Author: Reckless

9/17/21 NEW RELEASES

DEHD – Flower of Devotion Remixed LP (Fire Talk) Chicago exclusive black & pink vinyl

Chicago’s DEHD enlists the likes of PROTOMARTYR, LALA LALA, PHYSICAL MEDIUM and more to rework the songs off their 2020 LP “Flower of Devotion”, shedding new, more danceable light onto the group’s music. This edition is limited to the city of Chicago, and it’ll go fast!

MILD HIGH CLUB – Going Going Gone LP/CD (Stones Throw) limited green vinyl

In the five year gap between “Skiptracing” and this, Alexander Brettin & co. have collaborated twice with KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD (2017’s “Sketches of Brunswick East” and a reimagined “Rolling Stoned” 45 in 2018) and relocated from Chicago to LA. The quartet has rewarded the wait for singular material, as “Going Going Gone” takes the groups electro-boogie-soul sound and introduces elements of NEW ORDER-esque synth pop, 70s HERBIE HANCOCK fusion jazz and even some Brazilian bossa nova rhythmic touches, all while keeping a sheen of dreamlike warmth to the production. They still got it, folks. On Stones Throw and RECOMMENDED.

MONO – Pilgrimage of the Soul LP/CD (Temporary Residence) limited color or black vinyl

This is the 11 album in 22 years by the Japanese noise rockers MONO. These guys are masters of nuanced orchestral rock with thick & lush arrangements & plenty of drama. Some very quiet & thoughtful moments that explode into massive walls of gorgeous sound.

MOUNTAIN MOVERS – World What World LP/TAPE (Trouble in Mind) limited color or black vinyl

2021 album by the New Haven rockers MOUNTAIN MOVERS. The album starts right off with a wah-wah solo over top a Crazy Horse inspired riff & they stay in that zone throughout the record. If you feel like spacing out with some lengthy solos & solid grooves ala WOODEN SHJIPS, CRAZY HORSE, HERON OBLIVION etc… then this is the record for you.

SMOKE BELLOW – Open For Business LP (Trouble in Mind) limited color or black vinyl

SMOKE BELLOW is a Baltimore via Australia band & “Open for Business” is their 2021 album. Rhythmic post-punk tunes with some interesting arrangements that should appeal to fans of everything from RAINCOATS YO LA TENGO & TALKING HEADS.

ALICIE WALTER – I Am Alicia LP/CD/TAPE (Sooper) 

“I Am Alicia” is the debut solo album by Alicia Walter.” An interesting blend of pop, jazz, soul with some hints of 20th century classical minimalism. Musically we hear hints of everything from Prince, ST. Vincent, Michael Jackson, Steve Reich & 80s Japanese pop. Really interesting stuff!

OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS

BAD BAD HATS – Walkman LP/CD (Don Giovanni) limited coke-bottle clear vinyl

THE BETHS – Auckland, New Zealand, 2020 LP (Carpark)

BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB – Buena Vista Social Club: 25th Anniversary 2LP/2CD box set (World Circuit)

CARCASS – Torn Arteries LP/CD/TAPE (Nuclear Blast)

BOB DYLAN – Springtime in New York: Bootleg Series Vol. 16 (1980-1985) LP/CD/CD box set (Columbia) 

EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL – Eden LP (Buzzin’ Fly) half-speed remastered

FREDDIE GIBBS & MADLIB – Pinata LP (Madlib Invasion)

GUIDED BY VOICES – Isolation Drills LP (TVT) 20th anniversary ed.

KARATE – In Place of Real Insight LP/TAPE (Numero) limited color or black vinyl

LARAAJI – Flow Goes the Universe LP (All Saints) remastered

MINI TREES – Always in Motion LP (Run For Cover)

WAYNE SHORTER – The All Seeing Eye LP (Blue Note) tone poet series

NANCY SINATRA – Boots LP/CD (Light in the Attic) limited color or black vinyl

SUN RA – Lanquidity LP (Strut) remastered

SZA – Good Days 10” (RCA)

UMAN – Chaleur Humaine CD (Freedom To Spend) vinyl coming in November

9/10/21 NEW RELEASES

LOW – Hey What LP/CD/TAPE (Sub Pop) Loser Edition color vinyl shipped late but we should have them early next week

The great Duluth, MI band LOW returns with their 13th album & the first without bassist Steve Garrington since “C’mon.” Fans of their previous fantastic album “Double Negative” will recognize some similar “deconstructive” recording techniques along with Alan & Mimi’s amazing harmonies. It’s really impressive how LOW have managed to stay fresh over their lengthy career. SO RECOMMENDED!!

MAKO SIKA/ HAMID DRAKE/ TATSU AOKI/ THYMME JONES – Ourania LP (Feeding Tube)

The collaboration between Chicago’s psychedelic explorers MAKO SICA & local jazz scene treasure Hamid Drake continues this time with help from Tatsu Aoki on bass & Thymme Jones on piano & organ. This might be their most “out” collaboration yet with some hints of spiritual jazz & bands like ASH RA TEMPEL & AGITATION FREE. RECOMMENDED!

QRIXKUOR – Poison Palinopsia LP (Dark Descent)

Two EPIC 20+ minute tracks of progressive death metal that will appeal to fans of BLOOD INCANTATION, PORTAL, CRYPTIC SHIFT, later MAYHEM, LEVIATHAN etc… BRUTAL!

SPIRITUALIZED – Ladies & Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space LP/CD (Fat Possum) limited color or black vinyl

Fat Possum continues their reissue campaign for SPIRITUALIZED with one of Jason Pierce’s best albums & one of Reckless’ favorite albums of all time, “Ladies & Gentlemen We are Floating in Space” from 1997. Everything seemed to fall perfectly into place on this one with Jason & the band finding the perfect balance of minimalist, post-psychedelic rock with soul & gospel music. Like the other Fat Possum reissues this one features new artwork. AS RECOMMENDED AS THEY GET. 

VARIOUS ARTISTS – The Harmonic Series II 3LP (Important)

Wonderful compilation on Important Records celebrating 20 years for the great label featuring some leaders in the minimalist/avant garde scene including Kali Malone, Duane Pitre, Catherine Lamb, Tashi Wada, Byron Westbrook & Caterina Barbieri. 

OTHER IMPORTANT RELEASES

AMYL & THE SNIFFERS – Comfort To Me LP (ATO) limited color or black vinyl

ELVIS COSTELLO – This Year’s Model LP/CD (Universal) remaster w/ bonus tracks

ELVIS COSTELLO – Spanish Model LP (Universal) 

SARAH DAVACHI – Antiphonals CD (Late Music) LP coming later this fall

DWYER/SAWYER/KERLIN/CAULKINS/MALONE/DOLAS… – Moon Drenched LP (Castle Face)

GUIDED BY VOICES – Bee Thousand LP (Scat) back in print

HEARTLESS BASTARDS – Beautiful Life LP (Thirty Tigers) indie color or black vinyl

KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD – Butterfly 3000 (LP) 10 different versions!

MASTON w/ L’ECLAIR – Souvenir LP (Innovative Leisure)

METALLICA – Metallica LP/CD/3CD DELUXE/TAPE/5LP/14CD/6DVD DELUXE BOX SET (Blackened) with slipmat, poster & t-shirt while supplies last!

MODEST MOUSE – Golden Casket LP (Epic) deluxe or regular vinyl

KACEY MUSGRAVES – Starcrossed LP LP/CD/TAPE (MCA) 3 different color vinyl versions

DANIEL ROMANO’s OUTFIT – Cobra Poems LP (You’ve Changed)

DANIEL ROMANO’s OUTFIT – Fully Plugged In LP (You’ve Changed)

SLOTHRUST – Parallel Timeline LP (Dangerbird) indie only color vinyl

MATTHEW E. WHITE – K Bay LP/CD (Domino) limited green vinyl

WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKS – Enjoy the View LP (Big Scary Monster) limited color 

EBUTOM REX WILLIAMS – Ebutom Rex Williams & His Nigerian Artistes LP (We Are Busy Bodies) remastered

HAYLEY WILLIAMS – Flowers For Vases/ Descansos LP (Atlantic)

VARIOUS ARTISTS – Cameroon Garage Funk LP (Analog Africa)

9/3/21 NEW RELEASES

AURITA Y SU CONJUNTO – Chambacu LP (Mississippi)

First ever reissue outside of Latin America of recordings by the great “young queen” of Cumbia Aurita Castillo. These recordings were made before Aurita was even 10 years old with an uncredited band & the combo of her voice & mostly minor-key Cumbias is simultaneously odd & really cool. Thanks to Mississippi for putting together this amazing compilation. RECOMMENDED!

COIL – Love’s Secret Domain LP/CD (Wax Trax!) limited deluxe amber color vinyl or black

The 1991 experimental dance album by COIL has been given the deluxe treatment by Wax Trax! for its 30th anniversary. The album was made under the influence of A LOT of drugs, an unhealthy amount of sleep deprivation & a few hallucinations. This a manic album with tons of demented samples, “out” techno, APHEX TWIN esque ambient excursions & more. RECOMMENDED!

DJ SEINFELD – Mirrors LP/CD (Ninja Tune) limited color vinyl

Having forged his sound in the lo-fi house circles of the mid-late 2010s, Armand Jakobsson eschews the fuzz and grime of those early, sitcom-inspired releases for more detailed, rich production that still retains the melodic bounce and rhythmic heft that he’s known for. Jakobsson also adds elements of broken beat and R&B to the stew here, fleshing out his sound into brighter pop territories. A great late summer record for fans of TODD TERJE, BICEP, AXEL BOMAN and the house music side of Lobster Theremin. RECOMMENDED.

IRON MAIDEN – Senjutsu 3LP/2CD/2CD DELUXE/DELUXE BOX SET (BMG) vinyl is limited but we should get more soon

The British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN surprised us only about 1 month prior with the news of their 17th album & it’s a great one. This triple album is nearly 80 minutes long & it’s full of progressive but catchy songs that will please hardcore & new fans. Bruce Dickinson’s voice sounds great & bandleader Steve Harris has somehow managed to write some inspired & fresh sounding songs. RECOMMENDED!

LORAINE JAMES – Reflections LP (Hyperdub)

London DJ and producer LORAINE JAMES continues to push the boundaries of dance on “Reflection”, experimenting in abstract, otherworldly digital electronics that mutate the genres of drum ‘n’ bass, IDM, UK club music and acid techno, landing somewhere in between home listening and the dancefloor. One of the more exciting experimental club records from a heat seeking producer, this should appeal to fans of the PAN label, as well as INDIA JORDAN, FEVER RAY and even DREXCIYA. You better believe this comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

DAMON LOCKS & BLACK MONUMENT ENSEMBLE – NOW LP/CD (International Anthem) color or black vinyl

Created in the last, sweltering months of Summer 2020, DAMON LOCKS’ “NOW” reflects both the deep tension and open liberational possibility that came from its time, as protests swept the country following the police murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, emerging after a pandemic spring that had left us simmering in lockdown. The sessions were largely put together as an excuse to commune with BLACK MONUMENT ENSEMBLE, which results in an album that’s both more sonically casual and immediate than its theatrical predecessor “Where Future Unfolds”. This implements more sound collage and electronics, using them as ballast for the blues & roots inspired jams (with a cicada chorus behind it) that make up these recordings. International Anthem doesn’t ever really miss, and this is one of the best albums in their recent catalogue. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

NAKED RAYGUN – Over the Overlords CD (Wax Trax!) vinyl coming later this year

“Over the Overlords” is the first new NAKED RAYGUN music in over 30 years & the last recording of the late great bass player Pierre Kezdy. The band has performed off & on over the years but they never managed to find their way to the studio until recently. More fist-pumping & memorable songs from these Chicago legends. RECOMMENDED.

OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS

ANOHNI – Hopelessness LP (Secretly) 25th anniversary reissue)

DEEPER – Auto-Pain: Deluxe Edition LP (Fire Talk) limited color vinyl

DIRECTIONS – Echoes – Anniversary Edition LP (Temporary Residence)

GRIZZLY BEAR – Yellow House LP (Warp) clear vinyl, 15th anniversary edition

EMMYLOU HARRIS & THE NASH RAMBLERS – Ramble in Music City: The Lost Concert LP (Nonesuch)

DAMIEN JURADO – Where Shall You Take Me? LP (Secretly) 25th anniversary reissue)

KARATE – Karate LP (Numero)

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM – This is Happening LP (DFA)

MOLLY LEWIS – Forgotten Edge LP (Jagjaguwar) color or black vinyl

LITTLE SIMZ – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert LP (Age 101) indie only color vinyl

DESIRE MAREA – Desire LP (Mute)

BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS – Capitol Session ‘73 LP/CD (Island) color vinyl

THELONIUS MONK QUARTET – Live In Stockholm 1961 CD (Dragon of Sweden)

MY MORNING JACKET – Live 2015 3LP (ATO) 

OHIO PLAYERS – Fire LP (LMLR) reissue color vinyl

OHIO PLAYERS – Honey LP (LMLR) reissue color vinyl

FATIMA al QADIRI – Medieval Femme LP (Hyperdub)

SWELL MAPS – Mayday Signals LP (Easy Action)

RICHARD SWIFT – Dressed Up For the Letdown LP (Secretly) 25th anniversary reissue)

8/20/21 NEW RELEASES

BEACH BOYS – Feel Flows: Sunflower & Surf’s Up Sessions 1969-1971 LP/CD/LP BOX SET/CD BOX SET 

A serious deep dive into the fertile late 60s/early 70s era of THE BEACH BOYS that resulted in the classic albums “Sunflower” & “Surf’s Up”. The group’s popularity was on the wane at the time & Brian Wilson was entrenched in his legendary dark period. The other members brought in their songs & combined with some Brian classics they made some of their finest recordings. “Sunflower” is a warm & sunny soft pop album & “Surf’s Up” is a darker, more introspective album & they’ve both aged incredibly well. The albums are remastered & sound fantastic, there are alternate versions, unreleased songs & more. RECOMMENDED.

BIG RED MACHINE – How Long Do You Think it’s Gonna Last LP/CD/TAPE (Jagjaguwar) limited color or black vinyl

Justin Vernon aka BON IVER & Aaron Dessner of THE NATIONAL are back with their 2nd album as BIG RED MACHINE. Both artists have played on Taylor Swift’s albums & Tay returns the favor guesting on a few songs along with FLEET FOXES, Anais Mitchell, Sharon Van Etten, Ben Howard & more. You know you want to hear it so do it!

INDIGO DE SOUZA – Any Shape You Take LP/CD/TAPE (Saddle Creek)

Following the slow-burn success of “I Love My Mom”, Asheville singer-songwriter INDIGO DE SOUZA uses this 2021 record to develop her sound rather than depart from it. The visceral, existential storytelling here is adorned with a wide variety of sounds, from groovy electro R&B to cacophonous sound collage to punchy, 90s-influenced college rock. Shades of LOMELDA, JULIAN BAKER and indie darling PHOEBE BRIDGERS can be found in the raw-nerve expressionism of DE SOUZA’s writing, but “Any Shape You Take” has a singular sound, taking an intrepid path through arrangements that reflect the album’s high-wire balance act of emotional expression.

RICK DEITRICK – Coyote Canyon LP (Tompkins Square)

Early/mid 70s guitar meditations from the Los Angeles based guitarist. His style is a little more rough around the edges than Fahey or Basho but that’s what we did about it. The songs have a loose quality to them as some of them were improvised while recording. 

STEVE GUNN – Other You LP/CD (Matador)

Guitar wizard STEVE GUNN has certainly dabbled in a bit of singing, and on “Other You” he brings us an extended collection of acoustic songs and sketches as gorgeous as they are low key. Drawing from late 70s & early 80s English folk-rock a la MICHAEL CHAPMAN and JOHN MARTYN, as well as some ALICE COLTRANE spiritual jazz arrangement (replace COLTRANE with MARY LATTIMORE on harp on here), GUNN thrives on airy rhythms and dreamlike textures for this gloriously leisurely sixth album. On Matador & RECOMMENDED.

SPACE AFRIKA – Honest Labour LP/CD (Dais) limited color or black vinyl

SPACE AFRIKA is a production duo from Manchester. Their music combines elements of contemporary electronic production, hip-hop & dance music. We hear similarities to artists we love such as ACTRESS, Andy Stott & even SLEAFORD MODS. Really cool stuff. 

OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS

MARISA ANDERSON & WILLIAM TYLER – Lost Futures LP/CD (Thrill Jockey)

ASHE – Ashlyn LP (Mom + Pop)

BORIS – Flood LP (Third Man) limited color or black vinyl

BORIS – No LP (Third Man) limited color or black vinyl

THE BUG – Fire LP/CD (Ninja Tune) limited color vinyl

CHUBBY & THE GANG – The Mutt’s Nuts CD (Partisan) vinyl coming later this year

CHVRCHES – Screen Violence LP/CD (Glassnote) limited color or black vinyl

COLD HEART – Every Day is a Day LP (Epitaph)

J COLE – Off Season LP

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE – The Georgia EP 12” (Barsuk) limited peach vinyl

DEATH VALLEY GIRLS – Glow in the Dark LP (Suicide Squeeze) color vinyl reissue

HALSEY – If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power LP/CD (Capitol)

KAYTRANADA – 99.9% LP (XL)

MAMAKI BOYS – Patriote LP/TAPE (Sahel Sounds)

EPHAT MUJURU & THE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE – Mbavaira LP/CD/TAPE (Awesome Tapes From Africa)

NATIONAL – Alligator LP (Beggars Banquet)

NITE JEWEL – No Sun LP (Gloriette)

PARDONER –  Came Down LP/TAPE (Bar None)

PEACHES – Pussy Mask 7” (Third Man)

PENTANGLE – Basket of Light LP (Renaissance)

PENTANGLE – Cruel Sister LP (Renaissance)

PENTANGLE – Pentangle LP (Renaissance)

A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS – Hologram 12” (Dedstrange)

POWER TRIP – Nightmare Logic LP (Southern Lord)

JASON SHARP – The Turning Centre of a Still World LP/CD (Constellation)

SQUID – Near the Westway 12” (Warp)

LAURA STEVENSON – Laura Stevenson CD (Don Giovanni) vinyl coming later this year

THALIA ZEDEK BAND – Perfect Vision LP/CD (Thrill Jockey)

8/20/21 NEW RELEASES

DEAFHEAVEN – Infinite Granite LP/CD (Sargent House)

Never a band to rest on their laurels, DEAFHEAVEN goes in yet another new direction for “Infinite Granite”, taking their sound further into SLOWDIVE-like shoegaze and rounding the blackened sheets of noise with more glossy, synthesizer-friendly production. But the most notable new element comes courtesy of vocalist George Clarke, all but entirely replacing his signature yelp with a more subdued delivery. It may take the listener a few passes to digest the new sound – and this is certainly the least “metal” record in their catalogue yet – but the result is ultimately rewarding, earning the exultant, anthemic crescendos that anchor these tracks. This is an excellent crossover metal record that will appeal to fans of GY!BE, HUM, late UNWOUND and the older shoegaze of MY BLOODY VALENTINE and SLOWDIVE. On Sargent House and RECOMMENDED.

FRIGATE – Dreams of the Deep LP (Siltbreeze)

Mysterious outsider noise/acid rock from 1977. Supposedly FRIGATE might not have even been the band name but it was loosely related to the original release so we guess that’s why Siltbreeze went that way? Who knows. Sort of shambolic STOOGES grooves with somewhat “out” soloing, stream of consciousness singing etc…WILD!

GA-20 – Does Hound Dog Taylor LP/CD (Colemine) indie only color or black vinyl

GA-20 is a Boston based band & they’ve made an album celebrating the music of the great bluesman Hound Dog Taylor. Their sound is stripped-down & authentic sounding Chicago style blues with tight drumming & fuzzed-out guitars. RECOMMENDED.

MIDWIFE – Luminol (Flenser) now on vinyl

Denver’s Madeline Johnston returns with a new album under the MIDWIFE name. Her 2020 album “Forever” was a favorite of ours during the early days of the pandemic in 2020 & it’s sad that we’re getting to 2nd pandemic albums by artists now. Like “Forever”, “Luminol” is a slowed-down take on shoegaze, or slow core for you 90s fans. Great guitar sounds & dreamy vocals that will appeal to fans of JESUS & MARY CHAIN, JESU, CODEINE etc…RECOMMENDED.

TROPICAL FUCK STORM – Deep States CD/TAPE (Joyful Noise) vinyl coming in November

The Melbourne band TROPICAL FUCK STORM return with a new album for our frantic & confused times in 2021. Spastic & rhythmic songs with blown-out samples & dubbed-out beats that sound like a mix of wilder side of THE CLASH, MAKE-UP, SLEAFORD MODS etc…

WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM – Primordial Arcana LP/CD (Relapse) limited indie only color or regular color vinyl

The Pacific Northwest band WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM is one of the first American black metal bands & they’ve been at it for almost two decades now.  “Primordial Arcana” is the first album they’ve written, recorded & produced entirely on their own. The band has always written about the beauty & power of nature & this one is no different. Their imagery of thick forests with fallen trees, animal skulls, storms & mountains is a constant as it is in nature, with life & death being the only truths. 

OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS

BEACH BUNNY – Prom Queen EP (Mom + Pop)

KENNY BURRELL – Midnight Blue LP (Blue Note) classic vinyl series

GRANT GREEN – Idle Moments LP (Blue Note) classic vinyl series

CHRISSIE HYNDE – Standing in the Doorway: Chrissie Hynde Sings Bob Dylan LP/CD (BMG)

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM – LCD Soundsystem LP (DFA)

LORDE – Solar Power LP/”music box edition” (Crush Music) limited indie only brown vinyl or black. The “music box edition” looks like a CD but there is no physical CD Inside, instead there’s a high-res download w/ bonus tracks, booklet, poster, cards etc…

POETS OF RHYTHM – Discern/Define LP (Daptone) peach color vinyl

OLIVE RODRIGO – Sour LP (Geffen)

STURGILL SIMPSON – The Ballad of Dood & Juanita CD (High Top Mountain)

SLEEP – Dopesmoker LP (Southern Lord)

TOE – For Long Tomorrow LP (Top Shelf) color vinyl

TOE – The Book About My Idle Plot on a Vague Anxiety LP (Top Shelf) color vinyl

8/13/21 NEW RELEASES 

JADE BIRD – Different Kinds of Light LP/CD (Glass Note)

The Austin based musician Jade Bird returns with her much anticipated second album. Folky Americana that will appeal to fans of Neko Case, Gillian Welch & Angel Olsen. Really good stuff. 

LUCINDA CHUA – Antidotes LP (4AD)

This release from singer & cellist LUCINDA CHUA (best known for her Kranky Records project FELIX) combines 2019’s “Antidotes 1” EP with a new follow-up, using placid ambient pads, gently impressionistic vocals and an orchestral sense of dynamic swell to portray her re-emergent sense of identity and self (both in terms of her musical self and her Chinese heritage) that followed a period of nine months when she was neither composing or even listening to music. In tandem, both EPs paint a gently evocative picture of an artist and her processes of self-expression. Imagine a PORTISHEAD album without the beats. RECOMMENDED.

JUNGLE – Loving in Stereo LP/CD (Caiola) limited color or black vinyl with sticker sheet while supplies last

The British duo JUNGLE return with another classic album of modern soul & dance music. Their third album is the first on their own imprint Caiola Records & the songs are infectious & immediately memorable. Fans of their previous work, DAFT PUNK, Mark Ronson & even the more underground sounds of SAULT will love this.RECOMMENDED.

JOSE MAURO – A Viagem Das Horas LP (Far Out)

Why haven’t you heard of Jose Mauro? His records have been impossibly rare and he was thought to have died right after recording this material! Comparable to Edu Lobo, Milton Nascimento, and Arthur Verocai, this is heavily orchestrated Brazilian pop with an experimental edge recorded in 1970 that recalls the aesthetic of Scott Walker, Serge Gainsbourg, and Beach Boys etc. as well. RECOMMENDED!

JEFF PARKER – JP’s Myspace Beats LP (International Anthem) blue or black vinyl

Our friend Jeff Parker might be in L.A. now but we still remember the good old days when we could stop by Rodan after closing up for one of his Tuesday night jazz sets or maybe check out one of his DJ sets at Danny’s Tavern (RIP). Obviously these songs are from the early 2000s based on the title & goes back to Parker’s DJ days when he was experimenting with hip-hop style beat making with a serious MADLIB vibe but with the added bonus of his extensive jazz

background. AMAZING STUFF!

TAR – Handsome LP (No Blow) reissue, limited edition

TAR – Jackson LP (No Blow) reissue, limited edition

TAR – Roundhouse LP (No Blow) reissue, limited edition

Three great records by the Chicago noise-rock legends TAR are back in print in limited editions. TAR were known for their tough, no bullshit sound that had a similar almost blue collar approach as their fellow Chicagoans NAKED RAYGUN but with more driving, almost machine-like beat. Their shining metallic guitars only added to that big city, rugged Chicago vibe. Fans of that Am Rep, Touch & Go sound, bands like JESUS LIZARD, SHELLAC,LAUGHING HYENAS, JAWBOX etc…must get these. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!!

EMMA-JEAN THACKRAY – Yellow LP/CD (Movementt)

London-based trumpeter EMMA-JEAN THACKRAY makes her full-length debut with “Yellow”, but this follows a slew of EPs & 12″ singles (including a collaboration with MAKAYA McCRAVEN) that has built her reputation in London’s vibrant jazz scene. THACKRAY’s music draws from more electronic influence like Chicago house, 90s R&B and nu jazz, creating soulful compositions that should appeal to fans of KUNIYUKI, ST GERMAIN, ERYKAH BADU and the more electronic artists on Int’l Anthem like RESAVOIR and DAMON LOCKS. RECOMMENDED!

OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS

TORI AMOS – Under the Pink LP (Atlantic)

CHORUSING – Half Mirror LP (Western Vinyl)

EL MICHELS AFFAIR MEETS LIAM BAILEY – Ekundayo Inversions LP/CD (Big Crown)

FLOATING POINTS / PHAROAH SANDERS / LONDON S.O. – Promises LP (Luaka Bop) back in stock!

NILS FRAHM – Graz LP (Erased Tapes)

GRATEFUL DEAD – Grateful Dead (Skull & Roses) LP (Rhino)

JAYDA G – DJ-Kicks LP (!K7)

JEALOUS – Lover / What’s Your Damage?

JOY ORBISON – Still Slipping Vol. 1 LP/CD (XL)

KHRUANGBIN – Barn Breaks 7” (Dead Oceans)

KILLERS – Pressure Machine LP (Island)

MEDIA JEWELER – The Sublime Sculpture of Being Alive LP (Fire Talk)

NILSSON – Son of Schmilsson (Original Master Recording) 2LP (Mobile Fidelity)

PEARL JAM – No Code LP (Epic) remastered

PHARCYDE – Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde LP (Craft)

THE POETS OF RHYTHM – Discern / Define LP (Daptone) limited color vinyl

SADE – Best Of Sade LP (Sony)

JOAN SHELLEY – Electric Ursa LP (No Quarter) color vinyl

JOAN SHELLEY – Ginko LP (No Quarter) color vinyl

SUN RA – Lanquidity 4LP/2CD (Strut)

VIAL – LOUDMOUTH LP (Get Better)

WEDNESDAY – Twin Plagues LP/TAPE (Orindal) color or black vinyl

8/6/21 NEW RELEASES 

DARKTHRONE – Eternal Hails LP (Peaceville) limited green vinyl

“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.

ELUVIUM – Virga II LP (Temporary Residence)

We LOVED Matthew Robert Cooper’s return as ELUVIUM in 2020 with “Virga I.” That EP of deep, luscious drones was a perfect winter record & now over a year into the pandemic we can certainly use some more mind-altering & mellow ambient music. Beautiful loops & drones that continue on the path of the first volume & also remind us of APHEX TWIN’s legendary ambient pieces, Rafael Anton Irisarri etc…RECOMMENDED.

LINGUA IGNOTA – Sinner Get Ready LP/CD (Sargent House) limited red vinyl

Following up the beautiful and intense “Caligula” in 2019, Kristin Hayter returns for “Sinner Get Ready”. Drawing even more inspiration from Christian mysticism and zealotry to conjure the feeling of deep religious fervor, this balances a critique of corrupt American faith with an evocation of redemption (in the very bloody, “Catholic” sort of way). “Sinner” strips down the power electronics of previous LINGUA IGNOTA albums to rely on Hayter’s classically-trained voice and a more subtle, atmospheric sound design, resulting in a record that is metal-adjacent in spirit more than in sound. For fans of CHELSEA WOLFE, DIAMANDA GALAS, Gregorian chant, candles, nuns, etc. RECOMMENDED!

ALAN VEGA – After Dark LP/CD (In the Red)

Following up “Mutator” courtesy of Sacred Bones, In the Red also digs into the Alan Vega archives to release the final recordings with a live band by NYCart punk legend Alan Vega. Recorded in 2015 when Vega was 78 (!!) & after he’d mostly recovered from a stroke, “After Dark” has a loose, jammy feel not too dissimilar to the great “Cubist Blues” album. Sort of bluesy, sort of STOOGES-y with Vega’s legendary vocal delivery. Great stuff!

VARIOUS ARTISTS – Country Funk III: 1975-1982 LP/CD (Light in the Attic) limited color or black vinyl

Volume 3 of the great Country Funk series on Light on the Attic gets into the late 70s & early 80s so you know some disco is gonna be mixed in there. There’s some heavy hitters on this one including Dolly Parton, Jerry Reed, Tony Joe White, Conway Twitty, Ronnie Milsap & more. RECOMMENDED.

SVEN WUNDER – Natura Morta LP (PIano Piano)

The Swedish musician Sven Wunder returns with another brilliant album. “Natura Morta” (dead nature in Italian) is another term for still life painting. Wunder uses a variety of instruments to paint his musical still lifes including strings, flute, piano & various percussion. The results are a mix of 70s film soundtracks, Turkish music, 60s easy listening, bossa nova & composers like David Axelrod & Quincy Jones. RECOMMENDED!

OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS

BLOOD INCANTATION – Hidden History of the Human Race LP (Dark Descent) green or black vinyl

SONNY CLARK – My Conception LP (Blue Note) Blue Note Tone Poet Series

DAFT PUNK – Random Access Memories LP (Columbia)

ELEVENTH DREAM DAY – Since Grazed LP (Comedy Minus One)

FRANZ FERDINAND – Franz Ferdinand LP (Domino) back in print!

FRANZ FERDINAND – You Could Have It So Much Better LP (Domino) back in print!

FRANZ FERDINAND – Tonight LP (Domino) back in print!

GEORGE HARRISON – All Things Must Pass 3LP/5LP/8LP/2CD/3CD/5CD (Capitol)

MAC DEMARCO – Salad Days LP (Captured Tracks)

MAC DEMARCO – 2 LP (Captured Tracks)

J DILLA – Donuts LP (Stones Throw) smile cover

BRIAN JACKSON, ADRIAN YOUNGE & ALI SHAHEED MUHAMMAD – Jazz is Dead 8:    

    Brian Jackson LP (Jazz is Dead)

KRYPTOGRAF – Kryptograf LP (Apollon)

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM – The Long Goodbye 5LP box set (DFA)

LIARS – The Apple Drop LP/CD (Mute)

RADIOHEAD – In Rainbows LP (XL) 

SHITKID – Sort Stjerne! LP (PNKSLM)

THE STEOPLES – Wide Through the Eyes of No One LP (Stones Throw)

STR4TA – Aspects LP (Brownswood)

THE UMBRELLAS – The Umbrellas LP (Slumberland)

UNWOUND – Repetition LP (Numero) limited color or black

WHITE FLOWERS – Day by Day LP (Tough Love)

YARD ACT – Dark Days 12” (Zen F.C.)

7/30/21 NEW RELEASES 

GUARDIAN SINGLES – Guardian Singles LP/CD (Trouble In Mind) limited color or black vinyl

GUARDIAN SINGLES are a great band from Auckland, NZ & they combine the sounds of Kiwi legends that came before them like legends THE CLEAN & BAILTER SPACE with post-punk sounds of bands like WIPERS, THE SOUND & WIRE. RECOMMENDED.

KING WOMAN – Celestial Blues LP/CD (Relapse)

KING WOMAN is a project of the California musician Kristina Esfandiari. This is more of a gothic hard rock album than a metal album but it IS heavy. While listening we kept thinking this is what a heavy Sharon Van Etten album might sound like. Fans of Chelsea Wolfe, THOU, Emma Ruth Rundle, BORIS etc… will dig this. RECOMMENDED.

7 SECONDS – The Crew LP (Trust) deluxe reissue on red/black galaxy vinyl

The legendary 1984 album “The Crew” by the Reno, NV hardcore legends 7 SECONDS has been remastered for this deluxe reissue. Led by vocalist Kevin Seconds, 7 SECONDS released some of the best hardcore records of the early 80s & “The Crew” is without a doubt one of the best albums in the genre. AS RECOMMENDED AS THEY GET!!

TORRES – Thirstier LP/CD (Merge) “Peak Vinyl” edition

Mackenzie Scott returns as TORRES for her second album on Merge, taking her wry, confessional songwriting and bolstering it with a heavier and more anthemic sound. There are shades of MITSKI in the boisterousness and theatricality here, as well as some heavy 90s alt-rock vibes in the HOLE or MUDHONEY vein, and while TORRES has moved around quite a lot with her sound, this is her performing her most secure, cathartic expressions to date. Superb!

VARIOUS ARTISTS – Cold Wave #2 LP/CD (Soul Jazz)

The second “Cold Wave” volume from Soul Jazz further explores the new sounds influenced by the darkened corners of late-70s & early-80s electronic pop. This edition features cuts from France (KRIKOR), Germany (TOLOUSE LOW TRAX), the Netherlands (JOB SIFRE), the UK (DAVE I.D.) and elsewhere across Europe, as these songs show off the steely, nostalgic sound that’s been updated for contemporary times. Absolutely under no circumstances should you be sleeping on this one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES

BLEACHERS – Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night LP (RCA) indie only exclusive artwork

JAIMIE BRANCH – Fly or Die Live CD (International Anthem) LP coming later this year

CZARFACE – Every Hero Needs a Villain LP (Brick)

JOÃO DONATO, ADRIAN YOUNGE & ALI SHAHEED MUHAMMAD – Jazz is Dead 7: João Donato LP (Jazz is Dead)

BILLIE EILISH – Happier Than Ever LP/CD/CS (Interscope) with silky scarf while supplies last!

ARETHA FRANKLIN – Aretha LP (Rhino)

FELA RANSOME KUTI & THE AFRICA 70 – Open & Close LP (Knitting Factory)

LOS LOBOS – Native Sons (New West)

L7 – Hungry For Stink LP (Real Gone) limited red / yellow vinyl

A LETTER HOME – Have a Good Old Fashioned Christmas LP (Sundazed) white vinyl

LOS LOBOS – Native Sons LP (New West) limited color vinyl

MANZANITA Y SU CONJUNTO – Trujillo, Peru 1971-1973 LP (Analog Africa)

RUTH MASCELLI (of SPECIAL INTEREST) – A Night at the Baths LP (Disciples)

MF DOOM – Operation Doomsday LP (Metal Face)

PANIC AT THE DISCO – A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out LP (Fueled by Ramen) silver vinyl reissue

PRINCE – Welcome 2 America LP/CD/ box set (Sony)

CLAIRE ROUSAY – Collection CD (Mended Dreams)

CLAIRE ROUSAY – Twin Bed CS (Mended Dreams)

SLUM VILLAGE – Fantastic Volume II LP (Ne’astra)

UGK – Ridin’ Dirty LP (Get On Down)

WOMBO – Blossomlooksdownuponus LP (Fire Talk) yellow vinyl

YOLA – Stand For Myself LP/CD (Easy Eye Records) limited color or black vinyl

ZLR – Our Savings LP (American Dreams)

7/23/21 NEW RELEASES 

ANIKA – Changes LP/CD/CASSETTE (Sacred Bones)

The Berlin based singer Anika Henderson returns with her first album in 11 years. “Change” is her most accessible album yet & we can definitely say that this is a proper “pop” album. The dub & trip-hop influences are still there but everything is cleaner & much less scuzzy sounding than her previous solo work. Some moments almost sound like Sharon Van Etten, SAULT or even BECK (musically that is) but with Anika’s unique, avant twist. RECOMMENDED!

MOLLY BURCH – Romantic Images LP (Captured Tracks)

The Austin based musician Molly Burch returns with “Romantic Images.” Burch has a great voice that reminds us a lot of Angel Olsen but she’s gone in a more pop direction this time. Hints of 80s pop, 70’s r&b & funk & contemporary dance pop. We hear hints of everything from Blondie to Robyn, ST. VINCENT & DAFT PUNK. This is a really fun album! 

ERIKA DE CASIER – Sensational LP/CD (4AD)

Copenhagen-based singer ERIKA DE CASIER moves to 4AD to follow up 2019’s excellent “Essentials”, a release that saw DE CASIER plant one foot firmly in the world of dance music, collaborating with producers DJ SPORTS and CENTRAL. “Sensational” sees DE CASIER lean further into the influence of 90s R&B and quiet storm (think later SADE) to phenomenal results, adorning her gentle melodic lines with warm, detailed production that uses motifs from UK garage, future jazz and even touches of Windham Hill new age. Still, even with all of these influences, this is a record anchored by DE CASIER and her voice, which moves easily from confident to sultry to introspective, never losing power even at its most quiet moments. This is one of our favorite pop records of the last few years, one that both immediately grabs and also rewards multiple listens. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

DARKSIDE – Spiral LP/CD (Matador)

The duo of Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington make their long-awaited follow-up to 2013’s “Psychic”, and these guys will make those Sennheiser audiophile headphones that you dropped $2K on very happy, with uber-detailed floating production sliding in & out of crisp guitar lines and ethereal vocals. There’s a sense of planned chaos to this thing, as everything seems jammy and impromptu yet finds a way to lock in to the overall concept. A welcome return for these guys on Matador.

R.E.M. – Radio Free Europe/Sitting Still 7” (Craft)

The legendary debut 7” that launched the career of one of America’s best bands has been reissued for the first time ever thanks to Craft Recordings. We’re so glad to be able to stock this in our racks! RECOMMENDED.

OTHER IMPORTANT RELEASES & RESTOCKS

BEACH HOUSE – Depression Cherry LP (Sub Pop)

LEON BRIDGES – Gold-Diggers Sound LP/CD (Columbia) indie only vinyl has an alternate cover

CLAIRO – Sling LP (Republic) indie only color vinyl back in stock!

DAVID CROSBY – For Free CD (BMG)

PJ HARVEY – Woman A Man Walked By LP (Island)

MILEY CYRUS – Plastic Hearts LP (RCA)

LANA DEL REY – Ultraviolence LP (Polydor)

DESCENDENTS – 9th & Walnut LP (Epitaph) these shipped late but they should be in Wicker Park on Saturday

GOBLIN – Suspiria (soundtrack) LP (AMS) crystal vinyl

GOBLIN – Zombi (soundtrack) LP (AMS) crystal vinyl

PAUL MCCARTNEY – McCartney III Imagined LP/CD/CASSETTE (Capitol) limited indie only color or black vinyl

MUDHONEY – Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge LP/CD (Sub Pop) deluxe reissue

TAYLOR SWIFT – Folklore LP (Republic)

7/16/21 NEW RELEASES & SOME IMPORTANT RESTOCKS

BACAO RHYTHM & STEEL BAND – Expansions LP/CD (Big Crown) limited color or black vinyl

The fantastic steel pan group from Hamburg returns with another album of solid covers. This time they tackle JAY-Z, Grace Jones, SLUM VILLAGE, Minnie Ripperton & more. RECOMMENDED!

BONNIE ‘PRINCE’ BILLY & MATT SWEENY – Superwolves LP (Drag City)

Will Oldham & Matt Sweeney revisit their duo project in 2021 with “Superwolves.” Matt Sweeney displays his impressive guitar prowess with nods at classic rock, Saharan guitar & efficient fingerstyle playing while Oldham provides the lyrics & vocals. Despite a few upbeat tunes, the album has a mostly dark & somber vibe with mostly just guitar & vocals. RECOMMENDED.

ALICE COLTRANE – Kirtan: Turiya Sings LP/CD (Impulse!)

2021 is the 60th anniversary of Impulse Records & this release is the first ever vinyl issue of Alice Coltrane’s 1982 cassette “Turiya Sings” but with an altered mix. Alice Coltrane’s devotional cassettes recorded & released through her ashram have developed a cult following specifically in the last decade. The original version has overdubbed strings & synths giving the songs & almost otherworldly feel, almost predicting the sounds of 90s/00s trip-hop & ambient music. Though a proper reissue of that version would be appreciated (come on Impulse!) this stripped-down version of the original recording of Alice singing with simple Wurlitzer accompaniment does have a special, very mellow quality. We’re not going to complain, any unheard Alice Coltrane music is welcome in our shops. RECOMMENDED!

DAMIANA – Vines LP (Hausu Mountain)

The duo of Whitney Johnson (aka MATCHESS) and Natalie Chami (aka TALSOUNDS) forms DAMIANA, and prior to this debut release they’d joined together on stage at spots like The Hideout & Sub-T, weaving their unique voices together over ambient electronics and lite percussion. This collaborative effort is absolutely stunning, and recalls the swirling sound design of GROUPER with the gentle pathos of mid/late-80s ENYA, while capturing their quiet intensity recreated on stage. RECOMMENDED!

JODI – Blue Heron LP/CD/TAPE (Sooper) 

JODI is the new project of Nick Levine of PINEGROVE. This is a more mellow & folky approach to the melodic post-Emo that PINEGROVE is known for. Fans of PINEGROVE, AMERICAN FOOTBALL/OWEN, DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE etc…will dig. 

HOLLIE KENNIFF – The Quiet Drift LP (Western Vinyl)

Along with her husband, Hollie Kenniff is a member of the band MINT JULEP & “The Quiet Drift” is her 2021 album. Swirling synths, deep sub bass & layered vocals make us think of Badalamenti’s TWIN PEAKS score, Juliana Barwick & even ENYA plus that cover photo! RECOMMENDED.

LUGGAGE – Happiness LP (Husky Pants)

The Chicago trio LUGGAGE are back with a new album in 2012 called “Happiness.” Post-industrial noise/rock sounds that remind us of Chicago/Touch and Go Records days of yore ala TAR, early SHELLAC etc…Metallic guitars, motorik beats & hush/spoken vocals

on Ryley Walker’s Husky Pants label & RECOMMENDED.

OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS

BAD BRAINS – Bad Brains cassette (Bad Brains)

KAREN BLACK – Dreaming of You: 1971-76 LP/CD 

CAUTIOUS CLAY – Deadpan Love LP (Cautious Clay)

COCHEMEA – Vol. 2: Baca Sewa LP/CD limited “amethyst” vinyl

FLEETWOOD MAC – Fleetwood Mac Live 2LP/3CD (Warner)

GARY HIGGINS – Red Hash LP/w7” (Drag City) back in print!

J ANN C TRIO – At Tan-Tar-A LP (Modern Harmonic) limited gold vinyl

CURTIS MAYFIELD – Curtis 2LP (Run Out Groove) expanded edition

CHARLES MINGUS – At Carnegie Hall 3LP (Run Out Groove)

OPETH – Blackwater Park LP (Music for Nations) silver or black/white marble vinyl

A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS – Hologram CD (Dedstrange) vinyl coming this summer

RADIOHEAD –KID A LP (XL)

RADIOHEAD – OK Computer LP (XL)

SOUTHERN ENERGY ENSEMBLE – Southern Energy LP (Strut) remastered

TINA TURNER – Foreign Affair 2LP (Parlophone) remastered

VAMPIRE WEEKEND – Contra LP (XL)

VAMPIRE WEEKEND – Vampire Weekend LP (XL)

XIU XIU – Dear God, I Hate Myself LP+7” (Kill Rock Stars) remastered

VARIOUS ARTISTS – Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (soundtrack) LP (Abcko)

KANYE WEST – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy 3LP (Def Jam)