AIMS Marketing Program/ Featured Titles Promoted This Week:
Chicano Batman – Notebook Fantasy CD/LP (ATO)
Since forming in 2008, Chicano Batman has followed their own visionary impulses to tremendous heights—a journey that began at local dive bars and recently saw them co-headlining the legendary Hollywood Bowl. In the making of Notebook Fantasy, Chicano Batman worked with producer John Congleton (Erykah Badu, Death Cab For Cutie, St. Vincent) to double down on their hyper-creative tendencies, discovering new dimensions of their prismatic music while infusing the lyrics with an unflinching honesty. [A limited-edition clear vinyl pressing is available.]
Friko – Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here CD/LP (ATO)
Adding to Chicago’s long lineage of forward-thinking indie rock, Friko transform each song into a moment of collective catharsis. On their full-length debut, vocalist/guitarist Niko Kapetan and drummer Bailey Minzenberger sustain the combustible energy of their break-out single “Crimson To Chrome”, merging elements of post-punk, chamber-pop and experimental rock, magnifying their music’s exhilarating power with a barrage of spirited ensemble vocals. Poetic, explosive, and sublimely raw in feeling.
Ride – Interplay CD/2xLP/Cassette (Wichita Recordings)
Everything feels like it has been leading to Interplay, Ride’s seventh album, the third since their 2015 reunion. It’s the sound of the group connecting all the dots, taking the frenzied guitar attacks, hypnotic grooves, and dreamy melodic hooks of their early work, and setting it to a more expansive sonic template, one that takes in synth flourishes, psychedelic folk, electronic beats, and noir-pop soundscapes. Interplay flows from start to finish, at times urgent and formidable, at others wistful and melancholic. It’s the sound of a great British band hitting a second peak. It’s a record about perseverance, about sticking together, about finding a way forward. Nine years after coming back together, Ride keeps rewriting their story. [An indie store exclusive blue color vinyl pressing is available.]
The Secret Sisters – Mind, Man, Medicine CD/LP (New West Recordings)
Grammy-nominated duo The Secret Sisters, made up of siblings Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle, release their anticipated new album, Mind, Man, Medicine. Produced by The Secret Sisters, John Paul White and Ben Tanner (St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Lera Lynn), and recorded mainly at Muscle Shoals’ historic Fame Studios, Mind, Man, Medicine provides an intimate look into the lives of Laura and Lydia these last few years. Across these 11 tracks, including a collaboration with Ray LaMontagne (“All The Ways”), the sisters gracefully detail where they are now – a place of peace and calm – and the personal growth and experiences that led them there. [Several limited-edition versions are available, including autographed CD and an indie store exclusive opaque jade green color vinyl pressing.]
Sarah Shook & The Disarmers – Revelations CD/LP (Abeyance)
Revelations is the most assured Sarah Shook and the Disarmers record yet because it so pointedly captures the gamut of the human experience: anger, sadness, confusion, love, and acceptance. It’s a document of Shook at the top of their game and a reflection of their own journey not just as a writer but as a person. “I’m a firm believer that if you are an artist, and you want to make better art, a big part of that isn’t just exercising your musical skills, it’s growing as a human being,” says Shook. “So, every time I make a record, I want to be able to listen to it and look back on who I was then. I want to see this arc and this evolution. That’s really f**king important to me.” [An indie store exclusive translucent orange w/ black swirl color vinyl pressing is available.]
Sum 41 – Heaven :X: Hell 2xCD/2xLP (Rise)
The final album from Canadian punk rock legends Sum 41. Spanning two discs and 20 tracks, the album features the singles “Landmines” and “Rise Up”. Since their inception in 1996, Sum 41 has been relentless, unapologetic, and unconcerned with musical boundaries. Their musical style has been described as an “eclectic meld of raucous punk-rock, thunderous heavy metal and straightforward rock” and that’s certainly the case with their final album Heaven :X: Hell. [An indie store exclusive blue splatter color vinyl pressing is available.]
Yot Club – Rufus CD/LP (Alternate Side)
Ryan Kaiser has already made a name for himself creating daydreamy, sun-blasted, Polaroid-pop as Yot Club. With his second full-length, Rufus, Kaiser is expanding his sonic palette and challenging his own established modes of music making by letting collaborators in. The record includes co-writes with the likes of Tommy English (Carly Rae Jepsen, Kacey Musgraves), and singer Charli Adams, with Patrick Wimberly (formerly one-half of Chairlift) on mixing duties, and the result is a collection of songs that sounds bolder and brighter. From the shimmering surf-pop of opener “Stuntman” to the minor chord angst and quiet-loud-quiet pulse of “New Day”, to The Strokesian swoon of album closer “Lazy Eyes”, Kaiser lo-fi hooks have a new cinematic scope. It continues Kaiser’s coming of age – looking back, picking it all apart, trying to work it all out, and constantly pushing forward. [A color vinyl pressing is available.]
Additional Social Media Program Titles:
CNTS – Thoughts & Prayers CD/LP (Ipecac)
CNTS features members of rock and punk stalwarts, Dead Cross, Retox, and Qui. The band has kicked off Ipecac’s 25th Anniversary with and album that’s equal parts catharsis and bloodletting, an unapologetic display of rage and sex, of belligerence and contempt, a warm gob of spit in the eye, all done with a sarcastic smile. [An orange color vinyl pressing is available.]
CDs + Vinyl:
Aesop Rock – Daylight [Reissue/2002] CD/LP (Rhymesayers)
Originally released in 2002, Daylight EP was the follow-up to Aesop Rock’s critically acclaimed Labor Days album, a cult classic released only six months prior. The EP was built around its titular opening song, “Daylight”, one of the standout tracks from Labor Days, and continued expanding upon the range and depth of Aesop’s multi-talented gifts for writing and producing. [An orange w/ blue smoke vinyl colorway is available.]
Carley Arrowood – Colors CD (Mountain Home)
New release from the award-winning bluegrass musician.
Scott H. Biram – The One & Only CD/LP (Bloodshot)
On The One & Only Scott H. Biram showcases the singer’s signature unapologetic style. Tracks like “No Man’s Land” describe the hazards of growing up poor in a small Texas town, breathing the fumes from oil wells and brush fires. “Inside A Bar” captures the feel of an empty saloon on a slow Monday night. [A clear vinyl pressing is available.]
Blu De Tiger – All I Ever Wanted Is Everything CD (Capitol)
On her debut Capitol Records studio album All I Ever Want Is Everything, Blu DeTiger claims the spotlight as a rising pop icon who’s not afraid to feel it all. The record is a portrait of Blu at her most unstoppable and most vulnerable as she captures the unpredictable process of coming into one’s own. Inspired by sleepless nights out on the town and memories of her thumping DJ sets, the album sees Blu staking a claim to her desires and transforming into the messy protagonist of her fantasies.
Blues Image featuring Mike Pinera – Next Voyage CD/LP+MP3 (Solar Music)
Blues Image is an American blues rock band formed in Tampa, Florida in 1966 by singer-guitarist Mike Pinera. The band moved to Miami in 1968, where they were instrumental in helping promoters form the most innovative music venue in South Florida, Thee Image. Blues Image became the house band at the club, which featured bands like Cream, The Grateful Dead, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. The band moved to Los Angeles and signed with Atco Records, releasing their self-titled debut album in February 1969. Their second album, Open (April 1970), included the single “Ride Captain Ride”, written by Pinera and Skip Konte. Pinera left the band to join Iron Butterfly in the fall of 1969. The song “Ride Captain Ride” has been used in many films over the years.
Chastity Belt – Live Laugh Love CD/LP (Suicide Squeeze)
In their decade-plus together, the four-piece-Julia Shapiro (guitar, vocals), Lydia Lund (guitar, vocals), Gretchen Grimm (drums, vocals), and Annie Truscott (bass, vocals)-have created a resonant body of work. Live Laugh Love is a natural continuation. Against the bizarre backdrop of the past few years, Chastity Belt remained a supportive space for the members to grow and experiment, drawing on the ingredients most essential to their process since the beginning: authenticity and levity. [A color vinyl pressing is available.]
Chicano Batman – Notebook Fantasy CD/LP (ATO)
Since forming in 2008, Chicano Batman has followed their own visionary impulses to tremendous heights—a journey that began at local dive bars and recently saw them co-headlining the legendary Hollywood Bowl. In the making of Notebook Fantasy, Chicano Batman worked with producer John Congleton (Erykah Badu, Death Cab For Cutie, St. Vincent) to double down on their hyper-creative tendencies, discovering new dimensions of their prismatic music while infusing the lyrics with an unflinching honesty. [A limited-edition clear vinyl pressing is available.]
The Church – Eros Zeta And The Perfumed Guitars CD/LP (Easy Action)
Following on the theme from last year’s critically acclaimed The Hypnogogue, Eros Zeta And The Perfumed Guitars includes 15 new songs that take the story further. [A limited-edition orange w/ black splatter color vinyl pressing is available.]
CNTS – Thoughts & Prayers CD/LP (Ipecac)
CNTS features members of rock and punk stalwarts, Dead Cross, Retox, and Qui. The band has kicked off Ipecac’s 25th Anniversary with and album that’s equal parts catharsis and bloodletting, an unapologetic display of rage and sex, of belligerence and contempt, a warm gob of spit in the eye, all done with a sarcastic smile. [An orange color vinyl pressing is available.]
Coffins – Sinister Oath CD/LP (Relapse)
Japan’s Coffins return with their crushing new full-length album, Sinister Oath. Recorded ahead of the band’s 25th anniversary in Tokyo, Sinister Oath further cements Coffins’ legacy as one of the most putrid sounding and uncompromising old school death metal bands in the world. [An oxblood color vinyl pressing is available.]
Creation Rebel – Above Harlesden 1978-2023 6xCD (On-U Sound)
A crucial anthology of the key albums by the original On-U Sound house band. Conceived by Adrian Sherwood as a dub outfit to make his first album, Creation Rebel evolved to become the live backing band for Prince Far I, produced a string of classic records in the late ‘70s and early 80s, and recently returned from exile in space with a triumphant comeback set.
Sheryl Crow – Evolution CD/LP (The Valory Music Company)
Nine-time Grammy Award winner and 2023 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee Sheryl Crow releases her 11th full length studio album, Evolution. The album comes as a welcomed surprise after Crow publicly stated that she would not release another full-length album after Threads (2018) and kicks off with her lead single “Alarm Clock”, which is perhaps Sheryl Crow’s most radio-friendly pop song since “Soak Up The Sun”. [A color vinyl pressing is available.]
Deep Purple – Machine Head [Reissue/1972] 3xCD+LP+Blu-ray (Reprise)
Super Deluxe edition of one of defining rock albums of the 20th century, Deep Purple’s Machine Head. The original album, remastered, is featured on the LP. The three-CDs feature new stereo by Dweezil Zappa, the 1974 quadraphonic mix, and a newly remastered version of the original album. The Super Deluxe Edition also contains two captivating live performances. The first, recorded on March 9, 1972, at the Paris Theatre in London, captures the group’s unrivaled stage presence during the “Machine Head Tour.” The second, previously unreleased, was recorded in April 1971 at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland.
Alejandro Escovedo – Echo Dancing CD/2xLP (Yep Rock)
“This record breathes a second life into these songs,” says Alejandro Escovedo of Echo Dancing, the Americana pioneer’s new album where he reconceptualizes the songs of his storied career. The variety of songs range from his short-lived rock quartet Buick MacKane, rarities from his ‘80s alt-country outfit The True Believers, to the celebrated songs of his solo discography from his debut album all the way to his most recent sprawling masterpiece, The Crossing. At age 73, Escovedo continues to reshape his ever-changing sound and experiment with the boundaries of Americana music. [A gold color vinyl pressing is available.]
Eyeless In Gaza – Kodak Ghosts Run Amok (Chronological Singles Etc. 1980-1986) CD/LP (Rubellan Remasters)
Eyeless in Gaza formed in 1980 in Warwickshire, England by Martyn Bates and Peter Becker. Their music is undeniably unique, but the band has often been described as post-punk, new wave, art rock, avant-folk, and anywhere in and around. The duo released a string of well-received LPs, singles, and EPs on the Cherry Red label through to 1986. From the debut album’s wildly experimental instrumentation and Bates’ unrestrained vocal style, to the more accessible and pop-oriented sound of their 1986 album, the band never failed to impress. Originally released in 1987, Kodak Ghosts Run Amok (Chronological Singles Etc. 1980-1986) collects 13 tracks from the debut single of the same name, through various single A-sides and choice album tracks to give a radical overview of this brilliant catalog of music. [The expanded CD version contains 26 tracks total, as opposed to the original 13-track version (available now on yellow w/ orange marble color vinyl)].
Jeremy Ferrara – Darkness IS A Bright Sound CD/LP (American Standard)
On Darkness Is A Bright Sound, produced by Luke Temple (Adrianne Lenker, Hand Habits), we get the full band effort we’ve been craving from Ferrara. The resulting album benefits from Temple’s near imperceptible, complimentary bass and synth, and blows in like the breeze. The disarming title track opens the album to find Ferrara at work, tenderly demonstrating that “nothing is truly defined,” and if we – or the world – are ever able to be defined, it will be by many sides, many things, not one. With our focus shifted, our balance found, it’s easy to follow Ferrara into Darkness Is A Bright Sound.
Sue Foley – One Guitar Woman CD/LP (Stony Plain)
Three-time Blues Foundation Traditional Female Artist award winner, Sue Foley’s new album One Guitar Woman is a heartfelt tribute to the female pioneers of the guitar – including Memphis Minnie, Lydia Mendoza, Maybelle Carter, Ida Presti, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The album showcases the dexterity of Foley’s acoustic nylon string guitar skills as she expands on her blues playing into other genres like Piedmont fingerpicking, traditional country, flamenco and classical.
Frail Body – Artificial Bouquet CD/LP (Deathwish Inc.)
Frail Body is a three-piece band from Rockford, IL. Artificial Bouquet is an eleven-song album by Frail Body. Produced, engineered, and recorded by Pete Grossmann at Bricktop Recording, and mastered by Jack Shirley at The Atomic Garden (Deafheaven, Joyce Manor, Loma Prieta). Artificial Bouquet establishes Frail Body as leaders within the modern “screamo” movement. A shining example that the once dormant sub-genre continues to evolve and thrive for all the world to see. [Multiple colorways are available on vinyl – including an indie store exclusive pressing.]
From Fall To Spring – Rise CD/LP (Arising Empire)
German nu-metal/rock kings From Fall To Spring release their debut album, Rise. For fans of Linkin Park. [A black w/ white color vinyl pressing is available.]
Gentle Giant – The Missing Piece – Steven Wilson Remix CD/CD+Blu-ray Audio/LP (Alucard)
In 1977 Gentle Giant recorded their ninth studio album The Missing Piece. It was a time of change. Punk, disco, and rap were altering the musical landscape and even this well-established progressive rock band were willing to explore new directions. Award winning producer and musician Steven Wilson continues his association with the band, remixing the album in Dolby Atmos, Stereo and 5.1 surround sound. In addition, the digipak CD+Blu-ray version also contains an instrumental mix, the original 1977 stereo mix and videos for each track. [A translucent green color vinyl pressing is available.]
Gglum – The Garden Dream CD/LP/Cassette (Secretly Canadian)
As she’s gotten older, Ella Smoker has found that her subconscious has been trying to tell her “some pretty wacky stuff”. Thoughts will come to the 21-year-old singer-songwriter in dreams, or as she writes lyrics in studio sessions, words floating onto the page before she’s really had a moment to realise what they are. “As soon as we start making the music, my brain sort of turns off,” she explains. “I’ll be sitting there, writing all this stuff that feels like a load of nonsense, and a month later, I’ll look back and be like ‘oh’. It all comes from a place I didn’t even realize was there.” In learning how to open up to herself, Gglum ended up finding a kindred spirit in producer Karma Kid (Maisie Peters, Shygirl, Connie Constance), pushing past her natural bedroom-pop introversion to find joy in the process of collaboration. [A translucent orange color vinyl pressing is available.]
Hellripper – Complete & Total F**king Mayhem CD (Peaceville)
The earliest works of the Scottish metal trailblazers on mid-price CD. The title combines numerous recordings which featured on a series of demos & underground releases unleashed primarily in the more formative years since Hellripper mastermind James McBain created the band in 2014. Commencing with 2015’s initial recordings of the cult The Manifestation Of Evil demo, Complete & Total Fucking Mayhem offers fifteen anthems to the dark side, with a masterful repertoire of pure, raw, unadulterated high octane blackened thrash/speed metal.
Hollow Coves – Nothing To Lose CD/LP (Nettwerk)
Now available on CD. Hollow Coves is a dynamic indie-folk duo of Matt Carins and Ryan Henderson, who are brimming with their passion for travel and observing different shades of the world. The group’s tender melodies and poignant lyrics have resonated with fans around the world. On their sophomore album Nothing To Lose, the earthy acoustics and breezy rhythms provide a soundtrack to the feeling of change. [A blue vinyl colorway is available.]
Home Free – Crazy(er) Life CD (Home Free)
Home Free is an American country a cappella group of five vocalists: Austin Brown, Rob Lundquist, Adam Rupp, Tim Foust, and Adam Chance. Starting as a show group, they toured with approximately 200 shows a year across the United States. Crazy(er) Life is their new album.
Gregory Isaacs – One Man Against The World [Reissue/1988] CD/LP (Kingston Sounds)
Gregory Isaacs, the Cool Ruler as he became known, grew up in the ghetto district of Kingston Jamaica. His influences lay not only in the American singers he heard on the radio such as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, but also local singers such as Alton Ellis, Delroy Wilson, and John Holt.
J-Hope – Hope On The Street Vol. 1 (VER.1 Prelude) CD (Bighit/Hybe)
J-Hope – Hope On The Street Vol. 1 (VER.2 Interlude) CD (Bighit/Hybe)
Known as the main dancer of global superstar group BTS, J-Hope releases his second album titled ‘Hope On The Street Vol.1’ in which he tells of his humble beginnings as a part of a street dance crew and the journey to BTS.
Landmvrks – Lost In The Waves (The Complete Edition) 2xCD/2xLP (Arising Empire)
Lost In The Waves (The Complete Edition) is full of surprises, including three brand new songs with famous features from DR€W ¥ORK of Stray From The Path, Bertrand Poncet of Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! [A coke bottle green color vinyl pressing is available.]
Aaron Lewis – The Hill CD/LP (Valory)
Aaron Lewis grew up in Springfield, Vermont, listening to his grandparents’ Country 8-track tapes. Those roots inspired the multi-platinum STAIND founder to return to his origins for the No. 1 Billboard Country Album debuts Town Line and Sinner, as well as Billboard’s No. 1 Hot Country Song debut “Am I The Only One”. Lewis has put a traditionalist brand on his outlier country, and with his new album The Hill, the 15 million-selling workingman’s star offers his most personal and unplugged collection to date. [A coke bottle green color vinyl pressing is available.]
Dent May – What’s For Breakfast? CD/LP (Carpark)
Every morning when Dent May wakes up, the first thing he says is, “What’s for breakfast?” For the Los Angeles-based songwriter and pop auteur, this question is part inside joke with his girlfriend, part sitcom-style catchphrase, and part mantra about getting up every day and persevering in the face of good or bad is happening around you in your life. It’s also the title of his sixth album. What’s For Breakfast? is May’s most immediate, nostalgic, and rollicking LP yet, one that’s concerned with breaking daily routines and rediscovering the joys of songwriting. [A pink color vinyl pressing is available.]
Kelly Moran – Moves In The Field CD/LP+MP3 (Warp)
New York-based composer and producer Kelly Moran’s intricate, experimental pieces transcend the piano’s more traditional and classically imposed school of thought. On her new album Moves In The Field, Moran augments her pianistic abilities to superhuman levels to create a new strain of her singular experimental piano compositions. Hypnotic and emotive, the coming project solidifies Moran’s role as one of the leading contemporary composers for the piano, constantly pushing the instrument’s creative and sonic boundaries in the realms of classical and electronic music. [A clear vinyl pressing is available.]
Nico – Marble Index [Reissue/1968] CD/LP+MP3 (Domino)
Remastered from original tapes. Nico’s haunting vocals predicted the gothic movement and co-producer and Velvet Underground’s band mate John Cale’s startingly modern classical production ensured The Marble Index‘s timeless appeal. The iconic music journalist Lester Bangs wrote, “The Marble Index is the greatest piece of ‘avant-garde classical’, ‘serious’ music of the last half of the 20th century so far,” and the New Yorker recently hailed both records as “austere miracles of will and invention.” [A stand-alone vinyl reissue of Desertshore is also available this week.]
Rachel Z – Sensual CD/LP (Dot Time)
Sensual is an album that pushes the boundaries of contemporary music, blending elements of jazz, rock, folk, and world music to create a truly unique and captivating sound. Rachel Z, a virtuoso pianist known for her expressive playing and innovative compositions, takes the lead in crafting the album’s healing melodic mantras and harmonies. Omar Hakim, a legendary drummer with a career spanning over four decades, brings his unparalleled rhythmic expertise to the project. His dynamic and versatile drumming style adds a layer of depth and intensity to each track, creating a captivating groove that will have you moving to the music. Jonathan Toscano, a talented bassist known for his melodic and intricate bass lines, complements the ensemble with his impeccable sense of timing and musicality.
Rage – After Lifelines CD/LP (Steamhammer)
For fans of Helloween, Gamma Ray, Powerwolf, Primal Fear, Grave Digger, Running Wild, Iced Earth, Blind Guardian, Ed Guy.
Reyna Tropical – Malegría CD/LP (Psychic Hotline)
Malegría, Reyna Tropical’s long-anticipated debut full-length album, is at once a vibrant arrival and an electrifying bridge. The album is a contemporary celebration and continuation of wide-reaching cultural traditions-from Congolese, Peruvian, and cumbia rhythms to revolutionary artists like lesbian Mexican guitarist-singer Chavela Vargas-these influences meld and are remixed through the distinctive lens of trailblazing guitarist and songwriter Fabi Reyna. Traversing themes including queer love, feminine sensuality, and the transformative power of intentional relations to the earth, Malegría spotlights narratives often pushed to the margins and offers them a sonic homeland.
Ride – Interplay CD/2xLP+MP3/Cassette (Wichita Recordings)
Everything feels like it has been leading to Interplay, Ride’s seventh album, the third since their 2015 reunion. It’s the sound of the group connecting all the dots, taking the frenzied guitar attacks, hypnotic grooves, and dreamy melodic hooks of their early work, and setting it to a more expansive sonic template, one that takes in synth flourishes, psychedelic folk, electronic beats, and noir-pop soundscapes. Interplay flows from start to finish, at times urgent and formidable, at others wistful and melancholic. It’s the sound of a great British band hitting a second peak. It’s a record about perseverance, about sticking together, about finding a way forward. Nine years after coming back together, Ride keeps rewriting their story. [An indie store exclusive blue color vinyl pressing is available.]
The Secret Sisters – Mind, Man, Medicine CD/LP (New West Recordings)
Grammy-nominated duo The Secret Sisters, made up of siblings Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle, release their anticipated new album, Mind, Man, Medicine. Produced by The Secret Sisters, John Paul White and Ben Tanner (St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Lera Lynn), and recorded mainly at Muscle Shoals’ historic Fame Studios, Mind, Man, Medicine provides an intimate look into the lives of Laura and Lydia these last few years. Across these 11 tracks, including a collaboration with Ray LaMontagne (“All The Ways”), the sisters gracefully detail where they are now – a place of peace and calm – and the personal growth and experiences that led them there. [Several limited-edition versions are available, including autographed CD and an indie store exclusive opaque jade green color vinyl pressing.]
serpentwithfeet – GRIP CD/LP (Secretly Canadian)
serpentwithfeet, the Baltimore born singer-songwriter, is taking natural steps as a versatile talent from chapter to chapter in his career. His third album GRIP is the result of these latest steps. GRIP finds its home on the dance floor of Black gay clubs and the intimate moments that happen there and afterward, no matter the location. It explores the small moments of physical touch and how they occur. Whether it be a grip around the waist or the face, serpentwithfeet manages to explore all angles. [A limited-edition clear vinyl pressing is available.]
Shabazz Palaces – Exotic Birds Of Prey CD/LP (Sub Pop)
Shabazz Palaces – Robed In Rareness CD/LP (Sub Pop)
Two new mini albums. Shabazz Palaces is masterminded by Ishmael Butler (Digable Planets), whose relentless drive to reimagine hip-hop – even as he enjoys his fifth decade on Earth – remains undiminished. When Robed In Rareness hit digital platforms in 2023, NPR Music called it “enchanting and subversive, ” while Pitchfork observed that “the futurism of Shabazz Palaces has always been interwoven with the past and present, their songs scintillating tapestries of old-school shit talk, proggy psychedelia, and melodic flossing. Robed In Rareness is draped in this multiplicity as Butler and a team of close collaborators swagger across eras of rap.” [Several “Loser Edition” vinyl colorways are available: translucent white and ruby red, respectively].
Sarah Shook & The Disarmers – Revelations CD/LP (Abeyance)
Revelations is the most assured Sarah Shook and the Disarmers record yet because it so pointedly captures the gamut of the human experience: anger, sadness, confusion, love, and acceptance. It’s a document of Shook at the top of their game and a reflection of their own journey not just as a writer but as a person. “I’m a firm believer that if you are an artist, and you want to make better art, a big part of that isn’t just exercising your musical skills, it’s growing as a human being,” says Shook. “So every time I make a record, I want to be able to listen to it and look back on who I was then. I want to see this arc and this evolution. That’s really f**king important to me.” [An indie store exclusive translucent orange w/ black swirl color vinyl pressing is available.]
The Silver Convention – Save Me [Reissue/1975] CD (Omnivore Recordings)
Expanded reissue of the 1975 Eurodisco classic and global sensation. Includes the Grammy-winning #1 hit “Fly Robin Fly”, plus “Save Me”, and five bonus tracks.
Sum 41 – Heaven :X: Hell 2xCD/2xLP (Rise)
The final album from Canadian punk rock legends Sum 41. Spanning two discs and 20 tracks, the album features the singles “Landmines” and “Rise Up”. Since their inception in 1996, Sum 41 has been relentless, unapologetic, and unconcerned with musical boundaries. Their musical style has been described as an “eclectic meld of raucous punk-rock, thunderous heavy metal and straightforward rock” and that’s certainly the case with their final album Heaven :X: Hell. [An indie store exclusive blue splatter color vinyl pressing is available.]
Type O Negative – Bloody Kisses [Reissue/1993] CD (Rhino)
Type O Negative – Life Is Killing Me [Reissue/2003] CD (Rhino)
Bloody Kisses is the third studio album by gothic metal band Type O Negative and the last recording with their original lineup. The album further established recurring motifs of the band’s music, such as including cover songs recorded in their own unique style, sample-heavy soundscape interludes and lyrics replete with dry, satirical humor. Life Is Killing Me, Type O Negative’s sixth studio album, showcases the band’s signature blend of gothic atmospheres, doom-laden riffs, and darkly humorous lyrics, punctuated by Peter Steele’s unmistakable deep vocals. Touching on themes of mortality, despair, and existential angst, Life Is Killing Me is a haunting exploration of the human condition, wrapped in Type O Negative’s unique sonic envelope.
While She Sleeps – Self Hell CD/LP (Spinefarm)
New album by the English metalcore band. [Multiple colorways are available on vinyl.]
Woo – Zylophonics + Robot X 2xCD/2xLP (Independent Project)
Oddly dubby, mesmeric, insular, playful, undefinable, instantly recognisable, warm, romantic, optimistic, ethereal, timeless, pop music for another universe, time-locked into the spirit of ’67, witty yet quintessentially British, futuristic elevator muzak. [A clear vinyl pressing is available.]
Yot Club – Rufus CD/LP (Alternate Side)
Ryan Kaiser has already made a name for himself creating daydreamy, sun-blasted, Polaroid-pop as Yot Club. With his second full-length, Rufus, Kaiser is expanding his sonic palette and challenging his own established modes of music making by letting collaborators in. The record includes co-writes with the likes of Tommy English (Carly Rae Jepsen, Kacey Musgraves), and singer Charli Adams, with Patrick Wimberly (formerly one-half of Chairlift) on mixing duties, and the result is a collection of songs that sounds bolder and brighter. From the shimmering surf-pop of opener “Stuntman” to the minor chord angst and quiet-loud-quiet pulse of “New Day”, to The Strokesian swoon of album closer “Lazy Eyes”, Kaiser lo-fi hooks have a new cinematic scope. It continues Kaiser’s coming of age – looking back, picking it all apart, trying to work it all out, and constantly pushing forward. [A color vinyl pressing is available.]
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
Joseph Allred – Folk Guitar LP (Feeding Tube)
A very nice return to unadorned acoustic guitar playing by one of the form’s masters. Allred’s last album for FTR, What Strange Flowers Grow In The Shade was more of an imaginary band outing, but Folk Guitar plays it straight. Joseph reports they’d been listening to a lot to pieces by 16th-century composer, John Dowland, and the solo work of Pentangle’s John Renbourn while this album was gestating. They also note Hammer Studio horror-film soundtracks as a touchstone for certain tunes, while others were inspired by the music in Chinese fantasy TV shows, and poetic fragments by Sappho.
Scott Ballew – Rio Bravo LP (La Honda)
“This was written while fly fishing in Wyoming and being trapped in a canyon while a Mountain Lion appeared eye level with me about 20 yards away. The original title was called Scaredy Cat. The previous year I encountered a Black Bear in the same location, and the year before that was trapped in a forest fire (Spawning the song ‘Tent Song’ off my first album). So, perhaps it’s an unlucky fishing spot. Or, perhaps the best place to face my fears. The song becomes a prayer for getting out alive and getting a second chance. All the things I might say or do or wish I could say…”
Marco Benevento – Barn Burner: Live At Levon’s 2xLP (The Royal Potato Family)
Marco Benevento’s new double album, Barn Burner: Live at Levon’s, was recorded live with his band featuring bassist Karina Rykman and drummer Chris Corsico over a two night, sold-out run-on January 13 and 14, 2023 at Levon Helm Studios in the keyboardist’s adopted hometown of Woodstock, NY. The exhilarating 13-track set spans Benevento’s career with tracks from across his nine studio albums, including “Coyote Hearing”, “Bus Ride” and “Send It On A Rocket”, as well as a cover of Bob Dylan & The Band’s “This Wheels On Fire” with special guest Scott Metzger on guitar.
The Beths – Brand New Colony b/w We Looked Like Giants 7” (Carpark)
Red colorway. This split 7″ features The Beths with Pickle Darling on one side, and Car Seat Headrest on the other. Both bands are celebrating the 20th anniversary of two landmark indie-rock albums that are near and dear to them: The Postal Service’s Give Up (Sub Pop) and Death Cab For Cutie’s Transatlanticism (Barsuk). On one A-side is New Zealand indie rockers, The Beths’ delightfully bright cover of “Brand New Colony”. The sonically brilliant reinterpretation features fellow New Zealander, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Pickle Darling’s signature finger plucking and dulcet keys. The other A-side features alt-rock mainstay Car Seat Headrest’s propulsive guitar-driven take on Death Cab for Cutie fan favorite “We Looked Like Giants”.
Big Boys – Where’s My Towel / Industry Standard [Reissue/1983] LP (Touch & Go)
Big Boys – Lullabies Help The Brain Grow [Reissue/1983] LP (Touch & Go)
Big Boys – No Matter How Long The Line Is At The Cafeteria There’s Always A Seat! [Reissue/1985] LP (Touch & Go)
Color vinyl reissues. The Big Boys got their start in the late 1970’s Austin punk scene. The band was fronted by the occasionally cross-dressing Randy “Biscuit” Turner, with Tim Kerr on guitar, Chris Gates playing bass, and a series of drummers – the best known of which is Rey Washam (Scratch Acid). Unlike the rest of the early hardcore scene of the day, they weren’t afraid to stray away from superfast tempos in favor of some nice white boy skate funk. Beyond the funk tendencies, the band at times played an early brand of post-punk not unlike their contemporaries The Minutemen. Thanks to their inclusion on some of Thrasher magazine’s first “skate comps,” the Big Boys were hugely popular amongst the new 80’s skate punk crowd.
Sir Richard Bishop – Saginaw Racket 2xLP (Unrock)
Saginaw Racket, the new double album by Sir Richard Bishop, features the first new recordings from the former Sun City Girls guitarist in over five years. It is a singular work for electric guitar in four parts with each part being a full side. Each of the four parts were recorded in one take and they are presented in the order they were originally recorded. But this is also a circular work with no fixed beginning or end. One can start the record with any of the four sides, with the remaining sides then played in order.
Ben Böhmer – Begin Again 2xLP (Anjunadeep)
Electronic music’s brightest rising star, Germany’s 28-year-old Berlin based producer and live act Ben Böhmer has had another monumental year. His debut album Breathing, released at the end of 2019, has since attained over 50 million streams. A string of other singles and remixes for Anjunadeep, Future Classic and Hungry Music have seen Ben become a mainstay in the flagship electronic playlists and Beatport 100, drawing admirers from across the electronic music spectrum; including Stephan Bodzin, Bob Moses and Boris Brejcha, who pronounced Ben as his ‘Breakthrough Artist of 2020’.
Eddie C. Campbell – King Of The Jungle [Reissue/1977] LP (Spin The Blues)
Eddie C. Campbell was a great blues guitarist who competed with Magic Sam and other greats on Chicago’s West Side on his purple jazz master guitar.
Ron Carter – Where? [Reissue/1961] LP (Craft Recordings)
Bass player Ron Carter’s debut album Where? features Eric Dolphy (clarinet, sax, flute) and Mal Waldron (piano). The album was originally released in 1961 having been recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studios in New Jersey.
Catfish and The Bottlemen – Showtime 7” (Capitol)
White colorway. Catfish and the Bottlemen are back after a nearly five-year hiatus with new song “Showtime”. Frontman, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Van McCann recorded the song in Los Angeles with multi-Grammy Award winning producer Dave Sardy (Oasis, LCD Soundsystem, Rolling Stones). The song reflects the sun-kissed optimism of LA and marks a bold evolution in Van’s songwriting.
Clutch – Transnational Speedway League: Anthems, Anecdotes And Undeniable Truths [Reissue/1993] LP (Weathermaker Music)
New colorway.Transnational Speedway League: Anthems, Anecdotes And Undeniable Truths (often shorted to Transnational Speedway League) is the debut studio album by American hard rock band Clutch.
Courting – New Last Name LP (Lower Third)
Liverpool-based four-piece Courting returns with sophomore album, New Last Name. The new album is unrestrained and chaotic, and at the same time more focused and detail-oriented than anything Courting has done before.
Creation Rebel – Close Encounters Of The Third World [Reissue/1978] LP+MP3 (On-U Sound)
Creation Rebel – Rebel Vibrations [Reissue/1979] LP+MP3 (On-U Sound)
Creation Rebel – Psychotic Jonkanoo [Reissue/1982] LP+MP3 (On-U Sound)
Creation Rebel – Above Harlesden 1978-2023 6xCD (On-U Sound)
Vinyl reissues of key albums by the original On-U Sound house band. Conceived by Adrian Sherwood as a dub outfit to make his first album, Creation Rebel evolved to become the live backing band for Prince Far I, produced a string of classic records in the late 70s and early 80s, and recently returned from exile in space with a triumphant comeback set.
Les Demerle Sound 67 Ft. Randy Brecker – Once In A Lifetime LP (P-Vine)
Infinitely adaptable, DeMerle’s power and rhythmic elasticity underlines his bold presence and command of modern jazz drumming. Herb Wong. By the time of Spectrum, Les DeMerle’s dynamic 1969 United Artists debut album, Les was a known, prodigious young drumming talent who had been wowing audiences through club and TV performances since he was a teen. The unheard gems were recorded in 1967 by his band, Sound 67, which was lost in the confusing era at Atlantic Records, never to see the light of day. The acetates that followed DeMerle around for the last 56 years, reveal a 20-year-old dynamo who knew talent, showmanship, and the sounds of his times. With a collection of crack arrangements by Frank Foster & Bob Hammer, channeling the latest grooves of Ramsey Lewis and Cannonball Adderley, balanced with sublime pop hits, and burning swingers, Les sculpted his five-piece band into a musical juggernaut.
- Diab – Imerro LP (Tonal Union)
Caton Diab creates soundscapes that evoke the spectacular wilderness of his childhood home in northern Vancouver Island. Incorporating experimental textures, folk overtones and tape manipulations, C. Diab uniquely finds the unseen spaces in-between, and fittingly dubs his creations “post-classical grunge”. [A clear vinyl pressing is available.]
Dillinger Verses Trinity – Clash [Reissue/1977] LP (Burning Sounds)
Limited red color vinyl pressing. Includes insert with extensive sleeve notes. Dillinger’s sparring partner on this album is ‘Trinity’ aka Wade Brammer, who was active during the 1970s and 1980s. Trinity as Dillinger, is best known for deejaying over reggae and dancehall tracks. Clash albums became very popular at the tail end of the 1970’s and into the 1980’s with both singers and deejays competing against each other track by track.
Electric Feel Good – Janes Inn LP (Killed By Rock)
Electric Feel Good is a band from Hälsingland that has been around since 2015 are now release their third album Jane’s Inn. With their roots in the English ‘70s rock landscape, they started off with Faces as one their leading influences. Later, they’ve moved on to blend their ‘70s rock sound with the Swedish pop-rock of the ‘90s. A must have for anyone who’s into Faces, The Rolling Stones, Atomic Swing and Ennio Morricone.
Eddie Fisher – The Third Cup [Reissue/1969] LP (Verve)
A singular album from the jazz guitarist – more well-known for his later period funk records – Fisher grooves here with a stripped-down jazz sound and group featuring organ and a second guitarist in Phil Westmoreland. Soul and style prevail, especially on the title track and a transcendent 12-minute take on “The Shadow Of Your Smile”.
Ella Fitzgerald – Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie! [Reissue/1961] LP (Verve)
In contrast to her classic Songbook albums for Verve, this 1961 date captures the essence of Ella Fitzgerald as most people got to see her live – with a swinging quartet. The program is made up mostly of repertoire from the Swing and early Bebop periods with Ella mixing soulful ballads and hard-driving swingers.
Larry Fleet – Earned it 2xLP (Big Loud)
Released last October on CD – now available on vinyl. Tennessee-born troubadour Larry Fleet grew up on a stack of records spanning Merle Haggard, Otis Redding, Willie Nelson, and Marvin Gaye. A thoughtful songwriter with a knack for a one-liner, an ear for a sturdy hook, and a powerhouse voice that strikes like a match, Fleet was working blue-collar jobs to make ends meet long before landing his recording contract with Big Loud Records.
Jeremiah Fraites – Piano Piano 2 LP (Dualtone Music Group)
Two years after his #1 classical crossover hit Piano Piano, cofounder of The Lumineers and multi-instrumentalist Jeremiah Fraites is back with a breath-taking follow up record Piano Piano 2. With arguably bolder and more genre-bending instrumentation, Piano Piano 2 features a stunning vocal performance by Grammy-nominated folk artist Gregory Alan Isakov on a reimagined orchestral cover of the Radiohead classic “No Surprises”.
Gamblers – Pulverizer LP (Gamblers)
For Gamblers leader Michael McManus, a few too many brushes with mortality have him feeling like there’s a great force threatening to pound him literally into dust. Pulverizer, however, isn’t a dark album. Gamblers serve a rousing fusion of organic and electronic sounds. It’s the ultimate afterparty album that hasn’t entirely left the celebration behind. This contemplative record takes on weighty subjects-but spiked with irresistible hooks and a zest for life that bursts through the grooves.
Godflesh – Post Self [Reissue/2017] LP (Avalanche Recordings)
Godflesh – A World Only Lit By Fire [Reissue/2017] LP (Avalanche Recordings)
Color vinyl reissues (blue and red, respectively) of the seventh and eighth albums by the industrial metal band.
Benny Goodman And His Orchestra – The Best Of Benny Goodman And His Orchestra LP (Crub)
Best of compilation featuring some of Goodman’s most beloved tracks, such as “Let’s Dance”, “Stompin’ at The Savoy”, “Ain’t Misbehavin'” and more.
Ed Harcourt – El Magnifico LP (Deathless)
Ed Harcourt has released music under his own name that blends raw emotions, impeccable songwriting, and visionary flights of imagination. While recognizably bearing all the hallmarks that have made him such an admired and prolific songwriter, his new record, El Magnifico, also finds him striving for something new. It is an Ed Harcourt record, but one with a desire to seek fresh reward.
Haystack – Doomsday Goes Away LP (Threeman Recordings)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Doomsday Goes Away isn’t merely an album; it stands out as a testament to Haystack’s unwavering significance in the power-rock-noise-landscape. Its ten fearless tracks echo a mantra of raw authenticity: “No bullshit, no trends, just honesty, in your face anarchy and hope.” Conceived in a fervent four-day recording sprint, the album showcases the band’s raw spontaneity. Stripped down to its core, recorded live with minimal overdubs, there’s no hiding behind dense production this time. It’s an unfiltered, pure Haystack.
Heart Of A Coward – This Place Only Brings Death LP (Arising Empire)
Limited clear, red and black splatter vinyl pressing. Heart Of A Coward’s takes a bold, accessible turn, drawing heavily from metalcore influences as opposed to their previous leanings towards the progressive. The album ranges from mellifluous, soft tunes to visceral, hard-hitting tracks, each polished with striking details that add layers of depth and complexity.
Ron Henderson – Soul Junction [Reissue/1976] LP (Groove Diggers)
This is a great, and beloved modern soul work released by Ron Henderson and his group Choice Of Color in 1976.
Paris Hilton – Paris [Reissue/2006] LP (Real Gone Music)
Gold w/ black smoke colorway. Not everybody has not one, not two, but twelve producers attached to her debut release. Not everybody has her one and only album pranked by British artist Banksy (who substituted a topless photo for the cover). Nope, not everybody is Paris Hilton, who has lived in the public eye since, well, forever. She first announced plans to make an album in 2003, during her run on the reality TV series The Simple Life. Originally entitled Screwed, and then Paris Is Burning, the record – finally simply entitled Paris – came out in 2006.
Holiday Ghosts – Coat Of Arms LP (Fat Cat)
Following their acclaimed 2023 album, Absolute Reality, Holiday Ghosts fifth album, Coat Of Arms captures several facets within their musical output: powerful, gut-punch punky garage rock; classic jangly indie pop; songs of protest and resistance and songs that resonate emotion and introspection.
Lightnin’ Hopkins – Blue Lightnin’ [Reissue/1967] LP (Spin The Blues)
Blue Lightnin’ is an album by legendary blues musician Lightnin’ Hopkins recorded in Texas in 1965 and released on Stan Lewis’ Jewel Records in 1967. This album has long been acclaimed as a masterpiece, capturing the aesthetics of Lightnin’ Dirty Blues. Instead of the widely circulated jacket design featuring a color photograph of Lightnin’ himself, we now present it in a rare jacket design featuring another photograph which is now rarely seen, and is all blue.
Knox – The EP’s 12” (Atlantic)
How To Lose A Girl In Seven Songs and I’m So Good At Being Alone on vinyl for the first time. Both EPs included on one orange vinyl LP.
Sean Ono Lennon – Asterisms CD (Tzadik)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Tzadik is proud to present Asterisms, a beautiful and exploratory instrumental project by Sean Ono Lennon, one of the most creative and versatile musician/composer/producer/songwriters working today. Sean has written countless songs, composed film scores, produced, and performed on dozens of albums-and here he steps out as the leader of an all-star band of Downtown luminaries. Years in the making, the music is powerful, trippy, and intensely imaginative, blending rock, electronics, jazz, and more into an exciting new musical soundscape.
Johnny Lytle – People & Love [Reissue/1973] LP (Craft Recordings)
Available on vinyl for the first time since its original release 50 years ago, the downtempo-funk extravaganza People & Love is a crate-digger’s treasure chest, filled with soul-jazz grooves and mesmerizing vibraphone textures laid down by Johnny Lytle, who was touted as “the greatest vibes player in the world” by the big band legend Lionel Hampton.
Majesty Crush – Butterflies Don’t Go Away 2xLP (Numero)
Driven by lust-fueled limerence and drifting far from conformity, Butterflies Don’t Go Away capture Majesty Crush’s transient, yet subversive mark on the landscape of American shoegaze to come. [A clear vinyl pressing is available.]
- McFarlane’s Reality Guest – Whoopee LP (Night School)
From out of nowhere – if nowhere the febrile, warped, and twilit imagination of Julia McFarlane is -comes Whoopee, the second album by J. McFarlane’s Reality Guest. Whoopee is an esoteric, kaleidoscopic movie in music form directed by Julia McFarlane and co-conspirator Thomas Kernot. Full of life, breakbeats and smokey vignettes on the fragile nature of interpersonal relationships, Whoopee is a stylistic evolution from everything McFarlane has done before. Surreal, beautiful in parts and replete with the aching wisdom McFarlane’s songwriting has always promised, this Reality Guest pulls back the curtain on a whole scene of naked truth.
Palle Mikkelborg / Jakob Bro / Marilyn Mazur – Strands LP (ECM)
“When we walked out on stage it felt like a homecoming,” says Jakob Bro of this texturally spacious and emotionally charged live recording from Copenhagen, on which three of the defining protagonists of improvisation in Denmark, leading musicians from three generations of Danish jazz, come together. The concert, in February 2023, was particularly poignant since it marked a return to performance for trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg, who delivers some of his most thoughtful playing here. Repertoire, drawn from Jakob Bro’s Returnings and Gefion albums is addressed in spontaneous and exploratory spirit and transformed as Marilyn Mazur’s subtle percussion language of blossoming gongs and metals and rumbling drums blends with Bro’s drifting and rippling washes of sound.
Jammin’ Sam Miller – Super Metroid (Original Soundtrack Recreated) 2xLP (WRWTFWW)
Full HD re-creation/restoration of the legendary soundtrack for 1994 dxploration/action-adventure/ sci-fi /alien video game Super Metroid by Louisiana-based composer and producer Jammin’ Sam Miller. Jammin’ Sam Miller explains: “Composed by Kenji Yamamoto. Recreated by me. This was made possible by locating the original instrument samples from workstation keyboards and drum machines before they were put into the game and rebuilding the soundtrack from the ground up, applying some modern mixing techniques along the way to lift the veil of 16-bit compression and create an updated listening experience.”
Mom Jeans. / Graduating Life – Mom Jeans. / Graduating Life [Reissue/2017] 7” (Counter Intuitive)
Pink colorway. Originally released in 2017, the Mom Jeans. / Graduating Life split 7″ quickly became a staple release of the Counter Intuitive Records catalog. Serving as a follow-up to Mom Jeans massively successful debut LP Best Buds and a precursor to Grad Life’s debut LP An Introduction To Rock n Roll, this split captures both bands at a special moment of creativity in their careers. Featuring two tracks from each band that show off the energy, humor, and relatability that made both bands so endearing in the first place.
Mr. Scruff – Ninja Tuna [Reissue/2008] 3xLP+MP3 (Ninja Tune)
The brilliant Ninja Tuna is the latest Mr. Scruff album to get a deluxe makeover. Originally released as a CD in 2008 it’s now available for the first time on vinyl as a deluxe triple LP (with bonus tracks) pressed on bio-vinyl with infinity peelable tuna sticker on the cover spanning 18 slabs of “foot-tapping funk and ball-busting breaks” (Mixmag). Mr. Scruff plays the role of Skipper with consummate ease and leads a motley crew of guests including Roots Manuva, Quantic, Alice Russell, Andreya Triana, Danny Breaks, Pete Simpson, and Skuff & Inja.
Nico – Desertshore [Reissue/1970] LP+MP3 (Domino)
Digitally remastered edition. 1970’s Desertshore, like much of Nico’s early work, has grown in stature with the passing of time. Hardly a pop album, the material stands alongside Chelsea Girl as some of her most accessible work, winning fans as diverse as Throbbing Gristle, Morrissey, Marc Almond, and Björk. Audio has been re-mastered from the original tapes.
Our Hollow, Our Home – Burn In The Flood [Reissue/2021] 2xLP (Arising Empire)
Two new multi-color deluxe vinyl pressings. Speaking of strength, Burn In The Flood demonstrates Our Hollow, Our Home’s mighty metallic crunch from the outset.
PawPaw Rod – Triple EP LP (Godmode)
Color vinyl pressing. PawPaw Rod is Rodney Hulsey, a singer and rapper hailing from Oklahoma City. Rod debuted at the end of 2020 with Hit Em Where It Hurts, which blends ‘60s soul with the cadence of hip-hop – like a woozier Bill Withers or Gil Scott-Heron. The record quickly found its way to the top of global viral charts and in an Apple commercial too, with not much information out there about Rod except that he was a Capricorn who loved cowboy boots. Another PawPaw Rod EP, released in summer of 2023 on L.A.’s Godmode (Channel Tres, Yaeji, JPEGMAFIA), intended to fill in the gaps.
The Plot In You – Could You Watch Your Children Burn [Reissue/2013] LP (Rise)
Limited burnt yellow color vinyl pressing. Could You Watch Your Children Burn is the second studio album by The Plot in You, originally released in 2013. The album debuted at #110 on Billboard 200.
The Quill – Wheel Of Illusion LP (Metalville)
Red colorway. Iconic Swedish hard and stoner rock band The Quill unveil their musical prowess in their highly anticipated 11th album, Wheel Of Illusion. With a storied history dating back to the early ’90s, The Quill has consistently pushed boundaries, blending powerful riffs and soulful melodies. [CD version due April 12.]
Ratboys – The Window 2xLP+MP3 (Topshelf)
Released last year on CD – now available on double pink and blue color vinyl. Ratboys have been recording and releasing music for over a decade, but their newest album, The Window, marks the first time they’d ever traveled outside their home base of Chicago to make a record, journeying to the Hall of Justice Recording Studio in Seattle to work with producer Chris Walla. The sessions with Walla (Death Cab For Cutie, Tegan and Sara, Foxing) struck the perfect balance between preparation and experimentation, injecting new life into the band’s style of soft-hearted Midwestern indie rock with an ever so subtle Americana twist.
Recondite – Hinterland [Reissue/2013] LP (Ghostly Int’l)
In 2013, following excursions in deep house, acid, and techno that made him “one of Berlin’s most compelling artists,” per Resident Adviser, Lorenz Brunner brought his Recondite project to Ghostly International for the definitive full-length, Hinterland. The producer looked to his childhood homeland of Lower Bavaria, utilizing field recordings to map the music to the emotions of the region’s seasons. Hinterland presented an atmosphere – icy, eerie, melancholic music that crossed intimate melodies with crisp percussion – what would become Recondite’s signature. “This is the album that had to come out of Recondite eventually,” he said at the time. “It is Recondite.” A decade later, the sound remains wholly his own.
Resolve – Between Me And The Machine [Reissue/2021] LP (Arising Empire)
Limited crystal clear and dark green marbled vinyl pressing. Between Me And The Machine is a beautiful debut masterpiece from a band who have played it right and bucked the trend of releasing an album after a few short months together, and it shows. Resolve truly know each other as well as where they are heading.
Tony Scott – Music For Zen Meditation [Reissue/1964] LP (Verve)
Mostly improvised by clarinetist Scott, backed by Hozan Yamamoto and Shinichi Yuize – on the Japanese instruments shakuhachi and koto – this 1964 album is a precursor to later movements in ambient and new age music, from in and out of the jazz world.
The Searchers – The Ultimate Collection LP (BMG)
Few beat groups of the mid- ‘60s could match the impact of Liverpool’s The Searchers, whose first four singles on the Pye label included three number ones – “Sweets For My Sweet”, “Needles And Pins” and “Don’t Throw Your Love Away” – and “Sugar And Spice”, a number two hit which is fondly remembered today.
Shadow Show – Fantasy Now! LP+MP3 (Little Cloud)
Detroit’s own Shadow Show is an uncompromising power trio that combines elements of ‘60s garage-psychedelia into a 21st century modern pop-art incarnation. Sleek and spellbinding, the music sweeps you up into frenetic grooves and dazzling harmonies. Their music pushes the boundaries of what can be, yet remains deeply rooted in the raw, untouchable Detroit sound.
Sisters Of Your Sunshine Vapor – Nocturnal Train To Mars LP+MP3 (Little Cloud)
Sisters of Your Sunshine Vapor, a band synonymous with moody, electrifying psych rock, are preparing to unveil their highly anticipated sixth studio album, Nocturnal Train To Mars. This mystical journey through sound marks yet another milestone in their illustrious career, which has seen them crafting their unique sonic landscapes since their formation in 2009.
Sleeping With Sirens – Let’s Cheers To This [Reissue/2011] LP (Rise)
Sleeping with Sirens – Kellin Quinn [vocals, keyboards], Jack Fowler [lead guitar], Nick Martin [rhythm guitar], Justin Hills [bass], and Gabe Barham [drums] – have emerged as one of the most influential artists in the alternative rock genre.
Sonata Arctica – Clear Cold Beyond 2xLP (Atomic Fire)
Black w/ white marbled colorway. The most relentless Sonata Arctica record to date, a spectacular resurgence of their trademark, lightning fast power metal forged far, far north.
Soulwax – Nite Versions [Reissue/2005] 2xLP (PIAS America)
Soulwax’s fourth studio album, Nite Versions, contained reworkings and remixes of tracks from their earlier album, Any Minute Now, in an unabashed homage to of the sound of early-’80s dance mixes. Originally released in 2005, this limited-edition repress is on pink and white swirl vinyl.
Stereolab – Aluminum Tunes (Switched On Volume 3) [Reissue/1998] 3xLP+MP3 (Warp)
Aluminum Tunes is a collection of EPs and rarities from Stereolab, released in 1998. It is the third compilation in a series of rarities collections following Switched On and Refried Ectoplasm, and was stickered with the subtitle “Switched On, Volume 3”.
Suburban Lawns – Baby [Reissue/1983] 12” (Rubellan Remasters)
Sour apple colorway. After making a splash with their 1979 debut single Gidget Goes To Hell, Suburban Lawns released their 1981 self-titled debut LP, which featured another cult single “Janitor”. The final Suburban Lawns offering was the 1983 5-track EP titled Baby. With the band now paired down to a four-piece, the three tracks on Side 1 continued in the zany style the band had become known for. The best-known track “Flavor Crystals” remains a popular underground favorite today.
Sun Atoms – Ceiling Tiles b/w Tower Of Song (In The Key Of JAMC) 7” (Little Cloud)
Blue cloudy colorway.” Ceiling Tiles” is the new single from Portland, Oregon band Sun Atoms. Mixed by Jagz Kooner (Massive Attack, Primal Scream, Oasis, Garbage), the song, written around Peter Holmstrom’s compelling baseline, follows a group of characters that animate to life off a deck of tarot cards. The song is an amalgamation of new colors in psychedelic, dark wave, and post-modern pop. The song explores a dreamy netherworld peeling away under the heartbeat like a synthesized glove. It is a cautionary tale of a possible dystopian future, some of which is already materializing – right now before our eyes.
Tacocat – NBM [Reissue/2014] LP (Sub Pop)
Tacocat’s 2014 Hardly Art debut, NVM, back in print on limited gold vinyl. Like a fluorescent-lit snack-aisle oasis in some desolate interstate road stop, brimming with Skittles and limited-edition Sno Balls, Tacocat’s Easter-egg-hued pop-punk-pop is bubblegum-sticky with hooks, bound to brighten up the drabbest stretch of bummer back-road. Recorded at Egg Studios in Seattle, NVM is the whippet-smart album from the world’s favorite palindromic band. Text a friend.
Thee Sacred Souls – The Instrumentals LP (Penrose)
Limited red color vinyl pressing. Introducing the Instrumental album for Thee Sacred Soulsʼs critically acclaimed, self-titled debut, featuring instrumental versions of their hit singles, “Can I Call You Rose?”, “Weak For Your Love”, and “Future Lover”.
Thievery Corporation – Saudade [Reissue/2014] LP (Primary Wave)
Limited transparent light blue color vinyl pressing. 2024 is the 10th Anniversary of Saudade – the seventh studio album from one of the most influential and respected names on the electronic/dance music scene, Thievery Corporation. This is the first record to be completely devoted to their Bossa Nova roots. Each track on Saudade is sung by one of five female vocalists – including LouLou Ghelichkhani, Elin Melgarejo, Karina Zeviani, Natalia Clavier, and Shana Halligan.
Thrown – Extended Pain 10” (Arising Empire)
Limited 10″ white and black color vinyl pressing. Swedish quartet with vocalist Marcus Lundqvist and drummer/producer Buster Odeholm (Vildhjarta, Humanity’s Last Breath). Presenting lyrics filled with anger and self-hatred, the four-piece effectively blends intense and crushing guitars with catchy yet aggressive vocal rhythms.
Type O Negative – Dead Again [Reissue/2007] 2xLP (Nuclear Blast)
The 2022 reissue of the seventh and final studio album from New York metal legends Type O Negative. When Dead Again was released in 2007 it became the band’s highest charting album of their career. The double-LP contains 10 tracks. Limited edition white w/ black & green splatter colorway.
Vadiat – Spear Of Creation LP (Redefining Darkness)
Vadiat’s sound has been compared to a mix of the best parts of early Swedish, Finnish, British, and US death metal. [Multiple color variants are available.]
Townes Van Zandt – Live At The Whole Coffeehouse, Minneapolis MN, November 1973 – FM Broadcast LP (Mind Control)
Townes Van Zandt – Live At The Tavastia, Helskinki, Finland, June 18th 1993 – FM Broadcast LP (Mind Control)
The Whole Coffeehouse set is nothing but the man and his guitar. The focus here is acute and sharp, the Whole Coffeehouse in 1973 and Live At Tavastia 1993 are essential additions to the late great Townes Van Zandt discography. Van Zandt’s lyrics and melodies were filled with the kind of haunting truth and succulent beauty that were instinctive.
Various Artists – Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. II (Compiled By Frend Und Luna) 2xLP (Compost)
It’s not easy at all or even impossible to define the musical genre “Kraut”. Nevertheless, Compost Records and Fred und Luna strike out on the path to find the diverse elements of German electronic music of the 1970s and 1980s and their effects on the new German and international music scene. After the immense success of Volume 1 a follow-up volume was soon started, tying in stylistically with its predecessor and furthermore as this is one basic principle of the series expanding the musical spectrum by adding new krauty elements step by step. So now, besides stylistic followings to Volume 1, you will hear some more club oriented and experimental tracks.
Smokey Wilson – Blowin’ Smoke [Reissue/1977] LP (Spin The Blues)
This is the first album by Smokey Wilson, a tough and gutsy blues singer and guitarist based on the West Coast. Wild, droning vocals that sound like a mix between Howlin’ Wolf and Elmore James, and a groove with a messy funky blues beat. From funk blues to shuffles and slow blues, you’ll be blown away by the energy and crispness. A masterpiece with a rush of energy that is even exhilarating.
Various Artists – The Virgin Suicides (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Reissue/2000] LP (Rhino)
The Virgin Suicides (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) features selections from Air, 10cc, Boston, Todd Rundgren, The Hollies, Al Green, Styx and more on vinyl. Sofia Coppola’s directorial debut launched her signature remarkable use of soundtrack in her storytelling and was ranked among the 50 Best Films about High School in 2015.
Teresa Winter – Proserpine LP (Night School)
Circular patterns morphing through time, loop, and ritual form the fabric of Proserpine, the latest work by Leeds-based musician, Teresa Winter. Recorded from summer to winter through 2021 and 2022, Proserpine is Winter’s most cohesive, focused music to date: confidently reveling in space, fixating on isolated sounds, and giving way to satisfying, swirling waves of vocal and electronic buzz. musical patterns revolve and intersect with each other, transmogrifying the music’s narrative. Over-arching themes emerge: continual change, elusiveness. Insubstantiality emerges into concrete reality in the form of recognizable field recordings: the purring of a pet cat, the hum of a live cable. The loops and patterns are sometimes just out of earshot.
Donovan Woods – Not A Greatest Hits LP (Meant Well Inc.)
Translucent red colorway. “You voted (thank you) and these are all the popular choices that would fit on an album. Do I agree with all of them? No, of course not. But it’s not up to me, that’s the beauty of it. It’s not a greatest hits, I can’t stress that enough. It’s just a compilation of songs that a certain set of people enjoy, and they’d like to hear these songs with a few more vintagey crackley-pops.”
Xasthur – Vol. 1 Splits 2002-2004 2xLP (Prophecy)
Xasthur – Vol. 2 Splits & Bonus 2007-2009 2xLP (Prophecy)
With Vol.1 Splits 2002 – 2004 and Vol. 2 Splits & Bonus 2007 – 2009 Lupus Lounge are opening the vault of rarities by Depressive Black Metal legend Xasthur. Compiled on two double LPs, each available in black and limited color vinyl, rare contributions to split releases and cover songs can be found as well as unreleased experimental demo recordings. Some of the songs are featured as alternative mixes or re-recorded versions, making these LPs a true treasure trove for all Xasthur fans and collectors.
Xibalba – Aztlán 12” (Closed Casket Activities)
New EP by the California hardcore/death metal band.
Cassettes:
Gglum – The Garden Dream (Secretly Canadian)
As she’s gotten older, Ella Smoker has found that her subconscious has been trying to tell her “some pretty wacky stuff”. Thoughts will come to the 21-year-old singer-songwriter in dreams, or as she writes lyrics in studio sessions, words floating onto the page before she’s really had a moment to realise what they are. “As soon as we start making the music, my brain sort of turns off,” she explains. “I’ll be sitting there, writing all this stuff that feels like a load of nonsense, and a month later, I’ll look back and be like ‘oh’. It all comes from a place I didn’t even realize was there.” In learning how to open up to herself, Gglum ended up finding a kindred spirit in producer Karma Kid (Maisie Peters, Shygirl, Connie Constance), pushing past her natural bedroom-pop introversion to find joy in the process of collaboration. [A translucent orange color vinyl pressing is available.]
Ride – Interplay (Wichita Recordings)
Everything feels like it has been leading to Interplay, Ride’s seventh album, the third since their 2015 reunion. It’s the sound of the group connecting all the dots, taking the frenzied guitar attacks, hypnotic grooves, and dreamy melodic hooks of their early work, and setting it to a more expansive sonic template, one that takes in synth flourishes, psychedelic folk, electronic beats, and noir-pop soundscapes. Interplay flows from start to finish, at times urgent and formidable, at others wistful and melancholic. It’s the sound of a great British band hitting a second peak. It’s a record about perseverance, about sticking together, about finding a way forward. Nine years after coming back together, Ride keeps rewriting their story.
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