Marketing Program/ Banner/ Listening Station Titles Promoted This Week:
Aaliyah – One In A Million [Reissue/1996] CD (Empire)
One In A Million is the second studio album by Aaliyah. First released in 1996 by Blackground Records, the album features production from a variety of producers including Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Carl-So-Lowe, J. Dibbs, Jermaine Dupri, Kay Gee, Vincent Herbert, Rodney Jenkins, Craig King, Darren Lighty and Darryl Simmons. With countless accolades, One In A Million remains as one of the most influential albums in hip-hop and R&B and proved to be a major breakthrough in Aaliyah’s short career. Welcome to the new world of funk. [Vinyl edition due early next year.]
Bob’s Burgers – The Bob’s Burgers Music Vol. 2 2xCD/3xLP+MP3 (Sub Pop)
Featuring nearly every single musical morsel from seasons 7 through 9, this 90-song smorgasbord includes contributions from the Belcher family – Bob (H. Jon Benjamin), Linda (John Roberts), Tina (Dan Mintz), Gene (Eugene Mirman) and Louise (Kristen Schaal) – as well as the show’s numerous recurring and special guests. This includes actors, comedians, and musicians Adam Driver, Tiffany Haddish, Jenny Slate, Daveed Diggs, Max Greenfield, Toddrick Hall, Aparna Nancherla, and Matt Berninger (of The National). For fans of the show, enjoying the music of Bob’s Burgers on its own is both an irresistible to-go bag and ultimately a world unto itself. Lose yourself in the strangely epic disco celebration “Hot Pants Rain Dance”, sing along with the musical theater gem, “The Wedding Is My Warzone”, or do whatever you’re gonna do to “Sexy Little Tiger” but don’t miss the Bob’s Burgers Music Album Vol. 2 soundtrack. [This deluxe color vinyl edition box set edition features a book-style jacket with die-cut pages shaped liked burger fixings plus a hardbound lyric book with original Bob’s Burgers artwork, a softbound sheet music book, two sheets of colorforms with background scenes, two original posters, and more.]
Darrin Bradbury – Artvertisement CD/LP+MP3 (ANTI-)
Since releasing his debut album Elmwood Park: A Slightly Melodic Audiobook in 2016, Darrin Bradbury has documented the warts-and-all minutiae of everyday life with sharp wit and a big heart, doing so with a healthy dose of humor and a refreshing lack of self-seriousness. Artvertisement is Bradbury’s third album, following his critically acclaimed 2019 LP Talking Dogs & Atom Bombs. Bradbury wrote Artvertisement while touring in support of Talking Dogs and recorded the album at Trace Horse Studio in March of 2020 over the strange, anxious handful of days between Nashville’s devastating March 3rd tornado and the start of the COVID-19 shutdown. The title Artvertisement was inspired by Bradbury’s difficult experiences navigating the polished, often soulless Nashville music industry, where record label executives would laud his songwriting – some going so far as to call him a genius – but ultimately turn him away because his music wasn’t commercial. [A limited-edition clear vinyl edition is available.]
Anderson East – Maybe We Never Die CD/LP (Elektra/Low Country Sound)
Maybe We Never Die takes the Alabama born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter’s seductively vintage voice in a decidedly fresh direction. Collaborating once again with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb along with longtime bandleader and now co-producer Philip Towns, the 12 tracks flow together with an overarching sense of urgency but maintain distinct musical boundaries. The energy toggles between a hunger for vulnerability in togetherness and a clinging to solitude as a romantic self-defense. There is consternation with the speed and volume at which the world operates and solace to be found in the simple act of getting up and going. [An indie store limited-edition vinyl edition is available.]
James McMurtry – The Horses And The Hounds CD/2xLP (New West)
In James McMurtry’s new effort, The Horses And The Hounds, the acclaimed songwriter backs personal narratives with effortless elegance (“Canola Fields”) and endless energy (“If It Don’t Bleed”). This first collection in seven years spotlights a seasoned tunesmith in peak form as he turns toward reflection (“Vaquero”) and revelation (closer “Blackberry Winter”). Familiar foundations guide the journey. “There’s a definite Los Angeles vibe to this record,” McMurtry says. “The ghost of Warren Zevon seems to be stomping around among the guitar tracks. Don’t know how he got in there. He never signed on for work for hire.” [An indie store limited-edition vinyl edition is available.]
Shannon & The Clams – Year Of The Spider CD/LP/Cassette (Easy Eye Sound)
The widely anticipated and much ballyhooed garage rock idols, Shannon & The Clams’ new studio album, Year Of The Spider, is here! The band returned to Nashville to record with Dan Auerbach at his legendary Easy Eye Sound studio. Fresh off their standout album, Onion, and supporting tours with the likes of The Black Keys and Greta Van Fleet, they returned to the studio to craft their utterly unique vintage sound that incorporates wonderfully strange elements of doo-wop, classic R&B, garage psych and surf rock to produce this timeless gem from these perennial favorites. The band, fronted by Shannon Shaw and Cody Blanchard on lead vocals with Will Sprott on keyboards and Nate Mahan on drums, crafted an endlessly vivacious, ebullient and clever album from the kings and queen of the Bay Area garage punk scene. [An indie store limited-edition cassette edition is available.]
Sturgill Simpson – The Ballad Of Dood & Juanita CD (High Top Mountain)
Inspired by such classic concept albums as Willie Nelson’s Red-Headed Stranger, Sturgill Simpson’s The Ballad of Dood & Juanita is the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter’s third album in twelve months, and his most ambitious project to date. Written and recorded in less than a week and featuring the same ace musicians who played on 2020’s Cuttin’ Grass albums, the record tells a classic American story of a Civil War-era couple torn apart by violence and reunited by love – what Sturgill calls “a simple tale of either redemption or revenge.” The Ballad Of Dood & Juanita is Simpson’s first album of all new original music since the release of 2019’s Grammy-nominated Sound & Fury. Special guest Willie Nelson is the featured lead guitarist on the track “Juanita.” [Vinyl edition due December 3.]
Villagers – Fever Dreams CD/LP+MP3 (Domino)
Villagers return with their fifth studio album, Fever Dreams. Written over the course of two years, the main bodies of the songs were recorded in a series of full-band studio sessions in late 2019 and early 2020. Over the course of the long, slow pandemic days, Connor O’Brien refined them in his tiny home studio in Dublin, and the album was then mixed by David Wrench (Frank Ocean, The xx, FKA Twigs). These are songs with the strange, melted shapes and the magical ambivalence of dreams. The intent of the songs is both mysterious and as clear as a bell. With Fever Dreams, there is a sense of a deepening mastery and an expanding reach by O’Brien. Inspiration for the album was found in many places and came in from all angles, from night swimming on a Dutch island to Flann O’Brien, Audre Lorde, David Lynch, L. S. Lowry via the library music of Piero Umiliani and Alessandro Alessandroni and jazz from Duke Ellington and Alice Coltrane. [An indie store limited-edition vinyl edition is available.]
Martha Wainwright – Love Will Be Reborn CD/LP (Cooking Vinyl)
Love Will Be Reborn is songwriter Martha Wainwright’s first album since 2016’s Goodnight City, and the first since 2012’s acclaimed Come Home To Mama to feature so much original material. All eleven songs on the album were written by Martha. She wrote the title track a few years ago in what was a very dark time for her personally and it hints at the ache of recent years while capturing a sense of optimism for the future. She wraps her wondrous, trademark vocals around the heartbreak to dizzying effect. Recorded in Martha’s Montreal hometown, the album was made in the basement of café Ursa which also served as a studio and at PM Studios. Martha plays guitar and piano and enlisted the help of Toronto musicians Thom Gill (guitars, keys, back-ups), Phil Melanson (drums, percussion) and Josh Cole (bass). Pierre Marchand plays keyboards on “Love Will Be Reborn” plus two other tracks while Morgan Moore plays bass on several songs.
Additional Social Media Program Titles Released This Week:
Dawes – Nothing Is Wrong [Deluxe Edition/Reissue/2011] 2xLP+7”+MP3 (ATO)
Released in the summer of 2011, Nothing Is Wrong is Dawes breakthrough album. This 10th anniversary double-vinyl edition comes packaged in a foil-stamped, die-cut, gatefold jacket and includes a bonus 7″ with two unreleased B-sides. Also includes a download card with the full album, B-sides, and four bonus tracks. Both LPs are pressed on milky clear color vinyl.
Sierra Ferrell – Long Time Coming LP (Rounder)
Limited-edition indie store vinyl pressing. West Virginia bred, Nashville-based artist Sierra Ferrell delivers her highly anticipated new album Long Time Coming. The album, which features a dozen songs written or co-written by Ferrell, embodies the fierce eclecticism and individuality of a musician and songwriter who utterly defies categorization. “I want my music to be like my mind is-all over the place,” says Ferrell. “I listen to everything from bluegrass to techno to goth metal, and it all inspires me in different ways that I try to incorporate into my songs and make people really feel something.” Long Time Coming stakes out new sonic territory where tango rhythms, bluegrass picking, jazz phrasing, and classic country intersect to create something that feels wholly original. Ferrell was joined in the studio by a remarkable array of guest musicians including Billy Strings, Sarah Jarosz, Dennis Crouch, Jerry Douglas, Tim O’Brien, Chris Scruggs, and Rory Hoffman, who added entirely new texture to each of her gracefully crafted and undeniably heartfelt songs.
CDs + Vinyl:
Aaliyah – One In A Million [Reissue/1996] CD (Empire)
One In A Million is the second studio album by Aaliyah. First released in 1996 by Blackground Records, the album features production from a variety of producers including Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Carl-So-Lowe, J. Dibbs, Jermaine Dupri, Kay Gee, Vincent Herbert, Rodney Jenkins, Craig King, Darren Lighty and Darryl Simmons. With countless accolades, One In A Million remains as one of the most influential albums in hip-hop and R&B and proved to be a major breakthrough in Aaliyah’s short career. Welcome to the new world of funk. [Vinyl edition due early next year.]
After 7 – Unfinished Business CD (Sono Recording Group)
After 7 formed in 1987 by Kevon and Melvin Edmonds and Keith Mitchel. Kevon and Melvin are the older brothers of Kenneth Babyface Edmonds. Their first two albums went Platinum and the third went Gold. Unfinished Business is their first without Melvin who passed away in 2019. The revamped trio has gotten their groove back, and their soulful synergy can be heard on this album.
Anti-Flag – 17 Song Demo [Reissue/1991] CD/LP (New Red Archives)
First-ever reissue of the legendary 1992 cassette-only, self-released demo from the political punk icons.
Bad Luck. – Summer Of Pain CD (Take This To Heart)
After spending the better part of a decade honing their craft, Bad Luck. presents the best version of themselves to date with Summer Of Pain. The twelve-song collection serves as a bridge between childhood ambition and adult realism by exploring the underlying tension of romanticism in our modern world. It’s a record about love and sadness that aspires to give listeners a much-needed reality check.
Between The Buried And Me – Colors II CD (Sumerian)
Tenth studio album from American progressive metal band. [Vinyl edition due October 8.]
Black Swamp Water – Awakening CD/LP (Mighty Music)
Nine tracks that range from Southern heavy rock to thrash.
Bob’s Burgers – The Bob’s Burgers Music Vol. 2 2xCD/3xLP+MP3 (Sub Pop)
Featuring nearly every single musical morsel from seasons 7 through 9, this 90-song smorgasbord includes contributions from the Belcher family – Bob (H. Jon Benjamin), Linda (John Roberts), Tina (Dan Mintz), Gene (Eugene Mirman) and Louise (Kristen Schaal) – as well as the show’s numerous recurring and special guests. This includes actors, comedians, and musicians Adam Driver, Tiffany Haddish, Jenny Slate, Daveed Diggs, Max Greenfield, Toddrick Hall, Aparna Nancherla, and Matt Berninger (of The National). For fans of the show, enjoying the music of Bob’s Burgers on its own is both an irresistible to-go bag and ultimately a world unto itself. Lose yourself in the strangely epic disco celebration “Hot Pants Rain Dance”, sing along with the musical theater gem, “The Wedding Is My Warzone”, or do whatever you’re gonna do to “Sexy Little Tiger” but don’t miss the Bob’s Burgers Music Album Vol. 2 soundtrack. [This deluxe color vinyl edition box set edition features a book-style jacket with die-cut pages shaped liked burger fixings plus a hardbound lyric book with original Bob’s Burgers artwork, a softbound sheet music book, two sheets of colorforms with background scenes, two original posters, and more.]
Darrin Bradbury – Artvertisement CD/LP+MP3 (ANTI-)
Since releasing his debut album Elmwood Park: A Slightly Melodic Audiobook in 2016, Darrin Bradbury has documented the warts-and-all minutiae of everyday life with sharp wit and a big heart, doing so with a healthy dose of humor and a refreshing lack of self-seriousness. Artvertisement is Bradbury’s third album, following his critically acclaimed 2019 LP Talking Dogs & Atom Bombs. Bradbury wrote Artvertisement while touring in support of Talking Dogs and recorded the album at Trace Horse Studio in March of 2020 over the strange, anxious handful of days between Nashville’s devastating March 3rd tornado and the start of the COVID-19 shutdown. The title Artvertisement was inspired by Bradbury’s difficult experiences navigating the polished, often soulless Nashville music industry, where record label executives would laud his songwriting – some going so far as to call him a genius – but ultimately turn him away because his music wasn’t commercial. [A limited-edition clear vinyl edition is available.]
Jake Bugg – Saturday Night, Sunday Morning CD/LP (RCA)
Saturday Night, Sunday Morning marks a bold and exciting new chapter for Jake Bugg. His fifth studio album is filled with catchy guitar hooks, rhythmic base lines and anthemic choruses giving the record a huge euphoric feel. Cleverly set against more introspective songs with beautifully crafted lyrics, the album plays with a spectrum of emotions that we can all relate to. Jake says it was, “the most fun he’s ever had making a record.” The 11-track album features the upbeat “Kiss Like The Sun” and the gospel-infused anthem “All I Need”.
Bunker 66 – Beyond The Help Of Prayers CD/LP (Dying Victim Productions)
Since 2007, Italy’s Bunker 66 has been proudly (and prolifically) flying the flag of thrashing ’80s metalpunk, all in the beloved power-trio format. Of course, the joint influence of Motörhead and Venom looms large, but equally so do homeland heroes Bulldozer, the UK’s Warfare, early Running Wild, early Bathory and Slayer, later Anti-Cimex and any ’80s recordings from Discharge and Exciter.
Eric Clapton – Eric Clapton [Reissue/1970] 4xCD/2xLP (Polydor)
Eric Clapton’s eponymous first solo album, originally released in August 1970, represents one of rock history’s most successful reinventions. After emerging as one of the seminal guitar heroes of the ’60s, the English superstar decisively re-established his musical priorities with Eric Clapton. The album marked Clapton’s transition from flashy instrumental icon to well-rounded recording artist, downplaying sonic pyrotechnics in favor of a song-focused ensemble approach that would lay the groundwork for his massively successful solo career. For the occasion, he surrounded himself with a new cast of American musicians, tapping into a rootsy musical foundation that provided an inspired framework for his talents. This Anniversary Deluxe Edition presents Eric Clapton in three separate mixes – The Eric Clapton Mix, The Delany Bramlett Mix and The Tom Dowd Mix (The UK Version). The Eric Clapton mix is being released in full for the first time. This anniversary collection also includes some singles, alternate versions and session outtakes. [The album has also been reissued as a standard double-LP edition.]
John Coltrane – Another Side Of John Coltrane CD/2xLP (Craft Recordings)
A collection of classic performances from John Coltrane as a sideman, featuring fellow jazz legends such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Tadd Dameron, and Art Taylor. This insightful compilation features liner notes from award-winning music historian Doug Ramsey.
Deafheaven – Infinite Granite CD/2xLP+MP3 (Sargent House)
Over the course of their first ten years, Deafheaven’s music vacillated between tormented beauty and harmonic rage – a hybrid of black metal’s malice and shoegaze’s sublime wall-of-sound. On their fifth album, Infinite Granite, Deafheaven are no longer toying with the juxtaposition of pitting metallic abrasion against swirling grandeur. Quite the opposite: Infinite Granite is a bold and brave leap forward, a gorgeous and invigorating album brimming with style and splendor. In the context of their catalog, it takes on a whole other layer of defiant beauty.
Anderson East – Maybe We Never Die CD/LP (Elektra/Low Country Sound)
Maybe We Never Die takes the Alabama born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter’s seductively vintage voice in a decidedly fresh direction. Collaborating once again with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb along with longtime bandleader and now co-producer Philip Towns, the 12 tracks flow together with an overarching sense of urgency but maintain distinct musical boundaries. The energy toggles between a hunger for vulnerability in togetherness and a clinging to solitude as a romantic self-defense. There is consternation with the speed and volume at which the world operates and solace to be found in the simple act of getting up and going. [An indie store limited-edition vinyl edition is available.]
GA-20 – Does Hound Dog Taylor CD/LP (Karma Chief)
High-energy electric blues trio GA-20’s dynamic self-penned songs sound and feel as fresh and real as the old blues they love and perform, including songs by Otis Rush, J.B. Lenoir, Howlin’ Wolf, Junior Wells and especially their favorite, Hound Dog Taylor.
Orla Gartland – Woman On The Internet CD (New Friends Music)
Debut album from the fast-rising Dublin singer-songwriter-producer. For fans of Dodie, Sharon Van Etten and The Big Moon. [Vinyl edition due September 17.]
Debbie Gibson – Body Remembers CD (Stargirl)
The Body Remembers is the tenth studio album by American singer-songwriter and her first studio release with original songs since her 2001 album M.Y.O.B. [Vinyl edition due January 7.]
Seth Glier – The Coronation CD/LP (Sono Recording Group)
Grammy nominee Seth Glier’s uplifting album The Coronation distills society’s newfound potential in all its complex glory, beckoning us to a new era of compassion and awareness while addressing timely subjects like social isolation, racial injustice and gun violence with an unflinching but hopeful eye. With guest vocals by Everett Bradley (Bruce Springsteen, Hall & Oates) and rising star Raye Zaragoza, the largely synth-driven tracks include an ethereal take on Joan Osborne’s hit “One Of Us”.
Martin Gore – The Third Chimpanzee Remixed CD (Domino)
Features remixes from ANNA, Chris Liebing, Rrose, Jlin, Barker, Wehbba, JakoJako, The Exaltics, Kangding and MoReVoX. [Vinyl edition due August 27.]
Chrissie Hynde – Standing In The Doorway: Chrissie Hynde Sings Bob Dylan CD/LP (BMG)
The Pretenders singer/songwriter tackles some of her favorite Bob Dylan-penned tracks. Recorded with Pretenders guitarist James Walbourne, Standing In The Doorway: Chrissie Hynde Sings Bob Dylan features lesser-known tracks from Dylan’s vast catalog.
Insane – Victims CD/LP (Dying Victim Productions)
Insane continue sticking to their (strident, ripping) guns with their second full-length, Victims, drawing their influences both from classic Canadian and German thrash metal.
Wanda Jackson – Encore CD (Big Machine)
Wanda Jackson’s sonic farewell, Encore, was produced and conceptualized with Kenny Laguna and Joan Jett with the belief that the ethos Wanda pioneered has lived in Jett’s modern version of self-expression that has been taboo for women in music. Wanda’s 32nd album is a final chapter amplifying a career that’s ignited others too, from The Cramps to Amy Winehouse, Adele to Jack White. Marked by Wanda’s incandescent swagger and effervescence, Encore is an in-your-face sonic experience that walks listeners through the rockabilly, country and even punk colors of one of music’s most thrilling vocalists. [Vinyl edition due November 5.]
Kool & The Gang – Perfect Union CD (Omnivore)
Formed in 1964, The Jazziacs would play with McCoy Tyner, Pharoah Saunders, and other jazz greats. They would change their name to Kool & The Gang in 1969, sign with De-Lite Records and release their self-titled debut the following year. Over five decades since their formation, Kool & The Gang return with their 25th studio album, Perfect Union.
Lissie – Catching A Tiger [Reissue/2010] CD (Lionboy)
“I’m so very excited to be celebrating the 11th anniversary of my debut album, Catching A Tiger! To mark the occasion, I am releasing a special edition including five songs that didn’t make the original Catching A Tiger track listing, new artwork and behind the scenes photos. It was a true pleasure to sort through old journals and hard drives, digging up treasured moments and memories. Catching A Tiger is the album that first connected me to you, my listeners for whom I’m so grateful! I sincerely hope that you enjoy this Anniversary Edition as much as I enjoyed putting it together. I hope it transports you back to the summer of 2010 and washes you aglow in sweet reminiscence!” – Lissie [Vinyl edition due October 15.]
Lucifuge – Infernal Power CD/LP (Dying Victim Productions)
For the past five years, Lucifuge has been perfecting an addicting style of blackened speed metalpunk, all guided by the iron fist of mainman Equinox.
James McMurtry – The Horses And The Hounds CD/2xLP (New West)
In James McMurtry’s new effort, The Horses And The Hounds, the acclaimed songwriter backs personal narratives with effortless elegance (“Canola Fields”) and endless energy (“If It Don’t Bleed”). This first collection in seven years spotlights a seasoned tunesmith in peak form as he turns toward reflection (“Vaquero”) and revelation (closer “Blackberry Winter”). Familiar foundations guide the journey. “There’s a definite Los Angeles vibe to this record,” McMurtry says. “The ghost of Warren Zevon seems to be stomping around among the guitar tracks. Don’t know how he got in there. He never signed on for work for hire.” [An indie store limited-edition vinyl edition is available.]
Lee Morgan – The Complete Live At The Lighthouse 8xCD/12xLP (Blue Note)
The Complete Live At The Lighthouse is an expansive collection that presents for the very first time all 12 sets of music the legendary trumpeter Lee Morgan’s quintet with saxophonist Bennie Maupin, pianist Harold Mabern, bassist Jymie Merritt, and drummer Mickey Roker recorded during their historic engagement at The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, California from July 10-12, 1970. This definitive edition, produced by Zev Feldman and David Weiss, encompasses 33 performances including more than four hours of previously unreleased music that lets the listener relive the experience of being in the club for every exhilarating moment. Both sets include a beautiful booklet featuring interviews, essays, and rare photos.
Chris J Norwood – I Am Not Cool CD/LP (State Fair)
In addition to Norwood’s genial ability to say things you may not want to hear and leave you appreciating the experience, he is also masterful at a kind of tongue-in-cheek levity that is sorely missing from alt country rock genre.
Nathan Salsburg – Psalms CD/LP (No Quarter)
A collection of new arrangements of Biblical psalms composed and performed by the acclaimed guitarist.
Settle Your Scores – Retrofit CD/LP (Mutant League)
Retrofit is the new full-length album from Cincinnati pop-punkers Settle Your Scores. Recorded by Nick Ingram at Capital House Studio (Hawthorne Heights), the 10- track collection is a bona fide classic pop-punk record, with tracks like “1999” and “The Way Things Used To Be” which offer a fresh take on a sound that is brimming with nostalgic sensibility.
Shannon & The Clams – Year Of The Spider CD/LP/Cassette (Easy Eye Sound)
The widely anticipated and much ballyhooed garage rock idols, Shannon & The Clams’ new studio album, Year Of The Spider, is here! The band returned to Nashville to record with Dan Auerbach at his legendary Easy Eye Sound studio. Fresh off their standout album, Onion, and supporting tours with the likes of The Black Keys and Greta Van Fleet, they returned to the studio to craft their utterly unique vintage sound that incorporates wonderfully strange elements of doo-wop, classic R&B, garage psych and surf rock to produce this timeless gem from these perennial favorites. The band, fronted by Shannon Shaw and Cody Blanchard on lead vocals with Will Sprott on keyboards and Nate Mahan on drums, crafted an endlessly vivacious, ebullient and clever album from the kings and queen of the Bay Area garage punk scene. [An indie store limited-edition cassette edition is available.]
Shotgun Sawyer – Thunderchief [Reissue/2016] CD (Ripple Music)
The stoner rock trio unleash a fifth anniversary edition of their full-length debut. [Vinyl edition due December 10.]
Sturgill Simpson – The Ballad Of Dood & Juanita CD (High Top Mountain)
Inspired by such classic concept albums as Willie Nelson’s Red-Headed Stranger, Sturgill Simpson’s The Ballad of Dood & Juanita is the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter’s third album in twelve months, and his most ambitious project to date. Written and recorded in less than a week and featuring the same ace musicians who played on 2020’s Cuttin’ Grass albums, the record tells a classic American story of a Civil War-era couple torn apart by violence and reunited by love – what Sturgill calls “a simple tale of either redemption or revenge.” The Ballad Of Dood & Juanita is Simpson’s first album of all new original music since the release of 2019’s Grammy-nominated Sound & Fury. Special guest Willie Nelson is the featured lead guitarist on the track “Juanita.” [Vinyl edition due December 3.]
Connie Smith – The Cry Of The Heart CD/LP (Fat Possum)
Pain and heartbreak have permeated Connie Smith’s timeless country sound and they pulse through The Cry Of The Heart, her first album in a decade and her third collaboration with her husband Marty Stuart (who also produced the effort).
Switchfoot – interrobang CD/LP (Fantasy)
Switchfoot reach a bold new creative peak on interrobang, the 12th full-length album of the multi-platinum selling rock band’s 20+ year career. Working with producer Tony Berg (Phoebe Bridgers, Andrew Bird), Switchfoot recorded the album in a burst of pent-up mid-pandemic creativity throughout last year and into 2021. Fearlessly marrying ‘60s experimentalism and synth-driven new wave swagger, the band pushed past it’s comfort zones and retooled its sound.
Tomorrow X Together – Chaos Chapter: Fight Or Escape [Fight Version] CD (Bighit Music)
Tomorrow X Together – Chaos Chapter: Fight Or Escape [Escape Version] CD (Bighit Music)
Repackage release from Tomorrow X Together includes all tracks from The Chaos Chapter: Freeze plus brand-new tracks and merchandise, including a photo book, a lyric book, a poster, two sticker packs, a postcard (random 1 of 5), a photo card (random 1 of 5), an AR card (random 1 of 5), an OS photo card (random 1 of 5), a cut-out board (random 1 of 5). Some versions include a limited instant photo.
Various Artists – Almost Famous [Original Soundtrack/20th Anniversary Edition] 5xCD/6xLP (Geffen)
Super Deluxe five-CD and six-LP editions. Each collects 47 songs from the movie along with film dialog, Stillwater demos & jams and original score tracks by Nancy Wilson plus a William Miller cover story on Stillwater as a ’73 Rolling Stone newsprint, book, concert tickets & a postcard. “Look under your bed – it’ll set you free.” With those enticingly enigmatic words, an empathetic, hip older sister bequeaths to her hyper-smart but nerdy 11-year-old brother her Rosetta Stone to life in the late-’60s: a prized trove of expertly curated rock, pop, and folk albums that set into chaotic motion young William Miller’s eye, ear, and mind-opening journey in director Cameron Crowe’s quasi-autobiographical 2000 ode to rock ‘n’ roll fandom, Almost Famous. The soundtrack includes songs from Led Zeppelin, The Who, Elton John, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, Todd Rundgren, Rod Stewart, The Seeds, The Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, David Bowie, Clarence Carter, Cat Stevens, Thunderclap Newman, original score track by Nancy Wilson and “Fever Dog” by the film’s fictional band Stillwater.
Various Artists – An Eclectic Selection From Arab World Part 2 CD (Habibi Funk)
“This compilation of songs is not meant as a historic reflection of popular music of the Arab world. It is a very personal selection of songs we grew to like at Habibi Funk. It is music that historically never existed as a unified musical genre. We think it’s important to make this distinction and to have the listener understand that most of the music on this compilation does not come from the highly famous names of the musical spectrum of North Africa and the Middle East. Instead, the final body compiled for this record consists of some – at least for us – niche-y pearls and often overlooked artists; resulting in a diverse range of styles from Egyptian organ funk, disco sounds from Morocco, an example of the lively reggae scene of Libya, political songs from Lebanon, soundtrack music from Algeria, a musical union between Kenya & Oman, and much more.” [Vinyl edition due September 24.]
Various Artists – Girl From The North Country [Original Broadway Cast Recording] CD (Sony)
Celebrated playwright Conor McPherson boldly reimagines the legendary songs of Bob Dylan in Girl From The North Country. In what Ben Brantley of The New York Times raves “is as close as mortals come to heaven on Earth,” Girl From The North Country is set at a guesthouse where a group of wanderers cross paths. Standing at a turning point in their lives, they realize nothing is what it seems. But as they search for a future, and hide from the past, they find themselves facing unspoken truths about the present.
Villagers – Fever Dreams CD/LP+MP3 (Domino)
Villagers return with their fifth studio album, Fever Dreams. Written over the course of two years, the main bodies of the songs were recorded in a series of full-band studio sessions in late 2019 and early 2020. Over the course of the long, slow pandemic days, Connor O’Brien refined them in his tiny home studio in Dublin, and the album was then mixed by David Wrench (Frank Ocean, The xx, FKA Twigs). These are songs with the strange, melted shapes and the magical ambivalence of dreams. The intent of the songs is both mysterious and as clear as a bell. With Fever Dreams, there is a sense of a deepening mastery and an expanding reach by O’Brien. Inspiration for the album was found in many places and came in from all angles, from night swimming on a Dutch island to Flann O’Brien, Audre Lorde, David Lynch, L. S. Lowry via the library music of Piero Umiliani and Alessandro Alessandroni and jazz from Duke Ellington and Alice Coltrane. [An indie store limited-edition vinyl edition is available.]
Cm Von Hausswolff & Chandra Shukla – Travelogue (Nepal) CD (Touch)
Travelogue (Nepal) is the first in a series of collected international audio diaries. The premise is quite simple: the two gallivant the globe with field-, EVP- and phone recorders and other devices where they record the essence of everything from the tiniest microcosms of nature on up to the polluted, diesel-fueled roars of postmodern globalization.
Martha Wainwright – Love Will Be Reborn CD/LP (Cooking Vinyl)
Love Will Be Reborn is songwriter Martha Wainwright’s first album since 2016’s Goodnight City, and the first since 2012’s acclaimed Come Home To Mama to feature so much original material. All eleven songs on the album were written by Martha. She wrote the title track a few years ago in what was a very dark time for her personally and it hints at the ache of recent years while capturing a sense of optimism for the future. She wraps her wondrous, trademark vocals around the heartbreak to dizzying effect. Recorded in Martha’s Montreal hometown, the album was made in the basement of café Ursa which also served as a studio and at PM Studios. Martha plays guitar and piano and enlisted the help of Toronto musicians Thom Gill (guitars, keys, back-ups), Phil Melanson (drums, percussion) and Josh Cole (bass). Pierre Marchand plays keyboards on “Love Will Be Reborn” plus two other tracks while Morgan Moore plays bass on several songs.
Elder Jack Ward – Already Made CD/LP (Bible & Tire Recording Co.)
A veteran voice of Memphis sacred soul, Elder Jack Ward – who once recorded for the legendary Stax and Chalice Records – arrives with his debut solo effort Already Made after decades of giving his life to his work in the Church.
Warkings – Revolution CD (Napalm)
The mighty warriors return to the battlefield, armed with glorious weapons made of pure heavy metal.
Whitehorse – Modern Love CD (Six Shooter)
Expect to hear more futuristic and evolved sounds on Modern Love, as Whitehorse put out the next chapter of their love story.
Witchcryer – When Their Gods Come To You CD (Ripple Music)
Witchcryer is back with their sophomore release; the Texans are ruthless and brilliant, as always. [Vinyl edition due December 10.]
Wolves In The Throne Room – Primordial Arcana CD/LP (Relapse)
Two decades into their journey as ritualistic black metal conjurers, Wolves In The Throne Room has emerged from the forest with Primordial Arcana. [A limited-edition color vinyl pressing is also available.]
Woman Is The Earth – Dust Of Forever CD/LP (Init)
Hailing from Rapid City, South Dakota, Woman Is The Earth create a unique black metal sound incorporating atmospheric soundscapes with both aggressive and progressive parts. [A limited-edition color vinyl pressing is also available.]
Year Of No Light – Nord [Reissue/2006] 2xCD (Pelagic)
Year Of No Light’s lengthy, sprawling compositions of towering walls of guitars and somber synths irradiate a sense of dire solemnity and spiritual gravity, and couldn’t be a more fitting soundtrack for such grim medieval scenarios. But there is also the element of absolution, regeneration, elevation, transcendence in the face of death. It comes as no surprise that ever since the beginning of their career, the band have had an obsession for the fall of man and salvation through darkness. With their debut album Nord (2006) and sophomore release Ausserwelt (2010), Year Of No Light made a name for themselves in the European avant-metal scene. [Vinyl edition due August 27.]
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
38 Spesh – Interstate 38 LP (Air Vinyl)
38 Spesh – Special Blends 2 LP (Air Vinyl)
38 Spesh/Benny The Butcher – Stash Box 12” (Air Vinyl)
Having produced full albums for numerous buzzing names in the last couple of years, 38 Spesh has become recognized as one of the most prolific beatmakers in the new era of hardcore hip-hop.
Accept – The Undertaker 7” (Nuclear Blast)
Limited-edition red color vinyl pressing. Releasing music for over 40 years, Accept helped launch the genre that became known as metal. Too Mean To Die, the band’s latest record, is their 16th overall and their fifth featuring vocalist Mark Tornillo. This two-track 7” single features the popular album track “The Undertaker” as well as a previously unreleased live version of “Life’s A Bitch” recorded in Oulu, Finland in 2019.
AJR – OK Orchestra LP (S-Curve/BMG)
Limited vinyl pressing. OK Orchestra is the multi-Platinum indie pop trio’s fourth album. “In the most uncertain year of our lives, making OK Orchestra was the one certain thing we had to hold on to,” said AJR. “We ended up with the most sonically experimental and emotionally raw album we’ve ever made.” “AJR’s new single ‘Way Less Sad’, was created entirely from the living room of their New York City apartment. In addition to hit songs such as ‘Bang!’ and ‘Bummerland’, this track, is from the indie-pop band’s much-anticipated new album, OK Orchestra. The steady but catchy rhythmic voice of the piano, the upbeat clapping, and the quirky, funky melody of the trumpets welcomes the listener to a vivacious, exciting ambiance — creating that beloved head bop-inducing vibe.” – The Harvard Crimson
The Allman Brothers Band – Shades Of Two Worlds [Reissue/1991] LP (Friday Music)
Limited 180gm orange and red swirl color vinyl pressing housed in gatefold jacket. Shades Of Two Worlds is the tenth studio album by The Allman Brothers Band. Dickey Betts takes a more prominent role in songwriting here than on most other of the group’s albums, writing or cowriting five of the eight songs. Newer member Warren Haynes also has co-writing credits on five songs.
Allustrium – A Monument To Silence 2xLP (Unique Leader)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. With intense, technical riffs and soulful ear-bending solos, Alustrium creates a unique style of death metal. [A limited-edition color vinyl pressing is also available.]
Trey Anastasio Band – Burn It Down 3xLP (Jemp)
‘Plasma orange’ color vinyl pressing. The Trey Anastasio Band went on tour in January 2020 intending it to be a warm-up for studio dates. The band was firing on all cylinders, reflected by the fiery sets and intense crowds. The pandemic cancelled the studio plans but producer Vance Powell told Trey there was already enough great material on tape from the tour to make the best TAB album ever. It was named Burn It Down, a line from “Set Your Soul Free”, because it encapsulated exactly what had been happening onstage every night.
Barenaked Ladies – Detour de Force LP (Raisin Music)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Barenaked Ladies return with their first new album in four years. The 14-track Detour de Force is the result of both pre- and post-lockdown recording sessions. The band spent five weeks at vocalist/guitarists Ed Robertson’s cabin outside Toronto pre pandemic writing and recording in a makeshift studio. During pandemic lockdown, they decided they wanted to Polish things up a bit. They returned to a Toronto studio when the lockdown lifted to rework the tracks.
Matt Berry – Witchazel [Reissue/2011] LP (Acid Jazz)
Matt Berry – Kill The Wolf [Reissue/2013] LP (Acid Jazz)
Limited-edition color vinyl reissues of two albums by the actor and musician best known for his roles on the British sitcoms The IT Crowd, The Mighty Boosh and Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace.
Blackevil – Forever Baptised In Eternal Fire LP (Dying Victim Productions)
Never betraying their roots – whether it’s the German thrash or evil speed metal legends like Razor and Exciter, Blackevil has managed to transcend black thrash all-together and make something more epic out of it.
Brodka – Brut LP (PIAS America)
Brodka is a Polish alt-pop superstar who rose to fame as the winner of the third season of Polish Pop Idol in 2004. She has since released three albums, received several Fryderyk Award nominations (Polish equivalent of a Grammy) and topped the official Polish Music Charts with several hit singles. Brut is a powerful examination of gender, self-image and society that blurs the boundaries between natural and synthetic sounds. Post-punk riffs, icy synths and heavily processed guitar sounds slice through glittering electro-pop to bring an industrial edge to the brutalism-inspired vision.
Brutal Truth – Extreme Conditions Demand Extreme Responses [Reissue/1992] LP (Earache)
Originally released in 1992, Brutal Truth’s Extreme Conditions Demand Extreme Responses was produced by the legendary Colin Richardson and is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential grindcore records of all time. Reissued for the first time ever with ‘Full Dynamic Audio’, this release is a must have for any fan of grindcore.
Kenny Burrell – Midnight Blue [Reissue/1963] LP (Blue Note)
Limited 180gm vinyl pressing. Guitarist Kenny Burrell debuted on Blue Note Records in 1956 and over the following seven years made a series of excellent albums for the label that culminated with his masterwork Midnight Blue. Recorded in 1963, the album waded deep into the blues, conjuring an alluring late-night vibe with a profoundly soulful cast including tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, bassist Major Holley, Jr., drummer Bill English, and Ray Barretto on congas.
Capstan – Separate LP (Fearless)
Recently released on CD – now available on pink color vinyl. Emerging from an era of intense personal and collective change, Capstan perfects their patented one-two punch of elite musicianship, battering ram rhythms, off-kilter fret fireworks, and high-octane choruses.
Wild Billy Childish & CTMF – Where The Wild Purple Iris Grows LP (Damaged Goods)
Billy Childish – musician, poet, painter and writer shows no sign of slowing down. The last twelve months have seen him record a “career in a year” with The William Loveday Intention, battle off a debilitating COVID infection and revisit his punk roots with CTMF.
The Courettes – Here Are The Courettes [Reissue/2015] LP (Damaged Goods)
The Courettes – We Are The Courettes [Reissue/2018] LP (Damaged Goods)
Recently released as a single CD compilation – now available separately on color vinyl. Remastered reissues of the Brazilian/Danish garage rock duo’s first two albums.
Creative Arts Ensemble with B.J. Crowley – One Step Out [Reissue/1981] LP (Pure Pleasure)
One of the most sought after and highly regarded titles to have appeared on Tom Albach’s celebrated Nimbus West imprint, One Step Out is a timeless work of spiritualized jazz.
Dawes – Nothing Is Wrong [Deluxe Edition/Reissue/2011] 2xLP+7”+MP3 (ATO)
Released in the summer of 2011, Nothing Is Wrong is Dawes breakthrough album. This 10th anniversary double-vinyl reissue comes packaged in a foil-stamped, die-cut, gatefold jacket and includes a bonus 7″ with two unreleased B-sides. Also includes a download card with the full album, B-sides, and four bonus tracks. Both LPs are pressed on milky clear color vinyl.
Dimitri From Paris – Salsoul Re-Edits Series One [Reissue/2017] 2×12” (Salsoul)
Dimitri From Paris – Salsoul Re-Edits Series Three [Reissue/2017] 2×12” (Salsoul)
Color vinyl reissues of the first and third parts of the Salsoul Re-Edits series featuring reworks of Salsoul favorites by disco aficionado Dimitri From Paris.
Fear Factory – Aggression Continuum 2xLP (Nuclear Blast)
Grey & light blue swirl with black splatter color vinyl pressing. Unleashing influential albums with devastating anthems for over 30 years, Fear Factory is widely recognized as both crucial and innovative in extreme metal circles. Fear Factory manufactured, de-manufactured, and remanufactured a sound that reverberates across several subgenres. Aggression Continuum is the band’s tenth studio album, their latest since 2015’s Genexus.
Sierra Ferrell – Long Time Coming LP (Rounder)
Limited-edition indie store vinyl pressing. West Virginia bred, Nashville-based artist Sierra Ferrell delivers her highly anticipated new album Long Time Coming. The album, which features a dozen songs written or co-written by Ferrell, embodies the fierce eclecticism and individuality of a musician and songwriter who utterly defies categorization. “I want my music to be like my mind is-all over the place,” says Ferrell. “I listen to everything from bluegrass to techno to goth metal, and it all inspires me in different ways that I try to incorporate into my songs and make people really feel something.” Long Time Coming stakes out new sonic territory where tango rhythms, bluegrass picking, jazz phrasing, and classic country intersect to create something that feels wholly original. Ferrell was joined in the studio by a remarkable array of guest musicians including Billy Strings, Sarah Jarosz, Dennis Crouch, Jerry Douglas, Tim O’Brien, Chris Scruggs, and Rory Hoffman, who added entirely new texture to each of her gracefully crafted and undeniably heartfelt songs.
Generation Axe – Bohemian Rhapsody 10” (earMUSIC)
The all-star group comprised of Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Nuno Bettencourt and Tosin Abasi cover Queen’s 1975 megahit.
John Gordon – Erotica Suite [Reissue/1978] LP (Pure Pleasure)
Erotica Suite is very much the kind of set that the Strata East label was created to represent. The music here would hardly have found a home on the bigger jazz labels of the period – not because it’s too avant-garde or non-commercial, but just because it’s so deeply personal and powerful – the boldest vision on record of trombonist John Gordon, who composed a mind-blowing suite of tracks.
Grant Green – Idle Moments [Reissue/1963] LP (Blue Note)
Time and troubles seem to melt away during the 15 enrapturing minutes of “Idle Moments”, the opening track of Grant Green’s sublime 1963 album of the same name. As the piece unhurriedly unfurls all the unique colors of the ensemble present themselves with Green’s soulful guitar joined by Duke Pearson’s elegant piano, Bobby Hutcherson’s crystalline vibraphone, Bob Cranshaw’s reassuring upright bass, Al Harewood’s subtle drums, and lastly Joe Henderson’s magnificent tenor saxophone.
- Griffin – The Proposal [OST] LP (Constellation)
The original score for the acclaimed feature-length artworld documentary by multi-disciplinary artist Jill Magid: an exploration of the contested legacy of the Mexican architect Luis Barragán and an art intervention in its own right. Griffin wrote, performed and recorded The Proposal soundtrack with an understated but wide-ranging electro-acoustic sensibility that organically compliments the film’s enigmatic narrative and the discreet beauty of Barragán’s architectural spaces. Various acoustic instruments combine with electronics, sampling and ambient treatments for an ever-shifting suite of musical vignettes across the album’s thirteen tracks.
Vince Guaraldi Trio – A Boy Named Charlie Brown [Reissue/1964] LP (Craft Recordings)
Recorded in 1964, the music of A Boy Named Charlie Brown contains Vince Guaraldi’s earliest Peanuts creations, including the first appearance of “Charlie Brown’s Theme” and “Linus And Lucy”, which became the defining song of all the early TV specials. This vinyl reissue features the 1972 artwork depicting a helpless Charlie Brown on a pitcher’s mound and comes with eight newly created baseball cards of favorite Peanuts characters.
Haruomi Hosono – America: Hosono Haruomi Live In US 2019 2xLP (Speedstar)
Considered a Japanese music treasure, Haruomi Hosono’s first solo live album is now available on vinyl. America: Hosono Haruomi Live In US 2019 features 18 tracks, including many of Hosono’s classic songs such as “Bara To Yaju”, “Peking Duck”, “Sports Men”, and “Absolute Ego Dance”, performed at his concert at The Mayan Theatre in Los Angeles on July 3rd, 2019, as well as “Honey Moon” with Mac Demarco who appeared as a guest at the L.A. show.
Ian Isiah – Auntie LP (Ent. One Music)
Translucent emerald color vinyl pressing. Raised in the heart of Brooklyn with a strong gospel stripe, Ian Isiah has grown into the forefront of both fashion and LGBTQ+ movements. Auntie is the artist’s Chromeo-produced funk/silky soul-infused new album.
Naia Izumi – A Residency In The Los Angeles Area LP (Masterworks)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Overlaying virtuosic two-hand tapping, eloquent phrasing, and time-warping tremolo upon a slow-honey drip of soul, Naia speaks through his music as if the sound flows through him. On A Residency In The Los Angeles Area, Naia collaborated with producer Tony Berg (Peter Gabriel, Phoebe Bridgers) and recorded at Sound City Studios, performing vocals, guitar, bass, drums, Japanese Koto, mandolin, cittern, and more. From the simmering funk beat of “Honesty” to the searing solo performance on “Natural Disaster”, the smoky wah of “Six Inch Stilettos”, and the lushly hypnotic melodies on “Good At Being Lonely”, the album showcases Naia’s artistry on every level.
Larry June & Harry Fraud – Keep Going LP (SRFSCHL)
A ten-track instant-classic featuring guest appearances from Curren$y, Dom Kennedy, Jay Worthy, Herm Lewis and International Jones. Laced with silky smooth production from Fraud, the musical chemistry between the Bay Area rapper and the Brooklyn-raised producer is front and center from the first verse to the last bar.
Kiko Kids Jazz – Tanganyika Na uhuru LP (Mississippi)
Formed in the mid-1950s, Kiko Kids Jazz created a stunningly unique sound amidst an explosion of Tanzanian guitar bands in the years leading up to the country’s independence. Defined by Salim Zahoro’s warm voice and the heavy tremolo of his electric mandolin, Kiko Kids Jazz incorporated their love of early acoustic Cuban Son, rhythms from their hometown of Tabora, the exciting and competitive scene of acoustic/electric dance bands in Dar Es Salaam and Nairobi, the poetic strains of Taarab and Arabic music, and the tranquility of coastal Tanzania.
Joyce Manor – Joyce Manor [Reissue/2011] LP (Asian Man)
Limited picture disc vinyl pressing. Four tired guys with a taste for bad Chinese food, Thin Lizzy guitar solos, and calling shotgun. Some people have called them the smartphone of modern rock.
Kansas – Audio-Visions [Reissue/1980] LP (Friday Music)
Limited 180gm translucent blue swirl vinyl pressing of the seventh studio album by the progressive rock band.
The Kinks – Give The People What They Want [Reissue/1981] LP (Friday Music)
Limited 180gm translucent clear vinyl pressing of The Kinks’ 19th studio album.
Danny Krivit – Salsoul Re-Edits Series Two [Reissue/2017] 2×12” (Salsoul)
Clear vinyl reissue. The second part of the Salsoul Re-Edits series features four remixes from seminal edit king Danny Krivit. With over 45 years behind the turntables, if anyone knows what little extra touch a record needs to work on the dancefloor, it’s Danny.
The Lasso, Jordan Hamilton, & The Saxsquatch – Tri-Magi LP (Mello Music Group)
“Our goal as an ensemble is to create new fusions and discover unique intersections, reflects Lasso. Footwork percussion, stabs of Juno chords, and big band stacks of sax and cello highlight this proprietary blend of jazz and electronic music.”
Lavender Diamond – Now Is The Time LP (Petaluma)
The first album in eight years from the Los Angeles based chamber-pop band. Now Is The Time features contributions from Nathaniel Walcott (Bright Eyes), Sasami (Domino Records) and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Josh Klinghoffer (Red Hot Chili Peppers, PJ Harvey, Beck).
Legendary Pink Dots – Live At Lounge Ax 2xLP/3xLP+2xCD (Rustblade)
Recently released on CD – now available on limited-edition yellow color vinyl. An archival live performance from the apocalyptic neofolk band. [The limited deluxe box contains a marble orange vinyl pressing, a bonus live vinyl LP (Live In Philadelphia), the double CD edition and an a poster.]
Loch Vostok – Opus Ferox – The Great Escape LP (ViciSolum Productions)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Swedish progressive metal outfit Loch Vostok has been around since the year 2000. Spawned from the fractured mind of Teddy Möller, Loch Vostok is where anything goes. Where cheese meets grind. Where speed meets groove. The unholy child of Emperor and Tears For Fears, the bastard cousin of King Diamond and King’s X. [A limited-edition silver color vinyl pressing is also available.]
Lorde – Solar Power LP (Republic)
Recently, in a surprise move, Grammy Award-winning, multiplatinum artist Lorde released her new song “Solar Power”. The track, which appropriately dropped timed to the only solar eclipse of the year, came alongside the announcement of her highly anticipated third studio album of the same name. Solar Power includes 12 tracks and is produced by Jack Antonoff, who she collaborated with on her chart-topping last album, Melodrama. [A discless Music Box edition is also available this week.]
Martina McBride – Greatest Hits: The RCA Years 2xLP (Sony)
Influential vocalist Martina McBride released her major label debut in 1992 and had her first Top Ten single on Billboard’s country charts in 1993 with “My Baby Loves Me”. Inspired by forerunners such as Linda Ronstadt and Country Music Hall of Fame members Reba McEntire and Connie Smith, McBride brought her own unique voice and style that helped further modernize the image of female artists in country music, choosing material that often-highlighted women’s strengths.
Nate Morgan – Journey Into Nigritia [Reissue/1983] LP (Pure Pleasure)
Nate Morgan was one of the most active artists in the Los Angeles underground jazz scene, and a member of the late great Horace Tapscott’s artist collective Union Of God’s Musicians and Artists Ascension (UGMAA). He performed alongside Tapscott, and other Nimbus recording artists like Jesse Sharps, who he introduced to Tapscott. He also performed with Arthur Blythe, Gary Bartz, Azar Lawrence, as well as soul icons Willie Hutch (notably on the Foxy Brown soundtrack) and Rufus & Chaka Khan. Most recently he contributed to Carlos Niño’s 2016 album Flutes, Echoes, It’s All Happening!, and was a part of Niño and vocalist Dwight Trible’s souljazz group Build An Ark (which also featured Tribe’s Phil Ranelin). Journey Into Nigritia is Morgan’s debut as a leader, and the first of three recordings he released for Nimbus West. The album has a strong post-Coltrane spiritual feel, with some model-based melodies, and some fiery solos from saxophonist Dadisi Komolafe.
MP – Get It Now [Reissue/1987] LP (Dying Victim Productions)
Originally released in 1987, Get It Now was the second record by Germany’s MP. A year after their debut, the power-trio unleashed a more finessed follow-up. While the band hardly wavered in their approach between the two albums – still spanning the early hot-rockin’ throes of post-NWOBHM to the nascent rumblings of speed metal, MP here focused their songwriting into a more streamlined push. [CD addition due September 17.]
My Dying Bride – Macabre Cabaret LP (Nuclear Blast)
Blue & black splatter color vinyl pressing. The latest offering from Yorkshires finest merchants of misery features new music composed in the style the band have made their own over three decades which continues their relevance within the scene today. Macabre Cabaret is as menacing and brooding as it is beautiful and melancholic with crushing guitar riffs sailing side by side with emotive piano pieces and vocals to suit all flavors.
Nightbringer – Ego Dominus Tuus [Reissue/2014] 2xLP (Season Of Mist)
White color vinyl pressing of the enigmatic black metal cult’s 2014 album.
On–Ly – Yurodivy LP (La Sape)
On-Ly is the solo and collaborative moniker of pianist and producer Joshua Smeltink.
Pharoah – The Powers That Be LP (Cruz Del Sur Music)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The long-running American metallers Pharaoh emerge with a nine-song offering of challenging melodic metal featuring a guest solo from Voivod’s Daniel Chewy Mongrain.
Quruli – Thaw 2xLP (Speedstar)
A collection of unreleased songs from the Japanese rock band. [A limited-edition color vinyl pressing is also available.]
Razika – Program 91 [Reissue/2011] LP (Jansen)
“The youthful debut from this indie-pop quartet from Norway (the band is made up of 19-year-old girls who have known each other since they were six and have been making music together since they were 14) is an exercise in writing what you know.” – Pitchfork
Wilburt Lee Reliford – Seems Like A Dream LP (Big Legal Mess)
The next installment in Big Legal Mess/Fat Possum’s North Mississippi Redux Series originating from field recordings produced by Dutch folklorist Ko de Korte in the early ‘90s. Like the first installment, Jessie Mae Hemphill’s Run Get My Shotgun, these recordings have been resurrected and enhanced by Bruce Watson and his Sacred Soul Sound Section, bringing all that North MS vibe back to life in an incredible collection that indeed seems like a dream.
Resistance Revival Chorus – This Joy LP (Righteous Babe)
Red color vinyl pressing. The Resistance Revival Chorus, a collective of more than 70 women and non-binary singers deliver their debut album. This Joy features original compositions along with protest classics and was recorded in New York City with Grammy-nominated producer Tiffany Gouché. The album was 100% created by women, non-binary artists and features special guests Rhinnanon Giddens, Valerie June and Deva Mahal.
Olivia Rodrigo – Sour LP (Geffen)
Record-breaking Olivia Rodrigo releases her debut album featuring the global smash “Driver’s License” and her current hit “Déjà Vu”.
Rose Tattoo – Blood Brothers [Reissue/2007] 2xLP (Golden Robot)
Red color vinyl pressing. For over 30 years, Rose Tattoo has been at the helm of Australia’s rock music scene, reaching cult status. Their 2007 album Blood Brothers is not only a true to the times rock ’n’ roll album that mixes traditional and modern styles but is also a tribute to the band members Peter Wells and Ian Rilen.
Savatage – The Dungeons Are Calling [Reissue/1984] 12+7” (MRI Associated)
Vinyl reissue of the metal band’s 1884 EP paired with a bonus 7”.
Slowey and The Boats – Set Sail [Reissue/2015] LP (Hi-Tide Recordings)
Limited sea-fog color vinyl pressing of the breezy 2015 debut album from Slowey and The Boats, featuring eleven Hawaiian-inspired instrumentals.
Stimulator Jones – Low Budget Environments Striving For Perfection LP (Stones Throw)
A Peanut Butter Wolf-curated album of instrumental beats from Stones Throw artist Stimulator Jones.
toe – The Book About My Idle Plot On A Vague Anxiety [Reissue/2005] LP (Topshelf)
toe – For Long Tomorrow [Reissue/2009] LP (Topshelf)
Vinyl reissues of the first two albums by the Japanese post-rock/math rock band.
Laura Veirs – July Flame [Reissue/2010] LP (Raven Marching Band)
Limited clear vinyl pressing of the seventh studio album by the singer-songwriter Laura Veirs. Jim James contributed falsetto harmonies on several tracks, including “Carol Kaye” which is a tribute to the so named bass guitarist.
Volbeat – Hokus Bonus LP (Republic)
A vinyl-only collection of all bonus tracks from the Danish heavy metal band’s previous albums.
Kelsey Waldon – Goldmine LP (Oh Boy)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. “I’ve always said that, if George Jones sang on a disco song, I think it’d still be country,” Kelsey Waldon muses. “If it’s a part of who you are, it’s a part of who you are.” And country music is very much a part of who she is, a part of who she’s always been. The Kentucky singer/songwriter hails from Monkey’s Eyebrow, in rural Ballard County where her family put down roots several generations ago, metaphorically and otherwise. “Farming and planting tobacco were some of the first jobs I had growing up,” she recounts. Even so, Waldon’s musical tastes reach well beyond those borders. From classic crooners like Merle Haggard and Loretta Lynn, to bluegrass greats like Ralph Stanley and Ricky Skaggs, to iconic songwriters like Vern Gosdin and Guy Clark, she wears her influences on her sleeve… and proudly so.
Witchseeker – Scene Of The Wild LP (Dying Victim Productions)
While traditional metal is not often associated with Singapore, Witchseeker gained the attention of their national scene with a classics-minded style of heavy metal that’s packed with power, speed, melody, and aggression. Scene Of The Wild stylistically spans hot-rockin’ and classy, cruising speed metal alike, all with the finesse of devotees of all that’s timeless and true.
Wizardthrone – Hypercube Necrodimensions LP (Naplam)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Traversing vivid sci-fi multiverses in the spirit of H.P. Lovecraft via comprehensively established technical death/power/symphonic/black metal, Hypercube Necrodimensions is a bombastic journey through hyperspace and otherworldly realities.
Cassette:
Shannon & The Clams – Year Of The Spider (Easy Eye Sound)
The widely anticipated and much ballyhooed garage rock idols, Shannon & The Clams’ new studio album, Year Of The Spider, is here! The band returned to Nashville to record with Dan Auerbach at his legendary Easy Eye Sound studio. Fresh off their standout album, Onion, and supporting tours with the likes of The Black Keys and Greta Van Fleet, they returned to the studio to craft their utterly unique vintage sound that incorporates wonderfully strange elements of doo-wop, classic R&B, garage psych and surf rock to produce this timeless gem from these perennial favorites. The band, fronted by Shannon Shaw and Cody Blanchard on lead vocals with Will Sprott on keyboards and Nate Mahan on drums, crafted an endlessly vivacious, ebullient and clever album from the kings and queen of the Bay Area garage punk scene.
Miscellaneous:
Lorde – Solar Power (Republic)
Discless Music Box edition (read: does not include CD). 100% biodegradable hard eco box. Contains download code for a hi-res digital audio version of the album plus bonus tracks and access to exclusive content. The box also contains a fold-out poster, a 32-page booklet and a limited four card set. “I decided early on in the process of making this album that I also wanted to create an environmentally kind, forward-thinking alternative to the CD. I wanted this Music Box product to be similar in size, shape and price to a CD, to live alongside it in a retail environment, but be something which stands apart – a plastic-free box that contains loads of extra visual content, handwritten notes, exclusive photos, and a download card. This card gets you a high- quality download of the music, two exclusive bonus tracks, and access to some special surprises along the way. It’s kind of like purchasing membership to a little club, one that’s committed to the evolving nature of a modern album.” – Lorde
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