Category: New Releases

6/12/20 NEW RELEASES

KAYTRANADA – Bubba LP (RCA)

Released digitally in late 2019, the 2nd album by the Canadian producer KAYTRANADA is a true breath of fresh air right now. The idea of hearing this on a packed & sweaty dance floor right now in June 2020 seems like a dream. Effortless & timeless sounding production that will surely make this an instant classic & when we can get back onto the dancefloor, “Bubba” will be there waiting. Features contributions from Mick Jenkins, Kali Uchis, Estelle, Pharrell & more. RECOMMENDED.

THE 1975 – Notes on a Conditional Form LP (Interscope)

The Manchester art rockers THE 1975 are back with their 4th album. This is their longest record yet & it’s definitely their most ambitious one too. Approximately 70 minutes of FUGAZI fueled post-punk, power pop gems ala TEENAGE FANCLUB, electro-pop with nods at RADIOHEAD’S epic 2000s run & a number of instrumental interludes, often orchestral that have a “Discreet Music” era ENO vibe. This is definitely one of those “let’s try everything” records. 

SONIC BOOM – All Things Being Equal LP (Carpark) ltd. edition w/ poster + print

“All Things Being Equal” is Peter Kember’s first album as SONIC BOOM since 1989 (NINETEEN EIGHTY-NINE!), and the ex-SPACEMEN 3 guitarist’s return is a triumphant one. Reinforced by an army of analog synthesizers and an almost subversive positivity, Kember takes this project in bright, soulful directions, shining like a ray of summer sunshine in the darker times of 2020. This is quite the welcome return. RECOMMENDED!

WESTERMAN – Your Hero Is Not Dead LP/CD (Partisan)

London’s WESTERMAN channels 80s alt-pop luminaries like PETER GABRIEL and ARTHUR RUSSELL with deceptively easy vocal hooks and arrangements that are simultaneously spacious and lush. Utilizing limber guitar work, warm synths and a snappy, syncopated combination of claps, box percussion and drum machines, this debut finds a way to channel the longing and nostalgia of the past without leaning heavily on its most obvious tropes. These songs are inventive and intuitive, easy to love because the patterns make sense without being obvious, so this comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Other important new releases

JEHNNY BETH (of SAVAGES) – To Love Is To Live LP (20L07) ltd. red vinyl

BIBIO – Sleep On The Wing LP (Warp)

DIET CIG – Do You Wonder About Me? LP (French Kiss)

DJ BORING – Like Water 12” (Technicolor)

PETER GABRIEL – Rated PG LP (Real World)

LIAM GALLAGHER – MTV Unplugged LP (Warner) splatter vinyl

GODEN – Beyond Darkness LP (Svart)

GUERILLA TOSS – Jay Glass Dubs VS Guerilla Toss 12” (DFA)

HINDS – The Prettiest Curse LP/CD (Mom + Pop) available in red or blue vinyl

NORAH JONES – Pick Me Up Off the Floor LP/CD (Blue Note)

KIDBUG – Kidbug LP (Joyful Noise)

KING DIAMOND – Conspiracy LP (Metal Blade)

KING DIAMOND – The Eye LP (Metal Blade)

KING DIAMOND – Them LP (Metal Blade)

LA PRIEST – GENE LP (Domino)

LIVING GATE – Deathlust LP (Relapse)

KATIE MALCO – Failures LP (6131)

MASERATI – Enter the Mirror LP (Temporary Residence)

NEW FOUND GLORY – Forever & Ever X Infinity LP (Hopeless)

IGGY POP – The Idiot 2CD deluxe edition (UMC)

REVENGE – Strike.Smother.Dehumanize LP (Season of Mist)

ULRICH SCHNAUSS – A Long Way to Fall – Rebound LP (Scripted Realities)

THE STROPPIES – Look Alive! LP (Tough Love) ltd. green vinyl

SWEET SPIRIT – Trinidad LP (Merge)

TRIPTYKON – Requiem: Live at Roadburn 2019 LP/DVD (Century Media)

24-CARAT BLACK – III LP (Numero)

6/5/20 NEW RELEASES

MULATU ASTATKE & BLACK JESUS EXPERIENCE – To Know Without Knowing LP (Agogo)

Ethiopian jazz vibraphonist & father of Ethio-jazz Mulatu Astatke teamed up with the Australian 8 piece group BLACK JESUS EXPERIENCE (BJX) for this excellent album.A mix of new BJX material & retooled Ethiopian classics, this one will appeal to Mulatu fans, Ethiopiques obsessives, contemporary Afrobeat etc…

CLARA MONDSHINE – Luna Africana LP (The Great Thunder)

Fantastic 1981 album by Walter Bachauer under the pseudonym CLARA MONDHSHINE. Bachauer was a composer, radio director & journalist who collaborated with the great new age organist Peter Michael Hamel. Lo-fi recordings of analogue synths with simple drum box “motorik” beats. Fans of 70s German electronic legends like KRAFTWERK, HARMONIA, NEU, CAN, FAUST etc… as well as Eno & SUICIDE will love this. AMAZING STUFF.

SEAN MCCANN/ MATTHEW SULLIVAN/ ALEX TWOMEY – Saturday Night LP (Recital)

Recital is one of our favorite labels & this release by the label founder Sean McCann along with Matthew Sullivan & Alex Twomey is an excellent example of modern minimalism & sound collage. A mix of field recordings, lo-fi & distant sounding recordings of pianos & synth drones that will appeal to fans of maestro Eno & similar E.G. label releases. RECOMMENDED.

AKI ONDA – Nam June’s Spirit Was Speaking to Me LP (Recital)

Another fine release on the Recital label. Fans of radio-wave phenomena/short-wave etc… will want to check this out. The NYC artist Aki Onda was performing in Korea in 2010 & while there he attended an exhibit by Nam June Paik. Randomly he was dialing through a handheld radio & started hearing distant voices & bizarre radio transmissions. The radio also had a tape recorder & he began recording the sounds which Onda interpreted as Nam June Paik communicating with him. The recordings were made on the same radio in cities around the world over the period of a few years. Lo-fi radio experiments with some surprisingly rhythmic moments. A very cool project.

BILL ORCUTT & MICHAEL MORLEY – Electric Guitar Duets LP (Palilalia)

Vinyl edition of the 2017 tape release by noise legends Bill Orcutt & DEAD C’s Michael Morley. Lo-fi electric improvisations by these guitar gods.

STRIKE UNDER – Immediate Action 12” deluxe edition w/ 7” & matchbook (Wax Trax) 

In celebration of their 40th anniversary, Wax Trax! has reissued their very first release, the legendary EP by Chicago’s STRIKE UNDER. Top-notch early 80’s punk rock featuring future members of legendary bands like THE EFFIGIES, NAKED RAYGUN & PEGBOY. Limited deluxe edition comes with a bonus 7″ & pack of matches. CRUCIAL CHICAGO PUNK. As recommended as they get. 

STRIKE UNDER – Immediate Action 12” (Wax Trax) 

In celebration of their 40th anniversary, Wax Trax! has reissued their very first release, the legendary EP by Chicago’s STRIKE UNDER. Top-notch early 80’s punk rock featuring future members of legendary bands like THE EFFIGIES, NAKED RAYGUN & PEGBOY. CRUCIAL CHICAGO PUNK. As recommended as they get.

SOME RECORD STORE DAY TITLES TRICKLING IN…

BLAZE FOLEY – Live at the Austin Outhouse LP (Lost Arts)

GOBLIN – Greatest Hits Vol. 1 LP (AMS)

MAGNETIC SYSTEM – Godzilla 7” (AMS)

METAL MIRROR – English Booze 7” (On the Dole)

ENNIO MORRICONE – For a Few Dollars More Soundtrack LP (AMS) yellow vinyl

ENNIO MORRICONE – A Fistfulof Dollars Soundtrack 10” (AMS) red vinyl

ENNIO MORRICONE – Once Upon a Time in the West Soundtrack LP (AMS) yellow vinyl

ENNIO MORRICONE – Good the Bad & the Ugly Soundtrack LP (AMS) yellow vinyl

PAW PATROL – Official Theme Song 7” (Nickelodeon)

NICHOLS PIKE – C.H.U.D. II: Bud the Chud soundtrack LP (Terror Vision)

PREDATUR – Seen You Here/Talk a Walk 7” (On the Dole)

V/A – Hillbillies in Hell X LP (Omni Recording)

V/A – Troubled Troubadours LP (Omni Recording)

OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES

BADLY DRAWN BOY – Banana Skins LP (One Last Fruit)

DANZIG – Sings Elvis LP (Cleopatra) limited leopard print picture disc

EL MICHELS AFFAIR – Adult Themes LP (Big Crown Records) color or black vinyl

  These shipped late and should arrive on Saturday

FOUR TET – Sixteen Oceans LP (Text) color or black vinyl

  These shipped late and should arrive on Saturday

GOGO PENGUIN – Gogo Penguin LP (Blue Note)

MELENAS – Dias Raros LP (Trouble in Mind) color or black vinyl

  These shipped late and should arrive on Saturday

NAS – World is Yours 7” (Mr Bongo)

P2 – Behind the Wall LP (Fatcat) These shipped late and should arrive on 

   Saturday

THE SPECIALS – Ghost Town LP (Cleopatra)

JENNIFER TOUCH – Behind the Wall LP (Fatcat) These shipped late and should arrive on 

   Saturday

VARSITY – Fine Forever LP (Run For Cover) These shipped late and should arrive on 

   Saturday

SOME LATE ARRIVING 5/27 RELEASES THAT DIDN’T MAKE THE LIST LAST WEEK

LADY GAGA – Chromatica LP/CD (Interscope) clear vinyl in PVC sleeve

PRINCE – The Rainbow Children 2LP (Legacy) ltd. clear vinyl

PRINCE – One Nite Alone LP (Legacy) ltd. purple vinyl

PRINCE – One Nite Alone: Live 4LP (Legacy) ltd. purple vinyl

PRINCE – One Nite Alone: The Aftershow 2LP (Legacy) ltd. purple vinyl

PRINCE – One Nite Alone: Live 4LP (Legacy) ltd. purple vinyl

PRINCE – Up All Night with Prince: The One Night Alone Collection 4CD (Legacy)

5/29/20 NEW RELEASES

BATHS – Pop Music / False B-Sides Vol. I & II LP (Basement’s Basement) cream vinyl

Will Wiesenfeld has been making bedroom electro-pop for the past decade, all with a warmth and ease that can remind us of the gentler moments of SUFJAN STEVENS’ “The Age of Adz”. Along with the remastered version of “Pop Music / False B-Sides”, he finds some incredible BATHS from around the same time to bring to a second volume. It’s remarkable that this music hadn’t been released before, but we’re happy to hear some more of BATHS at the top of his game. Really great stuff that is nice to now see on vinyl.

FLYING LOTUS – Flamagra: Instrumentals 2LP (Warp)

A year after the release of his landmark double-album “Flamagra”, FLYING LOTUS brings us an instrumental version, ripe with hazy, off-kilter beats and spacious soundscapes that draw equally from hip-hop, house, jazz and IDM. A required cop! RECOMMENDED!

CALEB LANDRY JONES – The Mother Stone 2LP (Sacred Bones) baby blue vinyl

“The Mother Stone” is the debut album from Caleb Landry Jones, someone you might know better from his acting in “Twin Peaks: The Return” & “Get Out.” Making your musical debut with a double LP is pretty bold but a lot of things about this record are kind of over the top. The music is flamboyant & sprawling, sort of like glam show tunes or a demented musical. Think Lennon’s most tripped-out when he was the Walrus, Kevin Ayers, Tom Waits etc…

LUSTRE – Ashes of Light LP (Nordvis)

“The Ashes of Light” is the 2020 album by the Swedish one man atmospheric black metal project LUSTRE. We’ve been kind of of obsessed with this album since it popped up on Bandcamp earlier this year. Mid-tempo to slow songs that have an almost ambient quality to them with sequenced synth melodies, washes of digital strings instead of guitars & what sounds like programmed drums. We suppose you could call this dark ambient, but we’ll say ambient metal. Think Badalamenti Twin Peaks style synth songs or “Disintegration” era CURE with slow plodding beats & occasional screeched DEAFHEAVEN sounding vocals. Recommended for those of you that like your metal on the more depressing side…

MAGNETIC FIELDS – Quickies 7” boxset (Nonesuch)

Stephin Merritt & MAGNETIC FIELDS give us something to be thankful for during these tough times with 28 short little ditties spread out over 5 7″ singles. With song titles like “The Biggest Tits in History”, “Bathroom Quickie”, “You’ve Got a Friend in Beelzebub” you know this is gonna be good! 

MAC MILLER – Circles 2LP (Warner)

Losing an artist with as much potential as the Pittsburgh singer Mac Miller is always devastating. It was clear that he was accelerating creatively & that almost anything could be possible. He was deep into working on this record with producer Jon Brion when he died & finishing it was very important to Brion. Miller was clearly moving into a less rap oriented direction on “Swimming” & that continues here with him exploring many different songwriting styles & genres. RIP MAC MILLER.

Other important new releases:

THE AIRBORNE TOXIC EVENT – Hollywood Park 2LP (Rounder)

BEN LUKAS BOYSEN – Mirage LP (Erased Tapes)

CEREMONY – Zoo LP (Matador) back in print

CHOIR BOY – Gathering Swans LP (DAIS) clear blue vinyl

FIRE-TOOLZ – Rainbow Bridge LP (Hausu Mountain) “Breakfast” blue vinyl back in stock!

J DILLA – Donuts LP (Stones Throw) THE CLASSIC finally back in print

TOMMY McGEE – I’m A Stranger 2LP (Numero)

NOVA ONE – loveable LP (Community) peach vinyl

PET SHOP BOYS – I Don’t Wanna LP/CD (X2)

RUSH – Permanent Waves: 40th Anniversary Edition 3LP (Anthem)

RVG – Feral LP (Fire) yellow vinyl

SWEET WHIRL – How Much Works LP (Chapter) white vinyl

TALsounds – Acquiesce LP (NNA) blue vinyl back in stock!

5/22/20 NEW RELEASES

JAMES ELKINGTON – Ever-Roving Eye LP/CD (Paradise of Bachelors)

The Chicago based English guitarist & Reckless regular Jim Elkington is one of the city’s most accomplished musicians of this past decade. He’s collaborated with Jeff Tweedy, Richard Thompson, TORTOISE, Michael Chapman & Steve Gunn just to name a few & this is his second solo album. Nods at 60s & 70s British folk like Bert Jansch, John Martyn & Richard Thompson, Chicago ex-pats Jim O’Rourke & Ryley Walker, Elkington’s playing is as stellar as ever & his songs just keeping getting better. 

GAS – Oktember LP (Kompakt) reissued

Reissue of the 2nd EP by Wolfgang Voigt’s GAS Project originally released on Mille Plateaux in 1999. This EP is re-sequenced with the title track switched to the b-side with the track “TAL 90” from the Pop Ambient 2002 compilation on side A. That track is a beautiful ambient piece with sampled strings that has a sort of mournful quality to it. “Oktember” is classic(al) GAS with a shuffling minimal techno pulse & some chopped-up samples. RECOMMENDED of course!

RAFAEL ANTON IRISARRI – Peripeteia LP (Dais)

The always reliable ambient/drone artist Rafael Anton Irissari returns with “Peripeteia.” Irissari’s recordings have an epic quality to them with deep bass tones, thick & swelling strings & an overall cinematic feel. Fans of FENNESZ, Johann Johannsson etc…should check this out.

AUGUSTUS MULLER – Machine Learning Experiments LP (Nude Club)

BOY HARSHER’s producer-extraordinaire AUGUSTUS “GUS” MULLER has dipped his toes into the soundtrack world, scoring two experimental erotic films, “Orgone Theory” and “Hydra”, for the UK film collective Four Chambers, now compiled here on “Machine Learning Experiments”. These delve more into ominous synth textures than BH-esque darkwave rhythms, balancing rich atmospheres with percussive sensuality. Any release related to BOY HARSHER is an auto-grab for this writer, and this is no exception. RECOMMENDED!

NNAMDI – Brat LP (Sooper)

Chicago multi-instrumentalist Nnamdi Ogbonnaya continues to experiment & break down musical boundaries on “Brat.” The album opens with a complex acoustic song that almost sounds like a chopped-up Elliott Smith song. Elements of jazz, R&B, bedroom pop & even math rock are somehow fused together to create this truly experimental hip-hop record. Fans of Moses Sumney, CHILDISH GAMBINO, TORO Y MOI, D’Angelo & even BJORK will love this.

SUNWATCHERS – Oh Yeah? LP (Trouble in Mind)

“Oh Yeah?” is the crazed new album by the NYC band SUNWATCHERS. Considering what these guys are doing, their music is pretty melodic & listenable but that doesn’t mean it isn’t bonkers sometimes. “Love Paste” sounds like a lost TELEVISION melody & the FLOWER TRAVELLIN’ BAND meets KING CRIMSON riffage on “Three Worm Store” & hints at fusion like Tony Williams Lifetime are truly exciting to hear. Man, this one is a scorcher! RECOMMENDED.

TALsounds – Acquiesce LP (NNA Tapes) blue vinyl

GOOD WILLSMITH’s Natalie Chami returns as TALSOUNDS, crafting gorgeous ambient and drone music with a hint of improvisation. A prominent member of Chicago’s DIYcommunity, Chami’s sonic explorations of subconscious emotions were perfected on the stage, allowing for the expressions to become uninhibited. For fans of synth wizards KAITLYN AURELIA SMITH and TIM HECKER, or local post-rock titans TORTOISE, this is a stone cold winner. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

WILD NOTHING – Gemini: 10th Anniversary version LP (Captured Tracks)

10 years on & this debut album by WILD NOTHING still sounds fresh & new today. Since then Jack Tatum has become a highly regarded songwriter & WILD NOTHING have released a number of great albums. Looking back now, that 2010s era of NYC dream & bedroom pop seems so joyous & wonderful. This limited 10th anniversary edition is on “sea blue” vinyl & comes in a silk-screened sleeve. RECOMMENDED.

Other important new releases

TONY ALLEN & HUGH MASEKELA – Rejoice LP (World Circuit) restocked

ALINA BARAZ – It Was Divine 2LP (Mom + Pop)

STEVE EARLE – Ghosts of West Virginia LP (New West)

HODGE – Shadows In Blue LP (Houndstooth)

JERRY PAPER – Abracadabra LP (Stones Throw)

NINA SIMONE – 1957-1962: The Essential Works LP (Diggers Factory)

5/15/20 NEW RELEASES

A few things, the Jamie XX 12” sold out almost immediately. We offered a pre-order for this and 90% of them sold that way. It was limited to 1000 copies and heavily allocated. We’re hoping for a repressThe PERFUME GENIUS & SLEAFORD MODS shipped late to us but we will have these on Saturday. Please feel free to call and place special orders or check in with us on Saturday for an update on their arrival

ADULT. – Perception /Is/ As/ of Deception LP (Dais) limited black & yellow galaxy viny

lReckless faves ADULT. return with a new one in our pandemic times. Supposedly the band painted their rehearsal space entirely black so deprive their senses while working. Now that’s a creative process we can get behind! As heavy as you hoped with nods at 80’s goth & early 90s industrial while leading the way of the current crop of post-industrial similar to Dais label mates HIDE from Chicago. RECOMMENDED.

FLOATING POINTS – Bias 12” (Ninja Tune)

The coda to FLOATING POINTS’ sensational “Crush” LP is this 12″ of the track “Bias”, perhaps the highlight of the album. Get it for the ten minute MAYFIELD DEPOT mix that really brings the blazing percussion to the front, making it even more dance floor ready. KILLER!

CLARICE JENSEN – Experience of Repetition As Death LP (130701)

We loved Clarice Jensen’s 2019 release “Drone Studies” & she picks up nicely where she left off. The NYC based cellist has performed with BJORK, STARS OF THE LID, Nick Cave, ARCADE FIRE & many more. Using loops & effects, Jensen creates modern classical drone music that can be beautiful & terrifying. RECOMMENDED.

RIDE – Clouds in the Mirror: This is Not a Safe Place Reimagined by Petr Aleksander LP     (Wichita)

RIDE’s excellent 2019 record “This Is Not a Safe Place” is reworked by modern classical duo PETR ALEKSANDER, stripping the record down to vocals and adding textured and dynamic arrangements. This is a cool take on the “remix” record with an almost entirely new record made from the original one. Fans of modern classical like Max Richter, Johann Johannsson, WINGED VICTORY FOR THE SULLEN & obviously RIDE will dig this. A novel take on the sound of a classic band!

MAMMAN SANI ABDOULAYE – Unreleased Tapes 1981- 1984 LP (Sahel Sounds)

Limited edition release of early, previously unreleased organ experiments from the Sahara by Mamman Sani Abdoulaye. Mysterious & distant sounding recordings with simple drum machine programming. We love the “La Musique Electronique du Niger” album so more of this is much appreciated. RECOMMENDED.

MOSES SUMNEY – Grae 2LP/CD (Jagjaguwar)

Despite the fact that most of us can’t congregate, the release of Moses Sumney’s second record feels like an event we can all participate in & celebrate. With a ridiculous guest list of contributors including ONEOHTRIX POINT NEVER aka Daniel Lopatin as the main producer, THUNDERCAT, writers Taiye Selasi &  Michael Chabon & more, Sumney has delivered a dense & heady collection of modern R&B, folk, jazz & rock tinged songs with a similar ambition to albums by Prince, D’Angelo, Bowie & Bjork. RECOMMENDED. 

BICEP – Atlas 12” (Ninja Tune)

DISSECTION – Somberlain 2LP special edition (Black Lodge) purple of black versions

EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL – Temperamental 2LP (Everything But The Girl)

NICK HAKIM – Will This Make Me Good 2LP (ATO)

HANNI EL KHATIB – FLIGHT LP (Innovative Leisure)

HAMILTON LEITHAUSER – The Loves of Your Life LP (Glassnote)

MOBY – All Visible Objects 2LP (Mute)

NO DEPRESSION SUMMER 2020 magazine

PARADISE LOST – Obsidian LP (Nuclear Blast) indie only red/black vinyl

PERFUME GENIUS – Set My Heart on Fire Immediately LP/CD (Matador) Arriving on

    Saturday

LIDO PIMIENTA – Miss Columbia LP (Anti-)

SHABAZZ PALACES – The Don of Diamond Dreams LP (Sub Pop) loser edition color vinyl

   finally here!

SLEAFORD MODS – All That Glue LP (Rough Trade) Arriving on Saturday

THAO & THE GET DOWN STAY DOWN – Temple LP (Ribbon Music)

TIDIANE THIAM – Siftorde LP (Sahel Sounds)

TRACE MOUNTAINS – Lost in the Country LP (Lame-O)

SIR RICHARD BISHOP – Oneiric Formularly LP (Drag City)

Former SUN CITY GIRLS guitar wiz Richard Bishop  returns with another album for Drag City. This one has a lot of variety with technical acoustic strumming, some Fripp-ian soloing & even some DURUTTI COLUMN meets Marc Ribot jazz guitar. 

FAKE NAMES – Fake Names LP (Epitaph)

FAKE NAMES is a punk rock super group featuring Brian Baker of MINOR THREAT/DAG NASTY, Johnny Temple from GIRLS AGAINST BOYS, Michael Hampton of EMBRACE/ONE LAST WISH & REFUSED singer Dennis Lyxzen. Melodic punk that probably sounds most like DAG NASTY of the fore mentioned bands & there is certainly nothing wrong with that. 

FIRE-TOOLZ – Rainbow Bridge LP (Hausu Mountain) limited color or black

Reckless favorite FIRE-TOOLZ continues to develop her idiosyncratic sound on “Rainbow Bridge”, fusing jazzy vaporwave with metalcore into carefully designed sound collages. It’s a method that works in spite of its lack of obvious accessibility – make no mistake, this is intensely challenging music, but there’s a beauty to the almost mathematical approach Angel Marcloid uses to balance and counter the sounds here: video-game synths, black metal shrieks, metalcore blast beats and crushing industrial soundscapes. “Rainbow Bridge” pushes against the boundaries of what’s possible in extreme music, and in turn encapsulates that feverish blend of experiences and influences unique to music makers in the age of the internet. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. 

JASON ISBELL – Reunions LP/CD indie only “dreamsicle orange” already sold out but we have black

Jason Isbell was kind enough to allow indie record stores like Reckless to sell his new album one week early to help us through these rough times.  Great music like this is one of the few things  keeping us going at the record store & as humans in general. This “dreamsicle orange” color vinyl edition is already out of print. Thanks Jason!

HAYLEY WILLIAMS – Petals for Armor LP/CD solo album by the PARAMORE singer!

Hayley Williams is one of the most respected singers & performers around right now. PARAMORE seems to just get more & more popular & after hearing some of these songs, we understand why she decided to reserve them for her solo debut. The production is more minimal with a more electronic leaning sound. It’s in the same zone as PARAMORE though & we think their fans as well as those that are into everything from ST. VINCENT to ROBYN. 

WINTERFYLLETH – The Reckoning Dawn LP/CD (Spinefarm)

The world is pretty bleak right now but there have been some great metal releases in 2020 & we’re going to add this new one from the British folk/black metal group to the list. The last album leaned more towards their folky Celtic roots but this one explodes out of the gate & doesn’t really stop. The band does an amazing job of pummelling you with walls of guitar without losing the melodic riffs in the din. Another great one from WINTERFYLLETH.

Other important new releases

Reckless Records 5/1/20 New Releases

CAR SEAT HEADREST – Making a Door Less Open LP (Matador) limited color or black 
Will Toledo returns with a new CAR SEAT HEADREST record for 2020. Using a different approach this time around by focusing on individual songs instead of an album as a concept, this one is percussion heavy with some interesting production techniques. CSH fans will obviously dig as well as PAVEMENT/Malkmus, STROKES fans. 

CHICANO BATMAN – Invisible People (ATO)
The Los Angeles based alt-funk band CHICANO BATMAN return with “Invisible People.” This is a great sounding record with hints of Sly Stone, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, PARLIAMENT & even some similar production to DAFT PUNK. 

JOHN CARROLL KIRBY – My Garden LP (Stones Throw)
Having worked with FRANK OCEAN, SOLANGE, HARRY STYLES and KALI UCHIS, LA-based JOHN CARROLL KIRBY has built up quite an impressive resume of collaboration. Now,
he gives us music in his own voice, a sensuous mix of electro-pop, lite soul and future funk. RECOMMENDED!

MAKO SICA/ HAMID DRAKE – Balancing Tear LP (Feeding Tube)
The collaboration between Chicago jazz legend Hamid Drake & psych rockers MAKO SICA continues on “Balancing Tear.” Long-form jams with smokey, desert vibes, some Lynchian atmosphere, Morricone, Miles & TALK TALK. Incredible stuff!

RAZEN – Robot Brujo LP (Hands in the Dark)
Haunting double LP by this Belgian group. This has that “soundtrack to a horror film that 
doesn’t but should exist” vibe to it with creepy reed instruments close-mic’d so you can hear the
breaths & keys being depressed, mellotron & more. The intimate nature of the recordings makes it all the more unsettling. RECOMMENDED.

LORENZO SENNI – Scacco Matto LP (Warp) 
Constructed in a “pointillistic” style using sharp, gated sounds to create a sense of rhythm and percussion without drums or drum machines, LORENZO SENNI’s 2020 record is a novel take on rave music, in the spirit of the forward-thinking IDM artists also found on Warp.

KANYE WEST – Jesus is King LP (Def Jam) blue vinyl in PVC sleeve
Finally a legit version of Kanye’s late 2019 album “Jesus is King” is available on vinyl. 
At this point, his time in the political spotlight & the gospel inspired Sunday Services are old news but an official vinyl version of a Kanye album is still something to get excited 
about. 

Other important new releases
NIALL HORAN – Heartbreak Weather LP (Capitol)
KNXWLEDGE – 1988 LP (Stones Throw) LP back in stock on purple vinyl
DUA LIPA – Future Nostalgia LP (Warner) back in stock
ONENESS OF JUJU – Space Jungle LP (Now Again)
WILLIAM PARKER – The Inside Songs of Curtis Mayfield LP (Aum Fidelity)
ARTHUR RUSSELL – Iowa Dream LP (Audika) back in stock
SHABAZZ PALACES – Don of Diamond Dreams LP (Sub Pop) back in stock
SPARTA – Trust the River LP (Dine Alone)
THE STROKES – The New Abnormal LP (RCA) back in stock
VADER – Solitude in Madness LP (Nuclear Blast)
WHITE HEAVEN – Out LP (Black Editions) back in stock

BRENDAN BENSON – Dear Life LP (Third Man) color vinyl
“Dear Life” is the seventh solo album by Brendan Benson & his first record in seven years. He 
branches out some on this one, adding drum machine & synth programming to his power pop 
arsenal. 

CASSOWARY – CASSOWARY LP (Fat Possum)
Debut album from CASSOWARY, the project of the L.A. based multi-instrumentalist & Earl Sweatshirt collaborator Miles Shannon. Smooth, warm & sunny R&B with hints of hip hop & jazz. Fans of BLOOD ORANGE, TORO Y MOI, D’angelo etc… will dig.

CIRITH UNGOL – Forever Black LP (Metal Blade) ice-blue/black vinyl
We are pleased to report that the first album since 1991 by underground metal legends CIRITH 
UNGOL is pretty damn good. Singer Tim Baker’s vocals were always bonkers & a highlight of the band’s sound & he sounds great here. Fans of the band, classic NWOBHM like JUDAS PRIEST & ANGEL WITCH, PENTAGRAM & ST. VITUS will want to check this out. 

DANZIG – Sings Elvis LP (Cleopatra)
We’ve been hearing about it for years & folks, it’s finally here: a Danzig record of Elvis 
covers. If you’ve been following his work over the past few years then this won’t be a surprise for you. The recordings are somewhat lo-fi & even shambolic at times but it works. You know you want it…

DJ HANK – THE TRAFFIC CONTROL E.P. (Sophomore Lounge)
This is the debut release from the Chicago via North Carolina producer/bike messenger DJ HANK. DJ HANK got his start in the punk scene & he eventually started hanging out at footwork events in Chicago & started hanging out with the Teklife crew. DJ HANK’s music will appeal to fans of DJ RASHAD, DJ SPINN etc… with complex drum programming, repetitive samples & heavy bass. Footwork fans will love this. RECOMMENDED.

HAZEL ENGLISH – Wake UP! LP (Polyvinyl) red vinyl
It’s hard to believe that “Wake Up!” is the only the first album by Hazel English as we’ve been
OBSESSED with her videos for a few years now. The Sydney born/California based musician got a lot of mileage out of two EPs & now she’s finally given us a proper album. This one is not surprisingly more hi-fi than the EPs with a bit more of a 60s garage sound to it. Hazel English is a great lyricist & songwriter & this album should certainly help her reach a wider audience. Fans of artists like BEST COAST, Angel Olsen,  DIIV & WILD NOTHING will approve. RECOMMENDED.

SWEVEN – The Eternal Resonance LP (Van) color vinyl
The 2014 album “Sweven” by the Swedish progressive death metal band MORBUS CHRON is one of our favorite metal records of the past decade & we were gutted when we heard that they split up. Thankfully MORBUS CHRON founding member Robert Andersson has formed a new band that picks up where MORBUS CHRON left off. This is slightly more melodic & less in the death metal zone than M.C. & a slightly more “prog” but we think fans of that band will like this a lot. Those of you that appreciate that vibe of Swedes like TRIBULATION & KATATONIA & even ALCEST will dig this. 
RECOMMENDED.

LUCINDA WILLIAMS – Good Souls Better Angels LP/CD (Thirty Tigers) indie only 
The legendary Lucinda Williams returns with a new album for 2020. Working with a similar team 
as the classic “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road”, Williams proves once again that she’s one of the
finest songwriters around. This limited edition vinyl version comes with a download with 5 bonus
tracks. 

Other important new releases
ALEXISONFIRE – Season of the Flood 10” (Dine Alone)
ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFFITI – Worn Copy LP (Mexican Summer)
ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFFITI – Doldrums LP (Mexican Summer)
ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFFITI – House Arrest LP (Mexican Summer)
ELLINGTON/MINGUS/ROACH – Money Jungle LP (Blue Note) Tone Poet Series
KATATONIA – City Burials LP (Peaceville)
LEE MORGAN – The Cooker LP (Blue Note) Tone Poet Series
THE USED – Heartwork LP (Big Notes)

ALICE COLTRANE – Live at Carnegie Hall , 1971 LP (Alternative Fox)
In February 1971 Alice Coltrane performed at Carnegie Hall in New York with a large group of legends including Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp, Jimmy Garrison, Ed Blackwell & more, not to mention Alice herself. This 45RPM record features an 8 minute + performance of the classic John Coltrane piece “Africa.” It’s a fierce performance led by heavy drumming. 

SAM GENDEL & SAM WILKES – Music For Saxofone & Bass Guitar LP (Leaving)
Originally released in 2018, this experimental jazz album now gets an official vinyl pressing. With equal parts JON HASSELL-esque ambient mysticism and dubby electronics found on many International Anthem releases, this should appeal to any fan of forward thinking jazz. RECOMMENDED!

HODGE – Shadows In Blue LP (Houndstooth)
Bristol-based producer HODGE has been releasing murky, rhythm-forward techno 12”s for the past decade with an excellent consistency, including collaborations with SHANTI CELESTE and Reckless favorite LAUREL HALO. On “Shadows In Blue”, he puts that hard work to use on a full length that is both propulsive and detailed, using breaks and analog synth refractions to paint his sonic landscapes. RECOMMENDED.

MILITARY GENIUS – Deep Web (Tin Angel)
It’s a bit difficult to characterize the debut from Bryce Cloghesy, aka MILITARY GENIUS, in any concise way; there are elements of industrial, minimal wave, SUICIDE-style post-punk, ARTHUR RUSSELL-style abstract dance and even saxophone glam. This merging of styles finds a way to form a cohesive whole, and the result is a dark, nostalgic exercise. This guy comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

ORANSSI PAZZAZU – Mestarin Kynsi LP (Nuclear Blast) color vinyl 
The excellent Finnish progressive/psychedelic metal band ORANSSI PAZUZU return with a new album that should provide a distraction during these troubling times. The band’s previous albums are some of the most mind bending metal we’ve heard over the past few years & they’ve stripped things down to the bare essentials on this one. Don’t think we’re saying that this one is less weird, it’s just weird in a different way. The beats are repetitive almost with hints of kraut rock & cyclical patterns, almost like Steve Reich’s “Music for 18 Musicians” with a metal band accompaniment at times. Any fan of forward thinking metal should listen to this amazing band. RECOMMENDED.

Other important new releases
DUANE & GREGG ALLMAN – Duane & Gregg Allmann LP (Allman Brothers)
BLACK DAHLIA MURDER – Verminous LP (Metal Blade)
DAVID BOWIE – Reality LP (Friday Music) 180grm color vinyl reissue
DJ SCREW – All Screwed Up LP (Big Tyme) 25th anniversary picture disc
DREAM SYNDICATE – Universe Inside LP (Anti-)
EOB – Earth LP/CD (Capitol) Ed O’Brien of Radiohead’s debut album
HORSE LORDS – Common Task LP (Northern Spy) back in stock!
WIZ KHALIFA – Kush & OJ LP (Rostrum) 10th anniversary reissue on green vinyl
KIASMOS – Looped 12” (Erased Tapes) RSD 2015 release back in print
KING DIAMOND – Abigail LP (color vinyl reissue)
MAGGOT BRAIN magazine issues #1 & #2 (Third Man) back in stock!
MELKBELLY Pith LP (Wax Nine) back in stock!
PATHETX – 1981’ LP (Third Man)
RJD2 – Fun Ones LP (RJ Elec. Connections)
SOUL ASYLUM – Hurry Up & Wait LP (Blue Elan)
THUNDERCAT – It is What it is LP (Brainfeeder) cream vinyl back in stock!
THE WIRE magazine new issue with Thundercat cover
YVES TUMOR – Heaven to a Tortured Mind LP (Warp) color vinyl back in stock!
ZERO 7 – The Garden LP (New State) reissue, first time on vinyl since 2006!

BUTTERTONES – Jazzhound LP (Innovate Leisure)
THE BUTTERTONES are a post-punk band from L.A. Rhythmic, bass guitar driven songs that will appeal to fans of THE SOUND, INTERPOL, TONES ON TAIL etc…

LITTLE DRAGON – New Me, Same Us LP (Ninja Tune) BACK IN STOCK!
The futuristic Swedish pop duo LITTLE DRAGON return with their debut on Ninja Tune. R&B tinged electro pop with fantastic production that sounds really good right now. Fans of ROBYN, SOLANGE, XX etc… will love this.

JACKIE LYNN – Jacqueline LP (Drag City)
The talented Chicago musician Haley Fohr returns to her cosmic country alter-ego Jackie Lynn for “Jacqueline.” With BITCHIN’ BAJAS as her backing band, this version of Jackie is a bit more hi-fi.If Jackie was a real 70s country star, this would be like her dipping her toes into disco. This is the most “mainstream” record that Haley Fohr has probably made that starts off with a dance floor rocker that sounds like TRANS AM & soaring indie pop (with electric guitar) that reminds us of SMOG on “Shugar Water.” Nothing Haley does is really ever “straight-ahead” though & that’s what we love about her. RECOMMENDED.

RANIL – Ranil y su Conjunto Tropical LP (Analog Africa)
Raul Llerena Vasquez – better known as RANIL – has been one of the most idiosyncratic practitioners of cumbia to come out of the Amazonian jungles of Peru. Blending the riverbed electricity of garage and psych with the rhythms of South American dance music, RANIL
was able to amass a hefty catalog of music, all while starting his own label in the Peruvian Amazon. Here, Analog Africa gives a fully licensed compilation of RANIL’s best work, sourced from RANIL’s collection.

SQUAREPUSHER – Lamental EP (Warp)
The coda to the excellent full length “Be Up A Hello” is a more relaxed, atmospheric affair, showcasing SQUAREPUSHER at his more measured and sensitive. This completes a stunning trilogy of releases to harken his return in 2020. RECOMMENDED!

THE STROKES – The New Abnormal LP/TAPE (RCA)
We need new music so badly right now & though we understand why artists might want to bump their records indefinitely, we’re so thankful when they don’t. This is the first new STROKES music in 7 years they sound incredibly fresh here. The songs we’ve heard are synth heavy & ridiculously catchy. This record feels “classic” right out of the gate & has many of their trademarks but we also hear influences like THE CARS, NEW ORDER & THE CURE this time.

Other important new releases
ANNA BURCH – If You’re Dreaming LP (Polyvinyl)
CHROMEO – She’s in Control 3LP (Last Gang) 
ELLIS – Born Again LP (Fat Possum)
DEXTER GORDON – Swingin’ Affair LP (Blue Note)
HORSE LORDS – The Common Task LP (Northern Spy) BACK IN STOCK!
JOHANN JOHANNSSON – Last & first Men LP box set (Deutsche Grammophon) 
KNXWLEDGE – 1988 LP (Stones Throw) purple vinyl BACK IN STOCK!
POKEY LAFARGE – Rock Bottom Rhapsody LP (New West Records)
DUA LIPA – Future Nostalgia LP (Warner) BACK IN STOCK!
JACKIE MCLEAN – Fickle Sonance LP (Blue Note)
LEE MORGAN – Rumproller LP (Blue Note)
SPIRIT ADRIFT – Chained to Oblivion LP (Prosthetic) 
TOPS – I Feel Alive LP (Factor)