New Releases for April 1, 2014

CDs:

Alesana – Decade CDEP (Artery)New 6-song EP from the North Carolina post-hardcore band.

Keith Allison – In Action: The Complete Columbia Sides Plus CD (Real Gone Music)

Keith Allison took listeners where the action is on his 1967 Columbia Records debut LP In Action, packing its grooves with tunes from Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart (including “Action, Action, Action,” the theme to ABC-TV s Where The Action Is, which featured Allison), Donovan, Neil Diamond, Ray Charles, and his future bandmates Paul Revere and the Raiders. This reissue adds twelve original mono single bonus tracks to the original eleven stereo pop nuggets.

Matt Andersen – Weightless CD (True North)

Hailing from the blue-collar community of Perth Andover, New Brunswick, Andersen has been steadily building his sizable following in Canada and around the world through word of mouth about his electrifying live shows. Weightless, the new album, is infused with Andersen’s unparalleled dexterity on the guitar and his command of the blues with a distinctive soulful voice. Vinyl version due April 15.

Horace Andy – Get Wise [Reissue/1975] CD/LP (Pressure Sounds)

The musical relationship between Phil Pratt and one of reggae’s most distinctive voices Horace Andy began with the song “Black Mans Country” produced by Pratt for the Caltone label. Get Wise was their follow up together, released only in Jamaica in 1975, it was pressed in very limited quantities. This reissue is expanded with six bonus tracks.

Arche – First Cause CD (Psychonavigation)

Arche is a dark ambient drone group. “The goal with this album was to keep the tracks as minimally edited as possible. They’re meant to evoke different states of mind, and as the music is largely improvised I can only assume this means the tunes grow from that mindset as a seedbed. There is a large sense of emotion here, though: they’re mostly woozy. It’s distinctly uneasy – though not unpleasant – listening. Throughout there’s nothing invoked so much as the feel of ritual – of grand gestures and things one cannot know or understand. Sound sources remain uncertain, mostly, which aids this goal.” — Cyclic Defrost

Arc Iris – Arc Iris CD/LP+CD (Anti)

Arc Iris is the orchestral pop project of Jocie Adams, a former core member of The Low Anthem. The singer and multi-instrumentalist formed the collective to present her ambitious new songs. The band includes a collective of four musicians plus Jocie with additional players frequently joining to expand the sound further, to create their wild exploration of all kinds of musical styles – jazz, prog rock, blues, country, folk, and classical.

Austrian Death Machine – Triple Brutal CD (Artery)

New album from the Arnold Schwarzenegger-inspired side-project from As I Lay Dying vocalist Tim Lambesis. Austrian Death Machine is (you guessed it) a tribute/parody of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s action films.

The Bamboos – Fever In The Road CD (Nettwerk)

The Bamboos is a nine-piece funk soul band from Melbourne, Australia.

Band Of Skulls – Himalayan CD/2xLP (Electric Blues)

“The UK’s answer to The Black Keys veers towards an evolved sound for this record. They’re not reinventing themselves – don’t expect any Mariachi-trance or doom-hop – but there is grandeur, a largeness that they parade around on their escapades – is that their newfound knob-twiddler Nick Launay (Arcade Fire, Nick Cave, Yeah Yeah Yeahs) making himself known? Everything’s firm, confident and collected – it may lumber, but each kick beat and chord strum is definitely defiant. This is an album that struts with a dead-eyed glint; it’s an album that keeps a sinister streak simmering near the surface.” – The Line Of Best Fit

Big Elf – Into The Maelstrom CD (Inside Out)

Melodic prog-doom.

Black Pistol Howl – Hush Or Fire CD/LP (Modern Outsider)

Black Pistol Fire is a Canadian rock & roll duo that splits time between Toronto, Ontario and Austin, Texas. Their wild and energetic rock-and-roll sound has been described as a mix of classic southern rock and garage punk, garnering comparisons to early Kings Of Leon, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The White Stripes, and Clutch.

The Blue Nile – Peace At Last [Reissue/1996] 2xCD (EMI)

Digitally remastered reissue of the Scottish pop-soul perfectionists’ third album, expanded with a bonus CD of rarities.

The Body – I Shall Die Here CD/LP (RVNG, Intl)

Sharing their moribund vision with The Haxan Cloak, The Body’s tried and true sound is cut to pieces, mutilated by process and re-animated in a spectral state for their fourth full-length. I Shall Die Here sonically serrates the remains of metal’s already unidentifiable corpse and splays it amid tormented voices in shadow.

The Brothers & Sisters – Dylan’s Gospel [Reissue/1969] CD/LP (Light In The Attic)

Originally released in 1969 on Ode Records, this rare and sought-after album finds the California collective covering a clutch of Dylan classics in the era’s revolutionary gospel style. Produced by Lou Adler, soon to work his magic on Carole King’s mega-successful Tapestry, and arranged by Gene Page, noted for his work for Motown, the performers were largely unknown, but many went on to find great acclaim. Merry Clayton, the powerhouse singer best known for sparring with Mick Jagger on the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” (and star of the recent documentary 20 Feet from Stardom), appears here, as does Edna Wright of The Honeycones and Gloria Jones, who recorded the original version of “Tainted Love” in 1965.

Busman’s Holiday – A Long Goodbye CD/LP (Joyful Noise)

Lewis and Addison Rogers are brothers who make pop-music together. When they do this, they go by the name Busman’s Holiday. Lewis plays guitar, and Addison plays his modest drum kit, complete with suitcase-bass-drum. Independently, the brothers have performed with artists such as Jens Lekman and Sleeping Bag. A Long Goodbye, the first proper album from Busman’s Holiday was recorded by Mark Lawson (Arcade Fire) and mixed by Drew Vandenberg (Toro Y Moi, Kishi Bashi). The band has been featured on WNYC’s Radiolab. RIYL: Kishi Bashi, Paul Simon, Randy Newman, Van Dyke Parks.

Nick Cannon – White People Party Music CD (Ncredible)

New album from the R&B artist, rapper, actor and comedian features guest appearances by

Afrojack, Pitbull, Future, Akon and more.

S. Carey – Range Of Light CD/LP (Jagjaguwar)

S. Carey’s chosen musical expression is a hugely beatific, restorative panorama of extraordinary beauty – perfect given how landscape inspires much of Carey’s imagery. His 2014 album Range Of Light – the follow-up to his debut All We Grow – takes its title from the name that 19th century naturalist John Muir gave to California’s Sierra Nevada, and follows suit with a dazzling array of musical light and shade, drawn from Carey’s love of jazz, modern classical, and Americana.

Cauldron Black Ram – Stalagmire CD/LP (20 Buck Spin)

The crude horde that be the Cauldron Black Ram emerges yet once more from wat’ry tomb to besiege hapless poseurs and put to manacles weak would-be picaroons. Being the third of albums to sail under the banner of Cauldron Black Ram, the new recording is a commanding effort of sludgy, crossboned black death metal and slimy, rum-sodden doomed debauchery.

Chevelle – La Gargola CD (Epic)

New album from the hard-rock trio features ten tracks including the album’s first single ”Take Out The Gunman.”

Chiodos – Devil CD/LP (Razor & Tie)

Chiodos returns refreshed for 2014 with original frontman Craig Owens and new guitarist Thomas Erak, former frontman and guitarist from The Fall Of Troy. Devil was recorded with Davd Botrill (Tool, Muse, Coheed & Cambria).

Cloud Nothings – Here And Nowhere Else CD/LP (Carpark)

Utilizing every opportunity to write while on the road for 18 months following the release of 2012’s Attack On Memory, Cloud Nothings’ Dylan Baldi presented an album’s worth of material to his bandmates days before they’d enter the studio with esteemed producer John Congleton. The result is Cloud Nothings refined: impossibly melodic, white-knuckle noise-rock that shimmers with sumptuous detail. “It’s more subtle,” says Baldi. “It’s not just an in-your-face rock record. There’s more going on. You can listen to a song 20 times and still hear different little things in there…” (Limited quantities also available on light blue vinyl.)

Cowboy – Reach For The Sky [Reissue/1970] CD (Real Gone Music)

Led by Scott Boyer and Tommy Talton, the Jacksonville band Cowboy was discovered by none other than Duane Allman, who, as legend has it, banged on their door at 7 am one day and asked to hear some songs. He then recommended them to Capricorn label owner Phil Walden, who sent Allman Brothers producer Johnny Sandlin to check them out; Sandlin ended up producing several Cowboy albums for Capricorn, of which this 1970 release was the first.

The Robert Cray Band – In My Soul CD/LP (Provogue)

Produced by American multi-instrumentalist, composer, musical director, Grammy Award-winning artist and longtime Cray friend Steve Jordan (John Mayer, Keith Richards), In My Soul captures Cray at his finest with an outstanding 10-song collection of Stax and Chess influenced soul and blues that showcases his trademark guitar playing and his extraordinary vocals.

Dan Croll – Sweet Disarray CD (Capitol)

Dan Croll is a fabulous new solo artist with enough facets for a whole band. He’s the electro boy with links to the folk scene a multi-instrumentalist whose songwriting prowess has impressed everyone from former Beatles to legends in the world of fashion and design. Half troubadour, half techno whiz, Dan is a latter-day Beck, and the missing link between Jake Bugg and Joe Mount. Vinyl version due April 15.

CunninLynguists – Strange Journey Volume Three CD (MRI)

New crowd-sourced album featuring fan-selected artists such as Murs, Del The Funky Homosapien, Aesop Rock, Grieves, Celph Titled, Zumbi of Zion I, Tonedeff and more. Production by Kno, RJD2 and Thomax.

Charlie Daniels Band – Off The Grid: Doin’ It Dylan CD (Blue Hat)

For their first album in seven years, the Charlie Daniels Band pays tribute to Bob Dylan by recording ten of his classic tracks, including ”Times They Are A Changin’,” ”Mr Tambourine Man,” ”Tangled Up in Blue” and others.

Deep Purple – California Jam: Live In California ’74 CD (Eagle Rock Entertainment)

Deep Purple was the biggest selling album act in America when they embarked on a 28-date tour promoting their new album Burn. The undoubted climax of this tour was headlining the California Jam Festival at Ontario Speedway in California, in front of 200,000 people. This year marks the 40th anniversary of this historic event.

Mac DeMarco – Salad Days CD/LP (Captured Tracks)

“Recorded at Jizz Jazz studio (don’t get too excited – that’s just the codename for his windowless bedroom) – Salad Days finds DeMarco returning to the AM warble and warped guitars that made his previous records such a success, while delving into deeper sonic and lyrical territories with vintage keyboards (‘Passing Out Pieces,’ ‘Chamber Of Reflection’), calypso love ballads (‘Let My Baby Stay’) and songs about youthful insecurities (‘Blue Boy’). – Exlaim.ca

Dynazty – Renatus CD (Sound Pollution)

Fourth album from the Swedish melodic hard rockers.

A.J. Ellis – Bury The Devil CD (12^th Street)

Bury The Devil sees Ellis putting his distinctive rough hewn vocals and Costello-esque guitar-pop songwriting style to great effect over the course of 11 tracks alternately tinged with country twang, bluesy refrains, and anti-folk aesthetics.

Epistasis – Light Through Dead Glass CD (Crucial Blast)

Shifting from moody, understated passages of atonal melody into blasts of frostbitten, discordant blackness and lurching, angular riffage, Light Through Dead Glass leaks strains of spectral jazziness through the depths beneath the band’s complex, metallic assault. Mills’ ghastly screams drift vaporously behind twisted, lurching grooves and blackened blasts, offsetting the ghostly sound of her trumpet bleating in the darkness. These subtle, jazz-informed touches are met with Cohen’s furious drumming, giving the songs a churning rhythmic intricacy that seethes beneath even the band’s most atmospheric moments.

French Montana – Coast 2 Coast 234 CD (Chopper City)

Features the hot French Montana with appearances from up and coming stars, including: Gunplay, Quise, Myko and Geno Mays, along with Carmine, Fat Joe, and Frenzy.

Frequency Drift – Over CD (Gentle Art Of Music)

With harp, cello, violin, flute, and gemshorn, Frequency Drift merge influences as diverse as Pink Floyd, Renaissance and film music into a pastiche of cinematic progressive rock.

Grace.Will.Fall. – No Rush CD/LP (Hobo)

Third album from the Swedish hardcore band.

Hatriot – Dawn Of The New Century CD (Massacre)

This Bay-Area metal band takes its musical roots back in time to the 1980’s when metal was fast and furious, yet still melodic.

The Holmes Brothers – Brotherhood CD (Alligator)

”Timeless, deeply soulful and uplifting gospel-drenched blues, street corner doo-wop, ballads, R&B, country and funk.” — The New York Times

HTRK – Psychic 9-5 Club CD/LP (Ghostly International)

Psychic 9-5 Club marks the beginning of a new chapter for HTRK. It’s an album that looks back on a time of sadness and struggle, and within that struggle they find hope and humor and love. It’s Jonnine Standish and Nigel Yang’s first album recorded entirely as a duo former band member Sean Stewart died halfway through the recording of their last LP, 2011’s Work (Work Work). They dip headlong into some of the things that make humans tick love, loss and desire with the kind of integrity that has marked the band out from day one.

The Infamous String Dusters – Let It Go CD (High Country)

Fifth album from the Grammy-nominated bluegrass expansionists.

Inventions – Inventions CD/LP (Temporary Residence)

Inventions was formed by longtime friends, tourmates, and labelmates Matthew Cooper of Eluvium, and Mark T. Smith of Explosions In The Sky. There are plenty of talking points here: The fact that Cooper hasn’t been in a “band” of any sort since he was a teenager; no member of Explosions In The Sky has released an album outside of the context of EITS since their inception in the late ‘90s; and, of course, this is a dream duo for anyone familiar with the unparalleled emotional resonance of Cooper and Smith’s respective day jobs.

Jellyroll – Biggest Loser CD (Crash Out Music)

Jelly Roll has been taking the underground rap music scene by storm with his previous release with Lil Wyte titled, No Filter. Biggest Loser features the artists Rikk Reighn, Big Henry and David Ray.

Johnny Foreigner – You Can Do Better CD/LP (Alcopop)

The originators of “fight pop,” Johnny Foreigner return with their fourth album.

Kaiser Chiefs – Education, Education, Education & War CD/LP (ATO)

The Leeds post-punkers’ fifth album was written in London, Los Angeles, and Nashville, and recorded at The Maze in Atlanta with studio boss Ben H. Allen producing (Washed Out, Deerhunter, Animal Collective).

Eddie Kendricks – Love Keys [Reissue/1981] CD (Real Gone Music)

Produced in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama by the team of Johnny Sandlin (best known for his work with Southern rock artists like the Allman Brothers, Bonnie Bramlett, Elvin Bishop, and Wet Willie) and Randy Roberts, Love Keys represented Eddie Kendricks’ first venture into Southern soul, and was the last charting solo set for the great soul singer, who passed away in 1992.

Joan As Police Woman – The Classic CD/LP (PIAS America)

The Classic, the fourth album of originals by the uniquely charismatic artist known as Joan As Police Woman, builds on the creative impetus and success of its 2011 predecessor The Deep Field, on which Joan strove to create music rooted in an intimate, elemental and uplifting brand of soul combined with her own unique serene, torch-singing temperament, with a more liberated feel than ever before.

Patti LaBelle And The Bluebelles – The Complete Atlantic Sides Plus 2xCD (Real Gone Music)

Before Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash morphed into the futuristic soul trio known as Labelle and became one of the greatest girl groups of the ‘70s, all three women – along with Cindy Birdsong – were members of one of the greatest girl groups of the ‘60s, Patti LaBelle And The Bluebelles. This double-CD anthology contains all 35 sides released by the group on Atlantic along with four previously unissued tracks recorded in 1969.

Lacuna Coil – Broken Crown Halo CD+DVD/LP (Century Media)

The new album from the Italian gothic metal band was produced by Jay Baumgardner, engineered by Kyle Hoffmann and was mastered by Howie Weinberg. The band says it is a cinematic album about a dark vision of a near future, and is the last to feature drummer Cristiano Criz Mozzati and guitarist Cristiano “Pizza” Migliore. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a bonus DVD.

Jon Langford & Skull Orchard – Here Be Monsters CD/LP (In De Goot Recordings)

Here Be Monsters finds Jon and his band in top form, illustrating perfectly why he is considered an icon in the world of alternative country and a purveyor of the finest genre-agnostic rock & roll. He is joined by drummer Joe Camarillo (The Waco Bothers), guitarist Jim Elkington (The Zincs, The Horse’s Ha), bassist Alan Doughty (The Waco Brothers, Jesus Jones), as well as singer/actress Tawny Newsome and vocalist/violinist Jean Cook (who comprise Skull Orchard).

Cyndi Lauper – She’s So Unusual: A 30^th Anniversary Celebration CD/2xCD/LP (Sony Legacy)

Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe pairs the remastered version of Lauper’s 1983 debut with ten previously unreleased songs, including three brand new remixes by Nervo, Bent Collective, and Yolanda Be Cool, live tracks, early demos and studio outtakes.

Lesser Key – Lesser Key CD (Sumerian)

New band featuring founding Tool bassist, Paul D’Amour.

Mica Levi – Under The Skin CD/LP (Milan)

Based on the novel by Michael Faber, Jonathan Glazer’s new film follows the journey of a voluptuous woman (Scarlett Johansson) of unknown origin combing the highway in search of isolated or forsaken men. They are seduced, stripped of their humanity, and never heard from again. The music, which plays a critical role in the film and has been mentioned numerous times in reviews, is by British-born Mica Levi, known by her stage name Micachu. She is classically trained and is best known for her band Micachu & The Shapes and for experimental music in a variety of genres.

M83 – You And The Night OST CD/LP (Mute)

Soundtrack to debut feature film by French director Yann Gonazlez, brother to M83’s Anthony Gonzalez. Features vocals by M83 collaborator Morgan Kibby and Norwegian singer Susanne Sundfør (who contributed vocals to the Oblivion soundtrack). Previous collaborator Joe Trapanese returned to assist with orchestral arrangements. Mellow and romantic, this soundtrack pays tribute to French soundtracks from the ‘70s and is much more intimate than Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming.

Magnum – Escape The Shadow Garden CD+DVD (Steamhammer/SPV)

The ‘80s metal band returns with a new album of wonderfully melodic rock songs that blend all the typical Magnum ingredients, sounding both timeless and classic. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a DVD featuring live footage. Vinyl version due April 15.

Malachai – Beyond Ugly CD/LP (Domino)

Malachai is vocalist Gee and DJ/instrumentalist Scott Hendy aka Boca 45. Beyond Ugly is Malachai’s third album and the final installment of the “ugly trilogy,” and finds them mining and melding everything from ‘60s psych, Bollywood soundtracks, classic hip-hop and ‘70s soul as a foundation to Gee’s aggressive R&B rasp and rhymes.

Manchester Orchestra – Cope CD/LP (Loma Vista/Favorite Gentleman)

“It’s really no surprise Manchester Orchestra would just be itching to creating a no-frills rock record. There are a ton of things to enjoy about this simplified approach. The album isn’t there so much to intellectualize, as it is there to experience. Hooks are exploding out of every orifice. Refrains are kept simple and easily digestible, often consisting of single repeated sentences and drawn out vowels. Riffs only have one purpose-to be massive.” Sputnik Music

Märvel – Hadal Zone Express CD/LP (Killing Cobra)

The fourth album from the Swedish rock trio has been described by guitarist and singer, The King, as his own version of Highway To Hell. It’s a fast paced roller coaster down into the darkest realms of Hades.

Meklit – We Are Alive CD (Six Degrees)

Born in Ethiopia, based in San Francisco for the past nine years, singer/composer/cultural activist Meklit became a sensation with the release of her debut On A Day Like This in 2010. NPR called her sound, “a unique blend of jazz, Ethiopia, the San Francisco art scene and visceral poetry; it paints pictures in your head as you listen.” PBS said “You’ll hear hints of Billie Holliday, Tracy Chapman and Joni Mitchell in her music, but Meklit is her own unique creation.”

Millie & Andrea – Drop The Vowels CD/2xLP (Modern Love)

Debut album from Miles Whittaker (Demdike Stare) and Andy Stott recalls the strict and stripped funk of Anthony Shakir as much as it does Leila’s incredible debut Like Weather, eschewing the dark aesthetic both producers are best known for in favor of something much more visceral.

Roscoe Mitchell & Mike Reed – In Pursuit Of Magic CD (482)

Two legendary musicians reunite for two masterful extended improv pieces recorded live at Constellation Chicago.

Mobb Deep – The Infamous Mobb Deep 2xCD (Infamous)

13 tracks of all new material including a bonus disc of previously unreleased tracks from the original sessions of their platinum second album The Infamous.

Carrie Newcomer – A Permeable Life CD/LP (Available Light)

Carrie Newcomer’s songs are often based in the daily and ordinary, infused with images of the natural world, as evident on her twelfth studio album A Permeable Life. On this album, Newcomer’s signature deep voice takes on an unguarded conversational tone and the arrangements are open and elegant. 

Nickel Creek – A Dotted Line CD (Nonesuch)

The bluegrass trio officially reunites for the first time since its 2007 self-described “indefinite hiatus” with a new album. Vinyl version due April 29.

Nux Vomica – Nux Vomica CD/LP (Relapse)

Blending the suffocating atmospherics of the doom/sludge with the raw ferocity of black metal, punk and d-beat, Nux Vomica constructs an organic heaviness comparably hanging somewhere in the balance between Neurosis and His Hero Is Gone.

Mike Oldfield – Man On The Rocks 2xCD (Mercury)

Oldfield’s first new album since 2008. This deluxe double-disc edition includes a bonus disc containing instrumental versions of all 11 tracks.

Ortolan – Covered In Black CD/LP (Sounds Familyre)

“Best referenced midway between the Bangles and Go-Gos in terms of a girl group approach, there’s a kind of slacker sensibility at work here, one that never muffles the drive or conviction. ‘I was meant for something more,’ Cottingham sings on the final track, aptly entitled ‘Anything’ and indeed a lyric has never sounded so true.” – Blurt

Christina Perri – Head Or Heart CD (Atlantic)

A collection of cathartic songs that seek to reconcile how we make decisions in love and life. Head Or Heart was recorded over 2013, with further production from Jake Gosling (Ed Sheeran, One Direction), John Hill (P!nk, Mayer Hawthorne, Santigold), and Butch Walker (Taylor Swift, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco).

Pilgrim – II: Void Worship CD/LP (Metal Blade)

Pilgrim return with eight epic tracks laden with tales of sword and sorcery, death, doom and destruction.

Polar Bear – In Each And Every One CD/2xLP+CD (Leaf)

Polar Bear’s long-awaited fifth album is a remarkable song cycle, offering an expansive arc across deep emotional terrain. It evokes a range of atmospheres: post-industrial scrub, grimy metropolitan house parties, snowy wastelands, and dark mountain gatherings.

Pure X – Angel CD/LP (Fat Possum)

Pure X’s third long-player, recorded mostly live with minimal overdubs, sees the band further refining themselves after a year of being strenuously tempered on the road. Angel is a beautifully genuine pop record whose influences span across genres and generations without reserve while simultaneously coming into their own in the process.

Pyrhhon – The Mother Of Virtues CD/2xLP (Relapse)

Recommended for perverse souls with a penchant for the audio acuteness of acts like Brutal Truth, Ulcerate, Artificial Brain, Deathspell Omega and Today Is The Day, The Mother Of Virtues offers up a mind-altering synthesis of clanging death, dark jazz rhythms, twisted storytelling and subtle shades of otherworldly psychedelia.

RAC – Strangers CD/LP (Interscope)

Your favorite remixes of the last five years are from RAC. He’s topped the Hype Machine charts 26 times with original music and official remixes of tracks by Lana Del Rey, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bob Marley, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes and many more. Now comes his full length debut, Strangers, a 16-track collection of songs performed and arranged by RAC with special guests providing the vocals for each track, including: Body Language, Tegan And Sara, Alex Ebert, Katie Herzig and more.

Nathaniel Rateliff – Falling Faster Than Your Can Run CD/LP (Mod Y Vi)

“There’s a lonely whippoorwill feel to Nathaniel Rateliff’s second album, as though he wrote it all in a woodland clearing near the log cabin home of Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago. What he can see in his peripheral vision, however, is Mumford & Sons, stomping and a-hollering around a campfire.” – The Guardian

Leon Russell – Life Journey CD (Blue Note)

Legendary American singer and pianist Leon Russell has entertained the world for five decades, getting his start as an in-demand Wrecking Crew session player and playing on hundreds of hit records before he began releasing his own albums in 1967. His latest studio album features a combination of original new songs and Russell’s turns on classics.

Saintseneca – Dark Arc CD/LP (Anti)

While the group formed in Columbus, a majority of Saintseneca’s members, including songwriter Little, hail from the rural hills of Appalachia, a landscape that has infused the group’s evocative music with a deep sense of introspection. Following in the footsteps of heartland bands who have sought to twist the music of the old weird America into new shapes from the Violent Femmes to Neutral Milk Hotel.

Savage Republic – Recordings From Live Performance 1981–1983 CD (Independent Project)

This collection of early live recordings from venerable tribal experimentalists Savage Republic was originally made available in 1992 as a double-10” vinyl release in Independent Project Records’ Archive Series. Recorded during the first two years of the band’s existence, it includes one track from the group’s first ever live performance in May 1981, several songs never recorded in the studio or otherwise released, as well as a generous amount of “atmosphere,” consisting of snippets of dialogue, band / audience exchanges and ambient club noise.

Scenic – Acquatica [Reissue/1996] CD (Independent Press)

Scenic’s 1996 full-length release is now reissued on CD after being out of print since 1999. With Acquatica, Scenic draws from numerous influences to create a 60-plus-minute instrumental soundtrack for a voyage through inner space landscapes—a sprawling adventure into another world. “Acquatica is a hypnotic collection of widescreen instrumentals that shimmer like deserts at sunset, suggesting a collage of Ennio Morricone’s twangscapes and My Bloody Valentine’s swirling noise textures.” — Guitar Player

Sonata Arctica – Pariah’s Child CD (Nuclear Blast)

New album from the Finnish metal outfit.

Steel Panther – All You Can Eat CD/LP (+180)

Third album from the modern hair metal band featuring vocalist Michael Starr, guitarist Satchel, bassist Lexxi Foxxx and drummer Stix Zadinia.

Thievery Corporation – Saudade CD/2xLP (ESL)

Seventh studio album from one of the most influential and respected names on the electronic/dance music scene. First record to be completely devoted to their Bossa Nova roots and feature all female vocals.

Timber Timbre – Hot Dreams CD/LP (Arts & Crafts)

“Timber Timbre’s members tiptoe across some strange boundaries: Atop atmospheric sound beds that often conjure spaghetti Westerns, Taylor Kirk’s dusky croon can seem seductive, inviting and, when he prefers, deeply creepy. It’s a voice that can embody Halloween itself — Timber Timbre is self-aware enough to have titled its last album Creep On Creepin’ On — and yet Kirk possesses the versatility to sing sweet ballads with Feist on the side. There’s a breezy timelessness to Timber Timbre’s music that can make it seem bright, sweet and approachable. But, as with so much in life, rewards and alluring perils await those willing to search in the shadows.” – NPR

The Toadies – Rubberneck [Reissue/1994] CD (Kirtland)

New remastered reissue of The Toadie’s 1994 magnum opus, expanded with bonus tracks from the original recording session as well as live versions of classic tracks ”Possum Kingdom” and ”Tyler.”

Trouble Funk – 35^th Anniversary 2xCD (Trouble Funk)

Live release from the cult funk/R&B heroes recorded historic Howard Theatre in Washington, DC. Includes a bonus CD that contains the band’s latest single “Hump Day” featuring Killa Cal.

The Used – Imaginary Enemy CD (Hopeless)

The Used return with the follow-up to Vulnerable. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe features expanded art and a bonus track. Vinyl version due April 8.

Various Artists – Looking Into You: A Tribute To Jackson Browne 2xCD (Music Road)

A star-studded cast of musicians pay tribute to the legendary singer/songwriter, including: Don Henley, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Schneider, Indigo Girls, Paul Thorn, Griffin House, Lyle Lovett, Ben Harper, Eliza Gilkyson, Keb’ Mo’, Lucinda Williams, Sara and Sean Watkins, Shawn Colvin, Bruce Hornsbey, Joan Osborne, J.D. Souther, and more.

Various Artists – Punk Goes 90s Vol. 2 CD (Fearless)

Brand new unreleased recordings of your favorite ‘90s hits covered by Falling In Reverse, Mayday Parade, Yellowcard, Breathe Carolina, and others.

Various Artists – Ronnie James Dio: This Is Your Life CD (Rhino)

To celebrate one of rock’s most powerful voices, an all-star group of his friends and fans recorded 13 of their favorite tracks for a tribute album that will raise funds for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. Produced by his longtime manager and wife Wendy Dio, the album includes contributions by such metal heavyweights as Metallica, Motörhead, Scorpions, Anthrax, and Rob Halford, as well as appearances by many of the musicians who performed with Dio over the years.

Rick Wakeman – Live At The Maltings 1976 CD+DVD (United States Of Distribution)

Recorded at Farnham Maltings in 1976 – a year when Rick was just about to take a break from his solo career and rejoin Yes for the triumphant album that was Going For The One.

John Wesley – Disconnect CD (Century Media)

New album from John Wesley of Porcupine Tree fame. John Wesley has built a long and varied career as a songwriter, ”sideman” guitarist and recording artist. His music has been called lyrically sensitive and musically dynamic. His songwriting style incorporates emotionally-charged vocals that evoke the honesty and intimacy of Roger Waters and Patty Griffin coupled with a melodic yet intricate guitar style reminiscent of David Gilmour, Alex Lifeson, Jeff Beck and Warren Haynes.

White Hinterland – Baby CD/LP (Dead Oceans)

On her first four records, Dienel projected her fears and fantasies onto imaginary characters, role-play, and lush atmospherics. If Kairos was a work of atmosphere, then Baby sits at the opposite end of that spectrum. Baby is about song craft. It is forceful, rooted in the physicality of the voice, percussion and piano, and it is about getting straight to the point. It is the past three years of her life distilled into song: joy, heartbreak, frustration, longing, disappointment, anger, and loss accumulated, poured out and reborn in this new, unflinching release.

Hank Williams III – Ramblin’ Man CD/LP (Curb)

Ramblin’ Man is the follow-up Long Gone Daddy features two tracks that feature the influential punk rock band, The Melvins – the title track and Hank Sr. cover, “Ramblin’ Man” and Merle Haggard’s “Okie From Muskogee.” The album features additional classic covers including ZZ Top’s “Fearless Boogie,” Johnny Paycheck’s “I’m The Only Hell My Mama Ever Raised” and Peter La Farge’s “Marijuana Blues.

Vinyl:

Evian Christ – Waterfall LP (Tri Angle)

Joshua Leary has taken his sound into a far noisier and more aggressive territory, exhibiting a creative restlessness that continues to make it harder to pigeonhole this young, evolving artist.

Cut Hands – Volume 3 12” (Dirter Promotions)

Cut Hands – Volume 4 12” (Dirter Promotions)

Reworked and remastered versions of tracks from William Bennett’s Afro-noise project.

Dahga Bloom – No Curtains LP (Captcha)

Psychotic sonics from the other side of the Orange County tracks, aiming straight for the head with undulating rhythms at full throttle. Euphoria and enormous beats hold sway, conjuring a frenzy around them akin to that of snake charmers in a pit of vipers.

Demon Hunter – Extremist LP(Solid State)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Seventh album from the Christian metalcore band.

Efestion & Harald Grosskopf – Subconscio 12” (Permanent Vacation)

Harald Grosskopf is a member of legendary German cult band Ashra (Ash Ra Tempel) around guitarist Manuel Göttsching. In the beginning of the ‘70s he was drummer for classic rock band Wallenstein, the Cosmic Couriers and on a few albums of Klaus Schultze. “Subconscio” sounds like a water serpent orbiting around a black moon; elusive artist Efestion and krautrock pioneer Harald Grosskopf lead the beast.

Goatwhore – Haunting Curse [2006] LP (Metal Blade)

Goatwhore – Carving Out The Eyes Of God [2009] LP (Metal Blade)

Vinyl editions of the third and fourth albums from the Louisiana black metal band.

Beth Hart/Joe Bonamassa – Live In Amsterdam 4xLP (J&R Adventures)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Against the backdrop of the beautiful, historic Koninklijk Theater Carré in Amsterdam, Hart and Bonamassa’s performance wows with scorching soul covers from the duo’s 2011 debut album Don’t Explain and 2013 follow-up Seesaw, originally made famous by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Tom Waits, Ray Charles, Donnie Hathaway, Lucinda Williams, Bill Withers, Delaney & Bonnie, Buddy Miles, Tina Turner, Slackwax, Melody Gardot, Nina Simone, and more. 

The Heads – Tiburg 2xLP (Rooster)

Limited edition double vinyl bootleg of the Live In Tilburg mail order-only CD issued by the band via their website, and rightly given album of the month status on Julian Cope’s Head Heritage site. A perfect snapshot of The Heads in full flight, as heavy and as dense as they can get, yet soaring far off into the vapors with their inimitable psych noise blastings.

Lightnin’ Hopkins – Free Form Patterns [Reissue/1968] 2xLP (Snapper)

Recorded in 1968, Free Form Patterns stands out in Hopkins’ discography due to unusual line-up on the sessions, with the veteran bluesman fuelled by homemade moonshine supported by a young hippy rhythm section, comprising Danny Thomas and Duke Davis of 13th Floor Elevators, both high on acid at the time. This however is no failed hippy/blues amalgam, just a straightforward honest blues album.

Kiss – Kiss [Reissue/1974] LP (UMe)

Kiss – Hotter Than Hell [Reissue/1974] LP (UMe)

Kiss – Dressed To Kill [Reissue/1975] LP (UMe)

Kiss – Alive [Reissue/1975] 2xLP (UMe)

Kiss – Destroyer [Reissue/1976] LP (UMe)

Kiss – Dynasty [Reissue/1979] LP (UMe)

Kiss – Unmasked [Reissue/1980] LP (UMe)

Kiss – Lick It Up [Reissue/1983] LP (UMe)

Kiss – Animalize [Reissue/1984] LP (UMe)

Kiss – Revenge [Reissue/1992] LP (UMe)

HQ-180 vinyl reissues, remastered to high definition 192kHz/24-bit audio for maximum fidelity. 

London Grammar – If You Wait LP (Columbia)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. “This is an enthralling, stunning, deeply emotive album that perfectly marries understated electronica to sublime vocals and melodies. In a year dominated by titanic LPs, London Grammar have not only made the most perfectly formed debut album of the year – they’ve made one of the best LPs, period. [A-]” – Pretty Much Amazing

Dan Melchior – Slow Down Tiger LP (Starlight Furniture Company)

Two side-long tracks: “Tongues,” which congeals into a grand mosaic, a kind of reverse Pangaea of mostly dissenting voices: Chilean poet Nicanor Parra; a clip from Sult, the Swedish film based on Knut Hamsun’s Hunger; Russian absurdist / surrealist Daniil Kharms; Jesuit priest Gerard Manley Hopkins; author of modernist masterpiece Briggflatts Basil Bunting; the eternally disenchanted Alan Dugan; Victorian heritage booster John Betjeman; and field recordings of the 1990 poll tax riots in London. “Hospital Poem,” which is a minimalist drone à la Basinski, Harold Budd or Tony Conrad, though Melchior’s very personal approximation of the subtlest of ectoplasmic melodies repeated over and over ends up more dissonant and darker than one would expect.

Octo Octa – Cause I Love You 12” (100% Silk)

New single from New England’s deep house patriot. “Cause I Love You” jacks out of the gate, a jubilant drag race of tumbling percussion, intestinal bass and slipstreaming vocal samples, a true banger to break the moody collective soul mold of Between Two Selves.

The Shangri-Las – Leader Of The Pack [Reissue/1965] 2xLP (Snapper)

Heavy weight vinyl reissue of the seminal New York girl group’s debut album.

Sleepy Sun – Maui Tears LP+MP3 (Dine Alone)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Maui Tears deftly walks the borders and boundaries between hooky power pop classicism and hazy, primer-grey Camaro rock – all colored by a lurking sense of fog, unease, and mystery at the corners.

Small Black – Real People 12” (Jagjaguwar)

New five-song EP, two of which feature guest vocals from Frankie Rose.

Soviet Soviet – Fate LP (Secretly Canadian)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New album from the Italian ost-punk leaning trio.

The Spies – Battle Of Bosworth Terrace LP+MP3 (Siltbreeze)

The Spies bear the unique distinction of one of New Zealand’s true missing pieces in the Underground puzzle. With no audio documentation ever seeing the light of day in their time (1978-79, Wellington), the band really did exist in a you-had-to-be-there bubble.

Swans – The Burning World [Reissue/1989] LP (1972)

In 1989, bandleader Michael Gira co-produced The Burning World alongside multi-instrumentalist Bill Laswell and continued to refine his songwriting without compromising power. Jarboe’s inimitable vocal presence enhances the overall tunefulness while Gira’s own weary-but-resilient declamations ascend to towering intensity at precisely the right moments.

Warm Soda – Young Reckless Heart LP (Castle Face)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Matthew Melton has done it again! Just when it seemed as though he’d reached the pinnacle of power pop confection with last year’s excellent Someone For You, he surpasses all expectations with his latest masterpiece Young Reckless Hearts. With the unlikely addition of cello serving only to bitter-sweeten their teenage pop fantasias, Warm Soda delivers deviously barbed hooks that instantly lodge themselves in your memory.

WV White – West Virginia White LP (Anyway Records)

Imagine the bombast of My Bloody Valentine shoehorned into the intimacy of Smog and Bright Eyes, or the ’90s slacker anthems of Pavement and Built to Spill realized by a truant, codeine-fed version of Hawkwind.

Books:

Thomas Campbell – Cuatro Sueños Pequeños Book+DVD (Um Yeah Arts)

Cuatro Sueños Pequeños is 23-minute movie shot entirely on 16mm film in a dream scene scenario that blends reality, surreality and adventure. Comes in a 9.25” x 6.25”, 90-page hardcover cloth spine with premium art book printing.