CDs + Vinyl:
Aktor – Paranoia CD (Soulfood)
New album from metaller Chris ‘The Professor’ Black (High Spirits, Dawnbringer). Aktor is more rooted in 1970s hard rock, including keyboard sounds and hammond, than any other projects he has been involved in so far.
Alborosie meets King Jammy – Dub Of Thrones CD (V.P.)
Two dub masters meet and collaborate on recreating original riddims from the legendary King Jammy.
Tori Amos – Little Earthquakes [Reissue/1991] 2xCD/LP (Atlantic)
Tori Amos – Under The Pink [Reissue/1993] 2xCD/LP (Atlantic)
Digitally remastered and expanded two CD editions of the songstress’ first two albums, each featuring a bonus CD containing non-album tracks and live recordings. (Vinyl versions are single-disc.)
Antigone Rising – Whiskey & Wine I CD (Blackheart)
Antigone Rising – Whiskey & Wine II CD (Blackheart)
Antigone Rising is an all-female alt-country rock band. Their latest single, “That Was The Whiskey” was co-written with songwriter Lori McKenna (Faith Hill, Little Big Town).
Ava Luna – Infinite House CD/LP (Western Vinyl)
While on a writing retreat in the sleepy southern town of Benton, Mississippi, the members of New York’s Ava Luna came across an abandoned house while on a walk through the woods. Overgrown, rotting, and littered with evidence of its past inhabitants, the maze-like dwelling would haunt their psyches throughout the writing and recording of their third full-length Infinite House. Like Jorge Luis Borges’ The Library Of Babel, the seemingly endless rooms and hallways in the old house felt like a metaphor for the invisible, internal labyrinths, which the band explores lyrically and sonically on their new album.
Avid Dancer – 1st Bath CD/LP (Grand Jury)
Debut LP from L.A.-based songsmith and former US Marine and world champion at the art of rudimental snare drumming, Jacob Dillan Summers, who records lush baroque pop and shimmering psychedelia under the name Avid Dancer. “While his first song ever, ‘Stop Playing With My Heart,’ certainly sports a steady rhythm, the focus here is on the bigger picture — specifically the way his bright vocals, swirling guitars, and buzzing keys evoke the psychedelic sound of Tame Impala, though somehow sent back to the ‘60s so all that soulful loveliness can rattle around in the heyday a bit. ‘You’re the only one,’ Summers sings, ‘All the others are gone.’ – SPIN
Bachman – Heavy Blues CD/LP (Linus)
Heavy blues from The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive founder Randy Bachman and his new power blues rock trio Bachman.
Aidan Baker – Half Lives 2xCD (Gizeh)
Multi-instrumentalist Aidan Baker’s double album Half Lives shows the Canadian bridging his ambient and lyrical modes on the electric-guitar leaning “Mountains Sweat Clouds” and the acoustic “As I Walked On Dead Earth.” Stemming from a set of extended improvisations, this interconnected collection of meandering experiments will appeal to fans of Baker’s contemporaries Tim Hecker and Ben Frost.
Michael Angelo Batio – Shred Force 1 (Rat Pak)
Considered to be a pioneer of the shred guitar genre, Michael Angelo Batio releases his first-ever career retrospective.
Tim Berne’s Snakeoil – You’ve Been Watching Me CD (ECM)
Tim Berne s third ECM album sees the saxophonist-composer again leading his ultra-dynamic New York band Snakeoil, but with the quartet now a quintet with the arrival of guitarist Ryan Ferreira, whose sound adds textural allure.
Blackfoot Gypsies – Handle It CD/LP (Plowboy)
The Blackfoot Gypsies drink from the same deep well as Zeppelin, The Stones & The Faces: delta blues and the foreboding ghosts of country music’s past. They blast out raw, classic rock & roll all dolled up in feathers, sequin jackets, vintage bell-bottoms and cowboy boots. Founding members Matthew Paige, who “makes Keith Richards riffs sound clean by comparison” (Creative Loafing/Atlanta) and drummer Zack Murphy have rounded out their sound with bassist Dylan Whitlow and Ollie Dogg on harmonica for this album. Handle It showcases their “bombast of reckless experimentation” (The Downcast) with American music; album track “Under My Skin” bursts with bluesy psychedelia and “Spent All My Money” echoes Desire-era Dylan with fingerpicked guitars and violin.
B-Legit – What We Been Doin CD (Empire Distribution)
Blood relative to E-40 and a member of the powerhouse group, The Click, B-Legit returns with a brand new album that features E-40, Berner, J Boog, Clyde Carson, Problem, Cousin Fik and more.
Blind Shake – Fly Right CD/LP (Slovenly)
This nine cut release is another sonic hurdle for the band, steadily alternating between bold, phaser heavy garage punk wail, trippy spaghetti western tinged surf, and viscerally dramatic scare tactics. Another hypnotic document for an unworthy world.
The Bluebeaters – Everybody Knows CD/LP (Record Kicks)
Fifth album from the Italian rocksteady/ska giants and their first in six years. The Bluebeaters take a bunch of hits from the past and present and re-arrange the songs as if they were recorded in Kingston, Jamaica in the ’60s and early ’70s.
Bodega Bams – Sidewalk Exec… CD (Duck Down)
Bodega Bamz is a Puerto Rican rapper from Spanish Harlem, New York. Sidewalk Exec features Joell Oritz, Flatbush Zombies, Aston Matthews, Youth Is Dead and Lil Eto.
Bosse-De-Nage – All Fours CD (Profound Lore)
New release from the Bay Area extreme metal band — an intriguing mix of visceral black metal and classic early-’90s indie rock/screamo.
Jack Bruce – Live At The Canterbury Fayre CD (The Store For Music)
Jack Bruce and the Cuicoland Express captured live at the Canterbury Fayre music festival in Summer 2002. Features Living Color guitarist Vernon Reid, keyboardist Woo Warrior and former Parliament/Funkadelic musical director Bernie Worrell, and percussionists Robby Ameen, El Negro Horacio Hernandez, and Richie Flores.
Kathryn Calder – Kathryn Calder CD/LP (File Under Music)
Striving to be both vulnerable and timeless, Kathryn Calder’s new album ranges from ”getup-and-move” tunes to songs filled with delicate beauty. Kathryn Calder is quickly making her mark in power-pop … creating a self-described synth-pop experience woven together by her unique and charming vocals. — NPR
Calexico – Edge Of The Sun CD (Anti)
Calexico’s follow-up to 2012 s acclaimed Algiers, Edge Of The Sun began with a songwriting retreat to the historic Mexico City borough of Coyoacán. Working for the first time with Mexican collaborators, Calexico expanded their horizons as the guest list grew to include musicians from a myriad of backgrounds, origins, and genres, including Sam Beam from Iron And Wine, Ben Bridwell from Band Of Horses, Nick Urata from Devotchka, Carla Morrison, Gaby Moreno, Amparo Sanchez, multi-instrumentalists from the Greek band Takim, as well as Neko Case. Vinyl version due April 28.
Canned Heat – Carnegie Hall 1971 CD/LP (Cleopatra)
Blues rock icons Canned Heat teamed up with blues legend John Lee Hooker for the classic 1971 double album Hooker ‘N’ Heat and embarked on a subsequent historic tour together that has been captured here.
Sabrina Carpenter – Eyes Wide Open CD (Hollywood)
At 15 years old, Sabrina Carpenter is already exhibiting her many talents, starring in Disney Channel’s new series, Girl Meets World, while releasing her debut album, Eyes Wide Open.
The Damnwells – The Damnwells CD (Rock Ridge)
Indie rock band The Damnwells came together 15 years ago in a downtown New York City storage unit hastily repurposed as a rehearsal room and imploded onstage at what should have been a career pinnacle: a live appearance to promote the release of a documentary about the band and its journey. Now, for the first time since 2006, the founding members have reconvened to release a new album. The Damnwells is sharply focused collection of literate, heartfelt, and hook-laden Americana. The lead single, “Lost,” is blissful melancholia about trying to find your way in a post breakup landscape. The raucous and rootsy “Kentexas” ponders the mischievous wonders of being aimless after the demise of a relationship. On “Kill Me,” The Damnwells finally document the band’s wry sense of humor with witty pop culture commentary blasted within euphoric power-pop. The 11-song album concludes with the stately folk of the heartbreaking “None Of These Things.” Vinyl version due April 28.
Dance Gavin Dance – Instant Gratification CD (Rise)
New album from the screamo/funk/experimental alt rockers. Vinyl version due May 4.
Dead Moon – Tales From The Grease Trap Volume 1: Live At Satyricon CD/LP (Voodoo Doughnut)
A blistering-hot live recording by NW punk legends Dead Moon whose roots go back to the garage rock of the ‘60s (The Weeds, Lollipop Shoppe). Featuring husband-and-wife team Fred and Toody Cole on guitar and bass, respectively, and Andrew Loomis on drums, the recording, from a single performance at Portland’s now-defunct temple of grunge Satyricon on April 16, 1993, captures the seminal trio at the peak of their bone-crunching powers. Blending punk, garage rock and country, Dead Moon creates their own genre of raw, unmistakable stripped-down sound.
Desert Dwellers – The Great Mystery CD (Black Swan Sounds)
Desert Dwellers is the production duo of Treavor Moontribe and Amani Friend. Their musical palate spans from classical world music to psychedelic rock, all forms of hypnotic deep electronic music, reggae and dub, to pop and everything in between.
Dinner – Three EPs, 2012-2014 CD/LP+MP3 (Captured Tracks)
Dinner is the alias for Danish singer and producer Anders Rhedin. Since 2012, Dinner has released two EPs (Girl and You Are Like L.A.) and a guided meditation tape. Dinner’s songs seem to be inspired by his own life in the lyrics you find references to cities, parties and girls (the latter sometimes referred to as the divine feminine), yet claims that all of his songs are about death and transcendence.
The Doughboys – Hot Beat Stew CD (Ram)
Fourth studio album from the veteran rockers. Little Steven has awarded six Doughboys tracks the honor of being ‘Coolest Song In The World’ on his Underground Garage channel on Sirius/XM.
Dryjacket – Lights, Locks, & Faucets CD/LP (Hopeless)
New Jersey indie/alternative rock quartet Dryjacket has signed to Hopeless Records for the release of their debut 5-track EP.
Earl Sweatshirt – I Don’t Like Sh!t, I Don’t Go Outside CD (Columbia)
The second album by the rapper, producer and member of the Los Angeles-based hip-hop collective Odd Future. Includes collaborations with Dash, Wiki, Na’kel and Vince Staples. “At just 10 songs in a half-hour, I Don’t Like Sh!t is surprisingly concise — even if it’s sometimes dark and paranoid enough to make There’s a Riot Goin’ On sound like the Three’s Company theme. And who needs more? Even a half-hour with Earl is enough to leave you with a lifetime of creepy memories.” – Rolling Stone
Eels – Royal Albert Hall 2xCD+DVD (PIAS America)
In May 2014 Eels embarked on an ambitious 53-show world tour. Starting in Phoenix, Arizona and crossing The United States and Canada before rolling through mainland Europe and Great Britain, the band performed at New York’s Apollo, Chicago’s Vic Theater, Los Angeles Orpheum Theater, The Montreux Jazz Festival and The Amsterdam Concert Hall, among many others. On the night of June 30 Eels returned to London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall for the first time in nine years to play a stunning show that was filmed and recorded. Vinyl version due May 4.
Lawrence English – Peregrine CD (Room40)
Reissue of the 2011 album from the Australian sound artist. Vinyl version due April 28. “Take a deep breath, press play, and lower the needle. Here’s what happens next. Multiple layers split the frequency spectrum, your own being, and the perceived reality as everything in sight is enveloped in sound. The lowest register appears in the foreground, with deep rumbling bass defining the rhythm and structure. The highs swim below the surface, drenched in distortion and reverb, gradually revealing harmony and tone. Then there’s that space in between, the space between inhale and exhale, the space between those same perceived realities, where everything known merges into something new. This is perhaps the best description I can come up with when soaring alongside Lawrence English through thick clouds of saturated bliss.” – Headphone Commute
Kit Wilmans Fegradoe – Issa CD (Important)
The Bristol-based composer presents a work created from a series of guided improvisations inspired by the Eastern narrative of the mysterious young adulthood of Issa, or Jesus Christ. RIYL: Arvo Pärt, Steve Reich, Duane Pitre.
Flash Bastard – Wild CD (Metropolis)
Somewhere between punk’s first legendary wave and Culture Club’s last dick-shaking tinkle, lay the Carter administration’s post-disco wasteland. And if this was a generation better off forgotten, L.A’s Flash Bastard is here to make sure the torch is lit anew. Lost somewhere between ABBA and the Misfits, this is disco-ruffied glitter rock at its least culturally redeeming and most rewarding.
From Thin Air – Masquerade CD (Pando Inc.)
From Thin Air is a Denver based pop/punk band.
Gallows – Desolation Sounds CD (Bridge 9)
The UK hardcore band continues their journey into weirder, esoteric territory that stretches the genre’s boundaries and yet retains mammoth rock power. Vinyl version due May 4.
Pedro Giraudo Big Band – Cuentos CD (Zoho Music)
Argentine-born, New York-based bassist, composer, and bandleader Pedro Giraudo presents his first large big band project of seven brand-new original compositions. Giraudo’s big band jazz compositions stand in the North American tradition of Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, or Gil Evans, as well as taking inspiration from the many musical forms of his homeland Argentina.
Girlschool – Glasgow 1982 CD/LP (Cleopatra)
A vintage concert album from the outlaw females of British heavy metal, Girlschool, blowing away a packed audience at the Apollo Theater in Glasgow, Scotland.
Delia Gonzalez – In Remembrance CD+DVD/2xLP+DVD (DFA)
In Remembrance originates in a 2010 solo show of the same name at Galleria Fonti in Naples, which was further realized in 2012, with additional films, in the exhibition “I Must Stop Here.” The music was initially inspired by a text by Henry Miller and a theory by spiritual teacher George Gurdjieff, which states that “to play scales is to become more in tune with your inner self.”
This coincided conceptually with the music that Delia had been making at the time. Both exhibitions consisted of four 16mm ballet dance films, accompanied by music composed by Gonzalez. In her words, “The film is meant to re-create the fleeting sensation of inspiration — that sacred feeling when suddenly your mind clears and you know exactly what you’re meant to create and become.”
Halestorm – Into The Wild Life CD/2xLP+CD (Atlantic)
Third album from the hard rockers – available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds two bonus tracks. Into The Wild Life marks the Grammy Award-winning hard rock band’s long awaited third studio album and follow-up to 2012’s chart-topping The Strange Case Of… Recorded last year in Nashville with Grammy-nominated producer Jay Joyce (Cage The Elephant, Eric Church) at the helm, the album is heralded by the scintillating new single, “Apocalyptic.”
Gavin Harrison – Cheating The Polygraph CD/LP (Kscope)
Cheating The Polygraph is an ambitious project which sees the restlessly creative Porcupine Tree drummer re-imagine eight songs from the band’s repertoire, in a set of vivid and vibrant new arrangements.
Beth Hart – Better Than Home CD/LP+MP3 (Provogue)
“Presented from the beginning as a kind of next-gen Janis Joplin, Beth Hart — both as a solo artist and through a series of fiery collaborations with Joe Bonamassa — has claimed a well-earned reputation as a whiskey barrel-busting belter. This isn’t that. Instead, [album track] ‘Mechanical Heart’ finds Beth Hart plumbing the deepest of emotional depths, and finding a still strength around the lowest, trembling parts of her impressive vocal range. As the song unfolds, she seems to viscerally let go — at one point repeating ‘I’ll bring heaven to you,’ almost like a mantra, only it sounds sadder every time. In truth, we’ve heard something like this from Hart before. She’s long been more than the sum of her reputation — as much Aretha Franklin as she ever was Janis Joplin, with some Billie Holiday thrown in to create a darker roux. But there’s something more focused about ‘Mechanical Heart,’ something more confessional. There’s a startling nakedness to her honesty.” – Something Else!
Jim Hendricks – Rocky Top: Hymns Everlasting CD (Green Hill)
Jim Hendricks – Rocky Top: Homeward Bound CD (Green Hill)
Old time gospel hymns and traditional folk and country melodies featuring guitar, hammered dulcimer, dobro, mandolin, autoharp and fiddle.
Greg Holden – Chase The Sun CD/LP+MP3 (WB)
Produced by Greg Wells (Adele, OneRepublic), Chase The Sun is filled with Holden’s passionate, purpose-driven rock songs, which brim with tough, vibrant energy and showcase his lean, literate songwriting. Much of the album was inspired by a life-changing, seven-week trip that the Scotland-born, England-bred artist took to India and Nepal in February 2013. Upon his return, Holden began to write the songs that appear here, including the first single, “Hold On Tight,” which he says was the driving force for the album.
Infernus – Grinding Christian Flesh CD (Moribund)
The Portland, Oregon quintet’s second album is an explosive rush of blasphemous, pitch-black sound.
Iron Lamb – Fool’s Gold CD (High Roller)
New album from Swedish punk/metal band.
Jaded Star – Memories From The Future CD (Sensory)
New album from the dynamic Greece-based outfit featuring former members of Visions Of Atlantis, Iced Earth and many others. 45 minutes of energetic, forward-thinking melodic heavy metal.
James – Laid [Reissue/1993] 2xCD (Island/Mercury)
James’ groundbreaking album Laid is now being offered as a double-disc Deluxe Edition. The set includes the original album plus a second bonus disc with B-sides, live tracks from BBC radio sessions, rehearsal demos and jams, and a 28-page booklet.
JeConte – Down By The Bayou CD (Red Parlor)
Northern California’s own world/blues singer/harp player JeConte mixes it up with legendary blues-rock guitarist/producer, Anders Osborne on his new album.
Kodaline – Coming Up For Air CD (RCA)
The second studio album by the Irish rock band. Coming Up for Air contains 16 new tracks including the first single “Honest.” This band from Dublin had a successful debut in 2013 with the album In A Perfect World, which earned them an enthusiastic reaction from critics and fans.
LAS vegas – Las Vegas CD (Off Record Label)
LAS vegas is Kris Engelen (programming/synths), from Brussels, solo creator of ambient/industrial band Lost; Raphaël Rastelli (programming, recording/mixing), co-founder of Brussels-based cinematic doom band von Stroheim; Eugene S. Robinson (voice/lyrics) from Oxbow; Dominique Van Cappellen-Waldock (songwriting, lyrics, guitar, voice/theremin).
Kenny Lattimore – Anatomy Of A Love Song CD (E1)
Eighth album from the R&B artist.
Little Texas – Young For A Long Time CD (Cleopatra)
New album from the country rock superstars.
Charles Lloyd – Wild Man Dance CD/LP (Blue Note)
Wild Man Dance is the saxophonist/composer’s first album for Blue Note in 30 years, and is comprised of a live recording of a long-form suite commissioned by the Jazztopad Festival in Wroclaw, Poland.
Local H – Hey, Killer CD/LP+MP3 (G&P)
Hey, Killer is the Local H’s first full-length record with drummer Ryan Harding and their eighth studio album overall. The album was produced by longtime Local H collaborator Andy Gerber and recorded at Steve Albini’s Electrical Audio studio and Gerber’s own Million Yen Studios, both in Chicago. Hey, Killer is a non-stop blast of straight-up, hooky, guitar-heavy rock songs.
Lotus Crush – Rabbit Hole CD (Cavigold)
Fresh off of NBC’s The Voice, frontman Terry McDermott partnered with Peter Klett and Scott Mercado of Candlebox to form a hook laden alternative rock band heavy on harmonies. By the end of 2014, Island Styles of Jimmy’s Chicken Shack rounded out the Lotus Crush lineup. Rabbit Hole was recorded in the famed Robert Lang Studios with producer Todd Burman at the helm.
Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe/Ariel Kalma – FRKWYS Vol. 12: We Know Each Other Somehow CD+DVD/2xLP+DVD (RVNG International)
Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe and Ariel Kalma recorded We Know Each Other Somehow outside of Mullimbimby, a remote community on the eastern Australian coast. The album pairs two synth voyagers for six extended evocations of environmental ambience and entrancing naturalism. Accompanied by Sunshine Soup, a feature length documentary based on the intergenerational collaboration, We Know Each Other Somehow summons another world in an otherworldly part of the planet.
Harold Mabern – Afro Blue CD (Smoke Sessions)
Harold Mabern’s second release on Smoke Sessions Records features guest vocalists Gregory Porter, Norah Jones, Jane Monheit, Kurt Elling, and Alexis Cole.
Månegarm – Nordstjärnans Tidsålder [Reissue/1998] CD (Black Lodge)
Reissue of the first studio album release by Swedish Viking metal band Månegarm. The album showcases Månegarm’s more black metal style, with elements of folk metal and Viking metal.
Reba McEntire – Love Somebody CD (Nash Icon)
27th studio album from the country music singer.
Shawn Mendes – Handwritten CD (Island)
The pop vocalist’s debut album features hit singles “Life Of The Party” and “Something Big,” in addition to new songs crafted by Mendes in writing sessions on his tour bus over the course of the past year, including production by Martin Terefe (Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” and Train’s ‘Hey Soul Sister”), as well as songs with Life Of The Party co-writers Ido Zmishlany & Scott Harris.
Mighty Oaks – Howl CD (Astralwerks)
Three young men, from three countries, combining three part harmonies, resulting in one unique sound. The Berlin based indie-folk band comprised of Ian Hooper (US), Claudio Donzelli (Italy), and Craig Saunders (UK) writes honest, authentic and emotionally driven songs acoustic guitars and mandolins at the center of their sound, layers of electric guitars creating space and depth, rounded off through solid bass lines and the heartbeat of a simple drum.
Momoiro Clover Z – 5th Dimension CD (Cleopatra)
US release of the newest album by the mega-popular Japanese idol group. Momoclo are huge superstars in their home country and have recently released a single with Kiss. Includes guest appearance by guitarist Marty Friedman of Megadeth.
Moon King – Secret Life CD/LP (Last Gang)
Toronto duo Moon King, made up of songwriter Daniel Benjamin and singer/guitarist Maddy Wilde, have crafted a raw and emotional new record which documents their ascent from an intimate conceptual project into a powerful live band.
Mos Generator – In Concert 2007-2014 CD/LP (Listenable)
“Stoner rock outfit Mos Generator must have turned a lot of heads during their stint with Saint Vitus in 2013. After 14 years of heavy jams and groovy hooks, the band was recently split up by frontman Tony Reed, with the rest of the original lineup departing and replaced by new blood. It seems all too fitting then, that the bygone era is commemorated with In Concert 2007-2014, a live compilation containing material from five different shows and spanning songs from the band’s entire career. Definitely coming into their own in the live setting, this is a fitting end of an era.” – Metal Observer
The Mowgli’s – Kids In Love CD (Republic)
The Mowgli’s sophomore album features the single “I’m Good” with it’s sunny, infectious melody and anthemic chorus. On Kids In Love, the group teamed up with producer Tony Hoffer (The Kooks, Silversun Pickups, Fitz & The Tantrums) as well as their prior collaborators known as Captain Cuts (Smallpools, Tove Lo) and Matt Radosevich (Walk The Moon, One Direction). Vinyl version due May 19.
Murg – Varg & Bjvrn CD (Nordvis)
New album from the black metal band.
Needtobreathe – Live From The Woods 2xCD (Atlantic)
Captured live at The Woods at Fontanel Amphitheatre in Nashville, TN on September 13, 2014, this double-disc set features 17 tracks, including fan favorites “Multiplied,” “Keep Your Eyes Open,” “Washed By The Water,” “Something Beautiful” and “Brother.”
Netherworld – Zastrugi CD (Glacial Movements)
Zastrugi is the first techno/dub album from ambient artist Alessandro Tedeschi aka Netherworld, who has a perpetual affinity for the Arctic side of Thomas Köner.
Night – Satellites CD (Hand/Eye)
Pushing their sound into new realms, Night combine elements of post-rock, drone, space-rock and metal into an instrumental blend, exploring various moods and emotions without uttering a word.
Janko Nilovic – Soul Impressions [Reissue/1975] LP (Underdog)
HQ-180gm remastered vinyl reissue of the 1975 album from Montenegrin-French multi-instrumentalist. Nilovic’s compositional wizardry encompassed the styles of jazz, funk, Latin, psychedelic, classical and pop.
Now & On Earth – Blacked Out CD (Epitaph)
Twelve tracks of blistering, anthemic metalcore.
Pacific Gold – Sing My Welcome Home LP (Bad Christian Music)
“The very talented band repurposes old hymns and brings them into modern times, but with a catch — they send them back in time…. What Pacific Gold does is manage to take a number of different influences and styles, most notably those of ’60s psychedelic and folk pop. The band takes influence from the Beatles and Beach Boys as far as harmonies, and even musical exploration. From the more modern scope of things, they grab some sounds from Radiohead or a band such as the Postal Service. The unique blend mixes together to create unique and sometimes breathtaking musical experiences.” – Breathe Cast
Pale Blue – The Past We Leave Behind CD/2xLP (Captured Tracks)
“Mike Simonetti begins the next chapter of his life with Pale Blue‘s The Past We Leave Behind. It’s a title fit for the producer’s transition from Italians Do It Better (a label he formed with Johnny Jewel) to 2MR (a new one created in partnership with Captured Tracks’ Mike Sniper). The title track is certified dream pop — probably not too unlike the Jewel-composed Drive soundtrack that never was — and features vocals from Elizabeth Wight (Silver Hands).” – All Things Go
Piano Interrupted – The Unified Field Reconstructed CD (Denovali)
Piano Interrupted is the brainchild of London-based pianist and composer Tom Hodge and French electronic producer Franz Kirmann. Their working process involves digital manipulation of musical phrases on the piano, or any sounds that the pair find interesting to sample and process sonically. Vinyl version due May 12.
Polar Bear – Same As You CD/2xLP+CD (Leaf)
The follow-up to 2014’s Mercury Prize shortlisted In Each And Every One. Given its short gestation, it is striking how far removed the new album is from its immediate predecessor. There is a startling freshness in the songs, both thematically and sonically. After the dark complexity of recent output, Same As You is presented in sharp focus, as inclusive and accessible as the title suggests, while still maintaining the playful experimentation on which the band has made its name.
Pow! – Fight Fire CD/LP (Castle Face)
Pow! is re-chromed and ready to soundtrack your dystopian near future. Harsh neon synths battle with zipline guitars for space above a dark and teeming cityscape. Your guide is always in the shadows, you can’t make out his face but you hear his crazed diatribe as he wards off all affronts. Razor-sharp punk at its core, Fight Fire is fleshed out with inventive and catchy synth work-and the floating bits of atmospheric expansion between tracks only heighten the paranoid atmosphere.
Project Pat – Mista Don’t Play 2: Everythangs Money CD (E1)
New album from the Memphis kingpin – produced by Juicy J. Beginning his career in the mid-’90s, Project Pat has become a key player in the southern rap movement with classics such as ”Chickenhead” and his high profile collaborations with Three 6 Mafia.
Cristina Quesada – You Are The One CD/LP (Elefant Spain)
Debut album from the pop princess, a diverse and incredible collection with a ton of covers and some original songs. The album includes a fantastic collaboration with Javi and Coral from Band A Part and Luis Elefant. Opening the album with a cover of “Just Like Honey,” revealing the similarities of The Jesus & Mary Chain song with Phil Spector’s “Be My Baby,” is like betting on the winning horse right from the start.
Joel Rafael – Baladista CD/LP (Inside Recordings)
Baladista, Joel Rafael’s ninth album, delivers ten essential ballads that embrace and celebrate the human spirit, and reflect the half-century journey of an American songwriter.
Ramones – Hey, Ho! Let’s Go!: Legendary Live Broadcast CD (Blueline)
34-track live set recorded in 1996.
The Replacements – The Complete Studio Albums 1981-1990 8xCD (Rhino)
Limited eight CD set from the legendary band released to coincide with their first headlining tour in 24 years. This box contains the seven albums and one EP that that The Replacements released between 1981 and 1990. Includes the original versions of the albums Sorry Ma, Stink, Hootenany, Let It Be, Tim, Pleased To Meet Me, Don’t Tell A Soul and All Shook Down.
Runaway Brother – Mother CD (Tiny Engines)
Recalling the intelligence of catchy, ambitious emo rock standards like Motion City Soundtrack and Say Anything, as well as modern favorites like Modern Baseball and The Front Bottoms, Runaway Brother walk a perfect tightrope of pop smarts balanced with punk chops. The band’s brand of energetic indie pop and emo rock showcases a songwriting depth and maturity that is startling considering their youth.
The Sax Pack – The Power Of Three CD (Shanachie)
New album from the smooth jazz supergroup comprised of Kim Waters, Jeff Kashiwa and Steve Cole.
Sh!t And Shine – 54 Synth-brass, 38 Metal Guitar, 65 Cathedral CD/LP (Rocket Recordings)
Taking the repetitive rhythmic drive of krautrock and marrying it to a percussive Butthole Surfers-style strain of acidic intensity, Sh!t And Shine have carved out a unique niche for themselves as one of the most unpredictable and—occasionally—outright unpleasant outfits in living memory. Like a robot Can-Hawkwind hybrid in a Philip K. Dick future, reassembling disco, abstract electronica, and noise rock into elegant new shapes, Sh!t And Shine furrow brows and fry synapses in equal measure.
Sonic Youth – Bad Moon Rising [Reissue/1985] CD/LP (Goofin’)
Sonic Youth’s second full-length LP Bad Moon Rising was originally released on Homestead and Blast First in 1985. The album is a fascinating examination of the junction where hippie idealism [meets] the cold hard world, says guitarist Lee Ranaldo, where Woodstock [meets] Altamont Death Valley, Charles Manson, Brian Wilson, musicians, murderers, heroes and villains. Its original eight-song tapestry of droning guitar feedback, distant clattering percussion, and sullen vocals, all held together with interstitial noise loops and shadowy haze, ambles through a long, dark night before the feverish Death Valley 69, driven by runaway guitar riffs and a frantic Thurston Moore/Lydia Lunch vocal duet, pounds the capstone into place.
Spirit Family Reunion – Hands Together CD/LP (Spirit Family Reunion)
Second album from Brooklyn bluegrass band.
The Steel Wheels – Leave Some Things Behind CD (Big Ring)
New album from roots outfit. On Leave Some Things Behind, co-produced and engineered by Ben Surratt, the four band members are joined on various tracks by roots-music luminary Tim O’Brien, Nashville-based singer/songwriter Sarah Siskind, drummer Travis Whitmore and Hammond B3 player Ethan Ballinger.
Stranger Cat – In The Wilderness CD/LP (Joyful Noise)
Stranger Cat is the new project from Cat Martino, Sufjan Stevens’ right hand woman for the Age Of Adz tour and record, as well as All Delighted People. Cat was also a recording and touring member of Sharon Van Etten’s band circa Epic. She retreated from Brooklyn, NY to winter in the Sierra Foothills to write and record songs emerging from loops using her voice, synths, and percussion. With her pedal chain and gear in a small cottage she explored the gamut from ethereal to turbulence. Simple melodies or beats became powerful walls of sound melting through snowstorms, howling winds and stark silence nestled inside gargantuan oaks and the infinite starry dome.
Suns and Jerusalem In My Heart – Suns and Jerusalem In My Heart CD/LP (Secretly Canadian)
Beginning in November 2012 Suuns (Ben Shemie, Liam O’Neil, Max Henry and Joseph Yarmush) and long time friend, Radwan Ghazi Moumneh rented a studio in Montreal for seven days. The idea was to collaborate on rough sketches of song ideas and to complete as much recording as possible without discrimination. The session was successful, yielding many vibe-laden songs featuring heavy analog synths, Arabic influences and electronic sensibilities.
Swans – Filth [Reissue/1983] 3xCD (Young God)
This triple-disc expanded reissue constitutes a definitive picture of Swans’ 1982-1984 period, including: Disc One – original debut LP; Disc Two – Body To Body material comprised of various studio out-takes and live recordings 1982-85; Disc Three – E.P. #1, originally released in 1982, plus additional live performances from NYC and London.
Taylor Swift – Taylor Swift Karaoke: 1989 CD (Big Machine)
Sing along with Taylor on this karaoke edition of her hit album 1989. Features all of your favorites including “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space” and “Style.”
Tal National – Zoy Zoy CD/LP (Fat Cat)
The songs on Zoy Zoy are a mix of traditional and original, and they are intense. They are extraordinarily sophisticated. The band speak French, but use the expression “very rock and roll” quite seriously, implying their awareness that the loud guitars and bewildering rhythmic complexity separates them from their peers. They are proud that their members represent the different cultural groups of Niger, some of which haven’t always been on the best of terms (the group includes Tuareg, Hausa, Fulani, and Zarma). Still, they are aware that Western ears may not fully grasp their self-proclaimed “rock” label, and we sure don’t know many rock bands that keep folks dancing in a trance-like state for five hours at a time.
Peter Tosh – An Upsetters Showcase CD/LP (Cleopatra)
Contains all of the Peter Tosh vocal tracks recorded for Lee Scratch Perry. All rhythm tracks performed by Bob Marley’s band The Wailers, who were the original Upsetters lineup. This collection also contains rare singles from U Roy, Big Youth, Dave Barker and more.
Trial – Vessel CD (Soulfood)
Trial are the newest metal sensation from Sweden.
Turkuaz – Stereochrome CD (MRI Associated)
With influences ranging from P-Funk and Sly &The Family Stone to The Beatles, Ray Charles, Motown and Talking Heads, Turkuaz’s synthesis of the past is a soulful, lyrical, intensely musical, jittery, world pop dance party update to the funk idiom best described as part freight train and part tyrannosaurus rex.
Frank Turner – The Third Three Years CD (Xtra Mile)
New release from the British folk/punk singer/songwriter, formerly the vocalist of post-hardcore band Million Dead. Ten years since his first post Million Dead solo gig and nine years since his first solo recordings, this is the latest installment in the series of Frank Turner compilations of non-album rarities.
UnWed – Raise The Kids CD/LP+MP3 (6131)
UnWed features members of Hot Water Music, Small Brown Bike, and Errortype:11. Although their members have made names for themselves for nearly 20 years in other musical endeavors, the band brings their punk and indie roots to the table, amalgamating these influences with more traditionally heavy rock elements to create their unique sound.
Upsilon Acrux – Sun Square Dialect CD/LP (New Atlantis)
Boasting a revamped lineup of dual drums, dual guitars, and Fender Rhodes, Upsilon Acrux delivers a massively propulsive, wildly asymmetric takedown of conventional rock structure. Longtime fixtures of the Los Angeles experimental music community, their approach to instrumental rock is unique, stellar, and sweeping. These sounds are burning, stoked by angularity, mania, and profound mastery of the balance between beauty, tension and release.
Useless Eaters – Singles: 2011-2014 CD/LP (Slovenly)
New collection from the punk rock stalwarts, compiling the best tracks from their out-of-print singles from cool-assed labels like Goodbye Boozy, Tic Tac Totally and Nashville’s Dead.
Van Halen – Deluxe 4xCD/6xLP (Rhino)
Contains Van Halen, 1984, and the four-LP set of Tokyo Dome In Concert.
Various Artists – Memphis Development Foundation Presents: Beale Street Saturday Night [Reissue/1979] CD/LP+MP3 (Omnivore)
Memphis’ Beale Street had been a hub of music and activity since the 1860s. As it was being plowed under for “urban renewal” in 1976, James Luther Dickinson — who had played with The Stones, Ry Cooder and the Flamin’ Groovies (later with Bob Dylan and the Cramps among others), as well as produced Big Star, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and Alex Chilton (also, The Replacements, Green On Red, and Mudhoney ) — decided to not only celebrate the legacy of great Memphis music, but make it back into the place where both the blues and rock ‘n’ roll originated. A camaraderie of Memphis musicians, photographers, artists, thespians and “appropriate weirdos” gathered under Dickinson’s direction to record the heart of Beale Street – past and present.
Various Artists – Rocky Mountain Low: The Colorado Musical Underground Of The Late 1970s [2009] CD+7” (Hyperpycnal Productions)
Rocky Mountain Low is a unique portrayal of a late-‘70s American punk/new wave scene. It is the first time that this scene, from its inception in 1976 through to the end of 1979, has been documented in its entirety. In their presentation of Colorado’s musical reaction to the initial wake of punk rock in the late 1970s, the compilers have set the bar unattainably high for future would-be historians.
Villagers – Darling Arithmetic CD/LP (Domino)
Darling Arithmetic is the third album from Villagers’ Conor O’ Brien. His 2010 debut Becoming A Jackal and {Awayland} his 2013 release – both Mercury Prize-nominated, while the latter won Ireland’s Choice Prize – were detailed, multi-faceted affairs, so Darling Arithmetic is a brave and committed new step forward. O’Brien plays every instrument on these exquisite, melodic songs in a beautifully sparse, spacious, intimate, acoustic-leaning fashion, as well as recording and mixing it himself at home, revealing a single-minded artist at the peak of his already considerable songwriting powers.
Violent Reaction – Marching On CD/LP (Revelation)
Originally conceived and executed as a one-man project by Tom Pimlott on the banks of the Mersey River in Liverpool, England, Violent Reaction recorded a demo in 2011, an EP in 2012 and an LP for Painkiller Records in 2013. Soon after, Tom relocated to Leeds to assemble a full band with an end result that finds the lads playing straight edge, hardcore punk with an obvious oi influence.
The Von Trapps – Dancing In Gold CDEP (Heinz)
The first release of all-original music by the legendary von Trapps, great-grandchildren of Maria and Captain Von Trapp. Dancing In Gold is the first in a projected series of three EPs of original songs to be released over the next two years. Each EP will feature a different producer, and the artwork for each EP can be combined to form an interlocking piece of large, displayable original art.
Chris Washburne & The Syotos Band – Low Ridin’ CD (Zoho Music)
Latin jazz instrumentals of ‘60s and ‘70s classic rock songs, including some by Bob Marley, Neil Young, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Lou Reed, War, and more.
Matthew Watson/Daniel Thomas Freeman – Catch Me Daddy [OST] CD (Important)
Beautiful and bleak wind-ravaged music to accompany the film Catch Me Daddy’s desperate and unrelenting West Yorkshire moorland setting. The soundtrack uses a deliberately limited instrumental palette of piano, percussion and oscillators, twisted, gnarled, and rarified beyond recognition.
Wende – Vorspiel einer Philosophie der Zukunft CD (Moribund)
Burzumic black metal from Washington state — melancholic, emotive, and truly isolationist.
White Shadows – Secret Of Life CD (Wicked Nature Music)
New release from The Vines’ Craig Nicholls’ side project. Gathering an all-star cast of over 40 musicians inside Sydney’s 301 studios, legendary British post-punk producer Nick Launay was brought on board to attempt the near-impossible – record every musician in the room jamming to Nicholls’ songs at the same time.
Hank Williams III – Take As Needed For Pain CD/LP+MP3 (Curb)
Take As Needed For Pain includes many tracks Hank III recorded for tribute albums under various guises. The song “Take As Needed For Pain” is a cover song from the metal band Eyehategod that Hank3 turned into a 10-minute epic for the tribute album For The Sick: A Tribute to Eyehategod released in 2007 and recorded under the name The Unholy 3, which is the name of one of Hank3’s side projects. Hank3 also recorded another Eyehategod song for the tribute called Torn Between Suicide And Breakfast.
Zane Williams – Texas Like That CD (Be Music & Entertain)
New album from the Country singer/songwriter, the follow-up to Overnight Success. Zane Williams is an anomaly in today’s country music scene, a modern-day “throwback” that is equal parts barroom entertainer and introspective poet.
Steve Wilson & Wilsonian’s Grain – Live In New York: The Vanguard Sessions CD (Random Act)
A Live set of potent jazz at the most venerable jazz club in the world – Wilson’s first live album and his eighth album as a leader.
The Wombats – The Glitterbug CD/LP+MP3 (Bright Antenna)
“It’s been four years since Liverpool indie rockers The Wombats released This Modern Glitch, the platinum-selling follow-up to their acclaimed debut A Guide To Love, Loss And Desperation. An adventurous record that saw the trio incorporate a heavy electro element into their danceable guitar rock tunes, This Modern Glitch cemented The Wombats status as genuine crossover stars via hit singles ‘Tokyo (Vampires And Wolves)’ and ‘Jump Into The Fog.’ After taking some time off from the circus that had become their lives, the band spent 18 months spread between the UK and Los Angeles workshopping the songs for album number three, before linking with producer Mark Crew to map out and record their creation. The resulting record Glitterbug is a moody, synth-heavy, indie-rock record full of irresistibly catchy cuts that seem destined to become radio staples.” – Music Feeds
:Wumpscut: – BlutSpukerTavern CD (Metropolis)
New album from the electro/EBM outfit.
Dwight Yoakam – Second Hand Heart CD (WB)
Second Hand Heart was self-produced by Yoakam, and reflects where he’s been, but even more so, where he’s going. The album takes the pioneering honky-tonker back to Warner Bros./Reprise, where he began his major-label recording career 30 years ago. Yoakam’s distinctive, supple vocals, accented with his Kentucky croon, sound as strong today as they did on his debut, 1985’s Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc. Etc.
Richard Youngs – No Fans Compendium 7xCD (VHF)
Limited deluxe seven-disc set of Richard Youngs’ recordings for his long-running private No Fans label. Five CDs are the artist’s personal selection from his No Fans releases, all of which were issued in tiny editions (20-50 copies) and only available for sale at his rare shows or at Glasgow’s now-defunct Volcanic Tongue shop. In addition, Youngs has included two full discs of material previously unavailable in any form: a recording from 1989 predating his earliest widely known work, and a new recording from late 2014.
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
Abyss – Heretical Anatomy LP (20 Buck Spin)
The frenzied blasting of early American/UK death metal and grindcore, when there was no distinct separation between the two, is a hallmark of Heretical Anatomy. Yet the overwhelming speed scattered across the album is expertly applied, never descending into a one-dimensional space where velocity is the sole basis for existence. Songs are crafted with the care of the elder gods, rigorously refined with a seasoned sophistication, always maintaining a sharply primitive ferocity.
And And And – The Failure LP (Party Damage)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Winners of Willamette Week’s 2011 Best New Band poll (past finalists have included Menomena, Starf##ker, and Typhoon), And And And finally are releasing what can only be called the follow-up to that year’s blur of output, culminating with the early 2012 Lost EP. They’re known for truly epic live shows with no clear delineation between stage and offstage or audience member and musician. Recorded over ten days in San Diego with Rafter Roberts between skateboarding and drinking sessions, the record is fiery and urgent. It evokes classic grunge-era sounds from the Northwest (think Mudhoney and early Nirvana), but bleeds melody and passion all its own.
John Andrews & The Yawns – Bit By The Fang LP (Woodsist)
Bit By The Fang is the first solo album from singer/ songwriter John Andrews and his imaginary backup band The Yawns. Warm acoustic guitars, honky-tonk piano, lap steel, singing saw and fluttering violins all sing together on this well crafted, yet comfortingly sloppy, psych-country/R&B record. Invites comparisons to Michael Hurley, Daniel Johnston, Kevin Ayers.
The John Betsch Society – Earth Blossom [Reissue/1970] LP (Heavenly Sweetness)
Vinyl reissue of one of the forgotten masterpieces of 1970s spiritual jazz.
Bell Witch – Longing [Reissue/2012] LP (The Flenser)
Vinyl reissue packaged in a thick, old-style case-wrapped gatefold jacket with printed inner sleeves. 2012 album from this minimalist doom duo featuring Adrian Guerra and Dylan Desmond (of Samothrace fame). With only the bare minimum at their disposal, the duo’s massive, crushing
soundscapes are executed with just bass, drums and dual-vocal pummel. Uniquely sorrowful, their debut full-length Longing is an hour and ten minutes of doomed desolation, sadness and sorrow-a time-stretching journey through darkness, pain and suffering. Longing has since become an influential sorrowful doomed classic.
Jello Biafra And The New Orleans Raunch And Soul All-stars – Fannie Mae b/w Just A Little Bit 7” (Alternative Tentacles)
Here are two tracks from the night Bill Davis (Dash Rip Rock) and Fred Le Blanc (Cowboy Mouth) dared Jello Biafra to join them during Jazzfest and sing all classic New Orleans soul, rhythm and blues, and (at Jello’s request) garage songs.
Black Label Society – The Song Remains Not The Same [2011] 2xLP (E1)
First time available on vinyl for this 2011 unplugged session which is mostly comprised of songs from Order Of The Black.
Blood Drugs – Blood Drugs LP+MP3 (Good To Die)
Blood Drugs is a punk band from Seattle, Washington. Inspired by discordant chords and Rainier beer, Blood Drugs has compiled a musical sound in the likes of bands such as Rites of Spring and the Monorchid with lyrical and vocal influence from bands such as Hot Snakes, The Murder City Devils, and Jawbreaker.
Bop English – Constant Bop LP (Downtown)
Bop English is the working name of James Petralli from the group White Denim. “A healthy fusion of rock and jazz sprinkled with a tasteful dose of pop.” — Willow Wood
Johnny Cash – Louisiana Hayride Recordings LP (Jambalaya)
A collection of recordings from all appearances (’55, ’59, ’62 and ’63) on the legendary radio and TV show Louisiana Hayride.
Cheena – Cheena 7” (Sacred Bones)
Debut from NY punks including members of Pharmakon, Anasazi, Crazy Spirit, Dawn Of Humans, Hank Wood & The Hammerheads. Citing wildly diverse influences — Gary Glitter, Slade, uppers, (cartoonish) depression, Iggy Pop, ’70s iron-on font, Sex Pistols, booze and Hawkwind — their unifying theme is defiantly one of the late ’70s/early ’80s NY glam and cow-punk.
Don Cherry/Latif Khan – Music/Sangram [Reissue/1978] LP (Heavenly Sweetness)
First vinyl reissue of this 1978 album — an incredible mixture of jazz and Indian music.
Chrome Cranks – Chrome Cranks [Reissue/1994] LP (HoZac)
Remastered 20th Anniversary vinyl reissue of Chrome Cranks debut album. The Chrome Cranks are a rock & roll band formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1988 and based in New York City.
The Classic Crime – What Was Done: Volume 1, A Decade Revisited 2xLP (Bad Christian Music)
The Classic Crime’s first installment of acoustic and rearranged versions of their most popular songs. They have spent time on the road with artists such as MxPx, Relient K, Mest, Anberlin, The Rocket Summer, Emery, as well as two summers on the Vans Warped Tour with the likes of Katy Perry, Rise Against, and Underoath.
Diagrams – Chromatics LP (Full Time Hobby)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Diagrams is a project by songwriter and producer Sam Genders. His previous album was pretty good fun. Here on Chromatics Gender’s voice sounds a bit like that of an annoying priest who waters everything he says down a bit with a sickly smile and finishes his sentences with “God be with you and your family my dear.” The music is an equally cheery affair; twingle-twangle pop which is fun, gentle and makes you think the world is a bit nicer than you’d previously thought.
DJ Efn – Another Time 2xLP (Redefinition)
All new and original music from DJ Efn featuring guest appearances by: Royce the 5 9, Killer Mike, Inspectah Deck, Ras Kass, Scarface, Masta Ace, Sean Price, Smif N Wessun, Black Milk, Talib Kweli, Redman, Crooked I, Juvenile, Fashawn, O.C., Reks, Dead Prez, Cormega, Defari, Blu, MOP, Guilty Simpson, King Tee and many more. Silver vinyl.
Bob Dylan – Gaslight Cafe, NYC, 9/6/1961 LP (Jambalaya)
Vinyl issue of one of Dylan’s earliest live recordings, the first known recorded set to feature his original songs.
Electric Hawk – II LP+MP3 (Electric Hawk Recs)
Heavy lidded and brutalist, Electric Hawk II finds the Chicago instrumental power trio in an entirely new environment. Whereas their self-titled debut album was the flashpoint of inception — frenetic, fists up, and teeth bared — II settles into a landscape that is more linear than before — the language and history are based in metal but they’ve been rearranged. The narrative has changed. It’s heavy and instrumental but the stream of collective consciousness that moves through the tracks is nuanced like a conversation.
Fantasma – Free Love LP (Soundway)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New release by this project led by South African innovator and pioneer Spoek Mathambo. Fantasma is a five-man collective which weaves together electronica, hip-hop, traditional Zulu maskandi music, shangaan electro, South African house, psych-rock and punk to form a unique, original and fresh hybrid.
Jacco Gardner – Find Yourself b/w Mixed Feelings 7”+MP3 (Polyvinyl)
First single from acclaimed baroque pop artist’s upcoming sophomore release Hypnophobia. B-side, “Mixed Feelings,” is exclusive to this release.
Noah Gundersen – Family LP (Dualtone)
At the tender age of 24, Noah Gundersen is already a young veteran who recorded his first album on his dad’s Tascam Studio 8 reel-to-reel home tape machine at 13. Born in the tiny town of Centralia, WA—about midway between Portland and Seattle—Gundersen has honed his craft through a series of albums, both solo (with his sister Abby, an expert string player) and with their band The Courage.
Calvin Harris – Motion 2xLP (Columbia)
Released last year on CD – now available on vinyl. Latest album from the best-selling DJ, producer and artist. Motion is the follow-up to his pop masterpiece 18 Months, and features the hit singles “Summer” and “Blame” (featuring John Newman) plus collaborations with Gwen Stefani, Ellie Goulding, Big Sean, Haim, Alesso, Hurts, R3hab and others.
Instant Funk – Instant Funk [Reissue/1979] LP (Friday Music)
The Philadelphia based funk superstars began in the 70’s recording, playing and appearing with many R&B legends like Bunny Sigler, Evelyn Champagne King and other successful soul artists which eventually landed them in the studio creating their own masterworks. Instant Funk’s sound was new and exciting, solid street funk fused with rock and soul, as their first Salsoul Records album Instant Funk soared to the top of the soul and dance album charts.
Robert Johnson – Drunken Hearted Man LP (Jambalaya)
A collection of the finest moments of the only two known recording sessions (from ’36 and ’37) by the king of the delta blues.
Kid Rock – First Kiss 2xLP+CD (WB)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Kid Rock’s tenth studio album was self-produced (with the exception of two songs which were co-produced by Dann Huff) and was recorded at his studio in Michigan.
Mark Knopfler – Tracker 2xLP (Verve)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Ninth solo album from the British guitarist, singer/songwriter and former Dire Straits mainman. Tracker features eleven new Knopfler songs inspired by a wide range of subjects including authors Beryl Bainbridge and Basil Bunting.
Lightning Bolt – Fantasy Empire 2xLP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Over the course of its two-decade existence, Lightning Bolt has revolutionized underground rock in immeasurable ways. The duo broke the barrier between stage and audience by setting themselves up on the floor in the midst of the crowd. Their momentous live performances and the mania they inspired paved the way for similar tactics used by Dan Deacon and literally hundreds of others. Fantasy Empire is Lightning Bolt’s first album for Thrill Jockey and was recorded at Machines With Magnets (Battles, The Body). It is their first album to be recorded in a proper studio.
Marina And The Diamonds – Froot LP+CD (New Elektra)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. With Froot, Marina and the Diamonds’ first new noise since the death of alter ego Electra Heart in 2013, Marina Diamandis has made a grand statement of intent. It’s a cathartic rebirth in nearly every way, and sees her veer away from the last LP’s stylistic and thematic intentions, instead returning to basics for a new chapter in her career and life. From the existential tribulations of “Immortal,” harking back to her days as lithe ivory-tinkling balladeer, to the relentless funk of “Better Than That,” to the wit and juxtaposition of “Happy” to the ’70s-flecked “I’m A Ruin”, this is all Marina And The Diamonds.
Nun – Nun LP (HoZac)
One of the most powerful bands Melbourne has ever produced presents their dark-yet-somehow-vibrant vision of electronic pop with their self-titled debut LP. Nun’s unrelenting aesthetic sense penetrates every aspect of this record, resulting in a remarkably cohesive work of art. The music is danceable and poppy, yet sad and inclusive, aggressive, and heavy as hell.
N.W.A. – Straight Outta Compton [Reissue/1987] LP (UMe)
Picture disc reissue, featuring the iconic image of the group on the front and a graffiti treatment on the back.
Bill Orcutt – Gerty Loves Pussy LP (Palilalia)
Vinyl reissue of 2014 tour-only tape. Solo electric guitar performance recorded at the Brooklyn offices of Triple Canopy magazine, as part of their annual marathon reading of Gertrude Stein’s 1925 novel The Making Of Americans. Explores the rhythms and repetitions of Stein’s language using Fender Telecaster, Music Man 100 amplifier, and the acoustics of a very small room.
Palaxy Tracks – Wilderness LP (Peek-a-Boo)
New album from Brandon Durham aka Palaxy Tracks. Durham is now not quite 43, the year he thought a man “gets handsome.” He and his husband live in a New York City apartment with an 80-pound dog and two cats. He works for the typographers Hoefler & Co. Things are good. Then, after ten years, he picks up a guitar again, and songs come out: a song about memories of a home invasion (“Slow Dancing”), a song about an affair with a married man (“Non-Fiction”), a song about the Octopus Project (“Die Young”), a song about ghosts rising from the floor and young families hanging by their necks from trees (“The Afterlives”), a song about a cat named Thurston (“Weird Weather”), songs about childhood, secrets and desire, songs of the sounds made in the wilderness. We are the animals there.
Charlemagne Palestine – Bells Studies LP (Alga Marghen)
A collection of early recordings of legendary composer playing the 26-bell carillon at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in New York, which he had daily access to between 1963-1970.
James Pants – Savage LP (Stones Throw)
James says Savage is “inspired by Martin Denny flourishes, royalty free breakbeats, Gary Wilson and Hamburg’s infamous Golden Pudel club.” The record was composed solely via MIDI and a Yamaha Portasound PSS-480 and is an oblique homage to the Residents’ Commercial Album – a 14-track record made up of sonic vignettes that sounds as good on a stereo set-up in the Amazonian jungle as it does coming through laptop speakers.
Part Chimp/Torche – Split Tour EP [Reissue/2011] 12” (Chunklet)
Born of a SXSW Chunklet sponsored event years ago, Part Chimp and Torche presented this tour EP originally in 2011. Part Chimp turn in two scorchers, “Dr. Horse” and “The Watcher” while Torche send a love letter to Guided By Voices, covering “Exit Flagger,” “Unleashed! The Large Hearted Boy” and “Postal Blowfish.”
Part 1 – Funeral Parade 12”+MP3 (Sacred Bones)
Part 1 formed in 1980 and were part of the original London anarcho-punk scene, often playing gigs with Rudimentary Peni. This is a remastered reissue of their 1982 EP, now regarded as a seminal deathrock release largely due to the dark, heavily flanged guitar work, morbid imagery, and anti-religious lyrical themes. Deluxe gatefold packaging also includes guitarist Mark Ferelli’s horror zine I…Paraworm.
Pyramids – A Northern Meadow LP (Profound Lore)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Pyramids emerged seemingly out of nowhere with their self-titled debut LP released by Hydra Head Records in 2008. Drawing on elements of shoegaze, black metal, ambient/drone, avant-garde and industrial, the record generated massive amounts of buzz and acclaim within experimental and extreme metal circles. The band followed its release by collaborating with Faith Coloccia (Mamiffer), Simon Raymonde (Cocteau Twins), Albin Julius (Der Blutharsch) and Colin Marston (Gorguts/Krallice/Dysrhythmia), and releasing albums with Nadja, Horseback and Mamiffer. A Northern Meadow is Pyramids’ proper follow-up to their lauded 2008 debut. Dark, dreamy and lush while at the same time claustrophobic, mechanically crawling and surgically cold.
Quttinirpaaq – Dead September LP (Rural Isolation Project)
Screaming wind-tunnel guitars and motorik floor tom and snare (“Bleed Out”), ear-splitting electro-punk mush-mouth (“White Witch”), eerie psychedelia (“Dead Birds”), and blackened industrial techno that slithers through most of side two into the skull-cracking closing dirge of “Walk Into The Sea.” Abrasive and perversely catchy. White vinyl.
Quicksilver Messenger Service – Live In San Jose 1966 2xLP (Cleopatra)
One of the earliest live recordings of the quintessential San Francisco psychedelic jam band.
Features original vocalist Jim Murray alongside the classic Cipollina-Duncan-Freiberg-Elmore quartet performing their trademark tunes plus rare numbers such as “Walkin’ Blues” and “All Night Worker.”
Red Death – Red Death 7” (Grave Mistake)
Four blistering cuts and a Discharge cover — the perfect introduction to one of the most promising hardcore bands going on the East coast today.
Repairs – Decay 7” (HoZac)
Another crucial Australian single from the blackened depths of minimal synth hysteria. Rooted in an electronic nightmare set to overlapping Throbbing Gristle comparisons, it all starts with a nervous little throb that evolves into a poisonously aromatic nightbloom, drowning in an inescapable whisper, as each song emerges and hovers over you.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – Plays Prog Rock Classics LP (Cleopatra)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Fully orchestrated progressive rock masterpieces with guest appearances by members of iconic prog rock band Features scintillating symphonic versions of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” with Alan Parsons Project multi-instrumentalist Ian Bairnson, King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man” featuring King Crimson and Porcupine Tree drummer Gavin Harrison, Gentle Giant’s “Think Of Me With Kindness” featuring Yes and Moody Blues keyboardist Patrick Moraz and many more.
Xavier Rudd – Nanna LP+MP3 (Nettwerk)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New album from the Australian musician, activist, and surfer. Xavier Rudd’s voice is soaring, plaintive and deeply emotive. There’s a poignancy, intimacy and gravitas he achieves with each utterance that makes nearly every moment worth remembering.
Sankt Otten – Engtanz Depression LP (Denovali)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. German instrumental duo Sankt Otten, founded in 1999, consists of Stephan Otten (drums, programming, synthesizer) and Oliver Klemm (guitar, synthesizer, piano). The duo has been releasing albums on Denovali Records since 2009. Their eighth album, Engtanz Depression (“close dance depression”), expresses a significant progression from the preceding album trilogy (Gottes Synthesizer, Sequencer Liebe, Messias Maschine). New drum sounds and acoustic instruments such as harmonium and piano may be found, and some pieces emerged from free improvisations, which is a completely new approach for this band.
Sankt Otten/Majeure – Split LP+MP3 (1201 Music)
Kraftwerk, Klaus Schulze, Brian Eno, and the Blade Runner soundtrack from Vangelis? There’s no doubt that both of the artists on this split release are influenced by that sound. Majeure, the solo project of Zombi drummer A.e. Paterra, has received a lot of attention via two albums on Temporary Residence, a remix record released in 2010, and a split with Steve Moore, while German duo Sankt Otten is equally well known after releasing six albums and several EPs.
SirMixaLot – Mack Daddy [Reissue/1992] LP (UMe)
Vinyl reissue of the rapper’s third album, originally released in 1992 on Def American. Features the hit “Baby Got Back.”
Sleep – Dopesmoker [Reissue/2004] 2xLP (Southern Lord)
Double picture disc pressing. “Drop out of life with bong in hand, follow the smoke to the riff-filled land!”
Soundtrack – Friday [OST] [Reissue/1995] 2xLP (UMe)
Double-LP reissue of the 1995 soundtrack starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker with music by Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Cypress Hill, Scarface, 2 Live Crew, The Alkaholiks, and more. Features a limited edition lenticular cover of an animated joint that lights up and smokes.
Soundtrack – Animal House [Reissue/1978] LP (Capitol)
Soundtrack – Boogie Nights [1997] 2xLP (Capitol)
Soundtrack – Car Wash [Reissue/1976] 2xLP (Capitol)
Latest in the campaign of 26 major motion picture soundtracks reissued by Universal this year. This is the first time Boogie Nights has been available on vinyl.
Sueves – Liquid Hounds 7” (HoZac)
The debut single from this Chicago trio is a blizzard of treble-soaked noise, raw and trashy busting right out of the gate and right into your dreams/nightmares.
Thor – Unchained [Reissue/1983] LP (Cleopatra)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The legendary EP from the mighty thunder god of heavy metal gets a deluxe reissue on CD with bonus tracks plus a live DVD.
Three Days Grace – Human LP (RCA)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New album from the Christian band. On Human, Three Days Grace re-teamed with producer Gavin Brown who produced the band’s platinum-selling 2003 self-titled debut album.
TV Colours – Purple Skies, Toxic River LP (Comedy Minus One)
Debut LP from these Aussie punk rockers originally released in 2013 now seeing its first US pressing. An LP for “the kids” and about “the kids,” Purple Skies, Toxic River captures the electrifying, agonizing, alienating, turgid miasma of youth. Perfect for the ears of every kid out there with tattered jeans and badges on their jackets, reassuring them that though it will take long than they’d like, it will eventually all be fine.
Twisted – Utopia LP (Specialist Subject)
Debut album from the Welsh garage-punk band. Twisted take influence from many eras of punk’s history: the lovesick guitar melodies of ‘70s UK punk (Buzzcocks, Elvis Costello, The Jam) the flagellating introspection of mid-‘80s DC’s Revolution Summer (Rites Of Spring, Gray Matter, Rain) and US dark punk (The Wipers, The Crucif**ks, No Trend), the exasperated vocal of early-‘90s UK’s Huggy Bear, and the postmillennial crisp-drumming garage-rage of Jay Reatard, Marked Men, Eddy Current Suppression Ring and Parquet Courts.
The Unthanks – Mount The Air LP (Cadiz Music)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and the only British folk representation in The Guardian’s and Uncut’s Best Albums Of The Last Decade, The Unthanks is a family affair for Tyneside sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank, with Rachel married to pianist, producer, arranger and composer, Adrian McNally. Using the traditional and folk music of the North East of England as a starting point, the influence of Steve Reich, Miles Davis, Sufjan Stevens, Robert Wyatt, Antony & The Johnsons, King Crimson and Tom Waits can be heard in the band’s seven albums to date.
The Untouchables – Free Yourself: Ska Hits LP (Cleopatra)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. A collection of career highlights from the SoCal mod/ska band — widely credited as America’s first ska group. Limited edition color vinyl.
Vatican Shadow – Death Is Unity With God 2xLP (Modern Love)
Double-LP containing 12 of the 20 tracks included on original 2014 six-cassette release of Death Is Unity With God, in advance of the label’s three-CD edition compiling all the material. Some of the most feral, bleak, burned-out tape music from Dominick Fernow; includes drum reduced to scorching blasts against harrowing darkside chords, haunting chorales and chiming percussions, and scything techno roil, and draws aesthetic lines between ambient black metal, Coil, and early Autechre.
Waxahatchee – Ivy Tripp LP+MP3 (Merge)
Released last week on CD – now available on vinyl. Katie Crutchfield’s southern roots are undeniable. The name of her solo musical project Waxahatchee comes from a creek not far from her childhood home in Alabama and seems to represent both where she came from and where she’s going. Waxahatchee’s latest record, Ivy Tripp, drifts confidently from its predecessors and brings forth a more informed and powerful recognition of where Crutchfield has currently found herself.
Worthless – All My Friends Are Stone LP (Beyond Beyond Is Beyond)
A 100% certified rock-folk-freak-show of an album, a merry-go-round of sonic bemusement and candy-cane confusion, both uninterested in and unwilling to allow its sound to linger in one place for very long. And yet, despite its homegrown Gypsy wanderings, the songs taken together offer an undeniable and undeniably cohesive chain of charm.
Zu – Cordor Todo LP (Ipecac)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. For over fifteen years, Zu’s modus operandi of straddling and abusing musical genres has resulted in over fifteen unique album releases across labels such as Ipecac, Atavistic and Headz (Japan). Their experimental amalgam of metal, math, no-wave, noise and electronics, led acclaimed composer John Zorn to describe their sound as “a powerful and expressive music that totally blows away what most bands do these days.” “Combines the abstractions of Sonic Youth with the out-there explorations of the best free jazz.” – The Times
Cassettes:
Various Artists – Stray Dog (Oxen)
Eleven noise artists from Tokyo, Rhode Island, Long Beach, Los Angeles and Oakland. For fans of harsh noise from all spectrums, to the breath-robbing extended static tracks from F.T.P., Kira and P.I.G.S. to the brain-searing, piercing cut-up compositions of Sissy Spacek, Wrong Hole, Sects, Constrain, The Pig Lady and Allegory Chapel Ltd. to the document of a monumental and bracing live collaboration between AMK, Anthony King, The Hater’s GX Jupitter-Larsen and Elden M. combining the forces of the harsh entropic noise devices with vinyl destroying intensity.
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