CDs + Vinyl:

Au Pair – One Armed Candy Bear CD/LP (Sham)

“Au Pair is a meeting of the minds between the Jayhawks’ Gary Louris and the Old Ceremony’s Django Haskins. They met while participating in a Big Star tribute concert in 2013, and that band’s power-pop is a big part of Au Pair’s DNA. ‘In Every Window,’ from the duo’s [new] album One Armed Candy Bear, reminds me of the Zombies’ ‘Care Of Cell 44’ in that it is a bright, breezy pop song about a criminal. But whereas Rod Argent was writing to an imprisoned lover, Louris and Haskins penned this one from a stalker’s point of view.” — Stereogum

Dan Baird And Homemade Sin – Get Loud! CD (Jerkin Crocus Promotions)

New solo album from ex-Georgia Satellites mainman and his rambunctious rock ‘n’ roll crew featuring Warner E. Hodges (Jason & The Scorchers) on guitar. 

Justin Bieber – Purpose CD/2xLP (Def Jam)

Bieber’s new album features his recent singles “What Do You Mean?” and “Where Are Ü Now?” (the latter featuring Diplo & Skrillex), and is available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds five bonus tracks (including the cut “We Are” featuring Nas).

Bing & Ruth – City Lake [Reissue/2010] CD/2xLP+MP3 (RVNG, Int’l)

Before the actualization of Bing & Ruth’s halcyonic opus Tomorrow Was The Golden Age, there was City Lake. This newly remastered version of the 2010 limited edition album features David Moore leading an eleven-piece ensemble through a greater gamut of rhythmic materials while tracing the ambient tract that appeared in tomorrow’s horizon. CD version includes three bonus tracks. Double-vinyl edition includes printed inner sleeves and a multi-format download code featuring the three bonus tracks.

The Residents Present: Charles Bobuck – What Was Left Of Grandpa: A Charles Bobuck Contraption CD (Klanggalerie)

New album by Residents composer Charles Bobuck with guest Nolan Cook on guitar. A wild mix of styles and melodies and spoken words make up this great new composition.

The Body & Krieg – The Body & Krieg CD/LP/Cassette (At A Loss)

Formed in mid-1990s and late 1990s respectively, Krieg and The Body met in the mid-2000s, being different sonically but sharing a bleak world view and inspirations musically far outside of the genre of metal. When Neill Jameson (sole constant member of Krieg) showed up to Machines With Magnets with only a acoustic guitar and a few pedals, members of The Body knew the collaboration would be something really different. Written and recorded during the long sessions of both Christs, Redeemers and I Shall Die Here, the end result is a blackened industrial crush of noise and anguish. 

Bones & Beeker – Bones & Beeker CD (Wax Poetics)

Anthony Newes (vocals, guitar, keys, and other sounds) and Brendan Kelly (production, drum programming, keys, glockenspiel, kalimba)—known in hip-hop circles as BK-One—were introduced through their work with the developmentally disabled. Their first meeting was a five-minute conversation about Tom Waits. Their second was at a client’s deathbed. Flanked by bassist Chris Bierden (Poliça and Pony Trash) and guitarist Nate Collis (Atmosphere and Attracted to Gods), Bones & Beeker delivers an album full of surprises. Vinyl version due December 18.

Boots – Aquaria CD (Columbia)

“Though he’s best known for producing records for Run the Jewels, Beyoncé, and FKA twigs, Boots has steadily been carving out a name for himself. There was last year’s WinterSpringSummerFall mixtape and this past March’s short film Motorcycle Jesus; now, all of those releases are about to culminate in Aquaria, his highly anticipated debut solo album” – Consequence Of Sound. Vinyl version due December 4.

The Brian Jonestown Massacre – Mini Album Thingy Wingy CD/LP (A. Records)

Seven brand new and exclusive Brian Jonestown Massacre tracks recorded by Anton Newcombe in is his studio in Berlin in 2014 and ’15. Four songs written by Newcombe; the band’s first Slovakian song, co-written with Vladimir Nosal (Prsi Prsi); a composition by Newcombe and Tess Parks (Pish); and a cover of the 13th Floor Elevators’ “Dust” featuring Alex Maas from The Black Angels on jug. (Limited copies pressed on clear vinyl with alternate artwork.)

Paul Butterfield Blues Band – Complete Albums 1965-1980 14xCD (Elektra)

Paul Butterfield was the first white harmonica player to develop a style original and powerful enough to place him among the true blues greats. His initial recordings from the mid-‘60s featuring the legendary Paul Butterfield Blues Band were eclectic, ground breaking tracks fusing electric blues with rock ‘n’ roll, psychedelia, jazz and even Indian classical music. He released 12 studio albums over his career as well as an array of live albums and compilations with his most famous compositions being “Born In Chicago,” “Love March” and “Our Love Is Driftin’”.

[Read more…] about New Releases for November 13, 2015

CDs + Vinyl: 

9th Wonder & Talib Kweli – Indie 500 CD/2xLP (It’s Wonderful A World Music Group)

9th Wonder has established himself as hip-hop’s top educator, working as a professor at Harvard, Duke and North Carolina Central University, while Talib Kweli has become one of hip-hop’s most vocal and respected voices, who appears regularly on news outlets such as CNN and programs like HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher. A collaboration between Kweli and 9th almost seemed to make perfect sense, but Indie 500 represents even more to the artists. “I’ve always been a fan of collectives, like Native Tongues and the Dungeon Family,” explains Kweli. “Indie 500 is a tribute to the spirit of unity exemplified by some of great hip-hop artists that influenced us.” The album features an all-star supporting cast, including Problem, Slug (of Atmosphere), Rapsody, Pharaoh Monch, Brother Ali, Hi-Tek, NIKO IS and more.

Josh Abbott Band – Front Row Street CD (Pretty Damn Tough)

Josh Abbott is a recording artist from Lubbock, Texas. In 2006, he formed the Josh Abbot Band with Texas Tech fraternity brother Austin Davis. Abbott’s love for Texas has permeated every aspect of his songwriting, weaving authentic character-driven tales while exploring the real-life issues that shaped his life in the Lone Star State. Front Row Seat features collaborations with heavy-hitting songwriters including Shane McAnally and Zac Brown Band collaborator Wyatt Durette who helped contribute to the album’s theatrical progression through the five acts.

Sara Bareilles – What’s Inside: Songs From Waitress CD (Epic)

Fifth album from the singer/songwriter and best-selling author. The follow-up to 2013’s The Blessed Unrest includes songs from Waitress, the new musical for which Bareilles wrote music and lyrics. “I fell more deeply in love with the writing of the musical Waitress than I had ever imagined,” says Bareilles. “It proved impossible for me to imagine handing over the songs to the show before selfishly finding a way to sing them myself. This is a deliciously self-indulgent project and I’m sorry, I’m not sorry.” Includes the first single “She Used to Be Mine.”

Boogarins – Manual CD/LP (Other Music)

Fernando “Dino” Almeida and Benke Ferraz began playing music together as teenagers in the Brazilian city of Goiania—recording psychedelic pop in their parents’ gardens, filtering their country’s rich musical history through a very modern lens. Following their 2013 As Plantas Que Curam debut, their new album, Manual, veers into far more complex territory, propelled by Dino and Benke’s dense, two-guitar interplay and an abundance of deep rhythms.

Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit [Deluxe Edition] 2xCD/2xLP (Mom + Pop)

Deluxe double-CD version adds Live At Electric Ballroom In London. Includes new artwork, fold out poster, four limited edition Polaroid photos shot by Courtney, a 16-page booklet all in a matte laminated collector’s edition box set. Mixing witty, often hilarious, occasionally even heartbreaking observations with devastating self-assessment, Courtney Barnett’s debut album, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, cements her standing as one of the most distinctive and compelling voices in indie rock. These songs reveal not only an assured songwriter and guitar player, but also an artist who in just a few years has already proved highly influential. (Limited copies available on yellow vinyl.)

The Count Basie Orchestra – A Very Swingin’ Basie Christmas! CD (Concord Jazz)

William “Count” Basie (1904-1984) started his orchestra in Kansas City in 1935, and proceeded to develop and maintain one of the greatest jazz orchestras in music history. As part of their 80^th Anniversary celebration, under the leadership of director Scotty Barnhart, The Count Basie Orchestra releases their first Christmas album. On A Very Swingin’ Basie Christmas! the 19-piece band is accompanied with the guest vocals of Johnny Mathis on “It’s The Holiday Season,” Ledisi on “The Christmas Song” and Carmen Bradford on “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” 

The Beatles – 1+ CD+DVD/CD+Blu-ray (Capitol)

The Beatles – 1+ [Deluxe Edition] CD+2xDVD/CD+2xBlu-ray (Capitol)

With this reissue of The Beatles’ 1, all 27 videos for each song have been added on DVD or Blu-ray. Audio for DVD and Blu-ray discs has been remixed for all tracks from the analogue masters and boast new 5.1 surround sound and a new 2.0 stereo mix. Deluxe Edition adds a disc of 23 rare/alternate versions of the original videos. (Single disc 27-track stand-alone DVD and Blu-ray versions also available.)

Christopher Bissonnette – Pitch, Paper & Foil CD/LP (Kranky)

“The music is experimental, with the focus on chance, risk & error creating a beautifully natural, organic sound. It’s a stunning album, its snaking lines of synth radiating with inner warmth, its prism reflecting a thousand sharp colors.” — Fluid Radio

Rolando Bruno – Bailazo CD/LP+CD (Voodoo Rhythm)

This is full blast psychedelic Latino Cumbia garage with a very cheesy touch of a ‘70s supermarket.

Sam Butler – Raise Your Hands CD (Severn)

Former Blind Boys of Alabama guitarist Sam Butler releases his first solo recording — an Americana compilation of bluesy spirituals penned by traditionally secular artists (Springsteen, U2, Clapton, etc.).

Paul Butterfield Blues Band – Complete Albums 1965-1980 14xCD (Elektra)

Paul Butterfield was the first white harmonica player to develop a style original and powerful enough to place him among the true blues greats. His initial recordings from the mid-‘60s featuring the legendary Paul Butterfield Blues Band were eclectic, ground breaking tracks fusing electric blues with rock ‘n’ roll, psychedelia, jazz and even Indian classical music. He released 12 studio albums over his career as well as an array of live albums and compilations with his most famous compositions being “Born In Chicago,” “Love March” and “Our Love Is Driftin’”.

[Read more…] about New Releases for November 6, 2015