another busy few weeks with busy events & tons of product coming so we had to combine these two releases lists
RECKLESS RECORDS 3/24/23 & 3/31/23 NEW RELEASES
LUCINDA CHUA – Yian LP/CD (4AD)
Singer and cellist LUCINDA CHUA follows up her 2021 album “Antidotes” with another spacious, introspective LP filled with lush tones, orchestral dynamics and soft, impressionistic vocals. CHUA formerly worked with the moniker FELIX on Kranky records, and this should appeal to fans of her Kranky labelmates GROUPER and LOW. On 4AD and RECOMMENDED!
ALICE COLTRANE – Journey in Satchidananda LP (Impulse) Verve Acoustic Sound Series
An essential 60s/70s jazz album & one of the most important spiritual jazz records ever, The 4th solo album by Alice Coltrane finally available again as part of the fantastic Verve Acoustic Sound remaster series. Alice had recently become a follower of Swami Satchidananda & her music became a vessel for her pursuit of knowledge & spirituality. With players such as Pharoah Sanders, Charlie Haden & Rashied Ali (along with others), Coltrane created some truly futuristic music that still sounds groundbreaking today. There’s not many albums we can recommendmore highly than this honestly.
DARKSPACE – LP reissues (Season of Mist)
Season of Mist has done us all a favor by reissuing the classic albums by the cosmic & atmospheric black metal duo known as DARK SPACE. Mixing elements of drone, dark ambient & black metal, DARK SPACE created some of the most intense & artful black metal albums ever. RECOMMENDED.
DARK SPACE – I LP (Season of Mist)
DARK SPACE – II LP (Season of Mist)
DARK SPACE – III LP (Season of Mist)
ENSLAVED – Heimdal LP (Nuclear Blast) now on vinyl!
Those of you that have been stalking our metal sections for the past decade + will know that we love ENSLAVED at Reckless. There was a while there where they seemed almost unstoppable. They’ve slowed down a little bit after losing their long term drummer, covid restrictions etc… but they’re back in ’23 with their 16th (!!) album. The previous album “Utgard” was their most straight-ahead metal album in years & this one is the opposite, probably their most progressive record in years. Complex arrangements, their classic blend of harsh & clean vocals & some cool synth textures & experimentation while making sure not to forget some truly stoked-worthy riffage & epic soloing. RECOMMENDED!
PINK FLOYD – Dark Side of the Moon: Live at Wembley Empire Pool, London, 1974 LP/CD (Pink Floyd)
In celebration of 50 years for “Dark Side of the Moon” comes the first stand-alone vinyl issue of this 1974 live recording from Wembley Empire Pool in London. The recording is top notch & it’s amazing to hear the band absolutely kill these songs in that era. The LP comes with two posters. RECOMMENDED.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES AND RESTOCKS
ALTIN GUN – Ask LP/CD (ATO)
FIONA APPLE – Fetch the Bolt Cutters LP (Epic) finally back in stock
OMAR APOLLO – Ivory LP (Warner)
BEACH HOUSE – Bloom LP (Sub Pop) back in stock
BOYGENIUS- The Record LP/CD (Interscope) limited color or black vinyl
BURIAL – Untrue LP (Hyperdub) back in stock
CAVE IN – Until Your Heart Stops LP (Relapse) color vinyl reissue
CELTIC FROST – Into the Pandemonium 2LP (BMG) reissue on color vinyl w/ poster
CELTIC FROST – Morbid Tales 2LP (BMG) reissue on color vinyl w/ poster
CELTIC FROST –To Mega Therion 2LP (BMG) reissue on color vinyl w/ poster
CHRIS & COSEY – Elemental 7 LP (CTI)
CHRIS & COSEY – Musik Fantastique! LP (CTI)
THE CITY & COLOUR – The Love Still Held Me Near LP/CD (Dine Alone) LP/CD limited color or black vinyl
DENZEL CURRY – Unlocked LP (Loma Vista) color vinyl
LUKE COMBS – Gettin’ Old LP (Columbia)
DAFT PUNK – Discovery LP (Daft Life) back in stock
DAFT PUNK – Human After All LP (Daft Life) back in stock
DEAD MOON – Echoes of the Past: Anthology 4LP box set (Arena Rock)
DEERHOOF – Miracle-Level LP/CD (Joyful Noise)
LANA DEL REY – Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd LP/CD (Interscope) color LP w/ alternate art is already sold out, hoping to have more soon
DEPECHE MODE – Memento Mori LP/CD (Columbia)
DUSTER – Moods, Modes 7” boxset (Numero)
FALL OUT BOY – So Much (For) Stardust LP/CD/TAPE (Fueled by Ramen) limited color or black vinyl
GORILLAZ – Demon Days (Picture Disc) LP (Warner) back in stock
GRANDADDY – Sophtware Slump LP (Dangerbird) color vinyl reissue
HOLD STEADY – Price of Progress LP/CD (Positive Jams) limited color or black vinyl
IGGY & THE STOOGES – Raw Power: 50th Anniversary 2LP (Columbia) RSD Essential gold vinyl
IRON & WINE – Lori 12” (Black Cricket) featuring Chicago’s FINOM!
KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD – Laminated Denim LP (KGLW)
KINKS – The Journey: Part One LP/CD (BMG)
LOW – Double Negative LP (Sub Pop) back in stock
LOW – Secret Name LP (Kranky) back in stock
BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS – Limited edition, Jamaican vinyl pressings (Tuff Gong)
MELANIE MARTINEZ – Portals LP/CD (Atlantic) 5 different CD versions
MAC MILLER – Blue Slide Park: 10th Anniversary (Rostrum) color vinyl
MAC MILLER – Divine Feminine (Warner) back in stock
MICROPHONES – Glow PT. 2 LP (PW Elverum & Sun)
MICROPHONES – Microphones in 2020 PT. 2 LP (PW Elverum & Sun
NEW PORNOGRAPHERS – Continue as a Guest LP/CD (Merge) limited color or black vinyl
PURLING HISS – Drag on Girard LP/CD (Drag City)
CAROLINE ROSE – The Art of Forgetting LP (New West) LP/CD
DICK STUSSO – S.P. LP (Hardly Art)
TOMAHAWK – Oddfellows LP (Ipecac) limited color or black vinyl
TOMAHAWK – Tomahawk LP (Ipecac) limited color or black vinyl
UNWOUND – Challenge for a Civilized Society TAPE (Numero)
UNWOUND – Future of What TAPE (Numero)
UNWOUND – Leaves Turn Inside You TAPE (Numero)
UNWOUND – Repetition TAPE (Numero)
UNWOUND – Unwound TAPE (Numero)
SHARON VAN ETTEN – Tramp: 10th Anniversary LP (Jagjaguwar)
WEYES BLOOD – Titanic Rising LP (Sub Pop) back in stock
BEHERIT – Drawing Down the Moon LP/CD/TAPE (Nuclear War Now)
Finally!! Fancy reissue of some of the most evil music ever put to tape, BEHERIT’S 1993 album “Drawing Down the Moon.” Everything about this record totally kicks ass. From the opening spoken intro, you know you’re in for something serious. The vibe of this record is totally oppressive, dark & heavy so much so that we wonder if the band even realized if they were onto something this great while they were making this classic metal slab. This is essential listening for any fan of black/death metal specifically bands such as VON, SARCOFAGO, CELTIC FROST etc…LEGENDARY!!!!!!!!! This NWN press comes in a heavy, tip-on gatefold with a thick booklet.
COLOURED BALLS – Ball Power LP (Just Add Water) color or black vinyl
Just Add Water hits it out of the park with this reissue of the 1973 album from Australia’s COLOURED BALLS. Like THE SAINTS & RADIO BIRDMAN, COLOURED BALLS played hard rock with hints of what was to come with punk rock & some power pop influence. Lead guitarist Lobby Loyde was the group’s wild card, with incredible soloing ala Randy Holden with interesting use of effects. Any fan of Aussie proto-punk & early punk absolutely MUST pick this up. INCREDIBLE!!
DAVID CUNNINGHAM – Grey Scale LP (Superior Viaduct)
First ever reissue of this 1976 album by the Irish artist David Cunningham. Along with a group of non musicians, Cunningham took inspiration from contemporary experimental artists of the era like Gavin Bryars, Michael Nyman, David Toop etc… & managed to create a unique album of modern minimalism. Somewhere between Moondog & Steve Reich, these repetitive minimalist pieces are truly engaging.
ELDER – Innate Passage LP (Armageddon Label)
The Berlin based progressive metal masters return with their 6th album. These guys are at the top of their game here with 5 lengthy tracks of complex but melodic & catchy progressive rock with nods at bands like MASTODON & BARONESS but with their own distinct approach. RECOMMENDED.
FELT – Gold Mine Trash LP (1972)
FELT – Bubblegum Perfume LP (1972)
We’re big fans of FELT here at Reckless so any reissue is reason to celebrate. “Gold Mine Trash” focuses on the the Cherry Red Years while “Bubblegum Perfume” documents the Creation years
LONNIE HOLLEY – Oh Me Oh My LP/CD (Jagjaguwar) limited color or black
The 2023 album from the Atlanta based musician/ visual artist Lonnie Holley features has a pretty impressive list of collaborators including Michael Stipe, Moor Mother, Sharon Van Etten & Justin Vernon of BON IVER. Holley’s music is difficult to categorize. Combining elements of jazz, blues & spoken word poetry, Holley has created his own style of spiritual music.
LES RALLIZES DENUDES reissues
Temporal Drift’s official LES RALLIZES DENUDES reissue series continues with three new releases on the same day. There’s been a ton of music released over the years but almost all of it has been unofficial. The band actually only released two proper albums during their 30 year existence.
LES RALLIZES DENUDES – Mizutani LP (Temporal Drift) red vinyl
“Mizutani” is an outlier for the band as they’re best known for their scorching, blown-out live recordings but this one is a mellow album of outsider folk tunes featuring the band in a stripped-down duo form recorded in 1970.
LES RALLIZES DENUDES – ‘77 Live LP (Temporal Drift) clear vinyl
“’77 Live” was recorded in Tokyo in 1977 & displays their famous blown-out, feedback drenched sound perfectly.
LES RALLIZES DENUDES – ‘67-’69 Studio Et Live LP (Temporal Drift) purple vinyl
“’67-’69” documents the early years of the band & these are the most experimental & far-out recordings from these reissues hinting at what was to come with noise music in Japan & other countries around the world in the coming decades.
NNAMDI – Are You Happy EP (Sooper)
The talented Chicago musician Nnamdi teamed up with his MONOBODY bandmate Lynn to create this EP of electronic nuggets. A mix of straight-ahead auto-tuned electronic pop & some occasional busy programming that remind us of early ’00s SQUAREPUSHER/APHEX TWIN.
THE SMILE – Europe: Live Recordings 2022 LP (XL)
If you’ve been lucky enough to see THE SMILE live then you now that their debut album isn’t some sort of studio trickery, those guys can really play that stuff. Actually the band is more energetic live & they tend to stretch out the songs & take more chances which you can hear on those limited & excellent sounding EP. There’s a SCORCHING version of Thom’s solo track “FeelingPulledApartByHorses” here that really shows what this band can go.
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Blacklips Bar – Androgyns & Deviants: Industrial Romance for Bruised & Battered Angels, 1992-1995 LP (Anthology)
This lovely comp focuses on the Blacklips Performance Cult, a cabaret, drag and DJ night at the Pyramid Club in NYC founded by ANOHNI, Johanna Constantine and Psychotic Eve. Inspired by the queer cabaret culture of interwar Europe, the music and performances here range from surreal & absurd to shocking & emotional. Compiled by ANOHNI herself, this both provided her a career springboard and showcased a vision of queer expression seen in the cultural underground throughout history to today. On Anthology Recordings and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Pacific Breeze 3: Japanese City Pop, AOR & Boogie 1975- 1987 LP/CD/TAPE (Light in the Attic)
Attention Japanophiles!! Volume 3 of the very popular Pacific Breeze series is now here. City Pop was popular in Japan in the late 70s & early 80s & it’s a blend of disco, soft rock/pop & R&B. It’s almost like Muzak versions of yacht rock songs but like a lot of things, time has been kind to these unique sounds. RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS
CAKE – Prolonging the Magic LP (RCA)
MILEY CYRUS – Endless Summer Vacation LP/CD (Columbia)
THE DARK – Dressing the Corpse LP (Scat) color or black vinyl
DRAKE – Honestly Nevermind CD (Republic)
DRAKE & 21 Savage- Her Loss CD (Republic)
FLAMING LIPS – Fight Test LP (Warner)
FLAMING LIPS – Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell LP (Warner) shipped late arriving next week
M83 – Fantasy LP/CD (Mute) limited color or black vinyl
>> ISABELLE ANTENA – En Cavale LP (Numerophon)*Reissue – Black or Ltd. “Seaside” Silver Vinyl
After the French group ANTENA broke up in 1985, the singer Isabelle moved into a more pop direction with this solo album now reissued by Numero. There’s a similar Brazilian/samba influence but the sounds are smoother & more intentionally mainstream. Nods at 80s pop & R&B radio hits with touches of Japanese city pop. RECOMMENDED.
>> BIG|BRAVE – Nature Morte LP/CD (Thrill Jockey) *Black or Ltd. Lavender Vinyl
This new album from Montreal post-metal trio BIG|BRAVE (aka BIG BRAVE) makes use of empty space, cutting in textured walls of distortion and sharp, full-band stabs to the sparse atmospheres the band creates. Nature Morte should appeal to fans of labelmates SUMAC and THE BODY if the music was taken to a spartan extreme. RECOMMENDED.
>>EN ATTENDANT ANA – Principia LP/CS (Trouble In Mind) *Black or Ltd. Peach Color Vinyl
The French group EN ATTENDANT ANA returns with Principia. The quintet writes crystalline pop gems with nods at Reckless faves like STEREOLAB, BROADCAST & CAMERA OBSCURA. RECOMMENDED.
>> KATE FAGAN – I Don’t Wanna Be Too Cool LP/CD (Captured Tracks) *Expanded Edition – Milky Clear Vinyl ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
I Don’t Wanna Be Too Cool is a classic slab of early 80s Chicago new wave/punk & it’s been expanded from a 7″ to an album with 4 extra tracks. Catchy as hell songs that sound like a mix of BLONDIE, SUBURBAN LAWNS, B-52’s etc… It’s great to be able to stock this in the store again. RECOMMENDED!
>> U.S. GIRLS – Bless This Mess LP/CD (4AD)
Stellar return for Meg Remy and her eighth record as U.S. GIRLS. Bless This Mess develops the USG sonic palette, honing the 80s-influenced electro-funk and bright psych-pop with a crisp, wood-paneled studio sound, while exploring Remy’s pregnancy and birth of her twin sons. Remy manages to strike a balance in between sultry and anthemic, and the result is a very visceral, “living” record that makes its way through the studio sheen. On 4AD and RECOMMENDED!
>> ATTILA CSIHAR – Void Ov Voices: Baalbek LP (Ideologic Organ)
NOT METAL IN THE METAL SECTION ALERT!!! A very interesting debut solo release from MAYHEM vocalist & SUNN O))) collaborator Atilla Csihar. Through his travels, Atilla became obsessed with the Trilitons & the giant Monoliths of Baalbek, massive structures that pre-date Roman technology. Similar to the Pyramids, it’s difficult for contemporary Westerners to imagine structures of this magnitude being built thousands of years ago mainly because the knowledge has been lost. Csihar made some recordings at the site & supposedly went into a trance-like state likely inspired by the incalculable history surrounding him. Repeating deep vocal chants, looped field recordings & mysterious electronic sounds present a very mysterious listening experience. RECOMMENDED!
>> FRAN – Leaving LP (Fire Talk) *Black or Ltd. Indie Exclusive Cream Vinyl – Now available! ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
This sophomore record from Chicago’s Maria Jacobson embraces a production style both warm and restrained, putting her rich voice and melody-focused songwriting front and center. An excellent indie folk-pop record for the cold late winter months. RECOMMENDED.
>> JON HASSELL – Further Fictions: The Living City + Psychogeography CD (Nyeda)
>> JON HASSELL – The Living City LP (Nyeda)
>> JON HASSELL – Psychogeography LP (Nyeda)
Stunning archival releases from the late trumpeter and composer JON HASSELL, taken from the time of his 1990 album City: Works of Fiction. The Living City uses material from a collaborative audio-visual live set done with BRIAN ENO in 1989, while Psychogeography revisits the studio sessions, rearranging and building an alternate history using loose jams and takes. This is a relatively overlooked period in the JON HASSELL discography, but these recordings see him as creative, fruitful and vital as any period of his career. Truly essential stuff here that comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
>> PILE – All Fiction LP (Exploding In Sound)
Excellent new LP from prolific Boston post-punks PILE. All Fiction is among their most atmospheric, draping noise and reverb over their pummeling, PROTOMARTYR-ish rhythms with textured guitars and synths. Reliably sharp material here on Exploding In Sound. RECOMMENDED.
Eighth record from NJ underground legends SCREAMING FEMALES picks up where All at Once left off. Punchy guitar riffs, earworm melodies and some axe-shredding magic from Marissa Paternoster make this one of the SCREAMALES most straight-ahead capital R Rock records to date. RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & RESTOCKS
>> @ (aka AT) – Mind Palace Music LP (Carpark) *Ltd. Olive Green Vinyl
PETER BARCLAY – I Am Not Your Toy LP (Numero Group) *Black or Ltd. Pink Vinyl
BEAT HAPPENING – Beat Happening/ Black Candy/ Dreamy/ Jamboree/ Music to Climb the Apple Tree By/ You Turn Me On LPs (Domino) *2022 Reissues, sold separately – Now available!
BELL ORCHESTRE – Recording a Tape the Colour of the Light LP (Erased Tapes) *Ltd. Clear Vinyl
BIG BLACK – Pig Pile LP (Touch & Go) *Back in print!✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
>> BON IVER – Blood Bank LP (Jagjaguwar) *Back in stock!
Streetlands follows up BURIAL’s excellent ambient EP Antidawn, taking the former’s sparse, icy sound design even further while evoking a more “pre-modern” pastoralism. Perfect music for the cold winter months. RECOMMENDED!
>>DWAAL TROUPE – Lucky Dog LP(Ally)✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
This 2021 album from Chicago’s DWAAL TROUPE gets an LP edition. Catchy, noisy jangle pop with a playful DIY approach that puts it in the league with Elephant 6 artists. Features members of another local up-&-comer, LIFEGUARD. RECOMMENDED!
>>HOLLIE KENNIFF – We All Have Places That We Miss LP/CD (Western Vinyl)
This is the 2nd album on Western Vinyl by the Canadian ambient artist Hollie Kenniff. Similar to the last album which we loved, her songs are a mix of triumphant ambient with dream pop & even emo elements at times that remind us of M83 instrumentals, Julianna Barwick, EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY soundtracks, MOGWAI, NOVELLER etc… RECOMMENDED!
>> JAKO MARON – TheElectro Maloya Experiments of… 2LP (Nyege Nyege Tapes) *Black or Ltd. Red Vinyl
Really excellent electronic music made with modular synths & drum machines by this artist born & raisedon the island of Reunion of the coast of Madagascar. Taking influence from the primary local musical form Maloya, a genre associated with lower class workers, Maron has created some trance inducing music with enticing rhythms. RECOMMENDED!
>> 7 SECONDS – Walk Together Rock Together: Deluxe Edition LP (Trust) *Yellow Vinyl w/ book– Ltd. 1000
This 1985 hardcore classic has been remastered from the original tapes & reissued in a deluxe format with a heavy gatefold sleeve & 20 page booklet. Originally recorded at the legendary Inner Ear Studios by Dischord wizard Don Zientara with production help from Ian Mackaye himself, this melodic/posi hardcore still sounds fantastic today. RECOMMENDED!
>>YO LA TENGO – This Stupid World LP/CD (Matador)
It’s 2023 and at this point YO LA TENGO is as much an institution as the Library of Congress. It wouldn’t do them any damage to the legacy to rest on their laurels and put out a laid back, “hey we’re still here” sort of record. Yet This Stupid World is their most vivid and uptempo effort in nearly a decade. The band burns through nine tracks of indie rock with focus and skill, building pleasant rhythms only to deconstruct them in thrilling dissonant glory. As the title may imply, the songs here portray a world-weariness that comes with age, and yet this music ironically offers a glimmer of hope, a human touch that can break thru in that bleakly inhuman world. RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & RESTOCKS
AJR – Click 2LP (BMG) *Ltd. Edition w/ etched Side D
THE BETHS – Warm Blood 12″ (Carpark) *Reissue of debut EP – Ltd. Custard Vinyl
>> BLACK BELT EAGLE SCOUT – The Land, The Water, The Sky LP/CD/CS (Saddle Creek) *Black or Ltd. Indie Exclusive Marbled Blue Vinyl w/ book while supplies last
SOUL GLO – Diaspora Problems LP (Secret Voice) *Black or Ltd. Color Vinyl – Now available on LP!
SOUP DRAGONS – Raw TV Products: Singles & Rarities 1985-1988 LP (Last Night From Glasgow) *Ltd. Green Vinyl
>> TAYLOR SWIFT – Midnights LP (Republic) *Ltd. Jade Green Edition back in stock – Moonstone Blue, Blood Moon, and Mahogany Edition variants also still available
>> LOSCIL/ LAWRENCE ENGLISH – Colours of Air CD (Kranky)
A wonderful collaboration between two masters of the ambient style Lawrence English & Scott Morgan (aka LOSCIL). Starting with recordings of a very oldpipe organ in Brisbane, the duo manipulated & processed everything into mellow drones with occasional rhythmic hints & breathy chords. RECOMMENDED.
>> CURTIS MAYFIELD – Curtis/Live! 2LP (Rhino) *Ltd. Burgundy Fruit Punch Color Vinyl – “Start Your Ear Off Right” Series✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
One of the greatest live albums ever recorded available again on color vinyl via the 2023 Start Your Ear Off Right series. HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
>> MY DAD IS DEAD – Peace, Love & Murder LP (Scat)*Black or Ltd. Color Vinyl
The MY DAD IS DEAD reissue campaign continues with this version of the 2nd album originally released in 1987. Similar to the first album, Mark Edwards plays all of the instruments. His style is really starting to form here with nods at JOY DIVISION’s bleak post-punk, melodic alt rock ala THE CURE, WIRE, IRON CURTAIN etc… RECOMMENDED.
>>MY DAD IS DEAD – Pow! 12” (Scat)*Black or Ltd. Color Vinyl
This 3 song EP was originally intended as the debut MY DAD IS DEAD release on Homestead. That EP never happened but the songs were eventually released on The Best Defense compilation. Now the EP is released as intended pressed at 45RPM for optimum sound… RECOMMENDED.
>> SUNNY WAR – Anarchist Gospel LP (New West) *Ltd. Red Vinyl
Nashville-based songwriter and guitar maestro SUNNY WAR makes her debut on New West with an album that incorporates gospel, blues and lush arpeggiated guitar folk over brash and honest lyrics. Good stuff! RECOMMENDED!
WEEZER – SZNZ: Spring LP (Atlantic) *Ltd. Glow-in-the-Dark Vinyl
BOB WEIR – Ace LP (Rhino) *180g – 50th Anniversary Remaster now available on vinyl
YOUNG FATHERS – Heavy Heavy LP/CD/CS (Ninja Tune) *Ltd. Indie Exclusive Red Vinyl w/ poster or Deluxe Edition White Vinyl w/ poster & stencil – Black sleeve or White sleeve versions of Deluxe Edition available
**Titles preceded by >> have descriptions available in store or at https://reckless.com
Meg Baird has made some of our favorite albums over the years with groups like ESPERS & HERON OBLIVION, collaborations with Mary Lattimore & more. This 2023 solo album is a lovely mix of 60s British folk & 70’s Laurel Canyon vibes with Meg’s beautiful vocal vibrato. RECOMMENDED.
>> THE CURE – Wish 2LP (Elektra) *180g – 30th Anniversary Remaster now available on vinyl!
FINALLY!! The early 90s was a dark time for major label albums being issued on the vinyl in the U.S. The 1992 album Wish was only released in Europe & has been impossible to find here until now. The album was remastered by Robert Smith & cut at Abbey Road & it sounds FANTASTIC. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION POSSIBLE.
>> FUCKED UP – One Day LP/CD (Matador) *Black or Ltd. “Blue in Milky Clear” Vinyl
After two decades of pushing the boundaries of what “hardcore punk” can be, FUCKED UP set an extreme condition on their 6th LP & 2nd for Merge – each band member wrote & tracked their parts in separate, isolated 24-hour periods. The result is the most bracing & immediate music they’ve made in a real long time, with a back-to-basics approach to melody and riffage that must make their labelmate BOB MOULD very proud. The avenue they’re on can probably be better summed up as “hardcore power pop” now, but we’re always gonna be game to take the trip with them. HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
>> JÓHANN JÓHANNSSON – Mandy (Soundtrack) LP (Invada) *Ltd. Magenta Vinyl now available – Back in stock!
Fans of JÓHANN JÓHANNSSON’s impressive musical career were gutted upon hearing of his untimely death in 2018. His final work was for the Nick Cage led revenge/horror film Mandy that has more or less already become a cult favorite. Jóhannsson explored the sounds of metal, black metal & dark ambient with much success & musicians such as Stephen O’Malley of SUNN O))) & Randall Dunn add some metallic pedigree to the soundtrack. Fans of Jóhann’s work, SUNN O))) & various Kranky droners (some pieces remind us of WINDY & CARL) will love this. RECOMMENDED. RIP JÓHANN JÓHANNSSON.
>> OOZING WOUND – We Cater To Cowards LP/CD (Thrill Jockey) *Black or Ltd. Silver Vinyl ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
This fifth album from Chicago favorites OOZING WOUND ups the scuzz, channeling JESUS LIZARD, TAD and BIG BLACK as they rumble and scream their way across 10 new tracks. Darkly funny, pummeling and uptempo, this may be their best record yet. RECOMMENDED.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & RESTOCKS
ABSU – Absu LP (Spinefarm) *Ltd. Color Vinyl
THE ARCS – Electrophonic Chronic LP/CD (Easy Eye Sound) *Black or Ltd. Indie Exclusive Clear Vinyl – w/ patch while supplies last
THE BAD ENDS – The Power & The Glory LP (New West) *Ltd. Indie Exclusive Orange Vinyl
>> JOHN CALE – Mercy 2LP/CD (Domino) *Black or Ltd. Clear Violet Vinyl
An excellent return for the seemingly ageless wonder JOHN CALE (80 years old at the time of this release), embracing steely post-disco, dark ambience and cloudy, baroque theatricality. Mercy features an abundance of collaborators, including WEYES BLOOD, LAUREL HALO, SYLVAN ESSO and ANIMAL COLLECTIVE, and CALE utilizes each unique artistic touch for a record that is at once varied and unified. On Domino and RECOMMENDED!
>> ONE LAST WISH – 1986 LP (Dischord) *Ltd. Sea Glass Color Vinyl
The entire recorded works of ONE LAST WISH released nearly 12 years after their appearance on the STATE OF THE UNION comp. In between the RITES OF SPRING LP & 7″ ONE LAST WISH existed from August-November of 1986 then ended. Featuring Michael Hampton(of EMBRACE) & acting as a segway for Guy Picciotto & Brendan Canty leading to FUGAZI. A lost gem from the amazing “Revolution Summer” days of Washington DC, this is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
>> MARGO PRICE – Strays LP/CD (Loma Vista) *Black or Ltd. Indie Exclusive “Purple Smoke” Vinyl – 1/13 late arrival now in stock!
Longtime fans of the brilliant MARGO PRICE might be thrown by the heavy “Sister Ray”-esque groove that opens her 4th LP. It’s a perfect intro to the sprawling nature of Strays, symbolic of Margo’s continued artistic evolution. Country renegades like LORETTA and WILLIE will always be touchstones for her, but the frequent guitar/organ interplay and raw vocals are also heavily evocative of classic ELVIS COSTELLO, PATTI SMITH, or TOM PETTY (fitting as former Heartbreaker MIKE CAMPBELL plays on several tracks – other guests include SHARON VAN ETTEN and LUCIUS). Even the more explicitly “country” stuff here has a darker, more psychedelic edge that only amplifies the stark vulnerability of the whole affair. We’re always psyched when an artist as skilled & singular as Margo doesn’t rest on their laurels and instead takes a big leap forward into the unknown. This is HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
>> THE SEA URCHINS – Stardust LP (1972 Records)
The 1972 label has collected all of the early 90s recordings by the Birmingham group THE SEA URCHINS. These songs originally released on the legendary Sarah Records label have never been reissued until now. Lo-fi post Velvets, post Modern Lovers indie pop that will appeal to fans of the Sarah label, early Rough Trade singles, TV PERSONALITIES etc… RECOMMENDED.
>> WORM – Gloomlord LP/CD (20 Buck Spin) *Remastered – Black or Ltd. Color Vinyl
Gloomlord was originally released in 2020 & has been pretty hard to find since then especially after the band blew up in 2021 with the great Foreverglade. The album has been remastered but don’t worry the scum is still on there. We’re truly glad to have this one in the racks. RECOMMENDED.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & RESTOCKS
AMNESTY – Free Your Mind 2LP (Now Again) *Reissue – Ltd. Indie Exclusive Turquoise Vinyl
BAD BRAINS – The Youth Are Getting Restless LP (ORG) *Reissue – Black or Ltd. Blue Vinyl
>> BELLE AND SEBASTIAN – Late Developers LP/CD (Matador)
Announced less than a week before its release, this 2023 album from indie stalwarts BELLE AND SEBASTIAN was tracked during the same sessions as 2022’s A Bit of Previous and features songs from B&S’s near thirty year long back catalogue. The music here taps into the more upbeat side of their discography, incorporating synths, harpsichord and other keys to both bolster and substitute the band’s guitar-oriented songwriting. On Matador and RECOMMENDED!
>> FEEBLE LITTLE HORSE – Hayday LP/CD (Saddle Creek) *Black or Ltd. Indie Exclusive Blue Vinyl
Pittsburgh’s FEEBLE LITTLE HORSE makes punchy, fuzz- drenched indie rock with a gauzy, shoegaze quality that reminds us a bit of Chicago’s own HORSEGIRL as well as (for a less “equestrian” comparison) ALVVAYS. Lovely stuff on Saddle Creek that comes RECOMMENDED!
>> SARATHY KORWAR – Kalak LP (Leaf) *Black or Ltd. Indie Exclusive Green Vinyl w/ alternate artwork
UK jazz visionary SARATHY KORWAR follows up his great 2018 project “More Arriving” with “KALAK”, centering his South Asian-inspired jazz around rhythmic elements that draw from spiritual music and electronic dance with a strong improvisational ethos. Featuring help from PHOTAY, TAMAR OSBORN and DANALOGUE (of THE COMET IS COMING and SOCCER96), this is a heady and tactile album that comes RECOMMENDED.
>> BILLY NOMATES – Cacti LP (Invada) *Ltd. Translucent Vinyl
UK singer-songwriter BILLY NOMATES follows up her 2020 debut with a post-punk record that throws away much of the genre’s hallmarks, embracing honey-sweet, almost country-ish vocal harmonies alongside icy electronics. Unique stuff that will still scratch that 90s alt-rock itch. RECOMMENDED.
>> OBITUARY – Dying of Everything LP/CD (Relapse) *Ltd. “Halloween” Orange or “Orange Krush” Vinyl – Signed CD Booklets available at Wicker Park ONLY while supplies last!
Tampa death metal legends OBITUARY are back with a new album to start out 2023. These guys are still tweaking their sound slowing things down some on a few tracks & even dipping their toes in some post-industrial territory. In the end it still sounds like the brutal band we know & love! RECOMMENDED.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & RESTOCKS
AMORPHIS – Far From the Sun LP (Atomic Fire) *Ltd. Marble Vinyl
>> FRANCIS BEBEY – African Electronic Music 1975-1982 2LP (Born Bad) *Import – Back in stock!
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy 2LP (Real Gone) *25th Anniversary – Ltd. Clear w/ Red & Yellow Swirl Vinyl
JAMES BROWN – Soul On Top LP (Verve) *180g, Reissue – Verve By Request Series
MEL BROWN – Chicken Fat LP (Verve) *180g, Reissue – Verve By Request Series
CHARLI XCX – How I’m Feeling Now LP (Asylum) *140g, Ltd. Clear Vinyl – Back in stock!
CIRCA SURVIVE – Two Dreams 2LP (Rise) *Ltd. Splatter Vinyl w/ PVC sleeve
>> DEHD – Blue Skies LP (Fat Possum) *Black or Indie Pink Lipstick Vinyl – One of Reckless’ Best of 2022 back in stock!✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
>> BARRIO LINDO – Espuma de Mar LP (Shika Shika) *Ltd. White Vinyl
Argentinian producer Agustin Rivaldo embraces cumbia and spiritual jazz for his slice of folktronica, with a cadre of strings, woodwinds and keys to support. Lush experimental music that’s perfect for listening at home! RECOMMENDED.
>> FLOATING POINTS – 2022 12″ (Ninja Tune)
Super limited 12″-er from great UK producer FLOATING POINTS, compiling tracks he released across 2022 that range from ambient, jazz leaning excursions to club- friendly heaters. A perfect introduction to his sound that comes obviously RECOMMENDED!
>> FLOCKS – You Were Probably Younger Then 2LP (Folded)✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
Fantastic double album from this Chicago/ Cincinnati three-piece, making heady jazztronica that recalls BADBADNOTGOOD, KAMAAL WILLIAMS and classic IDM of the SQUAREPUSHER variety. Simultaneously detailed and expansive, technical and emotive, this comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
>> OVLOV – Buds LP (Exploding in Sound) *2021 Release now available on Ltd. Indie Exclusive Orange Vinyl
Cyclical guitar pop from OVLOV, who combine a wrapping guitar and vocals onto a nimble rhythm section. This has shades of the Chicago boys TWIN PEAKS, but with a breezier atmosphere that’s still not afraid to get both heavy and dirty. Good stuff! RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & RESTOCKS
ALESSANDROALESSANDRONI– Storie Di Guerra LP (Holy Basil)
GG ALLIN & THE MURDER JUNKIES – Terror in America: Live 1993 LP (Alive) *Ltd. Green Vinyl
AMINE – TwoPointFive LP (CLBN) *Black or Ltd. Clear Vinyl
TORI AMOS – Little Earthquakes 2LP (Rhino) *Remastered
APATHY – King of Gods. No Second LP (Dirty Version)
