Social Media Program Titles Promoted This Week:
No Social Media Program titles other than the mandatory Grammy Nomination post. (See Luanne’s email sent 3/9/21)
Marketing Program/ Banner/ Listening Station Titles Promoted This Week:
EyeHateGod – A History Of Nomadic Behavior CD/LP (Century Media)
EyeHateGod, “the quintessential Southern sludge band” (Pitchfork) that Rolling Stone dubbed one of “America’s great live bands,” return with their first album in seven years: A History of Nomadic Behavior. The album is introduced with “High Risk Trigger”. Lyrically, the song is cryptic and abstract, but it touches on the all-pervasive fears bred by an invisible germ storm sweeping through the nation and a society sickened by police brutality: “Infection is the way, disruptive crowd takes aim/Burn down the rail yard house, destroy the U.S.A.” [A limited indie store exclusive vinyl pressing is available.]
Valerie June – The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers CD (Fantasy)
Produced by Jack Splash (Kendrick Lamar, Alicia Keys, John Legend) and Valerie June, The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers achieves a transcendent effect thanks in no small part to the splendor of its sound, an exquisitely composed tapestry of folk, soul, gospel, country, blues, psychedelia, and time-bending symphonic pop. The result is a selection of songs both ornate and elegant, each moment crafted with a profound awareness of what’s most essential in creating enduring beauty. The follow-up to June’s widely adored The Order Of Time – a 2017 effort that earned the admiration of Bob Dylan and landed on best-of-the-year lists from the likes of Rolling Stone and the New York Times – The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers is a potent catalyst for that kind of magic. With her spellbinding vocals and infectious sense of wonder, Valerie June gently eases the listener into a far more charmed state of mind, one that quickly restores a powerful feeling of joyful possibility. [Vinyl edition due March 19.]
Charles Lloyd & The Marvels – Tone Poem CD/2xLP (Blue Note)
Tone Poem is the third album by Charles Lloyd & The Marvels, the genre-straddling quintet that features the master saxophonist with Bill Frisell on guitar, Greg Leisz on pedal steel guitar, Reuben Rogers on bass, and Eric Harland on drums. The nine dynamic instrumental tracks here include new Lloyd originals along with pieces by Ornette Coleman, Thelonious Monk, Leonard Cohen, Gabor Szabo, and Bola de Nieve.
Lake Street Dive – Obviously CD/LP (Nonesuch)
Lake Street Dive’s new album, Obviously, was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Mike Elizondo who is best known as a songwriting collaborator for Dr. Dre, Eminem, and 50 Cent and has also served as a record producer for Fiona Apple, Mary J. Blige, Carrie Underwood, and 21 Pilots, among many others. Utilizing Elizondo’s hip-hop record-making expertise coupled with the permanent addition of keyboardist Akie Bermiss, Lake Street Dive’s wide-ranging taste in pop, rock, R&B, and jazz has blended together to make an impressively cohesive sound, combining retro influences with a contemporary attitude. [A limited indie store exclusive vinyl pressing is available.]
Lost Horizons – In Quiet Moments CD/2xLP+MP3 (Bella Union)
Lost Horizons is a collaboration between Simon Raymonde, former bassist of the Cocteau Twins, and drummer Richard Thomas, whose past resume includes Dif Juz and The Jesus And Mary Chain. Their haunting, low-key indie pop combines elements of dance-rock and Bowie-esque singer songwriter folk. In Quiet Moments features a distinguished cast of guest singers and a handful of supporting instrumentalists embellishing the core duo’s gorgeously free-flowing and loose-limbed blueprint. While the album has its pockets of loss, they are aligned to the concept of hope, and the end result is more about rebirth than death. [A limited deluxe vinyl pressing is also available.]
Rob Zombie – The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy CD/Cassette (Nuclear Blast)
As a shock-rock icon and filmmaker with a unique vision, Rob Zombie has continuously challenged audiences as he stretches the boundaries of both music and film. October 2020 saw the release of his first new track in over four years – “The Triumph Of King Freak (A Crypt Of Preservation and Superstition)” which ushers in the new slab of Zombie madness, The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy. Produced by Zeuss, the follow-up to 2016’s The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser is a classic Zombie album through and through with high-energy ragers like “The Eternal Struggles Of The Howling Man” and “Get Loose” to heavy-groove thumpers like “Shadow Of The Cemetery Man” and “Shake Your Ass-Smoke Your Grass”. Speaking to NME, Zombie said: “I think it’s the best record we’ve ever made.” [Several limited formats are available: Limited long box CD edition, purple and black color cassettes, and a red swirl color vinyl pressing.]
CDs + Vinyl:
Ronnie Atkins – One Shot CD/LP (Frontiers)
Pretty Maids and Nordic Union vocalist Ronnie Atkins delivers his new solo album.
Autarkh – Form In Motion CD/2xLP (Season Of Mist)
Autarkh takes a unique position in the world of extreme metal: musically because of the radical approach the band takes with their rhythm section, and lyrically because the album is more about a personal experience of mankind and the nature of the universe.
Blackmore’s Night – Nature’s Light CD/2xCD/LP (earMUSIC)
Once again, the duo of legendary guitar icon Ritchie Blackmore and his partner, singer Candice Night, is able to mix the tradition of British folk music and love for the Renaissance sound with their style, inspired by myths and legends of ancient times. Escapism reaching towards an ideal beauty found in different time, as understood perfectly by the audience that renew its love for Blackmore´s Night since its formation. [Limited deluxe double-CD ‘media book’ edition and limited color vinyl pressing also available.]
Bound In Fear – Eternal CD (Unique Leader)
Relentlesly heavy, downtempo, beatdown deathcore from the UK.
Conan – Live At Freak Valley (Live) CD (Napalm)
The undisputed masters of fantastical otherworldly sludgy doom, Conan, cast a spell on the listener and propel them straight into the crowd, captured in dust. Heavily distorted and down-tuned sounds turn the legendary fields of the German Freak Valley Festival into madness. [Vinyl edition due March 26.]
The Crown – Royal Destroyer CD/LP (Metal Blade)
Having celebrated their thirtieth anniversary in 2020 (their first eight years spent as Crown Of Thorns), The Crown have proven themselves one of the most enduring forces in death metal.
Dead Poet Society – -!- CD/LP (Spinefarm)
Dead Poet Society formed in 2015 making music that is both genre defining and defying. Their musical landscape runs the gamut from heavy riff driven songs to stunningly beautiful ballads. Their signature sound is created by fretless guitars and the extraordinary vocals of lead singer Jack Underkofler.
Demon King – The Final Tyranny CD (The Artisan Era)
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Demon King aims to be one of the reigning champs of the death metal world. [Vinyl edition due March 26.]
Dollar Signs – Hearts Of Gold CD/LP (Pure Noise)
A boisterous masterstroke from the Jeff Rosenstock school of punk: resourceful and scrappy, catchy as it is cathartic.
DJ Muggs the Black Goat – Dies Occidendum CD/LP (Sacred Bones)
Dies Occidendum is a mythical voyage across fog-laden, scorched earth terrain from the original friar of dark hip-hop, DJ Muggs the Black Goat. Known and revered as the sonic mastermind behind both Cypress Hill and his own Soul Assassins imprint, here Muggs sheds the MCs and presents his latest dark-soaked productions as an illuminated manuscript of sorts; a fully immersive, instrumental soundtrack to the mysterious Dies Occidendum. Combining ingredients of psych rock, gypsy folk with modern elements of trap, forged together under layers of his signature sonic grime, Muggs has created yet another blueprint for the utmost sonic menace and macabre.
Einherjer – North Star CD/LP (Napalm)
Eighth album from the Viking metal pioneers.
Enforced – Kill Grid CD/LP (Century Media)
A nine-song cluster-bomb of thrashing death from the Virginia-based crossover maniacs.
EyeHateGod – A History Of Nomadic Behavior CD/LP (Century Media)
EyeHateGod, “the quintessential Southern sludge band” (Pitchfork) that Rolling Stone dubbed one of “America’s great live bands,” return with their first album in seven years: A History of Nomadic Behavior. The album is introduced with “High Risk Trigger”. Lyrically, the song is cryptic and abstract, but it touches on the all-pervasive fears bred by an invisible germ storm sweeping through the nation and a society sickened by police brutality: “Infection is the way, disruptive crowd takes aim/Burn down the rail yard house, destroy the U.S.A.” [A limited indie store exclusive vinyl pressing is available.]
Selena Gomez – Revelación CD (Interscope)
Revelación is Selena Gomez’s first Spanish-language album. The title translates to English as revelation, an act of revealing or communicating divine truth, similar to what Gomez is musically experiencing. The Texas native said she’s exploring music in another language because she’s “so, so proud of my heritage.” [Limited box set edition contains the CD in a mini jacket, a poster, a 20-page case bound mini book with photos, lyrics, credits, and four litho prints.
Gotts Street Park – Volume Two CD/LP (Blue Flowers)
New release from the UK atmospheric soul outfit composed of Leeds-based members who are songwriters, instrumentalists, and producers.
Cory Hanson – Pale Horse Rider CD/LP (Drag City)
Myths and truths of a country on the way down, viewed through a deep-focus lens trained on the city from the deserts on the east; a terminus of unoccupied residential parks and streets fading into craggy footpaths to nowhere, where our passage is seen as diligent, ephemeral and grotesque by turns, forgiven and made beautiful again by the sound.
Heart Healer – The Metal Opera By Magnus Karlsson CD/2xLP (Frontiers)
An ambitious new project by revered Swedish guitarist Magnus Karlsson, The Metal Opera is a metal opera featuring seven vocalists playing different characters to weave an epic tale.
Jana Herzen – Live CD (Motema Music)
This live performance, recorded at Joe’s Pub in New York City in October of 2019, features Herzen’s magnetic vocal and guitar work in improvisation with an ace jazz band with world-renowned veterans Charnett Moffett (fretless electric bass) and Brian Jackson (piano & keys), and rising artists Irwin Hall (reeds & woodwinds), and Corey Garcia (drums).
Insect Inside – The First Shining Of New Genius CD (Gore House Productions)
The First Shining Of New Genus is the debut album by the new Russian trio featuring current members of Traumatomy, Disfigurement f Flesh, and Morphogenetic Malformation, contributing to a symbiosis of several subgenres of brutal death metal. Fans of all things extreme, can expect technical riffs, dainty grooves, insane blast beats and more.
Valerie June – The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers CD (Fantasy)
Produced by Jack Splash (Kendrick Lamar, Alicia Keys, John Legend) and Valerie June, The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers achieves a transcendent effect thanks in no small part to the splendor of its sound, an exquisitely composed tapestry of folk, soul, gospel, country, blues, psychedelia, and time-bending symphonic pop. The result is a selection of songs both ornate and elegant, each moment crafted with a profound awareness of what’s most essential in creating enduring beauty. The follow-up to June’s widely adored The Order Of Time – a 2017 effort that earned the admiration of Bob Dylan and landed on best-of-the-year lists from the likes of Rolling Stone and the New York Times – The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers is a potent catalyst for that kind of magic. With her spellbinding vocals and infectious sense of wonder, Valerie June gently eases the listener into a far more charmed state of mind, one that quickly restores a powerful feeling of joyful possibility. [Vinyl edition due March 19.]
Kreator – Under The Guillotine 2xCD/2xLP/6xLP+DVD+Cassette+USB (Noise Records)
One of the “big four” of Teutonic thrash metal along with Destruction, Sodom and Tankard, Essen’s Kreator helped pioneer death metal and black metal as we know it but is best known and beloved for their classic thrash metal style. They are one the best-selling German thrash metal bands of all time. Under The Guillotine is an 18 song, double album anthology of Kreator’s finest tracks from the Noise Records years, and includes rare remixes plus previously unseen photos. [A limited colored vinyl pressing as well as a Deluxe limited edition box set featuring six LPs, a DVD, a 40-page book, a cassette and a figurine USB drive.]
Lake Street Dive – Obviously CD/LP (Nonesuch)
Lake Street Dive’s new album, Obviously, was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Mike Elizondo who is best known as a songwriting collaborator for Dr. Dre, Eminem, and 50 Cent and has also served as a record producer for Fiona Apple, Mary J. Blige, Carrie Underwood, and 21 Pilots, among many others. Utilizing Elizondo’s hip-hop record-making expertise coupled with the permanent addition of keyboardist Akie Bermiss, Lake Street Dive’s wide-ranging taste in pop, rock, R&B, and jazz has blended together to make an impressively cohesive sound, combining retro influences with a contemporary attitude. [A limited indie store exclusive vinyl pressing is available.]
Charles Lloyd & The Marvels – Tone Poem CD/2xLP (Blue Note)
Tone Poem is the third album by Charles Lloyd & The Marvels, the genre-straddling quintet that features the master saxophonist with Bill Frisell on guitar, Greg Leisz on pedal steel guitar, Reuben Rogers on bass, and Eric Harland on drums. The nine dynamic instrumental tracks here include new Lloyd originals along with pieces by Ornette Coleman, Thelonious Monk, Leonard Cohen, Gabor Szabo, and Bola de Nieve.
Lost Horizons – In Quiet Moments CD/2xLP+MP3 (Bella Union)
Lost Horizons is a collaboration between Simon Raymonde, former bassist of the Cocteau Twins, and drummer Richard Thomas, whose past resume includes Dif Juz and The Jesus And Mary Chain. Their haunting, low-key indie pop combines elements of dance-rock and Bowie-esque singer songwriter folk. In Quiet Moments features a distinguished cast of guest singers and a handful of supporting instrumentalists embellishing the core duo’s gorgeously free-flowing and loose-limbed blueprint. While the album has its pockets of loss, they are aligned to the concept of hope, and the end result is more about rebirth than death. [A limited deluxe vinyl pressing is also available.]
Joyner Lucas – Evolution CD/LP (Twenty Nine Music)
Sophomore album from two-time Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist. Evolution features collaborations with Ashanti on the single “Fall Slowly” and Rick Ross on the track “Legend”, along with the viral hit single “Snitch”. [Limited color vinyl pressing also available.]
Madness – Our House CD/LP (BMG)
Madness was one of the leading bands of the UK ska revival of the late ’70s and early ’80s. As their career progressed, Madness branched away from their trademark nutty sound and incorporated large elements of Motown, soul, and British pop; their songwriting becoming ever-more nuanced and sophisticated. Although the band enjoyed one crossover American hit with “Our House” in 1983, they remained a British phenomenon, but their influence on several successive generations of international musicians looms large.
Marianas Rest – Fata Morgana CD (Napalm)
Emerging from the Finnish coastal town of Kotka, melodic death metal band Marianas Rest unleash their third studio album. The top-notch offering combines intense melodic death metal spiced with significant doom elements and breathes an overall lyrical theme of the dark aspects of life with every note. [Vinyl edition due March 26.]
Menagerie – Many Worlds CD/LP (Freestyle)
Nine-piece Melbourne-based jazz ensemble Menagerie features some of Australia’s finest musicians, including pianist Mark Fitzgibbon, drummer Daniel Farrugia and saxophonist Phil Noy, and was founded by producer, guitarist, DJ Lance Ferguson. Inspired by both the post-Coltrane generation of the ‘70s, labels like Strata-East, Impulse! and Tribe, along with the current ‘New Wave Of Jazz’, Menagerie aligns with the world of Kamasi Washington, Shabaka Hutchings and Nubya Garcia, whilst also bringing their own unique twist.
Jane Monheit – Come What May CD (Club44/Provident)
Jane Monheit is well known for her sultry jazz vocals and impressive range. Come What May is her twelfth album.
Israel Nash – Topaz CD (Israel Nash)
A triumphant rock-and-roll experiment, full of fat horns, gospel choruses, swagger, hope, and pain. [Vinyl edition due April 23.]
Buck Owens – The Complete Capitol Singles: 1957-1975 6xCD (Omnivore)
All three of the previously released collections: The Complete Capitol Singles: 1957-1966, The Complete Capitol Singles: 1967-1970, and The Complete Capitol Singles: 1971-1975, are gathered as one set in a slipcase.
Pino Palladino/Blake Mills – Notes With Attachments CD (Impulse!)
This is Pino Palladino’s first record of original music. Co-written and produced by Blake Mills, Notes With Attachments has no single sound. It showcases various styles of playing with an emphasis on ambitious composition and you can trace homages to J Dilla, Fela Kuti, and Roy Hargrove throughout. Contributing musicians include Chris Dave, Larry Goldings, Andrew Bird, Ted Poor, and more. [Vinyl edition due April 2.]
Pupil Slicer – Mirrors CD (Prosthetic)
Hailing from London, Pupil Slicer combine all the sharp edges of angular mathcore with the bone crushing intensity of grindcore. [Vinyl edition due April 16.]
Roosevelt – Polydans CD/LP+MP3 (City Slang)
Roosevelt is always looking for that special moment. The producer – Marius Lauber – utilizes outstanding electronics, matching club tropes to pangs of melancholy, all wrapped up in gorgeous melodies. Inventive early singles such as “Montreal” led to the outstanding debut album Roosevelt and the bold, addictive follow-up Young Romance, but increased success seemed to take him away from his core desires, from his musical roots. After that meteoric success, he decided to refocus himself on the more intimate, immediate bond he’d felt initially with electronic music. Hearkening back to the intimate rooms that he got his start in, he longed to reclaim the beating heart of the genre, the connection and shared unity with fans. Polydans is built around those bonds. It’s got the energy of a club experience, the implicit communication between a musician and the crowd.
The Rumjacks – Hestia CD/LP (ABC (Australia))
Hestia takes the energy of traditional folk music, lights it on fire, then sprinkles it with ash. Dark, gritty, and historically aware, this is music grounded in the character of the Rebel.
Saga – Symmetry CD/2xLP (earMUSIC)
Only a few bands have combined hard rock, progressive rock and pop with the elegance and style of long-running Canadian band Saga. Their sound fuses prominent guitar riffs, often in harmony with a synthesizer, and complex keyboard arrangements. After going on an acoustic tour in 2019 and 2020, Saga went straight into the studio to record Symmetry, an album that offers a completely new listening experience by bundling complex and delicate arrangements with familiar melodies and sounds.
Secret Sphere – Lifeblood CD/LP (Frontiers)
Now approaching nearly 25 years of existence, Italian power/progressive metallers Secret Sphere has been steadily and reliably crafting epic, melodic European metal of the power and progressive variety.
Jack M. Senff – These Northwoods Blues CD/LP (Skeletal Lightning)
Expanding from the sleepier, acoustic-driven bedroom territory of his debut (2019’s Good To Know You), These Northwood Blues finds singer-songwriter Jack M. Senff exploring the ‘70s-inspired realm of folk-rock Americana. Drawing influence from Neil Young & other artist of the era, Senff & his newly formed Rolling Hill Band tracked the album live with minimal overdubbing.
Linda Smith – Till Another Time: 1988-1996 CD/LP (Captured Tracks)
When Linda Smith purchased a 4-track cassette recorder in the mid-1980s, it was not with the intention of launching a solo career. At the time, she was playing guitar in a band called the Woods and thought it would be useful for sharing demos with her bandmates. In the end, the 4-track outlasted the Woods, but Smith had already started toying around with her own songs. Till Another Time: 1988-1996 is the first retrospective collection of Smith’s charmingly lo-fi music, situating her as a pioneer of the home recording boom that persists today. Sparse and gentle, Linda’s music is tinged with lovelorn melancholy despite the sweetness of her voice.
Status Quo – Don’t Stop [Reissue/1996] CD (earMUSIC)
Status Quo – Under The Influence [Reissue/1999] 2xCD (earMUSIC)
Status Quo – The Party Ain’t Over Yet [Reissue/2005] 2xCD (earMUSIC)
Digitally remastered and expanded editions of the 22nd, 23rd and 27th albums by the English rock band.
Strawbs – Settlement CD/LP (Esoteric Antenna)
Settlement is the latest album recorded by Strawbs, more than 50 years on from the band’s first major label release. The album comes at a time of political and social upheaval, which the lyrics and melodies of the songs reflect.
Sunstorm – Afterlife CD/LP (Frontiers)
Sunstorm, a project originally designed to showcase a musical style similar to singer Joe Lynn Turner’s melodic rock/AOR roots, now has a new face fronting the band in the form of Lords of Black and Rainbow singer Ronnie Romero.
Taali – When Did The World Start Ending? (Live At Levon Helm Studios) CD (Rainbow Blonde)
When Did The World Start Ending? is a necessary relic of a fraught time. A songwriter in the truest sense of the word, Taali confidently connects the dots between the urgency of the late ‘60s/’70s folk explosion and the modern cutting-edge expression of artists like Sufjan Stevens and St. Vincent. Deeply immersive, thoughtful and poignant, Taali’s sweeping live album rises to the creative and energetic pitch of 2020, expressing both the deep pain of a city’s loss and an optimistic path forward.
Thunder – All The Right Noises CD/2xCD/2xLP (BMG)
All The Right Noises marks a return to the full-throttle sound of Thunder that has seen them create a hugely successful 30 plus year career at the forefront of British rock, all built around the lifelong friendship of vocalist extraordinaire Danny Bowes and songwriting genius/guitarist Luke Morley. [Limited deluxe double-CD and limited ‘galaxy’ color vinyl pressing also available.]
Thunder Horse – Chosen One CD/LP (Ripple Music)
An amazing blend of doom, heavy psych, occult rock, blues and classic rock.
Turbulence – Frontal CD (Frontiers)
Turbulence is a progressive rock/metal band from Lebanon – a region not exactly famous for prog music.
Butch Walker – American Love Story (Live And Quarantined) CD/LP (Ruby Red)
American Love Story was recorded pre-quarantine, the collision of upbeat, radio friendly melodies and dark subject matter make for a thought-provoking rock opera, a snapshot of American life that is needed in these troubled times.
White Void – Anti CD/LP (Nuclear Blast)
Eclectic hard rockers White Void are a curious bunch. Forged in the space between the occult rock of the ‘70s, the no-excuses-hard rock of the ‘80s and the British New Wave movement, they balance on the event horizon that separates old from new.
Rob Zombie – The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy CD/Cassette (Nuclear Blast)
As a shock-rock icon and filmmaker with a unique vision, Rob Zombie has continuously challenged audiences as he stretches the boundaries of both music and film. October 2020 saw the release of his first new track in over four years – “The Triumph Of King Freak (A Crypt Of Preservation and Superstition)” which ushers in the new slab of Zombie madness, The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy. Produced by Zeuss, the follow-up to 2016’s The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser is a classic Zombie album through and through with high-energy ragers like “The Eternal Struggles Of The Howling Man” and “Get Loose” to heavy-groove thumpers like “Shadow Of The Cemetery Man” and “Shake Your Ass-Smoke Your Grass”. Speaking to NME, Zombie said: “I think it’s the best record we’ve ever made.” [Several limited formats are available: Limited long box CD edition, purple and black color cassettes, and a red swirl color vinyl pressing.]
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
Anohoni – I Will Survive b/w R.N.C. 2020 7”+MP3 (Secretly Canadian)
Anohni shares an emotive cover of Gloria Gaynor’s 1978 classic “I WIll Survive”. The track was a staple of her early live shows and opens with a graceful string arrangement by Maxim Moston, paired with piano performed by Anohni. “R.N.C 2020”, is a track inspired by the Republican National Convention which took place in August and the dread Anohni felt while watching it.
Armagedda – Only True Believers [Reissue/2003] LP (Nordvis)
Blood red color vinyl repress of the Swedish black metal band’s second album.
Astral Doors – Evil Is Forever LP (Metalville)
Color vinyl pressing of the second studio album by the Swedish retro metal band.
Atmosphere – God’s Bathroom Floor 12” (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
Initially written and recorded when Atmosphere and fledgling label Rhymesayers Entertainment were still making a name for themselves in the Minneapolis hip-hop scene, “God’s Bathroom Floor” was an early standout for the group. Turning heads and drawing new fans in with Slug’s introspective raps over producer Stress’ hypnotic jazzy beat, the song was performed live frequently, becoming an audience favorite before ever appearing on an actual release. Even then, it was only a live performance they made available, and only on a limited mixtape they released in 1996. It would be another year before the 4-track studio recording would surface on Atmosphere’s Overcast! EP, a collection of focus tracks promoting their debut full-length album, but “God’s Bathroom Floor” never made it onto the album itself and slowly slipped into obscurity from there.
Baby Boys – Threesome LP (Grand Jury)
A record of genre-bending mischief-pop, an amalgamation of busted-up iPhone memos and nonlinear lyrics colliding with erratic sonic landscapes.
Baby Shakes – Sweet ‘n’ Sour Part 2 b/w Really Really 7” (Dimple Discs)
Baby Shakes formed out of a series of encounters at such legendary venues as CBGBs and the Mars Bar, bonding over a love for The Ramones and The Go Gos, and taking into account The Nerves, early Bangles and Motown girl groups, they soon carved out their own sound, riffing on sizzling guitars and melodic tunes all wrapped up in a Brooklyn sheen. This is the first of two Dimple Disc label singles, where Baby Shakes take tunes from The Undertones’ songwriters Damian O’Neill and Billy Doherty and stamp their imprint all over them.
Bayside – Acoustic Volume Three 12” (Hopeless)
Translucent purple color vinyl pressing. New EP containing four stripped-back classic Bayside songs, as well as one brand new track, “Light Me Up”.
Black Electric – Black Electric LP (Magnetic Eye)
The fuzzed-out debut album from New York based stoner blues band. [A limited clear gold color vinyl pressing as well as a purple with blue splatter color vinyl pressing is also available.]
Bleach Everything – Welcome Idiots: 2012-2018 LP (Three-One-G)
Welcome Idiots: 2012-2018 collects all of the out-of-print and sold out 7”s, split 7”s, compilation tracks, and flexis that Richmond/San Diego outfit Bleach Everything released from 2012-2018. While all songs were originally recorded all at once in 2012, they were steadily issued on various releases in that span.
Tim Bluhm – Hag Heaven LP (Blue Rose Music)
A seamlessly performed 11-track tribute to outlaw country legend, Merle Haggard.
The Brand New Heavies – Shibuya 357: Live In Tokyo 1992 2xLP (Acid Jazz)
1991 was a momentous year for The Brand New Heavies. They started it without a singer playing second billing to The James Taylor Quartet. By the end of the year, they had scored a Top 3 US hit and were about to embark on a run of 16 Top 40 UK hits. N’Dea Davenport was now fronting the group as their guest singer, and the brilliant string of singles from their debut album were becoming locked in the minds of an ever-growing fan base. Shibuya 357: Live In Tokyo is the quintessential (and only live) document of an era that quickly passed.
Cabaret Voltaire – Shadow Of Funk 12” (Mute)
Cabaret Voltaire is Richard H. Kirk, who has also released countless acclaimed solo albums, including under other monikers such as Sandoz. He also invented bleep techno along the way via his groundbreaking work in Sweet Exorcist. The industrial funk tracks on this EP were recorded in the sessions for Cabaret Voltaire’s 2020 full length Shadow Of Fear, the project’s first studio album in 26 years. Shadow Of Funk delves deeper into Cabaret Voltaire’s arsenal of vocal samples, harsh rhythms and threatening detonations.
Caixa Cubo – Angela LP (Heavenly)
Caixa Cubo are one of the most highly regarded modern Brazilian jazz trios. Recipients of scholarships from the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, Netherlands, in recent years, they have split their time between Brazil and Europe.
Cannibal Ox – Blade Of The Ronin [Reissue/2015] 2xLP (Babygrande)
2015’s Blade Of The Ronin solidified the triumphant return of Cannibal Ox as one of the kings of underground hip-hop, as Vast and Vordul capture their trademark sound with Bill Cosmiq at the helm for the majority of the album’s production. Together, this trio created an album that personifies a sense of insightful lyricism and poignant production that has arguably been absent from the scene since The Cold Vein. The album also features guest appearances from MF Doom, U-God (of Wu-Tang Clan), Elzhi, Artifacts and more.
Caspian – Live At Old South Church 12” (Dark Operative)
“For any fan of Caspian, die-hard or otherwise, this live album is essential. For everyone else, this comes highly recommended, especially to those who enjoy atmospheric post-rock.” – Sputnik Music
Caustic Casanova – God How I Envy The Deaf [Reissue/2019] LP (Magnetic Eye)
Limited yellow color vinyl pressing. A muscular, riff- roaring, bass-fuzzed blend of metal and hard rock, flavored with doses of noise and stoned psychedelia.
Jarvis Cocker – Jarvis [Reissue/2006] LP+MP3 (Rough Trade)
Vinyl reissue of Jarvis Cocker’s debut solo album. Jarvis was three years in the gestation and 13 days in the making. Along the way he roped in Richard Hawley and Steve Mackey (ex-Pulp) to be in his band. Jarvis is a both a thoughtful and thought-provoking record, shot through with lavish beauty, dark humor, satire – both subtle and savage – and a genuine and much-missed sense of Northern conviction. The songs seem to exist on a sometimes- delicately-balanced-some-times- swinging scale between sentiment and cold-eyed analysis, each distinguished by the unmistakable (and never better) voice of our lanky protagonist.
Braxton Cook – Somewhere In Between [Reissue/2017] LP (Fresh Selects)
“[In 2016] saxophonist Braxton Cook left a supporting position in Christian Scott’s band to pursue his own musical voice, and less than a year later produced his own debut album, Somewhere In Between. The full-length project weaves instrumental and vocal soul-jazz together into a cohesive and concise 44-minute statement that would suggest the mid-20s Juilliard graduate is just beginning a career that we’ll be watching for years to come.” – Downbeat [Limited clear pressing also available.]
Corpus Delicti – Sylphes LP (Cleopatra)
Limited edition purple and black splatter vinyl reissue of the sophomore album from the French goth rock visionaries.
Deep Sea Diver – Impossible Weight LP (The Artisan Era)
Limited sea foam green colored vinyl pressing of the third full-length from Deep Sea Diver. Impossible Weight is a work of sublime highs and mesmerizing lows, it’s restless intensity both unsettling and transcendent.
Dojo Cuts featuring Roxie Ray – Take It From Me [Reissue/2012] LP (Record Kicks)
Clear vinyl reissue of a modern deep funk gem.
Down By Law – Lonely Town LP (Cleopatra)
Recently released on CD – now available on black & white haze color vinyl. Hugely influential punk rock veterans Down By Law return with a compelling and supercharged new album.
Eagle – Records From The Basement Session 1 LP (Cold Busted)
Eagle is a producer and renowned scratch DJ, originally from Ukraine and now based in Hong Kong. A formidable turntablist, he’s a champion of many scratch competitions, including RedBull3style, FMDJ, and Yalta Summer Jam. Records From The Basement Session 1 features 15 boom bap, lo-fi, and jazz hop cuts that’ll send your soul soaring.
El Michels Affair feat. Piya Malik – Murkit Gem b/w Cham Cham 7” (Big Crown)
El Michels Affair is back with another two-sider picture sleeve 7”. The A-side, “Murkit Gem”, taken from the upcoming album, Yeti Season, is another pairing of El Michels Affair’s unpredictable brand of soul and the lilting vocals of Piya Malik.
eLZhi – Seven Times Down Eight Times Up LP (Glow 365)
This 12-track LP is a collage of memories and metaphors layered atop beats crafted by up-and-coming producer JR Swiftz. With collabs from Detroit artists Monica Blaire and Fes Rock on two of the albums stand-out tracks, eLZhi’s new masterpiece showcases his ability to create meaningful concepts while Detroit’s own comedian and Real Hip Hop Advocate Foolish provides commentary throughout the album.
Roberta Flack – First Take [Reissue/1969] LP+2xCD (Atlantic)
Roberta Flack enjoyed delayed gratification with her debut, First Take. The album came out in 1969, but it didn’t reach No.1 on the pop and R&B charts until 1972, after a song from the record – “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” – was featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film, Play Misty For Me. The song would stay atop the singles chart for six weeks in 1972 before winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973. This deluxe reissue features a remastered version of the original album on both vinyl and CD along with a disc of rare and unreleased recordings. The set comes packaged in a 12” x 12” hardcover book.
Nils Frahm – Tripping With Nils Frahm LP+MP3 (Erased Tapes)
When Nils Frahm kicked off his world tour at Funkhaus Berlin in January 2018 to bring his highly acclaimed studio album All Melody to the stage, an ambitious journey was just to begin. In December 2018, Nils Frahm eventually returned to Funkhaus Berlin to host another set of four shows Tripping With Nils Frahm is an illustration of Nils’ lauded ability as a composer and passionate live artist as well as the enchanting atmosphere of his captivating, and already legendary Funkhaus shows: An extraordinary musical trip – rare and exclusive, close and intimate, bringing a unique concert experience to the screen and wax. [CD edition due April 9.]
Neal Francis – Changes (Demos) LP (Karma Chief)
Here’s where it started. The initial demos that eventually became Neal Francis’ debut album, Changes. Since releasing his debut album to critical acclaim from KEXP, KCRW, NPR, and more. Neal has toured the country headlining and supporting acts such as Black Pumas, Cat Power, and The Revivalists. As he prepares for his sophomore LP, we get to peek into the initial sketches at the onset of his career as a singer and songwriter.
Gang Of Four – 77-81 5xLP+Cassette+Book (Matador)
77-81 is a stunning box set gathering the band’s hugely influential early work. The set contains remastered editions of Entertainment! and Solid Gold, an exclusive Singles LP, and an exclusive double-LP of the never officially released Live At American Indian Center 1980. Additionally, the package includes a cassette tape compiling 26 never-before-issued outtakes, rarities and studio demos from Entertainment! and Solid Gold. The box also includes a 100-page handbound book detailing the history and legacy of the original Gang Of Four with never before seen photos, contributions from surviving original band members, rare posters, ephemera, flyers, essays, artwork, liner notes and more. It also marks the first official publication of their lyrics. [CD edition due April 23.]
Ghastly Sound – Have A Nice Day [Reissue/2019] LP (Magnetic Eye)
‘Halloween orange’ color vinyl pressing of the noisy sludge rock/ metal trio’s debut album.
Grand Cadaver – Madness Comes LP (Majestic Mountain)
Grand Cadaver was formed by five Swedes in the early summer of 2020. Everyone has been involved in the Swedish extreme music scene since its birth, in the mid- ’80s, and forward. Grand Cadaver is meant to celebrate our past but also embrace where we are today. While also hanging out with friends that share the same love for the extreme.
Grateful Dead – Dick’s Picks Vol. 36—The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA 9/21/72 7xLP (Real Gone Music)
In The Grateful Dead firmament, there are countless good shows, shining like stars in the sky. Then there are the great shows, those that shine the brightest. And then there are the truly transcendent shows, those that exert a gravitational pull-dare we say it, like a Dark Star-on all the other concerts from that particular year or tour. These are the nights that every Dead Head learns about right after getting on board the bus… and the September 21, 1972 performance at the Spectrum in Philadelphia is truly one of those nights.
Humanity’s Last Breath – Välde LP (Unique Leader)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The Swedish black death juggernauts return with another monolithic opus.
Jaded Heart – Stand Your Ground LP (Massacre)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New album from the melodic metal band.
Leather Lung – Lonesome, On’ry And Evil [Reissue/2019] LP (Magnetic Eye)
Limited neon green color vinyl pressing of the crushing Boston 4-piece’s sophomore album; a pummeling slab of 90’s sludge, outlaw country and delta blues.
Naomi Lewis – Cottage Songs [Reissue/1975] LP (Mapache)
Naomi Lewis – Seagulls and Sunflowers [Reissue/1976] LP (Mapache)
Naomi Lewis’ songs are equally inspired by popular music like The Beatles and Joni Mitchell as psychedelic sounds and her lyrics spill out as small diary entries, written as gifts for one friend or another. Blending touchstones of soft rock, pop and dreamy singer-songwriters with Lewis’ cherubic voice, her albums have been praised as pinnacles of the privately- issued folk movement of the 1970s.
Marcus Machado – Aquarious Purple LP (Soul Step)
Deep funk, R&B, scorching guitar driven instrumentals, and driving hip-hop rhythms for fans of D’Angelo, Jimi Hendrix, and Raphael Saadiq.
Maulawi – Maulawi [Reissue/1974] LP (One Eighty Proof)
Vinyl reissue of a hard bop/jazz funk rarity.
Motörhead / Lemmy – Live To Win LP (Cleopatra)
Deluxe colored vinyl pressing in gatefold jacket. Celebrating the life and legacy of Lemmy Kilmister with this unique collection of both solo and band tracks. Includes the Motörhead classic Overkill as well as killer covers of AC/DC, Judas Priest, Elvis, Queen, U2, Johnny Burnette and more.
nothing,nowhere. – Trauma Factory LP (Fueled By Ramen)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Over the course of 15 tracks, Trauma Factory cuts deep and finds nothing,nowhere. (the musical endeavor of Vermont songwriter/singer/guitarist Joe Mulherin) once again emerging from darkness, shedding external expectation, and moving forward into the glow of pure creation. Whether it be the anesthetized beats and intoxicating lull of love or chemistry, the cold piano-laden longing of crave, or the emotional immediacy of upside down, nothing,nowhere. paints from a wide palette of pain. “Trauma Factory is an accumulation of songs written during a confusing time,” Mulherin says. “It is about accepting the present and following your true north through the pain and suffering of human life. I wanted to make an album that was truly genreless and inspire others to challenge themselves artistically. I believe the most inspiring art is unpredictable and unrestrictive. To me that’s what Trauma Factory is.”
Onslaught – Killing Peace [Reissue/2007] 2xLP (Back On Black)
Onslaught – Shadow Of Death [Reissue/2008] 2xLP (Back On Black)
Onslaught – Live Damnation [Reissue/2009] 2xLP (Back On Black)
Onslaught was formed in Bristol, England by Nige Rockett (guitar) and Paul Hill (bass) in 1983 and began life under the influence of second generation hardcore punk bands but motivated by a strong desire for a more metallic sound and the love of Motorhead, they would quickly search out a more defined and original thrash metal style. In 2004 Onslaught reformed with the lineup of Sy Keeler, Nige Rockett, James Hinder and Steve Grice.
Ominous Ruin – Amidst Voices That Echo In Stone LP (Willowtip)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Ominous Ruin bring a breath of fresh air to the technical death metal world. With intense, fast and dissonant eight-string guitars, dynamic six-string fretted and fretless basses, punishing drums and incredibly dynamic and unique vocals.
Owen Pallett – Island 2xLP+MP3 (Domino)
Almost entirely acoustic, Island begins with 13 darkened chords, and was recorded live at Abbey Road Studios with the London Contemporary Orchestra. The introduction is sound of waking up alone, and on the shore of a strange land. What follows is a shimmering and luscious orchestral album that draws across the full breadth of Pallett’s discography, from Heartland to the glittering, fingerpicked guitar that marked Pallett’s first records with their trio, Les Mouches. [CD edition due April 9.]
The Paper Kites – Roses LP (Nettwerk)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The fifth album from The Paper Kites is a testament to sincere, patient and understated songwriting. A deeply moving collection of songs, helmed by a cherished selection of artists.
Pepper – Kona Town [Reissue/2002] LP (ABG-Volcom LLC)
46 minutes of Kona dub-rock, a blend of reggae, alternative rock, island rhythms, and punky spirit.
Asha Puthli – The Devil Is Loose [Reissue/1976] LP (Mr. Bongo)
Musical pioneer Asha Puthli forged a path through ‘60s psych, free-jazz, pop, rock, disco, and more.
Marta Ren & The Groovelvets – Stop Look Listen [Reissue/2016] LP (Record Kicks)
Clear vinyl reissue. 11 tracks of pure-fire raw funk.
Jay Richford & Gary Stevan – Feelings [Reissue/1974] LP (Be With)
Since it’s original release on Italian label Carosello in 1974, Richford and Stevan’s Feelings has been described as the greatest library record ever released more than once. It’s a tough funk, street jazz masterpiece coveted for many years by collectors of all musical genres.
Routine – And Other Things 12” (Dead Oceans)
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., Chastity Belt’s Annie Truscott descended into a state of mourning. Her plan had been to join her partner, Jay Som’s Melina Duterte, as violinist on tour, a privilege rarely afforded since both maintain busy road schedules, and for Truscott, the prospect of spending most of the year in a van wasn’t met with exhaustion so much as exhilaration. At long last, she’d be making a living playing music, no side hustle needed. The cancellation of the tour represented a sidelined dream. Routine was born of this disappointment. Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, Truscott and Duterte’s collaborative project offers a glimpse of the creative possibilities that can emerge from a state of defeat.
Santana – Soul Sacrifice 3xLP (Cleopatra)
Limited red, green and white color vinyl pressing. Vintage live and studio recordings recorded in the band’s hometown of San Francisco including a smoking hot version of their hit single “Evil Ways” recorded at the world-famous Fillmore theater.
Michael Schenker – Ride On My Way LP (Metal Bastard)
Clear vinyl pressing of classic rock guitar-driven songs that highlight Schenker’s distinctive and dynamic guitar playing.
Summoning The Lich – United In Chaos LP (Prosthetic)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Taking inspiration from the best elements of Lord Of The Rings, Magic The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and Adventure Time, and wrapping it up in a fantastical death metal parcel, Summoning The Lich has an attention to detail and commitment to storytelling that is second to none. Their debut album United In Chaos tells the tale of the rise of the Lich and fall of the Kingdom Rodor – and the spread of his wicked influence across the land as his power grows.
Sunburned Hand Of The Man – Pick A Day To Die LP+MP3 (Three Lobed)
Pick A Day To Die is the first proper studio album from Sunburned Hand Of The Man in 10 years. You would be forgiven if you had forgotten in the interim but while Sunburned is fully committed to vast, ritualistic summoning, they were perhaps uniquely capable of channeling that cosmic funk. There’s a throb and a groove to the music that made it as much body music as head music. This is ‘free your ass’ weirdness that chugs and bounces.
Teaspoon & The Waves – Teaspoon & The Waves [Reissue/1977] LP (Mr Bongo)
Vinyl reissue of a South African jazz-funk rarity.
Ultramarine – Folk [Reissue/1990] LP (Foam On A Wave)
30th anniversary remastered reissue. On their debut album Folk, Ultramarine weave together unique instrumentation and sonic influences into rich, ethereal soundscapes.
Kelsey Waldon – I’ve Got A Way [Reissue/2016] LP (Oh Boy)
2016’s timeless I’ve Got A Way finds Kentucky-born, Nashville-based singer/songwriter Kelsey Waldon drawing on her deep love of classic country and bluegrass.
Your Old Droog – Dump Yod: Krutoy Edition LP (Mongoloid Banks)
Once again, the rap savant is putting his personal story at the forefront, going even further than the themes of his previous collection, Jewelry.
YUNGMORPHEUS – Thumbing Thru Foliage LP (Bad Taste)
Thumbing Thru Foliage is a blunted journey through YUNGMORPHEUS’ mind where personal lyrics intertwine with socio-political themes and tongue in cheek humor.
Cassette:
Rob Zombie – The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy (Nuclear Blast)
As a shock-rock icon and filmmaker with a unique vision, Rob Zombie has continuously challenged audiences as he stretches the boundaries of both music and film. October 2020 saw the release of his first new track in over four years – “The Triumph Of King Freak (A Crypt Of Preservation and Superstition)” which ushers in the new slab of Zombie madness, The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy. Produced by Zeuss, the follow-up to 2016’s The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser is a classic Zombie album through and through with high-energy ragers like “The Eternal Struggles Of The Howling Man” and “Get Loose” to heavy-groove thumpers like “Shadow Of The Cemetery Man” and “Shake Your Ass-Smoke Your Grass”. Speaking to NME, Zombie said: “I think it’s the best record we’ve ever made.”
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