CDs + Vinyl:
311 – Mosaic CD/2xLP+MP3 (BMG)
Multi-platinum genre jumping band 311 return with their twelfth studio album. Frontman Nick Hexum says that, “Mosaic is our most adventurous collection yet. Some of our highest energy jams ever. Funky grooves, dub riddims, party anthems, heartfelt sincerity, it’s all in there.” Drummer Chad Sexton adds, “Mosaic definitely takes some steps forward into more modern territory, but there are distinct reminders of where we come from in the songs. Something about blending an older 311 style with a newer 311 style is really exciting to us and I think it will be for the fans too.” Mosaic‘s album cover is made up of nearly 10,000 photos submitted by fans.
42 Decibel – Overloaded CD/LP+CD (Steamhammer)
Overloaded still carries the blues rock torch from the previous albums, but this time 42 Decibel cranked it up a notch to give a more explosive experience but with that same hard rock & roll these boys are known for.
Algiers – The Underside Of Power CD/LP+MP3 (Matador)
Poke at the seasoned members’ bruised flesh, and out wafts touchpoints as disparate and intriguing as Big Black, Wendy Carlos, John Carpenter, Cybotron, The Four Tops, Portishead, Public Image Limited, Steve Reich, and Nina Simone, to name but a few. Deep echoes of Black Lives Matter and its 20th century forbears gather, surge, and subside in their often-soulful work, a form of principled, acute dissent more interested in learning from the past than in evoking nostalgia.
Joseph Arthur – Redemption’s Son [Reissue/2002] 2xCD/LP+MP3 (Real World)
Joseph Arthur’s acclaimed third album for Real World, Redemption’s Son, is reissued as a double-CD set with bonus content for the 15th anniversary of his most beloved recording. Consistently inspired, occasionally frazzled, and often startlingly beautiful, its rich textures and acute, poetic lyrics are guaranteed to raise goosebumps. The bonus disc Morning Star is a collection of nine previously unreleased songs from the era of the original Redemption’s Son release. [Also available on vinyl for the first time which includes a download of the bonus content.]
Banditos – Visionland CD/LP+MP3 (Bloodshot)
The Birmingham/Nashville-based group’s second full-length has one foot firmly planted in reality as the other tip-toes in and out of mental complexities, self-perception and altered-state illusions. The results are revealing, exhilarating and profound. With the rugged power of a flashy Super Chief locomotive, the Banditos’s bodaciously appropriate elements of ’60s blues-fused acid rock, ZZ Top’s jangly boogie, garage punk scuzz a la Burger Records, the Drive-By Truckers’ yawp, the populist choogle of CCR, Slim Harpo’s hip shake baby groove, gut bucket Fat Possum hill country mojo and the Georgia Motherf*king Satellites. From backwoods bluegrass, to slinky nods to Muscle Shoals soul and unexpected bits of doo-wop sweetness, the Banditos recall many, but sound like no one.
BardSpec – Hydrogen CD/LP (By Norse Music)
BardSpec is the ambient project/band from Enslaved composer/guitarist Ivar Bjørnson. His music music combines stirring, hallucinatory synth-sounds with mercurial guitar effects and hypnotic rhythms that navigate illusory landscapes.
Bedouine – Bedouine CD/LP (Spacebomb)
Bedouine’s singing is like rain down a granite ruin, sweet as jasmine in the summer darkness, lilting crystal movements, precise and sure, the kind of voice that forms civilizations. Bedouine has a story to match the name, Azniv Korkejian, born in Syria to Armenian parents, spent her childhood in Saudi Arabia, and moved to America when her family won the Green Card lottery. Working on around 30 tracks, with remarkable musicians like Smokey Hormel stopping by to contribute parts, Korkejian selected 10, united by a sustained mood and presence, to bring east for the Spacebomb treatment and Trey Pollard’s expressive symphonic arrangements.
Joe Bonamassa – Live At Carnegie Hall: An Acoustic Evening CD/3xLP (J&R Adventures)
On January 21st and 22nd, 2016, blues-rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Joe Boamassa performed two unique shows at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York City. The concert was part of a special all-acoustic tour and featured an all-star ensemble of world-class musicians. Acclaimed Chinese cellist and erhuist Tina Guo, whose repertoire stretches from classical to heavy metal; and Hossam Ramzy, the Egyptian percussionist and composer, who has performed on dozens of film soundtracks and records, including on Jimmy Page and Robert Plant’s No Quarter: Unledded Tour. Reese Wynans (piano), Anton Fig (Drums) Eric Bazilian (mandolin, hurdy-gurdy, saxophone, acoustic guitar, vocals), and three Australian backing vocalists, Mahalia Barnes, Juanita Tippins, and Gary Pinto round out the band. [Stand-alone DVD and Blu-ray editions also available.]
Bone Thugs – New Waves CD (E1)
New album from the duo of Krayzie Bone and Bizzy Bone with guest contributions from Tank, Jazze Pha, Yelawolf, Uncle Murda, Rico Love and more.
Broken Hope – Mutilated And Assimilated CD/LP+CD (Century Media)
Chicago’s masters of death metal return with their seventh studio album. Mutilated And Assimilated marks a notable step up from its predecessor uniting guttural vocals, devastating blast beats, bowel-ripping grooves, catchy riffs and highly melodic leads which fully showcase the band’s technical superiority. [Limited color vinyl pressing also available.]
Kirin J. Callinan – Bravado CD/LP (Terrible)
Australian singer/songwriter Kirin J Callinan is one part Scott Walker and two parts Birthday Party-era Nick Cave. His music is berserk, brilliant, and original. It’s pompous enough to cut through and engage in a saturated world, with the right balance of humanity to make sure it’s also important. Kirin now celebrates newfound and longstanding alliances on Bravado‘s tracklist with an eclectic cast of featured guests such as Mac DeMarco, Weyes Blood, Connan Mockasin and Alex Cameron.
Captain, We’re Sinking – The King Of No Man CD/LP (Run For Cover)
Captain, We’re Sinking have always had a story to tell. For the decade they’ve been a band, their songs have always confronted life’s hardships in a way that feels lived-in and authentic. On The King Of No Man, the band presents a punk album that is resilient in every sense of the word.
Circle – Terminal CD/LP (Southern Lord)
Circle continue to boldly explore sonic soundscapes, venturing curiously into terrains of Stooges-esque swagger, trance-inducing kraut rock mantras, beautiful electronic ambience, psychedelic rock noodling, arena storming AOR weirdness, ’70s prog rock extravagance, glam pop pomp, and of course their core sound, heavy metal.
Clutch – Psychic Rockers From The West Group 5xCD+DVD (Weathermaker Music)
Psychic Rockers From The West is a five-CD plus one-DVD package and contains The Bakerton Group’s El Rojo (Clutch’s instrumental blues jam side project), Strange Cousins From The West, Earth Rocker Deluxe (two-CD + one-DVD) and the latest Clutch release, Psychic Warfare. This is a limited release, hand numbered and signed by all band members on the back.
The Deslondes – Hurry Home CD/LP+MP3 (New West)
The Deslondes is a five-piece band from New Orleans. In the time between the release of their self-titled debut and new sophomore album, Hurry Home, The Deslondes have toured the world and drawn critical acclaim for their studied and inventive take on New Orleans country and R&B. Hurry Home represents a sonic shift from the country-folk of their debut to a sometimes-psychedelic, electrified gospel-soul sound, with a stronger emphasis on organ and electric guitar. The band split up songwriting and lead vocal duties among its five members, continuing its democratic ethos and musical versatility. The sound may continue to draw comparisons to the country-funkiness of The Band, but The Deslondes were equally inspired by the sound of early Sun Records, the punchy rock and roll of VU-era Velvet Underground and the experimental pop of Joe Meek. Perhaps most importantly, Hurry Home is the sound of a band that understands the history of American music, but is deftly finding their own contemporary approach.
Devourment – Butcher The Weak [Reissue/2005] CD/LP (Unique Leader)
Devourment – Unleash The Carnivore [Reissue/2009] CD/LP (Unique Leader)
Remastered reissues on CD and vinyl. Throughout Devourment’s nearly 20 years of existence, one thing has remained constant: unyielding brutality. Formed in 1995 and hailing from Dallas, TX, Devourment has remained consistent and powerful, leading many to celebrate them as one of the heaviest death metal bands in the world due to their influential blend of vicious slam elements with an old school death metal sound. [Limited color vinyl pressings also available.]
DJ Khaled – Grateful CD (Epic)
DJ Khaled’s tenth album features guest contributions from Beyoncé, Jay Z, Justin Bieber, Chance The Rapper, Lil Wayne, Quavo, Drake, Rihanna, Bryson Tiller, Nas, Nicki Minaj, and Travis Scott, among others.
Dying Fetus – Wrong One To F**k With CD/LP (Relapse)
Death metal overlords Dying Fetus once again raise the bar of sonic extremity with their eighth studio album and first new material in over five years. The seasoned veterans manage to further stretch their creative and technical boundaries across ten complex tracks of pulverizing death metal, filled with more dynamic intricacies, brutal breakdowns and varied vocal patterns than ever before. Now over twenty-five years into their distinguished career, Dying Fetus cement their legacy with Wrong One To F**k With and uphold their position as the most dominant force in death metal today. [Limited edition “oxblood” color vinyl pressing also available.]
Ex Eye – Ex Eye CD/LP (Relapse)
Debut album from the instrumental, post-everything quartet led by renowned saxophonist Colin Stetson and featuring the otherworldly drumming of Greg Fox.
Allen Ginsberg & William Blake – The Complete Songs Of Experience And Innocence 2xCD (Omnivore)
The original 1970 MGM album on CD for the first time, plus a second disc of rarities and previously unissued songs. Lester Bangs, in Rolling Stone magazine, said the album was, “like a labor of love, a salute from a young visionary to an ancient sage.” Allen Ginsberg began “tuning” William Blake’s poetry in 1968 (inspired by attending the tumultuous protests at that year’s Democratic Convention in Chicago), but the origin of the album dates back to a 1948 vision or “auditory illumination” as he called it, of William Blake reciting poetry to him in his Spanish Harlem apartment. Moved by this, Ginsberg began to set Blake’s poetry to music. In 1969, he began recording musical versions of Blake’s poetry with Peter Orlovsky, and jazz legends Bob Dorough, Don Cherry, Elvin Jones. 19 of those songs were released the following year as Songs Of Innocence And Experience. In 1971, Ginsberg returned to the Blake material, recording 11 songs in San Francisco with avant-garde cellist Arthur Russell—four of which were never issued. The ensemble also recorded three Tibetan mantras with a Buddhist choir—resulting in a full on psychedelic East-West experience—also all previously unissued. This material comprises the second CD.
Goatwhore – Vengeful Ascension CD/LP (Metal Blade)
A sonic manifestation of war, chaos, desolation, and emotional conflict, seamlessly bridging 20 years of the band’s signature brand of audio venom, Vengeful Ascension finds Goatwhore at their most accomplished both individually and as a cohesive unit. Guitarist Sammy Duet’s dense, sub nuclear riff work and possessed solo blitzes are at their most devastating, spiraling flawlessly and instinctually around drummer Zack Simmons’ and bassist James Harvey’s hammering rhythms, while Falgoust’s distinctly commanding roar, his acidic prose, more enunciated than ever before, complementing the apocalyptic proceedings.
Gracie and Rachel – Gracie And Rachel CD/LP (United Opportunity)
Gracie and Rachel are a study in duality: light and dark, classical training with a pop sensibility, Californians in New York. Their music pits anxiety and tension against an almost serene self-assurance on their self-titled debut. Their orchestral pop sound is a compelling juxtaposition of Gracie’s piano and lead vocals and Rachel’s violin and voice, augmented with stark percussion. [Limited color vinyl pressing also available.]
Noah Guthrie – The Valley CD (Noah Guthrie LLC)
Sophomore album from the former Glee star. The Valley encompasses all of Noah’s many influences, from the loping country flavor of “Love You Now” to the heartland rock of “Razor Blade,” the gentle folk of “‘Til It Thunders” and the Beatlesque closer, “Mary.”
Guttermouth – The Whole Enchilada CD/2xLP (Rude)
Consisting of a live album with previously unreleased bonus tracks and their most impressive hits to date plus a remastered version of both the latest EPs, The Whole Enchilada is the perfect blend of what the California based punk rock band is all about. [Limited color vinyl pressing is also available.]
Hades – Again Shall Be [Reissue/1994] CD/LP (Hammerheart)
A Norwegian black/pagan metal classic remastered.
Kai Hansen –Thank You Wacken CD/2xLP (earMUSIC)
New live album from the Helloween guitarist.
Harsh Toke/Joy/Sacri Monte – Burnout CDEP/3×7” (Tee Pee)
A three-way heavy psych split featuring California kings Harsh Toke, Joy, and Sacri Monte.
Gaby Hernandez – Spirit Reflection CD/LP (Mr. Bongo)
Blissful layers of instrumentation, electronics, vocal harmonies and folkloric percussion intertwine with West Coast feel to create a unique, beautiful and multi-layered album. Spirit Reflection features guests Kamasi Washington, Stuart Howard (AKA Lapalux), Kelis, Dexter Story, Carlos Niño, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and Gabriel Reyes-Whittaker.
Jessica Hernandez and The Deltas – Telephone CD/2xLP (Instant)
Detroit outfit Jessica Hernandez and The Deltas made their Instant Records debut with 2013’s Demons EP and 2014’s Secret Evil. Hernandez, a second-generation Cuban and Mexican-American, felt it her duty to further explore her own Hispanic heritage on The Deltas’ sophomore full-length recording Telephone. The result is an unprecedented work of duality and impossible-to-ignore relevance. Personal and provocative, Telephone is a milestone achievement for the band known for their soundclash of Goth pop, Latin rock, psychedelic surf, punk cabaret, dirty dancehall, and Hernandez’s vocal power. “Gold-flecked grooves of soul pop, jittery and shining with the same accessible vibes despite the varied language.” — Consequence Of Sound
Hollerado – Born Yesterday CD/LP (Royal Mountain)
Hollerado excel at writing rock & roll, the kind of music that’s fueled by performances so kinetic that it feels both satisfyingly familiar and refreshingly creative. Born Yesterday is a vibrant windows-down rock record that remind listeners that guitar music can be fun and powerful at the same time.
Holocausto – War Metal Massacre CD (Nuclear War Now)
New album from the Brazilian black metal band. [Vinyl edition due August 4.]
Hour Of 13 – Salt The Dead: The Rare And Unreleased CD/2xLP (Shadow Kingdom)
This demos and rarities collection traces the very first steps of Hour Of 13 into doom metal godhood.
Idles – Brutalism CD/LP (Balley)
Bristol’s finest post-punk polemics Idles have been promising to do great things for some time now, and with their debut album Brutalism, they absolutely fulfill that promise, a furious promise at that.
IIVII – Invasion CD/LP (Consouling Sounds)
“Josh Graham, former visual artist for Neurosis and A Storm Of Light leader, also has a solo project called IIVII (pronounced “ivy”). IIVII has him diving into dark-ambient and film score territory.” – Brooklyn Vegan
Imagine Dragons – Evolve CD/LP (KIDinaKORNER)
The multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning Las Vegas quartet returns with their vibrant third album. Billboard has already called lead single “Believer” ‘a whimsical-yet-authoritative anthem” while TIME backs up the claim calling it “another showstopper.”
Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis – Handful Of Keys CD (Blue Engine)
Jazz At Lincoln Center and managing and artistic director Wynton Marsalis celebrate the organization’s 30th anniversary this year.
Jyrki 69 – Helsinki Vampire CD/LP (Cleopatra)
Debut solo album from the frontman for Finnish goth metal icons The 69 Eyes.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Murder Of The Universe CD/LP (ATO)
Melbourne’s King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard is a once-in-a-generation group playing a heady combination of psychedelia, prog rock, freakbeat, jazz, heavy metal and Krautrock at a breathless punk pace. A concept album to end all concepts, their new record Murder Of The Universe is a face-melting musical assault concerned with the downfall of man and the death of the planet. [Limited “vomit splatter” color vinyl pressing also available.]
KMFDM – Yeah CDEP (earMUSIC)
New five-track EP from the veteran electro-industrial band. New album due in August.
The Lonesome River Band – Mayhayley’s House CD (Mountain Home)
The Lonesome River Band have withstood numerous personnel changes to merge as one of the best respected bands in bluegrass. “Continuing a series of projects of doing songs that we love, Mayhayley’s House is a set of songs that we collected from our favorite writers. Bordering on acoustic country with an Appalachian feel, we hope everyone will enjoy hearing these as much as we enjoyed doing them.”
Bérangère Maximin – Frozen Refrains LP (Atlas Realisations)
Frozen Refrains is the fifth studio album by electroacoustic composer Bérangère Maximin, following releases for Tzadik, Sub Rosa, and Crammed Discs. Across seven multilayered pieces the album explore themes of multiplicity, possible futures, subjectivity, dissonant emotions, and memory as a force of imagination, reinvention, and power. Its narrative is anchored in musical tradition while also challenging it, incorporating strategies of Musique Concrète and acoustic transformation. “Resonances of and references to Pierre Henry, Brian Eno, Luc Ferrari, Laurie Anderson and Pole.” – Exclaim!
Meklit – When The People Move, The Music Moves Too CD (Six Degrees)
A collaboration with Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Dan Wilson (Adele, Dixie Chicks, Taylor Swift), When The People Move, The Music Moves Too is built on Meklit’s jazz-steeped working-band featuring bassist Sam Bevan, drummer Colin Douglas, and Marco Peris Coppola on frame drum tupan and other hand percussion. Album co-produced by Dan Wilson (Adele, Dixie Chicks, Taylor Swift). Special guests include Andrew Bird and Preservation Hall Horns.
The Monks – Hamburg Recordings 1967 CD/LP (Third Man)
The Monks – a strange, rare group with a story that sounds like a drunk friend’s generous hyperbole. A group of American G.I.s stationed in Germany on the precipice of Western cultural revolution starts playing music loosely connected to the rock & roll craze, contrastingly incorporating a critical and often offensive avant-garde edge. Nothing was off limits – screeching vocals, dark aesthetics, staccato-strummed banjo, sardonic lyricism, critiques of the Vietnam War and full monk costuming down to the tonsure. When viewed on the whole, it seems like an art school student’s senior thesis on what the craze means and its future possibilities. Due in large part to original Polydor vinyl collectability and years in the word-of-mouth hype machine, their legend and cult status has steadily blossomed since their last shows in 1967.
Denai Moore – We Used To Bloom CD (Because Music)
“Much like Solange’s A Seat At The Table, Denai Moore’s second album We Used To Bloom revolves around personal growth and self-acceptance, documenting the internal and external battles she has faced to reach this point, and it’s a journey worth listening to. ‘Today, living feels easy,’ sings Moore in the first line of album opener ‘Let It Happen.’ The track sets the tone for the rest of the album both lyrically and sonically. Moore blends classic soul music with folk rhythms and contemporary beats, whilst challenging societal ideals and personal conflicts to create a powerful take on modern soul.” – The Skinny
Rudy Ray Moore – The Sensuous Black Man CD (Dolemite)
The Prince throws aside the high class and highfalutin gynecological terms and tells it like it is. The first half of The Sensuous Black Man features Moore describing and instructing various sexual techniques and practices in such great detail the devil would blush. On the second half, Moore answers questions from his audience and cracks some nasty jokes.
Glenn Morrow’s Cry For Help – Glenn Morrow’s Cry For Help CD/LP (Rhyme And Reason)
Morrow has been central to musical movements in the Mile Square City for more than three decades, both as a songwriter/performer and as the head honcho of Bar/None Records, an imprint that has always flown the flag for courageous artists. If you’d like to know who’s carrying the torch for one of the most storied local rock scenes of the last three decades, well … look no further. “He is an extraordinary craftsman; his intricately detailed arrangements and multipart song structures weave together borrowed riffs and references from a variety of pop and rock sources without ever sounding second-hand.” — NY Times
Municipal Waste – Slime And Punishment CD/LP/Cassette (Nuclear Blast)
Equipped with a crushing sound that will implode both your soul and skull, Richmond VA’s Municipal Waste barrel back onto the scene with their latest piece of toxic detritus. An aural onslaught of speed metal punk.
Willie Nile – Positively Bob: Willie Nile Sings Bob Dylan CD/LP (Virtual Label Group)
In a consistently colorful musical career that spans nearly four decades, Willie Nile has established a reputation as a world-class rock & roller, and as a singular songwriter with deep roots in rock’s rich history. So it’s not surprising that he’d choose to tip his hat to one of his most enduring musical inspirations with his eleventh studio album.
Nunslaughter – The Devil’s Congeries: Volume 2 CD/2xLP (Hell’s Headbangers)
A collection of the death metal band’s EPs and splits from the late ’90s and early 2000s.
William Parker Quartets – Meditation/Resurrection 2xCD (Aum Fidelity)
Meditation/Resurrection is a double-album presenting a bounty of beautiful new William Parker compositions performed by two of his flagship ensembles, the Quartet and In Order To Survive. At the core of both groups is Parker’s foundational bass together with rhythm twin, drummer Hamid Drake. Their partnership two decades deep now is one of the greatest in the history of drums & bass. Alto saxophonist Rob Brown a supremely gifted improviser, as is every musician here is likewise present throughout.
Powerflo – Powerflo CD (New Damage)
Powerflo is a new band featuring Biohazard’s Billy Graziadei and former Fear Factory bassist/guitarist Christian Olde Wolbers alongside Sen Dog from Cypress Hill, Rogelio Lozano from Downset, and Brazilian drummer Fernando Schaefer. Melding hip-hop, metal, punk, and rock into a potent offering, Powerflo draws on its powerhouse résumé to collectively smash boundaries. Regarding how the name for the new project came about, Christian told The New American Media: “Basically, Sen Dog was spitting his game on some of the heavy riffs and sh*t. And he was, like, ‘Do you like this?’ And Roy, the other guitar player, said, ‘Yeah. A power flow. That’s good.’ So that’s where it kind of came from.” Graziadei has described the band’s musical direction as a cross between Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Cypress Hill.
Prince and The Revolution – Purple Rain (Deluxe Edition) [Reissue/1984] 2xCD/3xCD+DVD/LP (WB)
This Deluxe expanded edition is the ultimate vision of Purple Rain. In addition to the 2015 Paisley Park Remaster (Disc One) and From The Vault & Previously Unreleased (Disc Two), it includes Single Edits & B-Sides (Disc Three) and a DVD (Disc Four) of Prince and The Revolution live in 1985. [A single-disc 2015 Paisley Park Remaster vinyl edition is also available in two pressings: 180gm and limited picture disc.] Prince designed Purple Rain as the project that would make him a superstar, and surprisingly, that is exactly what happened. Simultaneously more focused and ambitious than any of his previous records, Purple Rain finds Prince consolidating his funk and R&B roots while moving boldly into pop, rock, and heavy metal with nine superbly crafted songs. Although Prince’s songwriting is at a peak, the presence of the Revolution pulls the music into sharper focus, giving it a tougher, more aggressive edge. Taken together, all of the stylistic experiments add up to a stunning statement of purpose that remains one of the most exciting rock & roll albums ever created. [Standard and limited-edition picture disc vinyl pressings also available, as well as three 12” album singles.]
Rhapsody Of Fire – Legendary Years CD/2xLP (AFM)
New album from the Italian symphonic power metal kings. [Two vinyl pressings also available: Double orange and double clear LPs in gatefold jackets.]
Rozwell Kid – Precious Art CD/LP (SideOneDummy)
Fronted by the affable, spectacled Jordan Hudkins, Rozwell Kid write massive, gritty, excitable power-punk songs. [Limited purple color vinyl pressing also available.]
Saint Etienne – Continental [Reissue/1997] 2xCD (Heavenly/PIAS America)
Saint Etienne – Good Humor [Reissue/1998] 2xCD (Heavenly/PIAS America)
Digitally remastered and expanded deluxe double-CD editions featuring rarities and unreleased tracks.
Shelleyan Orphan – Box Set 4xCD+DVD (One Little Indian)
Shelleyan Orphan’s influences were diverse, as anything from Joy Division to Sparks, Barry White and and Delius ebbed and flowed through their ethereal and pulsating sound. This limited-edition box-set contains remastered, repackaged complete albums Helleborine (1987), Century Flower (1989) and Humroot (1992), as well as a new nineteen-track bonus disc and a six-video DVD.
Soundtrack – Baby Driver (Music From The Motion Picture) CD/2xLP+MP3 (Sony)
Danger Mouse has curated the soundtrack for Edgar Wright’s highly anticipated film, Baby Driver. The soundtrack for the music-heavy film boasts 30 multi-genre tunes in total, including 29 rare tracks and deep cuts, as well as an original song Danger Mouse created specifically for the film: “Chase Me” featuring Run The Jewels and Big Boi.
Vince Staples – Big Fish Theory CD (Def Jam)
Second album from the Long Beach-based rapper. “Vince Staples is calling America out on its bullsh*t. The Northside Long Beach, California rapper isn’t mincing words or pulling any punches on his new record, Big Fish Theory. He’s lashing out at the Feds, racial profiling, the one percent, pretty women who lie, and the trappings of fame – to name just a few of his lyrical targets – all delivered with Staples’ laid-back West Coast flow. And he’s not alone in his dissatisfied chorus of cultural resistance. Staples enlisted some big-name guest stars to help bring his second full-length studio album to life, including Kendrick Lamar, Damon Albarn, A$AP Rocky, Rick Ross, and Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon – though some contributions resonate louder than others. Vince naturally remains the centerpiece throughout the rapid-fire record, with the 12 spirited songs burning quickly over the course of the album’s scant 36 minutes. But on this record, it is clear that Staples is making his own assertive artistic statement for these turbulent times, while also firmly establishing himself as one of the brash, singular voices that is going to be leading the music world into the chaotic, unpredictable future.” – The Line Of Best Fit (Album Of The Week)
Steelism – ism CD/LP (Intoxicating Sounds)
In September 2014, Nashville-based instrumental outfit, Steelism, released their debut full-length album, 615 to FAME. The record, featuring ten original instrumentals and one cover, became a calling card for the band’s versatile yet distinct sound, drawing influence from film score composers like Ennio Morricone and ’60s instrumental acts like Booker T. & The M.G.s, The Ventures and Pete Drake. With their latest effort, ism, Steelism offers a more holistic listening experience, inspired by mid-century modern design, early Brian Eno productions and ’70s film scores.
Stokely – Introducing Stokely CD (Concord)
Introducing Stokley is a progressive step forward out of the shadow of his group, Mint Condition, helping him establish his stylistic musical statement with some help from Estelle, Omi, Robert Glasper and Wale.
The Suburbs – Hey Muse! CD/LP (Suburbs Music)
“The legendary Minneapolis new-wave and punk band The Suburbs, still led by founding members Chan Poling and Hugo Klaers, has spent the past few years building up its live sound with some of the fiercest players in the Twin Cities, newly bolstered by the addition of the gifted guitarist Jeremy Ylvisaker (Andrew Bird, Alpha Consumer). The group is still tethered to the underground sounds that shaped it in the ’80s and spawned the breakout single ‘Love Is The Law,’ but their sound is darker, more refined and more pop-oriented than ever.” – The Current
Bryson Tiller – True To Self CD (RCA)
“True To Self is a hip-hop-drenched R&B album that typifies the sorts of sounds that have dominated the radio ever since Drake dropped Take Care a little less than six years ago. Tiller’s smooth vocals mesh perfectly with the instrumentals he chooses to sing on, and he’s definitely got the swag of an accomplished rapper.” – XXLmag.com
Jeff Tweedy – Together At Last CD/LP (ANTI-)
Together At Last features the Wilco bandleader performing eleven of his own songs, culled from the Wilco catalog as well as from side-projects Loose Fur and Golden Smog, in a solo acoustic setting. [Limited yellow color vinyl pressing also available.]
UNKLE – The Road: Part I CD/2xCD/2xLP (Cooking Vinyl)
James Lavelle returns with UNKLE’s fifth studio album. The Road: Part I is a collective creative venture by musicians including London folk-rock artist and poet Keaton Henson, Primal Scream’s Andrew Innes, The Duke Spirit’s Liela Moss, long time UNKLE collaborator Mark Lanegan, and Mercury prize nominee ESKA. Lavelle also found new friends and collaborators in Queens Of The Stone Age drummer Jon Theodore and Beck drummer Justin Stanley, who make definitive contributions throughout the record. [CD is available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a bonus instrumental CD.]
Various Artists – Kaya Dub [Reissue/1975] CD (Jah Life)
First time reissue of Kaya Dub from 1975, noted as the first ever proper dub LP pressed and released in New York City.
Various Artists – Welcome To Zamrock! Vol.2: How Zambia’s Liberation Led To A Rock Revolution CD/2xLP (Now Again)
An overview of the Zamrock scene, from its ascension to its fall to its resurgence, presented as two volumes, both as double-LPs and hardcover book/CDs.
David S. Ware Trio – Live In New York, 2010 CD (Aum Fidelity)
Live In New York, 2010 presents a tremendous one-night engagement by saxophone colossus David S. Ware and his latter-day Trio in an intimate club setting the Blue Note on October 4, 2010. Featuring his perennially steadfast musical partner William Parker on bass, and equally incomparable Warren Smith on drums, they were celebrating the recent release of the studio album, Onecept. Having played an electrifying set at Vision Festival in June, this extended night in October was the third and final magnificent time on which this trio convened.
Doc and Merle Watson – Never The Same Way Once 7xCD (Owsley Stanley)
A live concert recording from Doc & Merle Watson at The Boarding House in San Francisco. Recorded during five live shows from May 1-4, 1974, it spreads across seven CDs.
White Noise – AM/PM CD (Fearless)
Southern CA’s The White Noise have launched an audio assault onto the scene with their brand of kinetic, heavy-hitting tunes, packing a high dose of punk aesthetic. [Vinyl edition due July 21.]
Yonder Mountain String Band – Love, Ain’t Love CD/LP (Frog Pad)
On their seventh album, situational dialogue, sound effects, and other overlapping ephemera, are interlaced with the modernist musical power that has made Yonder one of the most popular live bands of their generation. Melding sophisticated songcraft, irrepressible spirit, and remarkable instrumental ability, Love, Ain’t Love is a testament to the group’s organic, dynamic, and intensely personal brand of contemporary bluegrass-fueled Americana.
Jaymes Young – Feel Something CD/LP+MP3 (Atlantic)
Jaymes Young will assure you that he’s a “songwriter before a singer and performer.” That wise and self-aware summation cuts to the core of who the Seattle-born and Los Angeles-based musician/poet really is. He still spends countless hours holed up in his bedroom carefully piecing together compositions, penning lyrics, and exploring sounds. His musical wanderlust yields a sound steeped in pop palatability, dusky cinematic electronics, and stark, stirring instrumentation.
Neil Young – Decade [Reissue/1977] 2xCD/3xLP (Reprise)
Digitally remastered edition. 35 of Young’s songs recorded between 1966 and 1976.
DVDs + Blu-ray:
Joe Bonamassa – Live At Carnegie Hall: An Acoustic Evening DVD/Blu-ray (J&R Adventures)
On January 21st and 22nd, 2016, blues-rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Joe Boamassa performed two unique shows at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York City. The concert was part of a special all-acoustic tour and featured an all-star ensemble of world-class musicians. Acclaimed Chinese cellist and erhuist Tina Guo, whose repertoire stretches from classical to heavy metal; and Hossam Ramzy, the Egyptian percussionist and composer, who has performed on dozens of film soundtracks and records, including on Jimmy Page and Robert Plant’s No Quarter: Unledded Tour. Reese Wynans (piano), Anton Fig (Drums) Eric Bazilian (mandolin, hurdy-gurdy, saxophone, acoustic guitar, vocals), and three Australian backing vocalists, Mahalia Barnes, Juanita Tippins, and Gary Pinto round out the band.
This Week’s Vinyl Exclusives:
Abra – Princess 12” (True Panther Sounds)
Abra is an outlier. Moving around with her missionary parents, she was born in New York and raised in South London, before eventually landing in Atlanta. Like her upbringing, Abra’s music isn’t specific to a place, a time, or a sound. Instead, it’s a blend of influences, informed — but not defined — by its surroundings. Utilizing different components of Miami Freestyle and electro-funk 808’s topped with her own airy R&B-tinged vocals, her voice and sounds are familiar, but uniquely contemporary.
Rachel Baiman – Shame LP (Free Dirt)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Shame, the debut full-length album from Rachel Baiman, is a work of striking importance from a fresh voice that is bound to reach many ears in the years to come. On the album’s ten tracks, Baiman commands attention with songwriting prowess and a depth of presence well beyond her 27 years. The album is a thought-provoking exploration on life as a female in America, with a strong lyrical focus on social justice issues. Despite the serious subject matter, the sound of the album remains light and centers around groove-based, largely acoustic instrumentation. Produced by Andrew Marlin of Mandolin Orange, the lush and varied musical texture heard on Shame is a departure from Baiman’s previous stripped-down duo work with 10 String Symphony. Baiman’s vocals are arresting throughout; simultaneously rich and subdued, her husky tone and unaffected delivery pair beautifully with the record’s stew of folk, alt country, and gospel sounds.
Big Boi – Boomiverse LP (Epic)
Recently released on CD – now available on limited blue and white swirl vinyl. New album from one-half of OutKast. Guests include Curren$y & Killer Mike, Snoop Dogg, Gucci Mane & Pimp C, Jeezy, Kurupt, and more.
Blackbear – Digital Druglord LP (Beartrap)
The third official album from the hip-hop artist mixes elements of EDM, electronic indie and R&B.
Booker T. & The MG’s – Green Onions [Reissue/1962] LP (Rhino)
Vinyl reissue of the debut album by Booker T. & The M.G.s, originally released on Stax Records in October 1962.
Celebration – Wounded Healer LP (Bella Union)
Drawing its galvanic thrust from contrasting elements, Celebration’s fifth album is their purest and most richly realized statement yet: intimate and expansive, cohesive and wide-ranging, bruised and restorative.
The Chain Gang Of 1974 – Felt LP (Chain Gang Of 1974)
The synth-pop project of Kamtin Mohager, returns with their third full-length.
Chimney – Chimney LP (Dine Alone)
The long-time drummer/producer for Lucius and producer for Pavo Pavo, San Fermin, Luke Temple, JD McPherson, Here We Go Magic, and many more, self-recorded and produced this breakout solo effort. His penchant for sonically adventurous melodies and harmonically complex layers, combined with a stark pop sensibility shine through the breadth of the album.
J Dilla – Jay Dee’s Ma Dukes Collection LP (Yancey Media Group)
15 works by Jay Dee from deep in the vaults, released on vinyl for the first time.
Ensiferum – Victory Songs / From Afar [Reissue/2007/2009] 2xLP (Drakkar)
Limited double color vinyl LP pressing in gatefold jacket. Ensiferum’s Victory Songs (2007) and From Afar (2009) filled with their typical trademarks: Epic hymns, stunning guitar work, keyboards as well as traditional instruments like bagpipes, NYCkelharpa (key harp) and the Finnish kantele. [Limited picture disc pressing also available.]
Exist – So True, So Bound LP (Prosthetic)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Having cut his teeth with Cynic, Defeated Sanity, and as frontman of the Death To All touring tribute to Chuck Shuldiner, it’s safe to say that Max Phelps, founder of Exist, has proven himself a more than capable performer in the progressive death metal world.
Health – Disco3 LP (Loma Vista)
Los Angeles, CA noise rock outfit Health (who composed the acclaimed soundtrack for video game Max Payne 3) drops Disco3 featuring reinterpretations of tracks from their excellent 2015 album Death Magic. The new ten-track collection includes remixes from Purity Ring, Preoccupations, and Vessel, along with three new songs “because every remix records needs bangers,” Health’s Jake Duzsik adds.
Helmet – Meantime [Reissue/1992] LP (Interscope)
Having settled in after a bidding war sent the band to Interscope Records, Helmet didn’t waste any time hitting the studio with noise super producer Steve Albini to lay down their second effort – the tight, focused and unrelenting 1992 masterwork Meantime. Standard black and limited blue/red color vinyl reissues now available.
Iron Maiden – Brave New World [Reissue/2000] 2xLP (Sanctuary)
Iron Maiden – Rock In Rio [Reissue/2003] 3xLP (Sanctuary)
Iron Maiden – Dance Of Death [Reissue/2003] 2xLP (Sanctuary)
Iron Maiden – A Matter Of Life And Death [Reissue/2006] 2xLP (Sanctuary)
180gm black vinyl reissues now available.
Iron Savior – The Landing [Reissue/2011] 2xLP (AFM)
Two pressings of the 2011 album from the German power metal band: clear orange and pale blue – both extremely limited.
JJ Doom – Bookhead 1[Reissue/2014] 2” (Lex)
JJ Doom is the artist name for producer/vocalist Jneiro Jarel and British-born, mask-wearing maverick Doom (aka MF Doom). The nine track Bookhead EP features tracks from the expanded “Butter Edition” of the duo’s debut album Key To The Kuffs including Doom collaborations with Clams Casino, BBNG, Del The Funky Homosapien, Beck, and Thom Yorke & Johnny Greenwood. Originally released in 2014 as a limited picture disc, now available on 180gm black vinyl.
King Tubby’s And The Agrovators – Dubbing In The Back Yard [Reissue/1982] LP (Pressure Sounds)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Originally issued on the UK based Black Music records label in 1982, Dubbing In The Back Yard was produced by Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee with expert backing from his house band The Agrovators and mixed at King Tubby’s Studio by Prince Jammy. Smooth roots tracks mixed with bass-heavy early ‘80s dancehall.
Go-Go’s – Vacation [Reissue/1982] LP (I.R.S.)
The second album by the famous quintet debuted in 1982 and featured the title tune with its memorable and catchy chorus. It’s a pop music nugget that continues to live at radio. This I.R.S. staple is reissued on standard weight vinyl.
JR and PH7 with St. Joe Louis – Coral Cadavers 2xLP (Below System)
Coral Cadavers is an international hip-hop heist of epic proportions. The album re-teams long-time allied forces, German production duo JR and PH7 with New Jersey emcee trio St. Joe Louis. Filled with off-kilter synths, jazzy samples, stuttered drums and occasional scratched choruses, JR and PH7 set an atmospheric and head-nodding soundscape throughout. St. Joe Louis emcees, Elete Wright, Michael Cardigan and Tommie Chase bound lyrically through each track, serving as narrators and Greek Chorus on this concept album.
Lydia Lunch & Cypress Grove – Under The Covers LP (Rustblade)
Lydia Lunch and Cypress Grove previously unsettled the conventionally calm and respectful world of the cover song with a number of fractured productions. As you might expect, the choice of songs on this collection is a disconcerting array of material ranging from the hugely popular to the wildly obscure; from Jon Bon Jovi to Nashville troubadour Aaron Lee Tasjan, the Doors and many others.
Meshuggah – The Violent Sleep Of Reason [2016] LP (Nuclear Blast America)
Grey/black splatter color vinyl edition of the extreme metal band’s eighth album.
OneRepublic – Native [Reissue/2013] 2xLP (Interscope)
One Republic’s third album, now available as an expanded 15-track double-LP set.
Graham Parker and The Rumour – Bremen Germany 1/24/78 LP (Let Them Eat Vinyl)
Graham Parker and The Rumour – Palladium New York May 11th 1979 LP (Let Them Eat Vinyl)
A pair of rare radio broadcasts on vinyl.
Post Malone – Stoney 2xLP (Republic)
Double orange color vinyl pressing of the debut album from the Dallas, TX artist. Stoney contains additional production from DJ Mustard, FKi, Illangelo, Pharrell, and others.
Prince and The Revolution – When Doves Cry [Reissue/1984] 12” (WB)
Prince and The Revolution – Purple Rain [Reissue/1984] 12” (WB)
Prince and The Revolution – I Would Die 4 U [Reissue/1985] 12” (WB)
Limited 12” vinyl represses of three Purple Rain singles.
Otis Redding & Carla Thomas – King & Queen [Reissue/1967] LP (Rhino)
Vinyl reissue of Redding’s sixth and the final studio album before his death on December 10, 1967.
Todd Rundgren – White Knight LP (Cleopatra)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Veteran producer, pioneering performer and legendary songwriter Todd Rundgren returns with a new album featuring a stellar line-up of all-star guest performers. White Knight showcases Rundgren’s incredibly diverse range of styles from soulful art rock to ambient synth pop and includes performances from Rundgren’s equally diverse musical companions such as Trent Reznor, Donald Fagen (Steely Dan), Joe Walsh (The Eagles), Daryl Hall, Dam Funk, Joe Satriani, Robyn and others. Rundgren says: “It’s easy to get used to playing to your own audience, even if you are absorbing and experimenting with new ideas. I wanted to collaborate not just for the musical possibilities, but also to play for new audiences and expose my fans to the range of artists I enjoy working with.”
The Ruts DC – Music Must Destroy LP (Let Them Eat Vinyl)
With their roots undoubtedly deeply set in the initial mid-to-late 70s punk explosion, The Ruts, and then The Ruts DC, very quickly developed into a musical hybrid that took in so much more than the basic three-chord-1234 that dominated much of what was labelled as punk. Already accomplished musicians, they effortlessly weaved reggae, ska, dub, rock and post-punk influences into a musical catalogue that is as inspiring and powerful now as it was when it was created. After original vocalist Malcolm Owen tragically died in July 1980, The Ruts DC made two albums; the classic post-punk Animal Now and the dub reggae stylings of Rhythm Collision Vol.1, before disbanding in December 1982. Having recently reunited and following two intensive years of writing and recording, The Ruts DC unleash ta new album.
Sam & Dave – Soul Men [Reissue/1967] LP (Rhino)
Vinyl reissue of the third album by R&B duo.
Satan’s Pilgrims – Creature Feature [Reissue/1998] LP (Jackpot)
Originally released in 1998 in a limited run on Estrus Records, Satan’s Pilgrims’ Creature Feature expertly distills the essence of West Coast ‘60s surf instrumentals. Eastern scales dive-bomb with full bodied tremolo and glide across seas of reverb. Green Ooze color vinyl.
Schammasch – The Maldoror Chants: Hermaphrodite LP (Season Of Mist)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New album from one of the more daring multidimensional black metal bands.
Slim Cessna’s Auto Club – Cipher [Reissue/2008] LP (Virtual Label)
2008’s Cipher (originally released by Alternative Tentacles) features 15 tracks strung together loosely by a recurring refrain. As always, Slim Cessna’s Auto Club lays out an intricate arrangement of handmade stringed instruments (guitar, double bass, banjo, mandolin, etc.) with flawless musicianship, as well as the curious push-and-pull vocals by co-frontmen Slim Cessna and Jay Munly.
Thorcraft Cobra – The Distance LP (Plaza Bowl)
“The most vital syllable in Thorcraft Cobra’s band name is ‘craft’ the music of Billy Zimmer and Tammy Glover abides a certain precision. Their nuanced pop-rock proves that there’s not a single ounce of queasy ambivalence that a giant chorus won’t wash away.” – Buzzbands
Tiger’s Jaw – Spin LP+MP3 (Black Cement/Atlantic)
Recently released on CD – now available on turquoise vinyl. Making yourself vulnerable isn’t easy but it often makes for lasting art and that is certainly true of Tigers Jaw’s fifth full-length, Spin. The album marks a new chapter for the Scranton, PA-based indie rock band for many reasons: Not only is it the first collection of songs that was completely written and recorded solely by Ben Walsh and Brianna Collins, but it was also the first time they had a full month in the studio without having to worry about outside responsibilities. Furthermore, it’s the inaugural release on Atlantic’s new imprint Black Cement, a label spearheaded by longtime collaborator Will Yip who returned to the production helm for Spin. All of these factors converged to create an album that sounds more fully formed than anything Tigers Jaw have done in the past and simultaneously establishes them as a band whose appeal truly transcends genres. Over the course of twelve tracks, the album moves from the sweetly syncopated, fuzzed-out bliss of the opener “Follows” to the midtempo melodicism of “June” and liltingly lovely ballad “Bullet.” Profoundly personal and vibrantly textured, Spin exhibits Walsh and Collins’ remarkable ability to capture the sentiments and complexities of a moment through melody and introspection.
Volumes – Different Animals LP (Fearless)
Recently released on CD – now available on limited blue and purple vinyl. Volumes’ sound is rooted in metal core with a groove-heavy, nu-metal influence.
Cassettes:
Municipal Waste – Slime And Punishment (Nuclear Blast)
Equipped with a crushing sound that will implode both your soul and skull, Richmond VA’s Municipal Waste barrel back onto the scene with their latest piece of toxic detritus. An aural onslaught of speed metal punk.
Soundtrack – Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2: Awesome Mix Vol. 2 (Hollywood)
Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, Marvel Studios’ Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos.
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