CDs + Vinyl:
10,000 Manicas – Twice Told Tales CD (Cleopatra)
A full-length album of inspired interpretations of traditional British Isle folk songs. Vinyl version due May 12.
1939 Ensemble – Black Diamond Pearl CD/LP+MP3 (Jealous Butcher)
For their second album, 1939 Ensemble added a third member, multi-instrumentalist Josh Thomas, whose musicality adds a rich ostinato to Medeles and Coniglio’s dialogue. The band put together a dream team to help build the record, including John McEntire, Tucker Martine, Mark Orton, Holland Andrews, M. Ward and Michael Flinn. Black Diamond Pearl is a journey, cinematic in nature and ranging the full spectrum of emotion — a puckish romp in vivid colors, a bright trumpet peppering the ebullient rhythms, percussion-heavy songs acting as exercises in tom work, penetrating brass, ethereal vocals (provided by Like A Villain’s Holland Andrews), and industrial noise.
Ages – Malefic Miasma CD/LP (Black Lodge)
New album from the Swedish black metal band.
Craig Armstrong – Far From The Madding Crowd [OST] CD (Sony Classics)
Craig Armstrong is a composer of modern orchestral music, electronica and film scores. Since the mid-‘90s, he has created scores for both Hollywood and independent films including Love Actually, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and Elizabeth: The Golden Age.
Robbie Basho – Twilight Peaks CD/LP (Smeraldina)
Basho’s last recordings, originally issued in 1984 on a tape label called The Art Of Relaxation. Mastered by Glenn Jones and Matt Azvedo, from the original demo tapes, provided to Jones by Basho himself. CD has two extra live tracks.
William Basinski – Cascade CD (2026)
Cascade and The Deluge are variations on the latest tape-loop and delay composition from the inimitable William Basinski. In Cascade, a single ancient lilting piano tape loop repeats endlessly carrying one along in its tessellating current. (Cascade is available now, and is currently listed as CD only. The Deluge will be available on May 26, and is currently listed as vinyl-only. Basinki’s new collaboration with Richard Chartier, titled Divertissment, is also due on May 26, and is also currently listed as vinyl-only. Of course, all of this is subject to change.)
Bell Witch – Four Phantoms CD (Profound Lore)
New release from the Seattle-based funeral/death/doom act.
Blue Blood – This Is The Life CD/LP (This Is American)
Blue Blood started as a solo project by Athens music veteran and critically acclaimed fly-fishing guide Hunter Morris. As the songs came together, Hunter teamed up with members past and present of MGMT and The Whigs to flesh out these bigger ideas which would become a sort of distant, Southern third-cousin to indie rock idols Nada Surf and The Jesus And Mary Chain.
Bluey – Life Between The Notes CD (Shanachie)
Bluey Maunick is famous as the creator and leader of Incognito, the ground-breaking funk/jazz UK supergroup. He is also famous for his collaborations with and productions of such greats as Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Maxi Priest, George Benson and many more.
Blur – The Magic Whip CD/2xLP+MP3 (WB/Parlophone)
The new album from Blur started life in Hong Kong when the band had an unexpected break in touring in May 2013, and arrives 16 years since 13, the band’s last record as a four-piece. “Familiar but also exploratory, the legendary band’s first album since 2003 is a triumph. Parklifers are thrown the bone of opener ‘Lonesome Street’. With its Britpop swagger and talk of catching ‘the 5.14 to East Grinstead,’ it’s a pleasing self-pastiche, a welcoming beckon inside. Other tracks hark back to their history – the grinding ‘Go Out’ could sit on 13 with its coruscating guitar squalls, and catchy knees-up ‘Ong Ong’ will be the new song lapped up at Hyde Park this summer, resembling a beery ‘Ziggy Stardust.’ But a crowd-pleasing recreation of past glories a la Suede’s 2013 comeback Bloodsports just wouldn’t be Blur. The fascination of The Magic Whip is in how a reanimated Blur imagine they’d have developed by 2015, and how the Hong Kong environment fed into that.” – NME
Braids – Deep In The Iris CD/LP (Arbutus)
Braids are a three-piece experimental/dream pop band from Montreal. Deep In The Iris is the band’s third album. “[Album track] ‘Miniskirt,’ is a synth-y pop number marked by jolting beats and acerbic lyrics drawn from the album’s weighty themes of ‘pornography, abuse, and slutshaming.’ Here, Braids teem with the kind of rage and frustration that can only be articulated by a woman who’s felt snuffed by a sexist society and targeted by the leering eyes of men. ‘Liberated’s what you wanna call it. How about unfairly choked?’ Standell sings in the opening moments of the song, adding, ‘I’m not a man-eater, I enjoy them like cake. But in my position I’m the slut, I’m the bitch, I’m the whore, the one you hate.’” – Consequence Of Sound
The Brian Jonestown Massacre – Musique De Film Imaginé CD/LP (A. Records)
Musique De Film Imaginé (music for film imagined) is a soundtrack that pays homage to the great European film directors of the late ‘50s and ‘60s, such as François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard (to name but two), created by Anton Newcombe on behalf of the Brian Jonestown Massacre for an imaginary French film. Guests on this daring symphonic experience are French chanteuse and multi-instrumentalist SoKo and Italian actress, singer and director Asia Argento.
Zac Brown Band – Jekyll + Hyde CD (Republic)
Describing Jekyll + Hyde’s direction, Zac told Rolling Stone earlier this year that it will have “things that people will expect and things that they don’t.” “Homegrown,” the band’s highest chart debut, which is bulleted at #10 on country radio this week has earned massive fan support and early praise for its “rock feel” (Country Weekly) and “intricately arranged vocal harmonies” (Billboard); “Dress Blues,” written by Jason Isbell, is a somber and stirring tribute to members of the military who have been killed in service; and “Heavy Is The Head,” which features Chris Cornell of Soundgarden.
Brown Bird – Axis Mundi CD (Supply And Demand)
New elease by the folk duo, their final album of original material. Axis Mundi is a 16-song collection written by the beloved Rhode Island husband and wife duo of David Lamb and MorganEve Swain during Lamb’s year-long battle with Leukemia. It was finished by MorganEve after David’s passing last Spring.
David Carr – Home CD (Offshoot)
New album from one of Ireland’s finest electronic music composers. Across Home’s 12 tracks, Derek shares his love for all things electronica. Breakbeat/drum ‘n’ bass/ chillout/slo-mo house and Detroit techno are all on display.
Olivia Chaney – Longest River CD (Nonesuch)
Debut album from the London-based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist. On The Longest River, Chaney balances her original compositions — including the two pieces that first brought her acclaim, “The King’s Horses” and “Swimming In The Longest River” — with a selection of covers that she has newly arranged and that illustrate the broad sweep of her taste: “Blessed Instant” by Norwegian jazz singer-composer Sidsel Endresen; an adaptation of 17th-century Baroque composer Henry Purcell’s “There’s Not A Swain;” 20th-century Chilean folk composer Violetta Parra’s “La Jardinera;” and “Waxwing,” from Scottish avant-folk singer-songwriter Alasdair Roberts.
Chubby Knuckle Choir – Reveille CD (Chubby Knuckle Choir)
In the past five years, this creative group has earned comparisons to acts like The Gourds, the Wood Brothers, and Asylum Street Spankers, and has steadily built a dedicated fan base that’s drawn to the Choir’s joyful noise.
Eric Clapton – Forever Man 2xCD/3xCD (Reprise)
New best-of collection — available in double and triple-disc editions. Forever Man spans three decades of Clapton’s Reprise Records years and features classic studio tracks. The triple-disc edition adds a blues-themed disc. Vinyl version due June 16.
Clear Soul Forces – Fab 5ive CD/2xLP (Fat Beats)
With production by Nameless and raps by the four Detroit emcees, the Fab Five are here to save hip-hop the only way possible, with quality rhymes over quality beats.
Coachwhips – Bangers Vs. F**kers [Reissue/2003] CD/LP (Castle Face)
Feeling listless? Falling asleep behind the wheel? Need a soundtrack for your backyard Fight Club (with the lucky possibility of a muddy mid-fight kiss)? We have just the thing: a fully re-spruced version of the Coachwhips’ classic LP, Bangers Vs. F**kers. If you’re unfamiliar, this record may be the loudest thing ever put to tape. Weasel Walter’s mastering job is more of an act of terrorism than anything else but it perfectly captures the intensity of seeing them live in, say, your bathroom. Essential listening for anyone with a pulse and a chip on their shoulder.
Sam Cohen – Cool It CD/LP (10 Spot)
A whirling dervish of psychedelic power pop, pitchfork has called his work willfully chaotic and highly refined. Paste has dubbed it “a sonic tapestry.”
ConFunkShun – More Than Love CD (Shanachie)
ConFunkShun is one of the great self-contained funk bands since their 1976 breakthrough they have scored 18 Top 40 R&B hits, with 8 Top 10 smashes including such classics as “Ffun,” “Chase Me” and “Electric Lady.” More Than Love is a new 13-song set.
Jesse Cook – One World CD (E1)
Form the opening notes of the upbeat rhumba flavored single shake; One World will take you on a journey of exotic textures.
Dawn Of Oblivion – Phoenix Rising CD (M&A Musicart)
Fifth album by the Swedish metal band.
Paul de Jong – If CD/LP (Temporary Residence)
Paul de Jong is best known as the cofounder, cellist and resident found sound savant of the defunct collage-pop duo, the Books. Five years after that band delivered their final album, The Way Out, de Jong delivers his first solo album. If sets the Books’ early albums (particularly The Lemon Of Pink) as a starting point, and elevates that beguiling sense of wonder and amazement to genuinely transcendent new heights.
El Diablitos – Come Hell Or High Water CD (Too Good)
The trio El Diablitos, heavily influenced in Americana, roots, surf, rock and spaghetti westerns, formed in Portland Oregon around guitarist and San Francisco native Tony Guerrero, drummer Don Vito Griswold from Eastern Oregon and Texan bassist Brett Bilillo Edelen. Vinyl version due May 12. “El Diablitos is fronted by San Francisco’s native son Tony Guerrero who absolutely shreds on guitar with a reverb-bathed Link Wray sound that has been cooked in the Latin infused cultural melting pot of ‘The Bay’.” — Chris King
J.D. Emmanuel – The Wizards [Reissue/1982] CD (Important)
CD reissue of this 1982 outsider ambient/electronic work, expanded with two tracks that were excluded from the original LP due to master tape problems.
Everclear – Black Is The New Black CD (The End)
Bombastic, hard-driving, generation-spanning rock ‘n’ roll with instantly memorable, sharp-as-hell hooks propel Everclear’s new studio album. Muscular but melodic, this is the sound of a band driven and united by singular, intense purpose. At an average of three-minutes each, the songs rip forward with palpable swagger, supercharged by a mix of autobiographical exorcism and narrative storytelling, from the gut and throat of Everclear’s singer, guitarist, co-founder and songwriter Art Alexakis. Black Is The New Black is a diverse and timeless sounding collection, without ballads and without nostalgia. This is a heavy guitar record.
Tyler Farr – Suffer In Peace CD (Sony)
Sophomore album from the country star. Tyler Farr took the country world by storm with his debut album Redneck Crazy, which landed in the Top 5 on multiple charts. Farr’s songs often focus on the perils and downfalls of heartbreak — he’s not afraid to explore the darker side of heartache and pain.
Bill Fay – Who Is The Sender? CD/LP (Dead Oceans)
Ask Bill Fay about his relationship with his instrument and he says something revealing, not “Ever since I learnt to play the piano,” but “Ever since the piano taught me…” What the piano taught him was how to connect to one of the great joys of his life. “Music gives,” he says. And he is a grateful receiver. But, it makes him wonder, “Who is the sender?” Fay — who after more than five decades writing songs is finally being appreciated as one of our finest living practitioners of the art — asserts that songs aren’t actually written but found. He recorded two phenomenal but largely overlooked albums for Decca offshoot Nova in 1970 and 1971. After 27 years of neglect, people like Nick Cave, Jim O’ Rourke, and Jeff Tweedy were praising those records in glowing terms. Recorded in Ray Davies’ Konk Studios, North London, Who Is The Sender? sees Bill expanding upon themes he has touched on from the beginning, spiritual and philosophical questions, observations about the natural world and the people in the city he has lived in all his life.
George Fitzgerald – Fading Love CD/LP+MP3 (Domino)
George Fitzgerald’s debut establishes an exciting new chapter for the acclaimed British producer and DJ, marking an expansion out from his blistering mainroom sets across Europe and the UK, and into the realm of songwriter/producer alongside peers such as Caribou, Jon Hopkins, and Four Tet.
From First To Last – Dead Trees CD (Sumerian)
From First To Last is now officially back after a three year hiatus with the return of guitarist/vocalist Travis Richter, who had left the band in 2009, Matt Good, Matt Manning, and Spencer Sotelo, Periphery’s vocalist, also now joined the fold and they were quickly off and running creating this new full-length album.
Craig Fuller & Eric Kaz – Craig Fuller & Eric Kaz [Reissue/1978] CD (Real Gone Music)
Craig Fuller and Eric Kaz had already teamed up in American Flyer (along with Blood, Sweat & Tears Steve Katz and the Velvet Underground’s Doug Yule) before they collaborated on this 1978 album, but their pedigrees went way farther back than that band. Fuller made his debut with J.D. Blackfoot in 1970 and co-founded Pure Prairie League (for whom he wrote Amie among other PPL classics), while Kaz had cut his teeth with Children of Paradise (along with Happy and Artie Traum) before joining Blues Magooes for two records and cutting two solo records for Atlantic.
Josh Groban – Stages CD (Reprise)
New release from the acclaimed vocalist – available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds two bonus tracks and an expanded booklet. Stages features songs from some of the greatest musicals: The Phantom Of The Opera, Les Misérables, Into The Woods, A Chorus Line, Carousel, Sweeney Todd, The Wizard Of Oz and many more. Special guests include Kelly Clarkson and Chris Botti.
The Hotelier – It Never Goes Out CD/LP (Tiny Engines)
Before The Hotelier made a splash in 2014 with their sophomore release, Home, Like Noplace Is There, the band (as The Hotel Year) quietly released their cult classic debut full-length, It Never Goes Out, in 2011.
Insane Clown Posse – The Missing Link: Lost CD (Psychopathic)
The Marvelous Missing Link: Lost is the first part of the third Joker Card in the second Deck of the Dark Carnival Saga. In a February 21, 2015 interview with Billboard, ICP stated that “Lost is like not having God in your life, always worrying about death, and looking at the world through negative lenses.” He stated the album is “more serious, has no comedy, and had a lot of darker beats.”
I Of Everything – Implode CD (Cramada)
Sophomore release from the Scandanavian metal band.
King Crimson – Live At The Marquee July 6, 1969 CD (DGM)
King Crimson – Live At The Marquee August 10, 1971 2xCD (DGM)
King Crimson – Live In Guildord November 13, 1972 CD (DGM)
A trio of live King Crimson releases, originally recorded between 1969 and 1972 (each previously available only to members of the King Crimson Collectors’ Club).
The Kyle Sowashes – Everybody CD/LP (Anyway)
New release from the indie-rock everyman. Normally, naming a band after oneself is a shallow stroke of ego (e.g., Steve Miller, Bob Seger), but for Kyle Sowash, it couldn’t be any other way. After slaving over a decade’s worth of unrecognized lo-fi indie anthems, he deserves a complete, full-throttle band to flesh out his earnest ballads and scrappy pop songs. The Kyle Sowashes are a supergroup of sorts, composed of four dynamic players assembled from formidable Ohio bands such as 84 Nash, SPD GVNR and The Cabdrivers, but each is channeling a little Kyle Sowash on Everybody.
The Leisure Society – The Fine Art Of Hanging On CD/LP (Full Time Hobby)
The Leisure Society is an English folk band formed by Nick Hemming and The Fine Art Of Hanging On is their fourth album. Alongside an audible new creative peak, tied together by a distinct theme, the band’s acclaimed prior trademarks are still present — namely Hemming’s intensely personal and honest lyrics which adorn the band’s warm, timeless blend of grandiose pop and folk.
Lightning In A Twilight Hour – Fragments Of A Former Moon CD/LP+MP3 (Elefant Spain)
New release from this new project led by Bobby Wratten (The Field Mice, Northern Picture Library, And Trembling Blue Stars). It’s an album that shows off the two most remarkable facets of the songwriter: pop melodies that intertwine melancholic and evocative shades with an ambiance of experimentation in which the music becomes a bucolic, intoxicating landscape.
Bob Marley – Bob Marley Interviews: So Much Things To Say [Reissue/1980] CD/LP (Tuff Going)
Bob Marley sits with Neville Willoughby in this previously digitally unreleased interview in 1973.
Mew – +- CD/2xCD/2xLP (PIAS)
Mew has proven itself to be one of the biggest and most influential bands on the Danish indie scene, having achieved several Gold and Platinum albums, as well as winning numerous awards (Steppeulvs Prize, Danish Music Award, MTV Award, Gaffa Prize) in the band’s home country of Denmark. Mew has always had an affinity with the symphonic grandeur of indie rock’s troubled creature and pop immediacy. This unique combination has not only given Mew chart topping albums, lots of airplay and many fans in the Nordic countries, but also across the world with huge followings established in Europe, Asia and here in America. In addition to its own extensive worldwide headline tours, Mew has toured as special guests with artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Pixies, Muse, and Kings of Leon. The new music on +- soars. It’s alive, it’s vibrant and spacious. Its skewed pop sensibilities coupled with an ever-expansive musical backdrop denotes the extremities of Mew’s creative DNA, showing once more a band treading its own unique path. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a live album and is packaged in a 24pg hardback book with expanded artwork.
MG [Martin Gore] – MG CD/LP+CD (Mute)
MG is an instrumental album following Martin’s collaboration with Vince Clarke on VCMG’s SSSS in 2012. MG sees Gore further develop his love, passion and respect for electronic music.
Michael Angelo – Michael Angelo [Reissue/1977] CD/LP (Anthology Recordings)
Michael Angelo, the coveted self-titled LP by Missouri-based singer/songwriter Michael Angelo Nigro, is a dreamy snapshot of folk-rock and light psychedelia. Filled with arresting lyrical imagery and Beatles-esque vocals, Michael Angelo has long been considered a heavy hitter in the realm of out-of-time vinyl treasures.
Millencolin – True Brew CD/LP+MP3 (Epitaph)
The Swedish skate-punk quartet returns with their first album in seven years.
Monolord – Vænir CD/LP (Riding Easy)
“Like Sleep, YOB, and Electric Wizard before them, Swedish doom trio Monolord bring an individualistic psychology to heavy music. They’re not out to reinvent the riff so much as test its boundaries. On the band’s second album, Vænir, Thomas V Jäger lets his guitar lines wander and build off one another to glorious, colossal effect, like Captain Beyond crossed with Slowdive. At its core, the album is more of a prog psych journey than a straight-up metal record, but there are plenty of signature riffs and sludginess to satisfy those looking for the latter.” – Consequence Of Sound
Nai Harvest – Hairball CD/LP (Topshelf)
Nai Harvest is a pair of best friends who have found their sound on their own terms after two years of near relentless touring that has taken them to the other side of the world and back. Racing through ‘80s and ‘90s influenced indie rock, Hairball continues on the theme of their last EP and single releases, only letting up to take sharp turns into hazy garage-punk and feedback-laden grunge.
Alva Noto – Xerrox 3 CD (Raster Noton)
Inspired by childhood film memories from the 1970s, this is his most personal work — described as a “cinematographic emotion of a soundtrack to a film that actually does not exist in reality… I have to admit that this emotional output is a surprise even to myself.” Vinyl version due May 11.
Nurse With Wound – Lumb’s Sister [Reissue/1998] CD (United Jnana)
Digitally remastered edition of this 1998 release from the avant-garde/experimental music veterans. “This music was originally conceived as raw material for the film project Lumb’s Sister by Chris Wallis. During the long evolution of his movie, Chris decided to use alternative source sounds and subsequently none of these pieces ever made it onto the completed film. Aw, shucks.” — Stephen Stapleton
Orgone – Beyond The Sun CD (Shanachie)
Orgone is one of the most exciting bands in the new generation of funk bands; led by the powerhouse vocals of Adryon de Leon, Orgone recalls such legendary groups as Rufus and Sly & The Family Stone at their best. The band has backed Alicia Keys on her As I Am album and Cee Lo Green on his Grammy-winning track “Fool For You.”
Charlie Parr – Stumpjumper CD/LP (Red House)
Parr’s blistering finger-picking and gritty, soulful vocals deliver his eleven originals as well as his take on the classic murder ballad, “Delia.” Drawing inspiration from traditional folk blues, old time string band and spirituals, Parr sounds strangely out of time — like authentic fruit plucked from the true vine of American music.
Pool Party – Number One CD/LP+MP3 (It’s Alive)
The hottest fools around are back to piss all over your town with their first full length for It’s Alive Records. They’ve got trophies and plaques. There’s always cigarettes in their packs. They’re going fast and being cool. They put the P in every Pool.
Raekwon – Fly International Luxurious Art CD (ICEH20 Records)
The seventh studio release from the MC and member of hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. Fly International Luxurious Art features the singles “Wall To Wall” featuring French Montana and Busta Rhymes, “I Got Money” featuring ASAP Rocky and “1,2 1,2” featuring Snoop Dogg.
Reverend Tall Tree – Reverend Tall Tree CD/LP (Nine Yards)
Shouting, moaning, stomping, shuffling & hollering, Reverend Tall Tree plays original blues and American roots music in the tradition of Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddley, and others.
David Rosenboom – Naked Curvature CD (Tzadik)
Active since the 1960s, composer/performer/ educator/instrument builder and improviser David Rosenboom, has been at the cutting edge of contemporary music, scoring for orchestra, opera, solo performance, chamber ensembles, improvisers, electronics, dance and more. This exciting release presents his whispered chamber opera/concerto grosso for six instrumentalists, whispering voices, electronics and interactive computer software. The recording was produced and conducted under the composer’s direction and features the virtuosic CalArts Chamber Ensemble.
Jackson Scott – Sunshine Redux CD/LP (Bloodmoss)
Out of the modern musical abyss comes Jackson Scott, a 22-year-old artist living in Asheville, NC. Finding pure metaphysical euphoria within the depths of cassette recorders and guitar pedals, he enjoys the simple things in life such as playing music with friends and falling into existential voids. His second album Sunshine Redux is a translation of this paradoxical psyche, a kaleidoscope of sounds ranging from ‘60s flower power to ‘90s hip-hop production techniques.
Soundtrack – A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night CD/2xLP (Death Waltz)
This soundtrack featuring Kiosk, Radio Tehran, White Lies, Farah & Federale bears heavy influence from the film music world, particularly the electronically ethereal work of Tangerine Dream, and the inescapable Western sounds of Ennio Morricone.
Split Single – Live CDEP (Inside Outside)
Split Single’s Live EP is the Jason Narducy fronted band’s first release since Frangmented World in 2014. This is a fantastic document of the band’s captivating energy onstage, and was recorded at both The Riviera Theater in Chicago, IL and at Glasslands in Brooklyn, NY.
Colin Stetson and Sarah Neufeld – Never Were The Way She Was CD/LP+MP3 (Constellation)
Two of Constellation’s acclaimed solo instrumental artists join forces on this tremendous new album of original compositions for horn and violin. Colin Stetson has developed a unique and highly-acclaimed voice as a performer/composer, chiefly on bass and tenor saxophones, rallying an array of technical strengths and innovations to make some of the most captivatingly organic, darkly soulful and otherworldly solo instrumental work of recent years with his New History Warfare trilogy. The solo violin work of Sarah Neufeld has emerged more recently, and especially through 2011-2014, in the period between her primary band Arcade Fire’s last two albums; she’s forged a distinctive and evocative solo violin practice combining rock, folk, ambient and modernist sensibilities, culminating with her debut solo album Hero Brother in 2013.
Timeshares – Already Dead CD/LP+MP3 (SideOne Dummy)
Timeshares is a band from ‘downstate NY’ (which means mostly Long Island and one guy that lives in Philly). Since 2009 they have grown steadily within the Fest-punk community. Already Dead sounds like a mix of Lucero, Old 97s and Hot Water Music. Scruffy, sing-along punk rock. Vinyl is standard weight, translucent root beer brown.
Trans X – Anthology CD (Cleopatra)
Electronic mastermind and ‘80s club phenom Pascal Languirand returns with this dancefloor filling collection of recently recorded hits including the worldwide hit single “Living On Video.”
Gecko Turner – That Place By The Thing With The Cool Name CD/LP (Love Monk Spain)
“Gecko Turner is a Spanish guitar/vocal/songwriter/home studio sort, into mixing and matching different styles, usually black music forms that are less current hip-hop mixes than they are old-school ’70s. Even then the music is less hard/funky than it is an understated groove thang, similar in some respects to what Manu Chao did with Clandestino and Proxima Estacion: Esperanza, but from a different musical angle.” – AllMusic
Tyler The Creator – Cherry Bomb CD (Sony)
“The self-produced album arrives less than a month after I Don’t Like Sh!t, I Don’t Go Outside, the minimal, introverted new release from Odd Future compatriot Earl Sweatshirt. The two projects could hardly be more different. Unlike Earl, Tyler doesn’t seem very interested in making a great rap album. He’s more interested in making a great album with a bubbly, wide-ranging musicality. Veteran artists like Roy Ayers, Charlie Wilson, and Leon Ware all make cameos on Cherry Bomb, and the album is peppered with live instrumentation, including a string section on ‘2SEATER’ that was recorded at Hans Zimmer’s studio” – Consequence Of Sound. There are five different covers available for this release. No word on vinyl release date.
Sonny Vincent/Rocket From The Crypt – Vintage Piss CD (Swami)
Vintage Piss is the baby whose seed was planted on the 2003 Rocket From The Crypt US tour, which also paired some members of the band with legendary 1970s New York outta control rock ‘n’ roller Sonny Vincent. After the Swami release of Vincent’s previous band Testors’ Complete Discography, Speedo (John Reis), Ruby Mars (Mario Rubalcaba) and The Notorious ND (Andy Stamets) served as the man’s backing band and slashed through his Testors repertoire resulting in a primo barrage of 1970s neo-proto-punk. Vinyl version due May 12.
The Weepies – Sirens CD (Nettwerk)
Beloved husband/wife indie folk duo The Weepies – Deb Talan and Steve Tannen – return with Sirens, their first full-length release in five years. Of Sirens, Steve tells Billboard, “This was a helluva a year for us Weepies. Frightening dire diagnoses, hospitals, and helping angels everywhere, but it seemed like maybe this was also the end of everything — like the journey was over. Sirens were mermaids that led sailors to their doom with their sweet voices. It’s also a reference to an ambulance siren, and together they summed up the feeling of the year: otherworldly, hopeful, terrible.”
Wordsmith – Apt. 507 CD (Nu Revolution Entertainment)
New mini-album from the motivational hip-hop artist. “We all have a purpose in life and I really would like to have a bigger voice in this world. I’ve always wanted to spread my message of purpose and how important it is to seek out your gifts in life. I want to speak for the families, the single mothers, the single fathers, the blue-collar worker and most of all our youth. Music is my gift. The way I can help this world is by using my talents to spread a message that will help everyday people wake up each morning and ask themselves, ‘What am I here to accomplish? Who can I give a helping hand to, and how can I be a productive member of society?’”
John Zorn – The Song Project: Live At LPR CD (Tzadik)
A live concert version of Zorn’s acclaimed song project. In celebration of his 60th birthday, Zorn asked his most acclaimed vocal collaborators to write lyrics to select compositions from his vast musical catalog. Including music originally written for Naked City, Masada, The Dreamers, a variety of film soundtracks and more, The Song Project is a retrospective of some of Zorn’s most lyrical compositions from the past 25 years.
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
Kamuran Akkor – Kamuran Akkor LP (Pharaway Sounds)
Turkey’s recent musical history is littered with bottled blondes who put on a lot of eyeliner, made a few singles and then disappeared. And since the mid-‘70s, those twin queens Ajda Pekkan and Sezen Aksu have maintained a semi-rivalry while bulldozing their way over pop charts and sales counters. Piles of Turkish psych and folk reissues have hit the west over the past few years, and yet how many have given the luscious ladies of Anatolia their due? So go beyond Selda, and get your gal power on. It’s time to steam up your windows with this foxy arabesque singer who’s a real-life Stevie Nicks next-door. Waka waka funk rhythm guitar, sweet little organs, pumping bass, winging and buzzy synths, electric baglama, syrupy disco strings, and Akkor’s little swallowed yodels. It’s all here on Istanbul Plak singles released from 1971-75. Whether she’s covering European hits that have Turkish lyrics retrofitted, or ghost voicing a musical scene in a high-profile movie, Akkor often sings like outbursts of tears or frenzy are just beyond her words.
Ed Askew & Black Swans – Split 7” (Scioto)
Two low-key pieces from the legend Ed Askew and The Black Swans in a letterpress sleeve.
Baby Birds Don’t Drink Milk – Kill The Fuzz 10” (Fire Talk)
“A whole album’s worth of heavenly harmonies combined blissful rhythmic sunniness might be too much for the human heart to take, so instead, Baby Birds Don’t Drink Milk opted for their new record, Kill The Fuzz, to be released as what Fire Talk refers to as a ‘mini album.’ From its ominous beginnings, to its sped up mid-section, to its resolute close, the record is a meticulous and artful work of vocal and tonal brilliance. Doing exactly what the title implies, Baby Birds turn their back almost entirely on distortion, and trade up for tastefully soothing, vocally driven beauty.” – Impose
Blues Traveller – Blow Up The Moon LP (Loud & Proud)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. With Blow Up The Moon, Blues Traveler collaborated with a range of artists across the spectrum for every one of the 14 songs on the album. The repertoire represents country, pop, reggae and even hip-hop. The diverse guests include 3OH!3, Plain White Ts, Jewel, Dirty Heads, JC Chasez, Hanson, Bowling For Soup, and many more.
Bonnie Stillwater – The Devil Is People LP (Temporary Residence)
Bonnie Stillwatter is a conceptual collaboration of artistry and friendship between Will Oldham (aka Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy), experimental rock group Watter (featuring a member of Grails), and Stillwater Artisanal, a nomadic brewer that mixes equal parts art and alcohol. This collaboration is an inspired one, the roots of which are a mutual respect and love, and the fruits of which are two side-long trips into dark cinematic folk-rock determined to find the light at the end of the tunnel.
Phoebe Bridgers – Killer 7” (Pax Americana)
In Ryan’s own words, Bridgers is a “musical unicorn” who “could make a jar of sand sound like Blood On The Tracks.”
Alex Calder – Mold Boy LP (Captured Tracks)
After the release of his debut LP Strange Dreams, Alex Calder shares a collection of tracks he has quietly released over the past few years as Mold Boy. This collection finds Calder veering more into experimental territory while retaining the garage-psych elements of his current work.
Calexico – Edge Of The Sun LP+MP3 (Anti)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. 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.
The Carribean – The 65 Cent Dinner 7” (Scioto)
DC’s The Caribbean has been making experimental pop music since 1999. Their music is often described as subtle, crafty, shadowy, cynical, beautiful, observational, oblique and surreal. The 65 Cent Dinner is the perfect introduction to the world of The Caribbean — the hushed vocals, spacey keyboards, deep bass, glitchy loops and catchy chord progressions.
Daniel Clarke – Diamonds 7” (Pax Americana)
New single from the keyboardist for Ryan Adams And The Shining.
The Damnwells – The Damnwells LP (Rock Ridge)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. 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.”
Detached Objects – Detached Objects LP (Gilgongo)
Debut recordings from this guitar heavy Arizona group. Featuring members of Rumspringer, Avon Ladies, Soft Shoulder and Gay Kiss, Detached Objects play a loud style of punk that is both melodic and scathing, simple and complex, with nods to bands such as Wipers and Drive Like Jehu.
Dikembe – Broad Shoulders LP (Tiny Engines)
Dikembe’s signature sound is comprised of powerhouse rhythms, the acrobatic back-and-forth between the guitars and front man Steven Gray’s confident-yet-completely raw and exposed delivery.
Tashi Dorji – Appa LP (Bathetic)
Appa—meaning “father” in Dzongkha—is Bhutan-by-way-of Asheville, NC guitarist Tashi Dorij’s debut release for Bathetic Records. With Appa, Dorji paints winding and expansive images with both patient and dizzying guitar movements. Intricate and delicate, strong and poetic; Appa comes across as a record brimming with energy, vitality and life while expressing emotions of loss and strength and family and distance.
Lawrence English – Peregrine LP (Room40)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. 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
Luis Enriquez And His Electronic Men – Electronica [Reissue/1965] LP (Contempo)
“Don’t let the title fool you; this is not a record of electronic music, but of twelve tunes performed by a small instrumental combo: three guitars, drums, piano and a double bass. There is a sixth instrument: the sound recording machine, which functions electronically. By amplifying, superimposing, drawing out and reducing the sounds created by the instrumental combo, the electronic recorder imbues each piece of music, be it already well-known or an ‘original,’ with a brand-new, highly unusual and extremely attractive flavor.” (From the original LP liner notes.)
Equipe 84 – Equipe 84 [Reissue/1965] LP (Contempo)
Equipe 84 – Io Ho In Mente Te [Reissue/1966] LP (Contempo)
Italian Beat at its best. These are the first proper and official vinyl reissues since their official mid-‘60s release.
The Ex & Fendika – Lale Guma b/w Addis Hum 7” (Ex Records)
This new 7″ single release is a musical cooperation between The Ex and the Ethiopian acoustic band Fendika. The Ex has a long history with Ethiopian music and have worked together with Fendika for six years, including many European and American festivals and also in Ethiopia. Slowly they grew closer and the result is stunning: the typical Ex rhythms and riffs, combined with traditional instruments as the one string masinko, the kobero drums and the great voice of Fendika singer, Nardos.
Curtis Fuller – Opener [Reissue/1957] LP (Blue Note)
American hard bop trombonist Curtis Fuller recorded The Opener for Blue Note records in 1957. This was his first album for the label. Featuring Hank Mobley on the tenor sax, Bobby Timmons on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Art Taylor on drums. Part of Blue Note’s 75 Anniversary vinyl reissue campaign.
Genesis – Trick Of The Tail [Reissue/1976] LP (Atlantic)
Genesis – Wind & Wuthering [Reissue/1976] LP (Atlantic)
Genesis – & Then There Were Three [Reissue/1978] LP (Atlantic)
Genesis – Duke [Reissue/1980] LP (Atlantic)
Genesis – Abacab [Reissue/1981] LP (Atlantic)
Digitally remastered and remixed in 2008, these HQ-180gm vinyl reissues feature new stereo mixes of each album’s original tracks.
Giant Claw – Dark Web LP/Cassette (Orange Milk)
Composed primarily through intricate MIDI notation and sampling, Dark Web could be viewed through the tradition of hyperrealism, where established cultural tropes and recordings are cut up and stitched back together as new compositional tools.
Jon Gibson – Visitations [1973] LP (Superior Viaduct)
Since the mid-‘60s, Jon Gibson has played a key role in the development of American avant-garde music. No other artist has performed in the world premieres of Terry Riley’s In C, Steve Reich’s Drumming, and Philip Glass’ Einstein On The Beach, three major works that changed the course of musical history. Visitations, Gibson’s first release under his own name, originally appeared on the Chatham Square imprint. Inspired by the books of Carlos Castaneda, Gibson departs from the structured repetition of his minimalist peers and takes the listener on an aural journey-spanning organic field recordings, ambient flutes and synthesizers, and free-flowing textures. Visitations‘ two side-long tracks are at once solemn and unsettling, making this an astonishing debut that firmly establishes Gibson as a pioneer in his own right. Recommended for fans of Cluster, Harold Budd and Phill Niblock.
Herbie Hancock – The Prisoner [Reissue/1969] LP (Blue Note)
“As one of the first albums Herbie Hancock recorded after departing Miles Davis’ quintet in 1968, as well as his final album for Blue Note, The Prisoner is one of Hancock’s most ambitious efforts. Assembling a nonet that features Joe Henderson (tenor sax, alto flute), Johnny Coles (flugelhorn), Garnett Brown (trombone), Buster Williams (bass), and Albert “Tootie” Heath (drums), he has created his grandest work since My Point Of View. Unlike that effort, The Prisoner has a specific concept — it’s a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, evoking his spirit and dreams through spacious, exploratory post-bop” – AllMusic. Part of Blue Note’s 75 Anniversary vinyl reissue campaign.
Brian Harnetty – Sociophonic Key 7” (Scioto)
When Brian Harnetty was commissioned to work with the Sun Ra/El Saturn archives in Chicago, his goal was to develop a series of conversations with Sun Ra through the many recordings in the collection. For this single, Harnetty has created a stand-alone work drawn from The Star Faced One, a 2010 sound installation at the Experimental Sound Studio in Chicago. Despite the variety of samples used many subtle relationships are heard — both literal and fantastic — from Sun Ra rehearsing a group of children fading into an answering machine, to the intensity of a gospel preacher alongside the Arkestra’s invitation to join them in outer space.
The Heads – Nobody Knows 2xLP (Rooster)
Nobody Knows presents ten tracks of The Heads in their element: raw and alive in the rehearsal room, tracks being formed, prototype Heads riffs in the sonic gloop. Hear this era of the band in all its speaker-blowing, walkman-warping glory—a true psychedelic rock document.
Heaters – Mean Green 7” (Beyond Beyond Is Beyond)
“Mean Green” is a surf-centric slab of sonic stomp that doubles as a definition of “mean.” In the case of Heaters, “mean” is meant in the context that might be used to describe a 1970 GTO piloted by a jittery Warren Oates — not belligerent, but aggressive, blank-eyes staring at the horizon, fueled by dread and ready to accelerate into the nearest dangerous curve. The flipside, “Levitate Thigh,” proves the band to be possessed by the power of rock & roll, initially bringing the tempo to a stuttering slow-roll, before Heaters are once again the willing captives of a Seeds-level web of sounds, guitar snarl, feedback and drums creating the trap in which the band has no chance — and no desire — to escape.
Joe Henderson – State Of The Tenor, Live At The Village Vanguard Vol. 1 [Reissue/1986] LP (Blue Note)
“It is not only a fine trio outing, but a series of performances in which Henderson strips songs to their essence, turning them into his own vision” — All Music. Part of Blue Note’s 75 Anniversary vinyl reissue campaign.
Home Blitz – Foremost & Fair LP (Richie)
Fractured, ballsy electric guitar pop from Dan Dimaggio’s outfit defines the form. Past releases on Mexican Summer, Almost Ready.
HTRK – Marry Me Tonight [200] LP (Ghostly International)
Originally from Melbourne Australia, HTRK transplanted to Berlin in 2007 and, in 2008 moved to London. In March 2010, bassist Sean Stewart very sadly passed away, leaving only a small legacy and a large amount of unfulfilled promise. The band’s phenomenal debut album, Marry Me Tonight, originally released in 2009 on UK label Blast First Petite, was produced by Roland S. Howard of The Birthday Party. HTRK’s brooding, sleazy, trance-like post-punk sound and woozy psychedelia recalls influences The Birthday Party and New York minimalists Suicide. On vinyl for the first time since its original 2009 release.
I Ribelli – I Ribelli [Reissue/1968] LP (Contempo)
Ribelli were an Italian band originally set as Adriano Celentano’s accompanying group. They soon become a powerful beat band featuring the amazing vocals of the late Demetrio Stratos. This album, originally released in 1968 via Ricordi, is a collection of great songs which includes their hit single “Pugni Chiusi” and an incredible version of the Supremes’ hit “You Keep Me Hangin’ On (Chi Mi Aiuterà).”
The Isley Brothers – The Heat Is On [Reissue/1975] LP (Friday Music)
Classic, solid street soul fused with rock. HQ-180gm red vinyl.
Joywave – How Do You Feel Now? LP (Cultco Music Hollywood)
Released last week on CD – now available on vinyl. Joywave is an eclectic group specializing in alternative pop hailing from Rochester, NY. Creating a sound that deftly jumps between genres, Joywave’s music is grounded in classic songwriting, often injected with house music’s energy, the playfulness of disco and an overarching hip-hop spirit. Their How Do You Feel? EP demonstrated the band’s pointed talent for originality while blending influences.
The KVB/Flaamingos – The KVB/Flaamingos Split EP 12” (Felte)
Flaamingos blend pounding analog drum machines, jumbling basslines that are as moody as they are thoroughly danceable, atmospheric washes of echo-laden synth textures and jangling guitar sounds. Like a hazily remembered dream, U.K. duo the KVB blend reverb-soaked shoegaze with minimalist electronic production to create their delicate and ephemeral sound.
Lenguas Largas – Lenguas Largas LP (Recess)
“Lenguas Largas are from Tucson, AZ. Featuring members of Swing Ding Amigos, The Blacks, Shark Pants, Built To Spill, Digital Leather and Sexy, so you know they aren’t messing around. This is the first and easily the best full-length to date from these dudes and they will prove it by touring the hell out of it. What more can I say? Radical vocals, awesome song writing, incredible recording, Oh, and because some of the song titles are in Spanish, your iPod takes on the voice of a Mexican man when pronouncing the tracks. So you got that going for you.”
Lunatic Soul – Lunatic Soul [2008] 2xLP (Kscope)
Lunatic Soul is this solo studio project from bass guitarist and vocalist Mariusz Duda of prog rock band Riverside. This first-time HQ-180gm vinyl pressing of his debut features an etching on the D-side.
Madness – The Rise And Fall [Reissue/1982] LP (Cleopatra)
Limited edition HQ-180gm brown vinyl pressing of the brilliant fourth album by ska/pop masters Madness originally released in 1982 and declared by NME as the group’s best
Jesse Malin – New York Before The War LP (One Little Indian)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. “Singer/songwriter Jesse Malin has been in and out of bands since he was 12 years old, most notably as the lead singer of glam punk group D Generation for eight years; in between bands he never stopped writing songs and pursued a solo career, beginning with his debut EP 169 in 2002, followed by his debut album The Fine Art Of Self Destruction. It has now been five years since Malin has released a new album, but he has now returned with his seventh studio album New York Before The War; we are said to expect an album that acts as a soundtrack to a meaningful life, as well as it covering the respect Malin has for his origins and embracing the future with both hands.” – Renowned For Sound
McCarthy – I Am A Wallet [Reissue/1987] 2xLP (Optic Nerve)
By the time McCarthy appeared on the NME’s C86 cassette they had already been playing together for a couple of years and released two excellent singles. Their debut “In Purgatory” and the indie masterpiece “Red Sleeping Beauty” (both included on this release). The following year McCarthy released the brilliant “Frans Hals” before unleashing their debut album I Am A Wallet. Now recognized as an indiepop masterpiece it has gone on to achieve cult status, receiving praise from the likes of Nicky Wire (Manic Street Preachers) as one of the most important albums of the ’80s. Known by todays indie accolites as the band that spawned Tim Gane and Leititia Sadier (who of course went on to form Stereolab). Limited double red vinyl LP pressing including 13 bonus tracks.
Merzbow/Mats Gustafsson/Balázs Pándi/Thurston Moore – Cuts Of Guilt, Cuts Deeper 2xLP (Rarenoise)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New collaboration between Japanese noisemaker, Swedish saxophonist, Hungarian drummer and the skronking guitar hero/Sonic Youth founder.
Merzbow + Xiu Xiu – Merzxiu LP (Kingfisher Bluez)
Full-length album from the debut collaboration of Japanese noise giant Merzbow and L.A.-based experimental/art-rock outfit Xiu Xiu. Two sides of brooding, pulsing noise to take you to a dark place.
Mike Oldfield – Tubular Bells II [Reissue/1992] LP (Rhino)
Mike Oldfield – The Songs Of Distant Earth [Reissue/1994] LP (Rhino)
Mike Oldfield – Voyager [Reissue/1996] LP (Rhino)
Mike Oldfield – Tubular Bells III [Reissue/1998] LP (Rhino)
Back in print on HQ-180gm vinyl.
Oldfriends – It’s Not Working Out 7” (It’s Alive)
If you’ve ever wondered what modern Midwest pop punk would sound like coming from a group of young 20-something year-old dudes from southern California, this is it. Like most kids coming up in SoCal, Oldfriends got baptized into punk rock by way of the early west coast classics. But where most bands of the area take the next step in their journey in the direction of a more bro-core, hard-core, thrash style, Oldfriends got detoured in the direction of the Midwest pop punk stylings made awesome by bands like The Dopamines and The Copyrights.
Orchestra Baobab – Pirates Choice LP (World Circuit)
For people who know their Senegalese music, Orchestra Baobab’s Pirates Choice is the Holy Grail. By the time this music was recorded to four-track in 1982, the immensely popular band had been playing nightly for years at a Dakar club called Baobab. Latin music was popular in Dakar, a port city, and the band mixed various strains of Latin music with different African music styles to create uniformly stunning results not all that different from Afro-Cuban music.
Palmeira – Palmeira [Reissue/1983] LP (Pharaway Sounds)
Limited edition vinyl LP pressing of this 1983 album includes insert/booklet with liner notes and pictures. Can you imagine a Dutch band playing top-notch ’60s-’70s sounding Brazilian music? Originally released as a private pressing, Palmeira’s only album will please any lover of bossa, jazzy and Latin-fusion sounds.
Ashley Paul – Slow Boat LP (Orange Milk)
Slow Boat pulls out every last sound in the organic world and puts into a context of sheer beauty and conceptual interest simultaneously. It is masterfully original and well thought out with superb musicianship and puts hope into the polarized world of conceptual vs. analytic.
Plvs Vltra – Rooftop Arcade 7” (Scioto)
Plvs Vltra is the new project from Toko Yasuda, best known for her work in the band Enon, more recently, a touring member of St. Vincent. For this single, Yasuda drew inspiration from J Dilla and his use of an MPC sampler, Echo Park sunsets, cheese toast, and tea. The result is an assault of electronic pop and sample laden hooks that is at times both light as a feather and staggering.
Robert Pollard – Up Up And Up 7”+MP3 (GBV Inc.)
A teaser 7” to the upcoming new full-length, Faulty Superheroes, due May 26, 2015. Includes the album cuts “Up Up And Up” and “Take Me To Yolita.”
Pool Party – Number One CD/LP+MP3 (It’s Alive)
The hottest fools around are back to piss all over this town with their first full length for It’s Alive Records, Number One. They’ve got trophies and plaques. There’s always cigarettes in their packs. They’re going fast and being cool. They put the P in every Pool.
Reign Of Fury – Death Be Thy Shepherd LP (Static Tension)
Formed in 2006, Reign Of Fury is the coming together of five like-minded musicians with a shared passion for ‘80s metal. They proudly embrace their inspirations, combining them with diverse flavors picked up on the music scene in bands such as 4FT Fingers, Screamin’ 88s, Gash, and Whippasnappa.
Angelo Noce Santoro – For You [Reissue/1979] LP (Pharaway Sounds)
Vinyl reissue of this private Dutch album from 1979: a Latin-funk-psych-prog trip featuring groovy jazzy flute, superb acoustic / electric guitars, funky rhythm section, exotic percussion and some cool Oriental/Thai/Brazilian vibes. Angelo Noce Santoro is a guitar player with over forty-five years of musical career. A founding member of legendary psych-prog band Cosmic Dealer, Angelo has recorded and released albums under his own name and he’s also behind projects like Palmeira (the first Dutch band playing Brazilian music), Santoro Brothers and Oriental Guitars among many others.
Second Layer – World Of Rubber [Reissue/1981] LP (Optic Nerve)
Vinyl reissue for this electronic side project from Adrian Borland and Graham Bailey, founding members of guitar-based post-punkers The Sound. Second Layer pioneered the use of drum machines and mixed machine-based soundscape with more human elements created a sound ahead of its time. After releasing a couple of singles in 1979 and 1980 they released World Of Rubber in 1981. A beautiful, hard and emotional record. Limited edition HQ-180gm white vinyl.
Sh!t Robot – Where It’s At (feat. Reggie Watts) 12” (DFA)
“Another collaboration with the singer/comedian/television star Reggie Watts. Reggie Watts’ vocal performance runs the gamut of Chicago dance music history — from the gloom and melodrama of iconic label Wax Trax, to the jubilant choruses of Frankie Knuckles’ house anthems. But let’s not de-emphasize the solid instrumentation provided by Mr. Marcus ‘Sh!t Robot’ Lambkin — we’ve got that classic DFA bassline, claps, and bleeps and bloops aplenty — mixed and manipulated by none other than our own James Murphy. The flip features a remix by London producer Johnny Aux, who turns the track into a staticy, stripped down, raw deep house banger, with hissing glimmers of icy cymbals peeking through the smog.”
The Horace Silver Quintet Plus J.J. Johnson – The Cape Verdean Blues [Reissue/1965] LP (Blue Note)
The Cape Verdean Blues is an album by the Horace Silver Quintet, led by jazz pianist Horace Silver. The quintet is joined on half of these tracks by trombonist J.J. Johnson, with whom Silver had been eager to work for some time. The album was inspired by Silver’s father, John Tavares Silva, who was born in Cape Verde. Part of Blue Note’s 75 Anniversary vinyl reissue campaign.
Skinny Lister – Down On Deptford Broadway LP+MP3 (Xtra Mile)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Second album from London folk-rockers.
Standard weight yellow vinyl with download.
The Spanish Donkey – Raoul LP (Rarenoise)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The sound of Joe Morris’ electric guitar, with distortion pedal set on stun and wah-wah pedal fully engaged, colliding with Jamie Saft’s droning, microtonal organ and Mike Pride’s thunderous free drumming approach to the kit creates a mind-numbing maelstrom on Raoul.
Cecil Taylor – Conquistador! [Reissue/1966] LP (Blue Note)
“For the second of Cecil Taylor’s two Blue Note albums (following Unit Structures), the innovative pianist utilized a sextet comprised of trumpeter Bill Dixon, altoist Jimmy Lyons, both Henry Grimes and Alan Silva on basses and drummer Andrew Cyrille. During the two lengthy pieces, Lyons’ passionate solos contrast with Dixon’s quieter ruminations while the music in general is unremittingly intense. Both of the Taylor Blue Notes are quite historic and near-classics but, despite this important documentation, Cecil Taylor (other than a pair of Paris concerts) would not appear on records again until 1973” – AllMusic. Part of Blue Note’s 75 Anniversary vinyl reissue campaign.
Test Dept – Tested Product LP (PC Press)
Test Dept—the authentic industrialists, sonic material handlers, investigative agitators, utilizers and recyclers of society’s debris—have re-emerged to engage with the current cultural and political climate, exploring new ways of expression in a strategic program of actions and releases. Tested Product combines material from their 1983 debut single and their second major studio album The Unacceptable Face Of Freedom (1986).
Wes Tirey – Home Recordings (Orange Milk)
Sound not only fills a room, but can become the tangible. Wes Tirey begs listeners to reach out and meld with his home recordings.
Tribo Massahi – Estrelando Embaixandor [Reissue/1972] LP (Goma Gringa)
A trip of an album rich in percussive energy and African chant — made in Brazil. The sounds of continents colliding in a young, funky and soul fueled ‘70s. This the only album by Massáhi Tribe and it became notorious for its unique sound and the almost complete lack of information about its creators.
Armando Trovajoli – The Beat Generation [Reissue/1960] LP (Contempo)
Originally released on RCA in 1960, The Beat Generation is a jazz album where Trovajoli and his great orchestra plays awesome versions of classic themes—plus one original composed by the Maestro—with the usual swing that was his trademark.
The Turns – Gone EP 7” (Shelflife)
Shelflife presents the debut EP from Los Angeles based The Turns, a band who looks and sounds like the product of Creation Records 1989, but apply their own twist and turns to make their music uniquely modern. RIYL: Loop, Jesus & Mary Chain, Spacemen 3, Ride.
McCoy Tyner – Time For Tyner [Reissue/1968] LP (Blue Note)
“Time For Tyner finds pianist McCoy Tyner with vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, bassist Herbie Lewis, and drummer Freddie Waits. Tyner and Hutcherson blend together quite well on the first three tracks from the original program (all Tyner originals), and both display expertise at coming up with inventive ideas over modal vamps. A fine all-round showcase for McCoy Tyner in the late ’60s” – AllMusic. Part of Blue Note’s 75 Anniversary vinyl reissue campaign.
Villages – Procession Acts LP (Bathetic)
Ross Gentry returns to Bathetic under his Villages moniker to present his sophomore LP. Procession Acts carries on Villages’ debut LP’s grand expanse of ambient glory, while carrying the sound to a heightened level. Procession Acts comes across as much more cinematic. It is a denser record, more precise in its attack and its immersion.
Mike Viola – Stairway To Paradise 7” (Pax Americana)
New single from the guitarist for Ryan Adams And The Shining.
The Wombats – The Glitterbug LP+MP3 (Bright Antenna)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. “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
Cassettes:
DJ Fultono – My Mind Beats Vol. 1 (Orange Milk)
A seminal work from the Godfather of Japanese footwork. Relentless, beautiful, and harshly minimal, channeling the spirit of RP Boo and other early Chicago footwork artists via the adaptability of Osaka, Japan.
Dot – One & The Same (Scioto)
Longtime member of folk-rock group The Black Swans, both as an engineer and drummer, Keith Hanlon (aka Dot) has returned to making electronic music, specifically experimenting with drone and ambient recordings. This is his first release using “infinite loops.” By covering up the erase head on his Tascam 22 tape deck, he was able to record onto tape loops, constantly saturating the tape with sound. The loops were simultaneously recorded into his computer, while he added additional instruments, effects and field recordings.
Cream Juice – Man Feelings (Orang Milk)
Through wandering and lost scapes of tings and warps, one can hear the melody and stutter of two men delivering their collective consciousness via cassette within 30 minutes. Instantly telephones your most extraterrestrial being into the mysteries of “Mank-Ind.”
Bjorn Erikkson – Inner/Outer/Under (Scioto)
Bjorn Eriksson has been making electronic and acoustic experiments for over 10 years. Inner/Outer/Under combines lo-fi synth sounds and acoustic instruments that progress into shards of meditative, beautiful noise.
Foodman – COULDWORK (Orange Milk)
Straddles the line between experimental footwork, vapor-collage music, and modern minimal electronic.
Giant Claw – Dark Web (Orange Milk)
Composed primarily through intricate MIDI notation and sampling, Dark Web could be viewed through the tradition of hyperrealism, where established cultural tropes and recordings are cut up and stitched back together as new compositional tools.
Dave Jones – Etudes For Ring Modulator & Delay (Scioto)
A collection of ambient guitar pieces from The Caribbean’s guitar wizard. Each piece was originally recorded as rewards for a Kickstarter campaign. Recorded almost entirely live, delay pedals set on infinite repeat, then layered, layered and layered so more, so that things get nice and gauzy.
mus.hiba – White Girl (Orange Milk)
Meticulous, uplifting, but sometimes achingly bittersweet electronic pop music. Features a high pitched digital-idol voice over tightly wound beats that recall older artists like Tujiko Noriko and newer Soundcloud producers who love dipping into upbeat and cute aesthetics.
Padna – Rimmesa Trupppa Suite (Orange Milk)
An homage to avant-garde modern classical music recorded entirely for voice and MIDI instruments. Sparse and direct, filled with the plasticity of MIDI piano and woodwinds, but also irresistable in its playfulness and energetic bursts of dissonance.
Pajjama – Karakasa (Orange Milk)
A 40-minute synth prog masterpiece, with many moments recalling JRPG landscapes and futurist neon cities. Adopting a German kosmiche aesthetic, employing darker harmonies and slowly unfolding structures to great effect.
Jerry Paper – Big Pop For Chameleon World (Orange Milk)
Through both lyrics and specific timbral choices, the album deals with themes of simulacra, an inter-dimensional infinite man existing in a finite world, the discomfort of experience in Body World, and love as the pinnacle of our time here. It is a combination of Jerry’s ongoing attempt to talk about the anti-logic of mystical experience through the grammar of pop music, this time using album-form and timbre as a more central part of the overall language of the work.
Paul Parker – Food Service (Scioto)
Parker Paul has often been compared to Harry Nilsson and Shel Silverstein. Those influences are still on display here, despite the heavy use of synths and computers. In his heart, Parker Paul is still a storyteller, always observing, providing those crucial insights into life as we know it. Sprinkled throughout Food Service are references to societal welfare: medical procedures, social work, senior citizens and psychotherapy. But always tempered by the connections these institutions have to our personal world: faith, family, friends, relationships.
Scammers – American Winter (Orange Milk)
A deeply strange and deceptive album, filled with sweeping MIDI orchestration and minimal, quivering vocals that transition into all out cheese funk, slap bass, and staccato vocal phrases about walking to work amidst a frozen corporate America.
Nick Storring – Endless Conjecture (Orange Milk)
An epic work of modern composition; a one-man chamber ensemble, overdubbed orchestral music, meticulous musique concrete. It has dissonant shrieking crescendos next to exuberant rhythmic movements, and a general stitched together nature that feels fresh, like Ligeti overdubbing in his bedroom.
UltraaBright – Roue de Fort (Orange Milk)
Plays like a summary of the past ten years of underground electronics, seamlessly transitioning between different modes like industrial noise, tranced-out beat music, and R&B glitch/sample abstraction. Everything is glued together by a sense of confidence and directness, as if each track was pulled from a collective subconscious into existence.
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