CDs:

7Seconds – Leave A Light On CD/2xLP (Rise)

It’s been over nine years since their last release. This new 14-song album has elements of all things 7Seconds: fast, melodic, earnest and smart.

Mindi Abair – Wild Heart CD (Heads Up)

Mindi Abair is one of the most recognizable saxophonists on the music scene today. In addition to great solo albums over the years, she has been seen on American Idol as well as joining Aerosmith on their recent US tours. Her new solo album features guest appearances by Booker T, Greg Allman, Joe Perry, Keb Mo and Waddy Wachtel, and others.

Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires – Dereconstructed CD/LP (Sub Pop)

Nothing less than pure f**king heaven, Dereconstructed is a collection of careening, road raging, all night partying hits. Informed by a distinctly Southern hoodoo, it is a masterclass in authentic Gulf Coast choogle from members of Dexateens.

Black Anvil – Hail Death CD/2xLP (Relapse)

Third album from the New York-based blackened thrash quartet.

Tommy Bolin & Zephr – Zephr [Reissue/1969] 3xCD (Cleopatra)

Deluxe edition of the 1969 recorded debut of guitar legend Tommy Bolin performing with his first major act, the blues rock outfit Zephyr. Includes two bonus discs of rare live material and studio improvisations.

Michael Bradford – The Long Night CD (Varese)

Michael Bradford is a writer, producer and performer who has worked with artists as diverse as Eurythmics, Ringo Starr, Grant Green, Jem, Stevie Nicks, Tippa Irie, Terence Trent D’Arby, Loretta Lynn and Anita Baker. Music fans from all quarters are already familiar with the eclectic career of one of music’s true “inside men”. As an arranger, composer and musician, he has also created classic music for film, television and radio.

Bury Tomorrow – Runes CD (Nuclear Blast)

New album from the British metalcore band.

[Read more…] about New Releases for May 27, 2014

CDs:

1-800-BAND – Diver Blue CD/LP (Almost Ready)

A collection of perfect pop rock songs tinged variously with glam, hard rock, and early-light FM elements. You’ll actually be happy to get these tunes stuck in your head.

Afrojack – Forget The World CD (Def Jam)

In the span of less than 2 years, Afrojack has become one of electronic dance music’s major icons. From humble DJ beginnings in his native country of Holland, he has grown to become a multi-award winning, platinum-selling producer. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds bonus tracks.

American Football – American Football [Reissue/1999] 2xCD/2xLP (Polyvinyl)

American Football features members of Owen, Joan Of Arc, and The Geese. Their self-titled debut showcases cleanly picked guitars, intricate drumming, and lyrical interplay. This deluxe edition reissue contains an extra disc with eleven live and demo tracks. Vinyl edition pressed on HQ-180gm red vinyl with download.

aMute – Savage Bliss CD/LP (Three Four)

Savage Bliss is the fifth album from aMute, aka Jerome Dueson. As a solo artist, he continues his path with determination and shows that he warrants the comparisons of such artists as Tim Hecker and Fennesz. This record still holds melancholy and nostalgia, but the religious post-rock melodies are scarcer.

Andrea Belfie/David Grubbs/Stefano Pilia – Onrushing Cloud CD (Blue Chopsticks)

Originally released on LP in 2010, Onrushing Cloud is the first album from the trio of Andrea Belfi (drums, percussion, electronics), David Grubbs (electric guitar, piano, voice), and Stefano Pilia (electric guitar).

Archie Bronson Outfit – Wild Crush CD/LP (Domino)

Archie Bronson Outfit is the duo of S. Windett and Arp Cleveland. Their sound consists of driving rhythms, howling romance, distortion, and echo, but with a new clarity.

Atlantic Thrills – Atlantic Thrills CD/LP (Almost Ready)

One of the best true garage rock records to come down the pike in some time. There’s lots to brood to, plenty of shadows and alleys to wander in between the partying and dancing some tracks might inspire.

Blu – Good To Be Home 2xCD (Nature Sound)

Los Angeles lyricist Blu returns with Good to Be Home, a brand new solo album. Unlike previous Blu releases that have leaked online and later been re-packaged in physical form, this album contains 20 tracks of brand new, previously unheard material. Vinyl version due May 27.

The Blue Angel Lounge – Sea Of Trees CD/LP (A. Records)

Since the release of their previous album Narcotica, The Blue Angel Lounge has been garnering international acclaim, touring the US, UK and France with the Dandy Warhols and The Brian Jonestown Massacre, and also making appearances at the Austin Psych Fest and Roskilde.

Joe Bonamassa – Tour De Force: Live In London – Hammersmith Apollo 2xCD (J&R Adventures)

Joe Bonamassa – Tour De Force: Live In London – Royal Albert Hall 2xCD (J&R Adventures)

Joe Bonamassa – Tour De Force: Live In London – The Borderline 2xCD (J&R Adventures)

Joe Bonamassa – Tour De Force: Live In London – Shepherd’s Bush 2xCD (J&R Adventures)

The Tour De Force: Live In London series chronicles Bonamassa’s atmospheric rise from the intimate club environment of The Borderline, to the prestigious Royal Albert Hall. Each individual evening was marked by a unique theme with different setlists, arrangements and ensembles providing the viewer with four unique performances.

Haley Bonar – Last War CD/LP (Graveface)

Last War is Haley’s eighth album of alternative Americana goodness. Her rotating cast of band members includes Jake Hanson (Halloween Alaska, Mason Jennings),  Jeremy Hanson (Tapes ‘N Tapes), Luke Anderson (Rogue Valley), Jeremy Ylvisaker (Andrew Bird, Alpha Consumer), and Mike Lewis (Bon Iver, Alpha Consumer).

Bo Ningen – III CD (PIAS, AmericaS)
Bo Ningen are a group of enlightenment activists from Japan’s psychedelic underground. Vinyl version due May 27.

Brian Jonestown Massacre – Revelation CD/2xLP (A. Records)

Revelation is the first album that was fully recorded and produced at Anton’s recording studio in Berlin. It is the 14th full-length release from the Brian Jonestown Massacre and was recorded from late 2012 to early 2014.

Gilbert Brantley – Just As I Am CD (Valory)

Having written on every track, Brantley’s first new music in over four years delivers a more personal look into his life and continues his story.

The Burning Of Rome – Year Of The Ox CD/LP (Surfdog)

The Burning of Rome has been described as “merging the pop sensibility of The Flaming Lips, the atmosphere of Brian Eno, and the rock edge of Muse with poetic lyrics that recall the curiosity of Carl Sagan.” They put on an eerie and electrifying live show full of anthemic choruses, searing guitars and a driving rhythm section — all with a tinge of the macabre.

[Read more…] about New Releases for May 19/20, 2014

CDs:

Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso U.F.O. – Astrorgasm From The Inner Space CD/2xLP (Important)

Acid Mother’s new album (featuring their original vocalist Cotton Casino) is another set of scorching tracks.

Jay Boy Adams – Let It Go CD (Rockin’ Heart)

New release from the Texas country singer/songwriter and guitarist.

Agalloch – The Serpent & The Sphere CD (Profound Lore)

The most atmospheric and progressive Agalloch release to date, the vibe is dark, expansive and otherworldly. The Serpent & The Sphere features the production and mixing expertise of Billy Anderson (Neurosis, Sleep, Swans, High On Fire); Canadian neo-folk musician Nathanaël Larochette of Musk Ox adds to the album’s acoustic interludes.

Amen Dunes – Love CD/LP (Sacred Bones)

While the previous Amen Dunes records had all been largely improvisational first-take affairs, recorded in a matter of weeks at most, Love is the product of close to a year and a half of continuous work. Damon McMahon (aka Amen Dunes) chose to hold the main recording sessions in Montreal with Dave Bryant and Efrim Menuck of Godspeed You! Black Emperor. In addition to recording the sessions that McMahon produced, members of Godspeed also played on several of the songs, along with Colin Stetson on saxophone and Elias Bender-Ronnenfelt of Iceage, who duets with McMahon on two tracks.

Tori Amos – Unrepentant Geraldines CD/CD+DVD (Mercury Classics)

Out of the flux of ambition and distraction and imagination comes Tori Amos’ 14th studio album, Unrepentant Geraldines. It’s a vivid and vital album on which Amos once more zeroes in on the writing of brightly melodic, deftly evocative chamber-pop. Fairy-tale soul-poems, you might say. Or, a view from the middle-aged bridge. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a bonus DVD featuring video footage from Tori’s photo shoot, studio work and interviews with the artist. Vinyl version due June 10.

Joseph Arthur – Lou CD (Vanguard)

Inspired by Lou Reed’s legacy, acclaimed singer/songwriter Joseph Arthur pays tribute with this moving tribute to the rock & roll icon.

[Read more…] about New Releases for May 13, 2014