CDs:
Ben Allison – The Stars Look Very Different Today CD (Sonic Camera)
For nearly two decades, the renowned bassist and composer Ben Allison has continually broken new artistic ground by refusing to bow to complacency. A musician’s musician, Allison’s career has been defined by his fearless drive to pull inspiration from an extremely wide variety of sources, to mix and match sounds into a cohesive whole that drags jazz kicking and screaming into the future.
Black Flag – What The… CD (SST)
Black Flag’s release since 1989’s I Can See You is comprised of 22 scathing songs. Vinyl version due December 17.
Boston – Life, Love & Hope CD (Frontiers)
The legendary Boston return with a brand new studio album after a 10+ year hiatus from releasing new material.
Cannibal Ox – Gotham CD (Ihiphop)
Since the release of 2001’s The Cold Vein, hip-hop fans have fiended for the return of Vast Aire and Vordul Mega, collectively known as Cannibal Ox. 2013 marks the year of the Ox as they return with their first cohesive body of work in roughly 12 years.
Cannibal Ox – The Cold Vein [Reissue/2001] 2xCD/4xLP (Oarfin)
Double-disc reissue featuring a bonus instrumental version of the album.
Dott – Swoon CD/LP+MP3 (Graveface)
Dott are from Galway, Ireland and play shiny, harmony-driven garage pop. ”Managing to sound at once like a classic garage band you somehow missed and as fresh as any current Irish guitar band, Dott have sound-tracked the summer for many music fans. With their style fusing distorted guitars and infectious lyrics, they have proven to be one of the bands to watch on the Irish music scene. They’re the kind of band that listeners want to claim rights to having been first to fall for their quirky charm. The stratosphere beckons.” — State Magazine
Fuzz – Live In San Francisco CD/LP (Castle Face)
Ty Segall’s new stoner thrashers not only totally murdered this set at San Francisco leather-daddy hangout The SF Eagle, but it was Ty’s birthday and he blew out his birthday cake candles mid-song, didn’t miss a beat, and that moment is forever etched into this record.
Good For You – Full Serving 3xCD (SST)
With nearly two-and-a-half hours of music, Full Serving is the complete collection Good For You’s music released in 2013. It contains Life Is Too Short…, F##ked Up, and Too!, all resequenced on two CDs. The package also includes a third bonus disc featuring six additional tracks.
Glen Hansard – Drive All Night 12” (Anti)
Recently release on vinyl – now available on CD. Anchored by the title track, a compelling cover of the Springsteen classic, this EP is a tribute to The Boss and his legacy. Features Eddie Vedder and Clarence Clemons’ nephew Jake.
King Crimson – Red [Reissue/1974] 2xCD (DGM)
Disc One features the completely new stereo album mix by Fripp and Steven Wilson as well as two extra Steven Wilson alternate takes/mixes from the multi-track tapes. Disc Two contains the 30th anniversary mix of the original album plus the full-length version of “Providence” and a previously unreleased live mix of “Starless.” Presented with sleeve notes by King Crimson biographer Sid Smith along with rare photos and archive material.
Lightning Bolt – Oblivion Hunter CD (Load)
2012 album now available on CD for the first time. Since forming in 1994, Lightning Bolt has taken a zigzag path to recording, playing and touring. Following in this pattern is Oblivion Hunter, a collection of the band’s epic recording sessions over the last few years.
Muse – Live At Rome Olympic Stadium CD+DVD/CD+Blu-ray (Other Music Recording Co.)
On July 6th, Muse took to the stage at Rome’s Olympic Stadium in front of a capacity audience of more than 60,000 fans. The band take the audience on a mesmerizing journey using pyrotechnics, expansive digital screens, and a troop of actors to accompany their playlist of 20 tracks, mixed in surround sound, including cuts from their most recent studio album The 2nd Law, as well as Muse classics such as “Uprising,” “Madness,” “Supermassive Black Hole,” “Starlight,” “Time Is Running Out,” and “Knights Of Cydonia.”
Mutual Benefit – Love’s Crushing Diamond CD (Fat Possum)
Jordan Lee has spent the last few years bouncing around the indie underground, from Ohio to Texas to Boston to Brooklyn, running the wonderful Kassette Klub label, touring with his friends groups, and leading an amorphous project called Mutual Benefit, a one-man-band or a sprawling collective, depending on where he is and who is around that day. Love’s Crushing Diamond an instantly engaging blend of high and low fidelity, mixing lush studio productions, featuring keys, guitar, violin and banjo, with clattering homemade percussion and found sounds. Vinyl version due January 7.
Roy Orbison – The Last Concert CD+DVD (Sony Legacy)
On December 4, 1988 in Highland Heights, Ohio, Roy Orbison took the stage for what would be the final time, prior to his sudden passing two days later. This set features highlights from that show along with rare and unreleased video footage that further showcases this thrilling period of his career. In addition to a stunning photo gallery from his final concert and a rare 11-minute one-on-one interview with The Big O, as well as selections from two rare live sets — one from the Reseda Country Club, California, in 1981 and the other from Rockefeller Hall in Texas, 1986.
Britney Spears – Britney Jean CD (RCA)
Spears has described Britney Jean as the most personal album she has ever done. Having assumed an integral position in its production, she collaborated with songwriters and producers including Sia Furler and will.i.am to achieve her desired sound. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds four bonus tracks.
Various Artists – Purple Snow: Forecasting The Minneapolis Sound 2xCD/4xLP (Numero)
Never known for sizable African-American populations, the Twin Cities in fact harbored a tight-knit community of musicians working feverishly through the late ’70s and early ’80s toward a radical manipulation of American dance music, coating futuristic funk with the glamorous sheen of guitar rock. Synthetic ebony and ivory met electricity, with sexed-up results sent shockingly across the pop heavens like violet lightning.
Johnny Winter – Live Bootleg Series Vol. 10 CD (Friday Music)
For Johnny Winter’s Live Bootleg Series Volume 10, the artist surely becomes his instrument in some incredibly guitar shredding live performances. The blues wielding axeman steps out with super workouts on concert classics like his masterful version of the Dale Hawkins classic “Suzie Q,” Johnny’s own rocker “One Step At A Time” and a super long jam on the Lowell Fulson’s “Love Her With A Feeling.” Always paying homage to his fellow bluesmen, Johnny also dug into his archives for two rare performances of the stellar Muddy Waters classic “Catfish Blues” and the jump blues of John Estes “Diving Duck Blues.”
Xiu Xiu – Nina CD/LP+MP3 (Graveface)
Nena is a thank you note, a love letter and a kind of musical fan-fic for the late icon Nina Simone. This being Xiu Xiu, of course, Stewart’s tribute album is far from a collection of straight covers. Rather, he and long-time collaborator Ches Smith bring Simone into focus through their own avant-dark lens.
John Zorn – Shir Hashirim CD (Tzadik)
Drawing upon traditions from plainchant, mediaeval ars nova, Renaissance madrigals, 20th century vocal techniques and minimalism, Zorn’s music for a cappella voice is some of his most personal and beloved creations. This is the definitive recording of his sublime, transcendent and radiant work inspired by the seductive lyricism of the world’s oldest known erotic verse.
John Zorn/Bill Frisell/Gnostic Trio – In Lambeth: Visions From The Walled Garden Of William Blake CD (Tzadik)
In Lambeth celebrates the remarkable work of this legendary Romantic poet, artist and philosopher, presenting nine gorgeous compositions capturing the innocence, open heart, transcendent wisdom and subtle melancholy of one of the world’s most beloved visionaries.
DVD + Blu-ray:
Chet Baker – Let’s Get Lost DVD (Docurama)
This 80-minute documentary on the life of jazz trumpeter Chet Baker includes a fascinating series of interviews with friends, family associates and lovers interspersed with film from Baker’s earlier life and some modern-day performances.
Good Ol’ Freda – DVD (Magnolia Home Entertainment)
Freda Kelly was just a shy Liverpudlian teenager when she was asked to work for a local band hoping to make it big. Though she had no concept of how far they would go, Freda had faith in The Beatles from the beginning and The Beatles had faith in her. Many people came in and out of the band’s circle as they grew to international stardom, but Freda remained a staple because of her unfaltering loyalty and dedication. As The Beatles’ devoted secretary and friend, Freda was there as history unfolded; she was witness to the evolution — advances and setbacks, breakthroughs and challenges — of the greatest band in history. For the first time in 50 years, Freda shares her story. 86 minutes.
Stevie Nicks/Dave Stewart – In Your Dreams DVD (Reprise)
Decadent rock star, ‘70s survivor, gypsy songbird, white-winged dove the inimitable Stevie Nicks has entranced millions of fans worldwide with her poetic lyrics, sultry singing and feather-and-lace style. In 2010 Nicks embarked on the recording of solo album, In Your Dreams, produced by former Eurythmics mastermind Dave Stewart. With cameras in tow, documentarian Stewart and diva Nicks set up shop in her home studio and reveal their collaborative creative process. Shifting dynamically among video formats, painstaking recording sessions and revealing interviews, this magic-tinged musical journey is a loving and tuneful portrait of the eternally bewitching Gold Dust Woman. 112 minutes.
The Stone Roses – Made Of Stone DVD/Blu-ray (MVD Visual)
With unprecedented access to previously unseen archive footage, Made Of Stone is a revealing journey through the life of one of the most revered and influential bands in ‘90s British music. Acclaimed film-maker Shane Meadows brings his unique directorial style, humor and emotional depth to the film, capturing the band at work and in their everyday lives as they rehearsed for their much-anticipated reunion, which culminated in three triumphant homecoming gigs at Manchester’s Heaton Park in front of 220,000 adoring fans. 97 minutes.
Vinyl:
Apocalyptica – Wagner Reloaded: Live In Leipzig 2xLP (BMG Rights Management)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Finnish cello-based heavy rockers Apocalyptica want to be remembered as the band that brought balls back to heavy metal and the band that did so in a unique way. Twenty years into an inimitable and formidable career, they are still reinventing themselves and finding new sources of inspiration. The first new music from the band in three years is this live CD of their Wagner musical and theatrical project.
Atmosphere – Seven’s Travels [Reissue/2003] 3xLP (Rhymesayers)
To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, Rhymesayers reissues Seven’s Travels as a HQ-180gm triple vinyl gatefold package, expanded with six bonus tracks and new/alternate artwork.
Bastard Noise/Geronimo – Inertia 12” (Three One G)
Within these grooves be a failure to heed to exploration. Within these grooves be a failure to heed to mighty demands of submission, mediocrity, and the over-general pathetic desire to blindly become drone fertilizer. In short: a celebration of sound, revolt and despair impelled at a very high rate of speed of an irreversible course by the solemn and perpetual nature of inertia.
Big Black – Bulldozer [Reissue/1984] 12”+MP3 (Touch & Go)
Big Black – Racer X [Reissue/1984] 12”+MP3 (Touch & Go)
Big Black was started by Steve Albini in 1982 while he was living in Evanston, Illinois, and attending Northwestern University. For Bulldozer, Albini recruited Jeff Pezzati (Naked Raygun) to help him out on bass. Santiago Durango, another founding member of Naked Raygun, joined them on guitar. They recorded one more time with Pezzati on bass, which resulted in their Homestead debut the Racer-X EP.
Blood Orange – Cupid Deluxe 2xLP+MP3 (Domino)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. “On his second collection of melancholic ‘80s-inspired pop odes, the 27-year-old singer/songwriter/producer Devonté Hynes, aka Blood Orange, channels vagabond emotions into something universal and inviting. His Cupid Deluxe is an album that tenderly details heartbreak through the language of longing.” Best New Music [8.5] – Pitchfork
Bump & The Soul Stompers – I Can Remember b/w Standing On The Outside 7” (Numero)
“I Can Remember” momentarily recalls The Delfonics’ “Do You Remember” before flipping its melody the other way around. On the B-side “Standing On The Outside” makes further appeals to the lowrider set, brake-pedaling the tempo a notch or two.
Calvin Harris – Love’s Recipe b/w Wives Get Lonely Too 7” (Numero)
1972 pair of Calvin Harris’ masterfully crafted Earl Wiley-produced sweet soul demos.
Matthew De Gennaro – Chuang Tzu Motherf##ker LP+MP3 (Soft Abuse)
With a varied approach — guitar, organs, claves, fiddle, and a few tricks up the sleeve — De Gennaro presents a series of gorgeous melancholic pieces informed by the isolated environs of his home and studio in rural Michigan. Chuang Tzu Motherf##ker marks the first time his voice has appeared on record, in a song for the great Pip Proud.
The Durutti Column – The Return Of The Durutti Column [Reissue/1980] LP (Factory Benelux)
Long awaited reissue of this 1980 album from British guitarist Vini Reilly aka The Durutti Column. While still a live fixture at Factory’s Hacienda club, Reilly entered the studio with legendary producer Martin Hannett to work on a spontaneous, organic recording that would become the Durutti Column’s classic debut LP. The album was comprised of gentle guitar instrumentals incorporating jazz, folk and classical touches, and sounded unlike anything produced by other post-punk bands of the time.
Fis – Preparations LP (Tri Angle)
Preparations is the first record to be released on Tri Angle by Fis. Based in Wellington, New Zealand, Fis has steadily been building a name for himself on the underground as a producer to keep an eye on. Having already put out a number of very limited edition and very well received releases through a handful of drum and bass oriented labels, Preparations finds Fis at a point in his music-making career where he’s ready to be introduced to a wider audience.
The Grateful Dead – One From The Vault [Reissue/1991] 3xLP (Future Days)
Triple-LP set back in print on vinyl after 22 years, newly remastered by Joe Gastwirt, with lacquers cut by Kevin Gray. For a legacy filled with legendary performances, the Grateful Dead Live at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on August 13th, 1975 stands out. The band only played four shows during that entire year (remarkable for a band that toured non-stop for decades) and for this show, they rolled multi-track tape (which allowed for the band decades later to properly mix it).
Hella – Santa’s Little Hella [Flexi] 7” (Joyful Noise)
This limited edition flexi-disc single [part of Joyful Noise’s flexi subscription series] features a never before heard outtake from Hella’s 2007 album There’s No 666 in Outer Space (Ipecac Records).
John Holt – 1000 Volts Of Holt [Reissue/1974] LP (Secret)
HQ-180gm vinyl reissue of the classic 1974 Trojan Lovers Rock album. Featuring soulful reggae versions of “Killing Me Softly,” “Stoned Out Of My Mind” and “Mr.Bojangles.” Comes with full color insert featuring track-by-track breakdown and extensive liner notes by Harry Hawke.
Tim Kinsella – Tim Kinsella Sings The Songs of Marvin Tate LP (Joyful Noise)
Featuring an array of Chicago heavyweights, this limited edition release is not your average solo album. As the album title suggests, this is a uniquely collaborative effort from a diverse group of individuals: prolific poet Marvin Tate, multi-instrumentalist (and longtime Wilco member) LeRoy Bach, Angel Olsen (Jagjaguwar Records), and Tim Kinsella (the eccentric voice behind Joan of Arc, Cap’n Jazz, Owls, and Make Believe).
Master Plan Inc. – Try It (You’ll Like It) b/w Master Plan Intro 7” (Numero)
Their brief 1975 furlough in Minneapolis came at an opportune moment, as rising studio wiz David “Z” Rivkin scoured his Twin City environs for black talent. The result here is silky vocal moves with break-heavy, horn-laden funk riffs.
Mind & Matter – 1514 Oliver Avenue (Basement) LP (Numero)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Jimmy Jam Harris was just 16 when he began writing and arranging for Minneapolis 11-piece Mind & Matter. Boasting a perfectly calibrated vocal quartet, an aggressive rhythm section, and stacks of Rhodes, Rolands, and Hammonds, the danceable act failed to win favor with frigid Midwest audiences. Tracked in 1977, this bundle of never-before-released basement demos throw Harris’ beloved Philadelphia Sound into an unfinished root cellar, pelting it with Clavinet attacks, disco skats, and infectious hooks.
Moistboyz – Moistboyz V LP (Moistboyz)
Long awaited LP featuring Dean Ween and longtime collaborator Guy Heller doing some country-tinged folk rockers.
Murder-Suicide Pact – Die Screaming LP (Give Praise)
The fifth and final record from Florida’s long-running Murder-Suicide Pact, featuring fifteen new songs. This album finds the band expanding their Black Flag template with dramatic effect. Featuring members of Failure Face, Slap of Reality and the Holy Mountain.
New Bums – Slim Volume 7” (New Bums)
Slim Volume is the debut single by New Bums, a duo consisting of Ben Chasny (Six Organs of Admittance) and Donovan Quinn (Skygreen Leopards). The single exemplifies the surreal storytelling, 4:00 A.M. acoustic guitars and urban paranoia that lie at the core of their music.
Augustus Pablo – Dub Box Set 3×10” (Clocktower)
Triple 10″ deluxe box set on red, green and yellow vinyl features tracks pulled from Ital Dub, Reggae Hot Rocks Dub, and Dubbing In Africa.
Elvis Presley – The ‘68 Comeback Special [1968] LP (Friday Music)
Out of print on vinyl for decades, this exclusive 45th Anniversary Edition of the soundtrack to Elvis’ NBC ’68 Comeback Special is pressed on HQ-180gm vinyl and packaged in a gatefold sleeve.
Sufjan Stevens & Cat Martino – Take The Time [Flexi] 7” (Joyful Noise)
The New York native, Cat Martino, has previously appeared as a member of Sufjan Stevens’ and Sharon Van Etten’s bands, but is poised to release a sophomore album sometime next year that has the potential to make her a star in her own right. [Part of Joyful Noise’s flexi subscription series.]
Tycho – Past Is Prologue [2006] 2xLP (Ghostly International)
Tycho’s Past Is Prologue, pressed on vinyl for the first time, has a storied history. The tracks began as Sunrise Projector, Tycho’s 2004 full-length debut on Gammaphone records; the record was then expanded and reissued in 2006 as Past Is Prologue on Merck records; and now, Ghostly International is reissuing Tycho’s original masterwork, re-introducing graphic designer/producer Scott Hansen’s musical universe: a lush, expansive imaginary landscape of sepia-toned keyboards, warm downtempo beats, and mile after mile of sun-dappled beauty.
Unnatural Funk Band – Strange Happenings b/w Living In The Past 7” (Numero)
This previously unreleased pairing was unearthed, with assistance from “Bump” Scott himself, during the Numero Group’s KC-focused research for 2013’s Eccentric Soul: The Forte Label collection.
Jorma Whittaker – Jorma LP (Joyful Noise)
Jorma Whittaker’s first solo release since his 2001 debut on Secretly Canadian. With the help of his backup band Heavy Hometown, the Marmoset front man has produced the most accomplished, soulful, and downright menacing album of his career.
Wolf People – When The Fire Is Dead In The Grate 12” (Jagjaguwar)
Following Wolf People’s critically acclaimed 2013 release, Fain, comes this 4-track 12″ featuring two of the album’s most accomplished songs and two brand new tracks. “When The Fire Is Dead In The Grate” has quickly been established as a fan-favorite throughout venues during their European tour. Stewart Lee described the song as “…. the album’s first stone classic, a funky folk-metal workout that trails off into a compellingly extended coda, both guitarists circling and dovetailing and spiraling.”
