BAR ITALIA – Tracey Denim CD (Matador) vinyl scheduled for later this year
This Matador debut from London’s BAR ITALIA evokes the 90s underground in its shoegaze-y moodiness, snarling guitar fuzz choruses and cut-and-paste sample work, all drenched in atmospheric reverb. Like hearing THE STONE ROSES in the murky shadows of SLOWDIVE. Superb stuff that comes RECOMMENDED.
BLACK COUNTRY, NEW ROAD – Live at Bush Hall LP (Ninja Tune)
Recording over three nights in London in December of 2022, “Live at Bush Hall” presents as a soundtrack to a YouTube concert documentary but really functions as another entry into the (un)official BC,NR catalog. In the wake of Isaac Wood’s voluntary departure, singing has been taken up by committee, giving the experiments an invitingly twee atmosphere. Yet though this band is constantly shifting, BC,NR still retains the intrepid spirit of their previous albums, at once playful and imposing. On Ninja Tune and RECOMMENDED.
THE CHASM – Scars of a Lost Reflective Shadow LP (Dark Descent)
2023 album by THE CHASM, a death metal duo from Mexico that started way back in 1992! One thing we can promise you is that this record has ALL THE RIFFS. Seriously there are so many great ideas & riffs on here, they just never let up. Top-notch classic sounding death metal with really crisp production. Should make many best of 23 lists for sure.
RECOMMENDED.
CHRIS CONNELLY – Phenobarb Bambalam LP/CD (Wax Trax!) black, limited silver or 2LP deluxe vinyl
Chris Connelly’s sophomore album from 1992 has been remastered & reissued courtesy of Wax Trax! A powerful collection of songs that straddle death rock, Bowie’s darker side, post-industrial nastiness & angular KILLING JOKE style rockers. The 2LP edition features b-sides & live recordings from the era. YEAH!
EXPLODING HEARTS – Guitar Romantic: Expanded & Remastered LP (Third Man) limited color of VERY limited “exploded heart” color vinyl which is limited to 1 per customer, no phone orders or holds.
The legendary 2003 album by Portland’s THE EXPLODING HEARTS has been expanded & remastered by Third Man for its 20 year anniversary. There are so many great songs on this with nods to 70s power pop, 80s punk ala BUZZCOCKS, UNDERTONES & THE CLASH while simultaneously sounding like nothing else in 2003.
RECOMMENDED.
THE FUCKING CHAMPS – III (reissue) LP (Drag City)
Originally released in 1997 under the name C4AM95 aka CHAMPS. They changed their name to FUCKING CHAMPS in 2000 for their Drag City debut so it’s no surprise that this reissue is now available via Drag City now under the FUCKING CHAMPS name. This record blew a lot of people’s minds back then with its combination of DON CAB esque math rock mixed with power metal “guitarmamonies” & playful arrangements. We’re very happy to be able to carry this one again & we hope D.C. plans reissues of their other great albums. RECOMMENDED.
HANNAH JADAGU – Aperture LP/CD/TAPE (Sub Pop) First pressing Loser Edition color vinyl
“Aperture” is the debut album by the young songwriter Hannah Jadagu currently based in NYC. Jadagu’s songs have a sort of effortless quality to them with bedroom pop style songs with bright & crisp recordings. Think Hazel English, Chicago’s LALA LALA, early Captured Tracks bands etc…Great stuff.
GIA MARGARET – Romantic Piano LP/TAPE (Jagjaguwar)
After releasing her debut album Chicago’s Gia Margaret lost her voice due to illness. While she recovered she turned to making instrumental music & released the stunning ambient album “Mia
Gargaret.” Now she’s back with her 2nd (mostly) instrumental album & her first for Jagjaguwar. This is a lovely mix of minimalist chamber style piano pieces overlayed with field recordings & wonderful synth parts. There’s also a brief but fantastic guitar piece. The one vocal song “City Song” reminds us of BON IVER or MICROPHONES & It’s quite cinematic & beautiful. We’re all in. RECOMMENDED.
MIDWIFE & VYVA MELINKOLYA – Orbweaving LP/TAPE (The Flenser)
Reckless fave Madeline Johnston (MIDWIFE) & Angel Diaz (Vyva Melinkolya) have teamed up for this fantastic 2023 album. If you’re familiar with MIDWIFE then you’ll have a good idea what this sounds like, minimal slowcore/shoegaze with bits of half-speed drone & sludge. Think JESU, NADJA, JESUS & MARY CHAIN 45s on 33 etc…RECOMMENDED.
WATER FROM YOUR EYES – Everyone’s Crushed LP/CD (Matador)
In spite of the HEAVEN 17 invocation on the cover, the electro-pop on “Everyone’s Crushed” is anything but docile. Jagged guitar and electronic drum lines crash and clang, fitting together like shards of glass being reconstructed, all tied together by Rachel Brown’s dry disassociated vocal delivery. Fans of DRY CLEANING and PALM will find lots to love here. On Matador and VERY RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT RELEASES
AJJ – Disposable Everything LP/CD (Hopeless) indie only color or black
RAY BARRETTO – Que Viva La Musica LP (Craft)
BEACH HOUSE – Become LP/CD/TAPE (Sub Pop) RSD EP available on black vinyl
BIG STAR – #1 Record LP (Ardent) metallic gold/purple vinyl
THE BLACKWOOD APOLOGY – House of Leather LP (Sundazed) red vinyl, remastered
The last 2 weeks have been sort of lite on new releases so we combined them into one list. Along with these and a bunch of restocks we also received some RSD re-ups including the Nuggets box, the Grateful Dead box & some other stuff should be trickling in like more of the Miles Davis.
RECKLESS RECORDS 5/5/23 & 5/12/23
ASCENDED DEAD – Evenfall of the Apocalypse LP (20 Buck Spin)
ATMOSPHERE – So Many Other Realities Exist LP (Rhymesayer) LP/CD
BARONESS – Blue LP (Relapse) new color
BARONESS – Red LP (Relapse) new color
BARONESS – Yellow & Green LP (Relapse) new color
BETTER OBLIVION COMMUNITY CENTER – Better Oblivion Community Center LP (Dead Oceans) finally back in stock
CATTLE DECAPITATION – Terrasite LP (Metal Blade) color vinyl
CHAT PILE – Tenkiller (soundtrack) LP (Flenser) color vinyl
J. COLE – 2014 Forest Hills Drive LP (Roc Nation) finally back in print
RODNEY CROWELL – Chicago Sessions LP/CD (New West) Chicago exclusive signed LP!
DAFT PUNK – Random Access Memories: 10th Anniversary Edition 3LP/2CD (Sony)
DE LA SOUL – Buhloone Mindstate LP (Tommy Boy)
DRAIN – Living Proof LP/CD (Epitaph) indie only color or black
ALISON GOLDFRAPP – The Love Invention LP/CD (BMG)
HARRY PUSSY – You’ll Never Play in this Town Again LP (Palilalia)
ISLAND OF LOVE – Island of Love LP/CD (Third Man) ltd. indie only color vinyl at Wicker Park
JAWBREAKER – Dear You LP (Geffen) available again!
DURAND JONES – Wait Til I Get Over LP/CD (Dead Oceans) limited color or black
KID CONGO POWERS & THE NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE – Live in St. Kilda LP (In the Red)
DAVE LOMBARDO – Rites of Percussion LP/CD (Ipecac)
OLIVIA JEAN – Raving Ghost LP/CD (Third Man) limited color or black vinyl
LAMP OF MURMUUR – Burning Spears of Crimson Agony LP (Black Gangrene)
LAMP OF MURMUUR – Submission & Slavery LP (Black Gangrene)
MASTODON – Call of the Mastodon LP (Relapse) new color
MASTODON – Leviathan LP (Relapse) new color
LEMON TWIGS – Everything in Harmony LP (Captured Tracks) color or black vinyl
KACEY MUSGRAVES – Golden Hour: Cloud Nine Edition LP (MCA) color vinyl
THE 1975 – Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships LP (Interscope) first time we’ve had this in a few years
BILL ORCUTT – Jump on It LP (Palilalia)
JOJI – Smithereens LP (Warner)
SMASHING PUMPKINS – Atum 4LP/3CD (Thirty Tigers)
SONIC YOUTH – Daydream Nation LP (Goofin) back in stock
SQURL – Silver Haze LP (Sacred Bones)
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 LP/CD (Hollywood)
YOUNG THE GIANT – American Bollywood LP/CD (Jungle Youth) limited color or black vinyl
TOM ZE – Massive Hits: The Best of Tom Ze LP (Luaka Bop)
here’s the list of what we’ll have for RSD. we have a good amount of Taylor, not many copies of 1975 on any format (these were very limited) and some things didn’t make it in time like the Sam Smith 7″, MF Doom 7″ etc… Not every location has everything so we did our best to try and mention that when applicable. If you don’t see something on here we don’t have it. Some things can still be ordered so if you don’t see something on here you were hoping to get, let us know. We hope that you can find what you’re looking for. Good luck
LPS
The 1975 – Live With The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The pre-order for the NF signing is now closed. You can still come to the store & buy a CD or LP before the event starts. Once the event has started we can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to get something signed.
FACS – Still Life in Decay LP/CD (Trouble In Mind) limited color or black vinyl
The always reliable FACS are back with a new one in 2023. After a few albums with a lot of studio trickery & manipulation, this one is mostly pretty straight forward recording-wise. The result is probably the most accurate documentation of what a force they are as a live band. Driving & repetitive THIS HEAT-esque rhythms with sparse & brittle guitar from Brian. His voice is also way on top here which also gives this record a different feel. Another great onefrom these local heroes. RECOMMENDED.
WEDNESDAY – Rat Saw God LP/CD/TAPE (Dead Oceans) limited color or black w/ limited bonus CD while supplies last
The Asheville band WEDNESDAY has moved over to DEAD OCEANS for their 2023 album. The recording on this one is pretty hi-fi & it makes their 90s alt rock/grunge inspired tunes sound even heavier. Fans of PIXIES, NIRVANA, WEEZER etc… will eat this up.
YAEJI – With a Hammer LP/CD (XL) limited pink or black vinyl
Following a run of singles and mixtapes, this debut LP from YAEJI throws in the entire kitchen sink, with flickering collages of vocal samples, impressionistic synths, frenetic beats and hooks that range from sugar sweet pop to jagged, dissonant experimentation. The result lands somewhere in an area between hip-house, 90s-esque IDM and hyperpop, but to limit this record to those conventions might be a disservice. Absolutely worth a listen for fans of leftfield experimental pop.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS
AFFLECKS PALACE – The Only Light in This Tunnel is the Oncoming Train LP (SOSI)
VIJAYA ANAND – Dance Raja Dance: The South Indian Film Music of Vijaya Anand LP (Luaka Bop) first time on vinyl!
BLONDSHELL – Blondshell LP/CD (Partisan) limited clear or black vinyl
another busy few weeks with busy events & tons of product coming so we had to combine these two releases lists
RECKLESS RECORDS 3/24/23 & 3/31/23 NEW RELEASES
LUCINDA CHUA – Yian LP/CD (4AD)
Singer and cellist LUCINDA CHUA follows up her 2021 album “Antidotes” with another spacious, introspective LP filled with lush tones, orchestral dynamics and soft, impressionistic vocals. CHUA formerly worked with the moniker FELIX on Kranky records, and this should appeal to fans of her Kranky labelmates GROUPER and LOW. On 4AD and RECOMMENDED!
ALICE COLTRANE – Journey in Satchidananda LP (Impulse) Verve Acoustic Sound Series
An essential 60s/70s jazz album & one of the most important spiritual jazz records ever, The 4th solo album by Alice Coltrane finally available again as part of the fantastic Verve Acoustic Sound remaster series. Alice had recently become a follower of Swami Satchidananda & her music became a vessel for her pursuit of knowledge & spirituality. With players such as Pharoah Sanders, Charlie Haden & Rashied Ali (along with others), Coltrane created some truly futuristic music that still sounds groundbreaking today. There’s not many albums we can recommendmore highly than this honestly.
DARKSPACE – LP reissues (Season of Mist)
Season of Mist has done us all a favor by reissuing the classic albums by the cosmic & atmospheric black metal duo known as DARK SPACE. Mixing elements of drone, dark ambient & black metal, DARK SPACE created some of the most intense & artful black metal albums ever. RECOMMENDED.
DARK SPACE – I LP (Season of Mist)
DARK SPACE – II LP (Season of Mist)
DARK SPACE – III LP (Season of Mist)
ENSLAVED – Heimdal LP (Nuclear Blast) now on vinyl!
Those of you that have been stalking our metal sections for the past decade + will know that we love ENSLAVED at Reckless. There was a while there where they seemed almost unstoppable. They’ve slowed down a little bit after losing their long term drummer, covid restrictions etc… but they’re back in ’23 with their 16th (!!) album. The previous album “Utgard” was their most straight-ahead metal album in years & this one is the opposite, probably their most progressive record in years. Complex arrangements, their classic blend of harsh & clean vocals & some cool synth textures & experimentation while making sure not to forget some truly stoked-worthy riffage & epic soloing. RECOMMENDED!
PINK FLOYD – Dark Side of the Moon: Live at Wembley Empire Pool, London, 1974 LP/CD (Pink Floyd)
In celebration of 50 years for “Dark Side of the Moon” comes the first stand-alone vinyl issue of this 1974 live recording from Wembley Empire Pool in London. The recording is top notch & it’s amazing to hear the band absolutely kill these songs in that era. The LP comes with two posters. RECOMMENDED.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES AND RESTOCKS
ALTIN GUN – Ask LP/CD (ATO)
FIONA APPLE – Fetch the Bolt Cutters LP (Epic) finally back in stock
OMAR APOLLO – Ivory LP (Warner)
BEACH HOUSE – Bloom LP (Sub Pop) back in stock
BOYGENIUS- The Record LP/CD (Interscope) limited color or black vinyl
BURIAL – Untrue LP (Hyperdub) back in stock
CAVE IN – Until Your Heart Stops LP (Relapse) color vinyl reissue
CELTIC FROST – Into the Pandemonium 2LP (BMG) reissue on color vinyl w/ poster
CELTIC FROST – Morbid Tales 2LP (BMG) reissue on color vinyl w/ poster
CELTIC FROST –To Mega Therion 2LP (BMG) reissue on color vinyl w/ poster
CHRIS & COSEY – Elemental 7 LP (CTI)
CHRIS & COSEY – Musik Fantastique! LP (CTI)
THE CITY & COLOUR – The Love Still Held Me Near LP/CD (Dine Alone) LP/CD limited color or black vinyl
DENZEL CURRY – Unlocked LP (Loma Vista) color vinyl
LUKE COMBS – Gettin’ Old LP (Columbia)
DAFT PUNK – Discovery LP (Daft Life) back in stock
DAFT PUNK – Human After All LP (Daft Life) back in stock
DEAD MOON – Echoes of the Past: Anthology 4LP box set (Arena Rock)
DEERHOOF – Miracle-Level LP/CD (Joyful Noise)
LANA DEL REY – Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd LP/CD (Interscope) color LP w/ alternate art is already sold out, hoping to have more soon
DEPECHE MODE – Memento Mori LP/CD (Columbia)
DUSTER – Moods, Modes 7” boxset (Numero)
FALL OUT BOY – So Much (For) Stardust LP/CD/TAPE (Fueled by Ramen) limited color or black vinyl
GORILLAZ – Demon Days (Picture Disc) LP (Warner) back in stock
GRANDADDY – Sophtware Slump LP (Dangerbird) color vinyl reissue
HOLD STEADY – Price of Progress LP/CD (Positive Jams) limited color or black vinyl
IGGY & THE STOOGES – Raw Power: 50th Anniversary 2LP (Columbia) RSD Essential gold vinyl
IRON & WINE – Lori 12” (Black Cricket) featuring Chicago’s FINOM!
KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD – Laminated Denim LP (KGLW)
KINKS – The Journey: Part One LP/CD (BMG)
LOW – Double Negative LP (Sub Pop) back in stock
LOW – Secret Name LP (Kranky) back in stock
BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS – Limited edition, Jamaican vinyl pressings (Tuff Gong)
MELANIE MARTINEZ – Portals LP/CD (Atlantic) 5 different CD versions
MAC MILLER – Blue Slide Park: 10th Anniversary (Rostrum) color vinyl
MAC MILLER – Divine Feminine (Warner) back in stock
MICROPHONES – Glow PT. 2 LP (PW Elverum & Sun)
MICROPHONES – Microphones in 2020 PT. 2 LP (PW Elverum & Sun
NEW PORNOGRAPHERS – Continue as a Guest LP/CD (Merge) limited color or black vinyl
PURLING HISS – Drag on Girard LP/CD (Drag City)
CAROLINE ROSE – The Art of Forgetting LP (New West) LP/CD
DICK STUSSO – S.P. LP (Hardly Art)
TOMAHAWK – Oddfellows LP (Ipecac) limited color or black vinyl
TOMAHAWK – Tomahawk LP (Ipecac) limited color or black vinyl
UNWOUND – Challenge for a Civilized Society TAPE (Numero)
UNWOUND – Future of What TAPE (Numero)
UNWOUND – Leaves Turn Inside You TAPE (Numero)
UNWOUND – Repetition TAPE (Numero)
UNWOUND – Unwound TAPE (Numero)
SHARON VAN ETTEN – Tramp: 10th Anniversary LP (Jagjaguwar)
WEYES BLOOD – Titanic Rising LP (Sub Pop) back in stock
BEHERIT – Drawing Down the Moon LP/CD/TAPE (Nuclear War Now)
Finally!! Fancy reissue of some of the most evil music ever put to tape, BEHERIT’S 1993 album “Drawing Down the Moon.” Everything about this record totally kicks ass. From the opening spoken intro, you know you’re in for something serious. The vibe of this record is totally oppressive, dark & heavy so much so that we wonder if the band even realized if they were onto something this great while they were making this classic metal slab. This is essential listening for any fan of black/death metal specifically bands such as VON, SARCOFAGO, CELTIC FROST etc…LEGENDARY!!!!!!!!! This NWN press comes in a heavy, tip-on gatefold with a thick booklet.
COLOURED BALLS – Ball Power LP (Just Add Water) color or black vinyl
Just Add Water hits it out of the park with this reissue of the 1973 album from Australia’s COLOURED BALLS. Like THE SAINTS & RADIO BIRDMAN, COLOURED BALLS played hard rock with hints of what was to come with punk rock & some power pop influence. Lead guitarist Lobby Loyde was the group’s wild card, with incredible soloing ala Randy Holden with interesting use of effects. Any fan of Aussie proto-punk & early punk absolutely MUST pick this up. INCREDIBLE!!
DAVID CUNNINGHAM – Grey Scale LP (Superior Viaduct)
First ever reissue of this 1976 album by the Irish artist David Cunningham. Along with a group of non musicians, Cunningham took inspiration from contemporary experimental artists of the era like Gavin Bryars, Michael Nyman, David Toop etc… & managed to create a unique album of modern minimalism. Somewhere between Moondog & Steve Reich, these repetitive minimalist pieces are truly engaging.
ELDER – Innate Passage LP (Armageddon Label)
The Berlin based progressive metal masters return with their 6th album. These guys are at the top of their game here with 5 lengthy tracks of complex but melodic & catchy progressive rock with nods at bands like MASTODON & BARONESS but with their own distinct approach. RECOMMENDED.
FELT – Gold Mine Trash LP (1972)
FELT – Bubblegum Perfume LP (1972)
We’re big fans of FELT here at Reckless so any reissue is reason to celebrate. “Gold Mine Trash” focuses on the the Cherry Red Years while “Bubblegum Perfume” documents the Creation years
LONNIE HOLLEY – Oh Me Oh My LP/CD (Jagjaguwar) limited color or black
The 2023 album from the Atlanta based musician/ visual artist Lonnie Holley features has a pretty impressive list of collaborators including Michael Stipe, Moor Mother, Sharon Van Etten & Justin Vernon of BON IVER. Holley’s music is difficult to categorize. Combining elements of jazz, blues & spoken word poetry, Holley has created his own style of spiritual music.
LES RALLIZES DENUDES reissues
Temporal Drift’s official LES RALLIZES DENUDES reissue series continues with three new releases on the same day. There’s been a ton of music released over the years but almost all of it has been unofficial. The band actually only released two proper albums during their 30 year existence.
LES RALLIZES DENUDES – Mizutani LP (Temporal Drift) red vinyl
“Mizutani” is an outlier for the band as they’re best known for their scorching, blown-out live recordings but this one is a mellow album of outsider folk tunes featuring the band in a stripped-down duo form recorded in 1970.
LES RALLIZES DENUDES – ‘77 Live LP (Temporal Drift) clear vinyl
“’77 Live” was recorded in Tokyo in 1977 & displays their famous blown-out, feedback drenched sound perfectly.
LES RALLIZES DENUDES – ‘67-’69 Studio Et Live LP (Temporal Drift) purple vinyl
“’67-’69” documents the early years of the band & these are the most experimental & far-out recordings from these reissues hinting at what was to come with noise music in Japan & other countries around the world in the coming decades.
NNAMDI – Are You Happy EP (Sooper)
The talented Chicago musician Nnamdi teamed up with his MONOBODY bandmate Lynn to create this EP of electronic nuggets. A mix of straight-ahead auto-tuned electronic pop & some occasional busy programming that remind us of early ’00s SQUAREPUSHER/APHEX TWIN.
THE SMILE – Europe: Live Recordings 2022 LP (XL)
If you’ve been lucky enough to see THE SMILE live then you now that their debut album isn’t some sort of studio trickery, those guys can really play that stuff. Actually the band is more energetic live & they tend to stretch out the songs & take more chances which you can hear on those limited & excellent sounding EP. There’s a SCORCHING version of Thom’s solo track “FeelingPulledApartByHorses” here that really shows what this band can go.
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Blacklips Bar – Androgyns & Deviants: Industrial Romance for Bruised & Battered Angels, 1992-1995 LP (Anthology)
This lovely comp focuses on the Blacklips Performance Cult, a cabaret, drag and DJ night at the Pyramid Club in NYC founded by ANOHNI, Johanna Constantine and Psychotic Eve. Inspired by the queer cabaret culture of interwar Europe, the music and performances here range from surreal & absurd to shocking & emotional. Compiled by ANOHNI herself, this both provided her a career springboard and showcased a vision of queer expression seen in the cultural underground throughout history to today. On Anthology Recordings and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Pacific Breeze 3: Japanese City Pop, AOR & Boogie 1975- 1987 LP/CD/TAPE (Light in the Attic)
Attention Japanophiles!! Volume 3 of the very popular Pacific Breeze series is now here. City Pop was popular in Japan in the late 70s & early 80s & it’s a blend of disco, soft rock/pop & R&B. It’s almost like Muzak versions of yacht rock songs but like a lot of things, time has been kind to these unique sounds. RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS
CAKE – Prolonging the Magic LP (RCA)
MILEY CYRUS – Endless Summer Vacation LP/CD (Columbia)
THE DARK – Dressing the Corpse LP (Scat) color or black vinyl
DRAKE – Honestly Nevermind CD (Republic)
DRAKE & 21 Savage- Her Loss CD (Republic)
FLAMING LIPS – Fight Test LP (Warner)
FLAMING LIPS – Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell LP (Warner) shipped late arriving next week
M83 – Fantasy LP/CD (Mute) limited color or black vinyl
>> ISABELLE ANTENA – En Cavale LP (Numerophon)*Reissue – Black or Ltd. “Seaside” Silver Vinyl
After the French group ANTENA broke up in 1985, the singer Isabelle moved into a more pop direction with this solo album now reissued by Numero. There’s a similar Brazilian/samba influence but the sounds are smoother & more intentionally mainstream. Nods at 80s pop & R&B radio hits with touches of Japanese city pop. RECOMMENDED.
>> BIG|BRAVE – Nature Morte LP/CD (Thrill Jockey) *Black or Ltd. Lavender Vinyl
This new album from Montreal post-metal trio BIG|BRAVE (aka BIG BRAVE) makes use of empty space, cutting in textured walls of distortion and sharp, full-band stabs to the sparse atmospheres the band creates. Nature Morte should appeal to fans of labelmates SUMAC and THE BODY if the music was taken to a spartan extreme. RECOMMENDED.
>>EN ATTENDANT ANA – Principia LP/CS (Trouble In Mind) *Black or Ltd. Peach Color Vinyl
The French group EN ATTENDANT ANA returns with Principia. The quintet writes crystalline pop gems with nods at Reckless faves like STEREOLAB, BROADCAST & CAMERA OBSCURA. RECOMMENDED.
>> KATE FAGAN – I Don’t Wanna Be Too Cool LP/CD (Captured Tracks) *Expanded Edition – Milky Clear Vinyl ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
I Don’t Wanna Be Too Cool is a classic slab of early 80s Chicago new wave/punk & it’s been expanded from a 7″ to an album with 4 extra tracks. Catchy as hell songs that sound like a mix of BLONDIE, SUBURBAN LAWNS, B-52’s etc… It’s great to be able to stock this in the store again. RECOMMENDED!
>> U.S. GIRLS – Bless This Mess LP/CD (4AD)
Stellar return for Meg Remy and her eighth record as U.S. GIRLS. Bless This Mess develops the USG sonic palette, honing the 80s-influenced electro-funk and bright psych-pop with a crisp, wood-paneled studio sound, while exploring Remy’s pregnancy and birth of her twin sons. Remy manages to strike a balance in between sultry and anthemic, and the result is a very visceral, “living” record that makes its way through the studio sheen. On 4AD and RECOMMENDED!
>> ATTILA CSIHAR – Void Ov Voices: Baalbek LP (Ideologic Organ)
NOT METAL IN THE METAL SECTION ALERT!!! A very interesting debut solo release from MAYHEM vocalist & SUNN O))) collaborator Atilla Csihar. Through his travels, Atilla became obsessed with the Trilitons & the giant Monoliths of Baalbek, massive structures that pre-date Roman technology. Similar to the Pyramids, it’s difficult for contemporary Westerners to imagine structures of this magnitude being built thousands of years ago mainly because the knowledge has been lost. Csihar made some recordings at the site & supposedly went into a trance-like state likely inspired by the incalculable history surrounding him. Repeating deep vocal chants, looped field recordings & mysterious electronic sounds present a very mysterious listening experience. RECOMMENDED!
>> FRAN – Leaving LP (Fire Talk) *Black or Ltd. Indie Exclusive Cream Vinyl – Now available! ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
This sophomore record from Chicago’s Maria Jacobson embraces a production style both warm and restrained, putting her rich voice and melody-focused songwriting front and center. An excellent indie folk-pop record for the cold late winter months. RECOMMENDED.
>> JON HASSELL – Further Fictions: The Living City + Psychogeography CD (Nyeda)
>> JON HASSELL – The Living City LP (Nyeda)
>> JON HASSELL – Psychogeography LP (Nyeda)
Stunning archival releases from the late trumpeter and composer JON HASSELL, taken from the time of his 1990 album City: Works of Fiction. The Living City uses material from a collaborative audio-visual live set done with BRIAN ENO in 1989, while Psychogeography revisits the studio sessions, rearranging and building an alternate history using loose jams and takes. This is a relatively overlooked period in the JON HASSELL discography, but these recordings see him as creative, fruitful and vital as any period of his career. Truly essential stuff here that comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
>> PILE – All Fiction LP (Exploding In Sound)
Excellent new LP from prolific Boston post-punks PILE. All Fiction is among their most atmospheric, draping noise and reverb over their pummeling, PROTOMARTYR-ish rhythms with textured guitars and synths. Reliably sharp material here on Exploding In Sound. RECOMMENDED.
Eighth record from NJ underground legends SCREAMING FEMALES picks up where All at Once left off. Punchy guitar riffs, earworm melodies and some axe-shredding magic from Marissa Paternoster make this one of the SCREAMALES most straight-ahead capital R Rock records to date. RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & RESTOCKS
>> @ (aka AT) – Mind Palace Music LP (Carpark) *Ltd. Olive Green Vinyl
PETER BARCLAY – I Am Not Your Toy LP (Numero Group) *Black or Ltd. Pink Vinyl
BEAT HAPPENING – Beat Happening/ Black Candy/ Dreamy/ Jamboree/ Music to Climb the Apple Tree By/ You Turn Me On LPs (Domino) *2022 Reissues, sold separately – Now available!
BELL ORCHESTRE – Recording a Tape the Colour of the Light LP (Erased Tapes) *Ltd. Clear Vinyl
BIG BLACK – Pig Pile LP (Touch & Go) *Back in print!✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
>> BON IVER – Blood Bank LP (Jagjaguwar) *Back in stock!
Streetlands follows up BURIAL’s excellent ambient EP Antidawn, taking the former’s sparse, icy sound design even further while evoking a more “pre-modern” pastoralism. Perfect music for the cold winter months. RECOMMENDED!
>>DWAAL TROUPE – Lucky Dog LP(Ally)✶ ✶ ✶ ✶
This 2021 album from Chicago’s DWAAL TROUPE gets an LP edition. Catchy, noisy jangle pop with a playful DIY approach that puts it in the league with Elephant 6 artists. Features members of another local up-&-comer, LIFEGUARD. RECOMMENDED!
>>HOLLIE KENNIFF – We All Have Places That We Miss LP/CD (Western Vinyl)
This is the 2nd album on Western Vinyl by the Canadian ambient artist Hollie Kenniff. Similar to the last album which we loved, her songs are a mix of triumphant ambient with dream pop & even emo elements at times that remind us of M83 instrumentals, Julianna Barwick, EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY soundtracks, MOGWAI, NOVELLER etc… RECOMMENDED!
>> JAKO MARON – TheElectro Maloya Experiments of… 2LP (Nyege Nyege Tapes) *Black or Ltd. Red Vinyl
Really excellent electronic music made with modular synths & drum machines by this artist born & raisedon the island of Reunion of the coast of Madagascar. Taking influence from the primary local musical form Maloya, a genre associated with lower class workers, Maron has created some trance inducing music with enticing rhythms. RECOMMENDED!
>> 7 SECONDS – Walk Together Rock Together: Deluxe Edition LP (Trust) *Yellow Vinyl w/ book– Ltd. 1000
This 1985 hardcore classic has been remastered from the original tapes & reissued in a deluxe format with a heavy gatefold sleeve & 20 page booklet. Originally recorded at the legendary Inner Ear Studios by Dischord wizard Don Zientara with production help from Ian Mackaye himself, this melodic/posi hardcore still sounds fantastic today. RECOMMENDED!
>>YO LA TENGO – This Stupid World LP/CD (Matador)
It’s 2023 and at this point YO LA TENGO is as much an institution as the Library of Congress. It wouldn’t do them any damage to the legacy to rest on their laurels and put out a laid back, “hey we’re still here” sort of record. Yet This Stupid World is their most vivid and uptempo effort in nearly a decade. The band burns through nine tracks of indie rock with focus and skill, building pleasant rhythms only to deconstruct them in thrilling dissonant glory. As the title may imply, the songs here portray a world-weariness that comes with age, and yet this music ironically offers a glimmer of hope, a human touch that can break thru in that bleakly inhuman world. RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & RESTOCKS
AJR – Click 2LP (BMG) *Ltd. Edition w/ etched Side D
THE BETHS – Warm Blood 12″ (Carpark) *Reissue of debut EP – Ltd. Custard Vinyl
>> BLACK BELT EAGLE SCOUT – The Land, The Water, The Sky LP/CD/CS (Saddle Creek) *Black or Ltd. Indie Exclusive Marbled Blue Vinyl w/ book while supplies last
SOUL GLO – Diaspora Problems LP (Secret Voice) *Black or Ltd. Color Vinyl – Now available on LP!
SOUP DRAGONS – Raw TV Products: Singles & Rarities 1985-1988 LP (Last Night From Glasgow) *Ltd. Green Vinyl
>> TAYLOR SWIFT – Midnights LP (Republic) *Ltd. Jade Green Edition back in stock – Moonstone Blue, Blood Moon, and Mahogany Edition variants also still available
