CDs:
Blaak Heat Shujaa – The Edge Of An Era CD/LP (Tee Pee)
Blaak Heat Shujaa’s transcendental tension between their heavy rock roots and an organic inclination to drift towards psychedelia pays homage to the vast collection of mind-expanding sounds the trio grew up on: neo-psychedelia, surf rock, spaghetti westerns, Middle Eastern scales and even Far Eastern melodies.
James Blake – Overgrown CD/2xLP (Universal Republic)
“Overgrown is underdeveloped, in the best possible sense, employing the sonic palette of state-of-the-art, digital dance music to pursue something almost completely contrary to the clubbing experience. These beats are not hard, the sounds are not polished. It is music of emotion and imagination, shifting perspectives in ways that are deliciously intangible, intent on moving the heart rather than the feet.” – telegraph.co.uk
Bored Nothing – Bored Nothing CD (Cooperative Music)
Debut album from the brainchild of Melbourne musician Fergus Miller. He’s been recording most of his songs at home on a simple four track recorder, combining influences of `90s slacker and grunge with sweet melodies reminiscent of the late Elliott Smith.
Broadheds – Broadheds CD (Dangerbird)
New band fronted by Dangerbird co-founder Peter Walker (formerly of Eulogies) with an all-star supporting cast, including Denny Weston Jr. who plays drums in the longstanding West Coast indie outfit, Earlimart, James King, sophisto sax dude from Fitz And The Tantrums and Justin Meldal-Johnsen, (whose credits include Nine Inch Nails and Beck) on the bass, who also executive produced the record with all songs credited to Walker. RIYL: Sonic Youth, John Zorn, “skronky punk.”
Jake Bugg – Jake Bugg CD (Mercury)
Jake Bugg (born Jacob Edwin Kennedy 1994 in Nottingham) is an English singer/songwriter influenced by Donovan, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Oasis, Don McLean, Johnny Cash, and The Beatles.
Child Bite – Vision Crimes/Monomania CD (Joyful Noise)
This album collects Detroit’s Child Bite’s two sibling EPs, which are a punked-up mixture of Big Black and Jesus Lizard. Vinyl version due April 30.
Eric Church – Eric Church Live: Caught In The Act CD (EMI Nashville)
Recorded at Chattanooga’s Tivoli Theatre last fall, Caught In The Act features songs from Church’s previous three albums, 2011’s Chief, 2009’s Carolina, and his 2006 debut, Sinners Like Me. Vinyl version due April 20.
Geater Davis – Lost Soul CD/2xLP (Luv N Haight)
A comprehensive collection of material recorded by Geater Davis for the House Of Orange label. The name of the album is an accurate description of the life and career of the legendary blues and soul singer who passed away at age 38 while on the verge of breaking through.
Dawes – Stories Don’t End CD/LP (HUB)
Los Angeles folk-rockers Dawes return with their third album. Taking its title from Joan Didion’s 1984 novel Democracy, Stories Don’t End marks the first release on the band’s new label following their split from ATO Records last year. Recorded in five weeks last September in Asheville, NC, the album features clean production from Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Norah Jones), who helped the band break out of its vintage mold, though they don’t completely strip away that Laurel Canyon sound.
Deadstring Brothers – Cannery Row CD/LP (Bloodshot)
Through four albums this Detroit-based band wove a Glimmer Twins groove into the fiber of their hometown’s feral sonic legacy. It was urban blues filtered through London’s ‘60s Carnaby St., it was hard country goosed by the rhythms of the auto plant. Unapologetic rock & roll. In 2010 founder and frontman Kurt Marschke reversed the great Southern Migration, decamped from his hometown and moved to Nashville. Cannery Row throws the doors open wide to an even broader sound, with Kurt’s new home clearly influencing the lyrics and style.
Device – Device CD (WB)
Device is a collaboration between David Draiman of Disturbed, and ex-Filter guitarist Geno Lenardo. Their eponymous debut takes strands from hard rock, industrial, and electronica, and features guest appearances by Serj Tankian, Tom Morello, veteran rocker Glenn Hughes, and others.
Drowning Pool – Resilience CD (Eleven Seven)
Fifth album from the Dallas metal band – their first with new vocalist Jasen Moreno.
Face To Face – Three Chords And A Half Truth CD/2xLP (Rise)
The punk band’s new album was self-produced and recorded at frontman Trevor Keith’s home studio in Nashville, TN.
Glis – Phoenix 2xCD (Alfa Matrix)
A mixture sound of 4AD versus early industrial from Wax Trax — a must-have release for fans of Joy Division, Cocteau Twins, NIN, and 4AD’s ethereal era. Features a bonus disc of instrumental tracks.
House Of Love – She Paints Words In Red CD (Cherry Red)
Brand new studio album from one of the most critically acclaimed indie rock bands of the late-‘80s/early-‘90s.
Infectious Garage Disease – Infectious Garage Disease CD (Negative Reaction)
Intense thrashing and obnoxious late-‘80s gutter punk from Northern California.
Boney James – The Beat CD (Concord)
The three-time Grammy nominee’s new album fuses his R&B/jazz roots with Latin rhythms and percussion. The initial inspiration for the album was Sergio Mendes, “Batucada (The Beat),” which is re-imagined as a funk tune, with the aid of trumpet great Rick Braun.
JP – Son Of Jack CD (429)
After cutting his teeth recording a critically-acclaimed album with Chrissie Hynde and fronting the UK band, Grace, JP has recorded his first solo album entitled Son Of Jack. Written and recorded far from the shores of Wales for inspiration, it is a lushly orchestrated album graced with JP’s graveled, scratchy tenor and sweet falsetto, and features a collaboration with Chrissie Hynde.
The Knife – Shaking The Habitual 2xCD/3xLP (Mute)
Swedish dark electronic duo the Knife release their first album in seven years, a 98-minute double-CD/triple LP (also available as a pared-down, single CD version). “It’s a delicious feeling to listen to an album so pointedly on edge, holding your breath, occasionally checking over your shoulder, sat frozen and tracking the shadows… wondering, hoping that all the doors are locked. Their darkest masterpiece.” – Loud And Quiet
Little Women – Lung CD (Aum Fidelity)
Tone poem evocation, pop group melodicism, all-four-vocal-chords-as-one intonation, and unparalleled shrapnel-sharp/laser-beam-focused shredding are some of the sonic vistas moved through during Lung.
Steve Mason – Monkey Minds In The Devil’s Time CD/LP (Domino)
The Beta Band singer self-produced 11 songs and Dan Carey worked on the other nine songs on Mason’s politically-influenced second solo release. “If Mason’s last album Boys Outside was a window on his struggles with mental ill-health, Monkey Minds moves from micro to macro as he harnesses his strong sense of social justice, while continuing to hone the crisp electronics that so perfectly soundtrack his ghostly, exhortatory vocals.” – The Quietus
John Medeski – A Different Time CD (Sony Masterworks)
With A Different Time, his first solo piano project, Medeski once again takes his sound in a completely unexpected direction. It is a far more introspective, meditative collection than fans of MMW’s lively, groove-driven music might expect.
Paal Nilssen-Love – Gored Gored CD (Konkurrent)
Gored Gored is hard jazz free-style with a punk attitude, but with the complexity of the most experimental sides of avant-garde jazz. Terrie Ex (The Ex) creates raw, untreated guitar sounds in compassion with the hectic energetic drums of Paal Nilssen-Love. Recorded during the Sonic Protest Festival in Paris, April 2012.
Conny Ochs – Black Happy CD/LP (Soulfood)
Providing a much darker take on acoustic, Ochs has attracted the attention of a wealth of notable lost souls, in particular doom lord Wino. Deeply rooted in the blackened parts of the human soul, he carves a mixture of melancholy and catharsis.
OMD – English Electric CD (BMG)
12th studio album from the British synthpop legends and the second since the reformation of the original band (Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Martin Cooper and Malcolm Holmes). Andy McCluskey says of the album: “The overarching feel tends to be a sense of loss, of melancholia, that things haven’t turned out the way you wanted them to, whether it be with technology or personal relationships.” Deluxe double-CD version due April 23. Vinyl due May 28.
The Omega Experiment – The Omega Experiment CD (Listenable)
The Omega Experiment is a concise yet detailed introduction to their sound; heavy guitars, euphoric synths and rich layered vocals come together to create a wall of progressive rock lushness.
Brad Paisley – Wheelhouse CD (Sony Nashville)
The inspiration for the title of Brad Paisley’s latest album, Wheelhouse, came from the phrase “in your wheelhouse,” which is a reference to the baseball term for the strike zone’s sweet spot, where a batter can comfortably hit a ball with maximum power and precision. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds four bonus tracks.
Paramore – Paramore CD (Fueled By Ramen)
Paramore’s new album is their first without founding members Josh and Zac Farro. Vinyl version due April 16.
The Postal Service – Give Up [Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition] 2xCD/3xLP+MP3 (Sub Pop)
The Postal Service’s sole album, 2003’s Give Up, is given the 10th anniversary treatment, expanded with an additional disc of 15 bonus tracks, including two brand new songs, “A Tattered Line Of String” and “Turn Around,” as well as remixes by Matthew Dear and Styrofoam, live performances, and covers by The Shins and Iron & Wine.
The Proclaimers – Like Comedy CD (429)
The Reid brothers’ latest album is another collection of pop, folk and country, delivered in their inimitable, earnest style. “Proving that a lack of surprises does not have to mean a lack of musical audacity, The Proclaimers serve up more uncomplicated joy, plaintive passion and a sliver of mischief on their ninth album.” – The Scotsman
Molly Ringwald – Except Sometimes CD (Concord Jazz)
Multi-talented actress, author and singer Molly Ringwald releases her debut jazz recording.
Todd Rundgren – State CD/2xCD (Cherry Red)
Todd Rundgren’s latest is a contemporary fusion of rock, soul and electronica that is at once danceable, ground-breaking, spiritual, challenging and infectious. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe features recordings from a sold-out concert in Amsterdam, 2012.
Soundtrack [Mike Patton] – The Place Beyond The Pines OST CD (Milan)
Mike Patton delivers a sweeping and brooding score for Derek Cianfrance’s recent crime drama.
Sparks – Two Hands One Mouth: Live In Europe 2xCD (Lil’ Beethoven)
Ron and Russell Mael present a double-CD of Sparks’ recent Two Hands One Mouth European tour that saw the American brothers playing shows as a duo for the first time. With no band and no computers, Ron (two hands, on keyboards) and Russell (one mouth, on vocals) captured the very essence of Sparks and their extensive catalog. This unique performance is now available on Sparks’ first live album.
Stonesour – House Of Gold & Bones Part 2 CD (Roadrunner)
House of Gold & Bones is a two part concept album that follows a story written by singer Corey Taylor. Part 2 concludes the epic story and is led by the first single and video “Do Me A Favor.”
Terror – Live By The Code CD (Victory)
Frontman Scott Vogel claims Live By The Code “hits harder than Keepers Of The Faith (2010). It’s the dirtiest, rawest and most hardcore record we’ve done since Lowest Of The Low.”
Twin Tigers – Death Wish CD/LP (Old Flame)
Since releasing their Gray Waves debut LP in 2010, Athens, GA indie rockers Twin Tigers have played full US tours with Interpol and Minus The Bear as well as runs with The Hold Steady, Deerhunter, Les Savy Fav, We Are Scientists, and The Antlers. Their new album, Death Wish was recorded in a studio on loan from Interpol.
Tyga – Hotel California CD (Young Money/Universal Republic)
New album from the rapper features Tupac, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Jadakiss, 2 Chainz, Wiz Khalifa, Chris Brown, and Future.
Various Artists – Just Another Heartache: The Northern Soul Of Nashville CD (CB Soul)
A sizzling collection of 27 northern soul rarities from Nashville, Tennessee, including cuts from Joe Simon, Ann Sexton, Little Hank, Little Richie and many more soul smashes.
Kurt Vile – Walkin’ On A Pretty Daze 2xCD/2xLP+MP3 (Matador)
This 69-minute double album is comprised of sweeping, expansive songs that are both very intimate and conversational. Also available on vinyl, with limited quantities pressed on blue wax with customizable artwork. “Kurt Vile distills thousands of hours spent with classic American guitar music into one very singular and sublime vision.” – Pitchfork
Villagers – {Awayland} CD/LP (Domino)
{Awayland} is the follow-up to Villagers 2010 Mercury Prize-nominated debut Becoming A Jackal. Since the release of their debut record, one that also earned songwriter Conor O’Brien an Ivor Novello songwriting award, Villagers have shared stages with artists like Neil Young, Tindersticks, Fleet Foxes, and Grizzly Bear.
Volbeat – Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies CD/2xLP+MP3 (Universal Republic)
Volbeat is a Danish rock band from Copenhagen. They play a fusion of rock and roll, heavy metal, punk and rockabilly.
Wumpscut – Madman Szpital CD (Metropolis)
Rudy Ratzinger’s new album is dark, menacing, and as evil as ever.
Young Man – Beyond Was All Around Me CD (French Kiss)
Chicago based singer/songwriter Colin Caulfield releases the final installment in his Young Man trilogy.
DVD + Blu-ray:
The Avett Brothers – Live, Volume 3 [Reissue/2010] DVD (American)
Back in print! Live, Volume 3 is comprised of highlights from the group’s August 8, 2009 show Bojangles Coliseum, shot in HD. Additionally, the DVD includes documentary-style episodes, interspersed with interviews from the band and fans in attendance.
Joan Baez – Love Is Just A Four Letter Word DVD (IMV Blueline)
Rare live performance from Italy, 1970. 44 minutes.
The Stranglers – Hanging Around DVD (IMV Blueline)
Rare live TV performance recorded in Paris (France) 1979.
Vinyl:
The Avett Brothers – Live, Volume 3 LP (American)
Released in 2010 CD – now available on vinyl. This electric performance was recorded on August 8, 2009 at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, NC.
The Civil Wars & T Bone Burnet – A Place At The Table LP (Sensibility Music)
The Civil Wars & T Bone Burnet team up for the soundtrack to the 2013 documentary, A Place At The Table. “The combination of The Civil Wars (Joy Williams and John Paul White) and T-Bone Burnett stands up with a dark, smoking feel. Although a few songs include vocals, many short instrumentals are incorporated as would be expected with most soundtracks. The hidden treasure here is to experience the artist’s talents in instrumentals. This includes Williams haunting play on piano and White’s slide guitar work, all accented by the deep blues guitar of Burnett.” – The Phantom Tollbooth
Fifth On The Floor – Ashes & Angels LP (eOne)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Fifth On The Floor’s style of rowdy rock & roll is everything you’d expect from four Kentucky gentlemen. Their new album, Ashes & Angels was produced by Shooter Jennings. “Fifth On The Floor have positioned themselves as the next great Southern rock group.” — No Depression
Keaton Henson – Birthdays LP+CD (Anti)
Singer/songwriter Keaton Henson’s second album Birthdays really is an album of two halves. It develops the hushed and emotionally frail sound found on his bedroom produced debut effort Dear. But crucially it introduces some explosive new elements, which as the title suggests really does sound as if Henson is now giving birth to the different sonic possibilities of his compositions. While it’s still rather melancholy and shoe-gazing, Birthdays has a venomous streak waiting to emerge in its latter half that’s worth sticking around for.” – Contact Music
Kids On A Crime Spree – Creep The Creeps b/w New Ex-Boyfriend 7” (Slumberland)
Punchy, handclap-driven power-pop of the very highest order, with a driving dance beat. “New Ex-Boyfriend” on the flip adds some minor-key drama and echoed surf guitar leads to the mix.
Kishi Bashi – It All Began With A Burst b/w Prologue 7” (Joyful Noise)
Kishi Bashi – Bright Whites b/w This Must Be The Place 7” (Joyful Noise)
Kishi Bashi – Manchester b/w A Sunday Smile 7” (Joyful Noise)
A three-part 7” series featuring singles from last year’s 151a, each backed with non-album B-sides.
Skaters – I Wanna Dance (But I Don’t Know How) b/w Armed 7” (WB)
“New wave bass beats mix with fuzzy guitars steeped in a ’77 sound here to create a wave of toe-tapping, arm-flailing rock music. The vocals pour out in an affected punk-rock sneer as the rhythms switch between unrestrained noise and anxious anticipation. The song is pure energy.” – All Things Go Music
Vampire Weekend – Diane Young b/w Step 7” (XL)
This single features two songs from Vampire Weekend’s upcoming third album, Modern Vampires Of The City (due May 14).
A Whisper In The Noise – To Forget [2012] LP (Soulfood)
Lovers of slowcore and especially fans of Low will surely gravitate to the brooding and dark sounds of A Whisper In The Noise.
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