6/25/21 NEW RELEASES
LUCY DACUS – Home Video LP/CD (Matador) limited clear or black vinyl
This third full-length from songwriter LUCY DACUS is also her best, building upon the lush-yet-rugged folk rock of her previous releases with more concise pop structure, while taking the lyrical content into even more confessional territory, exploring her Christian upbringing and her sexuality, with hallmarks inspired by her BOYGENIUS bandmates PHOEBE BRIDGERS and JULIEN BAKER. Rest assured, fans of her previous work will not be disappointed! On Matador.
DARKTHRONE – Eternal Hails CD (Peaceville) LPs coming in July
“Eternal Hails” is the 19th album by the legendary Norwegian black metal duo DARKTHRONE. We’re not sure how Fenriz & Nocturno Culto manage to still sound fresh so deep in their career but they have done that on this fantastically titled 2021 album. The classic nods are there of course like MOTORHEAD & CELTIC FROST but we’re also hearing hints of SST Records like later Rollins BLACK FLAG & ST. VITUS. These guys never disappoint! RECOMMENDED.
ANGEL BAT DAWID & THA BROTHERHOOD – Live LP/CD (International Anthem)
Fantastic live recording from Germany for ANGEL BAT DAWID, performed in 2019 off the heels of her superb album “The Oracle”. This takes some of that material and more and, with the support of a full backing band, thrusts it into expansive, experimental territories. DAWID’s mantra-like singing sets a template for the band’s improvisation, providing a distinct atmosphere separate from the more structured original. The result travels on similar pathways to early 70s SUN RA and the Int’l Anthem roster as a whole, and mixed with the stage banter and DAWID’s field recordings this album has an immediacy to its moment. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
PJ HARVEY – White Chalk LP/CD (Island)
PJ HARVEY – White Chalk – Demos LP/CD (Island)
The PJ Harvey reissue campaign continues with her 2007 dark horse album “White Chalk.” Polly Jean took it upon herself to learn how to play piano & in the process this dark & moody album was born & it’s one of our favorites. Her piano playing is somewhat rudimentary but it works for these songs that have lyrical themes about childhood & her late grandmother. RECOMMENDED.
MIA JOY – Spirit Tamer LP/CD (Fire Talk)
Chicago’s MIA JOY debuts with a soulful, soft-focus collection of music that draws influence disparately from “World of Echo”-era ARTHUR RUSSELL, quiet storm soul in the SADE mold, and ethereal dream pop like COCTEAU TWINS and THIS MORTAL COIL, all while staying thematically centered in the realm of the metaphysical and spiritual. The result is a heady, “nighttime” sort of avant-pop record that absolutely comes RECOMMENDED!
MOUNTAIN GOATS – Dark in Here LP/CD (Merge) limited Peak color vinyl
John Darnielle & co. remain as productive as ever, and this 2021 album comes hot off the heels of “Getting Into Knives”. Both records were recorded at around the same time in early March 2020, but there’s a distinct difference in sound, so whereas “Knives” was both more aggressive and soulful, “Dark in Here” is more dusty and atmospheric. It’s also home to some of the best MG titles to date (personally a fan of “Arguing With the Ghost of Peter Laughner About His Coney Island Baby Review”). Darnielle seems like an unstoppable writing force right now, and believe us we’re happy for it!
SPIRITUALIZED – Pure Phase LP (Fat Possum) glow in the dark or black vinyl
Fat Possum’s SPIRITUALIZED reissues continue on with Jason Pierce’s fantastic second album “Pure Phase.” Originally released in 1995 under the short-lived SPIRITUALIZED ELECTRIC MAINLINE name, the album was a fantastic continuation of Pierce’s attempt to blend psychedelic rock, gospel & 20th century minimalist composition. Also remastered with new green cover art, we’re proud to be able to stock this classic in the racks once again. RECOMMENDED.
FAYE WEBSTER – I Know I’m Funny HaHa LP/CD (Secretly Canadian) limited color or black vinyl
At just 23 the Atlanta based musician Faye Webster is already four albums deep into her career. Webster recently landed a spot on the “coveted” Barack Obama summer playlist & things have gone crazy since. There’s a certain laissez faire vibe to this record that reminds us of Kurt Vile’s breezier moments or Phoebe Bridgers if she let a little country in.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES
AMENRA – De Doorn LP/CD (Relapse) white or gold vinyl
DANIEL AVERY – Together in Static LP (Phantasy Sound)
BRAINSTORY – Ripe LP (Big Crown)
MATTHEW DEAR – Preacher’s Sigh & Potion: Lost Album LP/CD limited color or black vinyl
EVIDENCE – Unlearning Vol. 1 LP (Rhymesayers)
JOHN GRANT – Boy From Michigan LP (Partisan)
HIATUS KAIYOTE – Mood Valiant LP/CD (Brainfeeder) LP/CD limited color or black vinyl
HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE – This is a Mindfulness Drill LP (Jagjaguwar) color vinyl
HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER – Quietly Blowing It LP/CD (Merge) peak vinyl edition
ETTA JAMES – The Montreaux Years LP (BMG)
JOHN CARROLL KIRBY – Septet LP (Stones Throw)
MAPLE GLIDER – To Enjoy is the Only Thing LP/CD (Partisan) marble vinyl
MODEST MOUSE – Golden Casket CD/TAPE (Epic) regular or deluxe CD or deluxe with t-shirt. Vinyl is August
CARLOS NIÑO & FRIENDS – More Energy Fields, Current LP/CD (International Anthem)
POM POM SQUAD – Death of a Cheerleader LP/CD (City Slang) red vinyl
SONNY ROLLINS – On Impulse! LP (Impulse) acoustic sound series
ROOTS – Do You Want More ???!!?? 3LP (Geffen)
THE RUBINOOS – The CBS Tapes LP (Yep Roc) limited splatter vinyl
NINA SIMONE – The Montreux Years LP (BMG)
SIX ORGANS OF ADMITTANCE – The Veiled Sea LP (Three Lobed)
SLADE – Feel the Noize: The Singlez Box! 10X7” box set (BMG)
SPELLLING – The Turning Wheel LP/CD (Sacred Bones) limited color or black vinyl
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Eccentric Disco LP (Numero Group) limited color or black vinyl
JESSE WARE – What’s Your Pleasure? Platinum Pleasure Edition LP (Universal)