CDs + Vinyl:

Absolutely Free – Absolutely Free CD/LP (Lefse)

Absolutely Free is a trio based in Toronto. The group formulates musical experiments based on instrumentation, compositional structure and other formal qualities ubiquitous to popular rock music. Following years of touring and releasing albums with defunct art punk band DD/MM/YYYY, the members of Absolutely Free set out to create a more hypnotic, patient music that integrates analog electronics, African polyrhythms, psychedelia, Bollywood and Krautrock.

Acacia – Coma Witch 2xCD/LP (Rise)

The Acacia Strain are pioneers of the deathcore genre, and for the past 13 years they have been a staple in the metalcore community.

The Aislers Set – How I Learned to Write Backwards [Reissue/2002] CD/LP+MP3 (Slumberland/Suicide Squeeze)

The Aislers Set occupy an enviable place in the pop pantheon. Brimming with drunken romanticism, sharp pop sensibilities, and timeless melodies, The Aislers Set reveled in the history of great pop, spiking their classicist ‘60s-tinged tunes with post-punk energy and originality of bands like the Fire Engines and The June Brides. Every song is a meticulously constructed sound world, where the arrangement and instrumentation sublimely and uncannily bring each tune to completeness. Unfortunately they stopped playing and recording together by 2004 due to life commitments. (Vinyl version pressed on HQ-180gm green wax.)

Edip Akbayram & Dostlar – Nedir Ne Degildir [Reissue/1977] CD/LP (Pharaway Sounds)

As Turkey’s political factions turned more and more violent in the late 1970s, Buscemi-eyed Edip Akbayram was nearly beaten up by rioting audiences for daring to sing about rural points of view that were naturally critical of Istanbul’s political leaders. This second album of Anatolian psychedelia, originally released in 1977, showed defiance even in its gatefold art, with a drawing of the band members seeming to grow straight out the ground, covered in plant tendrils. Akbayram poached members of Mogollar and Bariş Manço’s Kurtalan Ekspres to get the best fuzz breaks and hammond slams and put ’em straight in your ears. Vinyl comes with exact reproduction of the original gatefold pop-up sleeve.

Tony Allen – Film Of Life CD (Jazz Village)

For his tenth album, Tony Allen, the co-creator of Afrobeat, has pulled out all the stops. At his side are French producers The Jazzbastards and fellow world-class musicians including Damon Albarn (Gorillaz, The Good The Bad & The Queen, Blur). With Film Of Life, Allen has produced an album that has the ring of a true self-portrait, offering an overview of his rich and exemplary career that brings together bebop, Afrobeat jazz and psychedelic pop. Vinyl version due October 27.

The Apartments – The Evening Visits… And Stays For Years CD/2xLP+MP3 (Captured Tracks)

Upon release earlier this year overseas, The Evening Visits received strong praise and drew comparisons to a wide range of acts such as Cocteau Twins, Nick Drake and Bob Dylan. This expanded domestic edition includes several bonus tracks and a collection of demos.

[Read more…] about New Releases for October 14, 2014

CDs + Vinyl:

Abbhama – Alam Raya [1978] CD/LP (Strawberry Rain)

Abbhama’s lone symphonic progressive effort has been highly regarded within South East Asia for years but is just starting to open ears elsewhere. Named one of the top 100 albums of all time by Rolling Stone Indonesia, Alam Raya was recorded in 1978 and has only been available on cassette until now. For fans of Genesis, Yes, Guruh Gypsy, ELP and Triumvirat.

Affiance – Blackout CD (Bullet Tooth)

Sophomore album from the Cleveland-based metal band produced by Carson Slovak (August Burns Red, Texas In July, Sirens & Sailors).

Olli Ahvenlahti – The Poet [Reissue/1976] CD/LP (Mr. Bong)

Digitally remastered edition of this 1976 album from the Finnish pianist, composer and conductor. Olli Ahvenlahti has been one of Finland’s leading jazz artists since the ’70s. The groove of his ’70s dancefloor jazz made an impact on the Finnish jazz scene, and album track “Grandma’s Rocking Chair” is viewed as a highlight of that era.

Jason Aldean – Old Boots New Dirt CD (Broken Bow)

New album from the two-time ACM Male Vocalist Of The Year. Includes the single ”Burnin It Down.”

Alive Like Me – Only Forever CD (Rise)

Debut album from Oregon-based alternative rock/post-hardcore band.

Alunah – Awakening The Forest CD (Napalm)

Third album from the English doom band.

Arctic Monkeys – Who The F**k Are Arctic Monkeys? [Reissue/2006] CD (Domino)

Who The F**k Are Arctic Monkeys? is a five-track EP originally recorded in 2006 and released four months after their breakout debut full length Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. It has only been available as an import since release, but it is now finally being released in the US.

Audrey Horne – Pure Heavy CD/2xLP+7” (Napalm)

Audrey Horne includes members of Enslaved, Gorgoroth and Sahg. Recommended for fans of Audioslave, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, and Foo Fighters. Limited digipak includes two bonus tracks. Vinyl edition features gatefold design and a 7” single.

A Winged Victory For The Sullen – Atmos CD/2xLP (Kranky)

A Winged Victory For The Sullen’s second full-length album sees the duo introduce flurries of electronics, harp and modular synthesizers to their sound in the follow up to the 2011 self-titled album. Composed for Wayne McGregor’s Random Dance Company (UK), which provided them with the inspiration to expand their sound palette into more electronic territory, whilst keeping their signature chamber sound, resulting in a very unique release. “An immersive, & inevitably cinematic, ambient gem.” — Mojo 

[Read more…] about New Releases for October 7, 2014

CD + Vinyl:

1349 – Massive Cauldron Of Chaos CD/LP (Season Of Mist)

The Norwegian black metal tyrants deliver aural hellfire with new album. Over four years in the making, Massive Cauldron Of Chaos builds on their storied career and sees the band sharpen their orthodox black metal assault with a thrashier edge. (Limited quantities pressed on black, white, and transparent vinyl.)

ABBA – Live At Wembly 2xCD/3xLP (Polydor)

This fantastic live release encapsulates 25 songs from ABBA’s landmark gig at Wembley Arena, London in 1979. As well as featuring a full rendition of classics, this is also the first time the track “I’m Still Alive” has ever been released. This is the first time this concert full of classic hits has been released.

Bryan Adams – Tracks Of My Years CD (Verve)

Covers album featuring a diverse collection of time honored classics from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Highlights include: Chuck Berry’s ”Rock & Roll Music,” Ray Charles’ ”I Can’t Stop Loving You,” and Beatles’ ”Any Time At All.” The album also includes a brand new track, “She Knows Me.”

Alabama – Angels Among Us: Hymns & Gospel Favorites CD (Eagle)

Twelve gospel tracks, featuring “Church In The Wildwood,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “The Old Rugged Cross” and an all-new recording of their hit “Angels Among Us.”

Alabama & Friends – At The Ryman 2xCD/2xCD+DVD/2xLP (Eagle)

Join Alabama for a once in a lifetime concert event, filmed at the historic Ryman Auditorium, featuring on stage collaborations with country’s biggest stars: Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Trisha Yearwood, Florida Georgia Line, Jamey Johnson and the Eli Young Band. Also available on stand-alone DVD.

Sam Amidon – Lily-O CD (Nonesuch)

Lily-O is a collection of reimagined folk songs by Vermont-born singer/fiddler/banjoist/guitarist Sam Amidon. The album features the innovative jazz guitarist and composer Bill Frisell, along with Amidon’s other frequent collaborators, bassist Shahzad Ismaily and drummer Chris Vatalaro. Lily-O’s ten songs are mostly traditional folk songs gathered from disparate sources and refashioned in Amidon’s signature way. Vinyl version due October 27.

Steve Aoki – Neon Future I CD (Ultra)

International DJ and producer Steve Aoki has always been at the forefront of future music. As the founder of Dim Mak Records and a Grammy-nominated electronic musician, his projects have grasped the attention of influencers and music enthusiasts worldwide. Given that he’s an avid follower of forward- thinking and evolving technology, it’s only fitting that the new album from Aoki being titled Neon Future. 

Joshua Abrams – Represencing CD (Eremite)

Recorded at home in Chicago in 2011, Abrams again organizes small group statements around the resonant grooves of the North African ceremonial instrument the guimbri with a unique and broadly assimilative compositional voice. 

Lydia Ainsworth – Right From Real CD (Artutus)

“Like a fever dream of Julia Holter merging with Grimes, Lydia Ainsworth’s future visions weave neoclassical flourishes and enchanted melody-mangles into cool ‘80s sound-beds.” — Dazed Vinyl version due October 14.

Herb Alpert – In The Mood CD (Shout! Factory)

On the heels of his 2014 Grammy win for his 2013 album Steppin’ Out, legendary trumpeter Herb Alpert presents his latest album. A collection of original compositions and modern takes on classic standards, In The Mood continues Alpert’s tradition of pushing his own musical boundaries.

Amplifier – Mystoria CD (Superball Music)

With a career that spans over a thousand shows of every conceivable size over 16 years and five studio records, Amplifier have by this point progressed past being simply a band and have become a zen-like state of being. Behemoth double album The Octopus (2012) ultimately and justifiably proved a great success, garnering praise from the BBC, Drowned In Sound and Classic Prog, among others.

Ian Anderson – Homo Erraticus (Tour Edition) CD+DVD (Kscope)

The Jethro Tull frontman’s latest album has been expanded with a DVD featuring the exclusive videos to each album track, as seen at the shows, set to hi resolution 24-bit stereo audio. Also includes a live performance of “Enter The Uninvited” and new interview footage.

Steve Arrington – Way Out: 80-84 CD (Tummy Touch)

Ohio funk legend/ambassador Steve Arrington releases a retrospective album, covering 30 years of unreleased and reworked material. Way Out: 80-84 is a compilation of sorts, blending more obscure cuts from earlier in his career with touched-up wonders that simply never left the cutting room floor.

Ausmuteants – Order Of Operation CD (Goner)

Order Of Operation is nasty and free of juvenile bullsh!t, but still 100% Australian, and opens with guitarist Shaun Connor’s forehead and thigh-slapping musical and lyrical debut, “Freedom of Information.” From there, songs range from balls-to-the-wall punkers (“Felix Tried To Kill Himself,” “Boiling Point”), well-considered workouts (“Family Time,” “Tunnel Vision”) and unguarded tenderness (“Wrong,” “Looney Bin”). Vinyl version due October 14.

Avec le Soleil Sortant de Sa Bouche – Zubberdust! CD/LP (Constellation)

Debut album from Montreal kraut-funk supergroup led by J.S. Truchy of Fly Pan Am.

[Read more…] about New Releases for September 30, 2014