CDs:
Alter Bridge – Fortress CD (Alter Bridge/Universal)
Fortress builds upon the sound that Alter Bridge has been known for with their uncompromised vocal melodies, untouchable dueling guitar work and pounding rhythm section. The album was produced by long-time Alter Bridge producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette, known for his work with Falling In Reverse, Story Of The Year, and Incubus.
Iggy Azalea – Change Your Life CDEP (Island)
Australian born, now residing in Atlanta, Iggy Azalea has spent the last year building an incredible buzz. Discovered by T.I., Iggy has gained the respect of hip-hop heavyweights. The cult classic mixtape Ignorant Art catapulted her into the spotlight in 2011.
Jamie Baum Septet – In The Life CD (Sunnyside)
It may seem counterintuitive that NYC flutist-composer-bandleader, Jamie Baum, accomplishes her breakthrough to greater recognition with the stellar In This Life, but so be it. An album inspired by her travels in South Asia and the music of the late Pakistani Qawwali vocalist Nusrat Fateh Ali Kahn, Jamie’s musical imagination and skills are not limited by her origins or circumstances instead, they are enriched by her experiences.
Bombay Dub Orchestra – Tales From The Grand Bazaar CD (Six Degrees)
“London’s Bombay Dub Orchestra (a.k.a. Andrew T. Mackay and Garry Hughes) returns with another wonderful album of globetrotting world beats, blended with traditional Indian orchestral sounds.” – Pop Matters
Danny Brown – Old CD (Fools Gold)
Danny jumps from “artist to watch” to undeniable icon with his magnum opus, Old. This emotionally-charged concept album is an intoxicating mix of Danny at his most experimental and most accessible, balancing hip-hop grit with electronic club sonics and much, much more. Featuring guest appearances from A$AP Rocky, Schoolboy Q, Freddie Gibbs, Purity Ring, Charli XCX, and more overproduction from the likes of A-Trak and Rustie, Old is a psychedelic portrait of rap’s most vital and exciting new star. “BNM [8.7]” — Pitchfork
Cage The Elephant – Melophobia CD/LP (RCA)
For their junior album, Cage The Elephant are departing from their usual Southern rock. On their first single they channel Bowie’s spacy style. “Melophobia means a fear of music. Aptly titled, because any band vying for the title of rock album of the year should fear the music on this record.” – themusic.com.au
Anna Calvi – One Breath CD/LP+MP3 (Domino)
“Vigorous vocals, virtuoso guitar solos and tense orchestral climaxes were the main ingredients that made her enthralling musical and performative style synonymous with passion and deep, noir-ish atmospheres. Winning the heart of Brian Eno and Nick Cave amongst many, her powerful vocals and enchanting stage presence made for a pretty unique and identifiable style: whether she was covering Edith Piaf or Beyoncé, Anna Calvi thundered with pathos.” – Drowned In Sound
Alex Chilton – Electricity By Candlelight CD/LP (Bar/None)
On the night of February 13, 1997 Alex Chilton and his band were getting ready to play their second set of the night at the Knitting Factory in New York City when the lights went out. What happened was this album, a spontaneous off the cuff performance. This is Alex thinking on his feet, in the moment, bouncing songs and ideas off the folks that stuck around for a real one-of-a-kind exchange. This is as close and personal as it gets.
Miley Cyrus – Bangerz CD (RCA)
Bangerz features production by Mike WiLL Made It, Pharrell Williams, and will.i.am among others, with features from Britney Spears, Big Sean, Future, Nelly, Ludacris, and French Montana. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds three bonus tracks.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – The Speed Of Things CD (WB)
After the positive comparisons to The Beatles, The Beach Boys and classic Motown that emerged after their released their debut album It’s A Corporate World, Detroit duo Josh Epstein and DanielZott – better known as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. — release their second album.
Dance Gavin Dance – Acceptance Speech CD (Rise)
Seven years after storming into the screamo and all-ages underground rock scene, Dance Gavin Dance release their sixth record.
Tony Dekker – Prayer Of The Woods CD/LP (Nettwerk)
Prayer Of The Woods can be seen as a musical interlude, or personal tangent, between Great Lake Swimmers albums by the band s lead singer and songwriter, Tony Dekker. Sparsely recorded and quickly realized, it takes a quiet and intimate approach: a ghostly reminder of the first Great Lake Swimmers recordings, and a stark portrait of a Canadian troubadour. Herein find songs of geographical reference (“Somewhere Near Thunder Bay”), contemplations of mortality (“Final Song”), finding spirituality in the natural world (“Prayer Of The Woods”), and ongoing existential crisis (“Hearing Voices”).
Darkside – Psychic CD/LP+MP3 (Matador)
Darkside is the collaborative duo of critically acclaimed electronic artist Nicolas Jaar and guitarist/composer Dave Harrington. Darkside summon a hybrid of electronic music, psychedelic rock, and dance floor techno with the sort of artistic depth and breadth for which the term “progressive” was coined.
Earthless – From The Ages CD/2xLP (Tee Pee)
First new studio album since 2007’s Rhythms From A Cosmic Sky. ”Earthless purvey majestic acid rock, a genre that bakes the neurons with industrious instrumentals. And this trio blisters more brain cells than most. Earthless keeps even this interpretation ruggedly exploratory, moving with transcendent skill from classic rock badlands to heavy metal cosmos.” –SF Weekly
Echosmith – Talking Dreams CD (WB)
Los Angeles-based alt-pop quartet Echosmith presents their debut album Talking Dreams via Warner Bros Records.
Electric Six – Mustang CD (Metropolis)
The American male needs to feel like a wild horse from time to time, and Electric Six is a band from Detroit comprised of six American males. The American male, upon birth, is issued three Wild Horse Cards from the United States Department of Agriculture, and he can play these cards at any point in his life when he needs to feel like a wild horse for a year. This is the year that all six members of Electric Six have elected to play their cards at the same time, and the result is the band’s ninth studio album, Mustang.
The Fratellis – We Need Medicine CD (BMG)
We Need Medicine, recorded in Glasgow’s West End and produced by Jon Fratelli and Stuart McCredie, who also mixed the record, is an 11-track record of bluesy rock anthems. The single “Seven Nights Seven Days” is a rousing anthem with a classic Fratellis chorus backed by country guitars, while the title track is a gravelly, piano-led blues song that you can’t help but sing along to and is sure to be a live favorite. Free lithograph with purchase – while supplies last! Vinyl version due October 22.
Glasser – Interiors CD/LP (True Panther Sounds)
In the three years since Cameron Mesirow’s debut as Glasser, she has toured around the world, relocated from California to NY, and teamed up with Van Rivers (Fever Ray, Blonde Redhead) whose background in techno production added expansive spatial elements to her music that reflect both the looming, condensed architecture of her new adopted home, as well as the intricate internal worlds she conjures on her own.
Patti Griffin – Silver Bell CD/LP (A&M/Universal)
Patty Griffin’s much sought after Silver Bell is finally getting its official release. Silver Bell would have been Griffin’s third album. It was recorded in 2000 but went unreleased by A&M Records. Despite its years of limbo the album spawned two huge hits for the Dixie Chicks, who covered both “Top Of The World” and “Truth #2” for their 2002 Home album. Newly mixed by legendary producer Glyn Johns, Silver Bell includes 14 original songs that were recorded back in 2000 at Daniel Lanois’ Kingsway Studio in New Orleans. Emmylou Harris sings harmony on “Truth #2.”
Dave Hause – Devour CD/2xLP+CD (Rise)
Having spent three years on tour with The Gaslight Anthem, AFI, Frank Turner, Social Distortion, Chuck Ragan, The Bouncing Souls and more, it’s safe to say that Dave Hause is doing something right. Dave’s new full length Devour is raw and emotional.
Lyfe Jennings – Lucid CD (Mass Appeal Entertainment)
Although Lyfe Jennings has had a lot of negative press over the years for personal issues and jail stints, one thing nobody could ever question is the talent he possesses. Despite the fact that it may never earn him an invite to an award show, he’s always focused on providing the conscious side of music and touching on social issues when others were afraid to. This has allowed him to become a permanent fixture in the R&B scene, major label or not, and earned him the respect of music fans around the world.
Jesu – Everyday I Get Closer To The Light From Which I Came CD/LP (Avalanche/Shellshock)
Over two years in the making, Justin K. Broadrick has worked at this album whilst retaining activities with the reunited Godflesh, and as usual, pursuing other projects, which include remixes for both Mogwai and Cult Of Luna. Beginning with “Homesick,” with its guitar hooks, shoegaze textures and familiar Jesu sound, fans expecting an album following a familiar trajectory will find tracks in line with Jesu’s aesthetic but taking in dub, post punk and electronica along the way.
Joey + Rory – Made To Last CD (Farmhouse)
Known for his trademark overalls, homespun storytelling, sense-of-humor and brilliant lyrical ability, Rory was already one of the most highly regarded songwriters in Nashville, before joining forces with his wife in 2008 as a recording duo. Joey’s stunning voice is often compared to her heroes Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton, for its beauty, warmth and sincerity.
Tim Kasher – Adult Film CD (Saddle Creek)
Kasher’s moody sophomore solo effort offers up a direct, affecting blend of rock and pop and features contributions from members of Make Believe and Head Of Femur. Lyrically, Kasher is at his incisive best, thematically elastic and touching on aging (self-reflection and taking stock), mortality (one’s own and others’), and relationships of all kinds. Vinyl version due November 5.
The KickDrums – Thinking Out Loud CD (Hopeless)
Based in Brooklyn, NY, The KickDrums are led by singer, songwriter and producer Alex Fitts. Fitts began his career in Cleveland, Ohio producing hip hop tracks for local artist and quickly built a reputation as a go to producer for emerging talent. His knack for blending hip-hop and alt rock scored him production placements with artists such as Kid Cudi, 50 Cent, Kanye West and Slaughterhouse. Vinyl version due October 22.
Kitchens Of Distinction – Folly CD (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.”
Kodaline – In A Perfect World CD/LP (RCA)
“In A Perfect World marks the full debut of young Irish four-piece, Kodaline. The band has been busy building a solid next-big-thing reputation on the back of EPs, live gigs, and sizeable YouTube hits. For all that, naysayers label Kodaline as stadium wannabes and no more than an identikit amalgam of the likes of Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Elbow, Mumfords, plus U2 and almost anyone Irish. Me? I think this quartet deserves acknowledgement separate from those usual suspects. Kodaline’s bravado is tethered to a confidence that comes from comradeship, life on the road and writing from experience along the way.” – Consequence Of Sound
Korn – The Paradigm Shift CD/CD+DVD/2xLP (Prospect Park)
On Paradigm Shift, Korn chose not to repeat the dub step/rock fusion of their previous album The Path Of Totality, but remained intent on keeping the sounds fresh and new. On the new album, they promise to mesh the classic dual guitar attack of James ‘Munky’ Shaffer and Brian ‘Head’ Welch (returning for the first time since the band’s 2003 album Take A Look In The Mirror), with an all-new approach to the integration of electronics. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe contains two extra bonus tracks and DVD documentary Reconciliation.
Amos Lee – Mountains Of Snow, Rivers Of Song CD/LP (Blue Note)
Lee recorded his new 12-song album in Nashville with Jay Joyce (Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Eric Church, Cage the Elephant). The convenient location allowed several remarkable guests to participate in the sessions. Alison Krauss joins Lee on “Chill In The Air” and Patty Griffin sings harmony on “Mountains Of Sorrow,” a song inspired by Lee’s visit to Levon Helm’s barn in Woodstock, where he appeared at the legendary drummer’s Midnight Ramble not long before Helm’s death. Instrumentalists Jerry Douglas (Alison Krauss & Union Station), Mickey Raphael (Willie Nelson and Family) and Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band) also contribute to the record. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds three bonus tracks.
Lissie – Back To Forever CD (Fat Possum)
“Lissie is as earnest as they come – and on her second studio album, Back To Forever, the singer/songwriter bares her soul even more. Opener ‘The Habit’ builds with alluring piano and charging bass drum, erupting into a swift chorus of dancing hi-hats and churning guitars. The Illinois native shows some snarl on ‘Shameless,’ riding the track’s pugnacious bob-and-weaves: ‘I see you look at me/ I swear that it is bugging me,’ she sneers. ‘What the f##k?’” – Rolling Stone. Vinyl version due October 22.
Steve Nieve – ToGetHer CD (Fontana)
For ToGetHer, Nieve recruited friends like Costello, Sting, Vanessa Paradis, Laurie Anderson, Ron Sexsmith and many more to duet on an album of all original material. As the original keyboardist for Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Steve Nieve is no stranger to working with top talent. A Royal College Of Music student, Nieve was an integral part of The Attractions, playing on some of Costello’s most influential albums of the era including This Year’s Model, Blood And Chocolate, and Goodbye Cruel World.
Anders Osborne – Peace CD (Alligator)
“Mind-bogglingly great, Anders Osborne can play the gutbucket bluesman and hot guitar slinger’ and he can play the sensitive, soulful singer/songwriter, and he’s excellent at both. The guy is a triple threat as a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist. Soulful, wildly diverse, thoughtful and raw.” — Paste
Mayday Parade – Monsters In The Closet CD (Fearless)
Fourth album from the Florida-based alt-rock band. Vinyl version due November 25.
National Wake – Walk In Africa 1979-81 CD/2xLP (Light In The Attic)
National Wake were a brilliant mixed race punk-reggae band who came close to death or a lifetime in jail to make music in apartheid-era South Africa in the late ’70s/early ‘80s. Their sound is as much influenced by The Clash and Sex Pistols as reggae, dub and African music. Ivan’s lived in Los Angeles since leaving South Africa in ’86. He felt apartheid would never end so he couldn’t take it anymore and left. Walk In Africa is the band’s first-ever anthology.
New Found Glory –Kill It Live CD/2xLP (Violently Happy/Bridge 9)
On March 27th and 28th of 2013, New Found Glory played two sold out shows at Southern California’s Chain Reaction. The entirety of their set was recorded and has been assembled as NFG’s first live release, aptly titled Kill It Live.
New Horizon – The Answer CD/2xLP (Napalm)
The Answer showcases New Horizon’s rock & roll evangelism. For fans of AC/DC, Black Crowes, Led Zeppelin, Airbourne.
Of Montreal – Lousy With Sylvianbriar CD/LP+MP3 (Polyvinyl)
The genius of Lousy with Sylvianbriar is that it was created on a 24-track tape machine without the crutch of computer aided pitch correction, effects plug-ins and editing capabilities. With no computer tricks to fall back on, Kevin Barnes and the band recorded most of the songs live in the same room together. “I wanted the process to be more in line with the way people used to make albums in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s,” reveals Barnes. “I wanted the songs to be more lyric-driven, and for the instrumental arrangements to be understated and uncluttered.” Available on CD and on HQ-180gm pink vinyl.
Linda Ortega – Tin Star CD/LP (Last Gang)
New album from the Canadian singer/songwriter.
Panic! At The Disco – Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die! CD (Fueled By Ramen)
Produced by Butch Walker (Fall Out Boy, Weezer), Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die!! sees the band paying homage to their Las Vegas roots via a glittery sonic approach inspired by their ever– increasing collection of vintage and modern synthesizers. While jam– packed with high– energy songs like “Vegas Lights” and “Nicotine,” the album also features Urie’s most open and introspective songwriting to date, with highlights including the tender paean that closes the collection, “The End Of All Things. ” Vinyl version due October 22.
PAPA – Tender Madness CD (Universal Republic)
When Girls parted ways last year, frontman Christopher Owens wasted no time announcing his solo album. But long before their breakup, drummer Darren Weiss was quietly piecing together a new band in Los Angeles alongside his childhood friend Danny Presant.
Parquet Courts – Tally All The Things That You Broke CD/LP (What’s Your Rupture?)
Tally All The Things That You Broke is far more than a stopgap in between full-lengths; it’s the sound of Parquet Courts stretching out. Simultaneously the link between Parquet Courts and Ween, or Parquet Courts and Beck, it frames the band coming from a new place, and is a post-millennial NYC anthem, quintessential sounds for anyone who’s ever waited in anticipation of dialing that number, or anyone who’s put on their game face and rode from point A to point B in the snarl of vicious traffic.
Cassadee Pope – Frame By Frame CD (Big Machine)
Cassadee Pope’s unique vocals and powerful performances stole the national spotlight when she won Season 3 of NBC’s The Voice.
Pusha T – My Name Is My Name CD (Def Jam)
New album from the rapper features guest appearances by Chris Brown, Rick Ro$$, Ab-Liva, The-Dream, Jeezy, Kevin Cossum, Kelly Rowland, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar, Future, and Pharrell.
Lee Ranaldo And The Dust – Last Night On Earth CD/2xLP+MP3 (Matador)
Inspired by time spent trapped in his apartment during Hurricane Sandy, Lee Ranaldo’s new album with his band The Dust tackles themes of despair, rage and societal shift. These songs are darker, longer and more intense than his last set. Features Alan Licht and Steve Shelley.
RJD2 – More Is Than Isn’t CD/2xLP (RJ’s Electrical Connections)
In keeping with an ethos that both continually moves forward and stays rooted in funk, More Is Than Isn’t seamlessly melds raw, gritty breaks with bombastic horns, MCs, lush analog synths and the intangible. Though largely an instrumental affair, longtime collaborators Blueprint, Phonte Coleman, and Aaron Livingston join the fray, along with newcomers STS, P. Blackk and Khari Mateen adding some vocal duties.
Kenny Rogers – You Can’t Make Old Friends CD (WB)
One look at the album cover of Kenny Roger’s new album will leave you with the impression that the legendary country/rock star is on the verge of death (or about to disappear into the witness protection program). Or both. With an astonishing recording career that now spans over seven decades, you would think music legend Kenny Rogers had already accomplished it all. However, you’d be wrong. Rogers’ new album proves once again that he still has plenty to say.
Seasick Steve – Hubcap Music CD/2xLP (Third Man)
“It’s called Hubcap Music. That’s cus I play some songs on a guitar made out of two hubcaps and a garden hoe, and cus I couldn’t think of nothing else” — Seasick Steve. Recorded on a tape recorder, on old fashion tape, mixed on tape and the vinyl cut from tape. Features, Jack White, John Paul Jones, and Luther Dickensen (North Mississippi Allstars). Vinyl version due October 15.
William Shatner – Ponder The Mystery CD (Cleopatra)
The Captain of sci-fi is back with his first foray into prog rock — a momentous concept album focusing on such rich and timeless themes as aging, depression, love and beauty. Guests include Steve Vai, Rick Wakeman, Hawkwind’s Simon House and Nik Turner, Tangerine Dream’s Edgar Froese, jazz great Al Di Meola, country superstar Vince Gill, and others.
Sleigh Bells – Bitter Rivals CD/LP (Mom + Pop)
“Somewhere between playing shows and lending their music out to countless movie trailers, the noise-pop duo Sleigh Bells have already managed to write and record their new album, the follow-up to last year’s Reign Of Terror and their third LP in four years. Titled Bitter Rivals, the new album further develops the but-this-goes-to-11 sound that made the band famous: a mashup of girl-group pop, arena rock, and hip-hop, with Alexis Krauss’ vocals layered over Derek Miller’s heavily distorted guitars and kick-drum-heavy beats. The difference this time is largely in the vocals: Krauss is now writing most of the melodies herself, allowing her to explore her range and, at times, really belt it out” – Slate. Available on CD and Deluxe gatefold clear vinyl, packaged with seven 11×11″ cardstock art inserts.
St. Lucia – When The Night CD/2xLP+MP3 (Columbia)
When The Night is the full-length debut album from Brooklyn-based synth-pop outfit St. Lucia. The album, which expands upon St. Lucia’s unique brand of dreamy, nostalgic pop, was produced by the band’s own Jean-Philip Grobler, with additional production and mixing from Chris Zane (Passion Pit), Rich Costey (Muse, Foo Fighters) and Andy Baldwin.
Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington – High Rise CDEP (Play Pen LLC)
High Rise is the a new Stone Temple Pilots EP featuring Chester Bennington of Linkin Park on vocals, and includes the track “Out Of Time.”
Turin Breaks – We Were Here CD/LP (Red River)
“Starting the proceedings with lead single ‘Time And Money,’ a well written, catchy and melodious number, the scene is set for an album of twelve tracks, each one as good as its predecessor, and each one equally as memorable. To be honest, you’d be excused for thinking that this was a Best Of compilation should you be a stranger to their work. The title track, and its clear acoustics, is a fine example in the art of songwriting, and, its immediate familiarity makes the track instantly enjoyable. You’ll be humming it long after it’s finished.” – Louder Than War
Deigo Urcola – Mates CD (Sunnyside)
The drinking of mate, a beverage infused from ground yerba mate leaves and water, has been a South American culinary and social tradition for centuries. The sharing of the calabash that contains the hot drink and the consequential interaction between friends has become the social norm, especially in Argentina. The friendly tradition of drinking mate served as inspiration for Argentinean born, New York based trumpeter Diego Urcola. For his playfully titled new recording Mates, Urcola wanted to mirror this give and take between friends (or mates) with that of the musical duet. To achieve this, the trumpeter recorded a number of intimate meetings with a handful of his closest musical associates, including bassist Avishai Cohen, vibraphonist Dave Samuels, harpist Edmar Castañeda and bandoneón player Juan Dargenton.
Various Artists – CBGB Original Motion Picture Soundtrack CD/2xLP+MP3 (Omnivore)
An essential collection of songs that made the punk movement, CBGB presents twenty slices of original American music, many rarely compiled or unavailable for years. The soundtrack contains music from influential artists that informed the scene (The Velvet Underground, The Stooges and MC5), to acts that broke through with huge commercial acclaim (Talking Heads, Blondie and The Police). And there’s even music from bands whose legendary status will forever be linked to the club that gave them a voice (Dead Boys, Television. Wayne County, The Dictators and more).
Various Artists – Red Hot + Fela CD/2xLP (Knitting Factory Works)
Red Hot + Fela is the 18th in a series of original albums to raise money and awareness in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The release includes classic Fela anthems like “Lady” recorded by tUnE-yArDs, Questlove, Angelique Kidjo, and Akua Naru, “Zombie” recorded by Spoek Mathambo, Cerebral Cortex, and Frown, and “Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am” recorded by My Morning Jacket, Merrill Garbus (from tUnE-yArDs), and Brittany Howard (from Alabama Shakes) and “Sorrow, Tears & Blood” reworked by the Kronos Quartet along with TV On The Radios’ Kyp Malone and Tunde Adembimpe.
Various Artists – The Rocky Horror Picture Show [Reissue/1975] CD/LP (Ode Sounds & Visuals)
The original soundtrack from the #1 cult movie of all time includes ”Time Warp” and ”Sweet Transvestite. Back in print in a new CD digipak and on red vinyl.
Vertical Horizon – Echoes From The Underground CD (Outfall Music)
Neil Peart from Rush guest drums on Vertical Horizon’s new PledgeMusic fan-funded album.
Wild Child – The Runaround CD/LP+CD (The Noise Company)
For the making of The Runaround Wild Child enlisted indie rock nobleman Ben Kweller to sit in the producer’s chair. Kweller was instrumental in harnessing the band’s youthful energy and combining it with their natural sense of nostalgia.
Vinyl:
The Band – The Last Waltz [Reissue/1978] 3xLP (Rhino)
On Thanksgiving Day 1976, The Band took the stage for the very last time at the Winterland Theatre in San Francisco for The Last Waltz, which has gone on to become one of the most heralded performances of all time. Joining The Band on stage throughout the evening was an unprecedented group of pioneers in music including Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, and Neil Young, among others.
Elf Power – Sunlight On The Moon LP (Darla/Orange Twin)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Combines the scuzzy, sleazy recording qualities of their early lo-fi masterworks with their powerful live bombast, with experiments in Kraftwerk-styled/Eno-esque drum machine minimalism, into a seamless, perfectly flowing whole.
F##k Buttons – Brainfreeze 12”+MP3 (ATP)
Second single taken from Slow Focus, featuring the previously unreleased “Royal Flush” on the B-side. Clear vinyl.
John Harrison – Day Of The Dead [1985] 2xLP (Waxwork)
Remastered reissue, pressed on yellow and green vinyl.
His Clancyness – Vicious LP (Fat Cat)
Described by Clancy as “a sassy, dreamy glam rocknroll album.” ”[Kurt Vile and The War on Drugs are] fine influences to have in any case, and a definite scale up from the Italian/Canadian dreamier early singles — something signaled by the Dolby Surround sound-ish crank that heralds ’Machines’’ tarnished silvery motorik swirl. There’s a kind sneer to Jonathan Clancy’s voice as he drawls off a list of abstract, impressionistic images that are very much his own. – Pitchfork
It Hurts – 33 Tears b/w Earth Sun Moon Us 7” (Soft Abuse)
Auckland, NZ’s own It Hurts follow two limited edition cassettes with their debut 7″ on Soft Abuse. These two songs offer a beautiful summation of the crude ooze they’ve issued so far in one easily digestible dose. Imagine “Indian War Whoop” played by Heathen-era Earth, or Throbbing Gristle with a heavy emphasis on fuzzed blues histrionics.
Mad Nanna – I Wanna See You b/w The Nectarine Tree 7” (Soft Abuse)
“I Wanna See You” is an unexpected churning anthem of desperation, while “The Nectarine Tree” is a wayward/zoned/honest basement transmission that roams around in a purely human way, pummeling everything else near the margins.
Don Muro – It’s Time [Reissue/1977] LP+MP3 (Flannelgraph)
Reissue of the synthesizer pioneer’s late-‘70s album. Muro’s sincere love of what he is creating shines through whether it’s a catchy, triumphant rock anthem, a subtly emotive instrumental synthesizer piece, or an intense fusion dance jam.
Nosaj Thing – Home Remixes 12” (Innovative Leisure)
Having remixed and worked with the likes of The xx, Flying Lotus, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Beck, Kendrick Lamar, Trent Reznor and Chance The Rapper, Nosaj had some burgeoning producers (Kyle Hall and Gerry Read) remix some of his material from Home.
Oshwa – Chamomile Crush LP (Naked Ally)
Takes jazz inspirations, attaches them to an indie rock backbone, and ties it all together with melodic trappings, crafting pop anthems with tightly wound-instrumentation and frenetic vocal interplay.
Pleasure – Glide: The Essential Selection 1975-1982 3xLP (Soul Temple)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Pleasure originated from the ashes of two local Portland, Oregon bands, The Soul Masters and Franchise, to become veritable monsters of funk, soul and jazz. Their sound is often compared to Earth, Wind & Fire or Kool And The Gang. They had an inspired run of seven albums, six for Fantasy Records and one for RCA, from 1975 through 1982.
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