February Program Titles Released This Week:
Boy Harsher – Careful CD/LP (Nude Club)
Boy Harsher’s second full-length album, Careful, further develops the band’s brooding dance style, set up in their previous EP Country Girl. The ten songs, spanning forty-four minutes, contain eerie narrative soundscapes that are bracing, high tempo and dynamic. The album delivers manifold emotions, from the nostalgic yearning of “LA” to the gripping intensity of “Come Closer”. The nervousness of Augustus Muller’s bent, out of tune synths paired with the lush and sometimes brittle vocals of Jae Matthews, delivers an unsettled, yet fulfilling encounter with Boy Harsher. Careful summons a new spirit for the young band – that of growth and desire.
Ex:Re – Ex:Re CD/LP (Glassnote/4AD)
New solo recordings from Elena Tonra from Daughter. Running parallel to Daughter, she’s assumed the pseudonym Ex:Re (pronounced ex ray) for her eponymously-titled debut solo album, a deeply personal record that was made with both a sense of urgency and a cathartic need. Tonra’s candid solo songs document the time after a relationship ended and are written like unsent letters to herself and others. Taking on a creative moniker, she chose Ex:Re to mean ‘regarding ex’ and also ‘X-Ray’ as a way to look inside and see what is really there. Elena said of the album, “Although the record is written for someone, a lot of the time it’s about the space without that person in it. In every scenario, there’s either the person in memory or the noticeable absence of that person in the present moment. I suppose it is a break-up record, however I do not talk about the relationship at all, and he hardly features in the scenes. He is only felt as a ghostly presence.”
Girlpool – What Chaos Is Imaginary CD/LP (ANTI-)
With their powerful harmonies and imaginative songwriting in full force, Los Angeles, CA duo Girlpool (Harmonoy Tividad and Cleo Tucker) makes new creative leaps with their new album, What Chaos Is Imaginary. Combining elements of shoegaze, folk, and ‘80s postpunk with their own melodic gifts, these two great songwriters come up with a modern classic full of great tunes and sonic surprises. NPR has already praised the songs saying, “Girlpool’s full-band transformation has illuminated its raw sound in deep and unexpected ways.” Lead single “Hire” is a great example of the band’s constant evolution and maturation. [Indie-store exclusive “pineapple” colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Mandolin Orange – Tides Of A Teardrop (First Edition) CD/2xLP (Yep Roc)
North Carolina-based singer-songwriter Andrew Marlin and multi-instrumentalist Emily Frantz, aka Mandolin Orange, release their first new music since 2016. Tides Of A Teardrom finds Mandolin Orange exploring the intimate grief at the frayed edges of their songwriting and confronting loss head-on, facing down the depths of despair and emerging with something renewed and redemptive. It’s a progressive, personal statement from one of roots music’s most thoughtful young groups. On the self-produced set, their slow-burning acoustic meditations on love and loss are belied by a newfound directness as Marlin tackles the death of his mother, who died when he was 18. Marlin’s songwriting voice emerges clearer than ever throughout; whether it’s the trilling, weighty atmosphere of the allegorical “Wolves” or the Appalachian yearning of the hymn-like “Suspended In Heaven”, Marlin and Frantz’s vocal and instrumental interplay is as dialed in as ever, the instinctual expression of deeply known but unspoken truths. [Limited blue colored vinyl pressing includes a bonus EP featuring four traditional cover songs.]
The Moth & The Flame – Ruthless CD/LP (Robot Farming)
Produced by Grammy award winner Peter Katis (Interpol, The National, Middle Kids) and Grammy nominated Nate Pyfer (Kaskade), Ruthless follows the Los Angeles, CA by way of Provo, UT band’s 2016 release Young & Unafraid, which The Guardian hailed as “rock that is dour yet dazzling…lush, layered, and often complex.” Ruthless marks The Moth & The Flame’s return from a year-long hiatus after lead singer Brandon Robbins donated his kidney to Corey Fox (an early booster of the band, and owner of the venue Velour in Provo, UT). With songwriting as his outlet during recovery, Robbins along with bandmates Mark Garbett and Andrew Tolman, hoped to shed the realities of anxiety and depression through their new album. “There are some really dark and uncomfortable moments contrasted with breakthroughs of clarity, beauty and hope,” Robbins shares. “It’s something we feel really strongly about, especially with how prevalent depression is today.”
Soen – Lotus CD/LP (Silver Lining)
Swedish-based progressive metal group Soen purge themselves of their fourth album, Lotus. Featuring nine pieces, Lotus is the latest in a line of aural therapies from the band, questioning much of today’s darkness as juxtaposed with moments of great escape and hope. The lotus flower has always been a symbol of the purity rising from muddy uncertainties, and with songs such as “Covenant”, “Rival”, “Martyrs” and the title cut all expressing perspectives of life’s darker moments, it was a natural title for this latest project. The center-point of the album remains Soen’s trademark, snap-heavy, progressive riffs, while overall Lotus promises an exciting new chapter of skin-shedding, soul-searching journeys for all who dare to commit to the ride.
White Lies – Five CD/LP (PIAS America)
Five sees West-London trio White Lies scaling new creative heights with re-energized confidence. The writing and recording process took in both sides of the Atlantic, including a creative sojourn to Los Angeles where they worked on new material with old acquaintance Ed Buller – producer of two previous White Lies albums including the band’s chart-topping debut To Lose My Life. Enlisting engineer James Brown (Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters), renowned producer Flood who can also be heard contributing synths and keys on a couple of tracks. Eminent Grammy Award recipient Alan Moulder (Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, The Killers), having worked on the band’s first two albums, returned to mix the album. [Limited colored vinyl pressing also available.]
March Program Title Released This Week:
James and The Drifters – The Glow CD/LP (Neat Neat Neat)
James and The Drifters have been traveling musical roads together for 8 years, dusting up the tour van and turning jam sessions and emotional narratives into self-produced records. The Drifters’ sound is a joyous mix of rock and roll riffs, spirited acoustic jangle, and loose-lipped harmonies that rise into the air like smoke from a distant fire. The band builds immense sounds that are as raucous as a barroom tangle and as intimate as a whispered conversation under a blanketed night sky. Album opener “Dyring Season” swirls and sways in soaring four-part harmonies and a sonically rich musical landscape that gives the song both modern sheen and dusty classicist leanings. A nod to the past and the future. “Stars” is yet another stellar mixture of pop majesty and Americana grit. Lead single “Tides” is a perfect coming together of modern rock complexities with masterful pop leanings. A rhythm you fall right into, subtle keys, and the universal theme of love that needs a place to go and grow.
CDs + Vinyl:
Akofa Akoussah – Akofa Akoussah [Reissue/1976] CD/LP (Mr. Bongo)
Rich, deep, percussive soulful folk album from the master Togolese singer.
American Authors – Seasons CD (Island)
Third album from Brooklyn-based multi-platinum group. American Authors embraced formative ’90s influences, from alternative stalwarts like Weezer and Nirvana.
Amnesia Scanner – Another Live CD/LP (PAN)
Debut album from the Berlin-based music duo, performing arts group, experience design studio and production house, created by Finnish-born Ville Haimala and Martti Kalliala. Founded in 2014, Amnesia Scanner’s approach is informed by a unique perspective on technology and the way it mediates contemporary experience. System vulnerabilities, information overload and sensory excess inform their work, which has found a home in both clubs and galleries.
Babylon – Exile To The Velveteen Lounge CD (Highvolmusic)
A visceral combination of sleaze, glam and hard rock that draws inspiration from the glory days of ‘70s classic rock to the late ‘80s Sunset Strip. Veteran musicians are shaking things up in the mid-Atlantic and the rest of the world is up next. Armed with infectious songs and gypsy street fashion, this trio of musicians are heavily inspired by the NY Dolls, Hanoi Rock, and Aerosmith.
Masaki Batoh – Nowhere CD/LP (Drag City)
On his new album Nowhere, Masaki Batoh, the leader of The Silence, and before that, of Japan’s legendary Ghost, goes deep with folk and blues traditions. Weaving a delicate, yet heavy web, winding acoustic patterns around undulating psychedelic choruses while charting an existential trip through life after death, Batoh seeks and finds transcendence in the music. Spiritual and tranquil, with a gorgeously intimate analog sound, Nowhere projects laid-back modes that might remind you of Swedish neo-classicists Dungen and Goat, projecting amber-hued, old-school melodies and a master hand on 6 and 12-string guitars.
Beirut – Gallipoli CD/LP+MP3 (4AD)
Beirut’s fifth album, Gallipoli, started life when Zach Condon returned to his old Farfisa organ, the same one he used to write his first two albums, Gulag Orkestar (2006) and The Flying Club Cup (2007). After stints writing and recording in both New York and Berlin, with time for Zach to recover from a broken arm factored in, band plus producer Gabe Wax (Speedy Ortiz, Soccer Mommy, Adrianne Lenker/Big Thief) headed to Puglia in Italy to finish the album. With the remote rural setting “the right amount of isolated”, an intense month of 12 to 16-hour days in the studio with day trips around the coastline followed. Inspired by the surroundings, Gallipoli is unintentionally more visceral than Beirut’s more recent albums, alive with an energy that is further enhanced by every creak and groan of their instruments, every detuned note, and all amp buzz and technical malfunction being left in the cracks of the songs.
Big Wild – Superdream CD/LP (Counter)
Producer Jackson Stell aka Big Wild offers up his debut album, Superdream, introduced by the pair of brand-new singles “Joypunks” and “Maker”. With “Joypunks” showcasing Big Wild’s cinematic blend of rich electronica, “Maker” focuses on slick retro synths to give the piece a deep ‘80s-wave sound. Both cuts demonstrate Stell’s craft for lush soundscapes and sweeping melodies and “Maker”, which features Stell at the fore on lead vocals, further showcases his superb vocal ability. [Limited light blue colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Blockhead – Free Sweatpants CD (Backwoodz Studioz)
A mixtape-esque album that pairs Blockhead’s narrative-driven solo aesthetic with a team of rappers that thrive in Blockhead’s layered, melodic sound. Aesop Rock, Tree, Breezly Brewin, Open Mike Eagle, Homeboy Sandman, Armand Hammer, Vic Spencer, Hemlock Ernst, MarQ Spekt, and Billy Woods round out the guest list. [Vinyl edition due February 15.]
Bright Light Social Hour – Jude Vol. I CD/LP (Modern Outsider)
The Bright Light Social Hour is a psychedelic rock band from Austin, Texas.
Harriet Brown – Mall Of Fortune CD/LP+MP3 (Innovative Leisure)
Sultry R&B solo artist Harriet Brown is back with a new batch of fully-realized future funk, a slow-burning dispatch from a dayglo dance floor.
Bugseed – Far East Joints CD/LP (Cold Busted)
Recently released on vinyl – now available on CD. Buzzing in from Okinawa, Bugseed has been making a name for himself in hip-hop circles with finely constructed beats and clever sample riffs, inspiring a multitude of releases filtering across the globe. Dusty rhythms, layered loops, and ringing instrumentation represent Bugseed’s cool new take on a classic old school instrumental hip-hop sound.
Cherry Glazerr – Stuffed & Ready CD/LP/Cassette (Secretly Canadian)
After releasing 2016’s critically acclaimed Apocalipstick, Cherry Glazerr spent the next 18 months touring the world on their own steam. Between DIY all-ages venues, rock clubs, large festival stages, and massive theaters with some of the world’s best and most beloved bands (The Pixies, Flaming Lips, Slowdive, and The Breeders, among others), the band has really only stopped to work on their follow up, Stuffed & Ready. While furiously building the band’s sound and ideas, front person Clem Creevy enlisted Carlos de La Garza to be the band’s studio co-collaborator as they evolved the songs and refined the recordings. [Limited opaque red colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Phil Collins – Serious Hits…Live! [Reissue/1990] CD/2xLP (Rhino)
The Phil Collins Big Band – A Hot Night In Paris [Reissue/1999] CD/2xLP (Rhino)
Digitally remastered editions. Collins is one of the most successful songwriters and performers of all time, singing the lead vocals on dozens of hit albums and singles in the UK and the US between 1976 and 2010, either as a solo artist or with Genesis.
Cover Girls – Greatest Hits CD (Phase One)
The mid-‘80s to mid-‘90s dance-pop group Cover Girls was the brainchild of producer/songwriter Andy Panda Triploi and promoter Sal Abbatiello. Taking cues from the burgeoning freestyle genre of music, (which itself took cues from the classic ‘80s electro of acts like Mantronix and Afrika Bambaataa, and later acted as a disco inflected progenitor to the ‘90s infusion of dance-house) the duo never achieved the major mainstream success of contemporaries of their subgenre like Lisa Lisa or Exposé, but were a constant presence on Billboard’s pop and dance charts.
Nicola Cruz – Siku CD/LP (ZZK)
Nicola continues to develop his exploration of global sounds and cultures, and his fascination for electronics, translating this knowledge into expressive sound pieces that marry earthy textures with electronic sounds. With his new album, Sika, the in-demand Ecuadorian producer broadens his horizons beyond South America exploring a rich palette of sounds the world over.
DBUK – Songs Nine Through Sixteen CD/LP (SCAC Unincorporated)
DBUK consists of the four core members of Denver’s Slim Cessna’s Auto Club: Munly J Munly, Slim Cessna, Lord Dwight Pentacost and Rebecca Vera. SCAC have spent the last two decades honing a lethal mix of country blues, gospel shouting, rock & roll and folk, becoming one of the best-known, critically acclaimed bands to rise from the musical community that brought us 16 Horsepower and Wovenhand. DBUK exists on it’s own musical plane. On Songs Nine Through Sixteen, haunting, warped murder ballads come with a louche, anti-spiritual cast. Limerence and longing co-exist with casual cruelty in compositions that feature a remarkable amount of detail of the natural world; they often begin sparingly, building into an ecstatic reverberation of instruments and voices. Reverb and shake rattles abound, lending a spaghetti western vibe on songs written by Munly, whose dark humor fills the record lest anyone mistake the menace for malice.
Dead C – Rare Ravers CD/LP (Ba Da Bing)
Recently released on vinyl – now available on CD. Disguised as the meandering outpourings of vacant thought and activity dialed simultaneously from zero and ten. Formed in the cauldron of a fevered mistake resolute. Surrounded by ignorance, dis-interest, and the attention of the carefully self-selected. Recorded and burned through a thousand galaxies of dust and doubt and endless infinite wonder, transforming both time and space. Forever exiled to the very bottom of the world to reflect on the struggling desperate pile above. Recognizing any contribution as miniscule and insignificant when placed within the greatness of the other, the dominant insolent preening satisfied, continually shouting the pre-eminence of the first world order. The latest by The Dead C – Rare Ravers: it’s a long player.
Die Klut – Planet Fear CD/LP (Cleopatra)
New release from the industrial metal supergroup featuring Jürgen Engler of Die Krupps, Claus Larsen of Leæther Strip, and Dino Cazares of Fear Factory. [Limited splatter colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Dillinger – Marijuana In My Brain [Reissue/1977] CD/LP (Radiation Roots)
Marijuana In My Brain dates placed the toaster over some of the Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee’s hottest rhythms, previously utilised for Johnny Clarke scorchers like “Satta” and “Poor Marcus” (along with the odd Ronnie Davis track); Clarke’s reading of “Going To A Ball” is here transformed into an ode to the Bouncing Ball, then one of the most popular clubs for black Londoners, and his “African Roots” anthem gets the Dillinger treatment too. Of course, the title track was the biggest hit of the bunch, an ode to the ‘wisdom weed’ driven by cosmic space synth overdubs.
Dysmorphic – An Illusive Progress CD (Unique Leader)
Dysmorphic play a mix of technical and brutal death metal.
Entracte Twist – Entracte Twist CD/LP (Requiem Pour Twister)
“Post-punk in the ‘70s style which means: jangly guitars, driving drums and a tasteful amount of synthesiser. This is the sort of music that is described as being effortlessly cool, which certainly isn’t helped by the band singing in the language of effortlessly cool, French.” – Norman UK
Guided By Voices – Zeppelin Over China CD/LP (GBV Inc.)
Zeppelin Over China is a major and majestic work in the GBV canon, spotlighting the scope and genius of Robert Pollard’s songwriting as he continues to deliver endless invention and emotional wallop in two and three-minute guitar rock gems.
Dominique Guiot – L’Univers De La Mer [Reissue/1978] CD/LP (We Release Whatever The F**k We Want)
Official reissue of super-rare and fabled prog-rock/library/synth album. Composed and played by Dominique Guiot with his Mellotron, Minimoog, clavinet, organ, and guitar, L’Univers De La Mer draws its inspiration from deep sea exploration, oceanic creatures, and underwater kingdoms.
Jealous Of The Birds – Wisdom Teeth CDEP/12” (Atlantic)
Irish singer-songwriter Naomi Hamilton, aka Jealous Of The Birds, follows-up her successful summer EP, The Moths Of What I Want Will Eat Me In My Sleep, with the new five-track EP introduced by lead track “Marrow”. Hamilton explains that “Marrow” “is my attempt to articulate what it’s like to be a human being navigating one’s inner and outer worlds.”
Martyn Joseph – Here Come The Young CD/LP (Pipe)
New album from the acclaimed singer-songwriter. On Here Come The Young, his songs are imbued with an optimism at a time when it is not easily found. Running throughout the album is a sense of hope and belief in the good of the majority, and that this will overcome the loud, cynical noise that pervades. For Joseph, songs are photographs of moments and visions be they good or bad, his lyrics encourage people to fight fear, cynicism and negativity and the rhetoric of those who hold power.
Emily King – Scenery CD/LP (ATO)
Lauded NY songstress Emily King is a Grammy-nominated artist with pop, indie and soul influences that she hones with carefully crafted compositions. King has already made fans of fellow artists like Sam Smith (“Unreal talent. In complete awe of this girl”) and Justin Timberlake (“I love her voice”).
Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba – Miri CD/LP+MP3 (Out Here)
New album from the Republic Of Mali musician and member of AfroCubism. Features guest guitarist Michael League (Snarky Puppy, Bokanté) and fiddle player Casey Driessen, whom Bassekou met while touring with Bela Fleck.
Le Butcherettes – bi/MENTAL CD/LP (Rise)
13 innovative, infectious, and artistic rock songs produced by Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads. “Essentially, this record was inspired by the death of a living mother but none of that matters anymore. A disconnection in itself is so ravage so confusing it leaves one feeling incomplete…is there hope? Is there light? Maybe it all isn’t so black and white. In the end there is a duality in all. Life is a cycle, the moon, the sun, the ocean waves transcending into sand. It will be okay,” founding member, lead singer, and guitarist Teri Gender Bender says. [Limited colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Bunny Lee & Prince Jammy with The Aggrovators – Dubbing In The Front Yard / Conflict Dub [Reissue/1977/1982] 2xLP (Pressure Sounds)
Vinyl reissue of two lost dub LPs initially released in limited white label pressings that quickly disappeared into the mythic realm of the most hard-core reggae collectors.
The Lonely Heartstring Band – Smoke & Ashes CD (Rounder)
The sophomore album from the Boston-based band defies standard genre boundaries, sliding the scale between bluegrass, folk, and Americana.
Johnny Mathis – I Love My Lady CD (Real Gone Music)
The most adventurous of Mathis’ 60-plus albums may be the one that got away. In late 1980, Johnny teamed up with the white-hot CHIC production team of Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, fresh off triumphant collaborations with artists including Sister Sledge and Diana Ross, for I Love My Lady. Mathis took his voice into new, uncharted territory on eight anthemic, club-ready tracks that pushed the envelope of rhythm and blues as they incorporated funk, jazz, disco, and dance rhythms.
Hedvig Mollestad Trio – Smells Funny CD/LP (Rune Grammofon)
With Smells Funny being their sixth album in seven years, this explosive and expansive trio have gone from strength to strength, gathering respect from both rock and jazz camps, sharing big stages with the likes of John McLaughlin and Black Sabbath, and being equally comfortable in jazz and rock clubs.
Nina Nesbitt – The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change CD/LP (Cooking Vinyl)
The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change is the eagerly awaited second album from Nina Nesbitt and it finds the Scottish singer-songwriter at her lyrical and musical best. Album highlights include the multi-layered, story-telling “The Moments I’m Missing” which was written and produced in Nina’s bedroom; the R&B tinged “The Best You Had” which was embraced by Hollywood royalty in the shape of Chloë Grace Moretz and Taylor Swift; “Loyal To Me”, “Colder” and “Somebody Special”, a love song with a twist. Further highlights are pop classics like “Loyal To Me” together with more heartfelt ballads like the empowering “Empire” and “Is It Really Me You’re Missing”, the latter which fully showcases Nina’s glorious voice. [Limited colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Ossuarium – Living Tomb CD/LP (20 Buck Spin)
A formidable death/doom monstrosity, where devastating sonic bludgeoning gives way to writhing hallucinations of disemboweling transcendence, Ossuarium conveys the calamitous aura of still burdened souls agonizingly leaving the mortal coil to the region of final darkness and perpetual rot.
Mary Puce – The Drought CD/LP (Pan)
Released last November on vinyl – now available on CD. Building from a reputation of arresting live performances and critically-acclaimed releases, Puce Mary breaks new ground with The Drought, evolving from the tropes of industrial and power electronics to forge a complex story of adapting to new realities. Remnants of noise still exist, sustaining the visceral penetration offered on previous records, however The Drought demonstrates an intention to expand on the vocabulary of confrontational music and into a grander narrative defined by technical and emotional growth.
Linda Ronstadt – Live In Hollywood CD/LP (Rhino)
This archival release features amazing performances from a concert that Ronstadt recorded in 1980 for her acclaimed HBO television special. Recorded on April 24, 1980 at Television Center Studios in Hollywood, and produced by John Boylan, the concert captures Ronstadt at the peak of her reign as America’s most popular female rock singer. [Limited edition red colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Rustin Man – Drift Code CD/LP (Domino)
New release from Paul Webb aka Rustin Man, former bass player in Talk Talk. Drift Code has a warm, wise kind of euphoria to it, coupled with an acute sense of storytelling and surreality.
Set It Off – Midnight CD/LP (Fearless)
Set It Off finds the perfect balance of rock and dark pop with their fifth record, Midnight.
Sly & Robbie – Dubs For Tubs: A Tribute To King Tubby [Reissue/1990] CD/LP (Radiation Roots)
1990’s Dubs For Tubs: A Tribute To King Tubby is a dub salute to the King issued shortly after his terrible murder; it is mostly comprised of synthesizer re-cuts of classic Jamaican rhythms, with “Dub For Joy” being a tough re-working of the Heptones’ “Love Me Girl” and “Dub To Make You Move And Groove” a take on their “Party Time”; Dennis Brown’s “Here I Come” is here mutated to “Dub For Roots People” and his “Wolf And Leopards” anthem shifted into the spongy “Dub For All Seasons”. An intriguing offshoot of “Sleng Teng” is among the other highlights.
Charlene Soraia – Where’s My Tribe CD/LP (Peacefrog)
One voice. One guitar. Ten killer songs. Recorded by the artist alone in her South London flat – with no edits, no autotune and mostly in one take – Where’s My Tribe is an album of raw and simple beauty. With song titles such as “Beautiful People”, “Tragic Youth”, and “Now You Are With Her”, Where’s My Tribe lays bare the loneliness that lurks at the empty heart of our super-connected world, chasing friends and dragons – real and illusory – down the virtual rabbit hole.
The Specials – Encore CD/2xCD/LP (Island)
Encore is the ska revival band’s first new album in 37 years to feature founding members Terry Hall, Lynval Golding and Horace Panter. 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the band’s formation and the legendary Two-Tone label in Coventry in 1979. [Deluxe CD edition includes a bonus live disc.]
Sun Ra – Monorails & Satellites: Works For Solo Piano Vols. 1, 2, 3 2xCD/3xLP (Cosmic Myth)
Considering the monumental depth of Sun Ra’s recorded oeuvre, there are surprisingly few solo piano albums. Monorails & Satellites Volumes 1 and 2 were the first commercial LPs of the artist’s solo keyboard excursions. Recorded in 1966 and released on his Saturn imprint in 1968, Volume 1 featured seven idiosyncratic originals and one standard (“Easy Street”) delivered in Sunny’s singular manner. Volume 2 was released the following year, and contains five compositions, all originals. A third volume was prepped but shelved, and this deluxe edition marks its premiere release.
Super Furry Animals – Super Furry Animals At The BBC CD (Strangetown)
A compilation of the Welsh psychedelic/electronic rock band’s radio sessions for the BBC.
The Telescopes – Exploding Head Syndrome CD/LP+CD (Tapete)
The 11th full-length from The Telescopes consists of eight songs and incantations that form a series of sonic convulsions stretching the parameters of intuitive composition to the point
of auditory illusion. “A static haze of electronic distortion drifts in and out of lucidity to a sure propulsion of stone age repetition and heady bass vibrations, the momentum held on a thread of acoustic tension.”
Thetan – Abysmal CD/LP (Anti-Corp)
Carrying on their legacy of depressive powerviolent hardcore, Abysmal explores more nuanced stylings, though never fully straying from the pulverizing delivery that they have called home for nearly 8 years.
Tiny Ruins – Olympic Girls CD/LP (Ba Da Bing!)
A rare blend of eloquent lyrical craft and explorative musicianship, the songs of Tiny Ruins are etched into the memories of crowds and critics worldwide. Traversing influences that cross genre and era, the artistry of Hollie Fullbrook and her band spans delicate folk, lustrous dream pop and ebullient psychedelia. Building on the sparse arrangements and “a novelist’s eye for detail” (Uncut) cultivated over the past several years, the group’s greatly anticipated third album is replete with vital lyricism and galvanizing rhythms. Sparkling electric guitar jangles pull against the unique thrum of Fullbrook’s acoustic as the cryptic poetry she is known for rings out. Comprising a taut and agile quiver of songs, Olympic Girls dances with searching instrumentation and a buoyant pop sensibility that fizzes with life.
Waltaa – Lose Control CD/LP (NBN)
Recently released on vinyl – now available on CD. A truly unique hybrid R&B project spiced up with touches of jazz fusion.
Within Temptation – Resist CD/2xLP (Spinefarm)
10 anthemic metal tracks driven by grand melodies and dark hooks.
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
Ambiance – Ebun [Reissue/1979] LP (High Jazz)
Fully-licensed and remastered vinyl reissue of an amazing private spiritual jazz-funk/fusion LP.
Analog Son – Funky Mother LP (Color Red)
Heavy-hitting, authentic groove music. Limited purple vinyl pressing.
Art Brut – Wham! Bang! Pow! Let’s Rock Out! LP (Alcopop)
Released last November on CD – now available on vinyl. “After a seven-year absence, a band whose quest for rock ’n’ roll fame always mixed a piss-take with genuine aspiration return in charmingly humbled fashion.” – Pitchfork
Robert Ashley – Private Parts [Reissue/1978] LP (Lovely Music)
This newly mastered LP release is a must-have for aficionados as well as a perfect introductory work to Ashley’s oeuvre. Private Parts came to be known as the yellow record. No one had ever heard anything like it; Ashley presented an unvarnished exposition of the inner workings of a man’s mind. And on the other side, those of a woman. Personnel: Robert Ashley – voice; Blue Gene Tyranny – keyboards; Kris – tablas. 180gm vinyl.
Backstreet Boys – DNA LP+MP3 (RCA)
Released last week on CD – now available on vinyl. After the very successful return of Backstreet Boys with the 2018 single “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, they release their ninth album. DNA features the new single “Chances”, written by Ryan Tedder and Shawn Mendes amongst others.
Bataan – Afrofilipino [Reissue/1975] LP (Real Gone Music)
Joe Bataan’s career offers a true All-American success story. Born on November 15, 1942 to African-American and Filipino parents in Spanish Harlem, Bataan briefly led a street gang and spent time in a correctional facility on a stolen car charge before emerging in the mid ‘60s to author his own unique blend of boogaloo, doo wop, and soul. Bataan’s sound caught the ears of Fania Records, who signed him for a string of eight successful albums before Bataan left to cofound the Salsoul label—he also came up with the name, a combination of salsa and soul—where he recorded three albums, of which this 1975 record was the first. Limited opaque yellow colored vinyl edition.
David Behrman – On The Other Ocean [Reissue/1978] LP (Lovely Music)
180gm vinyl reissue. “I’ve been engaged for many years in an exploration of ways to make music and intermedia installations in which software and electronic devices interact with human performers. I’ve wanted to make works that have personalities, which remain distinct and recognizable, yet are open to surprising changes that can come about when they are performed or exhibited.” – David Behrman
Ken Boothe – Black Gold & Green [Reissue/1973] LP (Real Gone Music)
Memphis-meets-Kingston reggae soul at its very best repressed on limited black and green colored vinyl.
Broods – Don’t Feed The Pop Monster LP (Neon Gold/Atlantic)
Third studio album by New Zealand indie-pop duo comprised of siblings Georgia and Caleb Nott. “We wanted to make songs that are true to us and without hiding behind any kind of façade,” shares Georgia. “We made a point of just completely trusting ourselves and each other and we’re so ready for everyone to hear the album.” Lead single ‘Peach’ had Harper’s Bazaar proclaiming, “If this is a mere glimpse at Broods’ next chapter, we can’t wait to see what’s next” while Georgia notes that second single “Everything Goes (Wow)” is “about accepting the mortality of everything and finding peace in that.” Don’t Feed The Pop Monster follows-up 2016’s Conscious and 2014 debut Evergreen which produced the fan favorites “Free” and “Bridges” respectively.
Donald Byrd – Fuego [Reissue/1960] LP (Down At Dawn)
Down At Dawn present a reissue of Donald Byrd ‘s Fuego, recorded in 1959 and released by Blue Note in 1960. Fuego features trumpeter Donald Byrd at the head of an all-star quintet with Jackie McLean on alto sax, Duke Pearson on piano, Doug Watkins on bass, and Lex Humphries on drums. A fine classic Blue Note album with the magnificent Byrd-McLean horn section driving the combo through different sound territories from a hard bop to soul jazz to post bop.
The Cardigans – First Band On The Moon [Reissue/1996] LP (Mercury)
Limited 180gm vinyl pressing in a gatefold jacket. First Band On The Moon is the third studio album by The Cardigans and is their best-selling album in the US. Featuring the international single “Lovefool”, the album was a major breakthrough for the band in both their native country of Sweden and internationally. This version was remastered at Sterling Sound in NY.
Eugene Chadbourne – Solo Guitar Volume 2-1/3 LP (Feeding Tube)
Eugene Chadbourne is one of the great guitar players of the modern era. At the time he began recording in Canada in 1975, his music was a unique syncretic formulation. While its most obvious component was free improvisation in a style then most widely associated with English and European players, his music also contained elements of jazz, country, folk, blues, psychedelic and international sounds, referencing these threads in ways that were so diverse and intensely personalized it would take scholars decades to decode them. Volume 2-1/3 is the second of four LPs devoted to documenting some of the music Dr. Chadbourne was creating during the years he was based in the provinces of Canada, while avoiding the conscriptive powers of Richard Nixon and his ilk.
Deer Tick – Mayonnaise LP+7” (PTKF)
Limited edition white colored vinyl pressing featuring a bonus 7” single. “On Mayonnaise, you will find alternate versions of songs from Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 that we feel have their own merit and we wanted to share them with our fans. To add to this collection, we decided to record some of the cover songs that Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 inspired us to play along the Twice Is Nice Tour. We had such a good time playing these covers live that it felt appropriate to document them here. And, lastly, if we are going into the studio, why not write a few new songs, record them, and give the fans something new to round this whole collection out?”
Van Duren – Waiting: The Van Duren Story (Original Documentary Soundtrack) LP (Omnivore)
Memphis musician Van Duren had it all going for himself. He was managed and produced by Andrew Loog Oldham (The Rolling Stones) in the 1970s, he was a contemporary of Big Star and was in a post-Big Star band (Baker Street Regulars) with Chris Bell and Jody Stephens, and had made a debut album, Are You Serious?, that had some people comparing him to Paul McCartney. But instead of being the next big thing, he faded into obscurity. [CD version due March 29.]
Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream [Reissue/2008] LP+MP3 (Astralkwerks)
Australian alt-electro pioneers Empire Of The Sun (Luke Steele & Nick Littlemore) celebrate the tenth anniversary of their multiple-ARIA-award winning debut album Walking On A Dream with a limited-edition 180gm blood orange colored vinyl repress.
Everygrey – In Search Of Truth [Reissue/2001] 2xLP (AFM)
Two colored vinyl pressings (blue and silver) of the Swedish dark melodic metal band’s 2001 album.
Fokis – Underground With Commercial Appeal LP/Cassette (Loyalty Digital Corp)
Lower East Side emcee/producer Fokis releases his sophomore album which features Guilty Simpson, Skyzoo, Torae, Chi-Ali, Sadat X, Cortez, Punchline and more, is a perfectly crafted fusion of underground and commercial music.
Paula Frazer and Tarnation – What Is And Was [Reissue/2017] LP+MP3 (Slimstyle)
180gm translucent red colored vinyl. “My introduction to the music of San Francisco-based singer-songwriter Paula Frazer started with her breakthrough second album, 1995’s Gentle Creatures (4AD), released under the band name Tarnation. I remember being blown away after listening to the very first track – the transistor-radio sounding ‘Game of Broken Hearts’, which featured nothing but Paula’s lonesome, melancholic vocals lilting over a strummed guitar. Evoking nuances of Patsy Cline and the Old West, this was probably my first intro to the musical genre of alt-country. I was immediately hooked. Over the years that followed, Paula released several additional albums. While the artist/band names may have varied over the years, the one constant is Paula’s brilliant songwriting and trademark vocal style, contributing to the unique and immediately identifiable sound across all of her recordings.” – Soundthread
The Grouch – Making Perfect Sense [Reissue/1999] 2xLP (HHV)
The Grouch – Crusader For Justice [Reissue/2003] 2xLP (HHV)
Limited colored vinyl reissues. Being a founding member of the Living Legends crew, The Grouch has made his name from the mid- ‘90s on as one of the leading artists out of the flourishing Westcoast Underground scene.
Steve Hackett – At The Edge Of Light LP (Inside Out U.S.)
Released last week on CD – now available on vinyl. 25th studio album by former Genesis guitarist and songwriter. The successor to 2017’s Night Siren features 10 new tracks uniting a vast amount of styles ranging from guitar driven rock to epic orchestration, from world music to the reflective and atmospheric, all brought together in Hackett’s unique style.
Honey Lung – Memory LP (Kanine)
Drawing influence from Car Seat Headrest, Sparklehorse, Elliot Smith and The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Honey Lung used their charity shop guitars and a modest home recording set-up to create songs for Memory.
Hoodoo Gurus – (Stoneage Romeos) [Reissue/1984] LP (Big Time Phonograph)
Hoodoo Gurus – Mars Needs The Stars [Reissue/1985] LP (Big Time Phonograph)
Hoodoo Gurus – Blow Your Cool! [Reissue/1987] LP (Big Time Phonograph)
Limited colored vinyl reissues now available. Hoodoo Gurus is an Australian garage rock band formed in Sydney in 1981 and disbanded in 1997. They reformed in 2003 but haven’t released an album since 2010. Their 1984 debut album, (Stoneage Romeos) is jam full of great garage punk songs with a big fat rhythm section and a wall of guitars through a massive echo chamber, and great songs about weird things. The band’s m.o. on follow-up Mars Needs The Stars remained the same- ’60s-era pop, garage rock, and cowpunk remained their key musical reference points. The band went for a more radio-friendly sound on their 1987 album, Mars Needs Guitars, which was produced by Mark Optiz (AC/DC, INXS).
J Dilla – Welcome 2 Detroit: Smoked-Out Edition 2xLP (BBE)
Limited double smoked-out (black and clear) colored vinyl LP pressing of the 2001 debut solo album from Slum Village producer J Dilla (AKA Jay Dee). The album cemented J Dilla’s reputation amongst those in the know as a virtuoso beatmaker.
Jedi Mind Tricks – Violent By Design [Reissue/2000] 2xLP (Babygrande)
One of the seminal underground hip-hop albums of the past twenty years, Violent By Design has been digitally remastered and repressed on red colored vinyl.
Blind Willie Johnson – Jesus Is Coming Soon LP (Down At Dawn)
Jesus Is Coming Soon consists of a selection of 17 tracks from the 1929/1930 recording sessions including the unprecedented masterpiece of “Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground”.
Khana Bierbood – Strangers From The Far East LP (GuruGuru Brain)
Released last week on CD – now available on vinyl. Khana Bierbood (translated as Strange Brew in Thai), formed in 2012, in Bangsaen Beach in Thailand. After hours of jamming together they started create their unique sound influenced by ‘60s surf music, ‘70s garage rock with Thai traditional music.
KVBeats – The Breadwinner LP (Ill Adrenaline)
Hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, producer KVBeats returns with a banging album, coming off the success of his critically acclaimed debut album The Résumé (2010). His dope collaborations with some of the best veteran spitters around (Royce Da 5’9″”, Slum Village, Mic Geronimo, Pacewon, Oddisee, Prince Po, Smooth Da Hustler etc.) gained the passionate vinyl enthusiast airplay on prestigious radio shows like DJ Premier’s Live From HeadQCourterz and Late Night With Peter Rosenberg.
Dr. Timothy Leary – Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Reissue/1967] LP (Real Gone Music)
Limited red, blue and green “kaleidoscope” edition. One-part psychologist, one part psychonaut, and one-part huckster, Dr. Timothy Leary was one of the most fascinating and enigmatic figures to emerge from the ‘60s, and the fact that he released a soundtrack to a film that nobody ever saw fits right in with his modus operandi.
The Legon – Three The Bronx Way LP (Legion)
Hailing from hip-hop’s birthplace The Bronx, NY, The Legion are back to solidify their already-storied legacy. Molecules, Dice Man and Chucky Smash once again combine forces to deliver their BX slick talk over Cules’ gritty tracks. They enlist the help of fellow artist Dres (Black Sheep) as well as Sadat X (Brand Nubian) and embark on a journey to further uphold the sound that the BX made popular some 40 something years ago. Traditional sounds with beats and cuts included.
Joe Lovano/Marilyn Crispell/Carmen Castaldi – Trio Tapestry LP (ECM)
Released last week on CD – now available on vinyl. The great saxophonist Joe Lovano has appeared on a number of ECM recordings over the last four decades, including much-loved albums with Paul Motian, Steve Kuhn and John Abercrombie. Trio Tapestry is his first as a leader for the label, introducing a wonderful new group and music of flowing lyricism, delicate texture, and inspired interplay.
Blind Willie McTell – Drive Away Blues LP (Down At Dawn)
Blind Willie McTell was a master interpreter in various styles from country blues to gospel to ragtime. Drive Away Blues is a new collection of his recordings.
Mighty Ryeders – Help Us Spread The Message [Reissue/1978] LP (Ubiquity)
The birth of the minor funk group, The Mighty Ryeders – whose classic floor-filler “Evil Vibrations” was sample by De La Soul on “A Rollerskating Jam Named Saturday” – took place in April of 1977. Within a month after those first breaths, the gifted eight-member outfit began setting the stage to be the best or among the best recording and entertainment groups of their time. With this concept, and a wholesome amount of musical talent, this album of diverse songs was created. 1978’s Help Us Spread The Message displays a wide range of creative songs expanding the spectrum of funk, disco, soul, pop and easy listening.
The Morning Echoes Of Detroit – Echoes Of The Gospel [Reissue/1967] LP (Third Man)
Founded in 1951 by independent record store owner and radio show promoter Ernie Young, Nashville, TN’s Nashboro Records recorded some of the most potent and forceful gospel music of the time period. Although initially begun in response to overwhelming demand for gospel locally, Nashboro quickly became nationally applauded for its curatorial prowess (under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Morgan Babb of the gospel group, The Radio Four) and signature production style. The lightly-reverbed, clear sound of a Nashboro record is unmistakable. The Morning Echoes, led by Willie “Slim” Ayers, formed in the late ’40s, released their first record in 1951 and moved to Detroit in 1952. They started regularly broadcasting over radio station WJLB and became a part of the Nashboro Records family several years later. Echoes Of The Gospel was originally released in 1967 and was the first long playing record from these Motor City favorites.
Neighb’rhood Childr’n – Neighb’rhood Childr’n [Reissue/1986] LP (Sundazed Music Inc.)
Marinated in such diverse influences as the mind-splintering mushroom folk-rock blast of the Jefferson Airplane and the feel-good pristine pop of the Turtles, original copies of the Neighb’rhood Childr’n’s lone album trade hands these days for sums usually mentioned in ransom notes. Hailing from the tiny town of Phoenix, Oregon, the Childr’n made deep inroads into the early San Francisco scene, opening for the Who, The Grass Roots, and the Beau Brummels.
N.O.R.E. – 5E LP (Mass Appeal)
One of Queens, NY most popular MC’s, N.O.R.E. (aka Noreaga) returns with his new album 5E.
NRBQ – Scraps [Reissue/1972] LP (Real Gone Music)
NRBQ – Workshop [Reissue/1973] LP (Real Gone Music)
Limited colored vinyl reissues. The wildly eclectic New Rhythm & Blues Quintet, better known to its worldwide legion of adoring fans as NRBQ (or just the Q!), is the only band on the planet that can play rockabilly, bar-band blooze, Beatles sound-alikes and Sun Ra-style free jazz in the same set and remain standing.
OCS – Live In San Francisco 2xLP (Rock Is Hell)
A mesmerizing live set by OCS – John Dwyer and Brigid Dawson with a 7-piece backing band featuring Paul Quattrone, Tim Hellman, Tom Dolas, Heidi Maureen Alexander, and a string section comprised of Heather Lockie, Emily Elkin and Eric Clark. Recorded by Eric Bauer at the Chapel in SF, December 17, 2017.
Palisades – Erase The Pain LP (Rise)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Palisades is an American post-hardcore band from Iselin, New Jersey. Produced by Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, Of Mice & Men, In Flames), lead single “War” is “about the notion that people can be completely consumed by the habits that they form. Most of us seem to find ways to cope in our lives by forming temporary fixes to numb the pain.” says singer Lou Miceli Jr. [Limited colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Charley Patton – I’m Going Home LP (Down At Dawn)
At the very root of American music through the voice of one its originator. The so called “Voice of the Delta” aka Charley Patton. A great introduction to his world and music with a bunch of literally immortal songs coming from Patton’s legendary early ‘30s recording dates. “Mississippi Boweavil”, “Tom Rushen Blues”, and “High Water Everywhere” are just a few of the timeless classic tunes selected here.
Neyla Pekarek – Rattlesnake LP (S-Curve)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Neyla Pekarek, formerly of The Lumineers, releases her debut album. A fitting subject for Neyla’s first solo release, Rattlesnake is a concept record about one of the strongest independent women and unsung heroes of the old west, Kate Slaughterback, better known as Rattlesnake Kate (who earned her nickname on October 28th, 1925 when she single-handedly defended herself and her 3-year-old son against 140 migrating rattlesnakes. Kate killed all 140 snakes using a shotgun). The 13 original songs on Rattlesnake, produced by Matt Ward (M. Ward, She & Him), were written as a “Folk Opera” shining a light on some of the incredible tales from Kate’s life, including her triumph over a pack of rampaging rattlesnakes, a 40-year love letter correspondence she maintained with a man she never actually met, and more.
P.O.S – Never Better [Reissue/2009] LP (Rhymesayers)
Originally released in February 2009, P.O.S’ third album, Never Better, was met with critical acclaim for its aggressive fusion of grinding beats and radical lyrics.
Elvis Presley – G.I. Blues [Reissue/1960] LP (Friday Music)
Audiophile 180gm pressing of Elvis’s third soundtrack album. [Limited yellow colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Ike Quebec – Blue & Sentimental [Reissue/1962] LP (Down At Dawn)
Mood and atmosphere seem to be the key words for the most of Quebec’s music, while Blue & Sentimental, as the title suggests, speak volumes about the smoky late-night feeling of the whole album. The sensuous voice of Quebec’s tenor sax shine through a dense sequence of blues numbers and soulful ballads.
Sonny Rollins – Rollins Plays For Bird [Reissue/1956] LP (Down At Dawn)
Recorded a year after Charlie Parker ‘s passing, Rollins Plays For Byrd was the young Sonny’s tribute to the bebop genius. For the occasion, Rollins leads a fine quintet featuring Kenny Dorham on trumpet, Wade Legge on piano, George Morrow on bass, and the great Max Roach on drums representing here the closest connection with Parker.
Shangri-Las – Shangri-Las – 65! [Reissue/1965] LP (Radiation Deluxe)
The Shangri-Las – Leader Of The Pack [Reissue/1965] LP (Radiation Deluxe)
The queens of Queens, The Shangri-Las formed in 1963 in Cambria Heights. Made up of two sets of sisters from Andrew Jackson High School, the Shangri-Las hooked up with producer George Shadow Morton in 1964 and signed to Lieber & Stoller’s legendary Red Bird Records label. Pure NYC girl-group perfection. 180gm vinyl reissues.
Horace Silver Quintet – Doin’ The Thing At The Village Gate [Reissue/1961] (Down At Dawn)
Doin’ The Thing At The Village Gate consists of a 1961 live recording featuring the great pianist and composer Horace Silver and his most acclaimed quintet with trumpeter Blue Mitchell, tenor saxophonist Junior Cook, bassist Gene Taylor, and drummer Roy Brooks. A strong four-track live set full of soul, funk, hard bop vibes.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe – With The Tabernacle Choir LP (Down At Dawn)
All the deep fervor of gospel is contained in Sister Rosetta Tharpe ‘s voice. A unique blend of devotional spirit and secular dance music. Among inspirational songs, up-tempo rhythms, ballads, and with the vocal support of the Tabernacle Choir, this disc represents a fine introduction to Tharpe’s soulful take on gospel, blues, and even jazz.
Swamp Thing – Horse Power LP (Urbnet)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Toronto’s three-headed rap monster, Swamp Thing (Timbuktu, Chokeules & Savilion) have delivered a special sonic treat. Horse Power is their seventh full length studio album and anticipated follow up to their 2017 release, The Octagon. Produced by Savilion and Timbuktu, the thirteen track LP showcases the electric chemistry, creativity, and swagger that the three emcees bring to the table, along with some talented features including the all-star turntablist DJ iRATE, Wordburgular, and D-Sisive.
Stephanie Taylor – I Don’t Know Where I Stand LP (MajikBus Entertainment UK Ltd.)
A classic album of sunshine pop with incredible jazz infused vocals of covers including Lennon/McCartney, Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell with musical backing arranged and conducted by Doug Riley. Released last June on CD – now available on vinyl.
Two People – First Body LP (Terrible)
“A sublime collection of forward-thinking electronica.” – Hhhhhappy
Various Artists – Iconic Performances From The Monterey International Pop Festival 2xLP (Monterey International Pop Festival Foundation)
Released in 2017 on CD – now available in vinyl. 13 performances from the historic 1967 California concert, issued to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Contains unissued performances by The Grateful Dead and Laura Nyro, plus classics by Jimi Hendrix, Buffalo Springfield, Simon and Garfunkel, Jefferson Airplane, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Otis Redding, The Who, The Mamas & The Papas and more.
Various Artists – Spaciousness: Music With Horizons LP (Lo Recordings)
Spaciousness is the first volume in a series of releases that seeks to explore the connections, the overlaps, the roots and the future of a music variously referred to as ambient, deep listening, new age and even post classical. Features Abul Mogard, Matthew David, Private Agenda, Cathy Luca, MJ Lallo, Jon Tye & Ulrich Schnauss, India Jordan, Blackwater, Susumu Yokota, Laraaji & Seahawkes, Andras, Teleplasmiste, Yamaneko and Carlos Nino & lasos.
Various Artists – Trashcan Records Volume 1: Wild Safari 10” (Stag-O-Lee)
Various Artists – Trashcan Records Volume 2: Wild Safari 10” (Stag-O-Lee)
A new compilation series devoted to obscure first-rate exotic rarities from the 1950s and early 1960s.
Warsaw – An Ideal For Living – The Demos LP (Lively Youth)
Before there was Joy Division, there was Warsaw. The group was founded after a 1976 Sex Pistols gig, and the late great Ian Curtis joined the group soon after. By their first official gig, in 1977, they were already the talk of NME and a rush to sign and record led the group to RCA. Recording in Manchester’s Arrow Studios in May 1978 brought a full album’s worth of songs but the band ultimately didn’t like the direction of the production and asked to be released from their contract. Here is that mythical unreleased album along with the earliest demos from the group, recorded in 1977.
Writhing Squares – Out Of The Ether LP (Trouble In Mind)
Released last week on CD – now available on vinyl. Writhing Squares have been conjuring up cosmic slop from the Philadelphia underground for a few years now, mixing growling bass, motorik synthesis, and skronking sax into a heady brew of punk-laced progressive R’n’R.
Andrew Wasylyk – The Paralian LP (Athens Of The North)
Andrew Wasylyk is the alias of Scottish writer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Andrew Mitchell. In 2018, Andrew was extended a residency invite from arts center and historic house, Hospitalfield, Arbroath, Scotland to create new music for their restored, 19th century, Erard Grecian harp. During Wasylyk’s five-month sojourn he created melodies and progressions echoing the building’s unique relationship with the looming North Sea horizon. Using not only the harp, but the house’s original grand piano, Andrew explored the Angus landscape and beyond, gathering field recordings on trips to neighboring Seaton Cliffs and Bell Rock Lighthouse (the world’s oldest surviving sea-washed lighthouse). Winter slipped into spring, and harp-led compositions gave way to an ambitious third, full-length album, exploring a range of themes utilizing a broad palette of instrumentation, including flugelhorn, euphonium, oboe, string trio, vintage synthesizers, drones and upright piano.
Ron Wood & Ronnie Lane – Mahoney’s Last Stand [Reissue/1976] LP (Real Gone Music)
What do two Faces do when their lead singer (bon vivant Rod Stewart) doesn’t show up for the Ooh La La recording sessions? They work on a soundtrack for an obscure film by actor and friend Alexis Kanner (most famous for his guest roles on the late-’60s TV series The Prisoner) and draft the uppermost rank of British rock royalty to play on it.
Cassettes:
Fokis – Underground With Commercial Appeal LP/Cassette (Loyalty Digital Corp)
Lower East Side emcee/producer Fokis releases his sophomore album which features Guilty Simpson, Skyzoo, Torae, Chi-Ali, Sadat X, Cortez, Punchline and more, is a perfectly crafted fusion of underground and commercial music.
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