CDs:
Fred Anderson – Birdhouse CD (OkkaDisk)
With Jim Backer, Harrison Bankhead and Hamid Drake. “The best tenor player you’ve never heard.” — Down Beat
The Antlers – Familiars CD/LP+CD (Anti)
Familiars, the highly anticipated new album from The Antlers is their fourth studio album and follows 2011’s critically lauded Burst Apart. Familiars was recorded, engineered and produced by the band in their Brooklyn studio and mixed by Chris Coady (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV On The Radio, Beach House) at DNA Downtown Studios.
Elisabeth Ahlander – Om VI Ska Borja Om CD (Dikotomi Produktion)
Elisabeth Ahlander was one of the founding members of New Quidesty Blaise (later NQB) in 1968 and she kept the band touring until 1978. She kept her guitars but didn’t do much in public during the years. In 2012 she suddenly was contacted by Dikotomi Produktions Dick Lundberg who heard a demo recording from some years earlier and he suggested that a solo album should be recorded. Elisabeth was now writing new songs and Birgitta Pincott (Nursery Rhymes) who toured with NQB 1976-1977 came along and joined the project.
Big Freedia – Just Be Free CD/LP (Queen Diva Music)
As the first openly gay rapper to gain mainstream success, Big Freedia is the undisputed Queen of Bounce.
Mary J. Blige – Think Like A Man [OST] CD (Epic)
Original soundtrack to the new motion picture written and performed by R&B great Mary J. Blige. Features musical collaborations and production by Pharrell Williams and The-Dream.
Boris – Noise CD/2xLP+MP3 (Sargent House)
Boris has always demolished expectations of what a band can do musically and aesthetically. In keeping with that tradition, they again flip the script for the band’s first official release in three years buy serving up their most all-encompassing effort to date. Noise is an amplification of Boris’ endless pursuit of musical extremes while moving aggressive, intense rock into new territories.
Jaki Byard – The Late Show: An Evening With Jaki Byard CD (Highnote)
Jaki Byard always personified the past, present and future of jazz, wherever or whenever one might have been fortunate enough to experience his challenging ideas. An icon in the history of jazz, Jaki was Art Tatum, Earl Hines, Bud Powell, Ran Blake, Cecil Taylor and Bill Evans, all in one. Yet, like these fellow icons, he was his own uncompromising, unique, living entity. He isn’t a household name, but most likely his low profile is the result of an irresistible need to constantly reinvent himself, the sure sign of the consummate artist.
Cerebral Ballzy – Jaded & Faded CD/LP (Cult Records)
New album from the modern hardcore/punk band, produced by TV On The Radio’s Dave Sitek. Cebral’s Honor Titus has described the sound of Jaded & Faded as “way more melodic… a lot of it is rooted in our favorite power pop bands like the Nerds and Blondie. Melodic punk that really holds something. Still aggressive, too. Kids that attach themselves to ‘Skiping Class’ and ‘On The Run,’ there’s a melody there, every time we play it the kids are down.”
Cheap Freaks – Bury Them All CD/LP+MP3 (Big Neck)
Cheap Freaks is reminiscent of the great garage rock bands of the ‘60s and ‘70s; MC-5, Stooges, Shadows Of The Night, with some great modern punk & roll thrown in.
Clean Bandit – New Eyes CD (Atlantic)
The debut full-length release for the British quartet known for its fusion of classical and electronic music features guest appearance from artists such as Jess Glynne, Love Ssega, Stylo G, and Elisabeth Troy.
Mike Cooper – Trout Steel [Reissue/1970] CD/LP (Paradise Of Bachelors)
Mike Cooper – Places I Know/The Machine Gun Co. With Mike Cooper [Reissue/1971] CD/2xLP (Paradise Of Bachelors)
The 1970 and 1971 masterpieces, which span the iconoclastic English-born, Rome-based folk and experimental music legend’s song-based and improvisation-based styles of the early 1970s, are presented for the very first time as the definitive double album, as Cooper originally intended them to be released. These historic sessions veer from the impeccable conceptual folk-rock artistry of Places I Know to the utterly singular, long-form “songmaking” avant-folk deconstructions of the more radical The Machine Gun Co.
The Delines – Colfax CD (El Cortez)
The debut album from The Delines is a stunning collection of songs (written by acclaimed novelist and Richmond Fontaine frontman, Willy Vlautin) with the intimacy of a midnight confessional. Like a beat-up Dusty Springfield, Colfax has the skid row heart of Tom Waits, the street-tough weariness of early Rickie Lee Jones, and the dreaminess of Mazzy Star.
Lana Del Rey – Ultraviolence CD/2xLP (Interscope)
The third full-length release for the pop singer-songwriter was produced by Dan Auerbach and recorded live with a seven-piece band. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds three bonus tracks. “Repeated listens reveal nuances, like the acoustic guitar bristling beneath the blues-rock verses of ‘Sad Girl’ and the male backing vocals layering the final chorus of ‘Brooklyn Baby,’ but the album’s steadfast narcotic tempo and Del Rey’s languid delivery, doused in shoegaze-style reverb throughout, conjure a hazy picture of the singer swaying wearily in some sweltering sweat-lodge of a dive in the deep South.” – Slant Magazine
DJ Vadim – Dub Catcher CD/2xLP (BBE)
Some of the best things in life come in pairs, peanut butter and jelly, fish ‘n’ chips, cheese and wine, DJ Vadim and dancehall reggae. This may raise an eyebrow or two as Russian immigres and reggae may not be the first thing on your mind, however, this isn’t your normal reggae runnings and DJ Vadim, aka Daddy Vad does not do run of the mill. In fact it’s bigger than reggae. Seeing that this is his 11th long player there is as ever a twist.
DKV Trio – Baraka CD (Okka Disk)
Lyrical sax-squeals, squeaks, and honks from Ken Vandermark, propelled by awesome bass work from Kent Kessler and mind-boggling drums from none other than Hamid Drake.
Donny And Joe Emerson – Still Dreamin’ Wild: Lost Recordings 1979-81 CD/LP+MP3 (Light In The Attic)
With a familiar blend of FM rock, power pop, and new wave, these 12 tracks cover the entirety of that fruitful period, stretching from the second song Donnie ever recorded (“Everybody Knows It”) – to tracks documenting his temporary move to L.A. in 1981.
The Downtown Fiction – Losers & Kings CD (Fearless)
Since the beginning, The Downtown Fiction has risen with their unique brand of transcendent rock, staking their place in the pop-rock genre. Their second album and Fearless debut, Losers & Kings, is the realization of the band’s boldest dreams, a riveting step in creating an original and exhilarating rock sound.
Ronnie Earl And The Broadcasters – Good News CD (Stony Plain)
Ronnie Earl is one of the most revered guitar players working today. Earl, along with The Broadcasters, his band of over 25 years, presents Good News, a mostly instrumental album of spellbinding intensity and deep soul. Ronnie Earl is a multiple Blues Award winner as Guitarist Of The Year.
Farpoint – Paint The Dark CD (10T)
“(Farpoint’s) sound is still very much a melodic song-based progressive rock, with symphonic arrangements. Lots of acoustic and electric guitars interplay with delicate flute lines repeatedly interspersed with more energetic percussion and electric guitar solos.” — The Progressive Rock Files
The Felice Brothers – Faborite Watiress CD/2xLP (Dualtone)
Catskill Mountains-based five piece The Felice Brothers have released four official albums and toured the world several times over with artists such as Mumford And Sons, Conor Oberst, Old Crow Medicine Show and The Killers since their 2006 inception. They’ve played such renowned festivals as Coachella, Bonnaroo and Newport Folk and received accolades from Rolling Stone, Spin, New York Times, The Guardian and countless others. The Felice Brothers’ new album, Favorite Waitress, was recorded with the band’s longtime producer Jeremy Backofen and marks their return to a more organic, full band approach following 2011’s beats and samples-heavy effort Celebration, Florida.
Ben Fields – Extraordinary Light CD (Sire)
Ben Fields is bringing a style of introspective song writing pioneered by artists like Nick Drake and Van Morrison back into the mainstream.
Frog Eyes – Carey’s Cold Spring CD/LP (Paperbag)
Mercer explains that Carey’s Cold Spring is not only built from personal experiences but also from what he saw over the last three years of recording: riots, storms, mass protests, the dissolution of any collective faith in our political and economic institutions. But it’s not all doom and gloom: He describes the record’s duality: “deeply fearful, almost paranoid, the sound of a person grinding his or her teeth in the night. But just a part of it. It’s also the sound of the birds in the morning, I hope.”
The Front Bottoms – Rose CD/12” (Bar None)
New recordings of never before released fan favorites, including “12 Feet Deep.” Mixed by Chris “Frenchie” Smith (And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Meat Puppets, Built To Spill, Jet).
Djivan Gasparyn – I Will Not Be Sad In This World/The Moon Shines At Night [Reissue] 2xCD (All Saints)
Armenia’s greatest living musician and the acknowledged master of the duduk, Djivan Gasparyan has toured throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the United States for over fifty years. His work can be heard on numerous film soundtracks, including The Crow, Russia House and Gladiator. This is a combined reissue of Djivan’s debut solo album I Will Not Be Sad In This World (originally released in the Soviet Union in 1983) and Moon Shines At Night from 1993, recorded with infinite guitarist Michael Brook.
Ghost Town – After Party CD (Fueled By Ramen)
“The electronics make us stick out like a sore thumb in the best way possible,” vocalist Kevin Ghost explains. “Evan really comes from the EDM, drum & bass and dubstep world so when you mix it with the rock side, it turns out as something completely different.”
Glass Animals – Zaba CD (Harvest)
Glass Animals vocalist and songwriter David Bayley draws influence for both music and artwork from his involvement in the world of medicine and neuroscience (at just 23 years old, he has studied both) creating a sound with its roots spread between the electronic and live instrumentation. Inspired by Kanye West and Charles Darwin, Nina Simone and The Velvet Underground, Zaba is a rich and textured work, a very special record indeed. Vinyl version due July 1.
Glass Towers – Halcyon CD (Dualtone)
Australia natives Glass Towers have captured the joy, wonder, adventure and mystery of youth. Their debut album, Halcyon Days, features perfectly formed pop gems like “Jumanji” and “Griffin” that show a young man standing on the doorstep of adulthood.
David Gray – Mutineers CD/3xCD/2xLP (IHT/Kobalt)
Tenth album from the acclaimed Irish singer/songwriter. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe includes two bonus CDs containing 15 live tracks.
Greys – If Anything CD/LP (Carpark)
If Anything, the first full-length by Greys, is the young quartet’s own warped update of vintage post-punk; frenetic guitars running against walls of noise, held together by sharp strands of melody. Emerging from the vibrant Toronto punk scene, Greys are economical in their swift punches of noise, anchoring short bursts of mania with huge choruses. (Limited copies also available on grey vinyl.)
Don Harper – Cold Worlds CD/LP (Dual Planet)
Cold Worlds is a collection of horror-electronics, supernatural soundscapes and sinister library muzak from Australian composer Don Harper. Centering on a previously unreleased score for the 1968 Doctor Who series The Invasion (a dark otherworldly sci-fi jazz suite) Cold Worlds is also a focus on the electronic music of this largely unsung composer. Like many Australian film composers (Ron Grainer, Dudley Simpson, Don Banks) Don Harper based himself in the UK during the 1960s and subsequently found employment at the BBC and other British film and library companies.
Heart To Heart – Dulce CD (Pure Noise)
Engineered and produced by Kyle Black (Comeback Kid, Set Your Goals) Dulce is layered with both dark hard rock and melodic punk elements. Vinyl version due July 8.
Karl Hector And The Malcouns – Unstraight Ahead CD/LP (Now Again)
Afrodelic Krautrock excursions featuring members of Poets Of Rhythm and Whitefield Brothers.
Helio Parallax – Helio Parallax CD (M.O.D. Technologies)
With effective explorations in time and space, Helio Parallax presents a sound deeply rooted in spiritual expression. True analog electronic music (no laptops) with cinematic landscapes (think Blade Runner meets Miles Davis’ Elevator To The Gallows soundtrack) anchored by deep dub/hip-hop beats with skilled instrumentation to create an atmospheric landscape coined “Sci Fi Dub Noir.”
Hollywood – Love Child CD/LP+MP3 (Big Neck)
Banging dirty rock & roll full of four on the floor sneering energy. Like a rowdy version of Flamin’ Groovies played at The Descendents speed.
Hore Meat Disco – Volume IV 2xCD/2xLP (Strut)
Strut presents Horthe first compilation by the ace London DJ collective in over two years. Since the last instalment in 2012, their status has been cemented as global disco leaders, remaining true to the underground ethic that first inspired them.
Idlefon – Intensive Collectivity Known As City CD (Tympanik Audio)
A haunting yet beautiful collection of soundscapes and ambiance, this collection of sounds ebb and flow like a gentle tide, calibrating the subconscious and aligning the soul. Complex and intricate beats blend with ambient textural sounds, signed by distant voices and enticing melodies to create a wondrous world where responsibilities are disregarded and time is infinite.
Keith Jarrett/Charlie Haden – Last Dance CD (ECM)
Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden broaden the scope of their duo project to showcase jazz classics like Thelonious Monk’s Round Midnight and Bud Powell’s spritely Dance Of The Infidels. Love songs, however, are to the fore in this selection, with tender versions of “My Old Flame,” “My Ship,” “It Might As Well Be Spring,” “Everything Happens To Me,” and “Every Time We Say Goodbye” as well as alternate takes of “Where Can I Go Without You” and “Goodbye,” every bit as touching as the Jasmine renditions.
Lecherous Gaze – Zeta Reticuli Blues CD/LP (Tee Pee)
Third album by Oakland psyche-shred-tastic rock/punk band featuring current and former members of Annihilation Time, Witch and Saviours. “More filthy rock than scummy punk…this is rock & roll in the hands of heathens.” – Decibel
Linkin Park – The Hunting Party CD (WB)
New studio album features guests Page Hamilton, Daron Malakian, and Tom Morello.
Lone – Reality Testing CD/LP (R&S)
The hyper-chromatic music of Matt Cutler marks him out as a true impressionist; as Lone, he drizzles brightly colored melody through his tracks with all the reflexive skill of a master painter daubing inks and pigment across paper. On Cutler’s fifth Lone album, Reality Testing, released on R&S, he sends notes and chords rippling delicately into space before allowing them to disperse, each oozing beautifully away into the background fabric of the music.
Jennifer Lopez – A.K.A. CD (Capitol)
New album features guest appearances from T.I., French Montana, Iggy Azalea, Rick Ross, Nas, Pitbull and Jack Mizrahi. Includes the singles “First Love” and “I Luh Ya Papi.” Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds four bonus tracks.
Lower – Seek Warmer Climes CD/LP (Matador)
Lower’s debut album sparkles with the harmonic dissonance and high-strung urgency of their post-punk forebears. But the Copenhagen-based four-piece also channel the romance and drama of great singer-songwriters, from late-period Scott Walker to Bryan Ferry. The result is a hugely ambitious and affecting rock album that enters deeply personal and unusual sonic and topical spaces. (Limited copies also available on white vinyl.)
Mali Music – Mali Is CD (RCA)
The Savannah based singer, songwriter, producer is breaking out of conventional gospel music. Mali Music began playing piano at age 5 and wrote his first song at age 8 and has been actively pursuing his music ministry and career ever since adding acoustic guitar and electric bass to his instrumental proficiency. His love for music is largely influenced by legendary artist Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, while modern influences like Outkast and Drake can be heard on his new album, Mali Is.
Manges – All Is Well CD/LP (It’s Alive)
Much like the Ramones, the Manges have continued to stick to the formula of streamline punk rock without screwing it up. It’s a difficult task to make something deceptively simple sound so good.
The Mannish Boys – Wrapped Up And Ready CD (Delta Groove Productions)
The blues band serves up eleven originals and five covers culled from the songbooks of Roy Brown, Ike Turner, Robert Ward, Magic Sam and Smokey Wilson. Special guests include Kim Wilson, Steve Freund, Kid Ramos, Monster Mike Welch, Candye Kane, Laura Chavez, Bob Corritore, Nico Duportal, Fred Kaplan, Jacob Huffman, Bill Stuve, Dave Kida and more.
Martyn – The Air Between Worlds CD/LP (Ninja Tune)
Universally respected for his ever-evolving, but inimitable sound, the Dutch-born, Washington DC-based producer brings an entirely new sonic direction with The Air Between Words. This is an exploration of the essence of all of Martyn’s music: a rugged four-to-the-floor groove, intelligently sculpted and artfully composed.
The Mastersons – Good Luck Charm CD/LP (New West)
The Mastersons are poised to be one of Austin’s breakout acts in 2014. The duo recorded their sophomore album Good Luck Charm with noted producer/engineer Jim Scott. The new collection raises the stakes with 11 emotionally precise songs that are firmly rooted in sometimes-harsh reality, yet which radiate faith and optimism.
Dave Matthews Band – Remember Two Things [Reissue/2002] 2xCD/2xLP+MP3 (Sony Legacy)
This new reissue features the original album expanded with two previously unreleased bonus tracks: early studio versions of “Pay For What You Get” and “Typical Situation,” newly mastered by original album engineer David Glasser.
Iain Matthews & Egbert Derix – In The Now CD (Omnivore)
Iain Matthews & Searing Quartet – Joy Mining [Reissue 2008] CD (Omnivore)
Two collaborations between founding member of Fairport Convention Iain Matthews and jazz pianist Egbert Deríx.
Ian McLagan & The Bump Band – United States CD/LP (Yep Roc)
McLagan’s s first album since being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as a founding member of the Faces, alternates between lusty grooves and reflective musings, showcasing his beguiling charm and timeless gift for crafting memorable hooks.
Miniature Tigers – Cruel Runnings CD/LP (Yebo)
The sound is important but nothing is more important than the feeling of the sound. When Charlie Brand (vocals/guitar) was writing the newest Miniature Tigers record, he looked to the sum of his musical influences for inspiration. “I wanted to make something like Weezer’s Blue Album— something with that feeling that could connect with people.”
Mugwumps – Mutation In The Family CD/LP (It’s Alive)
Thought dead for years, Austria’s finest pop punk crawl out from under a rock reanimated and ready to go with their second LP.
Willie Nelson – Band Of Brothers CD/LP (Sony Legacy)
Band Of Brothers is Willie Nelson’s first album of predominately new original material in nearly two decades, debuting the master tunesmith’s first major batch of newly penned songs since his Spirit album in 1996.
Willie Nelson – It Will Come To Pass The Metaphysical Worlds And Poetic Introspections Of Willie Nelson CD (Omnivore)
Years ahead of his time, Willie languished in relative obscurity as RCA Victor producer extraordinaire Chet Atkins turned this way and that, in a desperate attempt to place Nelson on the charts and into public consciousness. For the very first time Willie’s rare, misunderstood and poetic sides from his mid-1960s-early 1970s tenure at RCA Victor are curated and presented with love and care. This deluxe edition is remastered from the original RCA Victor master tapes and presented with exclusive liner notes, rare photos and unreleased tracks.
Nightmares On Wax – N.O.W Is The Time 2xCD/2xLP+2xCD (Warp)
“To celebrate 25 years as Nightmares On Wax, and 25 years on Warp Records, we are very excited to present this immersive and complete set of all things NOW. A beautifully packaged 2xLP+2xCD + large book of stories, images, early show flyers and more, as well as all new remixes.” “”A true pioneer of electronic music…blending elements of
hip-hop, soul, jazz and techno in his signature spaced-out
style.” — Rolling Stone
NRBQ – Brass Tacks CD (Clang!)
Brass Tacks isoverflowing with the unmistakable NRBQ sound and spirit, an original mix of pop, rock, jazz, swing, and more, delivered with impeccable musicianship, love, fearlessness, and joy.
Anders Parker – There’s A Blue Bird In My Heart CD (Recorded & Freed)
“Looking back over the breadth of Anders Parker’s two-decade career, there is little he has yet to accomplish or prove. The stylistic range encompassed by his Varnaline work alone is evidence of Parker’s determination to explore, illuminate, absorb and transcend every musical influence he’s experienced, from alt-country and raw folk to pastoral Americana and baroque art rock” – Magnet. Vinyl version due July 15.
People – 3xA Woman: The Misplaced Files CD/LP (Telegraph Heart)
Splitting the difference between passion and song, People play multidimensional utopian pop music in which opposing musical forces integrate to form a new sustainable recipe for sound and social implication.
Pjusk – Solstov CD (12k)
The experimental electronic Norwegian duo presents their third album for Taylor Deupree’s always reliable 12k label — this time their icy ambience is created almost solely with the trumpet
Playing For Change – Playing For Change 3: Songs Around The World CD+DVD (Palm)
During the past two years, Playing For Change have traveled to over 15 countries, recording and filming musicians live outside on city streets, in their villages, and beyond. The new album features performances from Keith Richards, Sara Bareilles, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Ernest Ranglin, Andres Calamaro, Toots Hibbert and 178 more musicians from 31 countries who have never met in person. With these songs and videos we continue to connect the world through music.
Porte – Journey Of My Life CD (Crysella)
The debut full-length from Bali, Indonesia’s alternative rockers Porte features eight tracks of uncompromising, mind glory blending elements of post-rock, math, rock and psychedelic while anchoring its overall sound firmly within the framework of rock and roll spirit.
Joshua Redman – Trios Live CD (Nonesuch)
Trios Live was recorded at New York City’s Jazz Standard and Washington, DC’s Blues Alley during stands with two different trios Redman and drummer Gregory Hutchinson with bassist Matt Penman (Jazz Standard) and Redman and Hutchinson with bassist Reuben Rogers (Blues Alley). Trios Live features four original tunes by Redman and interpretations of three additional songs.
Radio Moscow – Magical Dirt CD/LP (Alive)
Magical Dirt is Radio Moscow’s fourth studio album. The band’s fountainhead Parker Griggs, along with partners-in-crime Anthony Meier (bass) and Paul Marrone (drums), have cultivated yet another blues-rock masterpiece that crossbreeds late ‘60s psych-rock and face-melting guitar histrionics with the foundation-crumbling rhythms from early ‘70s hard-rock, and even includes a couple of harrowing tracks built from the bedrock of rural Delta blues.
John Robinson And PVD – Modern Vintage CD/LP (Brick)
Modern Vintage is the new collaboration album from veteran emcee John Robinson (aka Lil Sci of world renown Hip-Hop group Scienz Of Life) and prolific drummer, composer, producer and band-leader Pat Van Dkye (aka PVD). The album spells out the approach in which this album was made from front to back: The music was composed with a combination of modern technology software mixed with vintage synths and outboard gear, all blended seamlessly with live instrumentation being the foundation.
Roughhausen – Medicated Generation CD (Crysella)
Roughhausen is the current project of ex-Front Line Assembly/Will/Decree guitarist J. Stoddard. A collection of bad ideas, ill-formed master plans and trips to the free clinic – a glorious cacophony of sight and sound, Roughhausen has evolved into the razor sharp, focused schrei that it is today.
Sapient – Eaters Volume Two: Light Tiger CD (Sapient/Sandpeople Music)
The beats on Sapient’s latest album, Eaters Volume Two: Light Tiger have been described as ”Ratatat, Madlib and A-Trak had a baby, dipped it in the ooze famed by Ninja Turtle lore and set it loose on the world”. His hard-hitting production, banded with unmatched delivery and wit on the mic are what make Sapient’s new release as intimidating as it is addictive. Hailing from Portland, OR, Sapient is is becoming a monarch of Northwest Hip Hop and has collaborated with luminary voices from the likes of Macklemore, Aesop Rock, Slug (Atmosphere), The Grouch and many more.
Say Hi – Endless Wonder CD/LP (Barsuk)
Since founding Say Hi in 2002, Eric Elbogen and his team of slightly flawed and persistently-flat clones have been proving to humanity that synthesizer music doesn’t have to lack a sense of humor and that drum machines can still swing and shuffle like the jazz great ones. But it wasn’t until the team began working on Endless Wonder in late 2011, when all rock and roll bands were required to trade in their Warlock guitars for step sequencers and self-oscillating sweepable low pass filters that they knew they were on the brink of something crucial: the probable savior of humankind itself.
Seasurfer – Dive In CD (Saint Marie)
Punk? Dreampop? Alternative? Seasurfer are somehow all that and say of themselves that they are playing something like dreampunk.
Sam Smith – In The Lonely Hour CD/LP (Capitol)
Sam Smith is the 21-year-old winner of this year’s Brits Critics Choice award as well as the winner of the BBC Sound of 2014 poll. He is the first and only male winner of both honors. Named the Artist to watch for 2014, Most Anticipated album of the year in USA Today, LA Times, CNN, Teen Vogue, Huffington Post, Shazam and more. “The British soul singer with the lilting falsetto and a great command of the groove is set for big things with this American debut” – Newsday. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds four bonus tracks.
The Soft Pink Truth – Why Do The Heathen Rage? CD/LP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
The Soft Pink Truth is the solo alter ego of Drew Daniel, one half of Matmos. Why Do the Heathen Rage? whosesubtitle “Electronic Profanations Of Black Metal Classics” reveals its agenda as an unrequited love letter to a justly divisive genre. A gleeful queer travesty of black metal’s undying obsession with kvlt authenticity, Why Do the Heathen Rage? is also a formally precise homage executed with a scholar’s obsession. (Deluxe vinyl version includes pink metallic foiling on the cover, with a printed inner sleeve.)
Roy Strattman – The Lie Of The Beholder CD (10T)
Roy Strattman has shown us that he’s not only capable of delivering the melodic prog rock that he’s known for in Little Atlas, but that he can kick things up a few notches and create some really heavy material that will appeal to a whole new audience. A job well done. — Sea Of Tranquility
The Story So Far – Songs Of CD (Pure Noise)
The Story So Far is back with a new EP just in time for their appearance on the main stage at the 2014 Vans Warped Tour. Songs Of The Story So Far is made up of a few familiar favorites from the band’s 2013 album What You Don’t See, as well as a couple of new surprises. Vinyl version due July 22.
Swollen Members – Brand New Day CD (Battle Axe)
New release from the Canadian hip-hop mainstays.
Tangent – Transience CD (Tympanik Audio)
Haunting tones echo throughout vast soundscapes of serendipitous melodies and sparse beat-work creating a virtual universe of sounds and moods.
Alexis Taylor – Await Barbarians CD (Domino)
Alexis Taylor’s (lead singer of Hot Chip) second solo album, Await Barbarians is a series of songs “from the halfway line.” Possessing the same immediacy as his music with Hot Chip and the adventurousness of his work with About Group, there is a unique emotional condor to his solo work. As always with Taylor’s writing the moments of honesty are matched with a sense of humor, playfulness and bounce. Vinyl version due July 1.
Tiesto – A Town Called Paradise CD (Universal Republic)
Although he has used many aliases in the past, he is best known for his work as DJ Tiesto. On this production, however, he has dropped the ”DJ” label and is now known simply as Tiesto, an artist name that is a twist of his childhood nickname.
Trigger Point – Giving Up The Ghost CD (Say Goodbye)
Sophomore album from the Los Angeles based metal band.
Trummor – Moorish Highway CD/LP (Ernest Jenning Record Co.)
Originally formed in Brooklyn, NY before relocating to quieter environs near Woodstock, Trummors is the duo of Anne Cunningham and David Lerner. Their sound has been called ”raga country, country as inner voyage” and has landed the band on the road with friends such as O’Death, Zachary Cale, PG Six, Lia Ices and Ed Askew.
Us The Duo – No Matter Where You Are CD (Republic)
Us The Duo was recently named the first act to break from Vine by Billboard. Uploading six-second medleys of notable pop songs only featuring half of their faces, they incited major waves and catapulted to the top of Vine, building an audience of over 3.2 million followers.
Vanna – Void CD (Pure Noise)
Vanna’s fourth album is packed with both hardcore aggression and melodic sensibility.
Various Artists [Will Saul] – DJ Kicks CD/2xLP+CD (!K7)
Hot on the heels of the DJ mix of 2013 from John Talabot and following luminaries such as Maya Jane Coles, Maceo Plex and Breach, next in line to mix it up for the esteemed !K7 DJ-Kicks series is Aus Music and Simple Records boss Will Saul.
Various Artists – Hyperdub 10.1 2xCD (Hyperdub)
In 2014 Hyperdub is 10 years old. Founded by DJ and producer Kode9, the label has grown from its humble origins as a left-field dubstep label, and spread out to function as a cross-genre hub, absorbing sounds and ideas, keeping listeners on their toes, and refreshing itself while still maintaining its core sensibilities. To celebrate, Hyperdub will release four compilations which cluster thematic highlights from the last five years, all augmented with new material, as well as staging a number of international showcase events across the year.
Various Artists – Soul Jazz Presents Calypso: Musical Poetry In The Caribbean 1955-69 CD/LP (Soul Jazz)
This new album features the music of Calypso in its many forms – from its birthplace, the island of Trinidad, as well as other Caribbean islands (Jamaica and the Bahamas), and its subsequent onwards journey (Britain, Panama and the United States), recorded during the years 1955-69.
Venetian Snares – My Love Is A Bulldozer CD/2xLP (Planet Mu)
My Love Is A Bulldozer seems to have a flowing sense of narrative, something akin to an opera, and unusually Aaron sings songs on it, which reinforces the sense of an emotional journey. Sonically he meshes together sometimes thunderous yet complex drum programming with delicate musical structures, creating, in places, a sense of haunted, atmospheric jazziness, as well as spiky autumnal strings recalling the gothic orchestral beauty of his previous work.
Veri Jumala – Obsession With Sanity CD (Crysella)
The debut album of the German dark rocker Veri Jumala is a caressing combination of hellish harmonies and sweet seductions. Obsession With Sanity shows an abstract darkness and shines with powerful riffs, drums and a gentle voice that emphasizes the deep lyrics with atmosphere and melody.
The Verve Pipe – Overboard CD (LMNO Pop)
More than 13 years since their last rock album, The Verve Pipe return a collection of ten new rock songs distinguished by brilliant musical performances, soul-searching lyrics and raw, emotionally charged lead vocals.
White Lung – Deep Fantasy CD/LP (Domino)
Deep Fantasy is the third album from the hard-hitting rock & roll outfit. After a year plus of near constant touring (with Iceage, Parquet Courts, and F**ked Up) behind their sophomore album Sorry they slimmed down to a trio to record: vocalist Mish Way, drummer Anne-Marie Vassiliou and guitarist Kenneth William.
Wo Fat – The Conjuring CD/LP (Small Stone)
You can wade through as many press quotes about “Texas-sized” as you want or see how many top-whatever lists Wo Fat have made since the Dallas trio got started in 2003, but none of that is going to be the same as staring down their swampadelic fuzz groove for yourself.
Jacob Young – Forever Young CD (ECM)
Forever Young features melodically inventive, harmonically sophisticated and rhythmically alert jazz, composed by Norwegian-American guitarist Jacob Young and played by a spirited team of contemporaries. Young and saxophonist Trygve Seim are friends since school days, and have been heard on the Norwegian jazz scene in numerous combinations and contexts over the years.
DVD + Blu-ray:
Jimi Hendrix – Blue Wild Angel: Jimi Hendrix Live At The Isle Ff Wight Blu-ray (Legacy)
Now on Blu-ray for the first time, Blue Wild Angel: Jimi Hendrix Live At The Isle Of Wight documents the guitarist’s legendary performance before 600,000 people at this massive outdoor music and arts festival in August 1970. New interviews with Jimi Hendrix Experience band members Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, and others set the stage for the concert footage that follows. In addition to providing the definitive look at one of the landmark events in Hendrix’s storied career, Blue Wild Angel features both a stereo and 5.1 audio surround soundtrack newly mixed by Hendrix’s original recording engineer Eddie Kramer. 182 minutes.
Vinyl:
Joseph Arthur – Lou 2xCD (Vanguard)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Inspired by Lou Reed’s legacy, Joseph Arthur recorded 12 of Reed’s songs.
Black Pus/Oozing Wound – Split LP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
Label-mates and kindred spirits Black Pus and Oozing Wound join together on this strictly limited vinyl-only split LP. The split captures both bands energy in a raw form. Intended as a limited edition tour record, the album is not a mere raw blast, as it shows a new side to Black Pus and is a teaser for the monster sophomore album from Oozing Wound.
Bonde Do Role – Tropicalbacnal LP (Mad Decent)
Bonde Do Role turn Brazilian folk songs into dance tracks, and they make rockabilly replays into haunting taunts.
Casket Lottery/Small Brown Bike – Split [Reissue/2002] 7”+MP3 (Run For Cover)
Originally issued in 2002 on Second Nature Recordings and almost two-and-a-half years in its creation, this wasn’t another split release of throwaway songs, but a six-song collaborative effort in the truest sense, one born out of mutual musical respect, admiration and camaraderie. Color vinyl.
Neneh Cherry – Everything Remixes 12” (Smalltown Supersound)
Rounds up remixes that Ricardo Villalobos and Max Loderbauer did of Neneh Cherry’s Four Tet produced “Everything” track.
Close Lobsters – Kunstwerk In Spacetime EP 7”+MP3 (Shelflife)
Close Lobsters graduated from the post-punk music scene in the late 1970s, releasing singles on Enigma, Caff Corp., and Fire Records in the late ‘80s.
Cocktails – Adult Life LP (Father Daughter)
Cocktails know growing up will kill you, eventually. But somewhere between the mundane strictures of a responsible American life in the 21st century, with its attendant student debt, meager 401k’s, and the macrobrew-soaked recklessness of youth, is a sweet spot.
Current Swell – Ulysses LP (Nettwerk)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The Canadian rock band’s new album captures their textured, deep-groove sound while capturing the energy of their live show
Dead Ghosts – Can’t Get No LP (Burger)
Killer back from the grave, rave up garage punk outta Canada.
Delay – Circle Change LP (Salinas)
The Columbus, OH’s DIY mainstays release their sixth full length, which finds them adding some ‘90s indie and brooding rock songs to their repertoire of melodic pop-punk songs.
Drcarlsonalbion – Gold LP+MP3 (Oblique Records)
Gold is the first major soundtrack work from Dylan Carlson (Earth), composed for a foreign language western of the same name. For the first time Carlson’s guitar is presented, bare, alone, with only minimal percussion, fore-fronting his evocative, lyrical control of the instrument in a language that transcends tired “cinematic” adjectives and places you directly into the landscape. Available on black and on limited gold vinyl.
Driftmachine – Nocturnes LP (Umor Rex)
With its meticulously displaced details and intricate harmony layers, Nocturnes evokes the electronic avant-garde of the mid-‘70s (think Cluster during the band’s Zuckerzeit era). The album keeps the balance between the intense, dramatic metrics and rather complex, modulated melodies. Driftmachine also nods to Krzysztof Komeda’s compositions (especially his score for Rosemary’s Baby) and the haunting, uncanny vibes of Raime.
Duck Sauce – Quack 2xLP (Fool’s Gold)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. A-Trak and Armand Van Helden first splashed on the scene as Duck Sauce with the breakout hit “aNYway”. Next up was “Barbra Streisand,” a surprise global #1 smash and true pop culture milestone, complete with 93 million YouTube views, a Grammy nomination, and even a Glee cover. Quack is their debut album.
Fatal Figures – Caturwal LP (Big Neck)
The Fatal Figures have a strong lineage — featuring members of the Blowtops, Backstabbers, Concubine Forming, and Suck & The Headknockers. Moving away from garage rock, the band honor the noise/punk rock sound in the vein of Pussy Galore, The Cramps and early Jesus & Mary Chain.
Framing Hanley – The Sum Of Who We Are LP (Imagen)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. A collection of modern alternative rock infused with undeniable pop hooks, heartfelt lyrics and huge choruses, The Sum Of Who We Are is the band’s third album, and their boldest artistic statement to date.
Fu Manchu – Gigantoid LP (At The Dojo)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The Southern California hard rock mainstays return with new album. Purple vinyl.
Hieroglyphics – Kitchen LP (Hieroglyphics Imperium)
First album of new material in ten years. 17 new instant classics from the legendary hip-hop crew.
Hooray For Earth – Keys 7” (Dovecote)
“We last heard from the psychedelic Brooklyn synth-rockers Hooray For Earth when they released their ‘Never’ single in 2012. They’re now gearing up for the release of the new album Racy with the LP’s first single ‘Keys.’ It’s a buoyant, breezy, likable track, a friendly way of welcoming the world into whatever they’re doing this time around.” – Stereogum
Island Boy – Basic Instincts LP (Rita Records)
Combining elements of French house, reggaeton, Latin freestyle, and new wave with crooning vocals, musician/producer Richard Hunter-Rivera relies heavily on pop’s universal need for melody and a beat you can dance to.
Jethro Tull – This Was [Reissue/1968] LP (Rhino)
HQ-180gm vinyl repress. In the documentary film of the Woodstock Festival, portions of the songs “Beggar’s Farm” and “Serenade To A Cuckoo” may be heard on the PA system, indicating the level of notice the album achieved in the United States.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – Dap-Dippin’ With [Reissue/2002] LP (Daptone)
Vinyl reissue of Sharon Jones And The Dap King’s debut album, re-sequenced with the rare track “Will You Be True,” a never before heard duet with Lee Fields from the original Dap-Dippin’ sessions.
Kline Koma Xero – Kline Koma Xero LP (Medical Records)
A self-titled LP influenced largely by the sterile and isolated iconography of authors such as Philip K. Dick, William Gibson and JG Ballard (from whence the band’s name is derived). Formed in 2012, Kline Coma Xero is a group whose work embraces elements of early minimal synth wave with distinctively thoughtful lyrics and evocative melodies. Color vinyl.
Leisure Birds – Tetrahedron LP (Totally Gross National Product)
While much of modern psych seems to be stalled in a bygone era, Minneapolis-based Leisure Birds look squarely at the future. While their synth-driven grooves may evoke hazy memories of Krautrock and 1970s experimentation, their aesthetic shies from the predictable shuffle that consumes current Psychedelic music: There’s no minimal blues here. No shoegaze. Leisure Birds strip away the trappings that made an old genre tired.
Lore City – Kill Your Dreams 12” (Already Dead)
Brooding alt rock with dark tendencies. “Though just a duo, their music sounds like the product of a small marching band. Guitar, piano, lap steel, ebow, percussion, clarinet and more accompany Laura Mariposa’s lush, blue croon.” – CMJ
Makthaverskan – II (Run For Cover)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Sweden’s Makthaverskan layer tenets of noise, jangle and dream pop on a foundation of rambling, garage-punk energy. Distorted, uptempo riffs ebb and flow with laid back, atmospheric post punk.
The Mons – Untitled (Fighting Over A Knife) LP (Underground Communique)
The debut six-song EP from the Chicago punk vets clocks in at under seven minutes total. It’s on purpose that the sleeve evokes early SST and Dangerhouse releases.
Dolly Parton/Linda Ronstadt/Emmylou Harris – Trio [Reissue/1987] LP (WB)
Deemed the “Three Tenors” of country music, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris collaborated on this 1987 album — winning them several Grammy awards and climbing countless music charts. The gifted entertainers never disappoint with their beautiful harmony and song choices.
POW! – One Eyed Scorpion 7” (Grazer)
With sneering vocals, wriggling keyboard lines, and stinging fuzz guitars, these tracks writhe and squirm before transforming into full-on synth meltdowns, propelled by singer Byron Blum’s agitated Eno-isms, burning with proto-punk inspired misanthropy.
The Pretty Reckless – Going To Hell LP (Razor & Tie)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Going to Hell is the second studio album by this alternative rock band.
Saint Etienne – Tiger Bay [Reissue/1994] LP (Plain)
Tiger Bay is the third studio album by Saint Etienne, originally released in 1994. It reached number 8 on the British charts. Combining traditional folk melodies with ‘90s electronica and David Whitaker’s atmospheric orchestration, the album was an extraordinary step forward from the sample-based ‘indie dance’ of the first two albums. HQ-180gm.
Say Anything – Hebrews LP (Equal Vision)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Say Anything has been making odd, unclassifiable indie rock music since they were 14 or 15 years old, playing strangely literate and loud rock, characterized by what one might imagine if Larry David fronted a Fugazi cover band with the members of Queen. Not that that’s a stretch or anything.
Severed Heads – Since The Accident [Reissue/1983] LP (Medical Records)
Severed Heads – City Slab Horror [Reissue/1985] LP (Medical Records)
Color vinyl reissues now available. This Australian electro/industrial band’s early recordings were characterized by manipulated tape loop experiments, cleverly modulated noise elements and repetition. This period is very well suited to the early industrial period. Over time, the sounds morphed into more melodic leanings with pop elements and more prominent synth leads and backbone.
Shanghais – Pretty Mean 7” (No Rules)
A great debut 7″ from this Oakland punk foursome that channels everything you love about Bomp! Records into three catchy tunes (each clocking in under two minutes). A timeless concoction of crooning lead vocals over upbeat riffs and bubblegum backups. Think Teenage Head meets Nikki & The Corvettes.
Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens – Sinner b/w “Everybody Knows (The River Song) 7” (Daptone)
“Sinner” showcases Naomi’s gritty vocals, coupled with the lush harmonies of The Gospel Queens, creating a call and response melody of celestial proportions – and to top it off all of the aforementioned perfection is set to a raw groove provided by Brother Cliff Driver and his Band O’ Plenty. On the flip is an adaptation of O.V. Wright’s backbeat classic, “Everybody Knows (The River Song).”
Spiritualized – Royal Albert Hall October 10 1997 2xLP (Plain)
Recorded during a stop at the Royal Albert Hall on the 1997 UK tour in support of Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space, this double LP features the band at their peak as a performing unit. The group is joined by a horn section, a string quartet and a gospel choir on the second half of the concert. HQ-180gm vinyl with custom fluorescent Euro inner sleeves in a wide spine jacket with holographic rainbow foil.
Vader – Tibi Et Igni LP (Nuclear Blast)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Tibi Et Igni (a Latin phrase which translates to “For You And Fire”) is the new album from the Polish death metal veterans…
Steven Vitiello/Taylor Deupree – Captiva 2×10” (12k)
The fruits from their residency with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, Captiva is a beautiful double 10″ gatefold release with music for guitar, modular synthesizer, and Rauschenberg’s own piano
The Waterboys – The Waterboys [Reissue/1983] LP (Parlophone)
Reissued on HQ-180gm vinyl, with original artwork and audio cut from 2002 digital remaster.
Wei Zhongle – Raised High/Bought Low LP (Edible Onion)
Using scales drawn from East Asian classical music, the interlocking reeds heard in Balkan folk, and the rattling, syncopated rhythms of Steve Reich’s gamelan-inspired minimalism, this album weaves a blend of disparate influences and unexpected sounds into a tight musical fabric that is both unfamiliar and accessible. Dreamlike abstractions becoming succinct allegories about the search for spiritual union.
X-Rays – Jameson Shot 7” (Big Neck)
Nottingham’s own garage rock vandals, X-Rays bring back that ‘90s punk rock style — and they do it meaner, rawer and more pissed than ever. Color vinyl.
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