celebrated sarodist Alam Khan (son of the legendary Ali Akbar Khan).
s a r a s a r a – a m o r f a t i CD/2xLP (One Little Indian)
s a r a s a r a is a 29-year-old French woman who, by day, works as a project manager for an agency making mobile apps, and by night is a performer and musical artist whose recordings echo Björk’s recent declaration in the Guardian: “I build bridges between tech and the human things we do.” That’s what s a r a s a r a does (she remains surname-less because she wants to protect the day job and renders her name with spaces between the letters, because “it looks beautiful even though it’s really challenging for search engines”). She uses Ableton, Korg and Tenori-on, those must-haves for the modern at-home composer-producer, as well as various keyboards and African instruments.
Shattered Sun – The Evolution Of Anger CD (Victory)
“A whole lot of mosh. Despite sticking a touch too religiously to the entry-level metalcore handbook, Shattered Sun’s follow up to 2015’s Hope Within Hatred still packs a considerable punch.” – RockSound.tv
Soul Remnants – Ouroboros CD (Metal/E1)
Soul Remnants is a death metal quintet from Boston who aim aimed to combine the raw intensity of American death metal with Scandinavian black metal.
Soundtrack – Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets CD/2xLP (Europacorp)
A mix of score, original pop songs and existing famous songs. The amazing score is composed by well-known French composer Alexandre Desplat (Harry Potter, Twilight, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, Grand Budapest Hotel and many more). It was recorded in the prestigious Radio France Studio 104 with the National French Orchestra (97 musicians) and the Choeur de Radio France (40 choristers) and has a continuous and determining presence in the movie. [180gm blue and white colored vinyl pressing in gatefold jacket also available.]
Soundtrack – Sid & Nancy: Love Kills [Reissue/1986] CD/LP (Geffen)
Soundtrack to the 1986 biopic on the lives of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious and girlfriend Nancy Spungen featuring songs from Clash founder Joe Strummer, former Pistols’ bandmate Steve Jones, Velvet Underground’s John Cale, plus contributions from The Pogues and Circle Jerks, as well as actor Gary Oldman.
Straight No Chaser – Six Pack: Volume 3 CDEP (Atlantic)
Six Pack: Volume 3 sees the world famous a cappella group cracking open a number of contemporary pop hits and rock classics, highlighted by “Sweet Dreams/HandClap” – their one-of-a-kind mash-up of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” and Fitz and the Tantrums’ “HandClap” – as well their show-stopping “Beyoncé Medley.” The new EP continues Straight No Chaser’s long history of bringing their unique touch and inimitable vocal style to a stunning range of contemporary standards.
Avey Tare – Eucalyptus CD/2xLP+MP3 (Domino)
Eucalyptus is the new studio album written and produced by Animal Collective’s Avey Tare. Conceived on Hawaiian mornings, written on a sunlit bedroom afternoon in Los Angeles, practiced in the dark early hours of the California twilight, recommended listening for dawn or dusk. Recorded by Animal Collective’s Deakin (Josh Dibb), featuring chamber orchestration arranged by Eyvind Kang, musicians Angel Deradoorian and Jessika Kenney, Eucalyptus is an immersive album length electroacoustic movement through leaves, rocks and dust.
Tau Cross – Pillar Of Fire CD/LP (Relapse)
Tau Cross, the multinational punk/heavy metal collective revolving around Amebix bassist/frontman Rob “The Baron” Miller, Voivod drummer Michel “Away” Langevin, and members of cult crust outfits Misery and War//Plague, return with their sophomore full-length. Pillar Of Fire is comprised of dark folk witchery to industrial punk metal brutalism; a moody melting pot of Killing Joke’s metallic post-punk and Motörhead’s anthemic, hard rock with flourishes of traditional instrumentation and an infusion of 16th century English mysticism.
Trapped Under Ice – Heatwave CD/LP/Cassette (Pop Wig)
“Clocking in at just shy of 14 minutes across 11 blistering tracks, the band’s long-awaited third LP makes up for their six year absence in fitting style, with a barrage of blistering riffs and sizzling punk attitude.” – RockSound.tv
Tyler, The Creator – Scum F**k Flower Boy CD (Sony)
14 new tracks – includes guest appearance from Frank Ocean, Rex Orange County, A$AP Rocky, and more.
Various Artists – Jesus Rocked The Jukebox: Small Group Black Gospel (1951-1965)
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.
Vera Blue – Perennial CD (Capitol)
Debut album by Australian electro-folk artist. “While there is a stylistic distinctiveness between individual tracks, the album is cohesive overall. Perennial is an ambitious debut. It follows a narrative of the initial rawness of a relationship which is then transformed into a celebration of renewal and vivacity.” — Beat
Violent Femmes – Two Mics & The Truth: Unplugged & Unhinged In America CD (PIAS America)
Violent Femmes’ new live album, 2 Mics & The Truth: Unplugged & Unhinged in America, includes rearranged classics, songs played live for the first time, spontaneous requests and random improvisations. While visiting radio stations to support their latest record I Can Do Anything, Violent Femmes and their talented backing band of multi-instrumentalists recorded this live record using special equipment and recording techniques to capture an ideal sound. “This is the first time we’ve delivered a full scale recording to the public which captures the sound and spirit of the band the way we play together when we’re working out songs in the hotel or dressing room,” says bassist Brian Ritchie. The intriguing vulnerability of a live show captured in a refined recording is unable to be matched by a polished studio session. Ritchie explains further, “This project refocuses attention upon the repertoire as a whole by stripping songs to their essentials, conveying them without artifice and removing them from any timelines. It’s the closest we’ve gotten to the essence of Violent Femmes.” [Vinyl edition due August 4.]
Neun Welten – The Sea I’m Diving In CD (Prophecy)
Third full-length release from the German dark folk collective.
Wintersun – The Forest Seasons CD/LP (Nuclear Blast)
Since the band’s inception in 2003 Wintersun has released two critically acclaimed full-length records, 2004’s self-titled Wintersun album and 2012’s Time I, each of which blended elements of power metal, melodic death metal, neo-classical metal and black metal into their own genre. The Forest Seasons is Wintersun’s third full length release, comprised of four sprawling tracks which clock in at thirteen plus minutes each. The new collection picks up on some of the atmospheric aspects of Time I while incorporating more aspects of the band’s black and symphonic metal elements. [Limited mint-green splatter colored vinyl pressing also available.]
DVDs + Blu-ray:
Status Quo – The Last Night Of The Electrics DVD (earMUSIC)
A sensational live set recorded at Status Quo’s emotionally charged, barnstorming set at London’s O2 in 2016. (CD and vinyl editions also available.)
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
Abuse Of Power – When Then Becomes Now 7” (Triple B.)
Five songs featuring catchy riffs, singalongs, and raging breakdowns in the vein of Outspoken, Chain Of Strength, and Resurrection.
The Beach Boys – Surfer Girl [Reissue/1963] 2xLP (Analogue Productions)
The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds [Reissue/1966] 2xLP (Analogue Productions)
Limited 200gm 45RPM mono and stereo pressings.
The Beach Boys – Wild Honey [Reissue/1967] LP (Capitol)
Originally mixed in mono, The Beach Boys transitional 1967 album Wild Honey is newly mixed in stereo for the very first time and pressed on 180gm vinyl.
Bolt Thrower – War Master [Reissue/1990] LP (Earache)
Originally released in 1990, Warmaster cemented Bolt Thrower’s reputation for delivering incredibly heavy war-obsessed death metal, propelling the band to the top of the genre alongside contemporaries such as Napalm Death, Morbid Angel and Entombed.
The Bucking Mules – Smoke Behind The Clouds LP (Free Dirt)
Straight-shooting stringband The Bucking Mules deliver American old-time music at it’s pure and joyous best. Their new full-length record Smoke Behind The Clouds features 17 mostly traditional songs treated with the Mules’ characteristic throw-down groove.
Chon – Homey LP+MP3 (Sumerian)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Sophomore album from the instrumental progressive band.
Doyle – Doyle II: As We Die LP (Emp Label Group)
Limited green colored vinyl pressing. New release from former Misfits guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein.
Dzang – 3G LP (Dzang Recs)
14 tracks of weekend West Coast electronic rhythm, alternately soft and summery, downtempo and upscale. Gunther’s touch is heady, hi-fi, and healing, Pacific dreams for specific times.
Eagles – Their Greatest Hits Volumes 1 & 2 2xLP (Elektra)
Two of the best-selling albums of all time together on 180gm vinyl.
Bill Frisell/Morgan Thomas – Small Town 2xLP (ECM)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Small Town presents guitarist Bill Frisell and bassist Thomas Morgan in a program of duets, the poetic chemistry of their playing captured live at New York’s hallowed Village Vanguard.
Fu Manchu – California Crossing: Deluxe Edition [Reissue/2001] 3xLP (At The Dojo)
This deluxe gatefold 3xLP reissue of stoner rock legends Fu Manchu’s classic 2001 album includes: their first demo for the release (recorded by Jim Rota of Fireball Ministry) with three unreleased songs and different arrangements of additional tracks; the second demo (recorded and mixed by Matt Hyde) with heavier and rawer versions of the final songs with “Planet Of The Ape Handler” included; and the official final Mammoth Records album remastered in 2017 for a fuller and heavier sound.
Rodrigo Gallardo & Nicola Cruz – El Origen 12” (Wonderwheel)
El Origen is a collaborative project between Chile’s Rodrigo Gallano (Matanza) and Nicola Cruz (ZZK) exploring the folkloric musical traditions of South America. The A-side is comprised of original compositions written, played and sung by Rodrigo while Nicola Cruz remixes all the tracks on the B-side, giving the sons his signature deep electronic vibe.
GlerAkur – The Mountains Are Beautiful Now LP (Prophecy)
GlerAkur is the moniker Icelandic composer and sound designer Elvar Geir Sævarsson has chosen to represent the unique cinematic music he creates apart from his engagement as a sound engineer at the National Theater of Iceland. Icelandic for ‘Glass Field’, GlerAkur draws inspiration from post rock, drone and ambient music, as well as black and doom metal, blending and bending sound into hypnotic waves of dreamlike atmosphere that Rolling Stone hailed as “brutally irresistible,” calling for comparison to “Metallica covering the live half of Pink Floyd’s 1969 album Ummagumma.”
Imagine Dragons – Evolve LP (KIDinaKORNER/Interscope)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning Las Vegas quartet returns with their vibrant third album. Billboard called lead single “Believer” ‘a whimsical-yet-authoritative anthem” while TIME backs up the claim calling it “another showstopper.”
The Indoor Garden Party – The Musical LP (Model 101)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. 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.
The Kickback – Weddings & Funerals LP (Jullian/Inkind Music)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The Kickback immediately enter the front ranks of contemporary rock ‘n’ roll with Weddings & Funerals, a furious, exhilarating, and deeply emotional collection that somehow captures all of the shared experiences that bring us together – joy and sorrow, unity and separation, love and hate, life its own self. Produced by Dennis Herring (Modest Mouse, Elvis Costello, Wavves), the album sees singer-songwriter Billy Yost rending his chest to bare his own dark heart while grappling with intense personal trauma.
The Denny Laine Band with Ron Pullman – Meant To Be / Over The Horizon LP (Ron Pullman Music)
Denny Laine, Wings-man for Paul McCartney and front man for The Moody Blues debut album, The Magnificent Moodies, has put his musical pen to paper for the first time in years.
Limbonic Art – Spectre Abysm LP (Spinefarm)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Norway’s black metal masters make their long awaited return with their first new album in almost eight years.
Clint Mansell – Black Mirror: San Junipero [OST] LP (Lakeshore)
In October 2016 Netflix debuted the six-episode third season of Black Mirror. This season featured an amazing array of composers including Max Richter (Nosedive), Bear McCreary (Nosedive), Alex Heffes (Shut Up And Dance), Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow (Men Against Fire), and Martin Phipps (Hated In The Nation). Composed by Clint Mansell, the beloved fourth episode, San Junipero, takes place in a seaside town in 1987. Two pressings: Limited purple colored and limited picture disc.
Moloch – Moloch [Reissue/1969] LP (Stax)
A supremely successful combination of rock, hard blues, psychedelic acid-washed guitar solos, and blue eyed soul, Moloch is a prime example of the wildly eclectic music coming from Memphis at the time. 180gm.
Napalm Death – From Enslavement To Obliteration [Reissue/1988] LP (Earache)
Vinyl reissue of the grindcore band’s last album to feature vocalist Lee Dorrian and guitarist Bill Steer and the first to include Shane Embury on bassist.
Oh Wonder – Ultralife LP (Republic)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Sophomore album from the British synth-pop duo.
Carl Perkins – The Best Of The Sun Records Sessions LP (ORG Music)
Prime selections of Carl Perkins’ material from his time at the legendary Sun Record Company in Memphis. The recordings have been remastered for vinyl. The album includes favorites like Roll Over Beethoven, Blue Suede Shoes, and Only You. [Limited cream colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Poliça – Bruise Blood: Reimagining Steve Reich’s Music For Pieces Of Wood LP (Totally Gross Nation)
Blazing a trail across the modern musical landscape with three albums of dark, personally political pop, Poliça has distorted the conventions of production and form to create deeply affecting songs that claw into your consciousness. This fourth release, a collaboration with Berlin-based neoclassical powerhouse s-t-a-r-g-a-z-e, dives further into the creative form that Poliça has developed since its inception. Taking minimalist pioneer Steve Reich’s Music For Pieces Of Wood as a basis and corrupting its polyrhythms across a continuous twenty minutes, the recording pushes the boundaries of both artists in a truly engrossing and transportive collaboration. Etched vinyl.
The Pursuit Of Happiness – Brave New Waves Session LP (Artoffact)
Exploding onto the Canadian rock scene with I’m An Adult Now, The Pursuit of Happiness went on to sell over 100,000 copies of their debut album. This recording of the Pursuit of Happiness’ Brave New Waves Session is taken from the original CBC Archives’ tape and remastered at Grey Market Mastering in Montreal, by Harris Newman. [Limited green colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Radiohead – OK Computer OKNOTOK 1997 2017 3xLP+Cassette+MP3 (XL)
This Deluxe Boxed Edition features a black box emblazoned with a dark image of a burned copy of OK Computer containing three heavyweight 180 gram black 12” vinyl records and a hardcover book containing more than thirty artworks (many of which have never been seen before) and full lyrics to all the tracks (except the ones that haven’t really got any lyrics). Under this weighty tome are yet more surprises: a notebook containing 104 pages from Thom Yorke’s library of scrawled notes of the time, a sketchbook containing 48 pages of Donwood and Tchock’s “preparatory work” and a C90 cassette mix tape compiled by the band, taken from OK Computer session archives and demo tapes.
Ras Kass – Soul On Ice [Reissue/1996] 2xLP (Priority)
Vinyl reissue of the acclaimed debut album by West Coast emcee Ras Kass. The album’s title is a reference to Black Panther member Eldridge Cleaver’s 1968 book Soul On Ice.
The Regrettes – Feel Your Feelings, Fool! LP (WB)
Released last January on CD – now available on vinyl. Perfectly imperfect – that’s one way to describe L.A. based punk act, The Regrettes. Writing songs that proudly bear a brazen and unabashed attitude in the vein of acts Courtney Barnett or Karen O — with a pop aesthetic reminiscent of ‘50s and ‘60s acts a la The Temptations or Buddy Holly — the four piece create infectious, punk driven tracks. Lead by outspoken front woman, Lydia Night, and comprised of Genessa Gariano on guitar, Sage Chavis on bass and drummer Maxx Morando, the group have left the rock scene floored, managing to capture the hearts of jaded rock critics while opening for acts like Sleigh Bells, Kate Nash, Jack Off Jill, Bleached, Pins and more. With a handful of singles released, the group have already caught the attention from outlets like NPR, Brooklyn Vegan, The Observer, Vogue, Noisey and more, with NYLON heralding them as a “punk act you should be listening to.”
Roxy Music – Avalon [Reissue/1982] LP (Virgin)
Vinyl reissue of the eighth and final studio album by Roxy Music. Avalon is widely considered one of their finest albums and filled with lush, elegant soundscapes that are far removed from the edgy pop of their early recordings. Features the singles “More Than This”, “Avalon”, and “Take A Chance With Me”.
Omar Souleyman – To Syria, With Love LP (Mad Decent)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. To Syria, With Love is the third album from Syrian musician Omar Souleyman. The album is a departure musically and lyrically from his previous material, with focus on more elaborate keyboard and techno elements. Completely setting politics aside, Souleyman consciously shares this personal ode to his native country with an emphasis on his emotional connection to the land and people but not without heartache in view of the nation’s current state. “It’s been six years I’ve been away, and I’m tired of looking for home and asking about my loved ones. My soul is wounded and it’s like having dust in my eyes,” Souleyman says. Limited colored vinyl pressing.
Soundtrack – Walk The Line [2005] LP (Craft)
First-time vinyl edition. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a fiery collection of Johnny Cash’s most memorable songs on this Grammy-winning soundtrack. Producer T-Bone Burnett navigated Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon and their fellow cast members through new recordings of classic country and rockabilly tunes. With additional tracks by Tyler Hilton, Johnathan Rice, Shooter Jennings and Waylon Payne, this album serves as a lively tribute and worthy companion to Cash’s original works.
Sun Of The Sleepless – To The Elements LP (Prophecy)
Sun Of The Sleepless – Shadows Past LP (Prophecy)
Sun Of The Sleepless is the solo project of Schwadorf (aka Markus Stock), the mastermind behind two of Prophecy Productions’ most popular acts, Empyrium and The Vision Bleak. The band creates poetic black metal dirges that twist with cold, raw atmospheres..
Teenage Bottlerocket – Stealing The Covers LP (Fat Wreck Chords)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Teenage Bottlerocket s put their pogo-punk stamp on 14 cover songs. Instead of going the traditional route of covering well-known hits, TBR take the opposite approach by putting their unique twist on songs from obscure and unsigned acts that have caught their fancy over the years. The result is just as satisfying as any of their original work, packed with pop-punk power and ear catching melody from start to finish.
Ten Foot Pole – Setist LP (Cyber Tracks)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New recordings of eleven of the melodic punk band’s old songs, plus two new tracks.
Twiztid – Abominationz [2012] LP (Majik Ninja)
Four and a half years after its initial release, Abominationz is available for the first time on vinyl. Limited edition picture disc pressing.
Various Artists – The Passion Of Charlie Parker 2xLP (Impulse!)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. On this Impulse! Release, Charlie Parker’s music is uniquely re-imagined by living legends of the modern jazz scene. Produced by Larry Klein, and including artists like Ben Monder, Madeleine Peyroux, Melody Gardot, and Gregory Porter, this ‘musical play’ follows the narrative arc of Bird’s life.
The White Noise – AM/PM LP+MP3 (Fearless)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Southern CA’s The White Noise have launched an audio assault onto the scene with their brand of kinetic, heavy-hitting tunes, packing a high dose of punk aesthetic. Limited white and purple colored vinyl pressing.
Kathryn Williams & Anthony Kerr – Resonator LP (One Little Indian)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. “Look past the quite frankly not-very-good cover art for The Resonator, and you will find an interesting leftwards turn in folk singer/songwriter Kathryn Williams’ career. She has set aside her own material and embraced the vibraphone of Anthony Kerr: together, the pair have taken on a set of jazz standards, making them into something new.” – Norman UK
Yoke Lore – Goodpain EP 10” (Independent Label Alliance)
Brooklyn-based Yoke Lore is the new musical venture of Adrian Galvin (Yellerkin, Walk The Moon). Yoke Lore layers the harmonies of Panda Bear, the soulful beats of M83, and the modern pop of Blackbird Blackbird to tell the stories of how we are bound. Bone colored vinyl.
Cassettes:
Trapped Under Ice – Heatwave (Pop Wig)
“Clocking in at just shy of 14 minutes across 11 blistering tracks, the band’s long-awaited third LP makes up for their six-year absence in fitting style, with a barrage of blistering riffs and sizzling punk attitude.” – RockSound.tv
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