Chicago polymaths ARTHHUR follow up their superb 2018 LP “Lost in the Walled City” with an even grander and more ambitious project by expanding on the wild, furious disco-punk of its predecessor by drawing influences from lean motorik krautrock, lush Philly soul and the caged, darkened post-punk reverberations of early 80s Martin Hannett production at Factory Records, while maintaining their liberatory political edge in a world that’s increasingly hostile to liberation. For fans of GOLDEN TEACHER, FACTORY FLOOR and GRAMME, This one is an absolute heater! RECOMMENDED.
BLONDE REDHEAD – Blonde Redhead LP (Numero Group) limited color or black vinyl
BLONDE REDHEAD – La Mia Vita Violenta LP (Numero Group) limited color or black vinyl
First ever stand alone reissues of the classic mid 90s albums from BLONDE REDHEAD. These versions were included in the now out of print box set on Numero & we’re very thankful that they’ve made the proper albums available again. These records sound incredibly fresh today with obvious nods to noise Gods (& Goddess) SONIC YOUTH (the albums were originally released on Steve Shelley’s Smells Like Records) but with their own unique take on alternate tuning art rock. AS GOOD AS THEY GET!
GOON SAX – Mirror II LP/CD (Matador)
THE GOON SAX is a trio out of Brisbane, Australia, making jangly indie-pop with a post-punk edge, almost seemingly plucked straight out of early 2000s NYC if not for their Aussie twang – which gives “Mirror II” a bit of a Flying Nun sound – and is centered around the trio vocals of drummer Riley Jones, guitarist Louis Forster and bassist James Harrison. This is a strong, kinda throwback indie rock record that straddles the line between casual shambles and lock-tight grooves.
KORELESS – Agor LP (Young Turks)
The Welsh producer Lewis Roberts has been making music for over a decade but this is his first full-length album. Excellent production techniques, textures & great sounds with a lot of shifts in styles throughout the album. This should appeal to fans of everything from AUTECHRE, Johann Johannsson, M83, SIGUR ROS etc…
LES FILLES DE ILLIGHADAD – At Pioneer Works LP/CD (Sahel Sounds) limited color or black vinyl
The brilliant group from Niger LES FILLES DE ILLIGHADAD (daughters of Illighadad) return with “At Pioneer Works.” Their rhythmic & entrancing songs are a mix of desert guitar & tende, a term that refers to the style of traditional music featuring women chanting & singing & also the percussive instrument used to keep the beat which is a converted mortar & pestle. This was recorded live in New York in 2019 pre-pandemic & there’s a joy & excitement to the recordings that we’re so happy was captured. Fans of Saharan guitar music like Mdou Moctar, TINARIWEN etc…will love this. RECOMMENDED.
THE WALLFLOWERS – Exit Wounds LP/CD (New West) limited purple vinyl
JAKOB DYLAN & co. return for their first album since 2012’s “Glad All Over”, channelling roots-rock in the TOM PETTY and BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN vein with a solid, upbeat rhythmic foundation and rich-but-not- stuffy arrangements. This is a strong entry in this project’s discography!
AT THE GATES – The Nightmare of Being LP/CD/2CD (Century Media) limited color or black vinyl
Death metal heroes AT THE GATES are back together & “The Nightmare of Being” is their 2021 album. The album opens with a short acoustic intro & then blasts into a very triumphant melodic guitar passage but don’t let that fool you, these guys are still masters of fast & brutal death metal. Lyrically, the album was supposedly inspired by the contemporary horror writer & Lovecraft disciple Thomas Ligotti. RECOMMENDED.
GOAT – World Music LP (Rocket Recordings) back in print on “sacrificial blood” color vinyl
This debut full-length from the mysterious Swedish collective GOAT is an all-out MONSTER of an album. This collective comes from a remote part of Sweden and are inspired by African tribal voodoo and we believe it. They’re definitely channelling some kind of dark energy. This thing is fuzzed out, droney, “world” and so much more. It’s the perfect synthesis of so many things. This is one of the more unique and special records to come around and we love it. GET THIS!!
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Cold Wave #1 LP/CD (Soul Jazz)
This first volume of Soul Jazz Records’ “COLD WAVE” compilations is a doozy, drawing in DIY artists from around the world (Sweden, Germany, Detroit). Divided by distance, these artists and their music presented here are unified by their sound, drawn from classic post-punk and early electronic artists like SUICIDE, PUBLIC IMAGE LTD., PATRICK COWLEY and the Factory Records production of MARTIN HANNETT. This is both a wonderfully curated collection that flows naturally from start to finish and a great jumping-off point for discovering new music in this realm. RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES AND RESTOCKS
ALASTOR – Onwards & Downwards LP/CD (Riding Easy)
FIONA APPLE – Fetch the Bolt Cutters LP (Epic)
THE BETHS – Warm Blood 12” (Carpark) limited splatter vinyl
CAGE THE ELEPHANT – Cage The Elephant LP (RCA)
CHILDISH GAMBINO – Awaken My Love LP (Glassnote)
CUB SCOUT BOWLING PINS – Clang Clang Ho CD (GBV)
DEAD MEADOW – Live At Roadburn LP (Reverb Appreciation Society)
FRANKIE & THE WITCH FINGERS – Heavy Roller LP (Greenway) color vinyl
GNOD – Easy to Build, Hard to Destroy LP (Rocket) limited blue vinyl
THE GO! TEAM – Get Up Sequence Volume One LP (Memphis Industries)
JOE HISAISHI – Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (soundtrack) LP (Studio Ghibli)
JOE HISAISHI – Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (image album) LP (Studio Ghibli)
JOE HISAISHI – Tale of the Princess Kaguya (soundtrack) LP (Studio Ghibli)
JOE HISAISHI – The Wind Rises (soundtrack) LP (Studio Ghibli)
KMD – Black Bastards LP (Metal Face)
MF DOOM – Operation Doomsday LP (Metal Face) original or alternative cover versions
NAS – Illmatic XX LP (Sony)
PLUNKY & ONENESS OF JUJU – Make a Change LP (Strut) remastered
PORTAL – Hagbulbia LP (Profound Lore)
BOOKER STARDRUM – Crater LP (NNA)
STROKES – First Impressions of Earth LP (RCA)
FRANK TURNER – England Keep My Bones LP (Xtra Mile) color vinyl reissue
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)
MAKI ASAKAWA – America No Yoru LP (Universal Japan)
Pricey but fantastic reissue of this 1986 album by the Japanese jazz icon Maki Asakawa. After years of making albums influenced by jazz & blues Asakawa started toying with the popular sounds of City Pop & American pop & R&B. Fans of the City Pop resurgence will want to check this out for sure.
MAKI ASAKAWA – Nothing at All to Lose LP (Universal Japan)
Pricey but fantastic reissue of this 1988 album by the Japanese jazz icon Maki Asakawa. After years of making albums influenced by jazz & blues Asakawa started toying with funkier sounds & then she met the former bass player of RUFUS Bobby Watson. He brought in most of the other RUFUS members & they made this slick 80’s funk album. Slick & smooth 80s funk with Asakawa’s smoky voice. Wild stuff.
BURIAL – Chemz / Dolphinz 12” (Hyperdub)
Will Bevan drops a burner of a 2-tracker here in 2021. A-side “Chemz” goes full high bpm UK garage, staying light, hooky & propulsive, while B-side “Dolphinz” is content to stay aquatic, drawing from underwater noise to create an otherworldly ambience. GET IT! THIS THING IS A FRICKIN HEAT-SEEKING MISSILE!!
NICK CAVE & WARREN ELLIS – Carnage LP/CD (Goliath)
Nick Cave & BAD SEEDS/DIRTY THREE member Warren Ellis have scored a number of films over the past decade or so & this is their first proper album as a duo away from THE BAD SEEDS. Cave’s lyrics are short story-like with spoken word passages at times with sparse arrangements & beats. This is probably most similar to the recent “Ghosteen” & the other more subdued Cave albums like “No More Shall We Part” & “Boatman’s Call” but there’s an experimental “looseness” that Ellis brings to the songs. RECOMMENDED OF COURSE.
GETTING THE FEAR – Death is Bigger: 1984-1985 LP (Dais) ltd. color or black vinyl
GETTING THE FEAR was a short-lived post-punk band from the UK that featured the rhythm section of SOUTHERN DEATH CULT which would go on to become THE CULT. G.T.F wrote rhythmic songs with some funk influence. Think early Rough Trade bands like A CERTAIN RATIO & ESSENTIAL LOGIC with a darker side.
MISTREATER – Hell’s Fire LP (On the Dole)
The Swedish label On the Dole has been reissuing some killer stuff over the past few years & this first ever vinyl reissue of this early 80s Ohio metal album is probably our favorite. The band formed in a trailer park in a small town near Cleveland called Creston. They recorded & self released this absolute monster of an album & not surprisingly originals are difficult to come by. The album starts with a drum fill & then the band hits a big chord & their AMAZING guitarist launches right into a killer solo. Seriously this guy is prodigy level & we imagine he must have been hot shit in that small Ohio town. The vocals are melodic & memorable, reminding us of a mix of early MOTLEY CRUE, PENTAGRAM & of course the mighty BLACK SABBATH. Fans of underground proto-metal & acid friend hard rock MUST check this out. RECOMMENDED.
SQUAREPUSHER – Feed Me Weird Things CD/2LP + 10” (Warp) black or clear vinyl
Tom Jenkinson’s debut finally gets a nice, fancy-pants remaster on Warp. Originally released on APHEX TWIN’s Rephlex label in 1996, “Feed Me Weird Things” brought SQUAREPUSHER to a wide audience and remains a seminal work in 90s IDM and drum ‘n’ bass. Featuring an extra 10″ that contains the original Japanese bonus tracks!
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Strain, Crack & Break: Music From the Nurse With Wound List Volume 2 (Germany) LP (Finders Keepers)
Steven Stapleton has teamed up with Finders Keepers once again to bring us more gems from the legendary Nurse With Wound List, this time focusing on twelve lesser known German psychedelic, experimental, noise & prog gems. RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES:
MARINA ALLEN – Candlepower LP (Fire)
ASHE – Ashlyn CD (Mom + Pop) LP scheduled for Fall 2021!
CHRIS CONNELLY & MONICA QUEEN – Birthday Poems CD (Jnana)
CRUMBSUCKERS – Life of Fear LP (Combat) ltd. color vinyl
EBONI BAND – Eboni Band LP (We Are Busy Bodies) remastered
Sword – Age of Winters: 15th Anniversary Edition LP (purple vinyl)
Tangerine Dream – Live In Reims Cathedral (Stained Glass Picture Disc) LP
Tears for Fears – Live At Massey Hall: Toronto Canada 1985 2LP
Texas & Wu-Tang Clan – Hi 12″
Pat Thomas – Stage Two LP (these shipped late & should be in next week)
Thrice – To Be Everywhere Is to Be Nowhere LP (loop only, sadly it looks like the belmont and wicker park copies were lost in transit & we’re not sure if they’ll ever show up)
Tom Tom Club The Good The Bad And The Funky LP
Toots & The Maytals – Funky Kingston LP
Triumph – Allied Forces 40th Anniversary 2LP box set w/ 7” (wicker park only)
Tune-Yards – W H O K I L L LP
Twenty One Pilots – Location Sessions 12″
William Tyler – New Vanitas 12″
U2 – Fire (40th Anniversary Edition)12” picture disc (belmont only. Some of these got lost in transit but we should get more next week. Place special orders if you want one)
UFO – Mother Mary/This Kid’s 10″
Uriah Heep – Magician’s Birthday LP
Various Artists – Above The Rim Soundtrack 2LP
Various Artists – Chicago/The Blues/Today! 3LP
Various Artists – Dedicated To You: Lowrider Love LP
Various Artists – Demoitis Volume 1 LP
Various Artists – Golden Gate Groove: The Sound Of Philadelphia Live In San
Francisco 1973 2LP
Various Artists – Having A Party: Sun Records Curated by Record Store Day LP
Various Artists – Hillbillies In Hell: Volume XII LP
Various Artists – I Mean Alarmed: The Toulon-Pedro Connect LP
Various Artists – Jazz Dispensary: The Dank D-Funk Blend, Vol. 2 LP
Various Artists – Ladies Choice: The Pen Of Swan Records LP
Various Artists -Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Soundtrack LP (wicker Park only)
Various Artists – Other Music Soundtrack [LP+DVD]
Various Artists – Penrose Showcase Vol. 1 LP (w/ slipmat)
Various Artists – Pin-Up Girls : Not Easy To Get LP
Various Artists – Psych France Volume 7: Seventies LP
Various Artists – Red Hot + Blue: A Tribute to Cole Porter 2LP
Various Artists – The Rough Guide To Blues Behind Bars LP
Various Artists – The Rough Guide To Booze & Blues LP
Various Artists – The Rough Guide To Gamblin’ & Ramblin’ Blues LP
Various Artists – Sassy & Strong: Forgotten Sides From Nashville’s Finest
Ladies LP
Various Artists – Songs For You, Vol. 1 LP compilation spotlighting black artists that benefits black-owned record stores
Various Artists – Soul Slabs Vol. 3 LP
Various Artists – Tribute to Repo Man LP
Various Artists – Truth To Power Project LP
Vast – Music For People LP
Verlaines – Live at the Windsor Castle, Auckland, May 1986 2LP
Arthur Verocai – Mochilla Presents Timeless: Arthur Verocai 2LP
M Ward -.End of Amnesia (20 Year Anniversary Remaster) 2LP
Warpaint – The Fool (Andrew Weatherall Mix) LP
Wasted Youth – Reagan’s In LP (color vinyl)
The Who – Face Dances: 40th LP
Jonathan Winters Unearthed 3LP (wicker park only)
Wipers – Youth of America: Anniversary Edition 1981-2021 2LP
Wire – PF456 Deluxe 2×10″ W/ book
Link Wray – Sings And Plays Guitar LP
Steve Wynn – Dekād: Rare & Unreleased Recordings 1995-2005 2LP
DEAD BOYS – Young Loud & Snotty LP (Jackpot) remastered on color vinyl
This punk classic is available once again on limited color vinyl, remastered from the original tapes courtesy of Jackpot records. We have a number of “punk 101” LPs in the racks & this one featuring Stiv Bators & Cheetah Chrome is one of them. RECOMMENDED!
HAILU MERGIA – Tezeta LP (Awesome Tapes From Africa)
What an amazing discovery by Awesome Tapes From Africa! Mostly unknown outside of Ethiopia until only recently, “Tezeta” was the debut release by Hailu Mergia & the Walias Band originally released on cassette in 1975. The recordings are slightly lo-fi but the songs are fantastic. Fans of Hailu Mergia & classic Ethic jazz in general must hear this. RECOMMENDED!
RYLEY WALKER – Course in Fable LP (Husky Pants) now on vinyl!
It’s been a whirlwind few years for Chicago ex-pat & our friend Ryley Walker. After years of battling addiction, he managed to get clean while being almost nakedly open about his experience in interviews. Free of his label, Ryler decided to spend his down time while he couldn’t tour by starting a new label to host his music & music made by his friends. Ryley
seems to be almost reborn & “Course In Fable” might be his strongest & most unique album yet. He’s pretty open about his love of British prog on his hilarious Twitter posts & there’s a lot of influence from prog legends GENESIS, the Canterbury Scene & 90s indie rockers like Jim O’Rourke. The album was recorded by another former Chicagoan, John McEntire of TORTOISE/SEA & CAKE et al. Congrats to Ryley & his bright future! RECOMMENDED.
ADRIAN YOUNGE – American Negro LP (Jazz is Dead)
Big 26-track record from the retro-soul practitioner ADRIAN YOUNGE, articulating the long, tragic and very “American” history of black oppression in the United States by exploring the psychological footprint left on the minds of black and white people alike. Heady stuff that still keeps the hazy, symphonic sound of his earlier material. On YOUNGE’s own Jazz Is Dead
label and RECOMMENDED.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES
BEHERIT – Drawing Down the Moon LP (Kvlt) classic black/death metal back in print!
MIKE COOLEY, PATTERSON HOOD & JASON ISBELL – Live at Shoals Theater 4LP (Thirty Tigers)
JAPANESE BREAKFAST – Jubilee LP/CD/TAPE (Dead Oceans) limited color or black vinyl
MF DOOM – MM FOOD LP (Rhymesayers) back in print on limited color vinyl!
MIZMOR & ANDREW BLACK – Dialetheia LP (Gilead Media)
MNDSGN – Rare Pleasure LP (Stones Throw)
LIZ PHAIR- Soberish LP (Chrysalis) indie only color vinyl with signed print while supplies last! Regular vinyl & CD will be in early next week
RED FANG – Arrows LP (Relapse) limited color vinyl
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Strong Love: Songs of Gay Liberation 1972-81 LP (Chapter Music)
RISE AGAINST – Nowhere Generation LP/CD (Loma Vista) indie only color or deluxe w/ bonus 7”
ROSTAM – Changephobia LP/CD (Matsor Projects)
STROKES – Room on Fire LP (RCA) back in stock!
WIPERS – Wipers aka Tour 1984 LP (Jackpot) remastered on color vinyl
BLACK MIDI – Cavalcade LP/CD (Rough Trade) black vinyl or limited picture disc
These London lads had certainly built up quite a bit of anticipation for the follow-up to their 2019 debut “Schlagenheim”… and folks? They deliver. “Cavalcade” is certainly more structured (though no less frenetic) than its predecessor, building not from improvisation but more from tight prog compositions that touch on jazz fusion, folk-pop and even crooner ballads. Still, the band remains essentially noisy, pulling from HENRY COW, BOREDOMS, LIGHTNING BOLT and even a bit of John Wetton / Bill Bruford-era KING CRIMSON to make one of the best experimental rock records of the young decade so far. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
CAN – Live in Stuttgart 1975 3LP/2CD (Mute) orange vinyl
“Live in Stuttgart 1975” is the debut release in a planned series of live albums by the legendary German group CAN. This recording is a remaster of a semi-legendary bootleg supervised by keyboardist Irmin Schmidt. Five long-form instrumental jams recorded just after the release of “Landed.” Considering the era this recording sounds pretty darn good. RECOMMENDED!
CZARFACE & MF DOOM – Super What LP/CD (Silver Age)
SUPER WHAT? The final collaboration between Hip Hop’s Greatest Super Villains, the Metal Face Despot & the Villainous Hero Czarface. The two acts have committed great capers, both together & separately, leaving the Rap world shaking in fear as the dastardly rhyme evil-doers destroy beat after booming beat with the technical wizardry only available in a world defined by four colors on the page. Here in your hands, listeners, you hold the last living crimes of MF DOOM, the greatest villain!
ALL HAIL DOOM!
LOSCIL – Clara LP/CD (Kranky)
Scott Morgan returns with his fantastic LOSCIL project for the 2021 album “Clara.” Morgan sourced the album from just a 3 minute recording of an orchestra & Budapest & manipulated it into 10 beautiful tracks & drone washes, some Badalamenti esque/Lynchian pieces & electronic cut-ups that make for a truly beautiful listen. RECOMMENDED.
MUSTAFA – When Smoke Rises LP/CD (Regent Park Songs) black or limited green vinyl
Toronto-based poet MUSTAFA AHMED has also dipped his toes into songwriting, crafting airy-yet-cathartic pop and folk music that incorporates tasteful electronic arrangements and focuses on the struggles of grief and daily life for black people (and black immigrants) in Canada. Featuring support work from both JAMIE XX and SAMPHA, this still stands alone as a fully realized debut. Really nice stuff on MUSTAFA’s own Regent Park Songs label.
PORTAL – Avow LP/CD (Profound Lore)
The dark & mysterious Australian death metallers PORTAL returns with their sixth album. PORTAL’s music has always been technical & complex but there’s always enough to grab into to stop you from totally falling into their abyss. These guys are still one of the most unique metal bands going. RECOMMENDED.
REIGNING SOUND – A Little More Time With Reigning Sound LP/CD (Merge) limited “Peak Vinyl” yellow & green swirl
The first album from REIGNING SOUND since “Shattered” in 2014 rewards the wait, showcasing their signature blend of garage and Americana with arrangements that are fairly lush (pedal steel, cello, Hammond organ). A welcome return for these guys on Merge.
DRAB MAJESTY – Unarian Dances 12”EP (Dais) clear or black vinyl
DRAB MAJESTY – Unknown to the I 12”EP (Dais) clear or black vinyl
First ever vinyl reissues of these EPs that were originally released on cassette in 2012 and 2015. Dark but melodic shoegaze with some gothic tendencies that reminds us of CATHERINE WHEEL, PALE SAINTS & early CAPTURED TRACKS releases.
FACS – Present Tense LP/CD (Trouble in Mind) limited “cheeto” orange or black vinyl
Chicago’s FACS continue to push themselves to explore new territory on the 2021 album “Present Tense.” Like their other albums, there’s plenty of studio trickery & experimentation but in many ways, this might be their most straight-ahead & accessible record yet. The band is known for their brutalist post-punk style but there are some really catchy moments on this with a chorus on “Strawberry Cough” that even reminds of JAWBOX. Alianna, Brian & Noah have brought it once again & OF COURSE WE RECOMMENDED THIS!
MDOU MOCTAR – Afrique Victime LP/CD (Matador) limited purple or black vinyl
Yes!! Niger’s foremost Tuareg guitar wizard MDOU MOCTAR follows up 2019’s bracing & psychedelic “Ilana: The Creator” with another sterling collection of music that has one foot planted in expansive heavy psych and the increasingly vital scene of Agadez’s desert blues. “Afrique Victime” is heavier (and honestly a bit more glammy) than its predecessor, drawing from “Physical Graffiti”-era ZEPPELIN and HAWKWIND, but there’s also quite a bit of stylistic variance to be found with acoustic numbers and more field recorded ambience, and these excursions provide MOCTAR both an excuse to show off his multifaceted skills and explore more political issues of women’s rights, racial inequality & African solidarity. This is a ripper. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES
DOUG CARN – Revelation LP (Real Gone) color vinyl reissue
DUCKS LTD. – Get Bleak LP (Carpark) clear vinyl
ELKKA – Euphoric Melodies 12” (Technicolor)
FIDDLEHEAD – Between the Richness LP (Run For Cover) two different vinyl colors
FLOATING POINTS, PHAROAH SANDERS & LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Promises LP (Luaka Bop) now on 180GRM vinyl, limited
KHRUANGBIN – Mordechai Remixes 3: One to Remember 12” (Dead Oceans)
KISHI BASHI – Emigrant LP (Joyful Noise)
LORD HURON – Long Lost LP/CD (Republic)
MY BLOODY VALENTINE – m b v LP (Domino) reissue w/ deluxe tip-on gatefold sleeve
GRUFF RHYS – Seeking New Gods LP/CD (Rough Trade) green vinyl
SPIRITUALIZED – Lazer Guided Melodies LP (Fat Possum) white vinyl back in stock
ST. VINCENT – Daddy’s Home LP (Loma Vista) indie only w/ alternate cover back in stock
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Pirate’s Choice, Vol. 2 LP (Studio One)
PHOEBE BRIDGERS – Copycat Killer EP (Dead Oceans) black or “mountain blast” color vinyl
Phoebe Bridgers continues to ride the insane wave that she’s been on since early 2020 that included massive critical & fan acclaim for her album “Punisher” & an appearance on SNL that seemed to anger a lot of rock dads. “Copycat Killer” is an EP of some of her most adored songs with string arrangements by Rob Moose who has worked with Taylor Swift & BON IVER to name a few. RECOMMENDED.
THE CHILLS – Scatterbrain LP/CD (Fire) limited blue marbled vinyl
One of the great Dunedin, NZ bands returns for their fourth album since their 2013 reforming, and Martin Phillipps & co. keep it sharp with some guitar pop that’s both concisely written and lushly produced, and harkening to the sounds of Flying Nun counterparts THE CLEAN and THE VERLAINES, as well as some CLIENTELE.
ROB FRYE – Exoplanet LP (Astral Spirits)
“Exoplanet” is the debut solo album from the Chicago musician Rob Frye who you’ve likely seen around town playing with BITCHIN BAJAS, CAVE & a variety of jazz ensembles. Frye is a talented multi-instrumentalist who loves the outdoors & the quote on the hype sticker “nature reveals hidden realms of knowledge, even on our mysterious home planet” says a lot about where he’s coming from. This is a wonderful mix of jazz, free jazz, fusion & kosmische featuring a talented group of collaborators including his BITCHIN BAJAS band mates, Ben Lamar Gay, Macie Stewart of OHMME & more. RECOMMENDED.
Over the past few years the music of the Canadian artist Beverly Glenn-Copeland has been discovered & rediscovered by many people. He began his career with a fantastic folk album that sounds like a more experimental take on Joni Mitchell & has continued releasing music since then in varying styles. This 1986 album is a mix of new age & experimental electronic pop made with a DX-7 & TR-707 & it reminds us a lot of 80s experimental & ambient Japanese pop like YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA & some of the great artists featured on recent compilations like “Somewhere Between” & “Hesei No Oto.” RECOMMENDED.
OUTSIDERS – Calling on Youth LP (1972)
“Calling you Youth” is the debut album by the English punk band THE OUTSIDERS. The album was originally released in 1977 & the band was led by Adrian Borland who would later go on to form the legendary & criminally underrated post-punk band THE SOUND. The group had a pretty unique sound right from the start with politically driven lyrics. Think early WIPERS, BUZZCOCKS, WIRE etc… with a hint of the melodic sense that would make THE SOUND one of the best 80s UK bands. RECOMMENDED!
SCREAMERS – Screamers Demo Hollywood 1977 LP (Superior Viaduct)
The much anticipated, first ever official release of the 1977 demo by the L.A. synth punk band SCREAMERS. In theory & practice, SCREAMERS were a punk band but unlike their peers, there weren’t any snarling guitars instead their version of punk was made with two synths, drums & vocals. You can hear hints of the L.A. sound, with a similar spirit & sound as THE GERMS but truly they sound like a more amped up version of early DEVO or WIRE while also leading the way for thousands of synth punk bands following in their footsteps. SO VERY RECOMMENDED!
Much needed Warp reissue of two SEEFEEL EPs from the mid-90s, “Starethrough” and “Fracture/Tied”, plus a pair of rare remixes, AUTECHRE’s remix of “Spangle” & the previously unreleased “Starethrough (Transition mix)”. ESSENTIAL!
This expanded 3LP (!) edition of the first SEEFEEL album put out on Warp explores the sounds of these IDM pioneers as they straddled the line between post-rock and ambient dub. Available again for the first time since its 90s release. ESSENTIAL!
The third album from IDM pioneers SEEFEEL was released originally in 1996 on Richard D. James’ Rephlex label. This Warp reissue adds an extra LP of bonus material, expanding greatly from the original 33min run time. ESSENTIAL!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES
BLACK KEYS – Delta Kream LP/CD (Nonesuch) limited color or black vinyl
RAY CHARLES – Genius + Soul = Jazz LP (Impulse) Acoustic Sound Series
CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG – Deja Vu LP/4CD 50th Anniversary (Atlantic)
CURRENT JOYS – Voyager LP (Secretly Canadian)
DAFT PUNK – Random Access Memories LP (Columbia) back in stock!
GIL EVANS ORCHESTRA – Out of the Cool LP (Impulse) Acoustic Sound Series remaster
FLEETWOOD MAC – Tusk LP (Warner)
DAMIEN JURADO – The Monster Who Hated Pennsylvania LP/CD (Maraqopa)
“Mercy” is the debut solo album by Natalie Bergman, one half of duo WILD BELLE born in Chicago with her brother Elliot. The origin of this record is based in tragedy when Bergman’s life changed the day she learned that her father & stepmother had been killed in a car crash. Bergman retreated to a monastery in New Mexico to grieve in near isolation. This is a record about faith inspired by gospel music & the songs are a mix of traditional sounding gospel, 60s girl groups & soul & some subtle reggae nods.
DJ BLACK LOW – Uwami LP/CD (Awesome Tapes From Africa)
“Uwami” is the 2nd album on Awesome Tapes From Africa that we’ve carried in the South African style of dance music called Amapiano. Similar to the first release by TENO AFRIKA, this one by DJ BLACK LOW highlights the minimalist style of production with minimalist house/footwork style beats & repetitive samples. We’re really loving these sounds & hope there’s more to come.
DRAMARAMA – Cinema Verite LP (Pasadena)
FINALLY!! There hasn’t been a proper vinyl reissue of the debut album by the New Jersey band DRAMARAMA since 1990. The AllMusic description really nails it by referring to this as “probably the greatest rock release from 1985 that almost no one has ever heard.” They had some success with the HUSKER DU meets AGENT ORANGE song “Anything, Anything” & they touch on a lot of styles including ‘STONES-y scuzz, power pop ala PLIMSOULS, hints at what AFGHAN WHIGS would become, a similar Americanized take on the British Invasion that BIG STAR did so well etc…AN UNDERRATED CLASSIC!
KHRUANGBIN – Dearest Alfred (My Joy)/ Father Bird, Mother Bird remix 12” (Dead Oceans)
Limited edition, already out of print 12” of remixes by KNXWLEDGE & KADHJA BONET.
***1 PER CUSTOMER, NO HOLDS, IN STORE SALES ONLY***
MASASHI KITAMURA + PHOTOGENIX – Prologue for Post-Modern Music LP (Ship to Shore)
First ever reissue of this classic Japanese ambient experimental album from 1984 courtesy of Ship to Shore. With nods to both Eno’s ambient & pop sides, hints of YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA & 20th Century minimalism, this record covers quite a bit of styles in 39 minutes. Those of you that have been enjoying the Japanese ambient & city pop reissues on this label & Light in the Attic will want to check this out. RECOMMENDED.
ANGEL OLSEN – Song of the Lark & Other Far Memories 4LP box set (Jagjaguwar)
Limited edition 4LP box set that collects the “All Mirrors” & “Whole New Mess” albums along with some other songs, remixes & outtakes from those sessions along with a 40 page book with a ton of personal ephemera, photos & more. RECOMMENDED OR COURSE.
PAYSAGE d’HIVER – Geister LP/CD (Kunsthall)
Tobias “Wintherr” Mockl returns with his solo black metal project PAYSAGE D’HIVER for “Geister.” Following the theme of the other PAYSAGE…releases, “Geister” is another chapter in the ongoing story of “The Wanderer.” On this one, The Wanderer encounters beings from another dimension while in a dream. Those beings are from our world but The Wanderer thinks they are ghosts. The recording is a little more hi-fi on this one with more mid-tempo beats but it’s no less crushing & ice cold. RECOMMENDED.
REAL ESTATE – Half a Human EP 12” (Domino)
This new six-track EP from REAL ESTATE builds off of 2020’s “The Main Thing”, with bright guitar jangles intersecting over gentle harmonies that land somewhere between melancholy and bliss. Not a dud to be found on this EP! On Domino.
ANDY STOTT – Never the Right Time LP (Modern Love)
The Manchester musician Andy Stott returns with his 8th solo album “Never the Right Time.” The record starts with a wash of ambient synths & then sort of spills into a syrupy, beat-less vocal track that reminds us of CHROMATICS stint at David Lynch’s roadhouse with singing by Alison Skidmore. As a whole this record has a down tempo, almost somber vibe at times varying between reverb drenched post-techno instrumentals & minimal pop songs featuring Skidmore’s heavily affected voice. A new Andy Stott record is always cause for celebration at Reckless & this one is no different. RECOMMENDED.
MELVIN UKACHI – Evolution (Bring Back the Ofege Beat) LP (Tidal Waves)
Melvin Ukachi is best known as the singer for the 70s Nigerian group OFEGE. This solo album from 1981 is brilliant with hints of the OFEGE days, memorable tunes with great vocals & some fantastic afrobeat grooves. RECOMMENDED.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES
ALEX CHILTON & HI RHYTHM SECTION – Live on Beale Street LP/CD (Omnivore)
DRAMARAMA – Color TV LP (Pasadena)
DEXTER GORDON – One Flight Up LP (180grm remaster) Blue Note Tone Poet Series
ANDREW HILL – Passing Ships 2LP (180grm remaster) Blue Note Tone Poet Series
ICEAGE – Seek Shelter LP/CD (Mexican Summer) limited color or black vinyl
KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD – Demos Vols. 1 & 2 2LP (Drastic Plastic)
MATT JENCIK – Weird Times tape (Gilead Media)
NEW ORDER – Education Entertainment Recreation: Live at Alexandra Palace 2CD/2CD & BLURAY or 3LP box set (Warner)
HARRY NILSSON – Nilsson Schmilsson: Original Master Recording 2LP (Mobile Fidelity)
PHISH – White Tape LP (Jemp) reissue on color vinyl
RAG’N’BONE MAN – Life by Misadventure LP (Columbia)
MAGGIE ROGERS – Notes from the Archive: Recordings 2011-2016 LP (Debay Sounds)
SADE – This Far 6LP box set (Epic) back in stock!
CARTER TANTON – Carter Tanton LP (Western Vinyl)
KALI UCHIS – Sin Miedo (Del Amor Y Otros Demonios) LP (Interscope)
WEEZER – Van Weezer LP/CD (Atlantic) limited color or black vinyl
TONY JOE WHITE – Smoke From the Chimney LP (Easy Eye Sound)
