Four vinyl LP pressing. 2016 collection. Prince 4ever is the first Prince release following the musician’s death on April 21, 2016. This set features 40 songs from Prince’s tenure with Warner Bros. Records and features recordings from all of his albums between 1978’s For You and 1992’s Love Symbol Album. It is the first Prince collection to include his #1 hit single “Batdance” from the soundtrack album to the 1989 film Batman as well as being the first official release of the song “Moonbeam Levels”, which had previously circulated on bootlegs of Prince’s unreleased material in a low-quality form. The song had been recorded in 1982 during the sessions for 1999 and was subsequently considered for the unreleased 1989 album Rave unto the Joy Fantastic.
Beyoncé/Lemonade
Limited double 180gm yellow vinyl LP pressing. 2016 release, the sixth studio album by R&B superstar Beyoncé. It was released on April 23, 2016, by Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. Primarily an R&B album, Lemonade encompasses a variety of genres, including pop, reggae, blues, rock, hip hop, soul, funk, Americana, country, gospel, electronic, and trap music. The album features guest vocals from James Blake, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, and Jack White. The album contains samples and interpolations of a number of hip-hop and rock songs. Lemonade was widely acclaimed by critics, who praised it as Beyoncé’s boldest work to date. The album includes the singles “Formation”, “Sorry”, “Hold Up”, “Freedom” featuring Kendrick Lamar, and “All Night”; alongside a promotional single, “Daddy Lessons” featuring Dixie Chicks.
Foo Fighters/Concrete and Gold
Limited double vinyl LP pressing in gatefold sleeve including digital download. 2017 release from Dave Grohl and his Foos, their first studio album in three years. “I wanted it to be the biggest sounding Foo Fighters record ever. To make a gigantic rock record but with Greg Kurstin’s sense of melody and arrangement… Motorhead’s version of Sgt. Pepper… or something like that.” So speaks Grohl of the mission statement made manifest in Foo Fighters’ ninth epic, the aptly-titled Concrete and Gold. The album was written and performed by Foo Fighters, produced by Greg Kurstin and Foo Fighters, and mixed by Darrell Thorp. Initial writing sessions only involved Grohl, who continued being in seclusion from the band, although he initially struggled, feeling “out of practice” and “creatively atrophied” due to his longer than usual break from music. After twelve or thirteen rough ideas were mapped out, he ran them by the band, who shared Grohl’s belief that he was on the right track with the material.
Wyclef Jean/Carnival lll: The Fall and Rise Of Refugee
Vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release. Carnival III: The Rise and Fall of a Refugee is the third installment in the Carnival series by Wyclef Jean featuring contributions from Emeli Sande, Supah Mario, The Knocks, and Lunch Money Lewis. Wyclef is known for his wealth of musical influences from jazz to classic rock to reggae. With his critically acclaimed, Grammy nominated debut The Carnival, he launched himself as a producer and solo artist whose work drew from elements of pop, country, folk, disco, Latin, and electronic music. As a solo artist, Wyclef Jean has released six albums that have sold nearly nine million copies worldwide, including 1997’s The Carnival and 2000 s The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book.
Lizz Wright/Grace
Vinyl 2017 release, the sixth full length from the acclaimed jazz and gospel vocalist.. On Grace, Lizz Wright summons her Southern heritage and the spirit of the earth to usher us into a nurturing space. Produced by acclaimed singer and songwriter Joe Henry, Grace is a stark reflection of Wright’s sense of place and belonging that’s deeply woven into the cultural fabric of America. Lizz offers one original, written for this record, plus inspiring interpretations of songs from Ray Charles, Bob Dylan and more. Lizz’s first album, Salt, was released in the spring of 2003 and reached #2 on the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz chart in 2004. Her next release maintained the jazz and pop blend, while incorporating folk music. Dreaming Wide Awake was released in June 2005 and reached #1 on the Top Contemporary Jazz chart in 2005 and 2006. In 2008, Wright released The Orchard to positive reviews. She released her fourth album in 2010. Most songs on Fellowship are gospel standards. That album was followed five years later by Freedom & Surrender.
Gary Numan/Savage
Marking Numan’s 22nd full-length of his career, Savage follows 2013’s Splinter (Songs From a Broken Mind). Produced by Ade Fenton and recorded in Los Angeles and the UK, the record was largely written during the last presidential election. Trump’s victory and climate policies became Numan’s twisted inspiration, leading to a concept album set in a post-global warming apocalypse. A press release describes the concept best: “There is no technology left and most of the planet has turned to a desolate desert wasteland. Food is scarce, water even more so, and human kindness and decency are just a dim and distant memory. Western and Eastern cultures have merged, more because of the need to simply survive than any feelings of greater tolerance or understanding. It’s a harsh, savage environment, as are the survivors who still roam across it.” “The songs are about the things that people do in such a harsh and terrifying environment,” Numan said in a statement. “It’s about a desperate need to survive and they do awful things in order to do so, and some are haunted by what they’ve done. That desire to be forgiven, along with some discovered remnants of an old religious book, ultimately encourages religion to resurface, and it really goes downhill from there.”
Joy Division/Love Will Tear Us Apart
Deluxe canvas bag vinyl LP edition of this EP containing a rare studio outtake recording of Joy Division’s 1980 post-punk classic, ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’. Joy Division formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band consisted of singer Ian Curtis, guitarist and keyboardist Bernard Sumner, bass player Peter Hook, and drummer Stephen Morris. Formed by Sumner and Hook after the two attended a Sex Pistols gig, Joy Division soon moved beyond their punk roots to develop a sound and style that made them one of the pioneers of the late-1970s post-punk movement. As the band’s popularity grew, singer Curtis suffered from personal problems that included depression, a failing marriage, and epilepsy. He found it increasingly difficult to perform live concerts, during which he sometimes suffered seizures. In May 1980, on the eve of the band’s first American tour, Curtis committed suicide, aged 23. The band’s second and final album, Closer, was released two months later; the album and preceding single “Love Will Tear Us Apart” became the band’s highest charting releases. After Curtis’s death, the remaining members continued as New Order and achieved critical and commercial success. Although Joy Division’s career spanned less than four years, the band continues to exert an influence on a variety of subsequent artists.
Brothers Johnson/Right On Time
Limited 180gm audiophile vinyl LP pressing including eight page booklet. Louis and George Johnson formed The Brothers Johnson under the auspices of Quincy Jones in 1975, releasing this second album in 1977. With Quincy at the helm as producer, the duo quickly broke wide open with it’s debut album. The Brothers Johnson’s second album Right on Time consists of some of the best proto-typical funk-soul grooves from the late ’70s. The album is again produced by Quincy Jones and his contributions ensure the high quality of the instrumental arrangements and general glossiness of the audio production as in their debut album. Several of the tracks are as good as anything Michael Jackson or Earth Wind and Fire would’ve produced around this time, particularly ‘Runnin’ For Your Lovin’, ‘Strawberry Letter 23’ and ‘Never Leave You Lonely’. There are also two fantastic instrumentals, ‘Q’ and ‘Brother Man’ that are both irrepressibly funky, with Louis Johnson’s tight bass providing the solid rhythmic foundation he is famous for. Fusion fans will be familiar with several of the backing musicians: Harvey Mason, Dave Grusin and Lee Ritenour to name a few. The single ‘Strawberry Letter 23’ gained a #5 spot in the US billboard charts and #1 on the US R&B billboard.
Ariel Pink/Dedicated To Bobby Jameson
Vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release from the eccentric singer/songwriter and psych/garage pop favorite. Dedicated to Bobby Jameson is his first solo album since his highly acclaimed 2014 prog-pop opus pom pom, and first full-length release with the Brooklyn-based independent label Mexican Summer. The album’s title makes a direct and heartfelt reference to a real-life Los Angeles musician, long presumed dead, who resurfaced online in 2007 after 35 reclusive years to pen his autobiography and tragic life story. “His book and life resonated with me to such a degree that I felt a need to dedicate my latest record to him,” Pink says.
Trio Da Kali & Kronos Quartet/Lilikan
Double vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release. You take a trio of the finest traditional griot musicians from Mali and put them in a studio with Western music’s most revolutionary string quartet – and the resulting album is one of the most richly rewarding musical collaborations you are likely to encounter. Together the Kronos Quartet and Trio Da Kali have created an album that is rich in texture, hauntingly melodic and strikingly inventive as violins, viola and cello combine with balafon, ngoni and the powerful female voice of Hawa ‘Kassé Mady’ Diabaté in transcendental style. David Harrington, who founded the Kronos Quartet in 1973, describes the album as “one of the most beautiful Kronos has done in forty years.”
Antibalas/Where The Gods Are In Peace
Vinyl LP pressing. Antibalas’ new studio album, Where The Gods Are In Peace, is an epic Afro-Western Trilogy searching for solace from American political opportunism, greed and vengeance. Through it’s battle cry of resistance against exploitation and displacement, Antibalas’ long-form compositions investigate oppression in 1800s America that eerily mirror the current state of the country. Three explosive original arrangements cultivate an urgent call to heal a broken system. Ultimately, the sonic excursion lands on an island where love is our first instinct. A new ideology is born opening our hearts to the possibilities of living as one unified people, where all gods are equal and together we prevail. True to traditional form, Where The Gods Are In Peace pays respect to the forefathers of Afrobeat with compositions spanning nine to fifteen minutes in length. With a blessing from the Fela Kuti legacy early in the band’s career, Antibalas has long been revered for re-popularizing the classic Afrobeat sound while adding their distinct New York City grit to the mix. Influences of punk rock, free jazz, and hip-hop seep into their expansive works to define a truly 21st century translation of the Afrobeat genre and beyond. Vinyl comes complete with accompanying download code.
Deer Tick/Vol. 1
Deer Tick/Vol. 2
Deer Tick 1 on LP
Vinyl LP pressing. Deer Tick proves with their two new simultaneously released albums titled, Deer Tick Vol. 1 and Deer Tick Vol. 2that their punk-roots rock have only gotten better with age since their last LP. The twin albums complement one another but also stand independently. Vol. 1 is classic Deer Tick: folk-rooted acoustic guitars and soft piano cushion out-front vocals. Vol. 2 commits wholly to the band’s longtime garage-rock flirtations for a triumphant foray into punk. McCauley sees the two records as a natural progression as he’s always had one foot in each door. “Every album we’ve put out has had it’s manic moments in one way or another. I felt good enough about everything that I was writing to think that we could truly separate our two big interests: quiet and loud.” It’s been four years since Deer Tick’s last release, Negativity. In the meantime, Deer Tick – an all-consuming band known for constant touring and steady artist output – took a backseat. The band – made up of McCauley, guitarist Ian O’Neil, drummer Dennis Ryan, and bassist Christopher Ryan pursued solo and worked on others’ projects. Personal lives also underwent massive changes, especially for McCauley, who married Vanessa Carlton and became a dad. When the band came back together for their beloved after-party shows at the Newport Folk Festival, the reunion reminded them what they missed about creating with one another so they started making plans to go in the studio.
Deer Tick 2 on LP
Vinyl LP pressing. Deer Tick proves with their two new simultaneously released albums titled, Deer Tick Vol. 1 and Deer Tick Vol. 2that their punk-roots rock have only gotten better with age since their last LP. The twin albums complement one another but also stand independently. Vol. 1 is classic Deer Tick: folk-rooted acoustic guitars and soft piano cushion out-front vocals. Vol. 2 commits wholly to the band’s longtime garage-rock flirtations for a triumphant foray into punk. McCauley sees the two records as a natural progression as he’s always had one foot in each door. “Every album we’ve put out has had it’s manic moments in one way or another. I felt good enough about everything that I was writing to think that we could truly separate our two big interests: quiet and loud.” It’s been four years since Deer Tick’s last release, Negativity.
Son Little/New Magic
Vinyl LP pressing including digital download. Son Little, the singer and songwriter born Aaron Livingston, is the easygoing musical alchemist of our time. He is a conjurer, and much like those of his heroes Stevie Wonder and Jimi Hendrix, his songs are deconstructions of the diaspora of American R&B. Deftly he weaves different eras of the sound – blues, soul, gospel, rock and roll – through his own unique vision, never forced, always smooth, each note a tributary on the flowing river of rhythm and blues. And now, with his second full-length album, New Magic, he has delivered a profound statement, a cohesive creation that captures the diverse spirit of American music in a fresh and modern way. The song that serves as the album’s true centerpiece is “Blue Magic,” a Philly Soul inspired number deconstructed almost like a rap song or the best of production savants like J Dilla or Madlib, complete with chiming glockenspiel bells and old school female backing vocals. The song has the appeal of an instant classic.
Machine Gun Kelly/bloom
Vinyl LP pressing. Machine Gun Kelly burst onto the music scene with a lifetime’s worth of determination in 2012. His debut album Lace Up debuted at #2 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Album charts. The edgy young rapper who hails from Cleveland, OH possesses the attitude of rap greats with the talent to match. Machine Gun Kelly’s standout single “Bad Things” is now double platinum. His follow up single “At My Best” features Hailee Steinfield and continues to build anticipation for his upcoming third album Bloom. Machine Gun Kelly embarked on a musical career as a teenager, releasing a mixtape in 2006. He would then go on to release four further mixtapes.
Yusuf/Cat Stevens/The Laughing Apple
Vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release from the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens. The Laughing Apple was produced with Paul Samwell-Smith, the original producer behind Yusuf’s landmark recordings, including 1970’s seminal Tea for the Tillerman. The Laughing Apple follows the common ’60s template of combining original songs with covers, though the covers on this album are Yusuf’s own. The album’s cover features Yusuf’s own illustration, the first time since 1972. Yusuf has drawn additional works of art for each of the 11 songs on The Laughing Apple. This album, his first since 2014’s Tell ‘Em I’m Gone, is his fourth under the name Yusuf.
Mike Gordon/OGOGO
Vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release from Phish bassist Mike Gordon. Produced by Grammy Award-winning engineer Shawn Everett, Ogogo was recorded earlier this year in Boston and LA, and features Mike’s regular touring band: Scott Murawski (guitar/vocals), Robert Walter (keyboards), John Morgan Kimock (drums), and Craig Myers (percussion). Ogogo is Gordon’s fifth solo album following 2014’s Overstep, 2010’s Moss, 2008’s The Green Sparrow and 2003’s Inside In. In addition to bass, Gordon is an accomplished banjo player, and is proficient at piano and guitar. He is also a filmmaker (Rising Low, Outside Out) and author (Mike’s Corner). Musically, Gordon’s influence is the most obvious in Phish’s many different renditions of various bluegrass, calypso, and even traditional Jewish songs. He also contributed by singing, as well as writing off-beat lyrics to amusing but thought-provoking songs.
Linda Ronstadt/Simple Dreams 40th Anniversary
Simple Dreams is the eighth studio album by Linda Ronstadt, released by Asylum Records. One of the most successful albums of Ronstadt’s career, Simple Dreams spent five successive weeks at #1 on the Billboard album chart in late 1977. It won the Grammy Award for Best Recording Package and was nominated for several other Grammy awards. Simple Dreams was Ronstadt’s fifth consecutive million-selling platinum album and sold over 3½ million copies in less than a year in the United States alone-a record for a female artist. Among female recording artists at that time, only Carole King, with her album Tapestry, had sold more copies of an album. Includes the hits “It’s So Easy”, “Blue Bayou”, “Tumbling Dice”, “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” and more.
Bruce Cockburn/Bone On Bone
Double vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release from the veteran Canadian singer/songwriter. Bone On Bone is Cockburn’s first album since 2011’s Small Source Of Comfort. “There have been so many times in my life when an invitation has come from somewhere… The cosmos… The divine… to step out of the familiar into something new. I’ve found it’s best to listen for and follow these promptings. The song is really about that. You can stay with what you know or you can pack your bag and go where you’re called, even if it seems weird – even if you can’t see why or where you’ll end up.” – Bruce Cockburn
Jerry Douglas Band/What If
2017 release. Jerry Douglas is widely considered the greatest living dobro player on Earth. He’s been playing professionally for over 40 years, won 14 Grammy awards, played on thousands of records, and recorded with the likes of Dolly Parton, James Taylor, Paul Simon. With the Jerry Douglas Band, he brings many of those genres together into one project. The group creates a unique fusion of Jam-band, Jazz, Bluegrass, Blues, and Country music that has never been heard before,
The Lone Bellow/Walk Into A Storm
Vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release. The Lone Bellow’s earnest and magnetic folk-pop was built to shake the rafters – it’s hooky and rousing and performed with absolute commitment. It has been since the beginning and continues with their album Walk Into a Storm. Recorded at the legendary RCA Studio A in Nashville, TN, the album was produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell). The Lone Bellow began as a songwriting project for Zach Williams, whose wife had suffered temporary paralysis following a horseback riding accident. During his wife’s recovery, Williams coped with the experience by writing in a journal. At the urging of his friends, Williams learned how to play the guitar and turned his journal entries into songs.
Mykur/Mareidt
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George Strait/Pure Country 25th Anniversary
Vinyl LP pressing. Pure Country is the thirteenth studio album and the first soundtrack album by George Strait. It was released in 1992 by MCA Records. It is Strait’s most commercially successful album, having sold over six million copies. This was the first album of Strait’s career to feature Tony Brown, who has produced all of Strait’s subsequent albums. Strait and Brown produced the entire album except for the main title sequence version of “Heartland”, which was produced by Steve Dorff. “I Cross My Heart” and “Heartland” were #1 hits for Strait on the Billboard country charts, and “When Did You Stop Loving Me” (which was later recorded by George Jones on his 1998 album It Don’t Get Any Better Than This) was a #6 hit. “Overnight Male”, originally recorded by B.B. Watson on his 1991 debut album Light at the End of the Tunnel, also charted at #72 from unsolicited airplay.
Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams/Contraband Love
Vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release. Multi-instrumentalist/singer Larry Campbell and singer/guitarist Teresa Williams have long provided musical firepower for fellow artists including Levon Helm, Bob Dylan, Mavis Staples, Little Feat, Phil Lesh and Friends, and Rosanne Cash. When the duo stepped onto center stage in 2015 with their Red House Records debut, Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, the response was immediate: the release placed them atop the Americana radio charts, Mojo called them “The first couple of Americana” and Uncut gave the album 9/10 stars, describing it as “Passionate, eloquent, spilling over with regal harmonies… channeling Emmylou and Gram.” In January 2017, armed with a new collection of Campbell originals, the pair headed back into the studio with longtime drummer/engineer Justin Guip and new bassist Jesse Murphy to record their follow up. Contraband Love represents a leap forward for Larry and Teresa as they dive even more deeply into their shared pool of musical and life experience. Williams continues to impress as a vocalist, turning in stunning performances on Campbell originals “Contraband Love” and “Save Me From Myself.” Her interpretive skills are showcased on two surprising covers: the Carl Perkins classic “Turn Around” (featuring drumming by Levon Helm on one of his last sessions), and “My Sweetie Went Away,” penned in 1923 and popularized by Bessie Smith. High octane originals “Hit & Run Driver” and “The Wishing Well” give Campbell ample room to show off his vocal prowess as well as his legendary dexterity as a guitarist. Campbell particularly shines on his soul ballad “When I Stop Loving You,” co-written with Stax Records songwriting legend and recent Grammy winner William Bell. Building on the bedrock of album one, Contraband Love features adventurous songwriting, powerful new interpretations of their blues and gospel influences, sterling musicianship and some achingly vulnerable vocals by Teresa and Larry as they tackle emotionally stormy themes of love and betrayal.
Double vinyl LP pressing including digital download. 2017 release. For much of the three and a half year period since the release of Lost In The Dream, The War on Drugs’ frontman, Adam Granduciel, led the charge for his Philadelphia-based sextet as he holed up in studios in New York and Los Angeles to write, record, edit, and tinker-but, above all, to busy himself in work. Teaming up with engineer Shawn Everett (Alabama Shakes, Weezer), Granduciel challenged the notion of what it means to create a fully realized piece of music in today’s modern landscape. Calling on his bandmates – bassist Dave Hartley, keyboarding Robbie Bennett, drummer Charlie Hall and multi-instrumentalists Anthony LaMarca and Jon Natchez – continuously throughout the process, the result is a “band record” in the noblest sense, featuring collaboration, coordination, and confidence at every turn. Through those years of relocation, the revisiting and reexamining of endless hours of recordings, unbridled exploration and exuberance, Granduciel’s gritty love of his craft succeeded in pushing the band to great heights.
Thee Oh Sees/Orc
Double vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release. The newly shorn Oh Sees waste no time in racing headlong into nightmarish battle with the mighty Orc, clawing even farther up the ghastly peak stormed so satisfyingly by last year’s A Weird Exits. The band is in tour-greased, anvil-on-a-balance beam, gut-pleasingly heavy form, nimbly braining-with equal dashes of abandon and menace-on this fresh batch of bruisers and brooders, hypnotically stirred into to the cauldron of chaos you’ve come to expect. Fresh blood Paul Quattrone joins Dan Rincon to form a phalanx of interlocking double drums, alternately propelling and fleet-footing shifting ground to pinion John Dwyer’s cliff-face guitars to the boogie. Tim Hellman keeps it swinging like a battle-axe to the eyebrows. The tunes veer toward the violence of their live shows, with a few tasty swerves into other lanes: heavy to lush, groovy to stately. Throughout, it remains sinister in it’s swaggering skulk, manic in it’s fuzz-fried fugues. They hit all the sweet spots the heads foggily remember, and there’s plenty to sweat over if you just hopped into the sauna. More evil… more complex… more narcotic… more screech… more blare… more whisper… there’s even more Brigid. Less Thee, but more of everything else.
Iron & Wine/Beast Epic
Vinyl LP pressing including digital download. 2017 release. Beast Epic, Iron & Wine’s fourth album of new material for Sub Pop and it’s sixth overall, recasts soft power as a series of vignettes, observations and regular old songs that redeem through joy and a certain expectation of grace. Sam Beam has called Beast Epic his “most personal” album to date. It is the first Iron & Wine album that he’s produced since The Creek Drank The Cradle, though the results are vastly different. This album brims with surprise flourishes, classic touches and an appealing confidence that is evident on songs like “Call It Dreaming.” After a decade and a half of prodigious expression and exploration, recording as both Iron & Wine and eponymously, Sam Beam confessed that he has finally figured out how to make records. Iron & Wine’s Beast Epic was written and produced by Sam Beam, and recorded and engineered by Tom Schick at the Loft in Chicago in July 2016 and January 2017. The musicians who played on Beast Epic include longtime Iron & Wine collaborators Robert Burger (keys), Joe Adamik (percussion), and Jim Becker (guitar, banjo, violin, mandolin), along with bassist Sebastian Steinberg (Soul Coughing and Fiona Apple), and Chicagoan Teddy Rankin Parker (cello). Beast Epic was mastered by Richard Dodd in Nashville, Tennessee.
Steven Wilson/To The Bone
Double vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release from the British singer, songwriter, and musician. To The Bone is his expansive, brilliant fifth solo album. It is the follow up to 2015’s Hand. Cannot. Erase. (one of Rolling Stone’s best albums of 2015). A gloriously dynamic modernist pop record as imagined by the UK s biggest underground artist, To The Bone is Steven Wilson’s hat-tip to the hugely ambitious progressive pop records of his youth (think Peter Gabriel’s So, Talk Talk’s Colour of Spring, Tears for Fears Seeds of Love). Steven Wilson’s career has come a long way since his days as a member of No Man (with Tim Bowness) three decades ago. Apart from his own music (solo, Porcupine Tree, etc.), he has become one of the top album remixers in the industry.
Nick Lowe/The Rose of England
The Rose of England continues with a slightly more contemporary feel. John Hiatt’s “She Don’t Love Nobody” is a sturdy pop single, while “I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock and Roll)”-a song Lowe wrote in the ’70s and was popularized by fellow Rockpile member Dave Edmunds-is given a modern kick in the pants, produced by Huey Lewis and featuring Huey’s band the News. Granted, from a production standpoint it basically sounds like a Huey Lewis and the News song, but the quality of the songwriting is miles past “The Heart of Rock and Roll”. The Rose of England isn’t necessarily a record company’s bid for Lowe to top the pop charts, though. “Seven Nights to Rock” is a lively, caffeinated rockabilly cover that feels like a timeless whirl through a more carefree time, and there isn’t a synthesizer or over processed drum sound in sight.
Queens Of The Stone Age/Villians
Vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release from the acclaimed rockers. Hundreds of epic shows, memory lapses, unexplained injuries, one year-long detour with Iggy Pop and multiple Grammy nominations later, Queens of the Stone Age reemerge from the desert newly scarred and somehow strangely prettier with lucky seventh album, Villains, out August 25 on Matador Records. Produced by Mark Ronson and co-produced by Mark Rankin and mixed by Alan Moulder, Villains is the first full album offering from Queens of the Stone Age since 2013’s… Like Clockwork gave the band it’s first #1 album in the U.S. Like the stunning artwork of returning illustrator Boneface, the sonic signatures of the lineup that took… Like Clockwork around the world and back are as unmistakable as ever, though coexisting with sufficient new twists to induce recurring double takes. As Homme himself puts it, “The most important aspect of making this record was redefining our sound, asking and answering the question ‘what do we sound like now?’ If you can’t make a great first record, you should just stop – but if you can make a great record but you keep making records and your sound doesn’t evolve, you become a parody of that original sound.” Longtime Queens cohort co-producer Mark Rankin added, “After the baptism of fire that was… Like Clockwork, I was excited to get into the studio again with the challenge of pushing the sound for this record, especially with the the addition of Ronson into the creative mix… What we’ve made is forward looking yet unmistakably Queens.” “The title Villains isn’t a political statement. It has nothing to do with Trump or any of that shit. It’s simply 1) a word that looks fantastic and 2) a comment on the three versions of every scenario: yours, mine and what actually happened… Everyone needs someone or something to rail against – their villain – same as it ever was. You can’t control that. The only thing you can really control is when you let go.” -Joshua Homme.
Gogol Bordello/Seekers and Finders
Limited transparent blue colored vinyl LP pressing in gatefold sleeve. 2017 release. Seekers and Finders is just a very magical and playful record for us,” says frontman Eugene Hütz of renowned gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello about Seekers And Finders, the seventh in their wide-ranging oeuvre. “It just feels quite complete in capturing the Gogol familia transcontinental lifestyle, every side of it… The Good, The Bad, and the Snugly.” Written over an extended time on three different continents, Seekers and Finders finds the nine-piece multi-cultural band in top form – an aural party of violins, accordions, trumpet, marimba amongst the standard rock basics of guitars, drum and bass. “I was still bouncing between Latin America and Eastern Europe when songs were emerging, but finally, as soon as I moved back to New York, it all came into focus… as it always did for me here,” he explains.
Raw Soul Express/Best Kept Secret
Athens Of The North and Symphoncal Records are proud to present the long lost Raw Soul Express LP in a special limited vinyl only release. Mastered personally from the original tapes with love. If you don’t know what this is then you’re in the wrong game, the LP also includes the full previously unreleased version of their rare-groove and surprisingly rare club classic “The Way We Live” in it’s full intended format. Solid Ballads are what makes the LP for me but there is not a bad track on there, boogie, funk and Rare-groove, blink and it’ll be gone.
Goldfinger Doe & B.M.S./Let’s Dance Together
PMG present a reissue of Goldfinger Doe & B.M.S.’s Let’s Dance Together, originally released in 1979. “William Onyeabor wasn’t the only Nigerian experimenting with synthesizers in the ’70s and ’80s. Goldfinger Doe was twiddling knobs too, no more so than on Let’s Dance Together – a prime slab of cosmic Afro boogie funk, recorded with legendary percussionist, Mike Umoh (aka B.M.S.) Goldfinger met Umoh playing with Bongos Ikwue & The Groovies. Bass player Bashiru Musa, was a fellow Groovie too, and when the three hit the studio to record Let’s Dance Together, the groove was already tight and hot. The title track, ‘Let’s Dance Together’, is an urgent boogie monster, peppered with cosmic synths. ‘Funky Africa’ is an irresistible floor-filler, driven by the ‘funk in the black soil and the soul in the air.’ ‘Jah Help Us’ is a reggae-tinged reworking of the Lord’s Prayer, with added squelchy synth. ‘B.M.S. Bowl’? It’s just an excuse for Umoh to show off his preposterous percussive skills. Goldfinger’s extraordinary synth skills are always front and center. They transform ‘Jane’, providing a humorous commentary in an otherwise straightforward romantic lament, and propel the funkier tracks to become the heartbeat of the album. Let’s Dance Together is an Afro funk space ship, fueled up and ready to take off.” -Peter Moore.
Liars/Tfcf
Limited red colored vinyl LP pressing. Liars have, as a matter of course, sounded radically different with each album, pursuing new concepts and occupying diverse mindsets. On this, Liars’ eighth studio album, the bustling backdrops of Los Angeles, Berlin and New York have been replaced with a presence far more intimate and autobiographical as Liars once again boldly step out of their comfort zone into vastly new musical territory. Following an amicable parting of ways with Aaron Hemphill, Liars is now Angus Andrew, who decamped to his native Australia, specifically to a remote part of the Australian bush, to create an album unlike any Liars had attempted before.
Mark Lanegan/Scraps At Midnight
Mark Lanegan/I’ll Take Care
Mark Lanegan/Field Songs
Scraps At Midnight on LP
180gm vinyl LP pressing includes digital download. Scraps at Midnight, Mark Lanegan’s third solo album, could be considered the final installment of a trilogy of albums featuring Lanegan’s interpretation of American roots music accompanied by his troubling lyrics of loss, sin, and redemption.
Field Songs on LP
180gm vinyl LP pressing includes digital download. On Lanegan’s fifth and final solo album for Sub Pop, Field Songs, he seems to have taken the best elements from his previous work to create one of the most fulfilled, and fulfilling, albums of his career; Field Songs also includes “Kimiko’s Dream House,” which Mark co-wrote with Jeffrey Lee Pierce of The Gun Club. This LP version is the first standalone vinyl edition of Field Songs (it was previously only available in the 2015 box set entitled One Way Street).
I’ll Take Care Of You on LP
180gm vinyl LP pressing includes digital download. One of America’s great modern day vocalists and songwriters, Mark Lanegan is a man whose career has been defined by an unwillingness to sit still. In addition to his time in the Screaming Trees and a fruitful solo career the Pacific-Northwest icon has worked with Queens of the Stone Age, Mad Season, former Belle & Sebastian vocalist Isobel Campbell, Melissa Auf der Maur and formed The Gutter Twins with Afghan Whigs/Twilight Singers’ Greg Dulli. For 1999’s I’ll Take Care of You, his fourth solo effort for Sup Pop, Lanegan chose to cover songs by artists who have influenced and inspired him over the years, including Jeffrey Lee Pierce of the Gun Club, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Buck Owens, Leaving Trains, O.V. Wright, Fred Neil, Tim Hardin, Tim Rose, and more. Prior to this gatefold 180g LP version, I’ll Take Care of You was only available on vinyl via a long-out-of-print European run, and in the One Way Street box set.
Superchunk/Superchunk
The remastered LP features updated artwork and includes an 11″ × 17″ replica of an early Chunk show flyer, with photos and notes from the band on the reverse. Both CD and LP include a bonus download of Clambakes Vol 9: Other Music From Unshowered Grumblers – Live in NYC 1990, a show recorded at CBGB just four days after the album was released. Mac shared his memories of these early days of Superchunk: When I listen to our first album now, other than cringing at some clams and the vocals and the juvenile attitude of the whole thing… what was I angry about? You’ll have to ask 21-year-old me because in my memory, we were having fun. I hear the accumulation of our influences, which I suppose is normal for a first album-weaving all the things you loved up to that point into your own first thing. The Buzzcocks, Hüsker Dü, Dinosaur Jr, and Sonic Youth are all right there and what we were listening to. Hearing this record recently, though, I was surprised at how “southern” some of it sounds, and I think the influence of bands like Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ and of course R.E.M. is there under the fuzz. I remember thinking the solo 4-track demo of “Slack Motherf***er” sounded like Tom Petty. I can’t find it now to prove it to you, but take my word for it. I was living in NYC finishing school when we made this record, so rehearsals and recording were all rushed. I’m surprised we knew this many songs well enough to record them. Twenty-seven years later, we still play at least three or four of these songs live occasionally (one of them all the time…), which says something good about a few of the songs, anyway! We got so much better as a band, and as songwriters, that it’s hard to even see this as any kind of template for what Superchunk would eventually be, but it’s definitely where we were at in 1989/90.
Whiskey Myers/Firewater
Roy Panton & Yvonne Harrison with Friends/Studio Recordings From 1961-1970
Vinyl LP pressing. 2017 collection. It was to be expected that, sooner or later, someone would give recognition to these two key artists, Roy Panton and Yvonne Harrison, central to understanding Jamaican music and it’s evolution. For some time, all over the world, thousands of followers and lovers of these Jamaican rhythms have tried, sometimes with luck and some with dismay, to get some of the recordings presented here today on vinyl, in what is the first compilation dedicated to Roy Panton & Yvonne Harrison. Roy Panton started his musical career at an early age, and after finishing school, decided to take his passion for music and the stage more seriously. In late 1950, Roy and Stranger Cole auditioned for Duke Reid. They subsequently recorded their first work titled “Freedom Land / Adam & Eve” under the name “The Rovers”, a name that they would not be using again given that, after the recording, each went their separate ways. Unfortunately, the recording never saw the light of day. Roy recorded some songs with Monty Morris in the studio of C.C. Dood. So, by suggestion of “Sir Coxone”, Roy Panton and Millie Small started singing together and became one of the most prolific duos of the island, leaving behind many recordings under the name “Roy and Millie”. Some of these you can find on this LP. Unfortunately, after Millie’s departure to England under the management of Chris Blackwell, Roy found himself without a partner. However, this should not be for long. In the autumn of 1962, discovered by TIP TOP Label’s Lynden Pottinger, Yvonne and Roy met for the first time at the West Indies Studios (WIRL) of Edward Seaga and recorded their first ever single, “Two Roads” with the B-side “Join together”. The magnificent performance of both, and perfect compatibility of their voices “joint together” Roy and Yvonne in what would be one of the most requested duets in the country.
Stevie Wonder/Original Musiquarium
Limited double vinyl LP pressing. Now back on vinyl after several years out of print, this set was originally a 1982 release featuring Stevie’s biggest hits from 1972-1980, with a new song at the end of each of the four sides. The vinyl reissue is newly remastered at famed Capitol Studios, additionally it recreates the original raised artwork while correcting the track sequence errors printed on the original outer jacket. Eleven previously released tracks were taken as singles from their respective albums, with “Higher Ground” and “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” released before the LP. “Isn’t She Lovely” was not released as a single from Songs in the Key of Life, while “Superstition”, “You Are the Sunshine of My Life”, “You Haven’t Done Nothin'”, “I Wish”, and “Sir Duke” all topped the Billboard Hot 100. “Living for the City” and “Boogie On Reggae Woman” appear in slightly different versions to those on their albums, and “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” is the single mix with the horns added.
The Mynabirds/Be Here Now
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Danny Offia/Funk With Me
PMG present a reissue of Danny Offia’s Funk With Me, originally released in 1981. “Danny Offia’s Funk With Me is a prime slab of Nigerian boogie. Sinewy and urbane, it’s the soundtrack of Lagos in the early eighties. The city was awash with oil money, clubs were booming and every night was a party night – the perfect place for a man with a great voice, a white suit and seductively-clutched packet of B&H Golds. Funk With Me was recorded in London with a crack team of session musicians. Drummer Blair Cunningham was from Memphis and had played with Robert Johnson. Sax player Ray Carless was regarded as the London jazz scene’s best-kept secret. Engineer Duncan Bridgeman would go on to work with Duran Duran. Danny Offia brought the songs and the Lagos attitude. ‘Funk With Me’ is a certified party starter. ’10 Years In Love’ and ‘Weak For You’ are sophisticated groovers. ‘Sat, Nite (Is A Party Nite)’ is guaranteed to get any girl on the dance floor, while ‘Don’t Make Me Cry’ is smooth enough take her home. Funk With Me is Lagos in an album – cosmopolitan, sexy and witty with an energy and spirit, all of it’s own.” -Peter Moore
EMA/Exile In The Outer Ring
Vinyl LP pressing. After the success of 2011’s Past Life Martyred Saints and 2014’s prophetic The Future’s Void, Ema retreated to a basement in Portland, OR – a generic apartment complex in a non-trendy neighborhood, with beige carpeting and cheap slat blinds. Now, she returns, with a portrait of The Outer Ring: A pitch-black world of dark night highways, American flags hung over basement windows, jails and revival meetings and casinos and rage. In a year dominated by white working-class alienation and anger, Ema – a Midwesterner who never lost her thousand-yard stare – has delivered an album that renders Middle American poverty and resentment with frightening realism and deep empathy.
Erasure/World Be Gone
Limited orange colored vinyl LP pressing. Erasure (Andy Bell and Vince Clarke) has always been adept at examining politics. It’s just, perhaps, we were too busy dancing to register and contemplate the deeper meaning behind many of their classic songs, or perhaps world events just feel so much more intense right now. World Be Gone (the follow up to 2014’s The Violet Flame), sees the band in an altogether more thoughtful and reflective mood. It’s less bombastic than it’s predecessor, love is still the focus but recent political upheavals have also left their mark. From the pounding beats of the album opener (and first single), “Love You To The Sky,” the listener is immediately enveloped in Erasure at their optimistic best with a soaring chorus that fills the room with love and promise. On “World Be Gone,” recent political upheavals are given a thoughtful examination and, as highlighted on the painted artwork showing a ship’s masthead rising up from being submerged in the stormy waters, Erasure are looking ahead, towards an expectant future which points towards love as evidenced on the buoyant closer “Just A Little Love.”
Cage The Elephant/Unpeeled
Double 140gm vinyl LP pressing. 2017 live release from the Grammy-winning alt-rock band. Unpeeled was recorded over a series of intimate shows in cities including Los Angeles, Washington DC, Knoxville, and Nashville where the band performed in a stripped down arrangement with a string quartet and additional percussion. Unpeeled features twenty-one tracks: eighteen curated songs from their past four albums plus three re-imagined versions of existing songs. Cage the Elephant received their first Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for their fourth studio album, Tell Me I’m Pretty, which was produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. At radio, Cage the Elephant holds the record for the most #1 Alternative songs of any artist this decade. Long celebrated as one of the most explosive live bands in the world, Cage the Elephant have sold out several headlining runs including a summer 2016 arena tour and recent sold out UK and European tour.
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real/Lukas Nelson & The Promise of the Real
Double 180gm vinyl LP pressing. 2017 album from singer/songwriter Lukas Nelson (son of Willie) and his band Promise Of The Real. Focused and self-assured, this album includes 12 Nelson originals that draw on Lukas’ lineage as well as surrogate uncles like Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, J.J. Cale, The Band, Clapton-era Delaney & Bonnie and of course, mentor Neil Young. An inspired work of cosmic country soul, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real is the sound of American music reborn, sure to be one of 2017’s most distinctive and essential recordings. The band consists of Lukas Nelson (vocals/guitar), Anthony Logerfo (drums), Corey McCormick (bass), and Tato Melgar (percussion). The band backed Neil Young on his 36th studio album, The Monsanto Years, and the tour which followed.
Vinyl LP pressing housed in a jacket with eye-popping artwork designed by X10, Includes digital download. The glorious 2017 debut full-length album from the Beginner’s Mynd has arrived! From the fuzzed-out garage title track opener on through to the dreamy, psych-pop album closer ‘No Expectations’, the Washington D.C.-based trio present 10 new songs that expand upon their bedrock sound of Byrdsian guitar jangle meshed with ’60s-style pop-psych and ’80s paisley underground moves. Adding more ’60s-style garage rock grit and attitude to the proceedings, along with some the best lyrics and songs written yet by the mind behind the Mynd, Dan McNabb, end to end the album delivers an excellent way to kick your summertime music listening into high gear.
Mary J Blige/Strength Of A Woman
Double vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release, the 13th album from the R&B singer/songwriter. The album is her first full length studio release since 2014’s The London Sessions. Strength of a Woman features guest appearances by Kanye West, Quavo, DJ Khaled, Missy Elliot, Prince Charlez, and Kaytranada. Features ‘Thick Of It’, U + Me (Love Lessons)’ and ‘Love Yourself’ (featuring Kanye West) which make up her most honest body of work to date.
Verite/Somewhere In Between
Vinyl LP pressing. 2017 debut album from Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Kelsey Byrne AKA Vérité. She entered the alt-pop world with her debut EPs Echo, Sentiment and Living, garnering multiple Hype Machine #1s, a spot as the #1 viral artist on Twitter and over 100 million song streams. Vérité has supported her releases on the road with Marian Hill, Tove Lo, MS MR and festival appearances at SXSW, CMJ, Lollapalooza and Firefly. Somewhere In Between features the singles “Phase Me Out” and “When You’re Gone”. Described variously as indie pop or alt pop, Liza Darwin of Noisey wrote that her 2014 Echo EP is “packed with crisp, delicate vocals, soaring melodies, and glistening production.” VÉRITÉ entered the alt-pop world with her debut EPs Echo, Sentiment and Living, garnering multiple Hype Machine #1s, a spot as the #1 viral artist on Twitter and over 100 million song streams. VÉRITÉ has supported her releases on the road with Marian Hill, Tove Lo, MS MR and festival appearances at SXSW, CMJ, Lollapalooza and Firefly. While working on her full-length album, VÉRITÉ released her cover of The 1975’s “Somebody Else” with viral success. Now, VÉRITÉ is set to release her debut album, Somewhere In Between, featuring the singles “Phase Me Out” and “When You’re Gone.”
Shelby Lynne & Allison Moorer/Not Dark Yet
Vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release. Not Dark Yet was recorded in Los Angeles in the summer of 2016. The album provides a potent look at the sisters’ individual and collective artistry through eclectic song choices from writers ranging from the Louvin Brothers, Nick Cave, Kurt Cobain, and back to Jessie Colter. Shelby and Allison wrap their arms around the past, plant their feet in the present, and nod toward what’s around the bend with a co-written ‘Is It Too Much’ to close out the ten-song set.
Grizzly Bear/Painted Ruins
Double 180gm vinyl LP pressing in gatefold jacket. 2017 release, the alternative rock band’s highly anticipated follow-up to their 2012 commercial breakthrough Shields. Grizzly Bear spent two years writing and recording for the album. Band member Chris Taylor produced Painted Ruins, with recording sessions occurring primarily at Allaire Studios in New York, but also at various locations around Los Angeles, including Taylor’s own Terrible Studios. Grizzly Bear formed in 2002. The band consists of Edward Droste (vocals, guitar, keyboards, omnichord), Daniel Rossen (vocals, guitar, banjo, keyboards), Chris Taylor (bass, backing vocals, various instruments, producer) and Christopher Bear (drums, backing vocals). The band employs traditional and electronic instruments. Their sound has been categorized as psychedelic pop, folk rock, and experimental, and is dominated by the use of vocal harmonies.
Little Brother/The Minstrel Show
Limited double gold vinyl LP pressing. Touted as one of 2005’s Top 10 Most Anticipated albums by XXL Magazine, Little Brother’s masterpiece is reminiscent of the days when Tribe Called Quest, de la Soul and others carefully crafted complete experiences from beginning to end. The North Carolina outfit made up of MC’s Phonte, Rapper Big Pooh, and super producer 9th Wonder have truly made an album that is both thought provoking and humorous. The Minstrel Show is truly one great piece of hip hip that will stand the test of time.
HAIM/Something To Tell You
Double vinyl LP pressing including digital download. 2017 release, the highly anticipated sophomore album from HAIM. When the time came to record the eleven tracks that make up Something To Tell You, HAIM decided to “go in and record as a band, keeping it a little more organic. That was kind of a mission statement for the album” offered Danielle HAIM. Includes the singles ‘Want You Back’ and ‘Right Now’. HAIM consists of three sisters: Este HAIM (bass), Danielle HAIM (guitars and lead vocals), and Alana HAIM (guitars and keyboards), as well as drummer Dash Hutton. In addition to their primary instruments, each member is also proficient in several others. The group’s pop sound on their studio work stands in contrast to the more rock-based music of their live shows.
DJ Shadow/The Mountain Has Fallen
Vinyl LP pressing includes digital download. In 2016, DJ Shadow released The Mountain Will Fall through Mass Appeal Records. It subsequently debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and strengthened the innovative producer’s legacy. Now to follow it up, Shadow once again worked with Mass Appeal for The Mountain Has Fallen, his new 4-track EP. The EP kicks off with “Systematic,” his collaboration with Nas that was part of the soundtrack to HBO’s Silicon Valley. Next up is “Horror Show,” Shadow’s first collaboration with Danny Brown. The Detroit MC spaces out on the off-kilter beat with “a bag of drugs looking like trail mix.” The collection closes out with “Good News,” which showcases Shadow’s abstract instrumental storytelling, and his suitably cinematic collaboration with Academy Award-winning film composer Steven Price (Gravity, Attack the Block) for the track “Corridors.”
Leon Ware/Leon Ware
Leon Ware’s self-titled 1982 album has long been a holy grail for rare groove record collectors. Indeed, mint copies are rarely found for less than £100. So Be With Records, a new vinyl-only reissue label, is pleased to mark it’s first release with Ware’s classic – a set that features the timeless Why I Came To California, a beautiful example of early 80s soul funk. A truly unsung legend, Leon Ware has written a stunning variety of classic soul music over the course of six decades. He joined Motown in the late 60s and became one of the label’s key writers. His most indelible contribution at Motown was Marvin Gaye’s masterpiece I Want You. Ware’s production and songwriting memorably took Gaye to another creative level. Despite recording a handful of critically acclaimed solo albums for Motown and Elektra, including this one here, he has remained a secret to many outside the music industry. Be With Records hope this timely reissue goes some way to rectifying that.
Mike Krol/Mike Krol’s Never Dead:The First Two Records
Vinyl LP pressing. On Mike Krol Is Never Dead: The First Two Records, we catch up- with the past, that is. Indeed, Turkey, released in 2015, is Chapter 3 of the Krol saga; here, finally, are it’s long-lost predecessors. Self-released in 2011, I Hate Jazz was the opening salvo of World War Krol. Only 500 copies were pressed; they were given away to anyone who showed interest (and many who showed none whatsoever). Including Krol classics like “Fifteen Minutes” and “Like a Star,” the record has long been unavailable. Trust Fund followed in 2013; it’s 500 copies sold out on the ensuing tour, fueling a mini-mania that would elevate it to cult status. This set includes both records on freshly pressed Merge vinyl; an illuminating selection of digital outtakes, demos, and B-sides; and a fold-out poster showcasing a selection of Mike Krol ephemera.
Interpol/Our Love To Admire
Double heavyweight vinyl LP pressing in gatefold jacket including custom inner sleeves. Digitally remastered 10th Anniversary edition of Interpol’s critically acclaimed third studio album Our Love To Admire. Produced by Rich Costey (Muse, Franz Ferdinand, Biffy Clyro), the album includes the singles “The Heinrich Maneuver” and “Mammoth”. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios in Greenwich Village and The Magic Shop Studios in New York City, the album is the group’s first to be released on a major label. Since Interpol’s contract with Matador had expired, it was initially speculated that Interpol would sign with Interscope Records. However, drummer Sam Fogarino rejected these claims as “pure speculation”. It was later confirmed that the band would sign to a major label, though they chose Capitol over Interscope.
k.d. lang/Ingénue (25th Anniversary)
Double vinyl LP pressing. Digitally remastered and expanded 25th Anniversary Edition to celebrate the double platinum-selling, Grammy Award-winning album’s silver anniversary. This set includes remastered versions of the album’s original ten tracks, including it’s huge hit “Constant Craving,” along with eight previously unreleased performances from lang’s 1993 MTV Unplugged episode, recorded in New York City’s famed Ed Sullivan Theater. Ingénue is the second solo album by Lang, originally released in 1992. It has more of a cabaret flavor than Lang’s earlier more country influenced work and is her most successful album on the pop charts both in her native Canada and internationally.
Ida/Will You Find Me
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Goldfinger/The Knife
Goldfinger has become a household name in the punk/ska community since their mid 90s inception. With 6 full-length albums under their belt, they have charted in the Billboard Top 200, their self-titled debut album went gold, and have been featured in several films and video games. Nine years after their last release, 2008’s “Hello Destiny…”, fans will be thrilled that Goldfinger are back with “The Knife” and will be eager to scoop this record on release day. “The Knife” includes 13 catchy, energetic tracks that showcase the evolution of Goldfinger. With a list of highly notable special guests, including Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker, Twenty One Pilots’ Josh Dun, Mighty Mighty Boss Tones’ Nate Albert and ONE OK ROCK’s Takahiro Moriuchi among many others, this album is sure to attract existing fans, as well as new listeners. To promote the album, the band will be playing select dates of the Vans Warped Tour this summer. Prepare for the Goldfinger revolution, because “The Knife” is exactly what punk and ska fans have been waiting for.
Frida/Something’s Going On
Limited purple vinyl LP pressing of this album from the former ABBA vocalist. Something’s Going On is the third solo album by Swedish singer Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Frida), one of the founding members of the Swedish pop group ABBA, and her first album recorded entirely in English. Her last two albums had been recorded in Swedish. Recorded in 1982 during the final months of ABBA, Something’s Going On was first released in September 1982. Produced by Phil Collins, the drummer and singer of the rock band Genesis, the album featured a harder-edged and more rock-oriented sound than that of ABBA’s music, including Collins’ distinctive gated reverb drum sound. The album was met with a positive reception by both critics and the public, with sales in excess of 1.5 million copies, making it the best-selling solo record of any of the ABBA members to date.
Vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release. Trombone Shorty’s Blue Note-debut, Parking Lot Symphony, captures the spirit and the essence of The Big Easy, while redefining it’s sound. Blazing through ’70s funk, rock, hip-hop and R&B, Parking Lot Symphony was produced by Chris Seefried (Andra Day, Fitz and The Tantrums) and features songs co-written by Aloe Blacc, and Alex Ebert (Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros). The album also includes covers of songs by Allen Toussaint (“Here Come The Girls”) and The Meters (“It Ain’t No Use”). True to it’s title, the album contains multitudes of sound-from brass band blare and deep-groove funk to bluesy beauty and hip-hop/pop swagger-and plenty of emotion all anchored, of course, by stellar playing and the idea that, even in the toughest of times, as he says, “Music brings unity.”
Soccer Mommy/Collection
Vinyl LP Pressing. Soccer Mommy is the project of Sophie Allison, a 19-year-old Nashville native and musical wunderkind. Sophie built her reputation as a DIY artist, recording her own songs and releasing them for free on Bandcamp over the last few years. Collection compiles the best of Sophie’s Bandcamp work as well as a few new songs, written, mixed and produced herself. The songs portray an artist fully-formed, mature far beyond her age singing about toxic relationships, infatuations, and all the experiences of being a teenage girl. Or, as Sophie describes her subject matter, “crush stuff with a hint of bad to it.” There’s a playfulness to the music that belies the sophisticated nature of the songcraft. The songs can be sweet, they can be happily melancholic or melancholically happy, but they always cut deep. They belong on playlists and mixes, to be shared among friends and belted out during road trips. These perfect pop gems have power. “Allison,” a gorgeous meditation on the bittersweet feeling of hurting someone you love while pursuing your own dreams, showcases Sophie’s talent for home recording, with multi-tracked vocals layered to perfection while the relatable and anthemic “Out Worn,” is a searing takedown of the desire for male validation which strikes the perfect balance between anger and sugary pop bliss.
Mondo Cozmo/Plastic Soul
Vinyl LP pressing. 2017 debut album from Mondo Cozmo AKA Josh Ostrander. The album’s lead single, ‘Shine’ rocketed to #1 at AAA radio and peaked top 15 at Alternative. Ostrander is a songwriter and producer originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is now based in Los Angeles, California. Ostrander fronted the alt-rock band Laguardia from 2000 to 2005. He later became the frontman of Eastern Conference Champions (ECC), whom he started with his friend and collaborator
Greg Lyons from Laguardia and Vern Zaborowski from CKY. Along with producing their own releases, Ostrander produced for such bands as Voxhaul Broadcast and worked on projects with such producers as Brendan O’Brien, Owen Morris, Brad Wood, Thom Panunzio, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Ostrander began recording under the name Mondo Cozmo in 2016.
Grant Green/First Stand (Rudy Van Gelder Recording)
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Shuggie Otis/Live In Williamsburg
Vinyl LP pressing. The first ever live album from the great R&B / Blues guitar legend Shuggie Otis, recorded in 2013 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York on Shuggie’s extremely well-received comeback tour. The set list reads like a greatest hits overview of Shuggie’s brilliant songwriting cannon, including the classic ‘Strawberry Letter 23,’ one of the most sampled tracks in modern music history, as well as ‘Inspiration Information’, ‘Sparkle City – Miss Pretty’ and more! Keeping the Otis family musical legacy alive, Shuggie’s band here includes his son Eric Otis on guitar and brother Nick Otis on drums.
Hard Working Americans/We Are All In This Together
Limited double colored vinyl LP pressing. Throughout music history, the breakthrough albums for several legendary artists were live recordings – At Fillmore East by The Allman Brothers Band, Frampton Comes Alive by Peter Frampton, and Alive by KISS. Now four decades later, history seems poised to repeat itself with the release of We’re All In This Together, the powerful, new live document by Hard Working Americans. Dubbed a “jam band supergroup” by some journalists, because of it’s high-profile lineup, the rock sextet features bassist Dave Schools and drummer Duane Trucks of Widespread Panic, guitarist Neal Casal of Chris Robinson Brotherhood, keyboardist Chad Staehly of Great American Taxi, Tulsa guitarist Jesse Aycock, and celebrated singer-songwriter Todd Snider on lead vocals. Recorded live by monitor engineer Colin Cargile during the band’s 2016 Rest In Chaos tour, the album was produced by Schools and mixed by the legendary John Keane, who also mixed the band’s first record. We’re All In This Together features 13 tracks, with most selected from an unforgettable show at Iron City in Birmingham, AL. “For the kind of band we are, I think this is a definite statement for us,” Snider says of We’re All In This Together. “It captures a collective spirit, a collective muse being shared by a thousand-plus people.”
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band/Lay It On Down
Vinyl LP pressing of this 2017 release. Kenny Wayne Shepherd is already considered to be at the forefront of contemporary blues. Kenny applied his talents to writing by wood-shedding with several prominent Nashville hit song-writing teams (Keith Stegall, Mark Selby & Tia Sillers, Marshall Altman, Dylan Altman & Danny Myrick). Marrying these songs with his trademark guitar-playing will help expand his already growing base. The album is produced by Marshall Altman (Natasha Bedingfield, Matt Nathanson, Kate Voegele, Amy Grant). Kenny has released several studio albums over the past 22 years and he has experienced significant commercial success both as a blues artist and a young musician.
Calvin Harris/ Funk Wav Bounces Vol1.
Double 180gm vinyl LP pressing in gatefold jacket including booklet and digital download. 2017 release, the highly anticipated fifth studio album from Calvin Harris. Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 features the previously released singles “Slide” featuring Frank Ocean & Migos, plus “Heatstroke” featuring Young Thug, Pharrell Williams and Ariana Grande. The album boasts 19 guest artist collaborations including Frank Ocean, Travis Scott, Kehlani, Future, Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, Big Sean, John Legend, Khalid, Migos, Schoolboy Q, Ariana Grande, Young Thug, D.R.A.M., Nicki Minaj, Lil Yachty, Jessie Reyez, Partynextdoor plus Snoop Dogg. DJ Calvin Harris stands as the figurehead for modern music, having broken world records and dominated global charts with his continued hit releases. As one of the most successful artists of all time, he currently has over five billion streams across all major streaming services, five billion video views, and 10 consecutive platinum singles.
X-Ray Specks/Germfree Adolescents
Limited test tube clear with blue splatter vinyl Pressing. Real Gone Music is proud to present Germfree Adolescents, one of the signature albums of the early (1978) British punk movement, in the format (vinyl!) it belongs and in a color mix (test tube clear with blue splatter!) it demands. The one and only LP release from X Ray Spex and it’s irrepressible front woman Poly Styrene has been deemed by everybody from Greil Marcus to Robert Christgau to Spin to Mojo as one of the greatest punk albums ever made, and for this reissue, we’ve done it right; besides the colored vinyl, we’ve reproduced the inner lyric sheet, where you can read Poly’s brilliant observations about the plastic, corporate nature of modern society. All of which she sings in a passionate yowl all her own (with Lora Logic among others backing on saxophone); this is not only one of the most penetratingly observant punk records, it’s also one of the most passionate, and, surprisingly enough, catchy. Check out “The Day the World Turned Day-Glo” and “Germ Free Adolescents” if it’s hooks you’re after; if it’s righteous anger and a noisy racket you’re seeking, every track will do ya.
Groove Armada/Vertigo
Groove Armada/Goodbye Country
Originally released in May 1999, ‘Vertigo’ was the second album from Groove Armada (following the independently released ‘Northern Star’) and the first album with record label backing (Jive Electro). Selling over a million copies worldwide, it spawned unforgettable and era defining singles ‘At The River’ and ‘I See You Baby’ shooting the band into global superstars. The album has achieved Platinum certification in the UK. This double LP comes with a download code.
‘Goodbye Country (Hello Nightclub)’ followed the release of ‘Vertigo’ in September 2001, breaking into the UK Top 5. Likes it’s predecessor, the album produced singles that defined the sound of the time in the Grammy nominated ‘Superstylin’ and ‘My Friend’. It has been certified Gold in the UK. This triple LP comes with a download code.
Ice Cube/Death Certificate (25th Anniversary)
Double vinyl LP pressing in wide-spine single pocket jacket with insert. Includes three additional tracks. Reissued to coincide with the 25th Anniversary of the album’s release. When it was originally released in 1991 it peaked at #1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and #2 on the Billboard 200 Chart. Death Certificate is the second studio album by Ice Cube, released on October 29, 1991 by Priority Records. Highly anticipated with over one million advanced orders, the album was certified platinum in sales on December 20, 1991. Due to some of it’s racially and politically charged content, and Ice Cube’s acerbic statements on drug dealing, racial profiling, and the right to keep and bear arms, Death Certificate was the source of much controversy upon it’s release.
Brian Eno/Taking Tiger Mountain (byStrategy)
Brian Eno/ Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno/Another Green World
Limited double 180gm vinyl LP pressing of this half-speed master edition which plays at 45rpm for optimum sound quality. High-resolution mastering from the best-known sources and half-speed cutting were supervised by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios. This gatefold jacket contains an Obi and Abbey Road Half Speed Master certificate. From November 1975, Another Green World represents the bridge between Brian’s ground-breaking pop career and his early experiments with ambient music. This time around he was ably assisted in the studio by Robert Fripp from King Crimson, Phil Collins and Percy Jones from Brand X and, on viola, The Velvet Underground’s John Cale. The album features five vocal and nine instrumental songs including the title track which will be known to many as the theme to the BBC arts program, Arena.
Northern & Rare Soul Collector ll/Various Artists
ALMOST A YEAR ON, Outta Sight proudly presents the follow-up to one of the most talked about albums of 2016… NORTHERN & RARE SOUL COLLECTOR II featuring another batch of dynamite dancers that escaped release at the time or were covered up by pionering DJs. A special nod must go to Bob Fisher for discovering our powerhouse opener “Don’t Start None” by the Mayfield Singers which unexpectedly surfaced amongst a bunch of Roulette tapes from EMI. Thanks also to John Madara for producing Len Barry on his super rare rendition of “I’ll Always Need You” and Charly Records for unearthing Roscoe Shelton’s “You’re The Dream”. The latter was first played at Stafford’s Top Of The World Club courtesy of DJ Guy Hennigan who was also behind George Jackson “That Lonely Night” (covered up as Otis Pollard “Remember Hurting Me So”) and Oscar Wright “Fell In love” (covered up as Hudson Alexandra “I’m So Glad”). A shout out too, to Pat Brady for spinning Junior McCants “Try Me For Your New Love” (covered up as Little Carl Carlton “Hey Girl We Are in Love”) and to Keb Darge for Thee Enchantments covered up as “I’m In Love” by the Detroit Shakers. Rick Cooper, of Manchester’s Global Records fame, first came across the incredible Show Stoppers “Gotta Get Closer To My Love” which was subsequently popularised by Neil Rushton at Inferno Records.A final special thanks to Ady Croasdell of Kent Records, who discovered many of the tracks on Volume 1 in our Collector series and on this album too including: The Platters “Not My Girl”, originally recorded by Johnny Hampton, and our final outing by the legendary Chuck Jackson “What’s With This Loneliness” which first appeared on a Kent anniversary 45.
ComeOn/1979-1980
A regular fixture on New York’s downtown scene in the late 70’s, Come on released just two singles in their short but fruitful existence – the self-released “Don’t Walk On The Kitchen Floor/ A Kitchen In The Clouds” single in 1978 and the mysterious “Housewives Play Tennis / Howard After 6” single in 1980 (the band was unaware it had ever been released until a copy showed up on eBay 20 years later). Typical of the time, Come on was comprised of a ragtag group of artists and scenesters – seasoned musician George Elliott (guitar), conceptual guru Ralf Mann (bass), illustrator Page Wood (drums), teenager Elena Glasberg (guitar) who would study for class between gigs, and Jamie Kaufman (vocals) who had never sung before (or since) fronting Come on. With a unified egalitarian look of white button down shirts and black pants and Kaufman’s arresting stage presence the band embodied what they called “Nervous Rock Music.” Stripped down and tense, Come on’s brand of minimalist rock teemed with agitation, sexual frustration, and a wry, dark humor.
Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing in gatefold jacket. 2017 release, the fifth album from the Canadian alt-rock band. Everything Now was produced by Arcade Fire, Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter, and Steve Mackey, with co-production by Markus Dravs. It was recorded at Boombox Studios in New Orleans, Sonovox Studios in Montreal, and Gang Recording Studio in Paris. Founded in 2001, the band came to prominence in 2004 with the release of their critically acclaimed debut album Funeral. Their second studio album, Neon Bible, won them the 2008 Meteor Music Award for Best International Album and the 2008 Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year. Their third studio album, The Suburbs, was released in 2010 to critical acclaim and commercial success. It received many accolades, including the 2011 Grammy for Album of the Year, the 2011 Juno Award for Album of the Year, and the 2011 Brit Award for Best International Album. In 2013, Arcade Fire released their fourth album, Reflektor, and scored the feature film Her, for which band members William Butler and Owen Pallett were nominated in the Best Original Score category at the 86th Academy Awards.
Manchester Orchestra/A Black Mile To The Surface
Deluxe double 180gm colored vinyl LP pressing (with etching on Side D) in gatefold jacket plus digital download and 12″ x 24″ insert. 2017 release, the fifth album from the alt-rock band. A Black Mile to the Surface is a bold record of vision and purpose, inspired by and dwelling in a sensory and imaginative experience. It’s a reinvention of sorts, both musically and personally-a sort of cosmic worldview shift. But in the end, the record’s themes are universal. To manifest this vision, the band turned to producer Catherine Marks (Foals, PJ Harvey, The Killers, Interpol) and began working with her at Echo Mountain studio in Asheville. Manchester Orchestra originated in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. They are named after the English city of Manchester, a city frequently viewed as bohemian and rich in musical history (The Smiths, The Fall, The Buzzcocks, The Stone Roses, Joy Division, Oasis, New Order, Happy Mondays, Magazine).
Clint Mansell/Black Mirror San Junipero (Purple)
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The Isley Brothers & Santana/Power of Peace
Double 150gm vinyl LP pressing in gatefold jacket. 2017 release. Led by the legendary Ronald Isley on lead vocals and the album’s main producer/arranger Carlos Santana on lead guitar, rhythm guitar, percussion and background vocals, Power of Peace covers songs first made familiar by the Chambers Brothers (“Are You Ready” “Love, Peace, Happiness”), Swamp Dogg (“Total Destruction to Your Mind”), Stevie Wonder (“Higher Ground”), Billie Holiday (“God Bless the Child”), Eddie Kendricks (“Body Talk”), Curtis Mayfield (“Gypsy Woman”), Muddy Waters/Willie Dixon (“I Just Want to Make Love to You”), Dionne Warwick/Jackie DeShannon (“What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love”), Marvin Gaye (“Mercy Mercy Me – The Ecology”), Leon Thomas (“Let the Rain Fall on Me”) and Sy Miller and Jill Jackson (“Let There Be Peace on Earth”). Power of Peace also premieres a new song, “I Remember,” written and sung by Cindy Blackman Santana.
Ruth B/Safe Haven
Vinyl LP pressing. Safe Haven is the highly anticipated 2017 debut album from multi-platinum singer/songwriter Ruth B., who broke onto the music scene in 2016 with the single “Lost Boy,” a song that not only garnered critical and commercial accolades, but also became a global radio, streaming, and video hit. “Lost Boy” was also included on Ruth’s original 4 track EP release, The Intro, which set the stage for the album Safe Haven. The set is produced by Joel Little, who previously collaborated with Lorde on her multi-platinum debut, among others. Ruth wrote and composed all 12 tracks on Safe Haven herself, and the result is a beautifully layered collection of relevant pop songs. Along with “Lost Boy,” the album includes tracks like “Mixed Signals, Unrighteous,” “If This Is Love,” and a stunning new production of the single “Superficial Love,” where the singer redefines the rules for going beyond the surface of relationships. Ruth’s impactful delivery on “Superficial Love” was achieved by multi tracking her vocals, and the song will be the hit that launches this album.
Joe Henderson & Alice Coltrane/Elements
Vinyl LP pressing. The Elements is an album by American saxophonist Joe Henderson, released in 1973 on Milestone. 1970 began a decade of discovery for Joe Henderson, a time to set aside the post-bop instrumentation and repertoire he was identified with and branch out into other realms. One of the most successful and challenging of these efforts that the Milestone label documented was the present four-part improvisation on the basic themes of “Fire”, “Air”, “Water” and “Earth”. Assisting the tenor saxophonist was a group of sympathetic explorers-Alice Coltrane on piano and harp, violin original Michael White, bass giant Charlie Haden, and the multifaceted percussionist Kenneth Nash. Latin American, Indian, and Native American strains enter the mix as Henderson applies the heat and mercurial invention of his more conventional work to these open-ended settings. While the music is enhanced with overdubbing in spots, the true magic of The Elements emanates from the musicians’ collective genius at listening and responding to each other.
Brenton Wood/Oogum Googum
Brenton Wood/Baby You Go It
Vinyl LP pressing. Renton Wood’s charmingly unpredictable phrasing and his infectious sense of good times made the smooth uptown soul of “The Oogum Boogum Song” into a hit in 1967.
Vinyl LP pressing. Brenton Wood’s classic second album Baby You Got It features the smash hit, “Gimme Little Sign” as well as his signature ballads “Me & You” and “Catch You On The Rebound”. Officially back in print on vinyl for the first time since it’s original release in 1967.
Squeeze/Squeeze
Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing. Squeeze is the self-titled debut album released by British group Squeeze. The album title was simply Squeeze in the United Kingdom, but in the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries the album, like the band, was marketed under the name U.K. Squeeze to avoid confusion with similarly named American and Australian groups. The LP was produced by John Cale, except for “Take Me I’m Yours” and “Bang Bang” (also the only singles released from the LP). Those songs were produced by the band. According to Glenn Tilbrook the process for making their first album was rewarding but also frustrating: “For me, U.K. Squeeze wasn’t really very representative of what we were doing at the time. When we worked with John Cale in the studio, he threw out all the songs that we had written. When most bands make their first album, they go in and do a lot of stuff that’s been going down well in their sets; well, that wasn’t the case with us. He told us to write new songs – which we did. He was inspirational guy to work with, but I felt that it was almost like we were writing for what he wanted rather than what the band itself was. When you’re in a position to be making a first album, it’s (A) awe-inspiring to be making an album, and (B) difficult to assert yourself against somebody who knows the ropes.”
Kyu Sakamoto/Sukiyaki And Other Japanese Hits
Vinyl LP pressing. Go! Bop! Present a reissue of Kyu Sakamoto’s Sukiyaki And Other Japanese Hits, originally released in 1962. If you are curious how Japanese pop music sounded in the early ’60s, here is one of the most popular examples. This reissue will hopefully intrigue fans of abundantly orchestrated ’60s pop to listen to Kyu Sakamoto, who sadly perished in an aircraft accident in 1985, one of the biggest events of it’s kind in flight history. What do you hear from this very young but already experienced man? Mysterious, soulful songs with big orchestral arrangements, tunes that show elements of Latin music, such as bossa nova, typically elegant doo wop, and pop ballads of the day with heartwarming melodies, some exotic tunes that draw influence from what western people might consider Japanese music, real or fictional. The most popular tune that became a worldwide hit is “Sukiyaki”, which later received great success with the German language version by The Blue Diamonds, a Dutch band of Indonesian origin. Sakamoto did not spare any style popular in the ’50s up to the early ’60s. You’ll hear elements of chanson among many others. The whole album is relaxed and beautiful, and is executed with a friendly expression. The orchestra, the big band, whoever accompanies Kyu Sakamoto, dresses all the compositions with passionate and pliable garment of absolute elegance. This album definitely is certainly joyous. The use of Japanese language, which might appeal to native speakers and those with a fondness for exotic aspects, makes this record even more outstanding. It’s a colorful and memorable effort.
Fairport Convention/Liege & Lief
Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing. Liege & Lief is the fourth album by the English folk rock band Fairport Convention. It is the third and final album the group released in the UK in 1969, all of which prominently feature Sandy Denny as lead female vocalist. (Denny did not appear on the group’s 1968 debut album). It is also the very first Fairport album on which all songs have either been adapted (freely) from traditional British and Celtic folk material (for example “Matty Groves”, “Tam Lin”), or else are original compositions (such as “Come All Ye”, “Crazy Man Michael”) written and performed in a similar style. By introducing songs of this genre into the group’s repertoire Denny, who had previously sung and recorded traditional folk songs as a solo artist, was instrumental in this transformation. Although Denny quit the band even before the album’s release, Fairport Convention has continued to the present day to make music almost exclusively within the traditional British folk music idiom, and are still most strongly associated with it.
Alice Cooper/Paranormal
180gm vinyl LP pressing housed in a gatefold sleeve. 2017 album from the veteran shock rocker. Paranormal is Alice Cooper’s 20th studio album, his first album of original material in six years. It’s a weird and wonderful collection of guitar-driven delights and produced by long-time collaborator Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Deep Purple), and featuring guests like ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons, U2 drummer Larry Mullen, Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover, as well as a highly anticipated mini-reunion of the original Alice Cooper band members. Paranormal is full of surprises and riveting turns. In keeping with his passion for the unexpected, the singer decided to steer clear of writing another concept album like 2011’s Welcome 2 My Nightmare, and focused on creating an explosive collection of unforgettable standalone songs. On Paranormal, Alice Cooper and Bob Ezrin go back to their roots and create the raw garage sound that fans loved and still love. With the beloved sound of Coopers early days, fans will feel like they’re taken back straight to the ’70s. Perhaps the biggest surprise on Paranormal is the historic two-song mini-reunion with his former bandmates, guitarist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway and drummer Neal Smith. The two songs, Genuine American Girl and the Who-inspired You and All Your Friends stand out, as in their iconic sound being instantly recognizable. In addition to the 12 new tracks on Paranormal, the singer has included a bonus disc of his current band playing killer live versions of some of The Coop’s greatest hits, such as No More Mr. Nice Guy, Billion Dollar Babies and School’s Out.
Jerry Garcia/Garcia (Compliments of)
Jerry Garcia – “(Compliments Of)” Originally released in 1974, Garcia (Compliments Of) is Jerry’s second full-length solo studio album. Produced by long-time collaborator John Kahn, the track list boasts classics from artists like Chuck Berry, Smokey Robinson, and Peter Rowan. This record showcases an all-star cast of the 1970’s most in-demand session players: drummer Ron Tutt, guitarist Larry Carlton (Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell), organist Merl Saunders, and legendary backing vocalists Merry Clayton and Clydie King among others.
Elvis Presley/A Boy From Tupelo
Limited 150 gram vinyl LP pressing including digital download. A Boy From Tupelo: The Sun Masters chronicles the rise of Elvis Presley before he became The King of Rock and Roll. Recorded with producer Sam Phillips, guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black during his first incredible year as a professional recording artist (July 1954-July 1955), this collection includes Elvis’ complete single A and B-sides for Sun Records, plus additional songs recorded at Sun Studio and released on his landmark self-titled debut album in 1956. This is the story of Elvis Presley before he becomes world-famous, and how this amazing young man readies himself for stardom, achieving success on a level that no one could have dreamed possible.
The final album written and recorded by Alan Vega, front man of seminal electronic duo Suicide, before his passing in July 2016. 2-LP Gatefold with never-before-seen drawings, writings, and photos by Alan Vega.Vega worked on the nine-track IT alongside his wife and frequent collaborator Liz Lamere from 2010 until his death in July 2016. For the album, Vega “religiously consumed” global news programs and took late-night walks around his native New York City, with the singer recording sounds and taking photographs that would serve as IT’s lyrical foundation.
Afrosonique Vol. 1
Vinyl LP pressing. Launched in early 2015 by a collective of crate diggers, Afro music-heads and vinyl- buying obsessives, Africa Seven’s aim is to spread the love and knowledge for African music in all it’s forms. In the wake of this effort, Afrosonique Vol.1 is the ideal first installment of a series of compilations bridging African tracks from the’70s and ’80s with the most talented artists of today into a remix and re-edit series. Compiled by veteran UK producer Tony Thorpe (Moody Boyz, KLF), one of the most important figures of the UK dance underground movement, the album brings together a rich ensemble of producers and artists from different genres and music scenes. From Warp’s long-time signee Plaid, DJ Food, top DJs John Talabot & Pional to broken beat legend IG Culture, the compilation promises to bring a modern twist to Africa’s most iconic tunes. This selection of artists also includes great names of the likes of Deep Medi’s Silkie and Appleblim from the historical dubstep night FWD at Plastic People. A younger generation of talents like Marcel Lune, Jabru, Redpine & Solo and EVM128 has also taken part in this cutting-edge project, bringing it’s own personal touch to this unique compilation. Africa remains the key theme and unifying principle of this work. With no multi-tracks available, the artists have gone through an incredible work of editing and overdubbing – almost remixing the original works. The result is a frenetic and fresh blend of styles ranging from modern Afro-jazz cuts to heavyweight dancefloor gear, almost spiritual hypnotic club anthems and low-tempo dreamscapes.
Avey Tare/Eucalyptus
Double vinyl LP pressing housed in a gatefold sleeve, includes digital download. Eucalyptus is the new studio album written and produced by Animal Collective’s Avey Tare. Conceived on Hawaiian mornings, written on a sunlit bedroom afternoon in Los Angeles, practiced in the dark early hours of the California twilight, recommended listening for dawn or dusk. Recorded by Animal Collective’s Deakin (Josh Dibb), featuring chamber orchestration arranged by Eyvind Kang, musicians Angel Deradoorian and Jessika Kenney, Eucalyptus is an immersive album length electro acoustic movement through leaves, rocks and dust.
Bill Frisell & Thomas Morgan/Small Town
Vinyl LP pressing. Small Town presents guitarist Bill Frisell and bassist Thomas Morgan in a program of duets, the poetic chemistry and stripped-down intensity of their playing captured live at New York’s hallowed Village Vanguard. The album includes a tribute to Paul Motian in the form of a searching interpretation of one of the late drummer’s pieces, an homage to jazz elder Lee Konitz, several country/blues-accented Frisell originals, and an inimitable treatment of the famous James Bond theme “Goldfinger.”
Psychic Temple/lV
Colored Vinyl, Pink, Limited Edition. Records like Psychic Temple IV aren’t made anymore. Maybe they never were. There is a magic present that some mistake for “tubes” or “tape” but it’s no more complicated than putting the right musicians together with the right songs.
Produced and composed by band/cult leader Chris Schlarb, Psychic Temple IV is what happens when 87-year old Max Bennett (bassist on Joni Mitchell’s Court and Spark and Hissing of Summer Lawns) plays with 26-year old drummer Tabor Allen (of Cherry Glazerr). British rock legend Terry Reid sings a trio of duets written and arranged for the only artist nicknamed “Superlungs”. When keyboardist Mick Rossi wrote to say he would be in town with the Philip Glass Ensemble, songs were composed and a new date was put on the calendar.
If their stellar new album, ‘Barefoot In The Head,’ is any indication, freedom suits the Chris Robinson Brotherhood well. The band is in the midst of one of their most prolific periods to date, with a slew of studio and live records coming out amidst a rigorous tour schedule that only seems to fuel their fire even further. ‘Barefoot In The Head’ finds the band pushing boundaries and breaking new ground with more joy and wonder than ever before. The album showcases the continued growth of Robinson’s songwriting partnership with his bandmates (guitarist Neal Casal, drummer Tony Leone, keyboardist Adam MacDougall, and bassist Jeff Hill), while reveling in the kind of playful adventurousness that can only come from five artists tuned in to the same sonic wavelength. “After six years of solid touring with this band, we can still roll into Fayetteville, AR on a Tuesday night and have the most fun of any musical thing I’ve ever been a part of,” says Robinson. “We don’t have the weight of responsibility or nostalgia, which means we’re in the very psychedelic situation of getting to be totally honest and create everything in the moment.
Blackstreet/Another Level
Limited double 180gm audiophile vinyl LP pressing including four page booklet. Powered by the massive hit single ‘No Diggity’, Another Level is arguably the best album created by Teddy Riley, the leader of Blackstreet. This was the first album with new members Eric Williams and Mark Middleton. They joined the group after replacing departed members Dave Hollister and Levi Little. Released in 1996, it reached #3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and #1 on the Top R&B Albums chart for five weeks and has sold over four million copies. Teddy Riley was a very influential producer back in the days. He invented a whole new sound, a combination of soul harmonies, rap breaks and hip-hop beats called new jack swing. He links up to the drum-machine and creates beats, synthesizer chords and uses his voice to make maximum impact with minimum presence. Giving his tracks a sleek leanness to it. But even so, the key to success is definitely Riley’s songwriting skills, which are always catchy and inventive, whether he is writing ballads or party jams. Another Level is heavily sought after but finally available again since it’s original first release on vinyl.
The Fall/Perverted By Language
Vinyl LP pressing. The Fall returned to Rough Trade in 1983 to release a pair of singles and Perverted By Language, their sixth proper studio album. Perverted By Language hints at the band’s shift towards a distinctly pop approach, one that they would perfect via their Beggars Banquet output that immediately followed. Yet again, the force and panic of their initial Rough Trade recordings remains the foundation for much of the album. A transitional recording in the absolute best sense, Perverted By Language is The Fall both as they were and as they would become. The emergence of Brix Smith is often cited as the impetus for The Fall’s move toward outward pop, and she first makes her first appearance with the band on Perverted By Language. Nowhere is her presence felt more than on ‘Hotel Blöedel’, where she handles lead vocal duties alongside Mark E. Smith whose mangled violin accompaniment roots the song’s cold romanticism in his unmistakable brand of strange. ‘Garden’ provides a new take on The Fall’s stretched-out tendencies-using ringing, clean guitars to build a nearly 10-minute epic more subtly than ever before. The opener, ‘Eat Y’self Fitter’, is wholly classic Fall: a playfully circular bass line drives the album’s strongest vocal spout, complete with emphatic breaks where Mark E. Smith issues the song’s spiteful decree with equal parts glee and scorn.
Sid & Nancy/Love Kills OST
120 gram vinyl LP pressing. Soundtrack to the 1986 biopic on the lives of Sex Pistols’ bassist Sid Vicious & girlfriend Nancy Spungen. Album coincides with the 40th Anniversary of the release of The Sex Pistols’ Never Mind The Bollocks. Features songs from Clash founder Joe Strummer, former Pistols’ bandmate Steve Jones, Velvet Underground’s John Cale, plus contributions from The Pogues and Circle Jerks, as well as actor Gary Oldman.
Walk The Line OST
Vinyl LP pressing. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a fiery collection of Johnny Cash’s most memorable songs on this GRAMMY®Awardwinning soundtrack. Legendary producer T-Bone Burnett navigated Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon and their fellow cast members through new recordings of classic country and rockabilly tunes. With additional tracks by Tyler Hilton, Johnathan Rice, Shooter Jennings and Waylon Payne, this Platinum-selling album serves as a lively tribute and worthy companion to Cash’s original works.
Carl Perkins/Best Of The Sun Records Sessions
Vinyl LP pressing. Best of the Sun Records Sessions is a compilation featuring prime selections of Carl Perkins’ recordings during his time at the legendary Sun Record Company, which have been remastered for vinyl. The album includes favorites like Roll Over Beethoven, Blue Suede Shoes, and Only You.
Imagine Dragons/Evolve
Evolve (stylized as ƎVOLVE) is the upcoming third studio album by Imagine Dragons, scheduled to be released through KIDinaKORNER and Interscope Records. The album is the band’s new material follow-up to their second studio album, Smoke + Mirrors.
DAMN. [Explicit] by Kendrick Lamar – Damn (stylized as DAMN.) is the fourth studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on April 14, 2017, by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. The album features production from a variety of record producers, including executive producer from the Top Dawg Entertainment label-head Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, Sounwave, DJ Dahi, Mike Will Made It and Ricci Riera; as well as production contributions from James Blake, Steve Lacy, BadBadNotGood, Greg Kurstin, The Alchemist and 9th Wonder, among others. Kendrick Lamar - DAMN.
Waxahatchee/Out In The Storm
Out in the Storm, Katie Crutchfield’s fourth album as Waxahatchee and her second release with Merge, is the blazing result of a woman reawakened. Her most autobiographical and honest album to date, Out in the Storm is a self-reflective anchor in the story of both her songwriting and her life. As Crutchfield prepared for the release of her Merge debut Ivy Tripp, she found herself depleted emotionally and professionally amidst the dissolution of a noxious relationship. “Ivy Tripp doesn’t really have any resolution. It’s a lot of beating around the bush, and superficially trying to see my life clearly, but just barely scratching the surface. Out in the Storm digs into what I was going through without blinking. It’s a very honest record about a time in which I was not honest with myself.” The album was tracked at Miner Street Recordings in Philadelphia with John Agnello, a producer, recording engineer, and mixer known for working with some of the most iconic musicians of the last 25 years, including Dinosaur Jr. And Sonic Youth. Agnello and Crutchfield worked together for most of December 2016, along with the band: sister Allison Crutchfield on keyboards and percussion, Katherine Simonetti on bass, and Ashley Arnwine on drums; Katie Harkin, touring guitarist with Sleater-Kinney, also contributed lead guitar. At Agnello’s suggestion, the group recorded most of the music live to enhance their unity in a way that gives the album a fuller sound compared to past releases, resulting in one of Waxahatchee’s most guitar-driven releases to date.
Charles Lloyd New Quartet/Passin’ Thru
Double vinyl LP pressing. 2017 release from the jazz great. NEA Jazz Master saxophonist and musical truth-seeker Charles Lloyd reconvenes his remarkable New Quartet with pianist Jason Moran, bassist Reuben Rogers, and drummer Eric Harland and takes us on another mystical journey with this live recording of Lloyd’s original compositions. Passin’ Thru is his third release on the Blue Note Records label – Wild Man Dance and I Long To See You. He had spent the previous 25 years recording for the ECM label. Though he primarily plays tenor saxophone and flute, Charles Lloyd has occasionally recorded on other reed instruments, including alto saxophone and the Hungarian tárogató.
Shabazz Palaces/Quazarz Vs. The Jealous Machine
Shabazz Palaces/Quazarz Born On A Gangsters
Vinyl LP pressing. Shabazz Palaces present Quazarz vs. The Jealous Machines, the group’s fourth album and extra-spatial twin to Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star. The album, featuring highlights “30 Clip Extension,” “Julian’s Dream (odeto a bad)” and “Effeminence” includes guest appearances from Fly Guy Dai of Chimurenga Renaissance, Amir Yaghamai, John Carroll Kirby, Thaddillac, Morgan Henderson, The Shogun Shot, Laz, and Purple Tape Nate. Quazarz vs. The Jealous Machines is a second, fully-realized album of new material that expands the Quazarz universe, and tells the tales of Quazarz, that sent sentient from some elsewhere. A wave warrior wielding his sonic sword. Posted to the turnt-up states of Amurderca here on the Gangster Star to chronicle, explore and enjoy as a musical emissary. He discovers a world where humankind’s relationship with their tech-devices has become weirdly sensual, seducing a sedentary seamlessness with humans, while capturing and incarcerating the results of their imagination. Quazarz vs The Jealous Machines finds our protagonist with his dazzling cohorts rising a collective Nah to the device and the guilds that proliferate them.
Vinyl LP pressing. Imbued with the energy and ideas from all the creative embers floating in the atmosphere like fireflies, Shabazz Palaces recorded this entire album over the course of two weeks with Blood in Seattle. New gear and new equipment disintegrated comfort zones into dust and a new path appeared in the rubble. Born on a Gangster Star flirts with a pop sensibility, but through the prism of Shabazz Palaces’s fire and fury. For the Palaceer, that sense is all about how the groove is moving, and the supernatural telepathy that occurs amongst his cohort. Appearing here, in body or in spirit, are Julian Casablancas, Thundercat, Darrius Willrich, Gamble and Huff, Loud Eyes Lou, Thaddillac, Ahmir, Jon Kirby, Sunny Levine, and Blood. The story belongs to Quazarz, but the air and darkness belong to us.
Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein/Stranger Things Deluxe Vol.1
Deluxe Collector’s Edition. Double 180gm multi-colored vinyl LP pressing with new cover including poster and five 4″ x 6″ character cards. Stranger Things is the breakout Netflix original series set in 1983 Indiana where a young boy vanishes into thin air. As friends, family and local police search for answers, they are drawn into an extraordinary mystery involving top-secret government experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one very strange little girl. A love letter to the ’80s supernatural classics that captivated a generation, Stranger Things stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Matthew Modine, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton. Formed in 2009, the prolific Austin, TX experimental synth quartet S U R V I V E has released two full-lengths and numerous EPs / singles since their inception, including recent contributions to the soundtrack for the acclaimed indie horror film The Guest. Additionally, two of the group’s members recently scored the soundtrack for the first season of Stranger Things.
Missy Elliott/Supa Dupa Fly
Double vinyl LP pressing. Supa Dupa Fly is the debut studio album by rapper Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, released July 15, 1997 on The Goldmind and Elektra Records. The album was recorded and produced solely by Timbaland in October 1996, and features the singles, “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”, “Sock It 2 Me”, “Hit Em wit da Hee” and “Beep Me 911”. Guest appearances on the album include Busta Rhymes, Ginuwine, Nicole, Keith Sweat, Magoo, Queen Latifah, Da Brat, 702, Lil’ Kim, K-CI & JoJo and Aaliyah. The album debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It sold 1.2 million copies in the United States, where it was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
McCoy Tyner/Today and Tomorrow
Charles Mingus/Lock Em Up
Mingus/Lock Em Up
Yoko Ono/Fly
Vinyl LP pressing. What you hear on 1971’s Fly is Yoko Ono’s disarming combination of opacity and visceral, personal transparency in full bloom. It’s one of the most unbridled, most captivating soul albums ever made. And that’s right where she wants you: vulnerable, wide open to any-and-everything, ready to have your world tipped onto it’s head. She’s a master of spinning your head around. First, you get the Bar Band from Hell of “Midsummer New York” to kick things off. It’s about the last thing you’d expect from Ono coming off Plastic Ono Band. But here you are, listening to Ono channeling Elvis. Why am I all of a sudden bopping along to it? At 16-minute-plus, the tranced-out, motorik-inspired boogie “Mind Train” is rough-and-ready for your next basement get down. Movement and perspiration required. Then, we have the absolutely gutting blues of “Don’t Worry, Kyoko (Mummy’s Only Looking For Her Hand in The Snow).” Full of ache and raw emotion, the song is a love note, a plea for forgiveness, to her estranged daughter Kyoko shot across the universe on a flaming arrow.
Boris/Dear
Boris/DearThis was going to be the last Boris album. After nearly three decades, the Japanese trio wasn’t sure they had anything left to express. Boris’ impact on practically every heavy musical vein – metal, shoegaze, punk, noise and drone – has well-secured the band’s legacy. “At the very first moment, this album began as some kind of potential farewell note of Boris,” the band writes in a press release. “However, it became a sincere letter to fans and listeners… you know, like ‘Dear so-and-so, this is the new album from Boris’ or something like that. We feel so grateful we can release this album in our 25th anniversary year.”
Vines/Highly Evolved
Vinyl LP pressing of this 2002 album from the Australian rockers. Highly Evolved is the debut studio album by Australian alternative rock band The Vines. It was released on 14 July 2002 on Capitol Records. Produced by Rob Schnapf, known for his collaboration with Tom Rothrock on Elliott Smith’s albums Either/Or, XO, and Figure 8, Highly Evolved was an immensely popular debut, part of a trend towards garage rock revival bands known as much for the relentless hype from the UK music press as for their music – The Vines were frequently compared to Nirvana. The debut single, “Highly Evolved”, was chosen as Single of the Week by influential British music magazine NME. The magazine also voted it the 2nd best album of the year in 2002. The album was also included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
Television Personalities:
Television Personalities/They Could Have Been Bigger Than The Beatles
Triple vinyl LP pressing. Special Indie Edition Blue and Regular Edition Black. Digitally remastered and expanded 20th Anniversary edition. Rescued from defunct formats, prized from dark cupboards and brought to light after two decades in cold storage… OKNOTOK features the original OK Computer twelve track album, eight B-sides, and the Radiohead completist’s dream: “I Promise,” “Lift,” and “Man Of War.” The original studio recordings of these three previously unreleased and long sought after OK Computer era tracks finally receive their first official issue on OKNOTOK. All material on OKNOTOK is newly remastered from the original analogue tapes. OK Computer was originally released on various dates ranging from May to July 1997. Produced by the band and Nigel Godrich, the album is widely cited as one of the greatest works of Radiohead’s-or any artist’s-catalogue and was the first Radiohead record to reach #1 in the UK and to be be nominated for the Album of the Year Grammy. The album features singles “Paranoid Android,” “Karma Police,” “Lucky” and “No Surprises.” In 2015, The National Recording Registry selected OK Computer to be preserved in the Library of Congress as a recording that has proven “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
Beth Ditto/Fake Sugar
The inimitable Beth Ditto harkens back to her Southern roots on Fake Sugar, her first solo record after The Gossip disbanded. That doesn’t mean Ditto’s mean gone full-on country, though – the queer feminist icon instead taps into gospel, soul, and even a bit of country rock. That these genres influenced the operatic singer’s musical vocabulary is no surprise, of course, to longtime fans, but don’t expect the raucous dancepunk. The first single “Fire” premiered as BBC radio 1’s “hottest record in the world”. This is her solo debut album after being with The Gossip.
Triptides/Afterglow
Limited colored vinyl LP pressing. 2017 album from the Californian psych rockers. Triptides as the tides of the ocean draw their power from the moon above, the music of Triptides is fueled by the mind-bending inspiration and wide-ranging creative talents of Glenn Brigman (vocals and guitar), Josh Menashe (guitar and vocals), Dylan Sizemore (bass guitar) and Shaugnessy Starr (drums). The trip began in the bohemian basements of Bloomington, Indiana in 2010, where Glenn and Josh shared ideas and influences before evolving to craft a complex yet cohesive range of lush, “psychedelic beach-pop” sounds. Two EPs and four LPs later, Triptides are now an essential element of the Los An-geles psych scene. Inspired by the spirit of ’60s and ’70s West Coast pop and psychedelia, as well as legendary albums ranging from The Piper at the Gates of Dawn to The Notorious Byrd Brothers. “This artefact is something especially nice to have and hold and sit alongside The Young Sinclairs, Silver Factory and Allah-Las in your collection. They deserve far more attention than has come along so far” -Shindig. “The soundtrack that will illuminate the summer.” – Nouvel Obs. “The romance that is beginning with Triptides will last more than this summer.” – Rock & Folk.
Toro Y Moi/Boo Boo
After 7 years of touring and recording, I found myself becoming self conscious about my position in life as a “famous” person, or at least my version of whatever that is. My dreams had become my reality, yet I was somehow unable to accept this new environment. I couldn’t help but fall into what might be described as an identity crisis. A feedback loop of fearful thoughts left me feeling confused. I felt as though I no longer knew what it was that I actually wanted and needed in and out of life, and at times I felt unable to even tell what was real.
By the time I felt ready to begin working on a new record, I knew that this idea of space within music would be something that propelled my new work forward. The artists that were influencing what I was making included everyone from Travis Scott to Daft Punk, Frank Ocean to Oneohtrix Point Never, Kashif and Gigi Masin. I recognized that the common thread between these artists was their attention to a feeling of space, or lack thereof. I decided that I wanted to make a Pop record with these ideas in mind. That idea for a record is what eventually became Boo Boo. Toro y Moi
Pasteur Lappe/Na Man Pass Man
Vinyl LP pressing. Following on from the Pasteur Lappe compilation African Funk Experimentals LP, we are really pleased to be re-visiting Pasteur with a repress of his second album from 1979, Na Man Pass Man. The story begins in the ’60s with a charming 19 year old Nicolas “Pasteur” Lappe becoming a sensation on Radio Adele in Douala, Cameroun. His second album Na Man Pass Man is made in 1979 with the backing band and production collective called the Zulu Gang, which include Douglas Mbida (who went on to release several top flight albums himself) and Jacob Desvariaux (who went on to form Kassav). The album is full of diverse sounds; from driving funk, sweeping disco grooves, syrupy ballads, reggae, Jackson-five-esque pop to finger-lickin’ soul. At it’s core though is the custom “Sekele” groove… a movement to encompass the dance, grooves and vibes from his native Douala. The album opens with Africa Seven favorite “Na Real Sekele Fo’ Ya” which takes stabby moog bass synth to a whole new level of grooviness. “Follow Me To My Dreams” takes proceedings on a reggae tip as the Zulu Gang show us just how reggae they can go. It’s sleezy Rhodes and sax led jazz funk of “Mbale”. Followed by “Missosi” a cautionary tale from our hero. Side B opens with another slice of slick African Reggae with “Babette D’O (Rastawoman)” – the Caribbean chops of Jacob Desvariaux getting a full exercise here. It’s then “Back To Funky” with some dance funk. It features Maryse Lappe guesting on vocals too. The “Lead” track from the album “ABC” is next with it’s stomping afro, pop funk delightfulness. A 12″ version was actually released in 1979 with a fine painting of our hero on the front cover. We close off the LP with the title track “Na Man Pass Man (Na Iron de Cut)”. This features Pasteur singing and professing his tale of the trials of Africans and African Music over a rolling bass guitar groove. The nostalgic poet, with Africa at his essence Pasteur Lappe, we salute you.
STRFKR/Vault Vol. 2
Limited 180gm teal colored vinyl LP pressing, includes digital download. Vault Vol. 2 is a collection of rare, previously unreleased songs that up until now have never been heard by anyone except STRFKR. The band only exists today because of these recordings. Some of these songs were written for STRFKR albums, some were written before or inbetween, but they all played a role and influenced what was released under that name.
melvins/a walk with love & death
Limited edition colored vinyl LP pressing housed in a gatefold sleeve. The Melvins have announced their first double album, A Walk With Love and Death, set for release via Ipecac Recordings. The dual albums find the trio of Buzz Osborne, Dale Crover, and Steve McDonald showcasing two distinct sides to the band’s music: Death, a proper Melvins’ release, and Love, the score to the Jesse Nieminen directed, self-produced short also titled A Walk With Love and Death. – The albums, which include guests Joey Santiago (The Pixies), Teri Gender Bender (Le Butcherettes/Crystal Fairy) and Anna Waronker (That Dog), were self-produced with engineer Toshi Kosai.
Black Lips/Satan’s Graffiti Or God’s Art
Black Lips – Satan’s graffiti or God’s art? – Atlanta’s valiant punks Black Lips have announced that their first album in three years, Satan’s graffiti or God’s art?, is set for release May 5 via Vice Records. Produced by Sean Lennon at his studio compound in upstate New York throughout 2016, the album is the group’s most musically evolved to date, while still staying true to their original blistering take on fuzzy, dirty rock n’ roll. On their 8th full length, “Satan’s graffiti or God’s art?”, Black Lips were joined by Saul Adamczewski of Fat White Family and Sean Lennon in helping co-produce, and the final product is urgent and thoughtful, reflecting the growth the Black Lips have experienced since bursting onto the scene (once or twice quite literally on fire) but also true to their original blistering, careening take on rock n’ roll: fuzzy, dirty, and rife with three and four part harmonies.
Randall Bramblett/Juke Joint At The Edge Of The World
Vinyl LP pressing, includes digital download. Juke Joint At The Edge Of The World is a record that reflects the freedom my bandmates and I have found playing together in the last few years. Some of the places we play are like the old juke joints where people dance and shout – from these people and places we’ve found the energy we need to be free to shake the music up. Now, when we improvise we know it’s going to take us to a new and better musical place. Time listening and working together has given us that. The result is that this record has more of a “live in the studio” feel to it. It’s also rooted more in the soul and R&B dance music I grew up listening to and playing. Less thinking and more playing. Less analyzing and more fun. When I wrote these new songs, I inhabited various characters and let them speak from their worlds about delusions and fantasy (“Plan B”), poverty, humor and strength (“Pot Holes on Main Street”), memories of my youth and class/race segregation (“Garbage Man”). I dreamed the song “Mali Katra” (what language is that?) after seeing a large group of vultures roosting on a cell tower on one of my walks. This got me thinking about the spirits and powers that roam the world and run in the background of our lives. The artwork for the cover reminds me of the absurdity and wildness of all that. I thought about calling the record Rex Comes Home. Anyway, I wouldn’t take that call from that particular cell tower.
Anti-Flag/Die For The Government
Limited red vinyl LP pressing. Special remaster of Anti-Flag’s politically charged 1996 debut album features blistering hardcore punk rock anthems such as “You’ve Got To Die For The Government,” “Red, White And Brainwashed,” “Police State In The USA” and more. Anti-Flag are an American punk band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. The band is well known for political activism, focusing on anti-war activism, anti-imperialism, class struggle, human rights, and various sociopolitical sentiments. The line-up includes singer/guitarist Justin Sane and drummer Pat Thetic, who founded the band. Anti-Flag is known also for their advocacy of progressive political action groups such as Greenpeace and Amnesty International.
Gil Scott-Heron/The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
Vinyl LP pressing. Digitally remastered edition of this compilation of Gil Scott-Heron’s best-known works for the Flying Dutchman label. Originally released to capitalize on the success of Scott-Heron’s then-current hit ‘The Bottle’ and his subsequent signing to Arista, this 1974 compilation has since become the definitive distillation of his early work. Contained within the original 11-track selection were the title track, ‘Whitey On The Moon’, ‘Home Is Where The Hatred Is’ plus eight more. Replicating the original 11-track running order and packaged in a heavy duty sleeve, the vinyl reissue features the original LP’s inner gatefold artwork on the inner bag.
Marylebone Beat Girls 1964-1967/Various Artists
Limited 180gm orange vinyl LP pressing in a heavy duty sleeve with comprehensive notes and rare photos on the inner bag. This follow-up to our recent Love Hit Me! Decca Beat Girls and Scratch My Back! Pye Beat Girls releases comprises superior 60s she-pop from the EMI group of record labels – Parlophone, Columbia and HMV – headquartered in Marylebone in the heart of London’s West End. Most of the female acts signed by EMI were teenagers completely tuned in to the current pop trends. Scottish duo the McKinleys, R&B club habituée Julie Driscoll, talent show winner Billie Davis and Midlands pub singer Beverley Jones took original material from London’s Tin Pan Alley and American covers and gave them an abrasive, vigorous kick that made for fabulous 45s. They may not have had quite the Polish of their US counterparts, but the rough ‘n’ ready sound of the Marylebone Beat Girl was precisely her appeal. Among the many highlights are ‘Dancing Yet’, a Dobie Gray-style discotheque number by Liza & the Jet Set; ‘Like The Big Man Said’ by Toni Daly, a cover of Italian star Caterina Caselli’s ‘L’uomo D’oro’ with edgy English lyrics by Peter Callander; and Billie Davis’ groovy gender-switched update of Chuck Willis’ R&B nugget ‘Whatcha’ Gonna Do’.
Vinyl LP pressing. Modernism goes vinyl! After two successful CD volumes, Kent’s look at the sort of R&B and club soul that could have been danced to by the original mods – if only they had known about it – arrives with a special vinyl edition. Gathering up favorite discoveries from the CDs, this 14-track LP is augmented by other tracks culled from the mod jazz series together with a couple of exclusives. This compilation is a selection of high spots, with something for every mod fan whatever the style. Classic club soul from Bob & Earl, Bessie Banks and Jeb Stuart jostles with jazzy R&B from Floyd White and Clarence Daniels plus some almost-funk from Chuck Higgins and Chet Ivey. Three tracks are released on vinyl for the first time whilst many others are seeing their first reissue on the format. One of these is the super rare ‘Go’ by Little Johnny Hamilton and the Creators, a band that would go on to become 1970s chart-toppers War.
Otis Redding/The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads
Vinyl LP pressing. The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads, simply referred to as Soul Ballads or Sings Soul Ballads, is the second studio album by American soul singer-songwriter Otis Redding, released in 1965. The album was one of the first issued by Volt Records, a sub-label of Stax Records, and Redding’s first on the new label. Like Redding’s debut Pain in My Heart, Soul Ballads features both soul classics and originals written by Redding and other Stax Records recording artists. The recording sessions took place at the Stax studios in Memphis. The album features the Booker T. & the M.G.’s, the horn section Memphis Horns and the pianist Isaac Hayes, who possibly first appeared on this album, although this is disputed, as he was not credited on the liner notes.
Carla Thomas/Carla
Vinyl LP pressing. Carla Thomas was to Memphis’ Stax Records what Aretha was to Atlantic: the label’s reigning matriarch, able to wrap her glorious voice around “B-A-B-Y” and “Let Me Be Good to You,” chart-toppers from the precocious songwriting team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter, as well as R&B standards like Willie Dixon’s “Little Red Rooster.” Backed by the Stax house combo, fronted by Booker T. and Steve Cropper, Carla also shows off her storied versatility with knockout renderings of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “I Fall to Pieces.” Carla is often referred to as the Queen of Memphis Soul. She is the daughter of Rufus Thomas.
Albert King/Born Under A Bad Sign
Vinyl LP pressing. Born Under a Bad Sign is the second studio album by Albert King released in 1967. The album became “one of the most popular and influential blues albums of the late ’60s” and has been acknowledged by the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame, and Rolling Stone magazine. Born Under a Bad Sign was the first album by Albert King for Stax Records and his second album overall. It is composed of singles released by King recorded between March 3, 1966 and June 9, 1967, with additional studio tracks. Providing accompaniment to Albert King, who sang and played lead guitar, were the Stax in-house recording session band, Booker T. and the MGs, featuring the Memphis Horns. Four of the album’s songs became modern blues classics: “Born Under a Bad Sign”, “Oh Pretty Woman”, “The Hunter”, and “Crosscut Saw.”
Master P/Ice Cream Man
Double vinyl LP pressing. Ice Cream Man is the fifth studio album by New Orleans rapper Master P. It was set to be release in the summer of ’95 but it ended up being released on April 16, 1996. Ice Cream Man hit #6 on the Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and #26 on the Billboard 200. It was Master P’s and No Limit Record’s first ever RIAA platinum certified album. Master P is a hip hop recording artist, actor, businessman, investor, author, filmmaker, record producer, philanthropist, and former basketball player. He is the founder of the record label No Limit Records.
This Is The Kit/Moonshine Freeze
Limited red colored vinyl LP pressing. This Is the Kit, long a favorite of US musicians like The National, Sharon Van Etten, and Chris Thile, is poised to break through to a larger fanbase beyond the music intelligentsia with the warm, inviting, and beautifully human Moonshine Freeze. The band, led by Paris-by-way-of-Bristol vocalist and songwriter Kate Stables along with the core trio of Rozi Plain, Jamie Whitby-Coles, and Neil Smith, as well as a revolving cast of horn players, additional percussionists, strings, and others, worked with producer John Parish on Moonshine Freeze. Parish’s known brilliance for capturing a close-mic’ed vocal is felt here: Stables’ uniquely-textured voice is brought to the fore, and – following the tradition of exquisitely strange troubadors like Karen Dalton, Will Oldham, or Robert Wyatt – is simply arresting. Stables’ chiaroscuro lyrics, and the detailed arrangements that have earned her fans in fellow musicians and thoughtful listeners, are here in full bloom, of course. But the songs themselves encompass more space and volume than ever before, with choruses at once inexplicable as well as singalong; the odd Motown-style horn chart cropping up here and there, in unexpected, but utterly welcome, interludes; sounds that veer from delicate to dusty to swelling in a moment. With Moonshine Freeze, This Is the Kit have struck a balance between the esoteric and the accessible, and have brought together a collection of brilliant songs with tremendous potential.
Emmylou Harris:
Emmylou Harris/Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris/Elite Hotel
And Randy Newman:
Randy Newman/Randy Newman
Randy Newman/Sail Away
Randy Newman/12 Songs
Soundtrack re-issues:
True Romance O.S.T. (Limited Ed White Blood Splatter)
Gladiator O.S.T. Music of Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrad
