CDs + Vinyl:
9th Wonder & Talib Kweli – Indie 500 CD/2xLP (It’s Wonderful A World Music Group)
9th Wonder has established himself as hip-hop’s top educator, working as a professor at Harvard, Duke and North Carolina Central University, while Talib Kweli has become one of hip-hop’s most vocal and respected voices, who appears regularly on news outlets such as CNN and programs like HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher. A collaboration between Kweli and 9th almost seemed to make perfect sense, but Indie 500 represents even more to the artists. “I’ve always been a fan of collectives, like Native Tongues and the Dungeon Family,” explains Kweli. “Indie 500 is a tribute to the spirit of unity exemplified by some of great hip-hop artists that influenced us.” The album features an all-star supporting cast, including Problem, Slug (of Atmosphere), Rapsody, Pharaoh Monch, Brother Ali, Hi-Tek, NIKO IS and more.
Josh Abbott Band – Front Row Street CD (Pretty Damn Tough)
Josh Abbott is a recording artist from Lubbock, Texas. In 2006, he formed the Josh Abbot Band with Texas Tech fraternity brother Austin Davis. Abbott’s love for Texas has permeated every aspect of his songwriting, weaving authentic character-driven tales while exploring the real-life issues that shaped his life in the Lone Star State. Front Row Seat features collaborations with heavy-hitting songwriters including Shane McAnally and Zac Brown Band collaborator Wyatt Durette who helped contribute to the album’s theatrical progression through the five acts.
Sara Bareilles – What’s Inside: Songs From Waitress CD (Epic)
Fifth album from the singer/songwriter and best-selling author. The follow-up to 2013’s The Blessed Unrest includes songs from Waitress, the new musical for which Bareilles wrote music and lyrics. “I fell more deeply in love with the writing of the musical Waitress than I had ever imagined,” says Bareilles. “It proved impossible for me to imagine handing over the songs to the show before selfishly finding a way to sing them myself. This is a deliciously self-indulgent project and I’m sorry, I’m not sorry.” Includes the first single “She Used to Be Mine.”
Boogarins – Manual CD/LP (Other Music)
Fernando “Dino” Almeida and Benke Ferraz began playing music together as teenagers in the Brazilian city of Goiania—recording psychedelic pop in their parents’ gardens, filtering their country’s rich musical history through a very modern lens. Following their 2013 As Plantas Que Curam debut, their new album, Manual, veers into far more complex territory, propelled by Dino and Benke’s dense, two-guitar interplay and an abundance of deep rhythms.
Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit [Deluxe Edition] 2xCD/2xLP (Mom + Pop)
Deluxe double-CD version adds Live At Electric Ballroom In London. Includes new artwork, fold out poster, four limited edition Polaroid photos shot by Courtney, a 16-page booklet all in a matte laminated collector’s edition box set. Mixing witty, often hilarious, occasionally even heartbreaking observations with devastating self-assessment, Courtney Barnett’s debut album, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, cements her standing as one of the most distinctive and compelling voices in indie rock. These songs reveal not only an assured songwriter and guitar player, but also an artist who in just a few years has already proved highly influential. (Limited copies available on yellow vinyl.)
The Count Basie Orchestra – A Very Swingin’ Basie Christmas! CD (Concord Jazz)
William “Count” Basie (1904-1984) started his orchestra in Kansas City in 1935, and proceeded to develop and maintain one of the greatest jazz orchestras in music history. As part of their 80th Anniversary celebration, under the leadership of director Scotty Barnhart, The Count Basie Orchestra releases their first Christmas album. On A Very Swingin’ Basie Christmas! the 19-piece band is accompanied with the guest vocals of Johnny Mathis on “It’s The Holiday Season,” Ledisi on “The Christmas Song” and Carmen Bradford on “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”
The Beatles – 1+ CD+DVD/CD+Blu-ray (Capitol)
The Beatles – 1+ [Deluxe Edition] CD+2xDVD/CD+2xBlu-ray (Capitol)
With this reissue of The Beatles’ 1, all 27 videos for each song have been added on DVD or Blu-ray. Audio for DVD and Blu-ray discs has been remixed for all tracks from the analogue masters and boast new 5.1 surround sound and a new 2.0 stereo mix. Deluxe Edition adds a disc of 23 rare/alternate versions of the original videos. (Single disc 27-track stand-alone DVD and Blu-ray versions also available.)
Christopher Bissonnette – Pitch, Paper & Foil CD/LP (Kranky)
“The music is experimental, with the focus on chance, risk & error creating a beautifully natural, organic sound. It’s a stunning album, its snaking lines of synth radiating with inner warmth, its prism reflecting a thousand sharp colors.” — Fluid Radio
Rolando Bruno – Bailazo CD/LP+CD (Voodoo Rhythm)
This is full blast psychedelic Latino Cumbia garage with a very cheesy touch of a ‘70s supermarket.
Sam Butler – Raise Your Hands CD (Severn)
Former Blind Boys of Alabama guitarist Sam Butler releases his first solo recording — an Americana compilation of bluesy spirituals penned by traditionally secular artists (Springsteen, U2, Clapton, etc.).
Paul Butterfield Blues Band – Complete Albums 1965-1980 14xCD (Elektra)
Paul Butterfield was the first white harmonica player to develop a style original and powerful enough to place him among the true blues greats. His initial recordings from the mid-‘60s featuring the legendary Paul Butterfield Blues Band were eclectic, ground breaking tracks fusing electric blues with rock ‘n’ roll, psychedelia, jazz and even Indian classical music. He released 12 studio albums over his career as well as an array of live albums and compilations with his most famous compositions being “Born In Chicago,” “Love March” and “Our Love Is Driftin’”.
The Cadillac Three – The Cadillac Three CD (Big Machine)
While The Cadillac Three, formally The Cadillac Black, whose members include native Nashvillians Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason and Kelby Ray have been friends and musical co-conspirators since they were kids. They’ve weathered their wild teenage years and even wilder tours, weathered major label letdowns, major league triumphs and a major name change, conquered Music Row – Johnston co-wrote Keith Urban’s #1 single “You Gonna Fly” – and crashed on the couches of strangers in far flung cities. These boys have seen more ups and downs than a Smoky Mountain tour guide. But in spite of all the trials and tribulations – or perhaps because of them – The Cadillac Three have emerged with a sound all of their own, a sound that hovers between radio-ready country anthems, hard-and-heavy rock and traditional Southern folk. Vinyl version due December 11.
The Cardboard Swords – The Cardboard Swords CD/LP+MP3 (Count Your Lucky Stars)
The Cardboard Swords know how to write a good pop song. Led by singer/guitarist Tyler DeCoeur, their indie-pop anthems ooze sincerity and honesty, with Decoeur’s witty half-speaking/half-singing delivery slipping in and out of melodic guitars and sliding tempos. Whether it’s singing about the looking for the love of your life or a late-night hang with your friends, The Cardboard Swords are the modern young everyman. A strong debut album by a premiere talent.
Stanley Clarke/Bireli Lagrene/Jean-Luc Ponty – D-Stringz CD (Verve)
Unalloyed felicity is the best way to describe D-Stringz, the new disc by the cooperative trio of violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, bassist Stanley Clarke, and guitarist Biréli Lagrène. These three distinctive titans consolidate their singular voices while exploring vast stylistic idioms within jazz’s expansive realm, resulting in a cohesive sound that plays to the strength of each individual’s virtuosity and more importantly their keen sense of musical interactivity.
Jenny Conlee with Steve Drizos – French Kayaking Music CD (Jealous Butcher)
The set of instrumental pieces entitled French Kayaking Music was written for and inspired by the film Voyagers Without Trace; a documentary about a French trio who kayaked the Green and Colorado rivers in 1938. When Jenny Conlee (Decemberists/Black Prairie) heard that the film’s director Ian McCluskey was looking for original music with a French flavor, a creative relationship was begun. Conlee was, at this time, delving deep into French accordion music. She was listening to old recordings and learning the style from books of French Musettes. Vinyl due November 27.
Devil You Know – They Bleed Red CD (Nuclear Blast)
A breakneck paced trip through Devil You Know’s broken psyche, struggles with anxiety, and ultimate triumph against adversity, all laid upon a foundation of high-level artistic achievement and vitriolic full throttle heavy metal fury.
Bob Dylan – The Best Of The Cutting Edge 1965 – 1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12 2xCD/3xLP+2xCD (Sony Legacy)
Bob Dylan – The Best Of The Cutting Edge 1965 – 1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12 [Deluxe Edition] 6xCD (Sony Legacy)
Between 1965 and 1966 Bob Dylan recorded three historic albums: Bringing It All back Home, Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde On Blonde. The Cutting Edge 1965-1966: The Bootleg Series Volume 12 takes you inside the studio during the recording of those three albums. With a staggering wealth of unreleased songs, outtakes, rehearsals and alternate versions, this set provides a unique insight into a legendary icon’s creative process. The six-CD Deluxe Edition features over 100 previously unreleased tracks, and is packaged in a slipcase with a separate 120-page hardcover book with exclusive photography and liner notes.
Extreme Noise Terror – Extreme Noise Terror CD (Willowtip)
UK’s legendary crust-punk grind legends return with a new full-length.
Floating Points – Elaenia CD/LP (Luaka Bop)
Sam Shepherd (Floating Points) is a neuroscientist and classically trained musician who has spent the last five years writing and composing his first full length album, Elaenia. “On Elaenia, patience has become another one of Floating Points’ virtues — the album did, after all, take five years to complete. The title track unspools with the patience of the French musique concrète pioneers like Pierre Schaeffer; Shepherd’s assortment of beloved synthesizers emit the weird, scratchy sounds of a dusty radio transmitter brought back to life, as twinkling keyboard wanderings speckle the space between the song’s instrumental elements. It’s his willingness to wait — or make everyone else wait — that has, somewhat ironically, made him such a dance-floor icon. ‘There were moments where people would just stand and listen,’ he told SPIN, of when he used to play Debussy live at otherwise dance clubs. The reaction to Elaenia will surely be the same.” – SPIN
Steve Forbert – Compromised CD (Rock Ridge)
Consisting of 11 original songs, a gravelly, folkified cover of “Send In The Clowns” and three stripped-down, Americana alternate takes as bonus tracks, Compromised is not a ‘modern’ record — it has an aggressive, roots rock and folk rock styling that’s not a lot different from 1991’s The American In Me in it’s instrumentation. Recorded in various locales including Woodstock and Cape Cod over a period of eight months and produced by Forbert along with John Simon (who helmed Forbert’s sophomore album, 1979’s Jackrabbit Slim.
Aretha Franklin – The Atlantic Albums Collection 19xCD (Atlantic)
The Atlantic Albums Collection gathers 16 incredible Aretha Franklin albums in a beautiful 19CD clamshell box, each CD sleeve a replica of the original artwork in the unforgettable Atlantic branding. This boxset showcases some of the Queen of Soul’s incredible work including the phenomenal Lady Soul, I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You, Young, Gifted And Black and the Deluxe version of Live At The Fillmore West show.
Ghost Town – Evolution CD (Fueled By Ramen)
Third studio album by the “electronicore” band.
Billy Gibbons & The BFG’s – Perfectamundo CD/LP (Concord)
Debut solo album from the, ZZ Top guitarist/vocalist. Perfectamundo is a blend of blues, jazz, Latin and rock, as Gibbons explores songs with a new backing band, The BFG’s. The album itself was inspired by Billy’s early influence of Cuban jazz and studying Latin percussion with Tito Puente at an early age, along with being invited to the Havana Jazz Festival.
Gold – No Image CD (Profound Lore)
Hailing from The Netherlands, Gold was conceived in 2011 by guitarist Thomas Sciarone (ex-The Devil’s Blood) and vocalist Milena Eva; their distinct form of heavy rock is a monument to civilization’s decline. Their debut album Interbellum showed the promise of this unique band through its many riffs, hooks and, most notably, Eva’s unique vocal delivery. Three years after their debut, Gold delivers on this promise with a rawer, heavier, and much darker follow up. No Image builds upon the foundation laid by predecessor, embracing it’s dark/death rock, loud indie rock, experimental music, and post-punk roots and delivering an altogether more enchanting, addictive and seductive work.
Ellie Goulding – Delirium CD (Interscope)
Ellie Goulding – Delirium [Deluxe Edition] 2xCD (Interscope)
“Ellie Goulding’s third full-length Delirium is what it is: another product of the capitalistic fame machine. Bow down for the catchiness. The journey begins with an intro piece named after the album. It is a mysterious, cinematic instrumental track which makes curious for the forthcoming material. And just when you reach this certain state of delirium it is supposed to turn you in to, the awakening hits you hard when ‘Aftertaste’ starts pumping through your brain. A folk-orientated up-tempo number, catchy hook from the first sec, overload of production. It is clear, guys: With this album, Goulding serves us a pop-masterpiece” – Nothing But Hope And Passion. (Deluxe edition includes a bonus CD containing seven additional tracks.)
CeeLo Green – Heart Blanche CD (Atlantic)
Green aims to scrub his soiled career and image with new album Heart Blanche, which features guest appearances by Mark Ronson, Charlie Puth, Eg White, Wallpaper and John Hill.
Jane Harvey – Sings Ellington: One To One CD (Little Jazz Bird)
Jane Harvey’s career spanned an amazing seven decades, from classic recordings in the 1940s with Benny Goodman up through her critically-acclaimed Other Side Of Sondheim and her final performances in the year of her passing, 2013. Released now is her last album, a tribute to Duke Ellington that Jane pared down to duo performances — her voice teamed with the piano of Mike Renzi or the alternating guitars of Bucky Pizzarelli and Ron Eschete.
Hunter Hayes – The 21 Project 3xCD (Atlantic)
New triple-CD set from the country singer/songwriter. Each disc on the set includes seven songs, with each one performed differently: acoustic, studio, and live.
Khruangbin – The Universe Smiles Upon You CD/LP+MP3 (Late Night Tales)
The Universe Smiles Upon You was recorded at Khruangbin’s spiritual home, a remote barn deep in the Texas countryside where their first rehearsals took place. The band listened to a lot of different types of music on the long drives out to the country but their favorites were ‘60s and ‘70s Thai cassettes gleaned from the cult Monrakplengthai blog and compilations of southeast Asian pop, rock and funk. This had a heavy impact on the direction of the band, the scales they used and the inflection of the melodies; which coupled with the spaciousness of the Texan countryside culminated in Khruangbin forming their exotic, individual sound.
Led Zeppelin – Mothership [Reissue/2007] 2xCD (Atlantic)
Digitally remastered edition of Led Zeppelin’s greatest hits compilation. The songs included were chosen (at the time) by the surviving members of Led Zeppelin: Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, and represent eight of the band’s nine studio albums. Vinyl reissue due November 20.
Library Voices – Lovish CD/LP (Nevado Music)
“For some reason Canadians (like the New Pornographers, Sloan and Sam Roberts) have a great grasp of how to write solid, guitar-based songs and how to string a bunch of them together to make albums that offer always-intriguing variations of such a pop music staple. Library Voices demonstrate this ability nicely on this new album, ranging from the epic (‘Every Night’) to the raucous (‘Bored In Berlin’). There are mid-tempo soft-rock jams like ‘Sunburnt In L.A.,’ punk rock-influenced rockers like ‘Slacker,’ and super-mellow ballads like ‘The Wild Roar Of Love.’ It’s a rich batch, and I, for one, am grateful it successfully made its way to my ears.” – KCRW
Little Mix – Get Weird CD (Sony)
Get Weird is the third studio album by British girl group Little Mix, and includes the single “Black Magic.” Little Mix formed in 2011 exclusively for the eighth series of The X Factor. They became the first group to win the competition. Little Mix cite the Spice Girls, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Destiny’s Child, En Vogue, TLC, Nicki Minaj, Christina Aguilera and Rihanna as their musical influences. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds four bonus tracks.
Made Of Oak – Penumbra CD/LP+MP3 (Partisan)
The same phosphorescent weight found in Nick Sanborn’s work as half of Sylvan Esso is manifest on Penumbra, Sanborn’s debut EP under the name Made Of Oak. Bittersweet hooks float through weighted bass while personal textures click, strum, and breathe, giving a tense intimacy to his melodies.
Mammoth Storm – Fornjot CD (Napalm)
The doom metal band’s debut draws its name from the ancient Norse mythology: Fornjotr, a giant and ruler of Finland, Kvenland and Gotland. This sublime elemental force is acoustically transcribed on Fornjot, with its energetic, almost elegiac pieces.
Tim McGraw – Damn Country Music CD (Big Machine)
14th studio album from the country superstar. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe includes three bonus tracks.
Natalie Merchant – Paradise Is There: The New Tigerlily Recordings CD/LP (Nonesuch)
Natalie Merchant – Paradise Is There: The New Tigerlily Recordings [Deluxe Edition CD+DVD (Nonesuch)
Paradise Is There: The New Tigerlily Recordings revisits Merchant’s multi-platinum solo debut, Tigerlily, originally released in 1995 following her departure from 10,000 Maniacs. Paradise Is There presents the songs as they have evolved over the past two decades of live performance. Joining Merchant on the album, which she produced herself, are her long-time band members Gabriel Gordon (guitar), Jesse Murphy (bass), Uri Sharlin (piano and accordion), and Allison Miller (drums), as well as a string quartet: Scot Moore (violin), Shawn Moore (violin), Marandi Hostetter (viola), and Stanley Moore (cello)-plus Sharel Cassity (saxophone) and guest vocals by Simi Stone, Gail Ann Dorsey, and Elizabeth Mitchell. (Deluxe Edition adds a documentary DVD.)
Monika – Secret In The Dark CD/LP (Other Music)
Monika Christodoulou began playing in local indie bands and writing and performing her original songs on the Athens, Greece music scene when she was barely a teenager. After early breakout success posting her darkly emotional tracks online, Monika’s 2008 debut LP, sung in English, became a platinum seller in her homeland. A second LP in 2010 continued her broad success at home, but she was already becoming restless, for a different sound and a new direction. Arriving in New York in 2012, Monika hooked up with producer Homer Steinweiss and a group of musicians from the Brooklyn soul scene, and recorded Secret In The Dark—a blend of organic ’70s-styled left field disco, ’80s art pop and much more.
Moonchild – Please Rewind CD (Tru Thoughts)
“The project is steeped in lush orchestral sounds and buttery harmonies, as heard on the suffocatingly infectious grooves anchoring ‘All The Joy,’ ‘Winter Breeze’ and ‘Nobody.’ Upping the ante after a strong showing on their seminal Be Free LP, Moonchild has infused the production with a healthy dose of live strings and horns. Lead singer Amber Navran manages to fill every single negative space in the project with a reverberating warmth without ever leaving the perch just above the fray where her voice permanently levitates.” – Okayplayer
Misha Mullov-Abbado – New Ansonia CD (Edition)
New Ansonia is the debut album from bassist and composer Misha Mullov-Abbado. Son of the late, great Italian conductor Claudio Abbado and Russian violinist Viktoria Mullova, British-born Mullov-Abbado grew up in a powerfully musical environment, a unique upbringing that has inspired Misha to create his own musical identity and tell his own compelling story. This, his debut album, demonstrates gifts that are uniquely his own and is full of unusual colors, leaps of imagination and a strong sense of character.
Novelists – Souvenirs CD (Metalville)
Novelists has become a rising star within the progressive metal scene.
Tim O’Brien – Pompadour CD (Howdy Skies)
Pompadour swirls together bits of bluegrass, deep-roots Appalachian music, field hollers, old-school rock ‘n’ roll to traditional jazz and even James Brownian funk. The same applies to the perspectives from which O’Brien addresses the central theme.
Old Dominion – Meat And Candy CD (RCA)
New album from the Nashville-based country band comprised of lead singer Matthew Ramsey, multi-instrumentalist Trevor Rosen, drummer Whit Sellers, bassist Geoff Sprung and lead guitarist Brad Tursi. Includes the single “Break Up With Him.” The band’s five members have had writing credits on cuts by some of country music’s greatest modern artists such as The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Tyler Farr, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, Jake Owen, Keith Urban and Chris Young.
Outlaws – Live Los Angeles 1975 CD/LP (Cleopatra)
A vintage live recording by the band that merged Southern rock with traditional country. Outlaws featured the triple guitar assault of Hughie Thomasson (later of Lynyrd Skynyrd), Henry Paul (later of Blackhawk) and Billy Jones.
Pagan’s Mind – Full Circle 2xCD+DVD/2xLP (Steamhammer)
The Norwegian progressive/power metal band performs live at Center Stage. Stand-alone Blu-ray edition due November 20.
Parallel Worlds & Self Oscillate – World Adapter CD (Din)
“World Adapter is the 3rd collaboration of the Greco-Germanic duet who had united the fruits of their madness in Current Flow, under the name of Interconnected in 2004. If more than 10 years separate both works, the will to sign a unique music which is beyond the standards of the
‘psybient’ style always remains the same. Centered on 10 tracks which exploit the mirages of the electronica and the passive rhythms of the IDM, World Adapter is a real sound catalyst for those who feed their phantasms on the strange. The duet works marvelously the infinite possibilities of an arsenal of analog equipment to create a sonic world which would go marvelously with the frenzies of a Guillermo Del Toro at the top of his shape.” – Synthsequences.blogspot
Pieces Of A Dream – All In CD (Shanachie)
Joined by superstar guitarist Rohn Lawreence and up and coming saxophonist Tony Watson Jr., the group has composed ten new originals that run the gamut from the ‘in the pocket’ R&B to the sensuous smooth jazz jams that have made them noteworthy.
Elvis Presley with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – If I Can Dream CD/2xLP (Legacy)
An exciting revisit of Elvis’ work, If I Can Dream focuses on the iconic artist’s unmistakable voice, emphasizing the pure power of The King of Rock and Roll. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London with acclaimed producers Don Reedman and Nick Patrick, the 14-track album features Elvis’ most dramatic original performances augmented with lush new arrangements by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Bill Ryder-Jones – West Kirby Country Primary CD/LP+MP3 (Domino)
The follow-up to 2013’s A Bad Wind Blows In My Heart was written and recorded by Ryder-Jones in his childhood bedroom at his mother’s house in West Kirby before being filtered through Liverpool’s legendary Parr Street Studios. A classic band record, West Kirby County Primary features Bill playing a multitude of instruments including the electric guitar with his trademark prowess.
Seal – 7 CD (WB)
New release from the British rock/soul singer/songwriter. On 7, Seal explores love and all of it’s implications, idiosyncrasies, and intricacies — subject matter he began to delicately approach as early as 2013, knowing exactly where he wanted to go. “The album concerns the most sung about, most talked about, and most documented emotion-love,” Seal says. “I tried to capture all of the wonderfully different dynamics of love, whether it’s the anger, the acceptance, the bliss, the sadness, the elation, or the recklessness. It’s this emotion and the ways it makes us feel. It’s about the extreme joy and the extreme regret as well as all of the crazy things love makes us do.”
Sam Smith – In The Lonely Hour: Drowning Shadows Edition 2xCD (Capitol)
Expanded double-disc edition of the British singer/songwriter’s 2014 album includes a bonus CD that contains nine tracks additional tracks, including collaborations with A$AP Rocky, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, and Disclosure. Vinyl edition due January 15.
Soldiers Of Fortune – Early Risers CD/LP+MP3 (Mexican Summer)
S.O.F. consists of members Brad Truax (so many bands, but dude, Interpol?), Kid Millions (Man Forever, Oneida), Barry London (Oneida), Matt Sweeney (Chavez being his LEAST well-known operation should tell you something), Jesper Eklow (Meandering Tedium, sorry, Endless Boogie), Mike Bones already, and the elusive Papa Crazee (heavy early riser in team Oneida). On Early Risers the superior vocal stylings of Clark “Yeremias” Bronson, Stephen Malkmus, Cass McCombs, Dan Melchior, Ethan Miller, and Matt McAuley were also enlisted. The result is the sound of utter confusion and unfocused tender hatred in song form.
Soundtrack [Amy Winehouse] – Amy [OST] CD (Republic)
Features music from the recent film, directed by BAFTA winning director Asif Kapadia, and now officially the highest grossing British documentary of all time (at the UK box office). Includes the original score by Antonio Pinto and classic Amy Winehouse tracks.
Soundtrack – Spectre CD (Decca)
For the 24th movie in the James Bond oeuvre, Spectre, Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes has again enlisted six-time Grammy winner Thomas Newman (Skyfall, American Beauty) to write a breathtaking original score. The soundtrack has the added bonus of an instrumental version of the new Bond theme song, “Writing’s On The Wall.” The Spectre theme song is sung by fellow multiple Grammy-winner Sam Smith, the first time a male has sung the theme song since Thunderball.
Kelley Stoltz – In Triangle Time CD (Castle Face)
Silver-tongued songsmith and true American treasure Kelley Stoltz presents a 2015 collection of instant classics with just a hint more synthery than 2013’s Double Exposure. For those not yet in the fan club, Kelley is like a Ray Davies/Brian Wilson/Tom Petty power pop Cerebus from another dimension where well placed tambourines, handclaps, and wry observations are a universal language. Criminally under-appreciated, Kelley’s face should be on Amoeba-bucks for his contributions to the pop canon-the black-lipstick-smeared stand-out and lead-off track “Cut Me Baby” could be his walk-on music for the acceptance speech. Vinyl version due November 20.
Angie Stone – Dream CD (Shanachie)
Dream, produced by Walter Millsap III (Alicia Keys, Brandy, Mindless Behavior) is a sparkling set of beautiful Angie Stone soul tracks set in a contemporary sound. Highlights include the first single, “2 Bad Habits,” a duet with Dave Hollister, “Begin Again,” and the irresistibly catchy sound of “Quits.”
Technicolor Teeth – Teenage Pagans CD (Stroll On)
Technicolor Teeth play ’80s indie-rock shaped punk in the best possible way. Distorted guitars, thunderous rhythms and vocals that hang in the ether like your conscience urging you to do the right thing.
Tracey Thorn – Solo Songs And Collaborations 1982-2015 CD (Caroline)
A collection of rarities and collaborations from the Everything But The Girl vocalist. Tracey says: “These tracks represent, on one hand, the moments when I was working as a solo artist outside the constraints and democracy of a band, either recording tracks entirely by myself, or at least being in the driving seat, the one making all the artistic decisions. And on the other hand, those times when I guested with other bands or producers, performing as a featured solo singer, moonlighting from my regular job.”
Various Artists – This Record Belongs To: ______ CD/LP (Light In The Attic)
Among the many gems featured include songs from Carole King, Woody Guthrie, Donovan, Harry Nilsson, Jerry Garcia, Nina Simone, Kermit The Frog and more. Inspired by the classic Little Golden Books Series and Sesame Street’s In Harmony albums, This Record Belongs To ______ stems from a love of music, reading, and a passion for teaching future generations the interactive experience of holding an album in your hands, putting needle to groove, and immersing yourself in the pages of a record s sleeve as the music plays. [Turntable bundle also available!]
Visage – Demons To Diamonds CD/2xLP (Pylon)
The fifth and final studio album from ‘80s New Romantic pioneers Visage, Demons To Diamonds features the studio songs that Steve Strange was working on prior to his death in February 2015. Steve Strange and Visage began working on their follow up album to 2013’s Hearts And Knives in Spring 2014. With over 15 songs written and scheduled the band had recorded just over half when Steve died. After the shock of losing their leader, the band, rather than leave it uncompleted, decided to persevere and complete the album.
W-X – W-X CD (Castle Face)
Solo release from Tim Presley (White Fence, Drinks). For fans of early Soft Machine, The Fall, The Tronics, Faust. Vinyl version due November 20.
The Wanda Junes – Hi Fi Record Album CD (Emotional Response)
Tucson based psyche country desert darlings The Wanda Junes, (either a Kurt Vonnegut reference or a mash up ode to badasses Wanda Jackson & June Carter, you decide), delight with their debut full length offering. Like the honey eyed bastard offspring of Emmylou Harris, Bill Callahan and The Silver Jews, The Wanda Junes tippy-toe from lo-fi fragile beauty to joyous jug band knees up, with seasoned confidence that defies their collective age. Current line up includes Jeff Henderson, Thom Plasse (Passion Pit), Bobby Carlson (Feel Free, Victorian Slang), Adam Frumhoff, Karima Walker (currently on solo tour and/or with Human Behavior), and Allison McGillivery.
Brenna Whitaker – Brenna Whitaker CD (Verve)
After landing her first professional theater gig at age 11, moving to New York City on her own to study with Broadway veterans at age 17, and spending her early 20s leading jazz bands back home in Missouri, Whitaker headed to L.A. and started setting up a series of residencies that eventually attracted fans like Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, and Michael Bublé and caught the attention of Verve Records chairman and 16-time Grammy Award-winner David Foster. The first new artist Foster has agreed to develop and produce since discovering Bublé, Whitaker releases her debut album for Verve that finds her reviving a vast American jukebox of classic songs and revealing the full force of her stunning, soulful voice.
DVDs + Blu-ray:
The Beatles – 1+ DVD/Blu-ray (Capitol)
Fifteen years after it’s initial release, all the videos for the tracks collected on The Beatles 1 have been collected together for the first time. Audio has been remixed for all tracks from the analogue masters and boast new 5.1 surround sound and a new 2.0 stereo mix.
James Brown – Mr. Dynamite: The Rise Of James Brown DVD/Blu-ray (UMe)
Charting his journey from rhythm and blues to funk, Mr. Dynamite: The Rise Of James Brown was made with the unique cooperation of the Brown Estate, which opened it’s archives for the first time. The documentary features rare and never-before-seen footage, interviews and photographs, chronicling the musical ascension of the “hardest working man in show business,” from his first hit, “Please, Please, Please,” in 1956, to his iconic performances at the Apollo Theater, the T.A.M.I. Show, the Paris Olympia and more.
Jimi Hendrix – Electric Church DVD/Blu-ray (Sony Legacy)
Electric Church presents the legendary guitarist in full flight at the 1970 Atlanta Pop Festival before the largest US audience of his career. The film combines color, 16mm multi-camera footage of Hendrix’s unforgettable July 4, 1970 concert in its original performance sequence together with a new documentary that traces his journey to the festival amidst the dark shadow of civil rights unrest, the unrelenting toll of the Vietnam War and a burgeoning festival culture that drew together young people across the country who were inspired by the Woodstock festival.
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
William Alexander – Strangest Things LP (Yellow K)
Recorded in his Fullerton, CA bedroom, these dusted songs are kaleidoscopic prisms of William Alexander constantly in motion, grounded by hip-hop indebted beats and stoned atmospherics. Floating somewhere above it all are Alexander’s haunting vocals, which usually seem to be either coming from another room or disintegrating into nothing, sounding effortless, cool, apathetic, patient, and fed up all in the same breath. Strangest Things is a dazed, weirdo pop record in a (hang) loose sense, but its strengths lie in its singular and unique delivery.
All Time Low – Nothing Personal [2009] LP (Hopeless)
White vinyl edition of All Time Low’s third album. RIYL: Blink 182, Fall Out Boy, New Found Glory, All American Rejects, Paramore.
Gene Autry – The Original Gene Autry Sings Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer [Reissue/1967] LP (Varese Sarabande)
What is generally a dollar bin classic has been, for some reason, repressed on red vinyl for 2015.
Azealia Banks – Broke With Expensive Taste 2xLP (Prospect Park)
Released last March on CD – now available on vinyl. “Smile, Chinese Democracy, Detox – the pop music world has never been a stranger to the frustration of the delayed album release. New York rapper and singer Azealia Banks’ Broke With Expensive Taste could have easily earned its own pedestal in such a dubious pantheon. Since she first took music blogs, dorm rooms, and block parties by storm in 2012 with the joyously vulgar earworm 212, Banks has become mired in so many Twitter feuds and record-label publicity flaps that the release of her debut album seemed increasingly unlikely by the month. Instead, she has now presented us with one of the most explosive and intriguing hip-hop releases of the year. We should hardly be surprised — Banks has always demonstrated a precocious talent for confounding expectations.” – Pretty Much Amazing
Basement Benders – Lydiad LP+7”+MP3 (No Idea)
Chattanooga, TN indie pop/punk band Basement Benders features members of Future Virgins, Hidden Spots, This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb, Jack Palance Band, and Black Rainbow. First pressing on colored vinyl with bonus 7”.
Bedouin Soundclash – Sounding A Mosaic [2004] 2xLP+MP3 (SideOneDummy)
Limited double translucent orange vinyl LP pressing in gatefold jacket of the 2004 album from reggae/ska band Bedouin Soundclash. Recorded in Montreal and produced by Darryl Jenifer of Bad Brains.
Bell Witch – Four Phantoms 2xLP (Profound Lore)
Released last April on CD – now available on vinyl. New release from the Seattle-based funeral/death/doom act.
Big D And The Kids Table – Strictly Rude [Reissue/2009] 2xLP+MP3 (SideOneDummy)
Limited double black and white vinyl LP repress of the 2007 album from Boston, MA ska punk band, which originally peaked at #42 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers chart.
The Billy Childish – The 1982 Cassettes [1982/1987] LP (M’Lady’s)
Wild Billy Childish – I Remember… [Reissue/1988] LP (M’Lady’s)
Incredible solo front-porch blues, remastered from the original tapes and pressed in a one-time edition of 500 copies.
Bonehunter – Evil Triumphs Again LP (Hell’s Headbangers)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. “This is the sort of vile, primitive metal I often seek – eager to taste that corroded, metallic guitar sound which speeds along with high doses of distortion attached. These satanic curses and whips lash hard against the backdrop of a squalid bass and fast-paced, murky drum sound; all complementing one another like some wretched creation of Mendes and rounded off by that Quorthon (Bathory) – like bark and puke.” – Metal Forces Magazine
James Booth – Human Rites 12” (100% Silk)
Mancunian producer James Booth holed up in various Hulme flats and half-studios with nothing but an old iMac to craft the six lushly overcast house designs comprising his vinyl debut, Human Rites.
R.L. Burnside – Sound Machine Groove LP (Sutro Park)
Recorded by folklorist David Evans in 1979 and 1980, these are R.L. Burnside’s first recordings with electric guitar and also his first with a band. That band was The Sound Machine, a band he literally created himself out of members of his own family, blending raw Mississippi blues with soul, funk, R&B, contemporary beats and other urban flavors to make a marvelous amalgam of his own. Blue vinyl.
Calibro 35 – S.P.A.C.E. LP (Record Kicks)
New album from this legendary Italian cinematic funk combo.
Carroll – Carroll LP (E1)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Carroll’s exercise in writing perfectly eff’d up pop gems yielded an LP that sounds like a pop approach to writing heady, woozy, psychedelic rock.
Casey Veggies – Live & Grow LP (Epic)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New release from the Los Angeles rapper. Casey Veggies started out as one of the founding members of the hip-hop supergroup Odd Future before he decided to strike out on his own at age 14 after the release of his first mixtape, 2007’s Customized Greatly Vol. 1. That same year, he formed the popular street wear brand Peas & Carrots International (PNCINTL), and his grassroots approach to marketing has helped him build a loyal following. Live & Grow includes the single “Backflip,” featuring YG and Iamsu!.
Cherushii – Far Away So Close 12” (100% Silk)
San Fran rave loyalist Chelsea Faith aka Cherushii centered her second EP around its title track, which feels like some Balearic brunch dream-jam floating in the ether off the pier of a Mediterranean isle – swooping coastlines, seagulls, liquid sky sax (courtesy of jazz multi-instrumentalist Marcia Miget), sex surfer acid.
Cianide – Death, Doom And Destruction [Reissue/1997] 2xLP (Hell’s Headbangers)
A culty name in American death metal, Cianide has stuck to their guns for over 25 years, patiently building a canon that’s unrivaled in its consistency and trend-free philosophy. Theirs is a metal of death that’s simple, straightforward, and effectively primitive: blunt-force trauma informed by Hellhammer and Chicago forebears DeathStrike, but with a sewer-dredging atmosphere all its own.
Phil Collins – My Heart’s In My Hand, And My Hand Is Pierced, And My Hand’s In The Bag, And The Bag Is Shut, And My Heart Is Caught. 2xLP (Shady Lane Productions)
(Not to be confused with the popular Genesis drummer who launched a multi-platinum solo career and starred in a pretty cool episode of Miami Vice in ‘85). Material from the Turner-nominated artist’s 2013 project created from anonymized phone conversations of guests of Cologne’s Gulliver homeless shelter that were then shaped into original songs by an international group of musicians. Contributors include: David Sylvian, Laetitia Sadier, Damon & Naomi, Demdike Stare, Planningtorock, Pye Corner Audio, Peaking Lights, Scritti Politti, Maria Minerva, and more.
Chris Cornell – Higher Truth 2xLP (UMe)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Produced by Brendan O’Brien (Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Neil Young), Higher Truth displays the Soundgarden frontman’s constant evolution as a master songwriter, lyricist and musical craftsman telling human stories which transcend musical genres. His fifth album, Higher Truth was inspired by the stark arrangements of musicians like Nick Drake, Daniel Johnston and White Album-era Beatles.
Elvis Costello – My Aim Is True [Reissue/1977] LP (UMe)
Elvis Costello – This Year’s Model [Reissue/1978] LP (UMe)
Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Armed Forces [Reissue/1979] LP (UMe)
Elvis Costello – Taking Liberties [Reissue/1980] LP (UMe)
Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Get Happy! [Reissue/1980] 2xLP (UMe)
Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Almost Blue [Reissue/1981] LP (UMe)
Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Imperial Bedroom [Reissue/1982] LP (UMe)
Elvis Costello – Punch The Clock [Reissue/1983] LP (UMe)
Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Goodbye Cruel World [Reissue/1984] LP (UMe)
Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Blood & Chocolate [Reissue/1986] LP (UMe)
The Costello Show Featuring The Attractions And Confederates – King Of America [Reissue/1986] LP (UMe)
Remastered HQ-180gm vinyl reissues now available.
John Denver – Rocky Mountain Christmas [Reissue/1975] LP (Friday Music)
HQ-180gm translucent vinyl with gatefold cover.
The Drifters – Under The Boardwalk [Reissue/1964] LP (Rhino)
A little history lesson: The session to record “Under The Boardwalk” was scheduled for May 20, 1964, but The Drifters lead singer Rudy Lewis was found dead that morning (the cause of death is unclear, but likely either a drug overdose or heart attack). The session was rescheduled for the next day, and Johnny Moore was called in to replace Lewis. Moore was with The Drifters in 1958 when their manager fired everyone in the band and brought in new members. He was a convenient replacement for Lewis, and stayed on as their main vocalist. The group was distraught over Lewis’ death, and their subsequent performance added a tinge of melancholy to the song, which is about spending some time under a seaside Boardwalk with a love interest, out of sight from the crowds above.
Ellesmere – Les Chateaux De La Loire LP (BTF)
Ellesmere is the brainchild of Roberto Vitelli, bass and guitar player from Italian prog band Taproban. As opposite to the bombastic sound of the band, with Ellesmere, Vitelli focuses on an acoustic and yet symphonic approach, delivering a stunning 40-minute suite much in the style of early Genesis and Anthony Phillips works (ref. The Geese And The Ghost). As the title suggests, every section of the suite is dedicated to one of the ancient French castles that reside along the Loire river. Several acoustic, classical and 12-string arpeggiated guitar layers are topped with beautiful strings and flute melodies, and an original vintage Mellotron provides further orchestration.
The Fire Dept. – L’oeuf D’or [Reissue/1995] LP (M’Lady’s)
A true underrated and ready to be re-discovered gem; Fire Dept. (out of Cambridge) burn it down on both sides of this (their debut) album, lost in time and packed with ace songwriting, molten guitar playing, and covers of bands that are still unknown to squares in this so-called sophisticated age which we now find ourselves.
Fabio Frizzi – The Beyond [OST/1983] 2xLP (Death Waltz)
Another killer score to a gorehound classic on HQ-180gm vinyl for the first time.
Markus Guentner – Theia 2xLP (A Strangely Isolated Place)
Stretches between intensely layered, looping rhythms, and subtle rolling dub-techno.
Emmylou Harris – Profile: The Best Of Emmylou Harris [Reissue/1978] LP (Rhino)
Vinyl reissue of the late ‘70s compilation of hits by Emmylou Harris from her first four Reprise/Warner albums: Pieces Of The Sky, Elite Hotel, Luxury Liner and Quarter Moon In A Ten Cent Town.
Haybaby – Sleepy Kids LP (Tiny Engines)
Somewhere between the art punk of Blonde Redhead and Sonic Youth, the classic indie rock of The Pixies and The Breeders and the attitude of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Haybaby impatiently reside. The band also sprinkles a little bit of sludge and noise pop into the mix and balances their raw energy with deceptive and captivating melodies.
Thee Headcoats – Brother Is Dead… But Fly Is Gone! [Reissue/1998] LP (M’Lady’s)
Incendiary covers set from Thee Headcoats, wherein they take a walk with the ghosts of all manner of punk standards. Remodernist takes on the Clash, Buzzcocks, Johnny Moped, Electric Eels, ATV, Small Faces, Bo Diddley, and many more.
Horace Pinker – Recover 7” (Dead Broke)
Brand new 7” release from long standing Chicago area punk rock veterans. Originally from Arizona, Horace Pinker has been churning out their blend of punk rock anthems for nearly 25 years. It’s their first vinyl release in almost 20 years.
The Horrible Crowes – Elsie [Reissu/e2011] LP+MP3 (SideOneDummy)
Most know Brian Fallon as the frontman for the Gaslight Anthem, an act who started out in Jersey basements and slowly built their way up to headlining New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Despite the success Fallon has had with his main band, he’s always loved decidedly less rocking acts such as the Afghan Whigs and Tom Waits. The Horrible Crowes — his side-project alongside longtime friend Ian Perkins — is his lounge-friendly tip of the hat to the acts who have shaped another side of his musical vision.
Jack + Eliza – Gentle Warnings LP (Yebo Music)
Released in August on CD – now available on vinyl. “Jack + Eliza’s debut LP Gentle Warnings brings all the heat and fuzz of Best Coast to New York, free of their lyrical chains, while adding a spritely complexity more explicitly west coast in its musical influence, in particular, that California classic, The Beach Boys. Jazzed harmonies (‘Oh No’ featuring nigh-replicas of Brian Wilson’s) are only the beginning of what the sunshine pop-rock duo evokes.” – In Your Speakers
Jack Ketch And The Crowmen – Brimfull Of Hate [Reissue/1988] LP (M’Lady’s)
Jack Ketch And The Crowmen was a one-off group, with Billy, Bruce, and Bertie out of the Milkshakes. Brutal basement executioner styles abound here, dark songs from a dark place. Incredible and mysterious, not surprising for a group named after Britain’s most infamously inept hangman. For the believers.
Jon Cougar Concentration Camp – Armageddon Party 7” (Rad Girlfriend)
Hailing from San Diego, this band captures classic sun-drenched Southern California pop-punk melodies and combines them with ripping guitar solos and bratty lyrics, all while maintaining the catchiness that the genre is famous for.
Kindling – Galaxies LP+MP3 (No Idea)
Members of Ampere playing full-on shoegaze/My Bloody Valentine-style goodness. Pressed on colored vinyl.
B.B. King – Ladies And Gentlemen… Mr. B.B. King 2xLP (Geffen)
A selection of the best tracks from the already available 10xCD and 4xCD sets, Ladies And Gentlemen… chronicles the blues legend’s amazing career.
Magic Trick – Half Man Half Machine LP (Spiritual Pajamas)
Triumphant washes of melody from the brain of Tim Cohen (Fresh & Onlys).
Magnetic Fields – 69 Love Songs [Reissue/1999] 6×10”+MP3 (Merge)
Remastered limited edition deluxe vinyl reissue of Magnetic Fields classic 1999 triple-CD rumination on love. Funny, smart, dark, and memorable. Stephin Merritt solidifies his songwriting genius on his “most ambitious and fully realized work” — AMG. Three double-10” records in gatefold sleeves packaged in a slipcase box.
Johnny Mathis – Sending You A Little Christmas [2013] LP (Friday Music)
Limited HQ-180gm white colored audiophile vinyl LP pressing in a gatefold sleeve. Johnny Mathis’ first collection of new seasonal recordings since the release of The Christmas Album in 2002, Sending You A Little Christmas is the singer’s first holiday duets album (and first duets album since 1991’s Better Together) and finds the singer sharing the Yuletide spirit with a number of special guest artists including Susan Boyle (“Do You Hear What I Hear?”), Jim Brickman (“Sending You A Little Christmas”), Natalie Cole (“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”), Gloria Estefan (“Mary’s Boy Child”), Vince Gill and Amy Grant (“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” / “White Christmas”), Billy Joel (“The Christmas Song”), and The Jordanaires (“Home For The Holidays”).
Fred McDowell – Amazing Grace [Reissue/1966] LP (Sutro Park)
One of the truly legendary releases in the cannon of the man who defined modern Hill Country Blues, Amazing Grace finds Fred McDowell playing with the Hunter’s Chapel Singers in Hunter’s Chapel of Como Mississippi. This 1966 release originally on Testament was one of the few records producer Jim Dickinson took with him to every recording session to make sure there was always some real sh*t present. Gold vinyl.
Ennio Morricone – La Trappola Scatta A Beirut [1966] 10” (BTF)
Morricone’s soundtrack to the 1966 Italian film.
Nero – Between II Worlds LP (Interscope)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The second album by the British electronic music trio composed of members Daniel Stephens, Joe Ray and Alana Watson.
Eddie Noack – Ain’t The Reaping Ever Done? (1962-1976) LP (Iron Mountain Analogue Research)
Holy grail of hard livin’ honky-tonk remastered from the original tapes. A collection of some of his rarest recordings — some fine LP cuts plus a multitude of rare ’60s/’70s 45-only cuts that are rescued from undeserved obscurity.
Northwind – Sister, Brother, Lover [Reissue/1971] LP (Beatball)
The sole album from Scottish rock band Northwind, reissued officially for the first time in over 40 years on vinyl. The band’s sound has been likened to that of the twin lead guitar style of Help Yourself/early Wishbone Ash with refined vocals.
The Paper Kites – Twelvefour LP+MP3 (Nettwerk)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Sophomore album from the Australian indie-folk outfit. Vinyl version due November 6. The Paper Kites’ music has been featured on numerous television shows including ABC’s Forever and Grey’s Anatomy, as well as The CW’s Reign.
Perils – Perils LP+MP3 (Desire Path)
Collaborative LP from Thomas Meluch (Benoit Piolard) and Kyle Bobby Dunn ruminates on painful realities, disappointments and transitioning to new homes, in the hopes of finding a coping mechanism to bring them through to the other side.
Red Red Meat – Red Red Meat [1992] 2xLP+MP3 (Jealous Butcher)
Red Red Meat – Jimmywine Majestic [Reissue/1993] 2xLP+MP3 (Jealous Butcher)
In Chicago in the early ’90s, combustible rock outfit Friends Of Betty, led by songwriter Tim Rutili, collapsed and reconfigured itself as Red Red Meat. In 1992, the band released its self-titled debut on its own Perishable Records imprint.In 1993 Red Red Meat released its first record for Sub Pop, Jimmywine Majestic. Building on the grungy roots of the band’s self-titled debut, the second album was more confident and refined, with songwriter Tim Rutili’s impressionistic lyrics hovering over twangy steel guitars, thick fuzzbox riffs, and barroom drums. The record finds the band (Rutili, Brian Deck, Glenn Girard, and Tim Hurley) moving away from the thrashing noise of the first record into more nuanced territory, maintaining its menacing swagger but injecting more space into the grooves. Double vinyl LP pressing featuring four bonus tracks, two of which are previously unreleased.
Thomas Rhett – Tangled Up LP (Valory)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Sophomore album by platinum-selling rising star Thomas Rhett. Lead single “Crash And Burn,” is already certified Gold and sets the pace for his second album. His debut album It Goes Like This spawned three consecutive #1 hits, making him Billboard’s first male country artist to do so from a debut album in over two decades.
Rush – Counterparts [Reissue/1993] 2xLP+MP3 (Mercury)
Rush – Test For Echo [Reissue/1996] 2xLP+MP3 (Mercury)
Limited remastered HQ-200gm heavyweight vinyl represses, each featuring a download code for high-resolution digital files.
Santah – Chico LP (Yes Club)
Self-examination is the hallmark of this, Santah’s second LP, highlighting the band’s signature lush arrangements, warm synths, amd the sweet vocal harmonies of the band’s lead brother/sister duo Stanton & Vivian McConnell. “Swarms & destroys with their harmonies & blistering wall of sound.” – Daytrotter
See Through Dresses – End Of Days LP (Tiny Engines)
See Through Dresses have crafted a catalogue of songs indebted to classic post-punk and new wave artists of the ’80s, but their sonic footprint more closely resembles the textural treatments of ’90s dream-pop and shoegaze.
Severed Heads – Petrol [Reissue/1986] 12” (Dark Entries)
Dark Entries digs deeper in to the archives of Severed Heads, one of the longest surviving bands to emerge from the Australian post-punk independent music scene. They began in Sydney in 1979, incorporating elements of ‘industrial’ noise-generation, tape cutting and looping and electronic sound synthesis. As the project developed song-structures and vocals were employed in a more-or-less recognizable mutant electro pop style. In 1986 the band released the 12” single Petrol on Nettwerk Records.
Slayer – The Vinyl Conflict 11xLP (American)
Extremely limited box set containing eleven HQ-180gm vinyl LPs. The Vinyl Conflict collects all ten original Slayer albums from American Recordings: Reign In Blood (1986), South Of Heaven (1988), Seasons In The Abyss (1990), Decade Of Agression Live (1991), Divine Intervention (1994), Undisputed Attitude (1996), Diabolus In Musica (1998), God Hates Us All (2001), Christ Illusion (2006) and World Painted Blood (2009). Each album has been remastered from the original flat master tapes and is pressed on the highest quality heavyweight audiophile vinyl. Also included are reproductions of the original LP artwork, including inner sleeve art, all in sturdy, litho-wrapped chip jackets.
Sonar – Black Light LP (Cuneiform)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Sonar is a progressive, post-minimal, instrumental band from Switzerland. Their music is played live without any sequencers, loops or computers using a minimum amount of equipment: two guitars, a bass guitar, three small amplifiers und a basic drum kit. No effects are used to keep the music as clear, direct and immediate as possible. The group is very concerned about timbres, tension and release, group dynamics and instrumental interplay.
Soundtrack – How The Grinch Stole Christmas [Reissue/1966] LP (Watertower Music)
Reissue of the soundtrack to the beloved holiday favorite. Features narration from Boris Karloff and the classic song, “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Thurl Ravenscroft.
Soundtrack – The Peanuts Movie 2xLP (Epic)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Original soundtrack to the 2015 animated motion picture. The soundtrack was created with the help of movie director Steve Martino. Features new recordings of Vince Guaraldi classics “Linus And Lucy” and “Skating” as well as original music from Christophe Beck who brought us Frozen. Also features Meghan Trainor performing “Better When I’m Dancin’.”
Sun Ra – Space Is The Place [1972] 2xLP (Sutro Park)
Clear vinyl edition of the soundtrack to the legendary Sun Ra film, Space Is The Place. Featuring some of Sun Ra’s most adventurous and uncompromising compositions ever, the soundtrack incorporates vocal chants, harsh synthesizer and organ blasts along with film dialogue, heavy percussion and just all around weirdness.
Sunflower Bean – Show Me Your Seven Secrets LP (Fat Possum)
Colored vinyl. “The third track on Sunflower Bean’s debut EP is a revealing introduction to the New York band’s sound. ‘Tame Impala,’ a dizzying, Sabbath-like tribute to Kevin Parker’s band, is the record’s most immediate song and has bassist and singer Julia Cumming yelping ‘You always say what’s on your mind’ over heavy riffs. (Tame Impala’s 2012 album Lonerism included a bonus track called ‘Led Zeppelin’). The other five songs more than justify the buzz around the trio (completed by guitarist Nick Kivlen and drummer Jacob Faber), melding wandering psych with glimmers of metal and post-punk. ‘Somebody Call A Doctor’ is largely instrumental, Kivlen’s chiming guitars wrapping around Cumming’s dancing bassline, and ‘OK Mr Man’ has a glint of Joy Division to its whirling noise. Astonishingly good.” – NME
Swings – Sugarwater LP (Exploding In Sound)
Swings is a trio of old friends who sound like an indie rock band coated in teeth-rotting pop hooks timed to asymmetrical, loose jazz rhythm. Hailing from Washington, DC, the band knowingly avoids the stifling nostalgia that permeates less memorable acts. Despite recently entering their twenties, Swings display a feverish prolificacy, endlessly shedding stayed sonic shells before they become safe and stale.
Ugly Kid Joe – Uglier Than They Used Ta Be LP (Metalville)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. After a 19-year hiatus, raucous rockers Ugly Kid Joe return with Uglier Than They Used Ta Be. The album, which was recorded at JT Studios and Balance Studios in Louisiana under the helm of producer and UKJ guitarist Dave Fortman (Slipknot, Godsmack, Evanescence). Uglier Than They Used Ta Be boasts a collection of well-crafted rock tunes, from the riff driven “Let The Record Play” to the hard-hitting “She’s Already Gone” and “Hell Aint Hard To Find.”
Uriah Heap – Demons And Wizards [Reissue/1972] LP (Sanctuary)
Uriah Heap – Magician’s Birthday [Reissue/1972] LP (Sanctuary)
Vinyl reissues of the British hard rock band’s fourth and fifth LPs.
U.S. Girls – Half Free LP+MP3 (4AD)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. The work of Illinois-born, Toronto-based artist Meg Remy, U.S. Girls has evolved in recent years from the coarse four-track fidelity found on her early recordings to more luscious and unabashed works, packed with fiery pop sensibilities. Half Free is the next step in this impressive progression, an honest and lyrically jarring exploration of emotions, drenched in a bath of raw beats and loops that have become the hallmark of her work with producer and frequent collaborator Onakabazien. Other album guests include Slim Twig (DFA), Ben Cook (F**ked Up, Young Guv), Amanda Crist (Ice Cream) and Tony Price.
Vacation – Back To The Land 7” (Dead Broke)
Hot off the heels of the bands’ newest full length on Don Giovanni Records. Includes exclusive and as-yet-unreleased cuts from 2013’s Candy Waves album (Let’s Pretend) — both are “Back To The Land” — however, these are two vastly different versions each. Wildly different stylistically and performance-wise.
Various Artists [Lee Perry] – Mr Perry I Presume 2xLP (Pressure Sounds)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Sixteen lovingly restored nuggets of Upsetters Black Ark magic. Saving the world with music Scratch embarked on seemingly never ending conveyor belt of rhythmic mayhem.
Andy Williams – The Andy Williams Christmas Album [Reissue/1963] LP (Friday Music)
Christmas comes early for you diehard Andy Williams fans with nothing but cash to burn.
Stevie Wonder – Someday At Christmas [Reissue/1967] LP (Motown)
Someday At Christmas was first issued in 1967 and is considered one of Motown’s best in the genre. The album’s reissue on vinyl marks it first availability in the format in decades. The album features original songs, including “What Christmas Means To Me,” and “Bedtime For Toys” plus the title song, by now a standard on its own and soulful versions of “Silver Bells,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” and the jazzy “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You).”
Zipper – Zipper [Reissue/1975] LP (Permanent Records)
Official 40th Anniversary reissue of sole LP from Fred Cole’s (Dead Moon, Pierced Arrows, The Rats, Lollipop Shoppe) mid-‘70s heavy rock band. Contains two bonus tracks not found on the original album.
Book:
Ian Svenonius – Censorship Now!! (Akashic Books)
Uproarious new essay collection from Washington, DC’s infamous cult music hero and artist, Ian F. Svenonius (Nation Of Ulysses, Make-Up, Chain & The Gang, Weird War). In this new essay collection, he tackles such diverse subjects as Ikea, Apple, the weather, the gentrification of punk by indie rock, Marion Barry, the film Heathers, Christian pornography, vampires, hoarding, the role of sugar in empire-building, how to properly tip at restaurants, the return of the hat in men’s fashion, and other highly topical matters. No one is left unscathed, and more than a few will be left scratching their heads even as they laugh. Available in either paperback or hardcover editions. “While putting a copy of this book on your nightstand would be a sign of good taste, who cares about good taste? Are you willing to be seen reading a book titled Censorship Now!! in public? If so, your skin might burn with funny glances from squares, scolds and looky-loos. But on the inside, you’ll feel your brain throbbing as it swells to accommodate some hilarious, absurd and radical new strategies on how to live in our ridiculous world.”—Washington Post
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