Social Media Program Title Released This Week:
Mark Lanegan – Straight Songs Of Sorrow CD/LP (PIAS America)
When considering any great work of art, be it a painting, a novel, or a piece of music, it’s natural to wonder what might have inspired it. Mark Lanegan’s new album, Straight Songs Of Sorrow, features guest appearances from Greg Dulli, Warren Ellis, John Paul Jones, Ed Harcourt and more. These 15 songs are inspired his life story, as documented in his new memoir, Sing Backwards And Weep. The book is a brutal, nerve-shredding read, thanks to Lanegan’s unsparing candor in recounting a journey from troubled youth in eastern Washington, through his drug-stained existence amid the ’90s Seattle rock scene, to an unlikely salvation at the dawn of the 21st century. There’s death and tragedy, yet also humor and hope, thanks to the tenacity which impels its host, even at his lowest moments. Today, Lanegan is a renowned songwriter and a much-coveted collaborator, as adept at electronica as with rock, constantly honing his indomitable voice: an asphalt-laced linctus for the soul. While the memoir documents a struggle to find peace with himself, his album emphasizes the extent to which he came to realize that music is his life. [Limited indie-store exclusive clear vinyl pressing also available.]
CDs + Vinyl:
Bridget Kearney/Benjamin Lazar Davis – Still Flying CD (Verve)
Minimally equipped with a guitar, recording console and a tiny toy keyboard, longtime friends Benjamin Lazar Davis and Lake Street Dive’s Bridget Kearney trekked to West Africa and struck up a collaboration with Stevo Atambire, legendary Ghanaian musician/master of the kologo. The duo’s full-length debut, Still Flying, features 11insightfully crafted songs, reimagining traditional gyil parts and drum patterns in the context of their own graceful collision of folk and pop and indie-rock.
Axel Rudi Pell – Sign Of The Times CD/LP (Steamhammer)
The 18th album from metal legend Axel Rudi Pell. Line up: Johnny Gioeli (Hardline,), Ferdy Doernberg (Rough Silk, Uli Jon Roth, Therion), Volker Krawczak (Steeler), Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult).
Brant Bjork – Brant Bjork CD/LP (Heavy Psych Sounds)
The man who has become the ambassador of Californian desert rock plays every instrument across his 13th studio full-length, Brant Bjork. There’s no mistaking his style as he strips his songwriting style to its core and brings out the organic vibe that’s made him desert rock’s most crucial practitioner. [Two colored vinyl editions are available: a limited edition half white/half red pressing and a red splatter pressing.
Black Ark Players – Black Ark In Dub [Reissue/1981] CD (17 North Parade)
Black Ark In Dub is another piece of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry’s limitless musical puzzle. Featuring a bedrock of deep and heavy rhythms recorded at the Black Ark just before its demise, Black Ark In Dub is comprised of bass heavy spooky dub deconstructions and embellished dub tracks. [Vinyl edition due September 18.]
Black Nail Cabaret – Gods Verging On Sanity CD (Dependent)
Singer/Performer Emese Arvai-Illes started out as a performer in a fetish/horror theatre group in Budapest, but quickly found programmer/producer/partner Kristzian Arvai to be her musical counterpart. Like in their lyrics, the music of Black Nail Cabaret fuses darkness with light, beauty with violence and disturbing art with lush harmonies. Modern electronic sequences meet a distinct 80ies influence of boundary-pushing female performers like Grace Jones or Eurythmics. [Vinyl edition due May 15.]
Gerry Cinnamon – The Bonny CD/LP (Little Runaway)
New album from the Scottish singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist.
Vox Clamantis / Jaan-Eik Tulve – Cyrillus Kreek: The Suspended Harp Of Babel CD (ECM)
Cyrillus Kreek features revelatory performances of the choral music of Estonian composer Cyrillus Kreek (1889-1962). Kreek’s pieces, incorporating graceful settings of psalms & folk hymns, are juxtaposed here with instrumental fantasias & interludes created for this recording by Marco Ambrosini.
Discharge – Apocalypse Now [Reissue/1981] CD/LP (Cleopatra)
Reissue of the famed 1981 concert recording at London’s Lyceum by the hardcore punk rock icons. [Limited red colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Drain – California Cursed CD/LP (Revelation)
As the new blood of Santa Cruz hardcore punk, Drain has a fiery, metal-tinged thrashing hardcore sound that is best experienced in the live setting.
Edikanfo – Pace Setters [Reissue/1981] CD/LP+MP3 (Glitterbeat)
CD and vinyl reissue of the debut album from this much revered Ghanaian band produced by British sound explorer Brian Eno.
Tommy Emmanuel – The Best Of Tommysongs 2xCD/2xLP (CGP)
Influenced by the Merle Travis/Chet Atkins fingerstyle of guitar picking, Tommy developed a style of solo guitar playing that encompasses the range of a whole band – covering drums, bass, rhythm lead guitar, and a vocal melody simultaneously. While some artists take a band on the road, Tommy builds a complete sonic world entirely on his own with no overdubs or loops. This 24-track, vinyl double-disc collection features five brand new songs and the lion’s share of Emmanuel’s best originals all re-recorded.
Fake Names – Fake Names CD/LP+MP3 (Epitaph)
Punk rock supergroup Fake Names – which includes Brian Baker (Minor Threat, Dag Nasty, Bad Religion), Michael Hampton (S.O.A., Embrace, One Last Wish), Dennis Lyxzén (Refused, International Noise Conspiracy, INVSN), and Johnny Temple (Girls Against Boys, Soulside) – deliver their self-titled debut record on which they bring their collective history to a 28-minute burst of unbridled energy.
Jamo Gang – Walking With Lions CD/LP (Fat Beats)
Jamo Gang consists of L.A. legend Ras Kass, NYC veteran emcee El Gant and J57 on production. The trio’s debut album Walking With Lions features DJ Premier, Slug from Atmosphere, Sid Wilson from Slipknot, Sick Jacken from Psycho Realm and Slaine from La Coka Nostra.
Scotty McKay – Scotty McKay Rocks CD (Bear Family)
Archive collection of all the tracks by Scotty McKay from the years 1956-1959. Scotty was a member of Gene Vincent’s Blue Caps and sang background vocals and played piano and rhythm guitar on their album, Baby Blue.
Napalm Death – Time Waits For No Slave CD (Century Media)
CD reissue of the thrash metal/grindcore band’s 13th album.
RAC – Boy CD/LP (Counter)
Grammy-winning artist RAC (Andre Allen Anjos) returns with his highly anticipated album Boy, his first release following his EP, Closer. The first single taken from the album is a cover of the iconic early 2000s hit “Never Let You Go” from Third Eye Blind. It features husband and wife Matthew Koma and Hilary Duff and is the first track to be released by actress since 2016.
Rushden & Diamonds – 2020 CD/LP (Volunteer Media)
Starting off their careers as young protégé’s to the legendary hip-hop producer Kutmasta Kurt, Rushden & Diamonds first got their start writing rhymes and making beats while digging in the crates of 1980’s R&B and royal orchestral music. Now, while channeling inspirations from their favorite retro music, video games, and action movie culture, Rushden & Diamonds’ bring you their highly anticipated follow up to 2010 appropriately titled 2020. The new 10 track studio album features the likes of Kool Keith, Kutmasta Kurt, Moka Only, Dylan Ross (Rozz Dyliams), Mega Ran, Naoto Tanaka, Castro Satoshi and more.
Secrets Of The Moon – Black House CD/CD+DVD/LP/2xCD+DVD+LP (Prophecy)
Secrets Of The Moon – Live In Bitterfeld [Reissue/2002] LP (Prophecy)
On their seventh full-length Black House, Secrets Of The Moon offer a re-invented version of their pristinely sinister rock music. [Available as digibook CD, a gatefold LP (black and limited silver), an art-book CD+DVD, and a limited complete box set (including the art-book CD plus DVD, the LP on exclusive gold colored vinyl, Live In Bitterfeld exclusively on CD, a patch and two posters).]
Sojourner – Premonitions CD/2xLP (Napalm)
Like an oncoming storm, Premonitions unveils the violent, yet undeniably beautiful stylistic progression of Sojourner’s sound in an exceptional synthesis of folk and atmospheric black metal.
John Stewart – Old Forgotten Alters: The 1960s Demos CD (Omnivore)
In a career spanning more than four decades, John Stewart swiftly progressed from his beginnings in a southern California garage band, through folk groups The Cumberland Three and The Kingston Trio, to a successful solo career. Old Forgotten Alters: The 1960s Demos honors his life’s work and legacy with a peek behind the curtain into his songwriting process while he was making his way from The Kingston Trio to his solo career.
King Size Taylor – Dr. Feelgood: The Brits Are Rocking 3 CD (Bear Family)
The British rocker’s complete recordings from 1963/’64 for the German labels Philips, Polydor and Ariola.
Various Artists [Armin van Buuren] – A State Of Trance 2020 2xCD (Armada Music)
2020 installment in Armin van Buuren’s popular State Of Trance series.
Vuur & Zijde / Impavida – Split CD/LP (Prophecy)
In advance of their forthcoming debut album, newly formed black metal trio Vuur & Zijde (fire and silk) – featuring members of Laster, Nusquama and Terzij de Horde – introduce themselves on this split-release alongside the similarly enigmatic Impavida. [Limited green colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Billy Walker –Whirlpool: Gonna Shake This Shack Tonight CD (Bear Family)
In a career stretching nearly sixty years, Billy Walker (1929-2006) charmed audiences with his lively stage presence and lilting Texas tenor. Often overlooked and underrated since his tragic death, Whirlpool: Gonna Shake This Shack Tonight reveals that Walker was far more than a Grand Ole Opry balladeer. Spanning Walker’s first fourteen years on record, this set includes Texas honky-tonk, up-tempo shuffles, Tex-Mex novelties, rockabilly and upbeat pop.
Butch Walker – American Love Story CD/LP (Ruby Red Recordings)
New release from the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer. American Love Story is a rock opera – a love story about hate, partially inspired by his upbringing in Cartersville, Georgia, that examines social and racial divides in America.
Cory Weeds – Day By Day CD (Cellar Live)
The blend of the nimble, modern touch of jazz pianist David Hazeltine and the classic tone of Weeds’ alto are a natural match on Day By Day.
Chelsea Williams – Beautiful & Strange CD/LP (Blue Élan)
Songstress Chelsea Williams’ new album Beautiful & Strange includes the hit single “Red Flag” featured on NPR’s All Songs Considered. Chelsea is an effortless combination of Ingrid Michaelson meets Brandi Carlile. Her sound is as eclectic as her musical taste. The daughter of a vocal coach, Chelsea was named after the Joni Mitchell song Chelsea Morning.
Hayley Williams – Petal For Armor CD/LP (Atlantic)
Hayley Williams debut solo album was produced by guitarist Taylor York, Williams’ lead collaborator in their Grammy Award-winning band Paramore. Petal For Armor was heralded earlier this month by the acclaimed first single, “Simmer”. The smoldering track arrived alongside its own Warren Fu-directed video, providing a compelling first chapter to a continuing storyline.
Winterfylleth – The Reckoning Dawm CD/2xLP (Spinefarm)
The Reckoning Dawn finds Winterfylleth returning to the absolute top of their game across eight brand new songs of blistering, atmospheric and emotive black metal.
DVDs + Blu-ray:
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
13 Cats – 13 Tracks [Reissue/2002] LP (Rock-A-Billy)
Pink colored vinyl reissue. 13 Cats features Slim Jim Phantom of The Stray Cats, Danny B. Harvey of The Swing Cats, Tim Worman of The Polecats and Smutty Smith of The Rockats.
BoomBaptist – Boom Shakalaka LP (Insect)
BoomBaptist continues to revise the winning 90’s Boom-Bap formula pioneered by golden era hip-hop greats. Boom Shakalaka was created with the intention of evoking vintage, dusty VHS’s of NBA highlights and trash talk.
Anne Clark – Unstill Life [Reissue/1991] LP (Flying Dolphin Administration)
Unstill Life was the first studio album from Anne Clark in 1991 after an enforced four year break as a result of full-on war with the music industry. An album of withdrawal, introspection, resolution and life-affirming creativity. All genres, all life represented. Very few artists have covered such a wide spectrum over such a long and consistent career. Combining literary, socially engaged texts with innovative and genre-breaking soundscapes, for nearly 40 years Anne Clark has held a unique place in both literature and music.
Conception – State Of Deception LP (Conception)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Fifth studio album from the power metal band.
Dread Zeppelin – Re-Led-Ed: The Best Of [Reissue/2004] LP (Cleopatra)
A rollicking, rastafarian retrospective of the notorious tribute band.
EverythingButTheGirl – Temperamental [Reissue/1999] 2xLP (Buzzin Fly)
Vinyl reissue of the 10th studio album by the British musical duo.
The Explosion – Flash Flash Flash [Reissue/2000] LP (Jade Tree)
The Explosion was an American punk rock band from Boston, Massachusetts. Flash Flash Flash was their first full-length album. Marrying a solid foundation of The Clash and Cocksparrer with the openness of contemporary, stateside peers, The Explosion follows in the footsteps of a few legendary Beantowners, with more than a few nods to their forebears. [Limited clear vinyl pressing also available.]
Kognitif – Monometric [Reissue/2014] LP (Yes High Tech)
Six years after the first edition, Cyril Capra aka Kognitif reinterprets his deep 2014 trip-hop album Monometric with a very wise and sharp ear.
Yusef Lateef – The Blue Yusef Lateef [Reissue/1968] LP (Speakers Corner)
Yusuf Lateef was a leading representative of world music, long before world music was known as such in the jazz, pop and rock community. He integrated all kinds of oriental instruments in his jazz music, such as the koto, bamboo flute and tambura and also – as in this case – in his blues compositions. His saxophone playing is also flawless too and full of wonderful textures, hard and impulsive at one moment, cool and exotic at the next. On The Blue Yusef Lateef he explores, in a painterly way, the border areas of the blues, in all their various guises and addresses both eastern and western cultures.
George Lynch and Jeff Pilson – Wicked Underground [Reissue/2003] LP (Deadline Music)
Released last week on CD – now available on vinyl. Reissue of the 2003 album from former Dokken bandmates George Lynch & Jeff Pilson.
Steven Dayvid McKellar – Ethio LP (Sonic Ritual)
Steven Dayvid McKellar, founder, singer and songwriter of South African indie rock stalwarts Civil Twilight, presents his solo album debut. A thematically-connected set of songs driven by warm, precisely arranged synthetic and acoustic tones, Ethio explores reality within a single contemporary American neighborhood. The result is a singular work, one that elegantly captures the essential confusion of our times.
Chris Poland – Return To Metalopolis [Reissue/1990] 2xLP (Combat)
Digitally remastered and expanded edition of the former Megadeth guitarist’s 1990 solo debut. Regarded by many as an unsung shred masterpiece, Metalopolis showcases Poland’s signature jazz-infused thrash/rock style, across this collection of timeless instrumental compositions. Bonus material includes live tracks that originally appeared on the out-of-print 2007 release Return To Metalopolis Live, plus three brand new tracks recorded in 2019, featuring the rhythm section of Carlos Cruz and Chase Bryant of Warbringer. Double colored vinyl pressing in gatefold jacket.
R.A. The Rugged Man – Golden Oldies b/w It’s Gone 7” (Nature Sounds)
R.A. The Rugged Man and Slug of Atmosphere join forces for the first time to bring some much-needed joy to listeners during these trying times.
Konstantin Raudive – The Voices Of The Dead 2xLP (Sub Rosa)
For many, the first traces of the Raudive Tapes were in William Burroughs fictions and articles. The fact is, these mysterious magnetic tapes, which capture the voices of the dead, and were recorded by the Baltic scientist Konstantin Raudive, are not a fiction but a reality (we are not here to judge their scientific objectivity). These tapes, as rare as Lovecraft’s Necronomicon, are now in the Sub Rosa archives. This set includes remixes by Brett Dean, David Toop, CM von Hausswolff, Calla, Lee Ranaldo, Scanner, Random Inc., Ensemble.
Redd Kross – Phaseshifter [Reissue/1993] LP (Third Man)
Redd Kross – Show World [Reissue/1997] LP (Third Man)
What are Redd Kross? Punk rock? Psychedelia? Heavy metal? Bubblegum? Power pop? Whatever they are, they are 100% Redd Kross, the catchiest of catchy, chock full of hooks, melodies and harmonies, impossible to not smile and sing along…maybe even dance to. 40 years in and hot on the heels of their 2019 album Beyond The Door, Third Man Records reissues two of their beloved 1990s albums, Phaseshifter (1993) and Show World (1997).
The Sinclairs – Sparkle CD/LP (Cleopatra)
New project from The Damned’s Rat Scabies and Billy Shinbone of Flipron and The Neville Staple Band. [Red colored vinyl pressing also available.]
Stretch and Bobbito & The M19s Band – 5×7” (Uprising Music)
7” vinyl box set edition. Stretch and Bobbito’s debut album No Requests explores the legendary club DJs’ vast musical knowledge with covers of songs directly from their record crates. Featuring the M19s Band, a live band of elite hand-picked musicians, the gatekeepers of ’90s hip-hop step outside their foundational genre base to produce Latin, Afrobeat, samba, jazz, reggae, and soul reinterpretations of dance floor bangers-ranging from popular to rare and obscure-which loosely depart expected structure and create new nuances to familiar tunes.
Sun City Girls – Live At The Sky Church LP+DVD (Twenty One Eighty)
The first new Sun City Girls release since Funeral Mariachi (2010), Live At The Sky Church is a performance that melds their signature alien-jazz improv, Asian-tinged psychedelia, and Middle Eastern meditations together with their ranting psychodrama. An audio and visual recording from Seattle in 2004 shows a group that is both aware and committed to its history, while still demonstrating the power of the experimental to drive an enormous cudgel through the heart of those who believe to have all the answers.
Ultimate Fakebook – The Preserving Machine LP (Sonic Ritual)
Power-punk-emo-pop trio Ultimate Fakebook returns with its first new album in sixteen years – a collection of tightly wound, disarmingly accomplished songs about shared dreams, national disappointment, friendship, devotion, love and Manhattan KS.
Various Artists – Earache Presents: The New Wave Of Rock N Roll LP (Earache)
A selection of 15 of the finest new up-and-coming bluesy rock bands as selected by Earache Records.
Various Artists – La Discoteque Psychedelique LP (Boss-A-Tone)
A great selection of late ‘60s/early ‘70s funk/psych flavored grooves.
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