CDs + Vinyl:
The Aces – When My Heart Feels Volcanic CD/LP (Red Bull)
Recently released on vinyl – now available on CD. Hailing from Orem, Utah the quartet has been playing together for over a decade despite the oldest member being the young age of 22.”Across 13 tracks, The Aces’ sound positively sparkles. Drawing from both past and present Top 40 proclivities, the record captures moments with clarity and detail. The breezy album opener ‘Volcanic Love’ glistens as Ramirez draws out her syllables, articulating an overwhelming, all-consuming lust that lingers. Anchored by stable, unshakeable synths, the anthemic ‘Just Like That’ details the demise of what once was with a slow build to its cathartic, kiss-off chorus. Closer ‘Waiting for You’ slinks and slithers, waiting for impulses to be acted on, before its soaring crescendo.” – NPR
AGF & Various – Dissidentova CD (AGF Produktion)
The Dissidentova audio collection is another edition of feminist language exploration by the artist, music producer and poet Antye Greie-Ripatti, aka AGF. This time her work focuses on poetry, sound art, and the her-story in Russia from the mid-18th century to the present day. AGF chooses 15 iconic figures in Russian culture and creates fragmented tributes, placing them in chronological order. She invited Russian musicians and sound artists to collaborate with her as a reflection of the musical landscape of Russia today.
Tohru Aizawa Quartet – Tachibana Vol. 1 [Reissue/1975] CD/2xLP (BBE)
The Tohru Aizawa Quartet was a group made up of Japanese student musicians who never played a gig together and recorded only one album, Tachibana, in 1975 — one of the rarest albums in the history of Japanese jazz.
Astronauts, etc. – Living In Symbol CD/LP+MP3 (Company)
Living In Symbol is an ode to ambiguity, the future, and saying ‘so long’ to the known. A member of the last generation to experience life before total interconnectedness, Anthony Ferraro (digitally known as Tony Peppers) aims to be a bridge between two very different realities. The spirit of change is especially pronounced in California’s bay area, where technologies dawn and disruption is the noblest goal. Critics and advocates of all stripes write columns and fill talk radio hours with their analyses of the times. Sonically, Living In Symbol weaves its influences into an alien drapery. “The Border” introduces Latin psychedelia to a groove à la David Axelrod, setting the stage for a vocal performance that manages to be equal parts Lee Hazlewood and HAL 9000. On “The Room”, a Borgesian story gets dressed up in an eerily graceful string arrangement reminiscent of Les Baxter. And “Who I Talk To” nods to George Harrison in a soft rocking arrangement that supports Ferraro’s ghostly croon. Living In Symbol is a series of rooms, a choose-your-own-tomorrow story.
Daniel Bachman – The Morning Star CD/2xLP+MP3 (Three Lobed)
The Morning Star is the product of various change elements directing themselves at Daniel Bachman. First, the months following the recording and mixing of his 2016 self-titled album saw him physically move from his multi-year residence in the North Carolina Triangle area back to his native Virginia. Next was the 2016 American presidential election. While not an overtly political album, The Morning Star is truly an artist’s personal reflection on the chaotic days and nights in America following the revelation of that election’s results. Lastly, a focused period of listening, reflection, and space to come down off of a heavy few years of touring created a few changes in Bachman’s writing style that took him a period of time to truly feel comfortable with.
Banned From Chicago – 1978 CD/LP (Alona’s Dream)
Banned From Chicago formed in Chicago’s nascent punk scene circa 1977. Not content with their hometown, they decamped for NYC in early 1978. But before they departed Chicago, they recorded a set at a studio on the south side. The eight songs sat unreleased until rediscovered in 2017. Twin guitars, throbbing bass, heavy drums and a unique take on punk’s early sound.
Bellini – Before The Day Has Gone CD/LP+MP3 (Temporary Residence)
Bellini’s gift for marrying melody and dissonance is as sharp as ever here – the band’s veteran rhythm section of Matthew Taylor and Alexis Fleisig anchoring Sacha Tilotta’s sinewy anti-riffs and vocalist/lyricist Giovanna Cacciola’s primal punk poetry. Bellini deliver passion and pain with the kind of pride and prowess one would expect from a band of their pedigree, and Before The Day Has Gone is their most dramatic and dizzying display of their two-decade career.
A Certain Ratio – Sextet [Reissue/1982] CD/LP (Mute)
A Certain Ratio – Mind Made Up [Reissue/1988] CD/2xLP (Mute)
A Certain Ratio – Change The Station [Reissue/1997] CD/2xLP (Mute)
Manchester’s A Certain Ratio embraced the ethic and culture of the late-70s post-punk explosion, but sounded like nothing else around them and refused to fit in. Formed in 1978, the band had various members throughout their career, and a core line-up of Jeremy Kerr, Martin Moscrop and Donald Johnson. ACR’s myriad influences created their uniquely eclectic sound, one that the band once described as “James Brown on acid.” Some of these influences include Brian Eno, Miles Davies, Tower of Power, Airto Moreira, The Velvet Underground, Kraftwerk and Wire. [Limited colored vinyl reissues also available.]
Kenny Chesney – Songs For The Saints CD (Warner Nashville)
New album from the country music superstar.
Johnny Clarke – Creation Rebel CD/2xLP (VP)
Recently released on vinyl – now available on CD. Among the ranks of singers, only Johnny Clarke comes close to challenging Bob Marley and Dennis Brown for reggae’s crown, through his unequaled run of hit songs. His output of mid- ‘70s classics powered by producer Bunny “Striker” Lee, give Clarke status among the top artists of the period and contemporary relevance on the live show and reggae festival circuit. Many of Johnny’s classic roots recordings are gathered here, the very essence of what is now regarded as the golden age of roots music.
Coil + Zos Kia + Marc Almond – How To Destroy Angels CD/LP (Cold Spring)
Cold Spring Records present the complete recording of A Slow Fade To Total Transparency. Recorded on August 24th, 1983 at the Air Gallery in London, UK. Personnel for the performance: John Balance (Coil), John Gosling (Zos Kia), Marc Almond (Soft Cell), and live mix by Peter Christopherson (Coil, Throbbing Gristle). Features: “How To Destroy Angels”, the complete 23-minute piece; “How To Destroy Angels (Zos Kia Remix)”, a nine-minute, unheard remix by John Gosling; and “Baptism Of Fire”, an unreleased recording of Zos Kia/Coil at Recession Studios, London, England on October 12, 1983.
Curren$y & Harry Fraud – The Marina EP CD/LP (Next)
An eight-track project featuring guest appearances from Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, Action Bronson, Smoke DZA and Street Wiz. The Marina EP is a showcase for Spitta’s understated, but clever brand of lyricism. Mr. Fraud also delivers, crafting a soundscape as dynamic as Spitta’s subtly versatile flows.
Daughtry – Cage To Rattle CD/LP+MP3 (RCA)
Introduced by the swaggering new anthems “Backbone” and “Deep End,” Cage To Rattle is the fifth studio album from Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum rockers Daughtry and the long-awaited follow-up to 2013’s Baptized. Showcasing the evolution of an artist with new dimensions and inspirations, frontman Chris Daughtry describes the record as “having a “bluesy, almost rootsy undertone to it” and “the most fun yet most challenging album we’ve ever made.”
Deaf Wish – Lithium Zion CD/LP+MP3 (Sub Pop)
Lithium Zion is the fifth full-length album from grisly Melbourne, Australia rock group Deaf Wish. Their previous efforts were recorded in makeshift studios – a wise choice for capturing the hazardous riffing, chemically-stained vocals and fiery rhythms conjured the group – but this step toward a slightly more professional sound only enhances their power. The record opens with “Easy”, a languid rocker in the rich Australian tradition of groups like X and The Scientists. From there it’s onto “FFS”, a moody downhill rocker sung by guitarist Sarah Hardiman that confirms Deaf Wish’s relation to fellow Sub Pop employees like Feedtime and Hot Snakes. “The Rat Is Back” is tense and epic; “Hitachi Jackhammer” pays a brief and noisy tribute to Hitachi’s second most notable device. Lithium Zion is a veritable buffet of garage-punk energy, post-punk pathos, sardonic wit and the fearlessness that comes with Aussie rock, a natural consequence for anyone living on a continent teeming with grapefruit-sized spiders and man-eating mosquito swarms.
Drivin N Cryin – Too Late To Turn Back Now CD/LP (New West)
Comprised of Kevn Kinney on vocals/guitar and Tim Nielsen on bass/mandolin, along with Jeff Sullivan on drums, Drivin N Cryin’s Kosmo Vinyl (The Clash, Sex Pistols, and more) produced (Casino Studio, Atlanta, GA) eponymous 1997 album had a short life on radio, with their cover of John Denver’s “Leaving On A Jet Plane” getting some airplay in Alabama. Why this album went relatively unnoticed is a mystery. Maybe it was their return to their hometown, independent roots, after having left Geffen Records, that resulted in the album’s release with little momentum. What we do know for certain is that Drivin N Cryin stayed true to their sound and who they were here. A little grit, a little roots. Now, 21 years later, the record has a title and new cover art (courtesy of Kosmo Vinyl himself).
Bob Dylan – Live 1962-1966 – Rare Performances From The Copyright Collections 2xCD (Sony Legacy)
This new compilation consists of previously released live recordings from 1962 – 1966, most of them rare and hard to find.
Evil Triplet – Have A Nice Trip CD/LP (Super Secret)
Austin’s Evil Triplet return with a fresh batch of psych rock that continues in the band’s lysergic direction while simultaneously growing in terms of songcraft and adding a new aggressive explosive edge. Once again, the band uses the studio to its full potential adding mellotron, keyboards and swirling synths and electronics to their guitar, bass and drum core.
Extremity – Coffin Birth CD/LP (20 Buck Spin)
New album from the Oakland death metal band. Coffin Birth boasts both surgical clarity and pummeling raw aggression.
Face To Face – Hold Fast (Acoustic Sessions) CD/LP (Fat Wreck Chords)
Ten acoustic renderings of classic Face To Face songs.
Halestorm – Vicious CD (Atlantic)
Fourth album from the PA rockers. Halestorm cut Vicious earlier this year at Nashville, Tennessee’s Rock Falcon studio alongside producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Rush). It marks the follow-up to 2015’s Into the Wild Life. [Vinyl edition due September 14.]
Mary Halvorson – Maid With The Flaxen Hair CD (Tzadik)
Mary Halvorson is one of the most acclaimed guitarists of her generation—a virtuoso improviser, distinctive composer, arranger and a deep student of the jazz guitar. Here she joins forces with living legend Bill Frisell to pay tribute to Johnny Smith, a guitarist who has been a huge influence on them both. Featuring nine ballads associated with Smith, this is an essential CD of soulful guitar duets by two of the most beloved and original guitarists in modern jazz.
Hawks and Doves – From A White Hotel CD/LP (Jullian)
Singer-songwriter Kasey Anderson’s new band, Hawks and Doves, releases their debut album. Marking Kasey’s return to music after a six-year absence, it was recorded at Room 13 Recording Services in Portland, OR and features Anderson (vocals, guitars), Ben Landsverk (bass, keys, viola, vocals), Jesse Moffat (drums, percussion) and Jordan Richter (guitars) as well as a slew of special guests. From A White Hotel is home to the straight-ahead rocker “Chasing The Sky”, the wickedly insightful “Get Low”, the swaggering, anthemic call-to-arms “The Dangerous Ones”, the chiming tribute to Laura Jane Grace “Bulletproof Hearts (For Laura Jane)”, and the album’s keystone track, the unflinchingly confessional title track “From A White Hotel”.
Peter Holsapple – Game Day CD (Omnivore)
One would think being co-founder of beloved power pop band The dB’s would be enough for one person. But, Peter Holsapple just had to tour with R.E.M. and Hootie & The Blowfish, join Continental Drifters, and collaborate with acts like The Troggs, The Julianna Hatfield Three, Better Than Ezra, and so many more. Perhaps that’s why he’s releasing his first solo album in 21 years; he’s been a busy, busy man. And, as Peter himself says “And it’s really ‘solo’, too! I played and sang 99 44/100ths of the notes on this record.” Game Day contains 13 new tracks, a bonus track, and two “super bonus tracks”—Holsapple’s critically acclaimed single “Don’t Mention The War” b/w ”Cinderella Style”, originally released in 2017. Game Day is prime Holsapple, whose recording career spans nearly five decades. It contains all the hooks, clever lyrics, and deft instrumentation one would expect. As he says in the liner notes, “Today, with all of the hard competition in the music business, it’s almost impossible to come up with anything totally original. So, I haven’t. But I had a lot of fun making Game Day, and I hope it comes through when you hear it.”
Howlin’ Wolf – Howlin’ Wolf [Reissue/1962] LP (Macomba)
Howlin’ Wolf – Rarities From The Singles As & Bs 1951-62 LP (Doxy)
Howlin’ Wolf (Chester Burnett) will always be known as one of the founding fathers of modern day blues. His legendary style of playing guitar, his unique vocal and stage prowess and of course his stellar list of classic Chicago style blues tunes have all gone on to influence generations upon generations of rock and blues performers worldwide. With almost six decades in the music business, this Mississippi native began his career cutting early sides for Sun before landing in Chicago in the early-‘50s, where he began a long climb to the top of the blues world on the Chess label.
Zakir Hussain – The Rough Guide To Zakir Hussain CD (World Music Network)
The world’s best loved tabla player, Zakir Hussain, has transformed the instrument with his exquisite virtuosity and irresistible charm. With a lifetime of musical wit and wisdom, he celebrates the art of communicating in rhythm.
Cody Jinks – Lifers CD/LP (Rounder)
Eighth studio album from the country music singer-songwriter. Writing in Rolling Stone, Jon Freeman observed “Sturgill Simpson’s cosmic experiments have made him an upper-echelon entertainer, Jason Isbell’s poetic flair has labeled him a revered tunesmith and Whitey Morgan – with whom Jinks has toured – has injected a gritty Rust Belt pride into his sweaty live shows. But Jinks may be the most palatable of the lot, blending an innate knack for hooks with the DGAF attitude suited for a rebel,” while Saving Country Music’s Kyle Corneos declared “2018 will be the year of Cody Jinks in country.”
King Magnetic – Back In The Trap CD (King Mag Music)
At 6’9′ and 400+ pounds, rapper/producer King Magnetic is arguably the ‘biggest rapper alive.’ He has worked with heavyweights such as Sean Price, Masta Ace, Smif N Wessun, Marco Polo, Prodigy, Edo G, Conway, DJ Premier, 9th Wonder, Cappadonna, Atmosphere, Jedi Mind Tricks, Immortal Technique, Jadakiss, Rapsody and more. Back In The Trap showcases Magnetic’s lyrical flow over the most modern soundscape in his catalog.
Like Pacific – In Spite Of Me CD/LP (Pure Noise)
Like Pacific is a punk quintet hailing from Toronto, Canada and consisting of Jordan Black (vocals), Chris Thaung (bass), Greg Hall (guitar), Luke Holmes (guitar) and Taylor Ewart (drums). Their 2016 debut, Distant Like You Asked made waves with its unique, energetic and upbeat but introspective form of pop punk. Now they make their hotly-anticipated return with second full-length effort, In Spite Of Me which was pre-produced with Alan Day (Four Year Strong) and finished off with Derek Hoffman, and showcases the band’s best writing to date with faster/heavier punk more than pop rooted material like lead singles “Sedatives” and the title cut.
Tony Molina – Kill The Lights CD/LP+MP3 (Slumberland)
Masterful new album from the San Francisco singer-songwriter blending classic jangle-pop with west coast folk-rock reminscent of The Byrds, The Beatles & Teenage Fanclub.
Israel Nash – Lifted CD/LP (Desert Folklore)
Texas’ genre-bending rock ‘n’ roller Israel Nash presents his latest long player, Lifted, a modern-day hippie-spiritual and a tonic for those needing to put aside the mess of the daily grind. With luscious beds of strings, horns and well adorned towering walls of sound, Lifted finds Nash continuing his tradition of creating a sonic experience of feeling that is at once both vast and intimate – soaring and untamed at times, placid and sincerely personal at others.
Willie Nile – Children Of Paradise CD/LP (River House)
Willie Nile’s 12th studio release is an album of bracing new originals, following up from his acclaimed 2017 release of Bob Dylan covers, Positively Bob. With an immediate sound that reflects Nile’s deep affinity for rock ‘n’ roll’s gritty roots, Children Of Paradise ranks with his most distinctive and resonant work, and was made as a “pick-me-up from the blues that’s all around us in 2018.” It’s a fast paced and uplifting album from the man Uncut magazine called “the unofficial poet laureate of New York City.”
Oh, Weatherly – Lips Like Oxygen CD/LP+MP3 (Hopeless)
New album from the Dallas, TX alt-rock band, co-produced by Jake Bundrick of Mayday Parade.
Okonkolo – Cantos CD/LP (Big Crown)
In a world where chaos seems to be in control more often than not, music can occasionally be a temporary respite; and at best, a form of salvation. This is the transcendent realm of Okonkolo: Yoruban Santeria music like you have never heard before. Okonkolo transports listeners to another realm; a spiritual dance with gods beyond our grasp, held together by rhythm, passion and musical virtuosity.
Otep – KULT 45 CD/LP (Napalm)
On their powerhouse eighth studio album, KULT 45, Otep expertly fuses aggressive and pervasive metal molotovs, imbued with eruptive rapcore, that captivate the mind and body, not only with lyrically-embraced social enlightenment, but with poignant messages regarding the current political and cultural conditions in America. [Limited edition colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Phantastic Ferniture – Phantastic Ferniture CD/LP+MP3 (Polyvinyl)
Phantastic Ferniture is the project of old friends Julia Jacklin, Elizabeth Hughes, Ryan K Brennan, and Tom Stephens, who wanted to shake the shackles of their meticulously crafted solo work to experience a second, giddy adolescence. That’s evident in the urgent garage-pop perfection of the band’s more spontaneous and less technical self-titled debut. [Limited edition colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Redemption – Long Night’s Journey Into Day CD/2xLP (Metal Blade)
The brainchild of Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist Nick Van Dyk (guitars, bass, keyboards), Redemption proudly unfurl the flag of American progressive metal on their seventh album.
Max Richter – The Blue Notebooks [Super Deluxe Edition] 2xCD (Deutsche Grammophon)
Originally written in 2003 The Blue Notebooks is now a cult classic that’s paved the way for a generation of new artists combining classical and electronic elements with a post rock sensibility. Hardcover double-CD book set with real notebook inside + an exclusive new track.
Rise Against – The Ghost Note Symphonies, Vol I CD/LP (Capitol)
The melodic hardcore band reimagines some of their biggest songs with intimate performances backed with strings.
Michael Romeo – War Of The Worlds Pt. 1. CD/2xLP (Music Theories)
Michael Romeo is best known as the guitarist, chief songwriter and all-around main man behind the progressive rock titans Symphony X. An ambitious 10-song disc, War Of The Worlds Pt. 1 blends bracing classic metal with textures that pay homage to film score giants Bernard Hermann and John Williams.
Ross From Friends – Family Portrait CD/LP+MP3 (Brainfeeder)
Having recently made his inaugural outing on Brainfeeder with Aphelion EP, British producer Ross From Friends aka Felix Clary Weatherall returns with his debut album on Flying Lotus’ label. Family Portrait is characterized by a perpetual desire to experiment and Felix’s obsessive attention to detail, somehow marrying an intricately layered production style with warm, heavily saturated sonics that elevate, rather than stifle, his melodious funk.
George Salazar & Joe Iconis – Two-Player Game CD (Ghostly International)
Two-Player Game is a hot recording of a rock-and-roll evening of hilarious characters, soaring vocals, and unstoppable energy that joins George Salazar – the Drama Desk-nominated actor known for Be More Chill, The Lightning Thief, Godspell, and tick tick BOOM – with Joe Iconis, the Larson Award-winning musical theatre writer behind Be More Chill, Broadway Bounty Hunter, The Black Suits, and his songs for Smash on NBC-TV.
Boz Scaggs – Out Of The Blues CD/LP+7” (Concord)
It’s been a life of music – five decades in the case of Boz Scaggs – spread far and wide with remarkable range in style and influence. From his early West Coast rock and soul bands, through his smooth ‘70s Hollywood years with hits like “Lowdown” and “Lido Shuffle”, to his more recent explorations in R&B, jazz and the Great American Songbook, the versatile singer-songwriter/guitarist has created a highly personal, unfailingly soulful repertoire. His latest edition, Out Of The Blues, finds Scaggs, born in Ohio and raised in Texas and Oklahoma, reconnecting with his earliest musical loves. The album marks the final piece of an unofficial trilogy for Scaggs, which began with the Steve Jordan-produced albums Memphis and A Fool To Care. The self-produced Out Of The Blues finds Scaggs applying his iconic voice and gritty guitar skills to a set of vintage classics by such blues greats as Bobby “Blue” Bland, Jimmy Reed and Magic Sam, an unexpected and stirring reading of Neil Young’s “On the Beach” and original compositions by the songwriter Jack Walroth.
ShadowParty – ShadowParty CD (Mute)
ShadowParty’s debut – recorded in Boston, LA, Manchester and Macclesfield – is a synth-pop record with guitars and strings, and guests including the incomparable vocalist Denise Johnson (Primal Scream, A Certain Ratio) and The Verve’s revered guitarist Nick McCabe. It’s the sound of a blast. ShadowParty burst through your speakers; pulsing electronics get swept away with lush orchestrations, bold ‘80s-fused beats get carved up by haunting guitars and vocals tower through each moment, whispering sweet harmonies and unspoken despair. [Vinyl edition due August 10.]
Dee Snider – For The Love Of Metal CD/LP (Napalm)
Veteran hard rocker Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) releases his new solo album produced by Hatebreed vocalist Jamey Jasta and featuring contributions from Howard Jones (Killswitch Engage), Mark Morton (Lamb Of God), Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy), Joel Grind and Nick Bellmore (Toxic Holocaust) and Charlie Bellmore (Kingdom Of Sorrow). [Limited edition silver colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Sonoio – Fine CD/LP (Dais)
Prior to releasing a string of influential and widely acclaimed solo records under his own name on labels such as Important and Hospital Productions, Alessandro Cortini (Nine Inch Nails) self-released two albums under the name Sonoio in 2010 and 2011 in limited runs and after several delays releases his third album of deep and inspiring pop music.
Styx – The Mission CD+Blu-ray (UMe)
Deluxe edition of Styx acclaimed 2017 concept album featuring a 5.1 surround mix on Blu-ray.
Sunny & The Sunliners – Little Brown Eyed Soul [Reissue/1968] CD/LP (Big Crown)
When it comes to living legends in the Texas and Latin Music pantheon, few have been at it longer and are more revered by their fans and peers than vocalist, songwriter and bandleader Sunny Ozuna.
Swans – Soundtracks For The Blind [Reissue/1996] 3xCD/4xLP (Young God)
Digitally remastered and expanded edition of Swans’ last studio album prior to their 2010 reunion. This set features a repackage of the original digipak for the 1996 Atavistic release plus a bonus disc of the contemporaneous Die Tür Ist Zu EP (a German language version of some of the material from Soundtracks that also includes unique material).
Tarja – Act II 2xCD/3xLP+MP3 (earMUSIC)
No other voice and artist influenced and basically created the female fronted symphonic metal genre as much as Tarja. A pioneer in goth and symphonic metal, the classically trained Finn rose to fame with the band Nightwish, whose face and voice she fronted for nine years. Tarja, whose vocal range goes as far as three octaves, started her solo career after stepping out of Nightwish in 2004. Filmed during Tarja’s world tour The Shadow Shows during which the influential heavy rock singer circled the world 7 ½ times and played over 200 shows in 40 countries in front of one million people, Act II consists of the singer’s very intimate 75-minute set filmed and recorded live at the Metropolis Studio in London, UK and the breathtaking live performance of one of her shows in Milan, Italy. [Stand-alone DVD and Blu-ray editions are also available.]
Thanatopsis – Golden Voice CD/LP (Alona’s Dream)
Golden Voice was recorded circa 1968 and unheard until 2018. Thanatopsis treats you to everything from baroque pop to psychedelic teenbeat garage.
Thin Lips – Chosen Family CD/LP (Lame-O)
Thin Lips is a rock/roll type indie band who place a whole lot of value on humility, kindness, and erudite riffage.
Underworld & Iggy Pop – Teatime Dub Encounters CDEP/12” (Caroline)
While overseeing the soundtrack for T2 Trainspotting, Underworld’s Rick Smith arranged a meeting with Iggy Pop in a room at the Savoy Hotel on London’s Strand to discuss working on collaborative music for the film. The thread that had connected the artists previously was that Pop’s “Lust For Life” and Underworld’s “Born Slippy (Nuxx)” had both been in the original Trainspotting. The four-track EP Teatime Dub Encounters is the result of a few clandestine hotel room recording sessions that began in 2016, a few weeks after Underworld and Iggy Pop had each simultaneously released their last albums (Barbara, Barbara We Face A Shining Future and Post Pop Depression respectively). Teatime Dub Encounters is neither historical or a tribute to past work. It’s rather the work of artists in motion, engaged in a process that both bring to all of their work – one that uses spontaneity as a spur for creativity. [Limited clear vinyl pressing also available.]
Various Artists [DJ Q] – Fabriclive 99 CD (Fabric)
“The rowdy [Fabric99] mix is packed with exclusives across bassline, UK garage and beyondPacking the 32-track mix with no less than 31 exclusives from the likes of Todd Edwards, Royal-T, Flava D, Jack Junior and Swindle, not to mention 15 of his own productions, DJ Q has dug deep into his studio and called on his connections to represent the here and now of bassline.” – Mixmag
Various Artists – Midnight In Tokyo Vol. 2 CD/2xLP (Studio Mule)
Second installment to the compilation series that rounds up hidden gems by Japanese artists that’s perfect for listening at night in Tokyo, is here. This time the collection brings together some tasty electric jazz fusion from the ’80s, compiled by Dubby, the man behind the online record store Ondas.
Various Artists – Shadrach and Boomxtix! Exotic Blues and Rhythm Volume 9+10 CD (Stag-O-Lee)
Enjoy amazing and danceable tunes from the late 50s and early 60s – a handful of popcorn dancefloor smashes, a few grinding tittyshakers, awesome rhythm & blues – most of them with an exotic twist.
DVDs + Blu-ray:
Tarja – Act II DVD/Blu-ray (earMUSIC)
No other voice and artist influenced and basically created the female fronted symphonic metal genre as much as Tarja. A pioneer in goth and symphonic metal, the classically trained Finn rose to fame with the band Nightwish, whose face and voice she fronted for nine years. Tarja, whose vocal range goes as far as three octaves, started her solo career after stepping out of Nightwish in 2004. Filmed during Tarja’s world tour The Shadow Shows during which the influential heavy rock singer circled the world 7 ½ times and played over 200 shows in 40 countries in front of one million people, Act II consists of the singer’s very intimate 75-minute set filmed and recorded live at the Metropolis Studio in London, UK and the breathtaking live performance of one of her shows in Milan, Italy.
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
3OH!3 – Want [Reissue/2008] LP (Atlantic)
First time vinyl pressing of the electronic music duo’s second album.
Adorable – Against Perfection [Reissue/1993] LP (Music On Vinyl)
They have never been praised for the great albums they produced, but Adorable released one of the stronger albums during the year 1993. Stuck in the moment between the end of the shoegaze hysteria and the Britpop era their debut album Against Perfection is an overlooked gem. 180gm audiophile pressing.
The Album Leaf – The Endless [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] LP (Eastern Glow Recordings)
Score soundtrack by The Album Leaf/Jimmy LaValle. The Endless is a 2017 American science fiction horror film directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead and written by Justin Benson.
The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 21, 2017. Black and blue starburst vinyl in gatefold jacket.
Anne-Marie – Speak Your Mind LP (WB)
Released last April on CD – now available on vinyl. Speak Your Mind is the rich fruit of the past two years’ work and a hyper-confident artistic statement. On her debut offering Anne-Marie’s playfully infectious pop spirit entwines with her celebrated humor, charisma and idiosyncratic storytelling – attributes that have set her apart from her peers and seen her become one of the UK’s most-loved female breakthrough stars of recent years.
Antarctico Vespucci – The Essential Antarctico Vespucci V.1 LP (Asian Man)
For fans of: Jeff Rosenstock, Chris Farren, Bomb The Music Industry, Fake Problems. Includes long out-of-print 7”s, EP’s, compilation tracks, and the very first song they ever recorded. The band features Jeff Rosenstock and Chris Farren. BFF’s Forever.
Eric Arn/Margaret Unknown – Paranza Corta LP (Feeding Tube)
A set of acoustic guitar duets. “. The heft of the interplay here recalls some of the nylon string collaborations Eugene Chadbourne did back in the Parachute days, although he wasn’t big on guitar duets (at least on record). The playing here offers the same brilliant mix of organically achieved weirdness that can begin as a gentle outside motion, and then grow to devilish proportions without ever going too far.” – Byron Coley
Atmosphere – Sad Clown Bad Year (#9-#12 Collection) 2xLP+MP3 (Rhumesayers)
The Sad Clown series first started as a string of cassette tapes and CD-Rs for Atmosphere to sell on tour. Since its incarnation in 1999, the Sad Clown series has taken on a few forms, including rare four-track demos, live shows, a DVD, a mixtape, and a pair of 7” singles. In the summer of 2007, while simultaneously preparing for their then-upcoming album, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Sh*t Gold, Atmosphere launched the next phase of the series, releasing Sad Clown Bad Summer Number 9, the first of four EP’s dedicated to the four seasons. Limited double half black and white colored vinyl LP pressing.
Derek Bailey – Aida [Reissue/1980] LP (Honest Jon’s)
Derek Bailey / Jamie Muir – Dart Drug [Reissue/1981] LP (Honest Jon’s)
When addressing the histories of jazz, improvised music, and the entirety of avant-garde practice, the looming presence of the English guitarist Derek Bailey is inescapable. He stands among the most innovative and influential creatives voices of the 20th century. Sadly, his remarkable body of recorded output – largely released on tiny independent labels or by his own private imprint, Incus, has been widely overlooked by the vinyl revival.
Bloodbound – In The Name Of Metal [Reissue/2012] LP (AFM)
Limited edition blue colored vinyl pressing of the 2012 album from the Swedish power metal band.
Bored! – Get Off My Wah-wah And… Suck This! [Reissue/1988] LP (Born Bad)
Vinyl reissue of the Australian punk rock band’s 1988 debut.
Cavetown – Lemon Boy LP (Triple Crown)
“Lemon Boy by Cavetown came at us with a sledgehammer. Well, an acoustic sledgehammer. A hammer that rung our eyes wide open, and made our heads bob, up and down with satisfaction, all the way to Sunday.” – ComeHereFloyd
Jean Cohen-Solal – Flutes Libres [Reissue/1972] LP (Souffle Continu
Jean Cohen-Solal – Captain Tarthopom [Reissue/1973] LP (Souffle Continu)
Jazz flautist Jean Cohen-Solal started with experimental and free-jazz groups before establishing his own psychedelic fusion band in the early 1970s. After that he mostly worked as a session musician and recorded many library music LPs.
Andrew Combs – Sings Five Covers & A Song 10” (New West)
Driven by lyrical content, nostalgia and the desire to cover some of his favorite songs, Andrew Combs started recording 5 Covers & A Song with the intention of showcasing one of his favorite artists, Loudon Wainwright III. The EP is a is a snapshot of the influences that helped shape Combs as a songwriter as well as a display of how he has honed his craft.
Coroner – R.I.P. [Reissue/1987] LP (Century Media)
Coroner – Punishment [Reissue/1988] LP (Century Media)
Coroner – No More Color [Reissue/1989] LP (Century Media)
180gm vinyl reissues of the Swiss thrash metal band’s first three albums.
Hector Costita Sexteto – Impacto [Reissue/1964] LP (ViNiLiSSSiMO)
By the mid-1960s, samba and bossa nova were the exotic hip sounds of the time. João Gilberto had gained international popularity by blending American jazz and samba, and Sérgio Mendes was about to reach the Billboard Top 5 a few times. Hector “Costita” Bisignani had arrived to Brazil a few years earlier from his native Argentina, where he started to play saxophone influenced by local legend Lalo Schifrin. During his first years in Brazil he would play with artists such as João Donato, Manfredo Fest, and Sérgio Mendes (as part of Sexteto Bossa Rio), and also released a solo album: O Fabuloso Hector (1962). In 1964, Costita and his sextet recorded Impacto in São Paulo, an explosive mix of tough jazz and Brazilian samba in equal measure, widely considered his best work.
Baby Dodds Trio – Jazz A’La Creole LP (JazzologyORG Music)
The first in a series of vinyl reissues from New Orleans-based Jazzology (The George H. Buck Jr. Jazz Foundation Family of Record Labels). Ja A’La Creole features some of the very first unaccompanied jazz drum solos ever recorded, as well as other historic New Orleans jazz recordings.
Donato Dozzy – Filo Loves The Acid 2xLP (Tresor)
Rome-based production maestro and DJ extraordinaire Donato Dozzy is unanimously considered as an illustrious leading light in all techno artforms. Along his long career and extensive discography, Dozzy has proven to use his instruments most interesting ways, always re-inventing his music, always presenting new approaches to both the deeper and the more rhythmic forms of electronic music. Filo Loves The Acid is a nod to the seminal Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer – a relentless collection of radical, propulsive, and bleeding-heart acid tracks.
Edguy – Kingdom Of Madness [Reissue/1997] 2xLP (AFM)
Two limited edition colored vinyl pressings of the German power metal band’s debut album are now available: gold and clear.
Eighteen Visions – Until The Ink Runs Out [Reissue/2000] 2xLP (Good Fight Music)
Originally released in 2000 on Trustkill Records, the pop culture obsessed Until The Ink Runs Out is a roller coaster ride of metal and film references that helped define the genre of “fashion core”.
Empool – Does Do Did Done LP (Feeding Tube)
“Empool was a whacked-out, Detroit-based prog-noise combo (usually a trio or quartet), that would eventually merge into the rock-band-era Destroy All Monsters. The tracks on this album were recorded between December 1976 and September 1977, and they’re pretty amazing. Structurally, the stuff is far away from No Wave, but it has a lot of the same rough structural textures and jumbled sonics, although there’s also crazy tape noise (some of it resembling gushing synth sequencing) and stun guitar stirred into the mix.” – Byron Coley
The Fizz – State Of Emmergency [Reissue/1986] LP (Favorite)
The Fizz is mostly the result of Patrick Jouanneau, a French musician, composer and producer who is still active today. He remembers: “In the early ‘80s I had a recording studio allowing me to easily fulfil my desire to create songs. It was then that I began to compose and write songs, in French or in English in this case. State Of Emergency (spelling on the LP is a mistake), is born from a fierce will on my part, and the other four have followed, but it was not easy, the musicians, you have to get them out of bed! I have to say that Richard Larozé, the pianist, was a very strong guy with harmonies, and has somewhat changed my first version, much more oriented in soul and R&B.”
The Flaming Lips – Hear It Is [Reissue/1986] LP (Rhino)
The Flaming Lips – Oh My Gawd!!!…The Flaming Lips [Reissue/1987] LP (Rhino)
The Flaming Lips – Telepathic Surgery [Reissue/1989] LP (Rhino)
Vinyl reissues of The Flaming Lips’ first three albums are now available.
Germs – (GI) [Reissue/1979] LP (Rhino)
Limited edition translucent blue vinyl edition. One of the leading bands of the ’70s Los Angeles punk scene, the Germs (Darby Crash, Pat Smear, Lorna Doom, and Don Bolles) only released one studio album before the untimely death of lead singer Crash at the age of 22.
Ghost – Opvs Eponymous [Reissue/2010] LP (Rise Above)
Recently reissued on CD – now available on vinyl. A daringly beautiful combination of Satanic rock music with an almost unthinkable pop sensibility, 2010’s Opvs Eponymous is where it all began for the beautifully dark global phenomena. Litanies of sexually pulsating heavy rock music and romantic lyrics, which glorify and glamorize the disgusting and sacrilegious.
Guided By Voices – You Won The Night b/w Your Cricket Is Rather Unique 7” (GBV Inc.)
With the recent Space Gun, Guided By Voices has focused on just a single album per year while touring the new songs across America throughout 2018. That doesn’t mean that the ultra-prolific Robert Pollard is vacationing or sunning himself by the pool. Here’s a 7” vinyl preview of the insanely anthemic “You Own The Night” (from the forthcoming February 2019 double album Zeppelin Over China) backed with “Your Cricket Is Rather Unique” (from the forthcoming February 2020 album Street Party).
Woody Guthrie – Struggle [Reissue/1976] LP (Smithsonian Folkways)
This recording, first released by Folkways founder Moses Asch in 1976 to coincide with the celebration of America’s Bicentennial, was originally recorded by Asch in the 1940s. The collection captures Woody Guthrie at his artistic best with gritty songs about the struggles of the American worker (“Waiting At The Gate,” “The Dying Miner”), unions (“Ludlow Massacre,” “1913 Massacre”), and an ode to a bad man (“Pretty Boy Floyd”). Blues harmonicist Sonny Terry sits in with Guthrie on “Lost John,” and fellow traveling companion and folksinger Cisco Houston contributes his voice, guitar, and a song (“Get Along Little Doggie”).
Gwar – This Toilet Earth [Reissue/1994] LP (Metal Blade)
Gwar – Ragnarök [Reissue/1995] LP (Metal Blade)
Gwar – Carnival Of Chaos [Reissue/1997] 2xLP (Metal Blade)
First time on vinyl – each a limited colored pressing (red and black, gray and white, and blue, respectively). Formed in Richmond, VA in 1984, Gwar has forged a path of debauchery for over 30 years. Gwar’s over-the-top faux mythology is rich in political and social satire and their cult-following is galvanized by their controversial, indefatigable and ostentatious live performances, where “crowds of willing slaves are subjected to ripe humor and theatrical imagery… and lots and lots of blood, vomit and other bodily fluids.”
Ben Hauke – Only Old LP (Far Out)
South London producer Ben Hauke takes a sonic excursion to South America via Lewisham for a new seven-track release. While littered with Afro-Latin percussion, and samples of obscure Brazilian, Cuban, and Colombian records, Only Old stays true to Ben’s distinctly London identity, with a record that fluctuates between house, broken beat, and instrumental hip-hop.
Hey Honcho & Aftermaths – Chico Purito! LP+MP3 (Hound Gawd!)
Hey Honcho & Aftermaths pretty much nail the sound for which Spanish garage rock is infamous: vibrant, high energy, and dangerously catchy. Recommended for fans of DMZ, Pleasure F**kers, The Dictators, and The Real Kids.
Huinca – Huinca [Reissue/1971] LP (Melopea Discos)
The self-titled Huinca album by Litto Nebbia (Los Gatos), in its ten tracks, brings together a peculiar naivety, so typical of the dawn of a new era. This is still more poignant in countries without a tradition in rock as well as immediate information of what was going on in England or in the USA. And that is its charm, and therefore — unconsciously — a watershed in the history of the Argentinian rock.
Eiko Ishibashi & Darin Gray – Ichida LP (Black Truffle)
The first release from the duo of two important, yet often underappreciated musicians. Ishibashi is a singer-songwriter, keyboardist, drummer, and multi-instrumentalist, known in Japan both for her own elaborately conceptual solo albums and for her frequent collaborations with figures such as Jim O’Rourke, Merzbow, and Phew. Darin Gray is a bassist and multi-instrumentalist known for a multitude of collaborations (with O’Rourke and Loren Connors, among many others), for On Fillmore, his cinematic post-exotica project with Glenn Kotche, and as one half of Chikamorachi with Chris Corsano, one of the finest free-jazz rhythm sections around.
Jet – Get Born: Live At The Forum LP (Bloodline)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Rare live performance recorded at Melbourne’s iconic Forum Theatre in 2004.
Lightnin’ Hopkins – Lightnin’ Hopkins [Reissue/1959] LP (Smithsonian Folkways)
Musicologist Sam Charters recorded legendary, Texas country bluesman Sam “Lightnin'” Hopkins in 1959 before the revival of rural blues or country music. Nonetheless, this recording of Hopkins’s first acoustic sessions was met with immediate critical acclaim and soon became recognized as a blues classic. This vinyl reissue is part of Folkways Records’ 70th anniversary celebration series, revisiting some of the most iconic and influential albums released on the record label, starting with Lightnin’ Hopkins, Woody Guthrie and Joseph Spence.
MB Jones – MB Jones By MB Jones LP (Feeding Tube)
“Matt’s basic constructions are still often electronic pop at their base, but the details that get piled on top of that now require a wide closet of costumery. From the multi-tracked vocal glistens of ‘$200,000 Ticket to Space’ (with neo-gamelanic tone highlighting) through to the jaw-harp-riven dolor of ‘Going Swimming in the Morning,’ the only real common thread the mood of dislocation Jones bakes into many of his lyrics. It’s never easy keeping one foot in reality (so-called) while extending your other foot into the vacuum of space, but it’s forward trajectory Matt seems to have managed. Perhaps this is why he and Mike Watt have struck up a friendship (the two recently cut a lathe 7″).” – Byron Coley
Joseph – Stay Awake LP (ATO)
Joseph’s seven-track EP, Stay Awake includes three new songs – “All”, which opens the set, a demo of “50, 60, 80” and the closing track, “Stay Awake” – plus re-imagined versions of two older songs and stunning covers of Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” and the Rolling Stones’ “Moonlight Mile”. Natalie Schepman, who founded Joseph with her two sisters, Allison Closner and Meegan Closner, says, “Stay Awake is a small collection of songs we put together to help ourselves deal with heaviness. It’s a bit of telling it like it is. It’s a bit of a ‘keep going.'”
Judas Priest – Sad Wings Of Destiny [Reissue/1976] LP (Repertoir)
Limited import-only silver colored vinyl pressing of Judas Priest’s second album.
The Longshot – Love Is For Losers LP (The Longshot)
The Longshot is a new punk-inflected power pop group fronted by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong. Straight-up pop-inspired rock with classic rock and country influences as prevalent as the punk style.
Lubricated Goat – Plays The Devil’s Music [Reissue/1987] LP (Sorcerer)
Lubricated Goat were (perhaps correctly) often compared to the Butthole Surfers at the time, and their mix of punk, post-punk, noise, and a taste for the absurd puts them firmly in the same camp. Throw in a little bit of Stooges/Birthday Party-style grunt and a distinctly Australian sense of humor and you’re getting close to the magic of the band’s early sound.
Lera Lynn – Plays Well With Others LP (Single Lock)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Throughout her career a nearly decade-long run filled with three album releases, a career-shifting appearance and soundtrack for HBO’s True Detective, hundreds of shows on both sides of the Atlantic, and a sound encompassing everything from Americana to stark indie rock, Lera Lynn has balanced her fierce independence with a string of collaborations. For her fourth album, Plays Well With Others, she teamed up with eight different duet partners and seven co-writers. Plays Well With Others is a unique duets album one in which nearly every song is completely co-written and co-sung. Peter Bradley Adams, John Paul White, Dylan LeBlanc, Andrew Combs, Rodney Crowell, Shovels & Rope, JD McPherson, and Nicole Atkins all make appearances, working alongside Lynn not only to perform these songs, but to create them, too.
Barış Manço – Nick The Chopper [Reissue/1976] LP (Pharaway Sounds)
Vinyl reissue of the second proper studio album – originally released in 1976 – by the king of Turkish psych/Anatolian rock.
Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 – Greatest Hits [Reissue/1970] LP (Craft Recordings)
Sergio Mendes started his career with 1961’s Dance Moderno and the groups Bossa Rio and the Sergio Mendes Trio. From the mid-60s to the late-70s, Mendes established his legendary status by taking numerous albums and singles to the top of the charts. But it was Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66 which sparked global stardom.
Merzbow + Hexa – Achromatic LP (Dais)
The esoteric noise duo known as Hexa is the sonic union of Xiu Xiu’s focal point Jamie Stewart and sonic provocateur Lawrence English. Forged out of a mutual interest in exotic birds and the decaying charms of the post-industrial age, their collaboration explores the physicality of sound and its abilities to infiltrate and occupy the body. Their collaborative work has been described as being possessed by cascading low frequency pulses and tectonic plates of sound, suspended in cavernous cathedral-like spaces. Legendary noise artist Merzbow needs no introduction, given his prolific output and notorious experiments within the realm of human endurance and audible extremes.
Metabolismus / Mono Pause – Don’t Low Up To The Amped Buenaes LP (Feeding Tube)
“Split LP by a couple of bands who have more tricks up their collective sleeves than most outfits you could name. Metabolismus’s side begins with deeply freaked, rotating guitar figures that connect it historically to the German progressive sub-underground. From there it skates off into Neue Deutsche Welle turf, eventually loafing around with people-on-the-street-who-talk-with-balloons, and go all over the park in search of snacks. Mono Pause’s side ranges from German-tongued Egypto-spaghetti-pop readymades to subterranean secret agent theme songs played on mock-Theremin to blips of pure Residential form-hunch and beyond. The width of their skitterage is surpassed only by its elegant weirdness. Parts make me recall a never-released Der Plan record I once heard in a dream.” – Byron Coley
The Moody Blues – On The Threshold Of A Dream [Reissue/1969] LP (Polydor/UMGD)
The Moody Blues – To Our Children’s Children [Reissue/1969] LP (Polydor/UMGD)
The Moody Blues – A Question Of Balance [Reissue/1970] LP (Polydor/UMGD)
The Moody Blues – Every Good Boy Deserves Favour [Reissue/1971] LP (Polydor/UMGD)
The Moody Blues – Seventh Sojourn [Reissue/1972] LP (Polydor/UMGD)
The Moody Blues – Octave [Reissue/1978] LP (Polydor/UMGD)
The Moody Blues – Long Distance Voyager [Reissue/1981] LP (Polydor/UMGD)
Vinyl reissues of the English prog rock band’s fourth through tenth albums.
Mother Mother – O My Heart [Reissue/2008] LP (Last Gang)
Almost 10 years after its debut, Juno-nominated alt-rockers Mother Mother reissue the indie-rock fan-fave, O My Heart, on vinyl.
Murder By Death – Like The Exorcist, But More Breakdancing [Reissue/2001] LP+MP3 (Bloodshot)
Murder By Death – Who Will Survive, And What Will Be Left Of Them? [Reissue/2003] LP+MP3
Murder By Death – In Bocca Al Lupo [Reissue/2006] LP+MP3 (Bloodshot)
Murder By Death – Red Of Tooth And Claw [Reissue/2008] LP+7”+MP3 (Bloodshot)
Murder By Death – Good Morning, Magpie [Reissue/2010] LP+MP3 (Bloodshot)
Limited 180gm vinyl reissues of Murder By Death’s first five albums. The band’s name is derived from the 1976 Robert Moore film of the same title. Their current lineup consists of two founding members, Adam Turla and Sarah Balliet. Balliet plays cello for the band, an instrument that has been present consistently throughout their evolution. Murder by Death plays a range of music including instrumentals, rock and alt-country. The band uses cello (with an electric cello for live shows) to create a gothic sound with occasional Western references and nods to whiskey and the Devil.
Litto Nebbia – Muerte En La Catedral [Reissue/1973] LP (Melopea Discos)
Litto Nebbia – Melopea [Reissue/1974] LP (Melopea Discos)
Litto Nebbia (real name Félix Francisco Nebbia Corbacho) is a singer, songwriter and producer prominent in the development of Argentine rock. His fifth and sixth albums are back in-print on vinyl.
Nervous Exits – Get Out [Reissue/2006] LP (Sonic Surgery)
Early 2000s Austin, TX garage-punk Nervous Exits was formed around the nucleus of the Yaklin brothers (John on vocals and Nick on drums) joined by Adam Amparin, A.J. Sandoval and Patrick Travis. Travis and Sandoval’s dueling guitars led the young band in its fusion of Lord High Fixers and MC5 inspired big beat rock and roll. Get Out was recorded in a feverish spasm in small studios in South Austin (Bryan Schimtz of The Golden Boys at the dials) and in San Marcos (at Experimental Jet Set) in 2005 and the album was released in 2006 on CD by punk label Super Secret Records. The band then disbanded like all great unknown rock acts that burn bright and then are gone. First time on vinyl, remastered with new artwork.
No Better – It Felt Like Glass LP (No Sleep)
A winding eleven song record that advocates for positive self-reflection in the face of change and adversity. Drawing from seminal emo and indie rock influences, No Better have made a record that is simultaneously familiar and unique, energetic, hopeful, and earnest.
Kelly Lee Owens – Bird 12” (Smalltown Supersound)
After a transcendent 2017, Kelly Lee Owens returns with the first and only remix of a track from her landmark self-titled debut LP. “Bird” is reworked into a 17-minute cosmic disco epic by Norwegian innovator and Smalltown Supersound mainstay Prins Thomas.
Pan & Regaliz – Pan & Regaliz [Reissue/1971] LP (ViNiLiSSSiMO)
No matter if you are into prog rock, psychedelia, leftfield jazz, kraut or just looking for interesting breaks and beats, this is a record you will eventually need.
The Promise Ring – Very Emergency [Reissue/1999] LP+MP3 (Epitaph)
Limited edition clear vinyl repress of The Promise Ring’s third album. Very Emergency saw the band continuing to explore the sounds they had started on their 1997 masterpiece Nothing Feels Good, a more pop – rock leaning when compared to their debut. The album is also their first, following the departure of bassist Scott Beschta (Magic Arrows) in 1998, with new bassist Scott Schoenbeck (who would later join Dashboard Confessional after TPR’s 2002 break-up).
Pere Ubu – Terminal Tower – An Archival Collection [Reissue/1985] LP (Varèse Sarabande)
Terminal Tower is #23 on Rolling Stone’s Top 40 Punk Albums of all-time and one of the only remaining punk rock gems yet to return to vinyl. This collection of non-LP and B-sides is long out of print in both CD and LP and interestingly has never been released digitally. [Limited clear vinyl pressing also available.]
Prince Far I – Voice Of Thunder [Reissue/1981] LP (Get On Down)
On 1981’s Voice Of Thunder, Prince Far I is supported by an extremely sparse yet heavy instrumental backing which perfectly complements his growling voice. As is often the case with Prince Far I, much of the material is essentially Bible verse, “Ten Commandments” being a perfect example. The album also includes a tribute to the very recently deceased Bob Marley, and he even takes time to take UK skinheads to task for wearing polyester (forbidden to a real Rastafarian).
Pseudocode – Next One’s Called LP (Sub Rosa)
Pseudocode was a Belgian electronic improvised music band, active from 1980 to 1982. Featuring Xavier Ess (Thrills), Guy-Marc Hinant, and Alain Neffe (Insane Music, Bene Geserit), the material on Next One’s Called sees Pseudocode in a kind of free form minimal electronique concrete mood. There’s even the odd suggestion of a pop tune here and there, maybe even some danceable beats (if you’ve got one leg shorter than the other). All songs here are previously unreleased and were recorded and mixed between 1980 and 1981. Limited translucent green colored pressing.
The Psychedelic Furs – The Psychedelic Furs [Reissue/1980] LP (Sony Legacy)
The Psychedelic Furs – Talk Talk Talk [Reissue/1981] LP (Sony Legacy)
The Psychedelic Furs – Forever Now [Reissue/1982] LP (Sony Legacy)
The Psychedelic Furs – Mirror Moves [Reissue/1984] LP (Sony Legacy)
The Psychedelic Furs – Midnight To Midnight [Reissue/1987] LP (Sony Legacy)
Limited 180gm vinyl reissues of the British band’s first five albums. The Psychedelic Furs were
one of the many acts spawned from the British post-punk scene. Their music went through several phases, from an initially austere art rock sound, to later touching on new wave.
Rex Orange County – Apricot Princess LP (Rex Orange County)
It’s been a pretty crazy 12 months for Rex Orange County – aka 19-year-old Alex O’Connor – from Haslemere, Surrey. After two guest slots on Tyler The Creator’s album Flower Boy, he’s played live with Frank Ocean and Skepta, all the while working on his debut album, Apricot Princess. The self-released record is full of sumptuous hooks, jazzy piano figures and musical left-turns that suggest a true original at work. Limited orange colored vinyl pressing.
The Ringleaders – Bi-Coastal Blasphemy LP (Hound Gawd!)
Debut album from this new superstar crew consisting of the twisted evil genius of Larry May of The Candy Snatchers on vocals, Hans Molnar of The Hellbenders on loud-raw guitar, Mark Ho, the bassist for L.A.’s most outrageous punk outfit Hollywood Hate, plus drummer Tim Bender of Death By Stereo.
Hareton Salvanini – A Virgem de Saint Tropez [Reissue/1974] LP (ViNiLiSSSiMO)
Polish film maker Zygmunt Sulistrowski pioneered the format of shooting low-budget soft porn on exotic locations. After a long list of previous works, in 1973 he directed the French-Brazilian production A Virgem de Saint Tropez, also known as “Magia Erotica”… Although the movie actually lacked magic, it did include every possible archetypical scene of the genre, and this combination of hot action in tropical surroundings, pleasant sights of Saint Tropez and frantic chases needed some proper background music. Brazilian arranger and writer Hareton Salvanini was commissioned to deliver this soundtrack.
Emílio Santiago – Emílio Santiago [Reissue/1975] LP (Far Out Recordings)
Vinyl reissue of the 1975 self-titled debut album from the Brazilian vocalist and bossa nova luminary. Nicknamed “the Nat King Cole of Brazil”, Santiago was a master bossa balladeer and a top-class crooner. But he is known equally for his Brazilian funk, soul, and boogie classics.
Saucers – Third Saucer From The Sun LP+MP3 (Rerun)
Saucers were led by Craig Bell, founding member of legendary ‘70s Cleveland proto-punk bands The Mirrors and Rocket From The Tombs. Third Saucer From The Sun is a newly remastered collection of material from their original 7″ releases, along with other recordings, most on vinyl for the first time.
Saxon – Innocence Is No Excuse [Reissue/1985] LP (Union Square)
Saxon – Rock The Titans [Reissue/1986] LP (Union Square)
Saxon – Destiny [Reissue/1988] LP (Union Square)
Limited colored vinyl reissues. Since the 1970s Saxon has consistently showcased an ability to take rock ‘n’ roll and give it an electrifying edge, cementing their status as pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal along the way.
Scientists – Weird Love [Reissue/1986] LP (Numero)
Unhinged Aussie grunge captured just as the Scientists were imploding/attempting to explode. Recorded over three days in February 1986, Weird Love is the band’s last ditch effort to bring their bad vibes to bedrooms the world over, a colossal failure and brilliant mistake that sounds best when blasting out of a 1982 Corolla’s blown Alpine tweeters.
Selector Dub Narcotic – Bounce It Out (Bounce It On Out) b/w Melodica Bounce 7” (K)
Selector Dub Narcotic splinters the party into fun-sized fragments of dance-tastics with “Bounce It Out (Bounce It On Out)” – the contemporary bubblegum stuck to the bottom of a trap house table-top. The incomparable Lord Nock provides crucial cuts on his extremely flexible wheels of steel. Melodica in hand, Selector Dub Narcotic (aka Calvin Johnson) has created a call-to-arms for those who’d rather don the dance shoes than rattle a saber; who’d rather dance than fight in the streets. Pour the tea and pass the ammunition – that being this, the latest volume in the K series of Dub Narcotic Disco Plate singles.
Joseph Spence – Bahaman Folk Guitar – Music Of The Bahamas – Volume One [Reissue/1959] LP (Smithsonian Folkways)
Recorded in 1958 and released on the Folkways label in 1959, Bahaman Folk Guitar introduced American listeners to Joseph Spence’s unique guitar and vocal styles. These field recordings by musicologist Sam Charters capture Spence in a relaxed, expansive mood – only one of the six selections in the set is under five minutes in length. Spence’s guitar style was due in part to the D tuning of his bass string, which produced a lower bass sound. Whereas many critics have called Spence’s vocal style unorthodox, they have found his guitar playing spontaneous and iconic. Some music critics have gone so far as to refer to him as the “Thelonious Monk of folk guitar.”
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee – Blues In My Soul [Reissue/1961] LP (Doxy)
From original liner notes: “Brownie and Sonny work excellently together, not as a convenience certainly, and not just because they’re both blues men. I think it’s because they’re such good foils for one another; whatever brought them together brought together talents that are exceptional contrasts and complements — in background, style, and in emotion. And in a sense, together they span many years of development in the blues. Add Roy Haynes on the second side of this LP, and we are covering a lot of ground (…)”
Ural Thomas & The Pain – Vibrations 7” (Tender Loving Empire)
New single from Portland-based R&B singer/songwriter/musician, known as “Portland’s Pillar of Soul”. If life was at all fair Ural Thomas would be a household name, his music slotted into countless sweet, seductive mixtapes between James Brown, Otis Redding, and Stevie Wonder (all of whom Thomas has performed with.) Straddling the line between hot soul shouter and velvety-smooth crooner, Thomas released a few singles in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s before quitting the music business. Now hip to a new generation after recent releases on Mississippi Records, Thomas returns in 2018 with the promise of a new album.
Thou – Rhea Sylvia 12” (Deathwish Inc.)
Rhea Sylvia is the first of three EPs Thou plans to release this year. It is a six song monster that sees the Baton Rouge band exploring melodious territory while maintaining their trademark heaviness and depth.
Bonnie Tyler – Faster Than The Speed Of Night [Reissue/1983] LP (Friday Music)
Limited 180gm translucent blue colored vinyl LP pressing.
Kali Uchis – Isolation LP (Interscope)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The American Colombian’s debut album features an impressive cast of featured artists and collaborators. Jorja Smith, Damon Albarn, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, Tyler, The Creator, Bootsy Collins, Steve Lacy, Two Inch Punch, BADBADNOTGOOD, and Thundercat.
Uncontrollable Urge – Uncontrollable Urge LP (Schizophrenic)
Punk music for the post-alt-whatever leaners: songs for the overworked, misinformed and the perpetually connected. RIYL: Kleenex/Liliput, Wire, Sonic Youth, The Pixies and Gang Of Four.
Keith Urban – Be Here [Reissue/2004] 2xLP (Capitol Nashville)
Keith Urban – Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing [Reissue/2006] 2xLP (Capitol Nashville)
Keith Urban – Graffiti U 2xLP (Capitol Nashville)
First-time vinyl pressing of Keith Urban’s fourth, fifth and most recent albums.
U2 – Achtung Baby [Reissue/1991] 2xLP+MP3 (Island)
U2 – Zooropa [Reissue/1993] 2xLP+MP3 (Island)
U2 – The Best Of 1980-1990 [Reissue/1998] 2xLP+MP3 (Island)
Remastered 180gm vinyl repress.
Mark Van Hoen – Playing With Time [Reissue/1998] 2xLP (Medical Records)
First time on vinyl. Playing With Time perfectly showcases the lush and deep environments that can only arise from Van Hoen (Locust, Scala, Seefeel). Contains a sidelong bonus track best described as a modal Eno-style classical ambient piece that was originally intended as a ‘hidden’ track at the end of the original 1999 CD release.
Various Artists [Sasha] – Fabric 99 4xLP (Fabric)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Sasha provides the 99th installment of the world’s leading house and techno mix series from London’s renowned Fabric nightclub. Features Agnes Obel, Quiet Village, Marbert Rocel, Heitzberg Theorem, Kora (CA), Tom Flynn, Indigo, CLOSE, DJ Hell, Joyce Muniz, Ghosts On Tape, Jus-Ed, Whitesquare, Crowdpleaser, Exercise One & Mathew Jonson, Sasha, Objekt, Jono Ma & Dreems, Javier Logares & Kaarel, Tiefschwarz, George Fitzgerald, Carl Craig, Francesco Tristano, Les Siècles, François-Xavier Roth, Antigone, BAILE, and Felicia Douglass.
Various Artists – The Rough Guide To Cambodian Psychedelia LP (World Music Network)
Almost eradicated during the time of the Khmer Rouge, the psychedelic sounds of Cambodia live on in the memory of survivors and exiles as cherished treasures of a lost past. This Rough Guide celebrates the mind bending music from the 1960s and 1970s, with some of the best known artists of the day including Sin Sisamouth, Ros Sereysothea, Pan Ron alongside dynamic revival bands Dengue Fever and The Cambodian Space Project.
Various Artists – Shake Your Bones: Stag-O-Lee DJ Set Vol. 2 2xLP (Stag-O-Lee)
Again an 80-minute set, this time by Stuttgart-based DJ Joe Whirlypop. Joe is a jack of all trades, someone who can make a wedding crowd dance, is well-versed in new wave and punk and everything in between. But his biggest love is the ’50s and early ’60s.
Various Artists – Wild Things LP (Vostok)
Sixteen New Zealand freakbeat nuggets recorded in primitive studios in mono circa 1966 – 1968.
Walton – Black Lotus 2xLP (Tectonic)
Abstract electronics, grime, dubstep, and new styles that don’t even have a name yet coalesce perfectly on this classic in the making. It finds Walton at peak power, reaching just as far (if not more so) than anything on the Pan, Different Circles, Boxed, or Tectonic catalogs for pure futurism and new-terrain-traversing brilliance. Spacious and modern sounding, with just the right amount of grit, on Black Lotus Walton has taken things the next level — setting an impressive new high bar.
Dionne Warwick – Don’t Make Me Over [Reissue/1963] LP (Doxy)
A stunning compilation of buried gems from Dionne Warwick’s early years, including a few of the hits she recorded with David Bacharach, and more.
Bugge Wesseltoftf & Prins Thomas – Bugge Wesseltoft & Prins Thomas LP (Smalltown Supersound)
New collaborative album between, respectively, the Norwegian jazz legend and the space disco auteur. This is not retro pastiche but contemporary music, coasting on gently insistent programmed grooves and bubbling basslines. The whole thing feels not so much like a consciously hip fusion of DJ and jazz musician, more like two great musicians totally enjoying themselves, which is exactly what it is.
Kanye West – Ye LP (Def Jam)
Released last week on CD – now available on vinyl. Kanye’s eighth album, Ye, features guest vocals by Ty Dolla Sign, PartyNextDoor, Kid Cudi, Jeremih and 070 Shake, among others. It is the second of five seven-track albums produced by West in what have been referred to as the “Wyoming Sessions”. West explained the album title, which is a diminutive of his own name commonly used in his songs, by stating: “I believe ‘ye’ is the most commonly used word in the Bible, and in the Bible it means ‘you’. So, I’m you, I’m us, it’s us. It went from Kanye, which means “the only one,” to just Ye – just being a reflection of our good, our bad, our confused, everything. The album is more of a reflection of who we are.”
Stevie Wonder – Signed Sealed & Delivered [Reissue/1970] LP (Motown)
Signed, Sealed & Delivered features the hit title track along with “Heaven Help Us All”, “Never Had A Dream Come True” and Wonder’s cover of The Beatles’ “We Can Work It Out”. In the tradition of Stevie Wonder’s classic LP, Talking Book, these this title includes Braille on the cover for the first time. They indicate the album’s name and artist to sight-challenged consumers.
Years & Years – Palo Santo LP (Interscope)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. A band intuitively connected to great, homespun British pop classicism, Palo Santo announces Years & Years’ ascension to the world stage. Part full-blooded, escapist fantasia and part social comment, this is outlier pop as futurism once more, offering solutions when the wider world is transforming beyond recognition. Drawing inspiration from cult sci-fi as the multi-sensory pop of Prince, Bowie or Gaga, the British electronica trio has created the perfect space in which to tell their most intimate, personal stories; on identity, sexuality, performance, and ultimately, what it means to be human.
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