CDs:
Abramis Brama – Enkel Biljett CD (Record Heaven)
Throughout the last 15 years, Abramis Brama has released heavy, ecstatic, riff-oriented hard rock with Swedish lyrics. On Enkel Biljett, the band continues their journey with newfound energy.
Acoustic Alchemy – Live In London 2xCD (Onside)
Double-CD live release from the British instrumental/smooth jazz band.
Aleister X – Keepin’ It Real CD (Nod And Smile)
Aleister X’s massive new album, the follow up to his critically acclaimed Half Speed Mastered!, Keepin’ It Real is Shepard’s pie of psychedelic pop with dirty funk grooves and cult pop lyrical gymnastics.
Lily Allen – Sheezus CD/2xCD (WB)
Lily Allen’s third studio album was produced by Greg Kurstin, Shellback and Dj Dahl, and features the singles “Hard Out Here” and “Air Balloon.” Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a five-track bonus disc. Vinyl version due May 27.
Andrew Jackson Jihad – Christmas Island CD/LP (Side One Dummy)
Christmas Island, the 5th album proper from Andrew Jackson Jihad, is a little bit silly, a little bit serious. It’s a record that’s irreverent yet somber, full of humor and full of pathos, its twelve songs combining the two to create a record that truly cuts right to the bone of the human condition. Whether it’s life, love, death, loss or Linda Ronstadt, this record has it all, delving into the most profound of emotions, reaching deep into the heart of humanity, unveiling universal truths through the most unlikely of scenarios.
Arkona – Yav CD/CD+DVD (Napalm)
This Russian pagan folk metal band interweaves brutal metal riffs, pounding drums and folk melodies, the latter played mostly on authentic and medieval instruments. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a bonus DVD.
Atmosphere – Southsiders CD/LP (Rhymesayers)
While Southsiders is a celebration of the group’s fortitude, it is also a deeply introspective, and sometimes conflicted, work. “It’s a natural progression from the last record, The Family Sign, which was about growing my family,” says Slug, now a father to three, who finds himself contemplating mortality. “I’m starting to think, ‘What is post family man? What am I supposed to rap about now?’ I’m sticking to my roots, rapping about what I’m doing, what I think about. This record is much like the other ones a very detailed look at my life.”
Badbadnotgood – III CD/LP (Innovative Leisure)
Badbadnotgood is a young talented trio of musicians made up of Matthew Tavares on keys, Chester Hansen on bass, and Alex Sowinski on drums. Since their inception at Humber College’s Music Performance program in 2011, the three have challenged the rulebook on improvised instrumental music and taken jazz tradition into the future. With early champions including acclaimed BBC broadcaster Gilles Peterson and Tyler The Creator (who helped fuel their discovery), the inseparable friends release their biggest project to date with III.
Being As An Ocean – How We Both Wondrously Perish CD (Invogue)
How We Both Wondrously Perish represents fine melodic hardcore, from the passionate screams, catchy choruses, and intense music. For fans of Underoath, mewithoutYou, Sigur Rós, and Brand New.
Black Stone Cherry – Magic Mountain CD (Roadrunner)
Black Stone Cherry’s fourth studio album, Magic Mountain sees the band continuing to master their sound that has earned them legions of fans around the world.
Paul Bley – Play Blue: The Oslo Concert CD (ECM)
A rare solo performance by one of jazz s great originals, Canadian pianist Paul Bley, recorded live at the Oslo Jazz Festival in 2008 by Jan Erik Kongshaug and Manfred Eicher.
Blood Red Shoes – Blood Red Shoes CD/LP (Jazz Life)
Brighton, England’s Blood Red Shoes feature Laura-Mary Carter (vocals/guitar) and Steven Ansell (drums/vocals), two enthusiastic punk-inspired brawlers who channel the clamor of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Duke Spirit, and Huggy Bear.
Luka Bloom – Head & Heart CD (Compass)
With a poet’s heart and a rocker’s soul, Luka Bloom is regarded as one of Ireland’s most respected contemporary folk artists. On Head & Heart, Bloom continues to shake up the folk genre with clever new arrangements and reinterpretations of ten well known classics alongside a pair of self-penned gems, accompanied by a jazz trio.
Brigades – Crocodile Tears CDEP/12” (Pure Noise)
Brigades is South Carolina’s best kept secret. Their debut EP, Crocodile Tears was recorded in Baltimore with producer Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, Dangerous Summer) and blends pop punk with more aggressive skate punk riffs.
David Byrne And Fatboy Slim – Here Lies Love O.C.R. 2xCD (Nonesuch)
Features music by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim as performed by the original 2013 Public Theater cast of the Here Lies Love musical starring Ruthie Ann Miles and Jose Llana as Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos.
Hans Chew – Love & Life CD/LP (Proper Music)
Hans Chew returns with his eagerly anticipated follow up to the acclaimed Tennessee & Other Stories. Life & Love was recorded live in the studio with limited overdubs to present the raw power of this well-oiled band. With distinct influences of British and southern American classic rock, the album’s sound stands on plenty of blues, country, and soul as it bares its teeth.
Current Swell – Ulysses CD/LP (Nettwerk)
The 12 tracks on Ulysses perfectly deliver the band’s textured, deep-groove sound while capturing the energy of their live show, which has earned them scores of fans across The Americas, Australia and Europe.
The Durutti Column – The Return Of The Durutti Column [Reissue/1980] CD (Factory Benelux)
Digitally remastered and expanded edition of this 1980 album from British guitarist Vini Reilly aka The Durutti Column. While still a live fixture at Factory’s Hacienda club, Reilly entered the studio with legendary producer Martin Hannett to work on a spontaneous, organic recording that would become the Durutti Column’s classic debut LP. The album was comprised of gentle guitar instrumentals incorporating jazz, folk and classical touches, and sounded unlike anything produced by other post-punk bands of the time.
Dwellers – Pagan Fruit CD/LP (Small Stone)
The songs found on Pagan Fruit reveal novel, dynamically varied musical touchstones as far reaching as vintage Neil Young & Crazy Horse and Goat’s Head Soup-period Stones.
Thomas Dybdahl – What’s Left Is Forever CD (Blue Note)
A huge talent in his homeland, Norway’s Thomas Dybdahl is a star in waiting – possessor of a unique and expressive voice together with a multitude of awards.
Eat Lights Becomes Lights – Into Forever CD (Rocket Girl)
“Eat Lights Become Lights mix Krautrock rhythms and celestial drones to heavenly effect” – NME
Eccodeck – Singing In Tongues CD (Big Mind/Black Swan Sounds)
Sixth release from Canadian global fusion combo Eccodek – a potent blend of dub, tribalism, electronica and the exotic.
Kat Edmonson – Way Down Low CD (OKeh)
Originally released in 2012, Kat Edmonson’s self-released Kickstarter-funded album, Way Down Low, that debuted at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart, is now available stateside.“One of the greatest vocal albums I’ve ever heard.” – The Boston Globe
Elephant – Sky Swimming CD/LP (Memphis Industries)
Amelia Rivas and Christian Pinchbeck don’t just sing about feverish, frayed and fractured romances in the three years since forming Elephant, they’ve been living one. It’s fitting that Sky Swimming, their debut full length release is a seductive, night time delight of an album. After all, it was in the twilight hours of a May morning three years ago that Pontefract native Amelia Rivas and Bristolian Christian Pinchbeck met at a house party and in alcohol-soaked all-nighter sessions that Sky Swimming was written.
Eno & Hyde – Someday World CD/2xCD/2xLP+MP3 (Warp)
Brian Eno and Karl Hyde (Underworld) come together with a new album. Someday World comprises nine songs, composed and sung by the duo with a highly distinguished cast of supporting musicians. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a four-track bonus disc and is packaged in a CD-sized hardcover book with slipcase.
Epica – The Quantum Enigma CD (Nuclear Blast)
Epica expertly mixing devilish sharp guitars, angelic choruses, evocative synthesizers, mindboggling drum work, and of course, another soaring vocal performance from Simone Simons. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds bonus tracks.
Essa – Misadventures Of A Middle Man CD/LP (First World)
With an enviable roster of producers including Waajeed, Eric Lau, Tall Black Guy, Ta-Ku, Budgie and Flako, the British rapper’s music blends elements of neo-soul, Latin, afrobeat, electronica, spoken word and of course hip-hop.
Liam Finn – The Nihilist CD/2xLP+CD (Yep Roc)
New Zealand rocker Liam Finn releases his third full-length album. Featuring 12 new tracks, The Nihilist finds Liam at his most refined and inventive in the studio, with other-worldly arrangements and blissfully catchy hooks. He has received Artist To Watch accolades from The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, Billboard and Stereogum, performed on Letterman and Ferguson and has shared stages with the likes of Eddie Vedder, The Black Keys and Wilco.
A Firm Handshake – Fix Me Up CD+DVD (Rock The Cause)
For the first time ever, fans can own a complete collection of their favorite music and videos from Zach Sobiech and his band A Firm Handshake. This wonderful collection includes the chart topping, YouTube sensation, ‘”Clouds’” (Over 10 Million Views) along with alternate versions of the hit.
Fujiya & Miyagi – Artificial Sweeteners CD (Yep Roc)
Few have offered such a bittersweet taste of pop through their career as Fujiya & Miyagi; underneath the sticky wrappers that have packaged their sugary synth lines and rich hooks since the turn of the Millennium, there’s always been a grittier aftertaste. Reaching back to the influences that got them into dance music in the first place, beach parties, warehouse raves in their native Brighton, early Warp Records and Carl Craig, the group wrote at an unchartered prolificacy, revelling in digging out their old samplers and synths and sizing them up against the digital technology they continue to explore the limits of. Vinyl version due May 13.
Kina Grannis – Elements CD/LP (One Haven Music)
Sophomore album from the Los Angeles-based indie songstress. Produced and recorded by Matt Hales (aka Aqualung – whose recent credits include with Paloma Faith, Alex Clare, Lianne La Havas), Elements is filled with layered vocals and harmonies and lush, intricate soundscapes, while documenting a period of growth and change in her personal life, complete with an honesty and a vulnerability that she’s excited to share with her fans.
Curtis Harding – Soul Power CD (Burger)
Curtis Harding says that soul music, and his music, speak for themselves. It’s self-evident on the Atlanta artist’s debut, Soul Power. The driving sound of his electrified Stratocaster, the foot-stomping backbeat and the lyrics swimming in reverb — with something this flourishing, it’s almost reductive to just dig around the roots. Harding’s style was born in Michigan and bred on the road, a restless childhood spent singing gospel alongside an evangelizing mother, then cultivated in Atlanta, where he sang backup for CeeLo Green and befriended the Black Lips (he plays with Cole Alexander in Night Sun).
Ben & Ellen Harper – Childhood Home CD (Prestige)
Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/musician Ben Harper and his mother Ellen have collaborated to create an absorbing, deeply personal collection of original songs. Childhood Home features ten songs, six written by Ben and four written by Ellen, that explore the intricacies of family life with honesty and generous intimacy.
Mick Harvey – Intoxicated Man/Pink Elephants [Reissue] 2xCD2xLP (Mute)
Intoxicated Man (1995) and Pink Elephants (1997) are Mick Harvey’s interpretations of the songs of legendary singer/songwriter/poet Serge Gainsbourg, and are the first major works translating Gainsbourg’s influential work from French to English. The double LP collection includes two unreleased tracks, “Dr Jeckyll” and “Run From Happiness.”
The Horrors – Luminous CD/2xLP (XL)
Recorded over 15 months in the band’s east London studio-laboratory-bunker with co-producer Craig Silvey (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arcade Fire, The National), Luminous is the follow-up to the band’s 2007 debut Strange House, the Mercury-nominated Primary Colours (2009), and the critically-acclaimed Skying (2011). Tasking themselves with moving onwards, The Horrors determined to make an album that was brighter, more positive, more electronic.
Hayes Hunter – Storyline CD (Atlantic)
The platinum-selling country star releases his brand new album.
The Icypoles – My World Was Made For You CD/LP (Highline)
My World Was Made For You is the debut album from The Icypoles, four gals from Melbourne. Having become a familiar fixture on Melbourne’s inner-north stages, and with two previous releases (2009’s Getting Ready cassette and 2011’s Promise To Stay 7” EP), The Icypoles’ musical adventures can be traced back to the early ‘00s, with half the band finding their formative footing playing in Architecture In Helsinki.
Jeffertitti’s Nile – The Electric Hour [2010] CD/LP+MP3 (Beyond Beyond Is Beyond)
Jeffertitti plays bass in Father John Misty, Father Misty plays drums on The Electric Hour, which also features a guest spot from Johnny Bell (Crystal Antlers).
Josef K – The Only Fun In Town [Reissue/1981] CD/LP (Les Disques Du Crepuscule)
Digitally remastered and expanded edition of this 1981 album from the Scottish post-punk band fronted by singer/songwriter Paul Haig. The band’s edgy guitar rock wasn’t as commercial as their contemporaries like Orange Juice or Aztec Camera, although they’ve become one of the most influential bands to emerge from the ’80s post punk era.
Nikki Lane – All Or Nothin’ CD/LP (New West)
For her sophomore album All Or Nothin’, Nashville songstress Nikki Lane teamed up with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys for a record that turns the vulnerable singer/songwriter stereotype on its ears. With songs that crucify ex-boyfriends, celebrate one-night stands (as long as she can bolt town right after) and proclaim it’s always the right time to do the wrong thing, Lane comes across like a modern-era Wanda Jackson, albeit with more oats to sow.
Lykke Li – I Never Learn CD/LP+MP3 (Atlantic)
“Lykke Li is a pop star looking to change the pop conversation. The Swedish singer’s new third album, I Never Learn, forms the final installment in a conceptual trilogy — and it’s extraordinary as both a collection of songs and a tactical re-wiring of her genre’s circuit board.” – NPR
Marc Maron – Thinky Pain 2xCD/2xLP (Comedy Central)
Marc Maron returns to his old stomping grounds for an intimate special in which he takes stock of himself. More than ever, Maron is raw and hilariously honest as he dissects his own neuroses and self-loathing while providing outrageous anecdotes from his personal life, in which he starts to realize the hurt isn’t real, it’s just Thinky Pain.
Matrimony – Montibello Memories CD (Sony)
Matrimony began their musical life as a duo, performing in clubs and cafes around Charlotte. Brown veered from electric guitar to acoustic, while Hardee Brown adapted her indie influences to fit a folkier frame. 2010’s The Storm And The Eye EP was quickly recorded, earning the couple considerable local acclaim for their melding of rock, country, gospel, and the great Irish and American folk traditions.
Maximo Park – Too Much Information CD (Daylighting)
Maximo Park return with their fifth album, Too Much Information. Recorded and self-produced by the band in Newcastle and Sunderland with additional production duties from The Invisible’s Dave Okumu and from Field Music’s David and Peter Brewis, the album is the follow up to 2012’s critically acclaimed The National Health, and sees the band reach new heights in their remarkable songwriting and sonic experimentation.
Sarah McLachlan – Shine On CD (Verve)
After a four-year hiatus Sarah McLachlan returns with her Verve Records debut. Vinyl version due May 19.
Natalie Merchant – Natalie Merchant CD (Nonesuch)
Combining three decades of experience in song writing and album making, Merchant’s production style is nuanced and pure. Her voice is framed by a balanced blend of electric and acoustic sound throughout with musicianship of exceptional quality. String, brass, and woodwind arrangements mingle with Hammond organ and electric guitar improvisations. Players include John Medeski, Shawn Pelton, Clark Gayton, Uri Sharlin, Jesse Murphy, Erik Della Penna, Gabriel Gordon, and guest vocalists Simi Stone, Elizabeth Mitchell and gospel singer Corliss Stafford.
Tony Molina – Dissed And Dismissed CD/LP (Slumberland)
Molina intensifies the slacker cliches and self-deprecation of ‘90s indie rock into absurdist hyperbole. He expresses vulnerability and melodrama through bizarre truisms while referencing his forebears: Thin Lizzy leads, Radiohead lyrics, and Replacements sneer.
Morning Parade – Pure Unadulterated Joy CD/LP (So Recordings)
This Essex five-piece combines trance-style synths with anthemic rock guitars in the same vein as Friendly Fires, Delphic, and Fenech-Soler. Vinyl version due June 3.
The Move – Live At The Filmore 1969 2xCD (Right Recordings)
Double-CD live archive release from the ’60s psych/pop band led by Roy Wood. This set contains 100 minutes of previously unreleased Move live magic recorded at San Francisco’s Fillmore West (the only complete Move concert in existence).
Naughty Boy – Hotel Cabana CD (Capitol)
Over the last 12 months, Naughty Boy has become one of the UK’s most sought-after sound creators. Reintroducing the charts to the sound of garage beats, house and trip-hop, his work boasts an epic, dramatic, ethereal quality. He has won the acclaim of his peers with
a distinctive feel to his compositions, while the likes of Sam Smith, Tinie Tempah, Ed Sheeran, Wiz Khalifa, Bastille and Emeli Sandé all appear on his debut album Hotel Cabana. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds bonus tracks.
Willie Nelson/Bobbie Nelson – Farther Along: A Gospel Collection CD (Pedernales)
Country legend Willie Nelson and his sister and longtime bandmate Bobbie Nelson share their renditions of 18 classic hymns and spiritual songs.
Nine Black Alps – Candy For The Clowns CD/LP (Hatch)
Nine Black Alps retain their distinctive and energetic sludge, grunge-rock sound albeit with a tighter and more dynamic style. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe includes five extra live tracks.
Papercuts – Life Among The Savages CD/LP (Caroline)
Papercuts is the moniker of San Francisco singer/songwriter/producer Jason Quever. On Life Among The Savages, Quever’s dreamy mixture of baroque pop, storytelling lyrics, and detailed production work is at its most potent.
Paws – Youth Culture Forever CD (XL)
For Youth Culture Forever, the second album from Paws, the band decamped to a studio in the woods just outside New York to hone and expand on the sound that saw their debut ‘Cokefloat!’ acclaimed by the likes of Pitchfork, SPIN and nominated in their homeland of Scotland for the Scottish Album Of The Year awards. “While J. Mascis and Mac McCaughan taught these ‘90s children how to riff and that a catchy lead run can suffice where a chorus might otherwise, pop-punk acts like Blink-182 taught them how to rant” – Pitchfork. Vinyl version due June 3.
People Under The Stairs – 12 Step Program CD/LP (Piecelock 70)
The musical sensibility punctuating their unique brand of hip-hop has earned them the title ”The Steely Dan of Rap Music” as well as consistent critical acclaim and numerous appearances on the Billboard Charts.
Pet The Preacher – The Cave & The Sunlight CD/LP (Napalm)
Gripping, heavy stoner rock.
Sonny Rollins – Road Shows Volume 3 CD (Sony Masterworks)
Road Shows Volume 3 could be subtitled 21st Century Sonny as it spans the years between 2001 and 2012, providing a thrilling overview of the music and musicians that have engaged Rollins in the new millennium. The album consists of six tracks recorded in the US, Japan and France and includes the debut recording of a new composition, “Pantanjali.”
Santana – Corazón CD (RCA)
Santana’s first Latin music album of his iconic career and features collaborations with ChocQuibTown, Lila Downs, Gloria Estefan, Fabulosos Cadillacs, Juanes, Ziggy Marley, Miguel, Niña Pastori, Diego Torres, Samuel Rosa of Skank, Cindy Blackman Santana, Romeo Santos, Soledad, Wayne Shorter, and more.
Jenny Scheinman – The Littlest Prisoner CD (Sony Masterworks)
Singer, violin player, composer and arranger Jenny Scheinman presents her eighth solo recording. Mixed by Grammy-nominated producer Tucker Martine (The Decemberists, Neko Case, My Morning Jacket) The Littlest Prisoner was recorded in just three days and features legendary guitarist Bill Frisell and drummer Brian Blade.
Seahawks – Paradise Freaks CD/LP (Ocean Moon)
Seahawks have been a best-kept secret since 2009. Having got together to create their own particular style of cosmic music back then, the duo of Jon Tye and Pete Fowler have released a seemingly unstoppable wave of music on limited edition vinyl in hand printed sleeves, cassette, picture disc and even mini disc. Seahawks have remixed artists including The Horrors, Badly Drawn Boy, Tim Burgess, Rune Lindbaek and The Advisory Circle. They host a regular boat party in London where guests Ulrich Schnauss, Tom Furse et al are free to play whatever the hell they like.
Section 25 – From The Hip [Reissue/1984] CD (Factory Benelux)
Factory Benelux presents a special 30th anniversary edition of From The Hip, the pioneering 1984 electro album by cult Factory Records group Section 25, produced by Bernard Sumner of New Order.
Shining – Through Years Of Oppression CD (Unexploded)
2004 rarities collection from the Swedish black metal band. The band’s music contains depressive undertones, which include personal and suicide-themed lyrics. There have been reports over the years about the suicide death of Niklas Kvarforth but they have always proven to be publicity stunts.
Sigur Rós – Ágætis Byrjun [Reissue/1999] CD (XL)
CD reissue of Sigur Rós’ second album, which has been out-of-print for quite some time.
Jarekus Singleton – Refuse To Lose CD (Alligator)
Visionary young blues artist from Mississippi makes his national debut with album full of potent original rocking blues packed with great playing, soulful vocals and hip-hop wordplay.
Michael Sweet – I’m Not Your Suicide CD (Big3)
Michael Sweet, founder and front man of Stryper, one of the more popular hair-metal groups of MTV generation, releases his new solo album.
Tech N9ne Collabos – Strangeulation CD/LP (Strange Music)
Strangeulation features a who’s who of your favorite Strange Music artists: Murs, Krixzz Kaliko, Rittz, Stevie Stone, Mayday, Ces Cru, Kutt Calhoun, Kendall Morgan, Brotha Lynch Hung, Big Scoob, Jay Rock, and Serj Tankian Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe includes a limited edition collectible coin and four additional tracks.
tUnE-yArDs – Nikki-Nack CD/LP (4AD)
tUnE-yArDs’ third album sees her enlist producers to help her achieve new heights. Contributions from Malay (Frank Ocean, Alicia Keys, Big Boi) and John Hill (Rihanna, Shakira, M.I.A.) enhance tUnE-yArDs’ signature sound. A record that could only have been made by its creator, at heart it’s heavy yet still retains a sense of fun. (Limited quantities also pressed on red vinyl). Free limited edition 7” single with purchase – while supplies last!
Various Artists – All My Friends: Celebrating The Songs & Voice Of Gregg Allman 2xCD/2xCD+DVD/2xCD+Blu-ray (Rounder)
A once-in-a-lifetime performance features momentous performances by Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Devon Allman, Robert Randolph, Jimmy Hall, Sam Moore, Keb Mo, Brantley Gilbert, Jess Franklin, Dr. John, Pat Monahan, John Hiatt, Jaimoe, Taj Mahal, Gregg Allman, Widespread Panic, Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Eric Church, Jackson Browne, Zac Brown, and The Allman Brothers Band with musical direction by Don Was. Also available on stand-alone DVD and Blu-ray.
Various Artists – Sick On You! One Way Spit! After The Love And Before The Revolution Vol. 3: Proto-Punk 1970-77 CD/2xLP+MP3 (Soul Jazz)
A collection of twisted, raw and energized proto-punk from the early 1970s, Punk 45: Proto-Punk 1970-77 draws upon some of the stripped-down hard garage and post-glam sounds of mainly obscure bands that were to prove the template for the forthcoming punk movement: a unique collection of proto-punk tracks from across the USA – Cleveland’s Electric Eels, San Francisco’s Crime, Los Angeles’ Zolar X, Baltimore’s George Brigman and more as well as from the UK with Joe Strummer’s pre-Clash 101ers, the speed-induced R&B of the Count Bishops, and others.
Willie Watson – Folk Singer Vol. 1 CD (Acony)
Produced by David Rawlings, Willie Watson’s debut album Folk Singer Vol. 1 features ten songs, from folk standards to obscure gems. A true solo album in every sense, hearing Watson’s skillful and subtle banjo and guitar accompaniments and soaring vocals unadorned for the first time is a revelation.
Wooden Wand – Farmer’s Corner CD/LP (Fire)
Following the critically acclaimed Blood Oaths Of The New Blues, James Jackson Toth aka Wooden Wand decided to try something different: instead of spending a week in a studio with the same people, the same engineer, the same equipment and the same state of mind, he would record in fits and starts, whenever – and wherever – he felt like it. Over six sessions in four studios spanning three states, he began amassing tracks.
Xandria – Sacrificium CD (Napalm)
Bombastic symphonic metal.
DVD + Blu-ray:
The Rolling Stones – In The ‘70s 2xDVD (Pride)
This double-DVD set explores the fascinating story and extraordinary music of the Stones during the 1970s.
Various Artists – All My Friends: Celebrating The Songs & Voice Of Gregg Allman Blu-ray (Rounder)
A once-in-a-lifetime performance features momentous performances by Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Devon Allman, Robert Randolph, Jimmy Hall, Sam Moore, Keb Mo, Brantley Gilbert, Jess Franklin, Dr. John, Pat Monahan, John Hiatt, Jaimoe, Taj Mahal, Gregg Allman, Widespread Panic, Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Eric Church, Jackson Browne, Zac Brown, and The Allman Brothers Band with musical direction by Don Was. 161 minutes.
Various Artists [Stevie Ray Vaughan] – A Celebration Of Blues And Soul: The 1989 Presidential Inaugural Concert DVD (Shout! Factory)
On January 21, 1989, on the evening following the presidential inauguration, some the biggest names in classic rhythm and blues performed at the Washington Convention Center at the Presidential Inaugural Concert. The black-tie event would be a historical moment: an official inaugural event featuring some of the finest black musicians of the ’50 and ’60s from Stax and Chess Records including Bo Diddley, Percy Sledge and Carla Thomas, along with several hotshot Texas blues guitarists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan with Double Trouble and Jimmie Vaughan at the height of their careers. 120 minutes.
Young Magic – Breathing Statues CD/LP (Carpark)
Reigning in the melodic chaos of their previous works, the dystopian beats on Young Magic’s second release Breathing Statues were conceived in a new series of experiments. Producer Isaac Emmanuel and vocalist Melati Malay pieced together the album over a year while on tour – recording in Morocco, France, Czech Republic, Australia, Iceland and their home studio in New York.
Vinyl:
Cloud Control – Dream Cave LP (Votiv)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Originally hailing from Australia’s Blue Mountains and now residing in the UK, Cloud Control is made up of Alister Wright, Heidi Lenffer, Ulrich Lenffer and Jeremy Kelshaw. After the success of the band’s debut album, BlissRelease, and subsequent worldwide tours, the band is now back with its most accomplished and expansive album to date.
A.J. Croce – Twelve Tales LP (Compass)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Twelve Tales is a long, exploratory journey that encompasses a broad range of musical ground. The album finds the singer/songwriter recording his new songs in the home studios of various top-notch producers including Allen Toussaint, Kevin Killen, Jack Clement, Tony Berg, Mitchell Froom, and Greg Cohen.
Desmond Dekker – The King Of Ska LP (Secret)
HQ-180gm vinyl compilation of recordings from Desmond Dekker’s final studio session before his untimely death in 2006. Features four of his UK top 20 hits: “007,” “Israelites,” “It Mek” and “Pickney Girl.” Complete with full color double-sided insert featuring photos and track-by-track breakdowns.
Guided By Voices – Table At Fool’s Tooth b/w Pillow Man 7” (GBV Inc.)
Guided By Voices – All American Boy b/w Eyesore Wives 7” (GBV Inc.)
Guided By Voices – Authoritarian Zoo b/w Cool Planet Theme 7” (GBV Inc.)
Three new 7” EPs, each limited to 1000 worldwide. All B-Sides are unreleased tracks with contributions from the rest of the band.
Howlin Rain – Live Rain 2xLP (Agitated)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Recorded in various locations on the 2012 worldwide tour, Live Rain features vintage Howlin Rain originals including “Roll On The Rusted Days,” “Dancers At The End Of Time” and “Hung Out In The Rain,” plus “Phantom In The Valley” and an eleven-plus-minute version of “Self-Made Man,” both off their most recent full-length The Russian Wilds.
Kiss – Asylum [Reissue/1985] LP (UMe)
Kiss – Love Gun [Reissue/1977] LP (UMe)
Kiss – MTV Unplugged [Reissue/1996] 2xLP (UMe)
Kiss – Psycho Circus [Reissue/1998] LP (UMe)
HQ-180 vinyl reissues, remastered to high definition 192kHz/24-bit audio for maximum fidelity.
Ray LaMontagne – Supernova LP (RCA)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. LaMontange’s fifth album was produced by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach.
LE1F – Hey 12” (Terrible/XL)
With an impressive amount of acclaimed mixtapes under his belt (Dark York, Fly Zone, Tree House) garnering attention from the likes Pitchfork, Fader, Spin, Rolling Stone, New York Times, Vogue and more, New York City hip-hop artist releases his debut new five-track EP.
Mr Little Jeans – Pocketknife LP (Harvest)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Many people’s introduction to Monica aka Mr Little Jeans came with her haunting, beat-damaged cover of Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs,” essentially doing to that song what James Blake did to Feist’s “The Limit To Your Love.” She’d similarly flipped Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” on 2010’s Angel EP, but Mr Little Jeans’ has since come into her own.
O.S.K. – We Will Never Change LP (Give Praise)
Unrelenting and pulverizing grindcore from Canada.
Johnny Osbourne And The Sensations – Come Back Darling [Reissue/1970] LP (Secret)
HQ-180gm vinyl reissue of the classic 1970 soul reggae album from Johnny Osbourne And The Sensations. This repress comes complete with a full color insert of pictures, biography and track-by-track breakdowns.
People’s Temple – Utopia 7” (Agitated)
Agitated gets in on the act with a three tracker psych-blast from the Midwest’s purveyors of the finest ‘Elevators chug and UK invasion jangle you are likely to hear.
The Residents – Santa Dog [Reissue/1972] 2×7” (Superior Viaduct)
Welcome to the wild, bizarro world of the experimental artists The Residents. Little is known about the group’s origins or its members’ identities, although it is widely believed that they are based out of San Francisco, California. When their debut release, Santa Dog, first appeared in 1972 on the equally enigmatic Ralph Records/Cryptic Corporation, the few hundred copies quickly fell on deaf ears and blind eyes. Rumor has it that then-President Richard Nixon sent his record back.
The Residents – Residue Of The Residents [Reissue/1983] 2xLP (Superior Viaduct)
Residue of The Residents collects outtakes, rare tracks and other experiments from this legendary San Francisco collective. Originally released on Ralph Records in 1983 and spanning The Residents’ career up to that point, this first-time vinyl reissue has been expanded to a double LP and contains 26 songs from the late ’70s and early ’80s—the group’s most fertile period.
The Rolling Stones – 12 X 5 [Reissue/1964] LP (ABKCO)
12 X 5 was the Stones’ second US full-length release. Originally released in October of 1964, the album combines the Five By Five EP (recorded at Chess Studios in Chicago) with the singles “It’s All Over Now” and “Time Is On My Side” and the B-sides of those singles. Also part of the 12 X 5 tune stack are three more tracks that were later included in the Stones’ second UK full-length The Rolling Stones No. 2. HQ-180gm clear vinyl.
The Rolling Stones – Through The Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2) [Reissue/1969] LP (ABKCO)
Through The Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2) was originally released in September 1969, and is the second compilation album of hits by the Rolling Stones, following Big Hits (High Tide And Green Grass). The album includes numerous Stones’ classics including “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Let’s Spend The Night Together” and “Honky Tonk Women.” HQ-180gm clear vinyl.
The Rolling Stones – Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! [Reissue/1969] LP (ABKCO)
Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! The Rolling Stones In Concert holds the distinction of being the first live album by any artist to have reached #1 on the UK charts. Recorded Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 27 and 28, 1969, Ya-Ya’s is considered the Stones finest live album. HQ-180gm clear vinyl.
Dag Rosenqvist – Fall Into Fire LP (n5MD)
Fall Into Fire is Rosenqvist’s first album since the self-inflicted conclusion to his Jasper TX nom de plume in 2013.
Savages – F**kers/Dream Baby Dream 12” (Matador)
Recorded at their sold-out show at the Forum in London last June, “F**kers” is an incendiary live recording of Savages’ viscious, anthemic non-album track written during the sessions during 2013’s Silence Yourself LP and a now perennial live favorite. This extremely limited, embossed import 12” also captures Savages’ covering Suicide’s classic “Dream Baby Dream” on the flip.
Silkworm – Libertine [Reissue/1994] 2xLP+CD (Comedy Minus One)
Long overdue deluxe reissue of their out-of-print 1994 LP, the third and final full-length record by the band as a quartet. This double-LP pressing features a supplementary CD with bonus material from the band’s time in the studio. Triple-threat songwriting, two cagey guitars circling the drain but never going under, a bassist whose axe looks like an oar amd sounds like the metal cable of a suspension bridge, anchored by a drummer clad in little more than gardening gloves whose kick drum is the oversize kind favored by marching bands. All in all, a combination as heady as it was brainy.
Sleepyhead – Wild Sometimes LP (Carrot Top)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Sleepyhead’s first new release in 15 years. Their “secret sauce” is in the harmonies. Oh, those harmonies. Each time they appear, they are perfect. Fully formed. As natural as a cloud on a spring day. Gorgeous. The thing that makes you press play again. And again.
Thou – The Sacrifice 12” (Robotic Empire)
Featuring five songs in 25 minutes, The Sacrifice offers some of the band’s most condensed work to date, eschewing the crawl found on most of their long-players and upping the tempo a bit while retaining their well renowned doom and roar. HQ-180gm color vinyl.
Neil Young – A Letter Home LP (Third Man)
A Letter Home features covers of songs by some of Young’s favorite writers, including Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, plus two songs with Jack White. Young told SPIN that the album was recorded at Third Man “in a 1940s recording booth. A phone booth. It’s all acoustic with a harmonica inside a closed space, with one mic to vinyl. Directly to vinyl.” HQ-180gm.
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