Social Media Program Titles Released This Week:
Nick Hakim – Will This Make Me Good 2xLP (ATO)
While Will This Make Me Good is distinctly Nick Hakim, it does represent a tonal shift from breakthrough release Green Twins (2017) that reflects the ideas with which he grappled with while making the record. The title is a question Hakim has asked himself since he was young and struggling in school; a reflection of what’s happening in his head as he sorts through his life and the tumult around the globe. It articulates a sense of confusion alongside a desire for hope and clarity. [CD edition due May 22.]
Waylon Jennings – The Outlaw Performance: Live At The Grand Ole Opry 1978 DVD (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
In 1978, at the pinnacle of the outlaw movement in country music, Waylon Jennings gave an exclusive performance in Nashville, Tennessee. This performance was taped, capturing Waylon and his band in front of a sold out house. Now this unique concert footage is combined with Waylon’s own words revealing stories, tales and legacy. Bonus features include “Friends Remember The Outlaw”, featuring archival interviews from George Jones, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson & Richie Albright.
Moby – All Visible Objects CD/2xLP (Mute)
Moby’s new dance-heavy album, All Visible Objects, was created in Studio 3 where Pet Sounds was recorded, using the same board that was used in the making of Ziggy Stardust and the same piano that Frank Sinatra used to record some of his most notable hits. Keeping with Moby’s history of donating to charity (in 2018, he started selling off his records and collection of synthesizers and drum machines, donating the proceeds to charity), he is using this album as a sounding board to bring attention to a long list of charities dedicated to preserving our planet and all its inhabitants.
CDs + Vinyl:
ACxDC – Satan Is King CD/LP (Prosthetic)
Satan Is King is the antidote to excess, greed and mindless indulgence. Politically charged while distributing sonically raw dispatches at break-neck speed, the album is a 15-part manifesto of fury and a visceral open sore of aggression, embracing grindcore, power violence and more.
Adult. – Perception is/as/of Deception CD/LP (Dais)
An anxiety fueled cyclone of pandemonium, Perception is/as/of Deception might be perceived as Adult.’s most punk-infused and introspective work to date. The elements of frustration and apprehension that have consistently woven throughout their material are at full mast, although augmented by a strident and more head-on approach.
Lamont Butler – It’s Time For A Change CD/LP (Acid Jazz)
Born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1949, Lamont Butler is the son of well-known gospel, blues and R&B singer and pianist Clifford Butler Sr. He cut his teeth with groups such as The Enterprise, The Dynamics and The New Beginnings, eventually going solo with Lamont Butler and The Spirit of Truth. His only official album release, It’s Time For A Change, has been very popular with record collectors around the world. Miles Away Records are pleased to be working with Lamont for this long overdue album reissue. It was remastered by Nick Robbins at Sound Mastering and features an in-depth sleeve.
Champlin Williams Friestedt – 2 CD (Black Lodge)
New album from the AOR supergroup. Champlin Williams Friestedt consists of renowned Toto singer Joseph Williams, composer of film and drama scores and can also be heard in Disney’s animated feature film The Lion King as the singing voice of adult Simba. Teaming up with none other than Bill Champlin formerly of the legendary band Chicago and critically acclaimed guitarist, producer and recording artist Peter Friestedt, the album II also includes contributions from vocalist, Michael McDonald, drummer John JR Robinson (Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones), Randy Goodrum (Toto, Chicago), Tamara Champlin and Polar price 2020 winner Diane Warren among many others. [Vinyl edition due May 22.]
Travis Denning – Beer’s Better Cold CDEP (Mercury Nashville)
Travis Denning releases his debut six-track EP, Beer’s Better Cold, which showcases his signature sound, as husky vocals and infectious charm resonate on every song.
Dinosaur – To The Earth CD (Edition)
Dinosaur’s new offering finds them in a more acoustic setting, presenting brand new material that reflects on 10 years of miraculous interplay, whilst maintaining the sonic elasticity of their previous, more plugged-in album Wonder Trail. Playing the compositions of bandleader and multi-award winning composer, Laura Jurd, Dinosaur explores Laura’s distinctive yet ever-evolving music with playful abandon and technical prowess, earning them a reputation as some of the most remarkable UK jazz musicians of their generation.
Hanni El Khatib – Flight CD/LP+MP3 (Innovative Leisure)
Hanni El Khatib’s fifth album, Flight, is a rollicking sampledelic opus that recalls the beautiful chaos that the Dust Brothers created on Paul’s Boutique and Odelay. Or maybe the euphoric bricolage of the Avalanches’ Since I Left You crossed with the aggrieved darkness of the early Prodigy. Of course, it’s all filtered through the singular style that El Khatib has developed over the previous ten years. The irony, of course, is that for a record that sounds like little else El Khatib has ever done, it’s the most complete embodiment of who he is as an artist. It’s a record both dense and intricate yet direct and spontaneous. It is garage rock, it is hip-hop, it is soul, it is blues, it is psychedelic, but more than anything, it’s brilliant.
Ruthie Foster Big Band – Live At The Paramount CD (Blue Corn Music)
Recorded live on the 105-year-old stage of Austin’s grand-dame Paramount Theater, where Foster fronted an ensemble featuring a guitarist, keyboardist, bassist and drummer, plus ten horn players, three backing vocalists and one conductor.
Erroll Garner – Magician [Reissue/1974] CD (Mack Avenue)
The selections Garner committed to tape in the fall of 1973 include what may be some of his best original compositions, alongside a series of timeless contemporary takes on American Songbook classics. Though it would turn out to be the final studio album of his life, it makes clear that Garner was continuing to innovate on his distinctly individualistic style, and surely would have for decades to come.
Hellgarden – Making Noise, Living Fast CD/LP (Brutal)
100% real thrash music from Brazil.
Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit – Reunions CD/LP (Southeastern)
Reunions is Isbell’s seventh full-length studio album and the fourth released with his band, The 400 Unit and includes background vocals from special guests David Crosby and Jay Buchanan (Rival Sons). Of the release, Isbell shares, “There are a lot of ghosts on this album. Sometimes the songs are about the ghosts of people who aren’t around anymore, but they’re also about who I used to be, the ghost of myself. I found myself writing songs that I wanted to write fifteen years ago, but in those days, I hadn’t written enough songs to know how to do it yet. Just now have I been able to pull it off to my own satisfaction. In that sense it’s a reunion with who I was back then.”
Clarice Jensen – The Experience Of Repetition As Death CD/LP (FatCat)
Following up her hugely impressive 2018 debut For This From That Will Be Filled, which included collaborations with Jóhann Jóhannsson and Michael Harrison, all of the material on The Experience Of Repetition As Death was written and performed by Clarice alone and all of the sounds on it were created with a cello through a variety of effects and pedals. Clarice has recorded and performed for a host of stellar artists including Jóhann Jóhannsson, Max Richter, Björk, Arcade Fire, Nick Cave, Jónsi, Stars of the Lid, Dustin O’Halloran, Joanna Newsom, Nico Muhly, Dirty Projectors, Frightened Rabbit and Beirut.
King Diamond – They Eye [Reissue/1990] CD (Metal Blade)
The Eye is the fifth studio album by King Diamond released in 1990. It continues to feature a major storyline such as other King Diamond albums, though it is told differently. The Eye is the only album to feature drummer Snowy Shaw and the last to feature guitarist Pete Blakk and bassist Hal Patino until his return on Abigail II: The Revenge. [Vinyl edition due June 12.]
Leæther Strip – Appreciation IV CD/LP (Cleopatra)
Industrial icon Claus Larsen presents the next chapter in his long-running covers project. As with the other volumes in this series, Larsen dramatically reworks the songs of his musical influences including Björk, Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, Killing Joke, and more
Hamilton Leithauser – The Loves Of Your Life CD/LP (Glassnote)
Hamilton Leithauser has proven himself as a master collaborator and solo artist throughout his nearly 20 year career following his time as the frontman of the Walkmen. The Loves Of Your Life was written and produced by Hamilton in his home studio and is a collection of stories about real people he’s met over his years living in New York City.
Greg Loiacono – Mystic Traces CD (Blue Rose Music)
Longtime Mother Hips and Green Leaf Rustlers guitar player and singer Greg Loiacono releases his new solo album. Limited 180gm colored vinyl pressing. [Vinyl edition due May 29.]
Moby – All Visible Objects CD/2xLP (Mute)
Moby’s new dance-heavy album, All Visible Objects, was created in Studio 3 where Pet Sounds was recorded, using the same board that was used in the making of Ziggy Stardust and the same piano that Frank Sinatra used to record some of his most notable hits. Keeping with Moby’s history of donating to charity (in 2018, he started selling off his records and collection of synthesizers and drum machines, donating the proceeds to charity), he is using this album as a sounding board to bring attention to a long list of charities dedicated to preserving our planet and all its inhabitants.
Nahko & Medicine For People – Take Your Power Back CD/LP+MP3 (Side One Dummy)
In a career built on reflective, deeply personal songwriting, Nahko’s extraordinary new album grapples with grief, trauma, and reconciliation, learning to face heartache head on and embrace the peace and serenity that comes with understanding and acceptance. As heavy as all that may sound, Take Your Power Back is as uplifting and infectious as anything Nahko has ever released, blending socially conscious folk and rock with soulful, alt-R & B, genre-bending production.
Willie Nile – New York At Night CD/LP (River House)
13th studio album from the veteran rock ‘n’ roll troubadour. New York At Night exemplifies the artist’s trademark mix of romance, idealism, humor, emotional urgency and a true believer’s passionate embrace of all things rock ‘n’ roll.
NRBQ – High Noon – A 50-Year Retrospective [Reissue/2016] 5xCD (Omnivore)
CD reissue of the career-spanning boxed set by the rock legends. Contains hits, rarities, concert favorites, and previously unissued gems.
Peter Oren – Greener Pasture CD/LP (Western Vinyl)
“My previous album, Anthropocene, asks in the title track, “where will I go/ if I don’t want to be/ with idle hands awaiting catastrophe/ here in the Anthropocene.” The Greener Pasture offers a somewhat defeated answer to that question in its own title track: “The greener pasture is also fenced in/ the wider trough has an asterisk/ rotate the herd every few days/ or is it every few years/ we got their tags on our ears/ standing in shit crying bovine tears.” When I received my advance for a second Western Vinyl album, no other theme called me as much as an examination of phone use. I invested in equipment to record myself instead of studio time so that I could come closer to mastering the craft to which I’ve dedicated myself and simultaneously to capture and store as much value as possible from the advance, given the scarcity of revenue in my musical efforts. In the process I dove deeper into isolation and into my phone in a cabin in the woods, which had been made available on very friendly terms.” – Peter Oren [Limited green colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Pale Cocoon – Mayu CD/LP (Incidental Music)
Sounds of the Japanese landscape in summertime parallel swirling synthesizers and noise; shimmering guitar sounds take the shape of a snowflake.
Paradise Lost – Obsidian CD/LP (Nuclear Blast)
16th studio album from the British gothic metal pioneers.
Perfume Genius – Set My Heart On Fire Immediately CD/2xLP+MP3 (Matador)
Set My Heart On Fire Immediately is the fifth studio album from Perfume Genius. It explores and subverts concepts of masculinity and traditional roles, and introduces decidedly American musical influences. Throughout Hadreas plays with themes of love, sex, memory and the body, channeling popular music mythologies while irreverently authoring its own – from the delirious, Cyndi Lauper-nodding celebratory pop of “On The Floor”, specters of Elvis on haunted tremolo waltz “One More Try”, to the harpsichord- punctuated baroque pop of “Jason”, and gliding steel guitar and Balearic rhythm of “Without You”.
Patrice Rushen – Posh [Reissue/1980] CD/LP (Strut)
Digitally remastered edition of the landmark 1980 album, representing a period of consolidation for Patrice Rushen. Her studio reputation as a go-to pianist and arranger among other artists and musicians was well established and was growing exponentially. Although never originally planning a career as a solo artist, she had built this side of her work through three Prestige albums and two sophisticated soul and disco albums for Elektra.
Sleaford Mods – All That Glue CD/LP (Rough Trade)
A collection of songs spanning the last seven years of the bands career; an array of crowd pleasers, B-sides, unheard tracks and rarities for fans and the curious.
Moses Sumney – græ CD/LP (Jagjaguwar)
Moses Sumney evades definition as an act of duty: Technicolor videos and monochrome clothes; art rock and black classical; blowing into Fashion Week from a small town in North Carolina; seemingly infinite collaborators, but only one staggering voice. A young life spent betwixt Southern California and Accra, Ghana – not so much rootless as an epyphite, an air plant. The songs on græ may be divergent, like the visceral, Smashing Pumpkins drama of Virile and the intoxicated, outro jazz of Gagarin. [Limited black & white colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Thao & The Get Down Stay Down – Temple CD/LP+MP3 (Domino)
Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, the San Francisco-based band fronted by singer and songwriter Thao Nguyen, release their fifth studio album, Temple. The album is among Thao’s most open and honest work yet, finding her coming out in her public life after a long career in which she kept her queer identity quiet in an effort to avoid turmoil with and alienation from a family and culture she deeply loves.
Trace Mountains – Lost In The Country CD/LP (Lame-O)
Trace Mountains Lost in The Country is the new album from Dave Benton (formerly of LVL UP). Lost In The Country feels Phil Elverum tinkering with a dash of Lambchop electronics. [Limited colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Two Feet – Pink CD (Republic)
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Bill Dess aka Two Feet initially made his mark with the gold-selling single “I Feel Like I’m Drowning”. Yet, the breakthrough preceded one of the darkest times in his life. As his mental health and life spiraled out of control, he spent ten days in a psych ward at Bellevue Hospital. Returning home, he turned his attention towards what would eventually become Pink. Under the influence of Pink Floyd, Norah Jones, Citizen Cope, Rufus Wainwright, and more, he drew directly on life as it happened. “For a lot of these lyrics, I’m using real memories and trying to figure out the best way to formulate and pull emotions from listeners,” Dess explains. “That’s how my past experiences affected this record. I wanted something with a more complete meaning. A lot of the songs deal with the passage of time and how you interpret it. Musically, I wanted it to be a full album with bangers, heavy songs, and acoustic tracks.” [Vinyl edition due June 5.]
Voodoo Gods – The Divinity Of Blood CD/LP (Napalm)
A huge and powerful death/thrash metal album which combines influences from voodoo rituals and anti-Christian forces.
Vundabar – Gawk [Reissue/2015] CD/LP (Gawk)
Vundabar – Smell Smoke [Reissue/2017] CD/LP (Gawk)
Vundabar – Either Light CD/LP (Gawk)
“The Boston indie rockers in Vundabar really haven’t had a smash hit single or a career-defining record yet. Instead, vocalist/guitarist Brandon Hagen and drummer Drew McDonald — along with bassist Zack Abramo — have had a steady, organic growth over the last several years and three records. With the release of their fourth album, Either Light, the former high school friends are looking to continue that expansion with a higher (and less rushed) production value. Either Light brings a more complex sound than Vundabar’s previous work — largely because the group intentionally forced themselves out of their comfort zone during the writing process. Additionally, Hagen decided to mix things up a bit by taking the age-old subject of examining life in today’s society and writing about it through a slightly different lens.” — SPIN [Limited colored vinyl pressings are also available.]
Emily Wells – In The Dark Moving LP (This Is Meru)
Continuing the work begun on her acclaimed 2019 album This World Is Too _____ For You, Emily Wells’ newest release In The Dark Moving reimagines the original tracks hailed by NPR as visionary and mind-blowing. Initially commissioned by Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s Liquid Music Series and Metropolis Ensemble, this latest recording offers a thoughtful, minimal companion piece to the original music in the form of Wells, her guitars, and nothing else.
DVDs + Blu-ray:
Waylon Jennings – The Outlaw Performance: Live At The Grand Ole Opry 1978 DVD (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
In 1978, at the pinnacle of the outlaw movement in country music, Waylon Jennings gave an exclusive performance in Nashville, Tennessee. This performance was taped, capturing Waylon and his band in front of a sold out house. Now this unique concert footage is combined with Waylon’s own words revealing stories, tales and legacy. Bonus features include “Friends Remember The Outlaw”, featuring archival interviews from George Jones, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson & Richie Albright.
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
52nd Street – Look Into My Eyes/Express [Reissue/1982] 12” (Be With)
Originally released on Factory Records in Summer 1982, this ultra-rare 12” is a double-sider in the truest sense. Unrivalled Manchester jazz-funk-boogie-soul.
Albergo Intergalattico Spaziale – Albergo Intergalattico Spaziale [Reissue/1978] LP (Wah Wah)
The strangely named Albergo Intergalattico Spaziale were of the genre that included Pierrot Lunaire, Opus Avantra, Jacula, et al.; that strange kind of music with the surreal female vocalist in an avant-garde and rock hybrid.
Louis Armstrong – 1926-1968: The Essential Works 2xLP (Masters Of Jazz)
The four sides of this double album revive the history of jazz, from “Muskrat Ramble” to “Hello Dolly”.
The B-52’s – Cosmic Thing [Reissue/1989] LP (WB)
Vinyl reissue of the new wave band’s fifth studio album, which features the singles “Love Shack” and “Roam”. The success of the album served as a comeback after the death of guitarist Ricky Wilson in 1985.
Between The Buried And Me – Between The Buried And Me [Reissue/2002] LP (Craft Recordings)
20th Anniversary remixed and remastered edition by the self-titled first studio album by the Grammy-nominated progressive metal five-piece.
Black Nail Cabaret – Gods Verging On Sanity LP (Dependent)
Released last week – now available on vinyl. Singer/Performer Emese Arvai-Illes started out as a performer in a fetish/horror theatre group in Budapest, but quickly found programmer/producer/partner Kristzian Arvai to be her musical counterpart. Like in their lyrics, the music of Black Nail Cabaret fuses darkness with light, beauty with violence and disturbing art with lush harmonies. Modern electronic sequences meet a distinct 80ies influence of boundary-pushing female performers like Grace Jones or Eurythmics. [Limited gold colored vinyl pressing also availalble.]
Bleed The Sky – This Way Lies Madness LP (Art Is War)
Released in January on CD – now available on orange colored vinyl. Riffy nu metal featuring members of Devildrivder and Chaimaira. For fans of Slayer, Devildriver, Fear factory, Slipknot and more.
Blink 182 – Buddha [Reissue/1998] LP (Kung Fu)
The demo album from pop punk superstars Blink 182 that kicked off their meteoric rise into the mainstream is now available on gold colored vinyl.
Scott Bomar – Dolomite Is My Name (Music from the Netflix Film) LP (Mondo)
Eddie Murphy’s 15-year-old pet project about Rudy Ray Moore is one of the best feel good films in recent memory. Featuring music by Scott Bomar, the soundtrack is a loving homage to ‘70s funk and Blaxploitation scores that sounds contemporary and fresh rather than just leaning on the past. It’s fun, reverential and funky as all hell. Purple colored vinyl pressing.
Jeff Carney – Imperfect Space Journeys [Reissue/1988] LP (Lion Productions)
Finally available on vinyl, this underground masterwork of analog electronic music pushed the envelope of melodic synth freak-outs to unimaginable edges and undreamt of realms of space. Recorded live on the spot without overdubs, Jeff Carney’s Imperfect Space Journeys has become a highly prized collectible amongst Berlin School fanatics still soaking in the ’70s sounds of Klaus Schulze, Ashra and Tangerine Dream, as well as fans of Terry Riley’s organ works (Riley is Carney’s cousin), and Heldon heads.
Mariangela Celeste – Mariangela [Reissue/1975] LP (Telephone Explosion)
In the early 1970s, Mariangela Celeste signed to a major label at 13, she would go on to record her self-titled album with rising European superstar Vangelis. Though tragically overlooked upon its release, Mariangela is a gem of early electronic pop with sparkling synths, drums machines, and lush arrangements propelling the songs of an unapologetically strong-willed adolescent girl.
Coastlines – Coastlines 2xLP (Be With)
Coastlines is the self-titled long player from the new Japanese production unit of DJ and producer Masanori Ikeda and solo artist, session musician and Cro-Magnon keyboard player Takumi Kaneko.Masanori and Takumi have been part of the Japanese dance music scene for years and Coastlines was born out of their working together on soundtracks for video projects. The pair wanted to make laid-back listening music for now, laying Takumi’s playful keys over Masanori’s widescreen balearic jazz-fusion to conjure beautiful and breathtaking coastlines.
Coil – Astral Disaster Sessions Un/finished Musics Vol. 2 LP (Lion Productions)
These rare recordings were recorded as part of the legendary Prescription label subscription-only album series in the late 1990s that resulted in the Astral Disaster album.
Cultural Noise – Aphorisms Insane [Reissue/1980] LP (Wah Wah)
The only album by Austrian trio Cultural Noise is an electronic marvel. Band members were Gerhard Lisy, Walter Heinisch and Karl Kronfeld, and instruments used included an ARP Sequencer, an ARP 2600, a VCS 3, an EMS Digital Sequencer, a Mellotron M400, a Micro Moog, a Roland Studiosystem 700, a Roland Analogue Sequenzer and an electric guitar. With these weapons and a strong influence from the Berlin school Cultural Noise created a rich electronic tapestry which expanded through the two pieces of this record, one per side, being compared by reviewers to works by Zanov or Anna Själv Tredge.
Betty Davis – Nasty Gal [Reissue/1975] LP (Light In The Attic)
Vinyl reissue of the third album from the influential funk/soul vocalist. Born Betty Mabry, the singer changed her last name when she married jazz legend Miles Davis.
Dreadzone – Once Upon A Time [Reissue/2005] 2xLP (Dubwiser)
First-time vinyl pressing. “The ‘zone fuse together sounds of ragga, dub, and dancehall with a breakbeat outlook.” – Resident Advisor
William Eaton – Music By William Eaton [Reissue/1978] LP (Telephone Explosion)
Originally released in 1978, Music By William Eaton is a private-press album from the accomplished experimental stringed instrument builder. The atmospheric recording techniques, mixed with a hint of Fahey/Takoma-lineage make for a listening experience akin to the mountainscape drawing represented on the album cover. The experience may seem simple at first, but like any great trip in nature, new details consistently reveal themselves upon each listen.
Jad Fair and Daniel Johnston – It’s Spooky [Reissue/1989] 2xLP+7” (Joyful Noise)
This white colored double-LP reissue puts Jad Fair and Daniel Johnston’s collaborative 1989 album It’s Spooky back on vinyl for the first time in 30 years. Includes a bonus 7” flexi of the previously unreleased Daniel Johnston classic “I Live My Broken Dreams”. Sound restoration and remastering by Kramer. Gatefold jacket with printed inner sleeves containing extensive liner notes from Everett True, Jeff Feuerzeig (The Devil & Daniel Johnston, Half Japanese: The Band That Would Be King), Jad Fair, and Kramer.
Farmyard – Farmyard [Reissue/1971] LP (Wah Wah)
Farmyard – Back To Fronting [Reissue/1972] LP (Wah Wah)
Hailing from Wellington, the windy city and capital of New Zealand, Farmyard’s second and final LP continues the prog sound of their eponymous debut while opening it to new influences with some rootsy sounds thrown in the mix.
Gas – Oktember [Reissue/1999] 12” (Kompakt)
This reissue features “Tal 90” (instead of the original “Oktember A”) — a predecessor to the Gas project originally recorded in 1990 under the alias Tal, it was released as a part of the Pop Ambient 2002 collection. With its sampled strings, horns and guitars, “Tal 90” soundtracks a more uplifting side to what is typically accustomed to being the sound of Gas. The title track “Oktember” is a dense, hypnotic affair that conjures a unique vision of dub techno that few have been able to replicate. A monumental soundtrack to uncertain times.
Gift Of Dreams – Mandroid [Reissue/1983] LP (Everland)
‘80s synthesizer pop meets soul and funk music from the ‘70s; a captivating musical cocktail.
Nick Hakim – Will This Make Me Good 2xLP (ATO)
Will This Make Me Good is a question Nick Hakim has asked himself since he was young and struggling in school; a reflection of what’s happening in his head as he sorts through his life and the tumult around the globe. Will This Make Me Good articulates a sense of confusion alongside a desire for hope and clarity. The album was produced by his longtime collaborator Andrew Sarlo (Big Thief, Bon Iver), who also produced Hakim’s breakthrough debut Green Twins. [CD edition due May 22.]
Scott Hardware – Engel LP (Telephone Explosion)
Scott Hardware’s second full-length album marks the end of a three-year process of writing, recording and letting down his guard (for better or worse.) His last album, 2016s Mutate, Repeat, Infinity, was the culmination of a long obsession with the HIV/AIDS crisis and how it was shaped by capitalism. Hardware’s early years after coming out were shaped by the courage of people close to him who were dealing with difficult diagnoses. “Looking at these situations from a macro/societal lens must have been the only way I could process and share those years of my life and my loved ones lives with an audience” Hardware recalls.
Eddie Harris – The In Sound [Reissue/1965] LP (Pure Pleasure)
This is one of Eddie Harris’ great records, featuring Cedar Walton (piano) and Billy Higgins (drums), Lee Morgan’s favorite rhythm section. The underrated but popular tenor saxophonist introduces his “Freedom Jazz Dance”, which would become a jazz standard after featuring on Miles Davis’ album Miles Smiles.
Heerlens Percussie Ensemble – Biologic Music [Reissue/1986] LP (Hot Mule)
Founded by Jelmo Pio Piovesana, teacher and key musical figure in the region of south Limburg, Netherlands, Heerlens Percussie Ensemble had some of the most inventive musicians of their generation in its ranks. Having gained valuable experience and new musical perspectives in conservatories and workshops with all-time greats like Steve Reich, Bob Becker, Nippy Noya or Han Bennink, Jelmo’s alumni would eventually emancipate themselves from their mentor’s traditional approach to percussive music.
Noah Howard – Live In Europe – Vol. 1 [Reissue/1975] LP (Sconsolato)
Live In Europe Vol.1 is the second Altsax production. These live recordings capture a series of the artist and his quartet’s performances throughout Europe in 1975. These gigs reflect Howard’s peculiar musical identity on the free jazz scene of that era. An uncanny and heavy atmosphere unifies the different compositions which are constructed with improvisations on disturbing repetitions.
Human Songs – Instinct CD/LP (Komos)
Recorded in one live continuous take, no edit, at Studio Pigalle in Paris by Felix Rémy, and mixed by Felix Rémy.
Jamie xx – Idontknow 12” (XL)
Following 2015’s In Colour and global touring with The xx, “Idontknow” is Jamie’s return to the club. It lived through late 2019 – everywhere from Jamie’s own low-key parties In London and L.A. to OIL Club in Shenzhen, Caribou’s BBC Essential Mix to Ben UFO on The Lot. Now in uncertain times, it remains a release of energy – to move to, let loose to and to look forward to parties again.
Clifford Jordan – These Are My Roots – Clifford Jordan Plays Leadbelly [Reissue/1965] LP (Pure Pleasure)
Clifford Jordan hailed from Chicago, hometown of hard-driving, so-called tough tenorists like Gene Ammons and Eddie Lockjaw Davis. While Jordan shared their unnerving bravado, his tone is different, an alluring tone, simultaneously rough around the edges and ephemeral. A sought-after sideman, Jordan recorded with stalwarts as Lee Morgan and Max Roach in the late fifties and early sixties, as well as a series of high standard solo albums. Like age matures wine, Jordan’s style ripened in the early seventies, his lines becoming fluent like ripples of lake water. Jordan kept recording and performing steadily until his death in 1993.
Ruston Kelly – Dirt Emo Vol. 1 LP (Rounder)
This 8-track release consists of Kelly’s favorite emo songs including a rendition of Dashboard Confessional’s “Screaming Infidelities”, featuring the band’s lead singer Chris Carrabba.
Klamm – África Roja [Reissue/1983] LP (Wah Wah)
The story of Klamm started in Martorell, 30km near Barcelona, in 1976. Teenagers Josep Saus ‘Toto’, Antonio K. Puertas and Leo Mariño got together under the influence of bands like Can and King Crimson. The original line up consisted of guitar, bass guitar and drums, and they were barely 16 years old when they began. From there, they evolved and also went though different personnel changes, added new influences, had experimental progressive jazz-rock periods, were touched by the works of bands like Talking Heads or Japan, augmented the range of instruments used with the addition of saxophone, various percussions and synths, and by 1983 they managed to record and self-release their first LP, África Roja.
Little Stevie Wonder – The 12 Year Old Genius [Reissue/1963] LP (Strickly Limited)
At the end of 1962, when Wonder was 12 years old, he joined the Motortown Revue, touring the ‘chitlin’ circuit’ of theatres across America that accepted black artists. At the Regal Theater, Chicago, his performance was recorded and released in May 1963 as the album Recorded Live: The 12-Year-Old Genius.
Maika Loubté – Closer LP+MP3 (Toothpaste)
Toothpaste Records are delighted to announce the debut international release from songwriter, producer and singer Maika Loubté. Closer is the third release on the London/Tokyo-based label devoted to worldwide releases of the best artists from the Japanese indie scene. The international edition of Closer is released on transparent vinyl with alternate artwork from Toothpaste resident artist Phil Boehm and a digital download.
Macula Dog – Breezy 12” (Wharf Cat)
After a short break, Macula Dog return with the Breezy EP containing four new cuts to tease the rhythmically inclined. Breezy was tracked completely live with the help of analog wizard, Paul D Millar (Ariel Pink’s Band) at his Bug Sound East studio, and marks the first Macula Dog release recorded with an outside engineer. With Millar they achieve new levels of fidelity including a slapping low-end, perfectly suited to the 12” 45rpm format.
Alejandro Medina y La Pesada – Alejandro Medina Y La Pesada [Reissue/1974] LP (Svart)
A deep collector’s bounty, Alejandro Medina y La Pesada is a rare Argentinian heavy rock milestone. La Pesada (which means The Heavy in English) gives us a good idea of what to expect with this exceptional heavy jewel.
Mike Tramp – Second Time Around LP (Target)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Mike Tramp is a Danish singer and songwriter who is best known for his work with the hard rock bands, White Lion and Freak of Nature. Since 1998 he has released several solo albums. Second Time Around is comprised of recently re-recorded versions of some of his faves from his back catalog.
The Ocean Blue – Beneath The Rhythm And Sound [Reissue/1993] LP (Korda)
The Ocean Blue – Ultramarine [Reissue/2013] LP (Korda)
Beneath the Rhythm And Sound is a warm collection of cosmopolitan indie pop that is just as fresh and infectious two decades after it first surfaced. This 180 gram orange colored vinyl reissue includes the bonus track “Sea Of Green” from the band’s 1994 Peace And Light EP. 2013’s Ultramarine marked a spectacular return to form that recalls the band’s earliest work. Gold colored vinyl pressing.
Pantayo – Pantayo LP (Telephone Explosion)
Pantayo explores what’s possible for contemporary kulintang music with the atonal blend of kulintang ensemble instruments with vocals and electronic production. The album features eight diverse songs speaking to Pantayo’s musical influences as queer diasporic Filipinas.
Philip Perkins – King Of The World LP (Choon!!)
Formerly a musician, cinematographer and lighting designer with The Residents and a student of Blue Gene Tyranny, Philip Perkins issued this astounding release on his own Fun Music label in 1983. Perkins often worked in topographical realms, crafting environment-enriching soundscapes, albeit on a micro level. Taking cues from minimalism, environmental field recordings and home-baked ceremonial mantras, King Of The World is a meditation on the lives of three ancient kings who believed themselves to be the ruler of all mankind. The post-Hassell currents of Fourth World music unavoidably come to mind.
Simon Phillips – Studio Live Session LP (Phantom Recordings)
Legendary drummer Simon Phillips (Toto, Jeff Beck, The Who, Hiromi) leads his powerhouse jazz/rock group, Protocol 4, in a thrilling live set featuring Simon Phillips (drums), Greg Howe (guitar), Otmaro Ruiz (keyboards), Ernest Tibbs (electric bass).
Probot – Probot [Reissue/2004] 2xLP (Southern Lord)
Circa 2004 Southern Lord’s brother in metal Dave Grohl told the label about some metal songs he had written and recorded with the dream of getting some of his favorite metal vocalists from the’ 80s to put their pipes on. The instrumentals they heard were legit bangers and Southern Lord could not wait to hear the result of what this insanely sick project would manifest itself as. Probot was that result and the eponymous album under the moniker is absolutely one of the favorite releases the label ever had the honor of being involved with. Grohl wrote, recorded and played most instruments on all tracks while heavy metal’s most upper crust like Cronos, Max Cavalera, Lemmy, Mike Dean, Kurt Brecht, Lee Dorrian, Wino, Tom G. Warrior, Snake, Eric Wagner and King Diamond burned their vocals onto these raging tracks.
Sass – Much Too Much [Reissue/1982] 12” (Be With)
The blend of deep boogie-funk power and heavenly sweetness is both infectious and goosebump-inducing on this classic slab of Northern Soul.
Seahawks – Island Visions LP (Be With)
Jon Tye and Pete Fowler have been making music as Seahawks for a decade now. Given the sounds they’ve been exploring over those ten years it was a cosmic inevitability that they would be asked to contribute to the catalogue of the legendary library label KPM. They replied with Island Visions, an exploration of sound for vision where they construct audio micro-worlds to explore and inhabit.
Sly And The Family Stone – Sly Before The Family Stone LP (Republic Of Music)
Featuring all his ultra-rare early doo-wop and gospel recordings with the Viscaynes, Sly Before The Family Stone collects his earliest recordings and ultra-rare singles. Blue colored vinyl pressing.
William Shatner – Ponder The Mystery [Reissue/2013] 2xLP (Purple Pyramid)
The Captain of sci-fi takes an adventure into prog rock on this concept album focusing on such rich and timeless themes as aging, depression, love and beauty. Producer extraordinaire and prog rock icon Billy Sherwood brings a whole host of incredibly talented musicians along for the ride including Steve Vai, Rick Wakeman, Hawkwind’s Simon House and Nik Turner, Tangerine Dream’s Edgar Froese, jazz great Al Di Meola, country superstar Vince Gill, and others.
Slaughter & The Dogs – Tokyo Dogs [Reissue/2017] LP (Cleopatra)
Manchester punk legends Slaughter & the Dogs bare their teeth on this raw and raucous live album recorded on their Japanese tour. Available on your choice of red or yellow vinyl.
Jim Sullivan – U.F.O. [Reissue/1969] CD/LP (Light In The Attic)
Jim Sullivan – Jim Sullivan [Reissue/1972] CD/LP (Light In The Attic)
Jim Sullivan – If The Evening Were Dawn CD/LP (Light In The Attic)
On March 4, 1975, Jim Sullivan mysteriously disappeared outside Santa Rosa, New Mexico. His VW bug was found abandoned, his motel room untouched. Some think he got lost. Some think the mafia bumped him. Some even think he was abducted by aliens. By coincidence – or perhaps not – Jim’s 1969 debut album was titled U.F.O. His eponymous follow-up was originally released on Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner’s short-lived Playboy imprint. Horns sweeten this funky and bombastic session driven by Jim’s unmistakably larger-than-life voice and exceptional songwriting chops, alongside a cast of legendary session musicians including Jim Hughart. If The Evening Were Dawn contains 10 acoustic solo recordings that have never seen the light of day. Limited colored vinyl pressings of each: ‘galaxy swirl’ (U.F.O.), blue (Jim Sullivan), and clear/gold (If The Evening Were Dawn).
Sunbuzzed – 17J1123000930 LP (Triptych)
Pulling from their combined eclectic influences, Sunbuzzed creates a fresh and genre blending mold of heavy, dark psychedelia. In just two years, their distinct sound and imagery, both particularly reflective of their shared Tejano culture and interests in occultism, astrology, and esoteric art forms made them a coveted presence in Texas’ blooming heavy psych music scene. Their live performances have grown notorious for a loaded experience encompassing music, magic and motion. [CD edition due June 19.]
Sylk – Sylk [Reissue/1983] LP (Tidal Waves Music)
Sylk was a short-lived soul & funk band from the Aiken, South Carolina/Augusta, Georgia border area (better known as the CSRA) who released just one album in 1983. Their self-titled (and only) album would become a much sought-after private pressed Holy Grail within the record collecting community.
Terea – Terea [Reissue/1977] LP (Everland)
Smooth funk with a silkier edge and piercing synthesizers, soul pop with lush arrangements, giant harmonies and a cineastic atmosphere or warm and soulful ballads.
Territories/Vicious Cycles – Split 7” (Pirates Press)
“Both bands love their motorcycles, and both of these tracks are bound to be gas guzzling hits at grimey bars, dirt tracks, motorcycle clubs and probably the ol’ cop shop too.”
The Third Mind – The Third Mind LP (Yep Roc)
Standard edition. Dave Alvin, Victor Krummenacher (Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven), Michael Jerome (Toadies, Better Than Ezra) and David Immerglück (Counting Crows, Camper Van Beethoven) form the core of this group of seasoned musicians, who have joined forces to take a trip back to the psychedelic folk/rock sound of the late 1960s and early 1970s. They put their own spin on songs made famous by Alice Coltrane, 13th Floor Elevators, Fred Neil and others, plus an original song. [Standard CD edition due June 19.]
Truth Cult – Off Fire LP (Pop Wig)
Baltimore, Maryland’s Truth Cult drop their debut LP Off Fire on Pop Wig Records. Stemming from a community with no boundaries, and a family tree with endless branches, Truth Cult’s unique personality shines bright in these 10 tracks. Following up their debut 2018 EP, this record is a flame that is just getting sparked. Be on the lookout for this band in motion.
The Turtles – It Ain’t Me Babe [Reissue/1965] 2xLP (Manifesto)
The Turtles – Present The Battle Of The Bands [Reissue/1966] 2xLP (Manifesto)
The Turtles – Happy Together [Reissue/1967] 2xLP (Manifesto)
The Turtles – Present The Battle Of The Bands [Reissue/1968] 2xLP (Manifesto)
The Turtles – Turtle Soup [Reissue/1969] 2xLP (Manifesto)
The Turtles – Wooden Head [Reissue/1969] 2xLP (Manifesto)
Originally released on the small White Whale label, The Turtles’ original albums have remained stubbornly out of print for many years. At last, Manifesto Records will be releasing the entire six album White Whale Turtles catalog on double LP sets, with a wealth of rare bonus material on each and every LP set. The first three LPs, It Ain’t Me Babe, You Baby and Happy Together, are presented in their original mono and stereo mixes. The remaining three eds, Battle Of The Bands, Turtle Soup and Wooden Head, feature a generous assortment of rare bonus tracks, including some previously unreleased material.
The Underdogs – Blues Band [Reissue/1968] LP (Wah Wah)
The Underdogs – Wasting Our Time [Reissue/1970] LP (Wah Wah)
Lovers of John Mayall and his Bluesbreakers will love The Underdogs. This New Zealand band formed in 1964 and shared the scene with other greats from the country like The La de Da’s, The Action (NZ band, not to be confused with the UK mod godfathers) and The Pleazers. They spread the rhythm and blues word from their native Auckland through several 45s on the Zodiac label and went through a series of line-up changes prior to the release of their fabulous first long player, Blues Band.
Unwed Sailor – Look Alive LP (Old Bear Records Reissued)
As Unwed Sailor enters its third decade of creating lush, evocative instrumental music, the reasons behind the success of Johnathon Ford’s musical project can be distilled into a single word: honesty. Look Alive contains some obvious touchstones: fluid basslines that recall New Order, moody synths evoking The Cure and Talk Talk, and raucous shoegaze textures à la Swervedriver. But there are moments that took even Ford by surprise: a hook or riff that evokes Ned’s Atomic Dustbin or Killing Joke, or when a song’s noisy layers suddenly peel back to reveal an airy bridge or fragile keyboard line. Ford’s goal may be to write pop songs with hooks, but Unwed Sailor’s music goes deeper than that.
Various Artists – Cold Waves Of Color Vol. 6 LP (Lion Productions/Color Tapes)
As with the other volumes you can find great examples of cold wave, minimal wave, and synth electronics made by obscure British bands in the 1980s such as: Berserk In A Hayfield, Lives Of Angels, Silicon Valley, Modern Art, Disintegrators, Echophase, The Lord, and Mystery Plane.
Various Artists – High Fidelity (Original Soundtrack)
Based on the novel and film of the same name, the recent Hulu series reimagines the story of our music obsessive, perpetually heartbroken record store owner Rob (Zoe Kravitz) in 2020 Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Naturally, the show has stellar music and we are proud to present the soundtrack to the series on vinyl – as Rob would’ve wanted it. Featuring classic tracks by the likes of Ann Peebles, Darando, William Onyebor, Blondie, as well as several original songs and covers from the series itself.
Various Artists – Jazz Duos: 1938-1957 Essential Works 2xLP (Masters Of Jazz)
25 magic moments chosen from literally hundreds of vocal duets.
Various Artists – Music For Theatre And Dance Vol. 1 12” (Music From Memory)
The first in a small series of EPs which will focus on music which was initially created for or inspired by dance and performance. Created as a dialogue with the avant-garde and highly experimental work in dance, theatre and art evolving at the time, the music was in turn at times greatly innovative. That it was created for a dance or performance though means that such music was also often highly rhythmic and a number of pieces from this time stand out and seem greatly deserving of a new context. Whether it’s more ambient or atmospheric works or whether it’s in the more rhythmic or percussive pieces, Music From Memory brings together a selection of tracks which aim to highlight this highly innovative direction in music.
Various Artists – Pacific Breeze 1: Japanese City Pop AOR & Boogie 1972-1986 2xLP (Light In The Attic)
Various Artists – Pacific Breeze 2: Japanese City Pop AOR & Boogie 1972-1986 2xLP (Light In The Attic)
Pacific Breeze documents Japan’s blast into the stratosphere. By the 1960s, the nation had achieved a postwar miracle, soaring to become the world’s second largest economy. Thriving tech exports sent The Rising Sun over the moon. Its pocket cassette players, bleeping video games, and gleaming cars boomed worldwide, wooing pleasure points and pumping Japanese pockets full of yen. Japan’s financial buoyancy also permeated its popular culture, birthing an audio analog called City Pop. This new sound arose in the mid ’70s and ruled through the ’80s, channeling the country’s contemporary psyche. It was sophisticated music mirroring Japan’s punch-drunk prosperity. Limited multi-colored vinyl pressings also available.
Ian Willson – Straight From The Heart [Reissue/1985] LP (Be With Records)
Privately pressed and originally released in 1985, Straight From The Heart is the only album Ian ever put out. A magical blend of AOR/sophisticated funk/synth-boogie/spiritual jazz and modern soul, it’s a spellbinding record of many colors.
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