CDs + Vinyl:

13th Floor Elevators – Kingdom Of Heaven CD (Fuel/Airline)
15 newly remastered recordings from original tapes made in 1966-‘67 with extensive liner notes by Bill Dahl.

Abhor – Ritualia Stramonium CD (Moribund)
Cult Italian black metal institution Abhor unleash their sixth album.

The Apartments – The Evening Visits … And Stays For Years [Reissue/1985] CD/2xLP+MP3 (Captured Tracks)
The Evening Visits … And Stays For Years received strong praise and drew comparisons to a wide range of acts such as Cocteau Twins, Nick Drake and Bob Dylan. This reissue gathers tracks from two 7” singles, The Return Of The Hypnotist (1979) and All You Wanted (1984), as well as a collection of album demos.

Benoît Pioulard – Sonnet CD/LP (Kranky)
The sound of the fifth Benoît Pioulard full-length is lush and verdant, a temperate rain forest of ear ecstasy that reflects the environment surrounding the artist. A mostly instrumental work, it is an adept melding of song and sound, melody and texture, the intangible and the palpable, that in an abstract sense recalls the more fractured and loose end of the ‘70s krautrock movement.

Biosphere/Deathprod – Stator CD/LP (Touch)
Second split release from the Norwegian ambient/drone legends.

Andrew Bird – Weather Systems [Reissue/2002] CD/2xLP (Wegawam)
Reissued on CD and available for the first time on vinyl. Described by Pitchfork in 2003 as “music for the ages that demands to be heard,” the songs on Andrew Bird’s second solo album reveal themselves at a confidant, unhurried pace reflecting the thoughtfulness with which they were conceived. Weather Systems originated in a barn converted to studio/living space in remote western Illinois, as creating music was becoming central to Bird’s everyday life. The virtuoso instrumentalist employs violin, glockenspiel, organ, whistling, and tape loops to set the scene for the intimate, haunting stories he tells through his lyrics. It’s a lush, gorgeous collection of seven original songs plus Bird’s own adaptation of a Galway Kinnell poem and a Handsome Family cover “Don’t Be Scared” (which Andrew recorded again on his 2014 covers album, Things Are Really Great Here… Sort Of), showcasing his gift for conveying subtle emotional states purely through music.

James Blackshaw – Summoning Suns CD/LP (Important)
Drawing inspiration from ’60s and ’70s singer/songwriters, baroque and orchestral pop, and folk music, Summoning Suns is Blackshaw’s first recording to feature his voice and lyrics, in a foray into more traditional forms of songcraft. Lush and intricate arrangements for drums, bass, piano, violin, flute, and pedal steel guitar augment his deft acoustic guitar fingerpicking. Includes contributions from Simon Scott (Slowdive), Annie Nilsson, Mori Wa Ikiteiru and Kaoru Noda.

Boxed In – Boxed In CD/LP+MP3 (Nettwerk)
Boxed In is songwriter and producer Oli Bayston. Having written for The 2 Bears, Oli is now bringing his wide array of talents to bear on his own solo project. The Line Of Best Fit, who rated the album 8/10, said: “[Boxed In] hits hard enough in places to get the party started and holds just enough back to make you want to return to it again and again.”

Jeff Bradshaw – One Special Night At The Kimmel Center CD (Shanachie)
Jeff Bradshaw is an award-wining trombone player, recording artist and bandleader who has performed and recorded with Jill Scott, Jay Z, Michael Jackson, The Roots, Marsha Ambrosius and many more. Featuring Marsha Ambrosius, Black Thought of The Roots, Kim Burrell, Tweet, Eric Roberson, Robert Glasper, Will Downing, Bilal, Kenny Lattimore, Take 6, Najee and Trombone Shorty.

O.B. Buchana – Best Of O.B. Buchana CD (Ecko)
O.B. Buchana has firmly established himself as one of the top artists in Southern Soul and is pleased to present his newest collection titled, The Best Of O.B. Buchana. This set contains 14 of his very best hits including two brand new and previously unreleased tracks.

Joey Calderazzo – Going Home CD (Sunnyside)
Finding opportunities for growth and development are important aspects in the process of evolving as a creative jazz musician. Discovering and tackling new challenges helps to keep music making a fresh and worthwhile occupation for many, including pianist Joey Calderazzo, who found his next test in the form of the piano trio.

Glen Campbell – Rhinestone Cowboy [Reissue/1975] CD/LP (UMe)
Digitally remastered and expanded 40th Anniversary edition including five bonus tracks. Originally released in July of 1975, Glen Campbell’s Rhinestone Cowboy was the music legend’s first #1 hit on Billboard’s Country Albums chart, vaulting the already quite famous master guitarist and singer to household name superstar status.

Anna Caragnano/Donato Dozzy – Sintetizzatrice CD/LP (Spectrum Spools)
With Caragnano’s voice as his only instrument, Dozzy uses layers and effects processes to display an astoundingly versatile vocabulary that shifts from R&B through kosmische and traditional Italian folk music to Fluxus styles and traditional chamber choir.

Case – Heaven’s Door CD (E1)
Fifth studio album from the R&B singer.

The Coasters – Magical Favorites CD (Cleopatra)
America’s premier vocal group release a new collection of covers, including Sam Cooke’s “You Send Me,” “The Temptations Just My Imagination,” Elvis Presley’s “Don’t Be Cruel” and many more.

Avashi Cohen Trio – From Darkness CD (Sunnyside)
From Darkness sees the Israeli composer, bassist and singer go back to the very core of his musical idiom and activity. The unity between human and sound owes a lot to a virtue brought here to its highest intensity; mutual listening, a soulful and heartfelt science that presides over the destiny of true music. The opening track “Beyond,” showcases in just over two minutes the greatness of this album; the art of occupying space and time in trio, tugging at the heartstrings of each in harmony, of melting the parts of a boundless imagination in the crucible of a true and unfailing intelligence.

[Read more…] about New Releases for March 31, 2015

CDs + Vinyl:

Action Bronson – Mr. Wonderful CD (Atlantic Urban)
Mr. Wonderful is a culmination of every ingredient that’s made Action Bronson’s discography delectable. The musicality is grade A; live instrumentation turns the ablum into a wonderland of sonic discovery. “A Light In The Addict,” featuring Party Supplies and Fools Gold vocalist Black Atlass, and “City Boy Blues,” which boasts the bottom production of 88 Keys and top coating of Party Supplies, both soar with gorgeous orchestration. The latter track in such a zone that Bronson doesn’t spit a single bar, instead letting his vocals ride the wave of soulful rock.

Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit And Think, Sometimes I Just Sit CD/LP (Mom+Pop)
“While other young musicians pour their most profound thoughts on to their lyric sheet, Courtney Barnett finds the tedium of modern life more interesting. The Australian’s debut album contains songs about hay fever (‘Dead Fox’), swimming (‘Aqua Profunda!’) and the suburbs (‘Depreston’), all delivered in wry lyrical couplets. The music is brilliant, too; fans of early noughties garage-pop acts like Giant Drag, Ben Kweller and Brendan Benson have much to admire with buzzy, upbeat songs such as ‘Elevator Operator.’ Buoyant melodies are tempered by grungy basslines and an occasional slacker-pop vibe. The closing brace of Kim’s Caravan and Boxing Day Blues exhibits a depth and darkness underneath Barnett’s droll exterior” – Irish Times. (Vinyl edition pressed on orange wax.)

Barren Earth – On Lonely Towers CD (Century Media)
Finnish progressive death metal outfit Barren Earth combines elements of modern and traditional death metal with ‘70s prog rock and folk.

James Bay – Chaos And The Calm CD/LP (Motown/Universal)
“Admittedly, James Bay ventures dangerously close to MOR territory. He’s a troubadour that enjoys his craft — weaving soul, blues, Americana and soft rock into an easily appreciated message, it’s not difficult to see his appeal. But while some may accuse him of not taking risks, or suggest that by writing popular and infectious melodies he’s any less entitled to respect, there is enough substance here to warrant continued interest in his development.” – Clash Music

Bee Gees – 1974-1979 5xCD (Reprise)
This five-CD clamshell box set features four original albums from 1974 to 1979: Mr. Natural, Main Course, Children Of The World, Spirits Having Flown and a bonus disc of non-album singles and B-sides from the era called The Miami Years.

Big Data – 2.0 CD (WB)
Big Data made their television debut playing “Dangerous” on Late Night with Seth Meyers and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Entertainment Weekly, named one of Rolling Stone’s “10 New Artists You Need to Know” and picked for USA Today’s “On the Verge” spotlight. The band’s new album 2.0 features a wide variety of guest spots from Rivers Cuomo (Weezer), Twin Shadow, White Sea, Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak), Dylan Rau and Ted Feldman (Bear Hands), Jamie Lidell, and Kimbra.

Björk – Vulnicura CD/LP (One Little Indian)
Vulnicura is the eighth studio album from Icelandic artist Björk. The album was written, produced and recorded in collaboration with Venezuelan producer Arca and British musician The Haxan Cloak. Of the album’s nine tracks, six are written by Björk with two co-written with Arca and one co-written with Spaces. Six songs are produced by Björk and Arca, one by Björk, Arca and The Haxan Cloak and two by Björk. All string arrangements are by Björk. The album was mixed by The Haxan Cloak, except two songs mixed by The Haxan Cloak and Chris Elms, and mastered by Mandy Parnell.

Blackberry Smoke – Holding All The Roses CD (Rounder)
An emotion-charged mix of bluesy rock, gospel soul, and country, with Charlie Starr’s raspy twang matched by his and Paul Jackson’s snarling guitars, Brandon Still’s hauntingly expressive organ and piano, and the propulsive sibling rhythm section of Richard and Brit Turner.

Bombadil – Hold On CD/LP (Ramseur)
Bombadil’s rapturous harmonies, sparkling instrumental work; sharp, poignant songwriting and imaginative arrangements still show off their folk roots, but traces of funk, country, rap, R&B, new wave inspired dance beats and the rock of the ‘50s and ‘60s also drift through the mix.

Joe Bonamassa – Muddy Wolf At Red Rocks 2xCD (J&R Adventures)
The blues guitarist tribute to legends Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf on this double-disc live release. Also available on stand-alone DVD and Blu-ray. Vinyl version due March 31.

Buena Vista Social Club – Lost And Found CD (World Circuit)
Coming almost two decades after the release of the original Grammy-winning, self-titled LP Lost And Found is a collection of previously unreleased tracks––some of which were recorded during the original album’s sessions in Havana and others from the years that followed. The studio tracks presented here were recorded at the 1996 Egrem studio sessions in Havana and during a period of rich and prolific creativity stretching into the early 2000s following the recording of the original album. Lost And Found also features live recordings from the world tours of Buena Vista’s legendary veterans. Vinyl version due March 31.

[Read more…] about New Releases for March 24, 2015

CDs + Vinyl:

23 Skidoo – Beyond Time CD+DVD (Les Disques Crepuscule)

Beyond Time is the first album by acclaimed experimental group 23 Skidoo in fifteen years, released in a special double-disc edition combining the soundtrack music to the 2011 documentary film of the same name, and a DVD of the film itself. Directed by Alex Turnbull and Pete Stern, Beyond Time is a journey into the life and work of artist William Turnbull, from his modest roots as the son of a Dundee shipyard engineer to his standing as one of the world’s most highly regarded modern sculptors. Narration is by Jude Law.

Adelitas Way – Deserve This CDEP (Wild Wild West)

New EP from the Las Vegas hard rockers.

Akatombo – Sometime Never CD (Hand-Held Recordings)

Following his critically acclaimed False Positives and Editions Mego collaborations with E.G. Lewis of Wire/Dome, ex-pat Scotsman and long-time resident of Hiroshima Paul Thomsen Kirk delivers his fourth album. Sometime Never contains 10 tracks of atmospheric, powerful, beat-driven, electronic-based compositions.

Angst Hase Pfeffer Nase – Bidden CD (Glistening Empire)

Six compositions spanning 1996 to 2009, including the previously unreleased 20-minute “Feldweg” by one-time secret weapon for Caroliner, Fat Worm Of Erro and Deerhoof. Tiny Mix Tapes is pretty sure Bidden can easily “satisfy your deep and abiding desire for your head space to get crackled,” while Bhob Rainey is equally reassuring: “No one [else] handles so many skittering, teeming particles with such (alien) bar room elegance.”

The Answer – Raise A Little Hell CD/2xCD/2xLP+MP3 (Napalm)

Gritty guitar work, smoky vocals, and the blues infused spirit of AC/DC and Thin Lizzy. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a six-track bonus disc.

Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield – Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield Sing Elliot Smith CD/LP (Ramseur)

“The songs of Elliott Smith are widely revered — especially by those who came of age in the ‘90s — but a new generation of listeners is only beginning to discover him. Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield Sing Elliott Smith is likely to expose new fans to the great singer-songwriter. Smith released five albums in his lifetime and died in 2003 from two stab wounds to the chest; he’d left a suicide note. His songs, which often dealt with depression and desperation, were beautiful and frequently quiet. This album, by Jessica Lea Mayfield and The Avett Brothers’ Seth Avett, was made over a four-year period with great love for the man and his songs. The production is lean, the harmonies are beautiful, and the words and melodies are kept at the center of all 12 songs.” — NPR

AWOLNATION – Run CD/LP (Red Bull)

Los Angeles-based electronic rock outfit AWOLNATION exploded onto the UK scene with their global smash “Sail,” featured on a BMW TV advert. The single would go on to be the longest serving song on the Billboard 100 Chart (79 weeks) exceeded by Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive.” The band’s success racked up the charts across Europe, America, Australia and beyond. Run is the highly anticipated follow-up to their chart-topping debut Megalithic Symphony.

The Bad Chapter – Cheers To The Down And Outs CD (Invogue)

Debut album from ex-Attack Attack! and I Am Abomination vocalist Phil Dryor. Sing-along choruses, creative guitar work, and hard-hitting breakdowns.

Bad Veins – The Mess Remade CD (Dynamite Music LLC)

The Cincinnati based indie rock duo remakes their 2012 album The Mess We Made, adding two new songs.

Berner – 20 Lights CD (Bern One Entertainment)

Seven new tracks from the cannabis champion and master cookie maker. Features guest appearances by Wiz Khalifa, The Jacka, Ampachino, Mac Dre and more.

Bigg Robb – Showtime CD (Music Access Inc.)

Bigg Robb presents his eleventh solo album. Showtime showcases his trademark style of Southern funk and includes 10 tracks such as “Hotter Than Fish Grease,” “Swing It For Me,” “Good Love” and “Country Girl” which was recorded live from Greenwood, MS.

Per Bloland – Chamber Industrial CD (Tzadik)

Per Bloland studied at Stanford with Brian Ferneyhough and Mark Applebaum, has worked at IRCAM and Oberlin, and currently teaches at Miami University. His innovative sound world brilliantly blends custom built electronics with instrumental textures to create unique soundscapes unlike anything you’ve heard before. His work has been performed worldwide to great acclaim and Tzadik is proud to present his first full CD release. Passionately performed by ECCE Chamber Industrial is an exciting CD of acoustic and electroacoustic compositions filled with surprise and dramatic tension.

Jakob Bro/Thomas Morgan/Jon Christensen – Gefion CD (ECM)

Gefion is Danish guitarist Jakob Bro’s first ECM album as leader, following recordings for the label as sideman with Paul Motian and Tomasz Stanko. Like the work of those masters, Bro’s balladeering distils a sense of jazz history in its specific and highly personal atmospheres. The open forms of Bro’s compositions leave plenty of space for his companions drum legend Jon Christensen and creative bassist-of-the-moment Thomas Morgan — to make their statements, interactively and in parallel. Vinyl version due May 19.

Bunny Brunel – Invent your Future CD (Brunel Music)

Featuring jazz-fusion notables Patric Moraz to Virgil Donati to Patrice Rushen, and many more, Brunel wows us with his virtuoso bass playing, imaginative arrangements, and exciting compositions by both him and Chick Corea.

[Read more…] about New Releases for March 17, 2015