CDs:
Au Revior Simone – Move In Spectrums CD/LP (Instant)
First new album in four years from Brooklyn, NY’s acclaimed female trio. More luscious, electronic dreamy pop filled with vintage keyboards and tight harmonies. Also available on pink vinyl.
David Bromberg Band – Only Slightly Mad CD (Appleseed Recordings)
A thorough display of Grammy nominee Bromberg’s many talents as a sensitive, masterful guitarist, mandolinist and vocalist, convincing song interpreter, songwriter, bandleader, and arranger. There are enough musical roots on display on Only Slightly Mad to support a giant redwood blues, bluegrass, gospel, folk, country, Irish fiddle tunes, English drinking songs, even a cappella, all happily coexist, as they did on his much-loved albums of the ‘70s and 80s.
Ray Charles – Ray Charles Forever CD+DVD (Concord)
Features remixed and remastered versions of some of Ray’s classic hits and the previously unreleased “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” The DVD contains re-purposed, rare live performance footage related to the project.
Cher – Closer To The Truth CD (WB)
Cher’s first studio album in over 10 years, Closer To The Truth includes songwriting from Timbaland and P!nk, plus performances by the latter as well as the Scissor Sisters’ and Jake Shears. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe includes three bonus tracks.
Chvrches – The Bones Of What You Believe CD/LP (Glassnote)
Debut full-length studio release for the Scottish synth-pop trio. “The Bones Of What You Believe hits so many high notes with its surprisingly simplistic delivery that it’s impossible not to recommend to even the most jaded of listeners. Yes it is at times sickly sweet, but that’s part of the charm.” – Sputnikmusic
Clannad – Nádúr CD (ARC Music)
Nádúr (Gaelic word for “nature”) is Clannad’s first album of new material since 1998’s Grammy winning Landmarks, and features the full original line-up — siblings Moya, Ciaran and Pol Brennan, and their twin uncles Noel and Padraig Duggan — back together on record for the first time since the 1989 album Past Present.
Deer Tick – Negativity CD/2xLP (Partisan)
Negativity is a heroic leap forward on virtually all fronts for the Providence, Rhode Island-based band. Their fifth studio release is the band’s most personal work thus far as well as their more undeniable and universal, their famously freewheeling musical approach refined here into a gloriously cohesive whole. Features guest appearance by Vanessa Carlton on “In Our Time.”
Al Di Meola – All Your Life: A Tribute To The Beatles CD (Inakustik)
The master jazz/fusion guitarist takes on 14 Beatles classics.
Drake – Nothing Was The Same CD (Cash Money)
Third album from the Canadian actor, rapper and R&B star. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds two bonus tracks.
Dream Theatre – Dream Theatre CD/CD+DVD/LP (Roadrunner)
Dream Theater’s 2013 self-titled opus is a masterpiece of ambition, adventure and redefined purpose. Dream Theater heralds an exceptionally energized and profoundly dynamic emergent chapter for the melodic, progressive and consistently heavy masters of hard rock invention. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions.
The Foreign Exchange – Love In Flying Colors CD (+FE Music/Hard Boiled)
Fourth genre-defying album from Grammy nominated alt-R&B duo of Phonte and Nicolay.
Girls Against Boys – Ghost List CDEP/12”+MP3 (Girls Against Boys)
Girls Against Boys first new recordings in over 10 years. “Back in the day, they combined punishing and skronked-out post-hardcore dynamics with consciously sexy disco-funk push-pull, keeping the focus squarely on the rhythm section by employing two bassists. Their live show is the sort of thing you absolutely want to see. And they’ve got a new song called ‘It’s A Diamond Life,’ on which they sound like time has left their attack completely undiminished. This thing could appear as an unused track from the ‘House Of GVSB’ (Touch & Go) sessions, and nobody would blink.” – Stereogum
Matthew Good – Arrows Of Desire CD (Frostbyte)
New album the prolific Canadian singer/songwriter finds him venturing in new musical directions inspired by alt-rock vets The Afghan Whigs.
Gov’t Mule – Shout! 2xCD/2xLP (Blue Note)
Gov’t Mule’s first studio album in four years features eleven tracks recorded by the band in Los Angeles and Stamford, CT plus a bonus disc featuring an all-star lineup of vocalists interpreting The Mule’s new songs, including Elvis Costello, Dr. John, Ben Harper, Toots Hibbert, Glenn Hughes, Jim James, Myles Kennedy, Dave Matthews, Grace Potter, Vintage Trouble’s Ty Taylor and Steve Winwood.
Sammy Hagar & Friends – Sammy Hagar & Friends CD/CD+DVD (Frontiers)
Hagar’s new album features guest appearances from Kid Rock, Neal Schon (Santana, Journey, HSAS), Joe Satriani, Chad Smith, Michael Anthony (ex-Van Halen, Chickenfoot), Taj Mahal, Ronnie Dunn (Brooks & Dunn), Toby Keith, Nancy Wilson (Heart), Bill Church and Denny Carmassi (Montrose), The Wabos and more. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a bonus DVD.
Ha Ha Tonka – Lessons CD/LP+MP3 (Bloodshot)
Sitting at the crossroads of Americana and indie, where Alabama meets Arcade Fire, this Missouri quartet deliver their fourth full-length. Lessons is slightly less stripped-down and filled with lush instrumentation than previous outings.
The Horrible Crows – Live At The Troubador CD+DVD/2xLP (Side One Dummy)
On September 14, 2011, The Horrible Crowes took the stage of the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA for an amazing hour-long plus set.
Huerco S. – Colonial Patters CD/LP (Software)
Brian Leeds produces electronic music under the name Huerco S. His debut album for Software is titled Colonial Patterns. The pieces are corrugated, rough, and decompositional. Working cheaply, Leeds conscientiously uses low-end software, synths and cassettes so as to subvert the gloss of so much urban dance music, giving tracks an impressionistic, emotive feel.
Icona Pop – This Is… Icona Pop CD (Big Beat)
This Is… Icona Pop, the highly anticipated debut album from the Swedish pop sensations, features the duo’s hit single “I Love It” featuring Charli XCX.
Into It. Over It. – Intersections CD/LP (Triple Crown)
The brainchild of Chicago’s Evan Weiss, Into It. Over It. was originally created as a means to break free from a musical rut. The project quickly took on a life of its own and in true DIY fashion, Weiss went on to release a steady string of music while touring the world non-stop. His Triple Crown debut was recorded with Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Iron And Wine).
Alan Jackson – The Bluegrass Album CD (Capital Nashville)
Jackson wrote eight songs for the album, which also includes other originals and a couple of well-known standards of the genre.
Sarah Jarosz – Build Me Up From Bones CD (Sugar Hill)
Third release from acclaimed 22-year-old singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist. Vinyl version due October 15. “Widely regarded as one of acoustic music’s most promising young talents: a singer-songwriter and mandolin and banjo prodigy with the taste and poise to strike that rare balance of commercial and critical success.” – The New York Times
Keith Jarrett/Michelle Makarski [Johann Sebastian Bach] – Six Sonatas For Violin And Piano CD (ECM)
Violinist Michelle Makarski invited Keith Jarrett to join her in exploring 12 Bach pieces. This is Jarrett’s first classical recording since his Mozart Piano Concertos discs of 1996, and only the second occasion on which he has recorded Bach on piano rather than harpsichord.
Elton John – The Diving Board CD/CD+DVD+2xLP/2xLP (Capitol)
Elton John’s The Diving Board is his first studio album in seven years. Produced by T Bone Burnett, the album features twelve new songs written by Elton and his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, as well as three piano interludes composed by the artist. Available in Regular, Deluxe, and Super Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds four bonus tracks, while the Super Deluxe version is packaged in a specially designed embossed box, and includes the expanded 19-track album, the DVD Elton John The Diving Board: Live From Capitol Recording Studios, and a copy on vinyl.
Kings Of Leon – Mechanical Bull CD/2xLP (RCA)
Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds two bonus tracks. “The strangest thing about Kings Of Leon’s first album since a three-year hiatus is how much it sounds like they never left. Mechanical Bull is the sort of return-to-form album they’d make to reassure fans after a disastrous, experimental side-trip into dubstep or reggae, except there was no disastrous, experimental album preceding this one. The group embraces its status as a classic-rock band, and make no mistake, this is a classic-rock album — one that evokes the sort of denim-clad ’70s-rock vibe that Guns N’ Roses and Foo Fighters tapped into.” – Spin
Lenny Kravitz – Are You Gonna Go My Way? [20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition] 2xCD (Virgin)
Lenny Kravitz’s double platinum 1993 album has been digitally remastered and expanded for this new 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, which boasts 20 bonus tracks.
The Mamas And The Papas – The Mamas And The Papas [Reissue/1966] CD/LP (Sundazed)
The Mamas And The Papas – Deliver [Reissue/1967] CD/LP (Sundazed)
Remastered (stereo) reissues of The Mamas And The Papas second and third albums.
Laura Marling – Once I Was An Eagle CD (Ribbon)
Recorded in the English countryside with longtime collaborator and producer Ethan Johns, the album’s loose narrative traverses heartbreak, vulnerability, resurgence, confidence, and lastly contemplation.
Mazzy Star – Seasons Of Your Day CD/2xLP (Rhymes Of An Hour)
Mazzy Star’s first album in 17 years was co-written by Hope Sandoval and David Roback, and was recorded in California and Norway. The album features performances by special guests including Colm O Ciosoig (My Bloody Valentine) and a special appearance by the late, legendary Bert Jansch in a guitar duet of chilling intensity with David Roback on the song “Spoon.”
Megadeth – Countdown To Extinction: Live CD (Capitol)
In November and December of 2012, Megadeth blazed hot on the band’s Countdown To Extinction 20th Anniversary Tour, ripping through their entire double platinum 1992 album from start to finish before performing other classics from their recorded catalog. Recorded and filmed at Los Angeles’ Fox Theatre last December, Countdown To Extinction: Live is a definitive document of the acclaimed, sold-out tour. Also available on stand-alone DVD.
Metallica – Metallica Through The Never OST 2xCD (Rhino/Blackened Recordings)
Award-winning filmmaker Nimród Antal (Predators, Kontroll) creates a groundbreaking 3-D motion picture event, Metallica Through The Never. The music-driven feature film combines a bold narrative and spectacular live-performance footage of one of the most popular and influential rock bands in history to produce a bracing, raw and visceral cinematic experience. Recorded live at Rexell Place, Edmonton, Alberta on August 17 & 18, 2012 and at Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia on August 24, 25 and 27, 2012, the soundtrack consists of 15 classic Metallica songs — from their early work (“Hit The Lights”) to the more recent (“Cyanide”).
Morgan Delt – Barbarian Kings b/w Black Tuna Gang 7” (Trouble In Mind)
Side A’s hooks hang heavy in the air, like a reverb drenched fever dream buoyed by an LSD-laced lullaby. “Black Tuna Gang” holds down the B-side, cascading towards you like the theme song to a hallucinogenic biker flick made under the influence of brown acid. Soft-psych harmonies float atop a mountain of fuzz and hot-sh!t guitar licks, creating something that could only be described as “sunshine doom.”
Musiq Soulchild/Syleena Johnson – 9ine CD (Shanachie)
New collaboration between R&B greats Syleena Johnson and Musiq Soulchild. Both artists wanted to do a reggae album so they decided to spend nine days in the studio doing just that. Features the first single “Feel The Fire.”
Nirvana – In Utero [20th Anniversary Edition] CD/2xCD/3xCD+DVD/3xLP (Geffen)
The 20th Anniversary Edition of Nirvana’s swan song is available in several editions. The double-CD deluxe edition features the original album remastered at Abbey Road Studios plus a veritable treasure trove of never-before-heard demos, alternate mixes, B-sides and bonus tracks from the original album release. Super Deluxe adds more unreleased recordings (70 in all), including B-sides, compilation tracks, never-before-heard demos and live material, as well a DVD of the complete Live And Loud show from Seattle’s Pier 48 on December 13, 1993 plus additional bonus material. Vinyl version features the original album remastered at 45 RPM on two LPs, plus an LP of all the remastered B-sides, rare remixes and bonus tracks from the original release.
Noah And The Whale – Heart Of Nowhere CD (Caroline)
Noah And The Whale’s fourth studio album, Heart Of Nowhere, is the follow-up to platinum-selling Last Night On Earth. The album features the exuberant single “There Will Come A Time” alongside nine other new songs, including the Anna Calvi-featuring title track.
Oh Land – Wishbone CD (Federal Prism)
Wishbone features Danish alterna-pop chanteuse Oh Land’s (aka Nanna Øland Fabricius) distinctive brand of left-field pop, and includes collaborations with Sia and Dave Sitek, among others.
Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band – Take Me To The Land Of Hell CD/LP (Chimera Music)
Take Me To The Land Of Hell was recorded in NYC and produced by Yoko, Sean Lennon and Yuka Honda. Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band includes members of Cornelius and Cibo Matto plus special guests Questlove, Lenny Kravitz, Nels Cline and Andrew Wyatt.
Noam Pikelny – Noam Pikelny Plays Kenny Baker Plays Bill Monroe CD (Compass)
Grammy-nominated banjoist Noam Pikelny has been praised as a player of unlimited range and astonishing precision by comedian-banjoist Steve Martin, who goes on to call Pikelny a player adept at not only traditional bluegrass, but classical, rock and jazz oriented music. His new release is the first complete banjo adaptation of Kenny Baker’s 1976 seminal recording of Bill Monroe instrumentals.
Pink Martini – Get Happy CD (Heinz)
The long-awaited studio follow-up to 2009’s Splendor In The Grass is an odyssey which features a cavalcade of vocal royalty, including the late Phyllis Diller, exotic cabaret sensation Meow Meow, sunny French eccentric Philippe Katerine, the handsome and brilliant radio superstar Ari Shapiro, warm-hearted wunder-siblings The von Trapps, and a riveting appearance by the exquisite Rufus Wainwright.
The Proctors – Everlasting Light CD/LP+MP3 (Shelflife)
Everlasting Light is coated in sunbathed jangly guitars, incredibly catchy choruses, and Gavin and Margaret’s lovely wispy boy-girl vocals. The band uses their ’90s indie pop roots to their advantage while mixing in just enough ’60s paisley-tinted sounds to create an album that would have fit at home in the early days of Sarah Records. Their Byrds-esque melodic guitar lines create a love affair with each listen. Terry Bickers (House Of Love) contributed guitar to some tracks.
Promised Land Sound – Promised Land Sound CD/LP (Paradise Of Bachelors)
Country-rock from Nashville.
Frankie Rose – Herein Wild CD/LP (Fat Possum)
Rose’s second album of slick new wave pop includes thick string accompaniment and firing bass that is reminiscent of The Cure’s late ’80s output.
A Skylit Drive – Rise CD (Tragic Hero)
A Skylit Drive is an American post-hardcore band from Lodi, CA.
Smashing Pumpkins – Oceana: Live In NYC 2xCD+DVD (CMG)
At Barclays Center, the Pumpkins’ (singer/guitarist Billy Corgan, guitarist Jeff Schroeder, drummer Mike Byrne and bassist Nicole Fiorentino) performed Oceana in full, followed by classics and deep cuts from their body of work for the second half of the show. Also available on stand-alone Blu-ray.
Sons Of The Sea – Sons Of The Sea CD/LP (AVOW! Records)
Sons of the Sea is the latest music project from Brandon Boyd, lead vocalist of of rock band Incubus.
Spyro Gyra – The Rhinebeck Sessions CD (Crosseyed Bear Productions)
New album from the contemporary jazz supergroup.
Sting – The Last Ship CD/2xLP (Interscope)
New album of original material inspired by Sting’s upcoming play of the same name.
Kelley Stoltz – Double Exposure LP (Third Man)
Double Exposure is Kelley Stoltz’s sixth full-length album and first for Nashville-based Third Man Records. While his work has always shined through the crop of everyday singer-songwriters, the album is a particularly rewarding listen for old fans or new converts.
Touché Amoré – Is Survived By CD/LP (Deathwish Inc.)
Los Angeles hardcore band releases their third full-length album, produced and engineered by Brad Wood (Smashing Pumpkins, Sunny Day Real Estate, etc.).
Alan Toussaint – Songbook CD (Rounder)
Songbook presents Allen Toussaint as many of his fans have longed to hear him, in an intimate solo setting, performing many of his best-loved songs. His piano playing is a marvel, with its orchestral conception and effortless New Orleans syncopation. But what comes across most strongly is the warmth of Allen’s performance. The gentle Creole lilt in his voice brings a resonance and a smile to his songs, rivaling the versions he produced for others.
TRAAMS – Grin CD/LP (Fat Cat)
“TRAAMS crammed its post-punk peg through a pop music-shaped hole, and out came Grin.” – Popstache
Rokia Traoré – Beautiful Africa CD (Nonesuch)
The singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist’s latest album was released internationally earlier this year to critical acclaim, and was produced by English musician John Parish (PJ Harvey, Eels, Sparklehorse). Beautiful Africa’s lyrics are sung in her native languages of French and Bambara, as well as some English.
Tronics – What’s The Hubub Bub CD/LP (M’Lady’s)
Tronics – What’s The Hubub Bub [Reissue/1981] CD/LP (M’Lady’s)
Tronics – Say! What Is This? CD/LP (M’Lady’s)
What’s The Hubub Bub originally appeared in 1981, and was so far ahead in its approach to songwriting, performance, recording, and presentation that we’re just now catching up. Issued at the height of the British post-punk renaissance, on cassette only, it presaged the DIY underground movement in this country by several years, and until now, has been more rumored than heard. Recorded mostly live to cassette, the album has an astonishing breadth, taking in and transmuting savage rock ‘n’ roll, tender ballads, tape experiments, and in the case of “The Shark F##ks,” bona fide anthems. Say! What Is This? is a collection of early, previously unreleased and rare Tronics recordings from between 1978 and 1983. “Tronics are the holy grail of stripped down opposition-music. Yes, greatly opposed. And troubling unique in a world of quickly stolen ideas and deep-end irony look-aways. Tronics are the real deal — OG germ crashers at the mind gate.” — Mike Donovan, Sic Alps
Various Artists – Muscle Shoals OST CD (Republic)
The official soundtrack album for the music documentary, Muscle Shoals, which debuted at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Includes tracks by Arthur Alexander, Jimmy Hughes, Percy Sledge, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Clarence Carter, Wilson Pickett, Lynryd Skynyrd, The Staple Singers, Jimmy Cliff, Traffic, Paul Simon, and Alicia Keys.
Various Artists – NCIS: Benchmark (The Official TV Soundtrack) CD (Artist’s Addiction)
Features tracks from The Neon Trees, Greg Laswell, Trent Dabbs, Fink, Patty Griffin, Hank Williams, Lady Antebellum, Jane Monheit, The Boxer Rebellion, and more.
The Waitresses – Just Desserts: The Complete Waitresses 2xCD (Omnivore)
While nearly every alternative-pop collection features a song from The Waitresses, their recorded tenure has been incomplete in the digital realm for decades. In fact, none of the band s original releases have been released in full on CD domestically. Co-produced by Grammy winner Bill Levenson and the group ‘s Chris Butler, this is the first collection of the band’s Polydor Records output.
The Watson Twins – Pioneer Lane CD (The Watson Twins)
The Watson Twins bring their signature sibling harmonies to this collection of original family folk songs.
Zedd – Clarity CD/LP (Interscope)
German EDM producer/DJ/songwriter Zedd, releases his debut album. Features guest appearances from Hayley Williams of Paramore and Miriam Bryant.
John Zorn + Thurston Moore – “@” CD (Tzadik)
Duo improvisations from two downtown masters.
DVD + Blu-ray:
Black Label Society – Unblackened DVD/Blu-ray (eOne)
New live release from guitar hero Zakk Wylde and his BLS mates. Unblackened finds Black Label Society in a mellower mood in a performance taped at Club Nokia in Los Angeles earlier this year. The concert showcases the band’s songs with a greater use of acoustic instruments but without losing any of their power and intensity. 165 minutes. Also available on CD.
Megadeth – Countdown To Extinction: Live DVD (Capitol)
In November and December of 2012, Megadeth blazed hot on the band’s Countdown To Extinction 20th Anniversary Tour, ripping through their entire double platinum 1992 album from start to finish before performing other classics from their recorded catalog. Recorded and filmed at Los Angeles’ Fox Theatre last December, Countdown To Extinction: Live is a definitive document of the acclaimed, sold-out tour. 92 minutes. Also available on CD.
Nirvana – Live And Loud DVD (Geffen)
Live And Loud showcases the final touring lineup of Cobain, Novoselic, Grohl, and Pat Smear and features their complete show from Seattle’s Pier 48 on December 13, 1993 plus never-before-released bonus material. 100 minutes.
Smashing Pumpkins – Oceana: Live In NYC Blu-ray (CMG)
At Barclays Center, the Pumpkins’ (singer/guitarist Billy Corgan, guitarist Jeff Schroeder, drummer Mike Byrne and bassist Nicole Fiorentino) performed Oceana in full, followed by classics and deep cuts from their body of work for the second half of the show. 131 minutes.
Vinyl:
Aesop Rock – Labor Days [Reissue/2001] 2xLP (Block Block Chop)
Aesop Rock – Bazooka Tooth [Reissue/2003] 3xLP (Block Block Chop)
New reissues of Aesop Rock’s third full-length and fourth full lengths (originally released by Definitive Jux), now on his own Block Block Chop label.
Burnt Books – Burnt Books LP (At A Loss)
Released earlier this year on CD – now available on vinyl. Noisy hardcore/punk with growls, wails, and mocking tones. Post-punk-inspired angular riffs, noise rock and a bit of Southern rock, with interludes of clean vocals and banjo. Color vinyl.
Captain Beefheart – Safe As Milk [Reissue/1967] LP (Sundazed)
Captain Beefheart’s 1967 debut album Safe As Milk introduced the world to a one-of-a-kind visionary whose unique output had no precedent in contemporary music. Beefheart, aka Don Van Vliet, filtered the raw influence of the blues and R&B through his own singular musical sensibility and left-field lyrical wordplay, and surrounded himself with some of the most talented and inventive young musicians around. The result was an album that, even in the heady year in which it was released, sounded like nothing else, and the stage for one of rock’s most iconoclastic and idiosyncratic careers.
Freddie Gibbs/Madlib – Deeper 12” (Madlib Medicine Show)
Deeper is the duo’s third work together, their past collections including 2011’s Thuggin’ and Shame from 2012. The two will unleash full-length Cocaine Piñata at the beginning of next year and is slated to feature guests Earl Sweatshirt, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul of Black Hippy, Danny Brown, Raekwon, and more. Contains vocals, instrumentals and two bonus beats.
Freddie Hubbard – Red Clay [Reissue/1970] LP (Original Recordings)
As the label’s first release, Red Clay established the soul-funk template Creed Taylor’s CTI imprint would follow for the next decade. Joined by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, and others, Freddie Hubbard lays down bluesy hard-bop epiphanies, turning in his most memorable work as a leader.
Tim Kasher – Truly Freaking Out b/w King Of Beans 7” (Saddle Creek)
Raucous lead single from Kasher’s upcoming record Adult Film with non-album B-side “King Of Beans.”
Mirkwood – Mirkwood [Reissue/1973] LP (Machu Picchu)
Originally issued in 1973, this album’s fantastic mix of precise hard rock and mysterious ballads has had many a private press enthusiast by the hair over the years. Killer harmonies and lots of twin-guitar lead action, tough and tender, this record is pure autumnal magic.
Peoples Temple – Brand New Thing b/w Twice Burned 7” (Trouble In Mind)
Longtime fans should hear something different on the A-side; the haunting baroque melodies and aching chords of “Brand New Thing” ooze with a romantic yearning and earnest naiveté of the best of The Brill Building. Echoes of The Clique and Electric Prunes come to mind. “Twice Burned” crackles forth from the B-side in a haze of reverb and left-handed cigarette smoke. Its snakey, Eastern rhythms are glued together with the percussive attitude of The Chocolate Watchband and the musical mysticism of Bobby Beausoleil.
Jim Ruiz Set – Mount Curve Avenue LP (Shelflife)
Co-released by Mystery Lawn Music and Korda Records, Mount Curve Avenue sees the Jim Ruiz Set making an expansive mid ‘60s sound that reviewers are raving about: “Like his classic 1995 LP O Brother Where Art Thou? the new album, produced by The Orange Peels’ Allen Clapp, owes much to ‘60s pop and jazz, and ‘80s UK acts like Everything But The Girl, The Monochrome Set and The Jazz Butcher (whose Max Eider plays a stellar solo on ‘Neo Acoustic Ambassador’). All of which is filtered through Ruiz’s funny, romantic, world-weary lyrics. It’s a charmer of an album and an extremely welcome return.” — Brooklyn Vegan.
The Soft – Uncanny Valley 12” (Ceremony)
The Soft are uncanny shape shifters. Where a track might start at pop it quickly changes to a 4/4 beat or wander off into some future based ambience — best exemplified by the stark contrast between tracks “Mori” and the remaining four tracks that make up The Soft’s label debut.
The White Buffalo – Shadows, Greys, And Evil Ways LP (Unison Music)
This is the story of Joe and Jolene, a pair of young outsiders thrust together by chance, forging a deep, emotionally charged relationship that would at once haunt and sustain them throughout their lives. The musical and literary narrative of this album follows our broken hero, Joseph White, through his many trials and tribulations from young adulthood to death. His ballad is a tale of love, war, murder, the search for redemption, and a lifelong experiment of good and evil, asking many of the questions of human existence along the way. It is ultimately a story of hope and the power of love.
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