CDs:
Tandyn Almer – Along Comes Tandyn CD/LP (Sundazed)
Composer/pianist/producer/MENSA member Tandyn Almer first emerged in pop culture consciousness as the writer of the 1966 smash single by the Association, “Along Comes Mary.” Along Comes Tandyn is a lost pop-psych classic of the ’60s.
David Archuleta – No Matter How Far CD (E1)
New album from the American Idol runner-up is a mix of new and previously unreleased material.
Sebastian Bach – Abachalypse Now 2xCD+DVD (Frontiers)
Live album package from former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach. The DVD includes footage from 2012’s GrasPop Festival in Belgium, the full Hellfest set from France, and the Live At Nokia show from Los Angeles. Includes all Skid Row hits and the best songs from Sebastian’s solo career.
Iva Bittova – Iva Bittova CD (ECM)
Czech singer/player/composer Iva Bittova has said “the violin is a mirror reflecting my dreams and imagination. I believe there are fundamentals to my performance, such as the music’s vibration and resonance between the violin and my voice.”
James Blackshaw/Lubomyr Melnyk – Watchers CD (Important)
The Watchers is a collaboration between pianist Lubomyr Melnyk and guitarist James Blackshaw, who met at a festival called Hea Uus Heli in October 2008.
Blu – No York CD/4xLP (Nature Sounds)
With trails of psych rock, dub, broken beats, and jazz, Blu has moved past the sample-heavy traditionalism of his early work for No York, creating a balance between golden era hip-hop and the future of music. Features production from beat icons including Flying Lotus, Exile, Shafiq Husayn of Sa Ra, Daedalus, Dibia$e, and Samiyam.
Joe Bonamassa – An Acoustic Evening At The Vienna Opera House 2xCD (J&R Adventures)
Live acoustic set recorded at the historic Vienna Opera House last July during a very special two-week long unplugged tour. Also available on stand-alone DVD and Blu-ray. Vinyl version due April 2.
Bongripper – Live At Roadburn 2012 2xCD (Outer Battery)
Double-live CD from the doom kings.
Crystal Bowersox – All That For This All That For This CD (Shanachie)
Sophomore album from the 2010 American Idol runner-up.
Ces Cru – Constant Energy Struggles CD (Strange Music)
Third album from the Kansas City hip-hop group featuring collaborations with Tech N9ne, Liz Suwandi, JL B Hood and Mac Lethal.
Gene Clark – Here Tonight: The White Light Demos CD (Omnivore)
Gene Clark will always be best remembered for his two-year stint as a vocalist with the Byrds between 1964 and 1966. He was a superb songwriter and one of the founding fathers of country-rock. Here Tonight: The White Light Demos offers a glimpse into the songwriting craft of Clark at the inception of the compositions that would become his first ’70s solo album, White Light, for A&M Records, released in August of 1971.
Gloria Coates – At Midnight CD (Tzadik)
A varied program of music for solo piano, a string quartet, her exciting violin concerto, a piece for bass and piano and a fabulous piece for two tuning guitars.
Crime And The City Solution – American Twilight CD/LP (Mute)
First new album since 1990’s Paradise Discotheque. The band now includes additional members David Eugene Edwards (16 Horsepower/Woven Hand) and Jim White (Dirty Three).
The Cyclist – Bones In Motion CD (Stone’s Throw)
Lo-fi techno producer from Liverpool combines traditional dance music with experimental sounds.
Dark Sermon – In Tongues CD (E1)
Dark Sermon conjures the fist raising melody of European death metal, the blackened underbelly of bleak blast beating musical warfare, and the churning malevolence of technical death metal.
Depeche Mode – Delta Machine CD/2xCD/2xLP+MP3 (Columbia)
Depeche Mode’s 13th studio album is available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe includes a bonus disc with four additional new tracks, accompanied by a 28-page hardcover book including photos by longtime artistic collaborator Anton Corbijn. Martin Gore said of the release, “Writing this album was incredibly daunting as I wanted the sound of this collection to be very modern. I want people to feel good about listening to this record, to get some kind of peace. It’s just got something magical about it.”
Dido – Girl Who Got Away CD (RCA)
Working once again with her brother Rollo Armstrong, who produced the majority Girl Who Got Away, Dido collaborated with a “who’s who” of hit makers including Brian Eno, Jeff Bhasker, Rick Nowels and Greg Kurstin to create an album of finely, self-penned songs and soul-baring pop with electro, folk, hip hop, ambient and dance infusions.
Durag Dynasty – 360 Waves CD (Nature Sounds)
Debut album from the hip-hop group featuring Killer Ben, Alchemist, Tristate, and Planet Asia, with guest appearances from Prodigy, Phil The Agony, Evidence, Iman Thug and others.
Dave Hause – Resolutions CD/2xLP (Rise)
“You’re only as good as the company you keep.” If that’s the case then Dave Hause is in great shape. Having spent two years on tour with The Gaslight Anthem, AFI, Frank Turner, Social Distortion, Chuck Ragan, and more, Dave Hause is doing something right. Resolutions is raw and emotional, and is already becoming a staple “must have” album in the adult punk rock community.
Hierophant – Great Mother: Holy Monster CD/LP (Bridge Nine)
Hierophant play blackened metallic hardcore in the vein of His Hero Is Gone, Darkthrone, Neurosis, Catharsis, and Entombed, and have been accurately described by Hardboiled as “an otherworldly experience of dark, cold, grimy and almost dehumanized hardcore.”
I Am Empire – Anchors CD (Tooth & Nail)
Anchors find I Am Empire ascending to the modern day alternative/indie rock ranks alongside influences like Thrice, Brand New and Circa Survive, though there’s also a grungy feel that echoes the classic shades of Smashing Pumpkins or Garbage.
Iron Maiden – Maiden England ’88 2xCD (UMe)
Remastered and expanded double-CD edition of this live release recorded in November 1988 at the Birmingham N.E.C. Arena during the band’s Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son tour. This edition includes the full and complete release of the entire show (including previously unreleased encores), which had been edited when initially released. Also includes two tracks from the main show that were cut due to time constraints. Also available on stand-alone DVD.
Bob Irwin & The Pluto Walkers – The Throwaway Age CD/LP (Sundazed)
Fuzz-filled surf/drag/sci-fi/exotica nuggets that are as imaginative as they are catchy. Also featured on the album are four memorable tracks by The Pluto Walkers’ mysterious alter-ego outfit El Futuro Sonidos, who offer moody, lilting acoustic textures with a Latin touch and a tropical twist.
Alan Jackson – Precious Memories Volume II CD (EMI)
Jackson releases a second volume of hymns that his late mother loved.
J. Period & Nas – Best Of Nas CD (E1)
Highly regarded as one of the most talented DJ’s in the game, award-winning DJ/remixer J. Period (Q-Tip, The Roots, Lauryn Hill, etc.) teams up with Nas.
Kvelertak – Meir CD (Roadrunner)
With the explosive first single “Bruane Brenn” to the slowed down guitar crunching of “Evig Vandrar” to the brutally chaotic “Nekrokosmos,” Meir features tight rhythms, inventive guitar hooks and melodies. Vinyl version due April 9.
Lil Wayne – I Am Not A Human Being II CD (Cash Money)
Wayne’s tenth album features production assistance from David Banner, Soulja Boy and Juicy J plus guest appearances from Nicki Minaj, Big Sean, Gunplay, 2 Chainz and others. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe features three bonus tracks.
Little Green Cars – Absolute Zero CD/LP (Glassnote)
With influences ranging from early R.E.M., to Elliott Smith and Woody Guthrie, this Irish band’s sound is accomplished and belies their young ages of just 20.
Lorna – Heart Of Wire CD (Words On Music)
Lorna’s forth record finds this Nottingham, England quartet delivering bittersweet melodies and delicate harmonies that alternately flirt with Scottish pop and Lynchian closing time ballads. Steeped with woodwinds, strings and the occasional addictive electronics, Heart Of Wire still takes time to breath with more serene compositions.
The Milk Carton Kids – The Ash & Clay CD/2xLP (Anti)
After forming in 2011, the duo of Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan quickly built a devoted following with the simple purity of their music, touring with a host of established acts (Old Crow Medicine Show, Punch Brothers, and more), appearing on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series and charming audiences with their deadpan on-stage humor.
OneRepublic – Native CD/LP (Interscope)
The Colorado Springs band’s third full-length album is infused their high-powered rock-pop hybrid, featuring elements of electronic music, gospel, blues, and folk.
Pet Bottle Ningen – Non-Recyclable CD (Tzadik)
Trio of sax, guitar and drums combines composition, improvisation, rock, jazz and noise.
A Rocket To The Moon – Wild & Free CD (Fueled By Ramen)
A distinctive blend of country, rock, folk, and pop. Guests include Stephen Barker Liles (of country duo Love And Theft), Elizabeth Huett (known for her longtime work with Taylor Swift), and Josh Jenkins (of Green River Ordinance).
Saxon – Sacrifice CD/2xCD/LP (Capitol)
Saxon’s 20th studio album features a thrashier ‘80s perspective, plus five classic tracks revisited.
Klaus Schulze – Shadowlands CD/2xCD (Synthetic Symphony)
New album from Berlin born Klaus Schulze, who is an iconicic electronic musician who founded Ash Ra Tempel some 40 years ago, and developed his own art form as a communicative hermit after his stint behind the drum kit of Tangerine Dream. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions.
Kendrick Scott Oracle – Conviction CD (Concord Jazz)
Scott’s second recording showcases his incredible subtlety and intensity and highlights his strengths as a drummer, composer and bandleader.
Senses Fail – Renacer CD (Workhorse Music)
“Renacer” means “to be reborn” in Spanish, which is fitting, as the album is much more aggressive and heavier that previous releases.
Sevendust – Black Out The Sun CD (7 Brothers)
“Sevendust never hold anything back. However, on their ninth studio album, Black Out The Sun, they go harder than ever before. In some ways, it’s like they’ve transmuted the ferocity of their classic self-titled debut, Home, and Animosity into the sharp, succinct songwriting sensibility of Cold Day Memory. Be prepared to down a Molotov cocktail of razor sharp riffs, pounding rhythms, and soulful hooks.” – Artist Direct
Rhian Sheehan – Stories From Elsewhere CD (Darla)
Sheehan is a New Zealand composer and producer of cinematic music who is known for his unique melding of experimental electronica with orchestral music and environmental sound recordings.
Blake Shelton – Based On A True Story CD (WB)
New album featuring his current smash hit, “Sure Be Cool If You Did.”
Harper Simon – Division Street CD/LP (PIAS America)
Simon’s sophomore album is a departure from his self-titled debut, as it is more rock guitar driven than his previous alt-country work.
Stephen Stills – Carry On 4xCD (Rhino)
Carry On is a four-disc set, spanning 50 years and includes more than five hours of music and includes a 113-page booklet. Produced by Graham Nash and Joel Bernstein with Stephen Stills, this anthology spotlights the remarkable scope of stills career with essential recordings, live cuts, new mixes, and 25 previously unreleased tracks.
The Strokes – Comedown Machine CD/LP (RCA)
“Comedown Machine isn’t a major deviation from the rest of the Strokes’ catalogue, but it might be their most sonically ambitious since their debut. While it follows rather closely in form and content to their last album, Angles, its baby steps away from the group’s established genre of catchy pop/rock make it a fresh and highly engrossing record.” — Sputnik Music
Tartufi – These Factory Days CD/LP+MP3 (Southern)
San Francisco trio Tartufi’s penchant for lush sonic textures and gentle guitar picking shines through in every track of their sixth full-length.
Voodoo Circle – More Than One Way Home CD/2xLP (AFM)
German melodic hard rock/metal band Voodoo Circle is back with their third album.
Wavves – Afraid Of Heights CD/LP+MP3 (Mom + Pop/WB)
Now a duo consisting of guitarist Nathan Williams and bassist Stephen Pope, Wavves sound bigger, brasher, and shockingly more professional than ever on Afraid Of Heights, which positions the band to take their rightful place amongst the pop-punk gods. Also available on purple vinyl.
Wax Idols – Discipline & Desire CD/LP (Slumberland)
Wax Idols’ sophomore album embodies a dark, full, twisted sound: something that feels more appropriate to the foggy, damp British climate than that of sunny California.
Wire – Change Becomes Us CD (Pink Flag)
In Spring 2012, Wire’s plan had been to review the rudimentary blueprints of songs that had never made it beyond a few live performances in 1979 and 1980 — a time when each member was in creative overdrive yet the band itself was disintegrating. The aim wasn’t simply to resuscitate and record old songs. Rather, the objective was to approach that unrealized work as an oblique strategy, a potential springboard for their contemporary, forward-looking processes — a possible point of departure for new compositions.
Y La Bamba – Oh February CD (Tender Loving Empire)
Six songs of Mexi-influenced folk Americana that pick up where 2012’s Court The Storm left off. In a sulty cross genre dream accented by lush guitars, lively accordion and expert percussion, Oh February features Y La Bamba’s most immediately listenable songs to date. Produced by The Decemberists’ Chris Funk.
John Zorn – Mysteries CD (Tzadik)
Second volume from the trio of Bill Frisell, Carol Emanuel, and Kenny Wollesen. One of Zorn’s most beautiful and evocative projects, the music here follows in that tradition — a minimalist modal lyricism distinguished by complex rhythmic twists and turns, Zorn’s dramatic ever-shifting sound blocks and of course the brilliant improvisations of guitar wizard Frisell.
DVD + Blu-ray:
Joe Bonamassa – An Acoustic Evening At The Vienna Opera House 2xDVD/Blu-ray (J&R Adventures)
Live acoustic album recorded at the historic Vienna Opera House last July during a two-week long unplugged tour. 155 minutes.
Iron Maiden – Maiden England ’88 2xDVD (UMe)
Now available on double DVD, this live show was filmed across two sold-out nights at Birmingham N.E.C Arena, UK in November 1988 during the band’s Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son World Tour. Disc one contains the concert which has been specially upgraded and extended from the existing 1989 longform VHS release and now includes three previously unreleased encores: “Running Free,” “Run To The Hills” and “Sanctuary” thereby completing the full concert with a total running time of 110 minutes.
Vinyl:
Capitol Cities – Capitol Cities LP (Capitol)
Los Angeles-based electro-pop duo Capital Cities isn’t afraid to let the Southern California sunshine seep into their music. Synth-tastically bright, danceable and catchy, yet maintaining a depth that reflects the band’s roots in San Francisco, Paris and Armenia.
Cult Of Luna – Vertikal LP (Density/Workhorse Music Group)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Sixth studio album from the Swedish powerhouse and first for Density/Workhorse. Vertikal is thematically influenced by the classic film Metropolis: a hypnotic backdrop of machinery and repetition. Vinyl version due February 5.
El Sportivo + The Blooz – Nights + Weekends 2xLP (White Iris)
Taking cues from the dark side of ’70s country and rock & roll, Daron Hollowell’s songs speak to dreams of escapism, lust for adventure and truth, and his ever-surreal perception of the world as it spins unsteadily around him.
Greg Ginn & The Royal We – Fearless Leaders LP (SST)
Decades after his Black Flag-days and in live performance, Ginn’s one-man-band merges DJ aesthetics along with instrumentation including guitar, theremin, and synth. Dreamy and evolving instrumental electronic dance music.
Hum – You’d Prefer An Astronaut [Reissue/1995] LP+MP3 (Shop Radio Cast)
Limited edition white vinyl reissue of the third studio album by the Champaign, IL post-hardcore band. You’d Prefer An Astronaut was first released in 1995 by RCA as the band’s major label debut.
Bob Irwin & The Pluto Walkers – Coffin Dragger b/w Arabesque 7” (Spinout)
Stomping, fuzztone-infected tribute to the legendary biker film soundtracks of decades past.
Land Lines – Land Lines LP (Learning Curve)
Land Lines is Martina Grbac (cello, vocal, percussion), Ross Harada (drums and percussion) and Anna Mascorella (cello, vocal, percussion).
Tim McGraw – Two Lanes Of Freedom 2xLP (Big Machine)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Tim McGraw’s new record explains there are both kinds of freedom: country and western.
Brooke Waggoner – Originator LP (Ingrooves)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. “In the span of time between the release of my last album, Go Easy Little Doves, in 2009 and the beginning of production on Originator in 2011, I spent my time producing albums for other bands, writing music for short films, and playing piano in Jack White’s all-female band, The Peacocks,” Brooke remarked. “It’s been a good time to ‘fill my well’ so to speak.” – Direct Current
Wild Belle – Isles LP (Columbia)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. A unique combination of bold songwriting, studio wizardry and late night vibes hailing from Chicago, IL.
