CDs:
Aqua Nebula Oscillator – Spiritus Mundi CD (Tee Pee)
New album from the celebrated French underground psych rock trio. ”Unrelentingly awesome…crammed with spiraling space-rock guitar solos, layered tape effects and occult atmospherics. Indulgence is the name of the game.” — The Onion/AV Club
Beehoover – The Devil And His Footmen CD/LP (Exile On Mainstream)
The multi-faceted clawing at the stoner doom mantle which defined their 2010 full length, Concrete Catalyst, has been taken to pastures fresh; self-recorded behind the locked doors of their own studio, Beehoover’s latest is a swirl of raw, sultry tones and rumbling octaves that strike chords with braggadocio ‘70s hard rock as much as it does the thunderous rumble of Black Cobra and the jutting angles of Unsane.
Eric Bibb – Jericho Road CD (Stony Plain)
Bibb is one of the highest profile international roots music artists, winning Acoustic Artist of the Year at the Blues Music Awards in 2013.Jericho Road reflects the many musical influences that have informed Eric Bibb’s writing throughout his career. World music, blues, folk and soul all find their way into the songs.
James Blunt – Moon Landings CD (Atlantic)
A collection of songs that is raw, direct, and emotionally honest, Moon Landing is a thing of pure, understated beauty. And, as an introduction, and like all of James Blunt’s best work, the melody for first single “Bonfire Heart” will quickly etch itself into your conscience, and you’ll soon be humming along to the sweetly reflective verses, and anthemic chorus.
David Bowie – The Next Day Extra 2xCD+DVD (Columbia)
This is the collector s edition of David Bowie’s critically acclaimed 2013 album The Next Day. The package adds a disc featuring the three tracks from the original Deluxe edition of The Next Day, plus four new studio tracks, a bonus track (“God Bless The Girl”), and two new re-mixes (including one by James Murphy). The DVD features four videos.
Bright Eyes – A Christmas Album [2002] CD/LP+CD (Saddle Creek)
First widespread release of this collection of 11 traditional Christmas songs. Contributors include members of Cursive, Azure Ray, Rilo Kiley and the rest of the Saddle Creek family. Also available on HQ-180gm white vinyl, which includes the entire album on CD.
Crusades – Perhaps You Deliver This Judgment With Greater Fear Than I Receive It CD/LP (No Idea)
Injecting punk with a welcomed literary-minded approach, Crusades take the teachings of Italian friar and philosopher Giordano Bruno — who tried to pass “down an intoxicating idea to the generation that was to follow him…The sky was no longer simply a 15th Century God’s backyard, and it was too vast to be presided over by a 15th Century God” — and transform them into 10 songs of melodic hard rock.
Cut Copy – Free Your Mind CD (Lomo Vista/Republic)
Frontman Dan Whitford produced the anticipated follow-up to Zonoscope, which was recorded in Cut Copy’s hometown of Melbourne and later mixed by Dave Fridmann (Tame Impala, The Flaming Lips, MGMT) in upstate New York. As the new wavy foursome tell it, Free Your Mind was heavily inspired by the two Summers Of Love (San Francisco’s in 1967 and Britain’s in 1988 and 1989). In an official statement, Whitford explained the album’s thesis as such: “The concept of freedom is one that’s universally positive and timeless, and whatever each person’s version of that freedom is, it’s a good thing to be reminding people or even just ourselves to be ‘free.'” Vinyl version due November 19.
Celine Dion – Loved Me Back To Life CD/LP+CD (Columbia)
Loved Me Back To Life is Celine’s first English-language album in six years. The album offered Dion the chance to work with a team of exceptional producers and songwriters including: Ne-Yo, Diane Warren, Tricky Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Eg White, Daniel Merriweather, Babyface, Audra Mae Butts, Play Production, Eman, Janis Ian, Danny Mercer, Andrew Goldstein, Shaffer Smith, Jessi Alexander, Tommy Lee James, Corporal, Sauce, Kyle Townsend, Dana Parish, Andrew Hollander, Aaron Pearce, Kuk Harrell, and Walter Afanasieff.
Bob Dylan – The Complete Album Collection Vol. One 47xCD (Sony Legacy)
A colossal box set encompassing the entire official discography of the American songwriter-performer who’s revolutionized folk, pop and rock music over the past half-century with a profoundly influential catalog of songs and sounds. Includes all 41 official albums, including 14 newly remastered titles and a double-CD compilation of songs not included on the original albums.
Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP2 CD/2xCD (Aftermath)
Brand new album from legendary rapper Eminem featuring the hit singles “Berzerk”, “Rap God” and “The Monster” along with “Survival” the official song of Call Of Duty: Ghosts. Executive produced by Dr. Dre and Rick Rubin. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe includes a five-track bonus CD.
Europe – 30th Anniversary Live CD (Talent Trust)
One of Scandinavia’s biggest rock bands celebrated their 30th anniversary with this live concert recorded in 2011 at Shepard’s Bush Empire in London. Also available on stand-alone DVD and Blu-ray.
Lita Ford – The Bitch Is Back CD (SPV/Steamhammer)
Live release from the veteran rocker and former member of The Runaways.
Howe Gelb – The Coincidentalist CD/LP (New West)
Since 1985 Gelb (Giant Sand) has brought the spirit of the southwest and high art to his DIY recordings. His latest album was recorded with M. Ward and Steve Shelley, and brings together a set of songs that seem linked, like a novel but effortlessly stand on their own. Also features guest contributions from Bonnie Prince Billy and KT Tunstall.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Miami Pop Festival CD/2xLP (Sony Legacy)
Never previously available in any form, Miami Pop Festival introduces the first recorded stage performances of “Hear My Train A Comin'” and “Tax Free” while showcasing definitive live takes on such classics as “Fire,” “Hey Joe,” “I Don’t Live Today” and “Purple Haze.”
Suzuki Junzo – Sings II CD/LP (Nod And Smile)
Brand new release from psychedelic Japanese guitarist Suzuki Junzo (Overhang Party, Miminokoto, 20 Guilders). From Jandek style weird folk to beautiful crystalline guitar passages, this melancholy masterpiece covers all the bases. Acid Mothers Temple guitarist Kawabata Makoto guests on three tracks. Recommended if you like Loren Mazzacane Conners, Acid Mothers Temple, Syd Barrett, Jandek, Les Rallizes Denudes.
Kitchens Of Distinction – Folly CD/LP (Cherry Red/King Midas)
Folly is KOD’s first studio album since 1994’s Cowboys And Aliens. In Summer 2011 Patrick Fitzgerald asked Julian Swales whether he would like to work on some new songs together. Dan Goodwin was invited to join in the fun and eventually 10 songs loomed out of the mist. 10 new songs that sound not as a pastiche of a band 20 years on but, as Julian puts it, are “like a new version sucked through time and space.”
Kronos Quartet with Bryce Dessner – Aheym CD/LP (Anti)
Aheym is an astonishing collaboration between National guitarist Bryce Dessner and journeyman new music string quartet the Kronos Quartet.
The Last – Danger CD/LP (End Sounds)
Danger, the seventh full-length album, by The Last preserves the legendary Los Angeles punk outfit’s patented sound while adding a kinetic spark. For this album The Last has added members Bill Stevenson (Descendents, ALL, Black Flag, FLAG, Only Crime) and Karl Alvarez (Descendents, ALL).
Avril Lavigne – Avril Lavigne CD (Epic)
New album from the Canadian Pop diva features the singles “Here’s To Never Growing Up” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
Melvins – Tres Cabrones CD (Ipecac)
The 19th studio album from the Melvins finds Buzz Osborne and Dale Crover reuniting with original drummer Mike Dillard.
M.I.A. – Matangi CD (Interscope)
The eagerly awaited fourth album from the British R&B vocalist and rapper features collaborations and production from The Weeknd, Switch, Hit-Boy, Danja, The Partysquad, Surkin and others. Vinyl version due November 25.
Midlake – Antiphon CD/LP (ATO)
Anyone who knows Midlake’s preceding albums will recognize some constituent parts of Antiphon: the quirky psychedelia of 2004 debut Bamnan And Slivercork, the ‘70s soft-rock strains of breakthrough album The Trials Of Van Occupanther, and the Brit-folk infusion of 2010’s The Courage Of Others. But their fourth album is another fascinating departure, but also a logical progression. The sound is simultaneously familiar and changed.
Jake Miller – Us Against Them CD (eOne)
Jake Miller is an acclaimed rapper/singer/musician/songwriter from Florida. Having opened for noteworthy artists such as Snoop Dogg, Mac Miller, Cee Lo Green and Jason Derulo, Jake is no stranger to big plays and the sudden spotlight.
Connan Mockasin – Caramel CD/LP (Mexican Summer)
Caramel boasts a unique brand of mutated, lustrous soul that was almost wholly self-recorded over a month in a Tokyo hotel room. Described by Clash Music as “a true cosmonaut of inner space,” the album explores different regions of Mockasin’s singular galaxy, guided by his truly adventurous songwriting that favors reconfigured pop structures with a skewed funk sensibility.
Buck Owens – Buck ‘Em: The Music Of Buck Owens (1955-1967) 2xCD (Omnivore)
Beginning with three Pep Records sides from 1955-56 through 1967’s triumphant tour of Japan, Buck ‘Em! tells the story of Buck Owens. 50 tracks that trace not only the evolution of the Bakersfield Sound, but the beginning of Buck’s recording career to the end of the Classic Buckaroos lineup Don Rich, Tom Brumley, Doyle Holly, and Willie Cantu the period that established his sound and his biggest hits and influence.
Scott Stapp – Proof Of Life CD (Wind-Up)
With the publication in 2012 of Sinner’s Creed, his autobiography, Scott detailed his struggles with drugs, alcohol and depression. It paved the way for Proof Of Life. The music — hard-edged, explosive, fiercely spontaneous and emotionally super-charged — frames the story of Stapp’s remarkable journey, beginning with his long relationship with Creed.
Stryper – No More Hell To Pay CD/CD+DVD (Frontiers)
No More Hell To Pay is Stryper’s eighth original studio album. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. The Deluxe version comes in a glossy digipak with a Making Of The Album documentary and other video clips
Various Artists – Divided And United: The Songs Of The Civil War 2xCD/4xLP (ATO)
A two-disc set of Civil War songs brought to life through fresh interpretations by the Hall Of Famers and rising young stars of county, bluegrass, folk and beyond, including: Loretta Lynne, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, Ralph Stanley, AA Bondy, Jamey Johnson, Chris Thile, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Taj Mahal, Shovels & Rope, Cowboy Jack Clement, John Doe, Karen Elson, and many more.
Various Artists – Punk Goes Goes Christmas CD (Fearless)
The first truly festive installment in the popular Punk Goes… series. Includes tracks from New Found Glory, All Time Low, Real Friends, Man Overboard, The Summer Set, Crown The Empire, Yellowcard, Issues, Jason Lancaster (of Go Radio), Set It Off, The Ready Set, and William Beckett.
Various Artists – Released: The Human Rights Concerts 1986-1998 2xCD (Shout! Factory)
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization Amnesty International presented the legendary Human Rights Concerts between 1986 and 1998 to raise consciousness and funds for the worldwide struggle for human rights. This double-CD set features performance highlights of these historic concerts, including: Bob Geldof & Steven Van Zandt, Peter, Paul & Mary, Bryan Adams, Joan Armatrading, Jackson Browne, Lou Reed, Joan Baez & Neville Brothers, Joni Mitchell, Peter Gabriel, U2, The Police, Sting, Radiohead, Bruce Springsteen, and many more.
Wilhelm Scream – Party Crasher CD/LP+MP3 (No Idea)
Adrenaline powered, instantly catchy, straight to the throat melodic hardcore rampage. Also available on color vinyl.
Matt Zo – Damage Control CD (Astralwerks)
Already a huge live draw with major festival plays at Electric Daisy Carnival, Electric Zoo, Miami Music Week, not to mention is his own Las Vegas residency at Club Light, Mat Zo is a true DJ’s DJ, enjoying support from luminaries such as Pete Tong, A-Trak, Swedish House Mafia, Skrillex, Above & Beyond, Dillon Francis, Madeon, Steve Aoki, Lifelike and more.
DVD + Blu-ray:
Dream Theater – Live At Luna Park DVD/Blu-ray (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
Dream Theater began their mammoth A Dramatic Tour Of Events world trek in July 2011 with the final leg in South America taking place in August 2012. It was here at the Luna Park arena in Buenos Aires, Argentina that they decided to film the two nights that go to make up this release. 300 minutes.
Europe – 30th Anniversary Live DVD/Blu-ray (Talent Trust)
One of Scandinavia’s biggest rock bands celebrated their 30th anniversary with this live concert recorded in 2011 at Shepard’s Bush Empire in London. Full show and bonus features. 90 minutes.
Jimi Hendrix – Here My Train A Comin’ DVD/Blu-ray (Sony Legacy)
The definitive documentary about the extraordinary life of the greatest guitarist of all time, now in high definition video. As seen on American Masters (PBS), this critically acclaimed film, directed by Bob Smeaton (The Beatles Anthology; Festival Express), unveils previously unseen performance footage and home movies while sourcing an extensive archive of photographs, drawings, family letters and more to provide new insight into the musician’s personality and genius with interviews with Hendrix himself, commentary from well-known friends and musicians including Paul McCartney, Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, Eddie Kramer, Steve Winwood, as well as revealing glimpses into Jimi from those closest to him. 190 minutes.
Steven Wilson – Drive Home DVD+CD/Blu-ray+CD (K-scope)
A collection of unreleased tracks, videos and live recordings from the Porcupine Tree frontman.
Vinyl:
Agitation Free – Fragments LP (Made In Germany)
When the band Agitation Free came together in 1967 as a result of the merging of two Berlin rock groups, one of the most interesting groups in a dawning independent German music scene was created. With their improvisations between rock, jazz and new music, Agitation Free soon relegated to the category of Krautrock made musical forays into areas that few of their fellow German musicians had ever penetrated.
Architect – Mine 2xLP (Artoffact)
Architect is a unique hybrid of IDM, electronica and smooth ambient soundscapes inexhaustibly explored by German mastermind Daniel Myer. Also available on CD via the Hymen label.
Action Johnson – SAAAB Stories LP+MP3 (Atlantic)
A raunchy, cylinder-shaped ginger of Eastern European ancestry might not be the first dude you’d peg for rap stardom, but that’s exactly the mantle Action Bronson is on the verge of possessing. The 28-year old Queens native has become one of hip-hop’s most charismatic and colorful characters, thanks to his wicked sense of humor, a buffet of impressive releases and the rare knack for updating cherished East Coast aesthetics into indisputably modern music.
Blind Lemon Jefferson – Black Snake Moan LP (Snapper)
Blind Lemon Jefferson was a street singer with a wide and varied repertoire, although he is best known for his straight-ahead blues pieces like the title track here, “Black Snake Moan.” As this sampler of Jefferson’s 1920s and 1930s 78s from Snapper Records shows, however, he was equally at home doing hillbilly spirituals (“He Arose From The Dead”) and folk-blues (“See That My Grave Is Kept Clean”), and he also had a fine slide sound (“Jack O’Diamond Blues”). HQ-180gm blue vinyl.
Blind Willie Johnson – The Soul Of A Man LP (Snapper)
15 haunting religious-based blues songs from the Mississippi slide-guitar player including “Dark Was The Night – Cold Was the Ground” and “It’s Nobody’s Fault But Mine.” HQ-180gm blue vinyl.
Blind Willie McTell – Atlanta Strut LP (Snapper)
15 legendary recordings including the original “Statesboro Blues.” HQ-180gm blue vinyl.
Chrome – Half Machine From the Sun – Lost Tracks 79-80 2xLP (King Of Spades)
Lost tracks from the doomy electro-psychedelic SF band. CD version due November 12.
Deleted Scenes – Stutter 7” (Park The Van)
Songs from the forthcoming new studio album from these Washington DC space jammers.
Ducktails – Wish Hotel 12” (Domino)
Wish Hotel is the 5-track EP from Matt Mondanile’s (Real Estate), Ducktails project.
Dwarves – Fuck You Up And Get Live [Picture Disc] 11”+DVD (MVD)
11″ picture disc featuring live audio from a legendary set at NYC’s Continental Club in 2004. Includes a DVD with live footage and music videos.
Jackson C. Frank – Forest Of Eden 10”+CD (Secret)
Previously unreleased tracks from the most famous folk singer no one’s ever heard of.
Peter Green – Hot Foot Powder [2000] LP (Snapper)
13 interpretations of Robert Johnson’s songs by the ultimate British blues guitarist. HQ-180gm blue vinyl.
Laurel Halo – Chance Of Rain LP (Hyperdub)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. “Brooklyn synth quease-queen Laurel Halo stays busy. A year ago, she released her dense, nauseous, generally just off album Quarantine, and she now follows it up with her new LP A Chance Of Rain. First single ‘Ainome’ sounds like the ghost of Detroit techno chasing you through an abandoned catacomb.” – Stereogum
Honeyblood – Bud 7” (Fat Cat)
This garage pop duo resonates with the kind of effortless charm of Best Coast, Haim and Frankie Rose while also tapping into the swooning, strident delivery of more established artists like Jenny Lewis.
Krokus – Stampede [1990] 2xLP (Sireena)
Metal classic available on 2x180gm LPs for the first time.
John Mayall – Howlin At The Moon LP (Secret)
John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers featured the best of the early ‘60s English rhythm and blues scene, including members of the Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, Cream and more. This compilation of live tracks was recorded in the USA and Italy in the early 1980’s, and features performances by John McVie (Fleetwood Mac) and Mick Taylor (The Rolling Stones) from 1982 reunion tour.
Mineral – Serial Monkey 7” (359 Music)
Two tracks from the Dublin/Paris based electro pop explorers (not to be confused with the ‘90s emo band). B-side is a My Bloody Valentine cover.
Mississippi John Hurt – Candy Man Blues LP (Snapper)
13 tracks from the 1928 sessions from the folk-blues legend, including “Candy Man Blues,” “Stack O’Lee Blues” and “Louis Collins.” HQ-180gm blue vinyl.
Janelle Monae – The Electric Lady LP (Bad Boy)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The Electric Lady is an urgent and dangerous form of dance music, rebel music that forces one to fight, jam, and fall in love. Like on The ArchAndroid, the sonic textures of the album are varied, and the past and present come together to explode and create a mind-blowing future for pop and soul music.
Moonface – Julie With Blue Jeans On LP (Jagjaguwar)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Spencer Krug sits down alone at the piano and forges his most epic, intimate album to date.
Squrl – EP2 12” (ATP)
The second in a series of three highly desirable picture discs from Jim Jarmusch, Carter Logan, and Shane Stoneback. The group’s sound reflects and expands upon the minimalist, brooding nature of their previous released work; it is slow, psychedelic,and atmospheric. Elements as diverse as the doom-laden instrumentalist drone of Sunn O))) and Wooden Shjips, can be found as well as the classic Americana of Neil Young’s Crazy Horse, and a hazy, distorted ‘50s country twang recalling night time Memphis.
Swearin’ – Surfing Strange LP (Salinas)
Sugary ‘90s-alt rock nuggets for fans of The Breeders and Superchunk. CD version due November 12.
Talking Heads – More Songs About Buildings And Food [Reissue/1978] LP (Rhino)
The Talking Heads recorded their second album in March 1978 at the Compass Point Studio’s at the Bahamas. For a band with their roots and soul firmly in Manhattan, such a location might have been disorientating; but the addition of Brian Eno — ex-Roxy Music keyboardist and pioneer of discreet music — as co-producer sharpened the band’s sound rather than diluting it. HQ-180gm.
Talking Heads – The Name Of This Band Is Talking Heads [Reissue/1982] 2xLP (Rhino)
Live double LP originally released in 1982 after the release of solo albums by David Byrne, Jerry Harrison, and Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth’s Tom Tom Club. The first disc chronicles the band’s early quirky new wave side while the second explores the African rhythms and complex musical patterns they developed in the ‘80s.
Tar – 1988-1995 LP+MP3 (Chunklet)
This collection contains every non-12″ vinyl release by Tar, including all singles, compilation tracks, unreleased tracks, and a 1992 Peel Session, as well as covers of songs by Pere Ubu (“Non-Alignment Pact”), The Wipers (“Doom Town”), Jawbox (“Static”), AC/DC (“Hell’s Bells”), and Dobie Gray/Bryan Ferry (“The In Crowd”). Comes with download of over two hours of live Tar recordings from the band’s archives, spanning every period of their development. Aluminum guitars are (still) the best.
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