CD + Vinyl:
Aeges – Above & Down Below CD (The Mylene Sheath)
Expanding upon the foundation of the sound that already drew influence from the ‘90s post-hardcore era, Above & Down Below mixes that same heavy edge of Quicksand with the more melodic heavy rock sheen of Soundgarden, Alice In Chains and Queens Of The Stone Age. At times it’s as heavy as lead, crushing and lurching hard, while other times it’s melodic and hook-laden; usually you’ll find this contrast within the same song. Vinyl version due October 7.
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 Baris Manco’s Kurtalan Ekspres to get the best fuzz breaks and Hammond slams and put ’em straight in your ears. The band also tried out some mixes that pushed the vocals or a particular instrument way up front, and of course long, low, reverberant welcomes from Edip’s echo-covered voice.
Alt-J – This Is All Yours CD/2xLP (Atlantic)
“As with An Awesome Wave, the defining characteristic of This Is All Yours is the band’s almost mechanical approach to its music, which can be in contrast to the visceral intent of its cryptic lyrics. While the music can be unyielding and is always meticulously arranged, words are strung together to create sensual images rather than formal narratives. Though electronics are still a primary force, much of the new album finds the trio exploring its interest in chamber pop and folk.” – The Wall Street Journal
Aphex Twin – Syro CD/3xLP (Warp)
Aphex Twin makes his return on Warp with new album Syro. Richard D. James has been releasing music since the beginning of the ‘90s. His first full-length album, Selected Ambient Works 85-92, came out in 1992 through R&S Records. The first Aphex Twin release on Warp would be 1993’s On EP, which was followed by four studio albums for the label, as well as numerous other EPs. Syro is the first new Aphex Twin album since 2001’s Drukqs.
Marcia Ball – The Tattooed Lady And The Alligator Man CD (Alligator)
New album from one of America’s best-known and beloved roots artists. “A joyful musical tour of the territory between New Orleans and Austin. Ball’s voice can break your heart with a ballad or break your back with a rocker.” — Boston Herald
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga – Cheek To Cheek CD (Interscope)
Cheek To Cheek is a cross-generational project that combines the fire-power of two superstar talents in their respective areas coming together to create something completely fresh and exciting. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds three bonus tracks. Vinyl version due October 7.
Big & Rich – Gravity CD (B$R LLC)
As Big & Rich, John Rich and Big Kenny Alphin have exerted a definite gravitation pull to the direction modern country music has taken. They are America’s Technicolor cowboys; brothers-in-arms in service to the creed that great music has no boundaries. Individually, John and Big Kenny are first-rate musicians, songwriters, producers, and entertainers.
