It’s been 13 long years since the New Orleans duo BELONG released the fantastic “Common Era” album. Michael Jones & Turk Dietrich have now created a new minimalist shoegaze classic with “Realistic IX” via Kranky. Blown out guitars, vocals buried just right & pulsing drum machine beats will make you want to keep coming back to this. There are songs in there somewhere we swear. One of our favorite albums this year for sure.RECOMMENDED.
BRIGITTE CALLS ME BABY – Future Is The Only Way Out LP/CD (ATO) limited Chicago only “smoke” color still in stock!
The rising Chicago band hot off of their performance on Jimmy Kimmel, an appearance at Lollapalooza & their in-store at Reckless in Wicker Park all in one week have delivered their debut album & it’s a powerful debut. Somehow the group has managed to channel greats like THE CURE, THE SMITHS & THE STROKES into a sound that’s surprisingly unique. We still have the limited Chicago LP edition of 100 copies on smoke color vinyl. When those are gone they’re gone!
DAVID KILGOUR – Feather in the Engine LP (Merge)
Brand-spankin’-new remaster of this 2001 record from THE CLEAN’s DAVID KILGOUR, a psychedelic, hypnotic excursion into his patented style of hooky indie pop oblique, droning instrumentals. On vinyl for the first time ever, and RECOMMENDED!
MAMALEEK – Vida Blue LP (The Flenser)
**NOT METAL IN THE METAL SECTION ALERT**This new one from the Bay Area group defies categorization in a lot of ways. They are best known for their forays into black metal but this record is more outsider noise rock ala early MELVINS, KILLDOZER, the Am-Rep sound etc…Wild stuff!
STILL HOUSE PLANTS – If I Don’t Make It I Love U LP (Bison)
This is the third album from the London based trio STILL HOUSE PLANTS. Jerky & spastic post-punk/art rock with some no wave influence. Singer Jess Hickie-Kallenbach has a really unique vocal approach that’s difficult to describe. It sort of has a R&B quality to it but also reminds us of Anohni’s inflection. Some of the songs are arrhythmic like DIRTY THREE or THIS HEAT. We’re really intrigued by this one. RECOMMENDED.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS
BEABADOOBEE – This Is How Tomorrow Moves LP/CD (Dirty Hit)
CHARLI XCX – Brat LP (Warner) back in stock
CUNEIFORM TABS – Cuneiform Tabs LP (W. 25)
DESTROY BOYS – Funeral Soundtrack #4 LP (Hopeless)
JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE – Unreleased & Rarities LP (New West)
FULCI – Duck Face Killings LP (20 Buck Spin) color or black vinyl
NELLY FURTADO – Whoa Nelly LP (Geffen)
FUTUREBIRDS – Easy Company LP (Dualtone)
KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD – Flight B741 LP ((p) Doom)
JOHNNY BLUE SKIES – Passage Du Desir LP/CD (High Top Mountain) color or black
Who the fuck is Johnny Blue Skies? Not sure if Sturgill Simpson is trying to out-meme himself with the name change or maybe this is his Chris Gaines moment but he’s back after supposedly retiring from touring. This isn’t a huge leap outside or anything though the songs do feel darker with what seems like an intentional move into cosmic country territory. Either way, Sturgill is back & that’s a really good thing.
THOM YORKE – Confidenza (Soundtrack) LP/CD (XL) limited color or black vinyl
RADIOHEAD / THE SMILE frontman THOM YORKE returns to film music work following his excellent “Suspiria” soundtrack in 2018. For the film “Confidenza”, an Italian language period thriller, YORKE navigates thru the waters of third stream orchestral jazz, with soft, impressionistic lyrics cutting through dynamic swells and eerie moments of calm. A fantastic soundtrack that stands well on its own as a solo YORKE record. With help from SMILE bandmate Tom Skinner and the London Contemporary Orchestra. RECOMMENDED!
JOHN CALE – POPtical Illusion LP/CD (Domino) black or orange vinyl
John Cale (82 years young) quickly follows up “Mercy” with another great set of industrial disco, post punk and art rock, this time with a brighter synthy mood in line with more recent work from ST. VINCENT and PERFUME GENIUS. Far less collaborative features on “POPtical Illusion” than “Mercy”, which is not a bad thing as it allows for a more unified, focused sound that brings forth CALE’s talent for melody songwriting (a muscle he often doesn’t try to flex). RECOMMENDED!
CHARLI XCX – brat LP (Atlantic) SIGNED!!! clear/pink splatter
Charli’s star has been on the rise for the last few years but the anticipation for “brat” & the excitement since the release proves that she’s reached legitimate pop star status. She was just in town at Radius for one of the first U.S. “brat” shows & beforehand she was kind enough to sign copies of the indie version for Reckless. For now we’re selling these in-store only, one per customer, no phone orders, holds. We might open them to web sales later.
COLA – The Gloss LP/CD (Fire Talk) black or green vinyl
The second record from ex-OUGHT members Tim Darcy and Ben Stidworthy embraces a lighter 4/4 new wave sound that evokes a lot of Dunedin bands of the 80s like THE CLEAN and THE VERLAINES but with Darcy’s unmistakably jerky, early DAVID BYRNE-inspired guitar playing and vocal delivery. RECOMMENDED!
PAUL MCCARTNEY & WINGS – One Hand Clapping (Live Sessions) LP/CD (Capitol)
Back in 1974 Paul & WINGS were riding high with “Band on the Run”, Paul’s most successful post-BEATLES music so far. For 4 days the group gathered at the legendary Abbey Road studios to record & documentary & film, sort of a live concert in the studio. For some reason the project was shelved with a few songs sneaking out over the years. Now the entire session has been remastered & finally released & it sounds INCREDIBLE.The band was clearly running on all cylinders. Great versions of WINGS classics, some B-sides & even a few BEATLES tunes. Wow, this is great.
REZN – Burden LP/CD (Sargent House) black or splatter vinyl
Cool psychedelic, proggy doom & sludge from Chicago’s own REZN, mixing earworm stoner riffage with a space rock atmosphere that lands somewhere between SLEEP, HAWKWIND and the grungy guitar fuzz of HUM. Excellent stuff that comes RECOMMENDED!
@ – Are You There God? It’s Me, @. 12” (Carpark) BLUE VINYL
8485 – Personal Protocol LP (Eyeball) color vinyl
ASLANI, MOHAMMAD REZA & SHEIDA GHARACHEDAGHI – Chess of the Wind (Soundtrack) LP (Mississippi)
DAVID BOWIE – Rock ‘N’ Roll Star LP or 5 CD/BLU-RAY BOX
MONO – Oath LP (Temporary Residence) limited color or black
MONSTERS OF FOLK – Monsters of Folk LP (ATO) reissue
PARANNOUL – After the Magic LP (Top Shelf) back in stock on green vinyl
PRIMUS – Desaturing Seven LP (ATO)
THE RED SCARE – Smoky Mountain High LP (Solid Brass) red & clear
RJD2 – Visions Out of Limelight LP (RJ’s Electrical)
CHAPPELL ROAN – Rise & Fall of a Midwest Princess LP (Island) deluxe edition w/ extra songs, die-cut sleeve. In Wicker Park now but other shops will have soon
SAY ANYTHING – …Is Committed LP (Dine Alone)
MIKE SHINODA – Post Traumatic: Deluxe Edition LP (Warner) limited color or black
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – Born in the USA 40TH anniversary LP (Columbia) red vinyl w/ lithograph
SQUID PISSER – Dreams of Puke LP (SKiN GRAFT) random color vinyl
$UICIDEBOY$ – New World Depression LP/CD (G59) limited color or black
2024 record from London band GOAT GIRL, incorporating dreamy synth-pop and grungy, guitar-driven alt-rock for a moody collection of songs that allow the band to play around with quiet/loud dynamics and sound design textures. Good stuff!
PEGGY GOU – I Hear You LP/CD (XL) black or blue vinyl
South Korean DJ & model PEGGY GOU has been a star of the Berlin dance scene, having released a miniature fleet of singles and mixes (including her own DJ-Kicks mix back in 2019). “I Hear You” is her first full length, pushing headlong into her signature bubblegum deep house and earworm dance-pop melodies. Summery, bright and yet effortlessly cool, this is one of the most inviting dance records of the year that will most likely make its way onto many year-end lists including some of ours! RECOMMENDED!
MARGO GURYAN – Words & Music 3LP box set (Numero)
Numero has been teasing this release of the complete recordings by Margo Guryan for a while & it’s finally here. Guryan had an interesting career starting out as a jazz singer somewhere in the middle of Ella Fitzgerald & Chet Baker. She also studied music with Ornette Coleman & Don Cherry. She is best known for the album “Take A Picture” that was released in 1968 without much fanfare. Since then it’s become a cult classic fitting somewhere in a realm with other baroque popsters like FREE DESIGN, LEFT BANKE & Francoise Hardy. Having her complete musical journey in one place is quite special. RECOMMENDED.
NXWORRIES – Why Lawd? LP/CD (Stones Throw) black or color vinyl
The duo of ANDERSON .PAAK and KNXWLEDGE are back eight years after their full length “Yes Lawd!” with another collection of smoky neo-soul cuts. PAAK made waves a few years back with his glammy collab with BRUNO MARS as SILK SONIC, but his voice is also perfectly suited for KNXWLEDGE’s gospel/R&B-infused hip-hop production, making for a more introspective project. With features from SNOOP DOGG, EARL SWEATSHIRT, THUNDERCAT & H.E.R. among others, “Why Lawd?” is a pitch perfect return for the duo. RECOMMENDED!
SOFIA BOLT – Vendredi Minuit LP (Born Losers)
This is the 2nd album by the talented Los Angeles via Paris artist Amelie Rousseaux. Jangly guitar songs with baroque pop moments. Think Velvets, GALAXIE 500, Twin Peaks roadhouse dreamy pop, Francoise Hardy, STEREOLAB & some occasional furious moments that dip into TELEVISION. This is a really deep record that reveals itself more & more with repeat listens. RECOMMENDED.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS
BAD BUNNY – Nadie Sabe Lo Qeu Va A Pasar MAÑANA LP (Rimas)
BON JOVI – Forever LP (Island)
CHARLES BRONSON – Youth Attack! 25th Anniversary reissue LP/LP box set (Youth
Attack) finally got some of these!
KENNY BURRELL & JOHN COLTRANE – Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane LP (Craft)
CHARLI XCX – Brat LP/CD (Atlantic) indie only or regular vinyl
THE CHURCH – Eros Zeta & the Perfumed Guitars LP (Easy Action) green vinyl
ALICE COLTRANE – A Monastic Trio LP (Impulse) Verve By Request Series
THE CURE – Japanese Whispers LP (Rhino) clear vinyl reissue
DALEK – Negro Necro Nekros LP (Ipecac)
THE dB’S – Stands for deciBels LP (Propeller) remastered, color vinyl
VON DEXTER – House On Haunted Hill (Soundtrack) (Wax Work) Rob Zombie Presents
series
EKKO ASTRAL – Pink Balloons LP (Top Shelf) blue vinyl
ELKKA – Prism of Pleasure LP (Ninja Tune) pink vinyl
GULFER – Third Wind LP (Top Shelf) green vinyl
CHARLIE HADEN – Golden Number LP (Verve) Verve By Request series
JOHN LEE HOOKER – Burning Hell LP (Craft)
ROBERT HUNTER – Tales of the Great Rum Runners LP/CD (Rhino)
MAN MAN – Carrot On Strings LP (Sub Pop) Loser Edition first pressing
CARLY PEARCE – Hummingbird LP (Big Machine)
PEDRO THE LION – Santa Cruz LP/CD (Polyvinyl)
NAOKI SATO – Godzilla Minus One (Soundtrack) LP (Wax Work) finally here!
SMOKING POPES – Born to Quit LP (Real Gone) reissue, pink & white vinyl
This 1992 EP has been unavailable for over 20 years & it’s now been expanded for this 2024 reissue. “Didgeridoo” is regarded as one of the finest moments in Richard D. James’ ridiculously stacked discography. Supposedly he wrote the track to tire people out dancing at the end of raves in Cornwall. At over 7 minutes, this heavy track actually tracked in the U.K. back then. We’re really stoked to have this back in the racks again. RECOMMENDED.
BAT FOR LASHES – The Dream of Delphi LP/CD (Mercury) limited color or black
During the pandemic Natasha Khan had her first baby & her 2024 album is dedicated to her. The arrangements are mostly sparse with piano compositions with strings & minimal, sometimes ambient synth textures. Easy comparisons are Bjork & Kate Bush but the songs lean more new age than that, making us think of Julia Holter, Julianna Barwick & even Johann Johannsson. It’s a truly beautiful album. RECOMMENDED.
AKIRA KOSEMURA & LAWRENCE ENGLISH – Selene LP (Temporary Residence)
“Selene” is the 2024 collaboration album by the Japanese artist Akira Kosemura & Lawrence English who is based in Australia. Deep bass drones that seem to be rising from the bottom of the ocean with Harold Budd style piano explorations.
DREW MCDOWALL – A Thread, Silvered & Trembling LP (Dais) limited red or black
Former COIL member Drew McDowall returns to his explorations with the Scottish bagpipe style known as pibroch, something he experimented with on the classic “Time Machines” album. By processing the recordings electronically & adding other instruments such as cello, viola, harp & french horn, McDowall has created a rich world of unique drones & blasting chords that are as beautiful as they aremenacing.
ROY MONTGOMERY – Temple IV LP (Kranky)
First ever vinyl release for Roy Montgomery’s legendary 1995 album “Temple IV.” Montgomery got his start in the New Zealand band PIN GROUP who were associated with the who’s who of the Kiwi sound at the time. In 1994 Roy released a record on Kranky with the band DADAMAH & soon after made his way to New York City. While there he recorded two albums including this one on a 4 track machine with a cheap guitar & a few effects pedals. Long form guitar jams with drone elements that fit in somewhere between POPOL VUH, the drony side of V.U., German legends Achim Reichel & Manuel Gottsching. This one is absolutely epic. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS
AROOJ AFTAB – Night Reign LP (Verve) color or black
ARS NOVA – Ars Nova LP (Sundazed) remastered, green vinyl
BLACK SABBATH – Anno Domini 1989-1995 4LP4/CD super deluxe box set (Rhino)
HABIBI – Dreamachine LP (Kill Rock Stars) blue vinyl
MAYA HAWKE – Chaos Angel LP/CD/TAPE (Mom + Pop)
KING HANNAH – Big Swimmer LP (City Slang) blue vinyl
CYNDI LAUPER – Let the Canary Sing LP (Legacy)
MARIAS – Submarine LP (Atlantic)
NEUTRALS – New Town Dream LP (Slumberland) blue vinyl
RINGO STARR – Crooked Boy LP/CD (Universal)
SUN RA – Inside the Light World: Sun Ra Meets the OVC CD (Strut)
JIMI TENOR – Is There Love in Outer Space LP (Timmion)
RICHARD THOMPSON – Ship to Shore LP/CD (New West) black or limited marbled vinyl with signed insert
THOU – Umbilical LP w/ 7”/CD (Sacred Bones) limited color or black
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Eccentric Soul: Minibus LP (Numero)
WINDY & CARL – Consciousness LP (Kranky) back in print
FINOM – Not God LP/CD (Joyful Noise) with limited flexi 7” while supplies last
FINOM or the artist(s) formerly known as OHMME return with a new album “Not God” in 2024. The extremely talented duo of Macie Stewart & Sima Cunningham are deeply entrenched in the Chicago music scene but FINOM is clearly their baby.Produced by Jeff Tweedy with his son Spencer playing drums, “Not God” perfectly displays Macie & Sima’s abilities as players & songwriters. Hints of THE ROCHES, SPARKS, B-52s & even ESG. Another great one from these gifted Chicagoans.
RAMI GABRIEL – That’s What I Been Sayin’ LP (Sooper)
Rami Gabriel is a professor at Columbia College in Chicago & he’s been making & releasing music for years. This album on Sooper is a hodgepodge of genres with bluesy rockers, an instrumental on the Middle Eastern Buzuq instrument & even minimal electronics that hint at THROBBING GRISTLE (not joking). Eclectic to say the least.
GASTR DEL SOL – We Have Dozens of Titles LP/CD box set (Drag City)
There was a period of about 5 years or so in the early/mid 90s where GASTR DEL SOL was one of the most exciting & mysterious groups. The duo included David Grubbs, best known then as the ex-member of bands like SQUIRREL BAIT, BASTRO & BITCH MAGNET & Jim O’Rourke, then based in Chicago & well known for his experimental music & engineering projects. This set collects outtakes,live recordings & compilation tracks, some of which are released for the first time here. Their mix of folk guitar, avant piano pieces & chopped-up electronics sounds just as exciting now as it did 25 years ago. RECOMMENDED.
SHIN JOONG HYUN – From Where to Where 1970-1979 LP (Light in the Attic)
Shin Joong Hyun started in the 50’s entertaining U.S. troops. His first taste of real success was producing hits for THE PEARL SISTER & KIM JUNG MI who had legitimate hits in South Korea. The 60’s rock explosion influenced SHIN JOON HYUN greatly & the Western influence on his music became even more obvious. Eventually he fell in with some hippies & counter-culture types which brought him to the attention of the government. He was labeled as subversive & after refusing to write a song praising the president, he was tortured & imprisoned for his rebellion. This collection features his music as well as some of his stellar productions. Everything from traditional South Korean pop to 60’s rock influenced jammers are featured here.
BILL MACKAY – Locust Land LP (Drag City)
The prolific Chicago based guitarist Bill Mackay is back with a new one in 2024 called “Locust Land.” We’re not sure if Bill was aware of the incoming 2024 locust invasion or not but the title certainly seems prescient. This one has some nice variety with John Martyn-esque solo tunes, jammy instrumentals & nods at POPOL VUH. RECOMMENDED.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS
ALUMINUM –Fully Beat (Felt)
ANDREW BIRD TRIO – Sunday Morning Put-On LP/CD (Loma Vista) color or black
DAVID BOWIE – Diamond Dogs LP (RCA) half-speed master
CREED – Greatest Hits LP (Craft)
DANGERMOUSE & JEMINI – Born Again LP (Lex) color or black vinyl
DIIV – Frog in Boiling Water LP/CD (Fantasy) green or black vinyl
EKKO ASTRAL – Pink Balloons TAPE (Top Shelf) vinyl expected in June
ELEPHANT GYM – World LP (Top Shelf) color vinyl
DUKE ELLINGTON & JOHNNY HODGES – Back to Back LP (Verve) acoustic sound series
BRIAN ENO, HOLGER CZUKAY & J. PETER SCHWALM – Sushi. Roti. Reibekuchen LP (Gronland)
BETH GIBBONS – Lives Outgrown: Deluxe Edition LP (Domino) back in stock!
GIRL & GIRL – Call a Doctor LP (Sub Pop) first press “Loser Edition”
JONSI – Obsidian LP (Krunk)
SHIN JOONG HYUN – Beautiful Rivers & Mountains: The Psychedelic Rock Sounds… LP (Light in the Attic) back in print
KHANATE – Capture & Release LP/CD (Sacred Bones) limited color or black
KHANATE – Clean Hands Go Foul LP/CD (Sacred Bones) limited color or black
LA LUZ – News of the Universe LP/CD (Sub Pop) first press “Luzer” edition color
MIKEL – Zelda & Chill LP (Gamechops) available again
MORTICIAN – Darkest Day of Horror LP (Relapse) color vinyl
MUI ZYU – Nothing or Something to Die For LP (Father/Daughter)
CARLOS NIÑO & FRIENDS – Placenta LP/CD (International Anthem)
NOFX – Half Album LP (Fat Wreck Chords)
PHOENIX – Ti Amo LP (Glassnote) available again
PYE CORNER AUDIO – Endless Echo LP/CD (Ghost Box)
RED FANG – Red Fang LP (Sargent House) 15th anniversary edition
SHELLAC – To All Trains LP (Tough & Go) last copies of the 1st pressing!! Almost gone!
SUN RA – Excelsior Mill LP (Modern Harmonic) color vinyl
THURSDAY – War All the Time: Live LP (Equal Vision)
TWENTY ONE PILOTS – Clancy LP/CD (Fueled By Ramen) w/ limited clear plastic outersleeve
VANISHING TWIN – The Age of Immunology LP (Fire) limited pink & teal versions
VARIOUS ARTISTS – NID Tapes LP (State 51) back in print
VARIOUS ARTISTS – W3NG LP (Numero Group) color or black
VEGYN – The Road to Hell is Paved With Good Intentions LP/CD (PLZ Make It Ruins)
WALLOWS – Model LP/CD (Atlantic) orchid/orange color or clear. with indie only plasticouter sleeve while supplies
last
PAUL WELLER – 66 LP/CD (Capitol)
YOUNG JESUS – The Fool LP (Saddle Creek) white vinyl
It’s been a surreal 10 days or so in Chicago since Steve left us. Much love to Heather, Bob, Todd, the Electrical Crew, his friends, family & fans. We’ll miss you Steve.
Nobody should be surprised that the Shellac LP is sold out. We’re hoping to have a small restock next week so please place special orders. The 2nd press is already in process
AMEN DUNES – Death Jokes LP (Sub Pop) first pressing Loser Edition
“Death Jokes” is the first AMEN DUNES album in 6 years & his first for Sub Pop. During that time took a step back & reconsidered his approach to songwriting & started piano lessons & learning how to program drums. The result is a quirky mix of his artfully crafted indie rock with some electronic beats, some that almost have a herky jerky quality at times. It’s not as much of a stretch as you might think & fans should be happy AMEN DUNES has returned.
THE CAT’S MIAOW – Skipping Stones: The Cassette Years ‘92-’93 LP (World of Echo)
Demos & lo-fi recordings from the great Melbourne band THE CAT’S MIAOW, embracing the minimal pop simplicity of YOUNG MARBLE GIANTS and BEAT HAPPENING with the reverb’d spaciousness some members would later lean into under the HYDROPLANE moniker. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
MYRIAM GENDRON – Mayday LP/CD (Feeding Tube) green or black vinyl
One of our favorite current artists Myriam Gendron returns with her third album “Mayday.” Her previous albums have mostly contained folk standards with lyrics taken from Dorothy Parker poems. This is the first album of mostly Gendron originals. Her playing is efficient but formidable. Seeing her play live is mind blowing because she’s so consistent & doesn’t seem to make any mistakes. Gendron is joined by Marissa Anderson & Jim White (DIRTY THREE) on 3 tunes & hearing her play with others expands her sound remarkably. Fans of Karen Dalton, Sibyelle Baier, Gillian Welch, Leonard Cohen need to hear this. RECOMMENDED.
**deluxe is almost sold out but we hope to have more next week
First ever strictly solo record from BETH GIBBONS has been a long time coming (eleven years after she had announced it), but the former voice for PORTISHEAD does not disappoint. Spacious, atmospheric production with intimate, close textures that evoke the robust art-pop of JULIA HOLTER and later SCOTT WALKER, as well as PORTISHEAD’s classic iciness, all anchored by GIBBONS’ unmistakable voice. On Domino, well worth the wait, and VERY RECOMMENDED. Deluxe gatefold edition features a book and a limited art print! When it’s gone it’s gone!
PALLBEARER – Mind Burns Alive LP/CD (Nuclear Blast)
PALLBEARER continues to get cleaner & more polished & we’re totally ok with it. “Mind Burns Alive” pushes them further into 70s rock/prog territory with serious nods at PINK FLOYD, songs that sound like RUSH at half speed, TOOL & even ALICE IN CHAINS at times. A solid listen.
SHELLAC – To All Trains LP/CD (Touch & Go)
It’s a surreal time. Just a few weeks ago we were excited about getting the first SHELLAC album in 10 years. Now we all know it’s their last one. Back in 2019 the band was kind enough to play at Reckless in honor of our 30th anniversary. Most of their set was made up of instrumentals that we can all hear now on “To All Trains.” Steve, Bob & Todd really made it worth the wait. Inventive arrangements, instantly memorable riffs, mind boggling drum ideas, that dry SHELLAC wit & of course an amazing recording. A Fitting end to one of the best bands of the last 30 years. REQUIESCAT.
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Ghana Special, Volume 2: Electronic Highlife & Afro Sounds In The Diaspora, 1980-93 LP/CD (Soundway)
Soundway’s second volume of pop music from Ghana & the Ghanaian diaspora takes focus on the 1980s, with synths taking hold and bringing in influences of disco, new wave, boogie and electronic R&B. These sounds married with highlife created a new style built for nightclubs and dance halls. Featuring PAT THOMAS, CHARLES AMOAH and ERNEST HONNY among others, this should fit right next to the “Doin’ it in Lagos” and “Gumba Fire” comps on Soundway. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS
AQUABATS – The Return of the Aquabats LP (Gloopy) reissue
AQUABATS – The Fury of the Aquabats LP (Gloopy) reissue
AQUABATS – Vs. the Floating Eye of Death & Other Adventures, Vol. 1 LP (Gloopy) reissue
ARAB STRAP – i’m totally fine with it don’t give a fuck anymore LP/CD (Rock Action) black or yellow vinyl
MULATU ASTATKE – Mulatu of Ethiopia LP (Strut) deluxe white vinyl reissue
ATMOSPHERE – Strictly Leakage LP/CD (Rhymesayers)
AVETT BROTHERS – Avett Brothers LP/CD (Ramseur) black or blue vinyl
YAYA BEY – Ten Fold LP (Big Dada) black or red vinyl
BLITZEN TRAPPER – 100’s of 1000’s, Millions of Billions LP/CD (Yep Roc) black or blue vinyl
Big 36 track collection of demos and sketches from Trish Keenan & BROADCAST’s productive post-“Tender Buttons” period of 2006-09. This should scratch the same itch that their “Microtronics’ series does, as well as the third demo LP of STEREOLAB’s reissue campaign of the last few years. VERY RECOMMENDED!
CAMERA OBSCURA – Look to the East, Look to the West LP/CD (Merge) black or ltd. blue & white vinyl
First album in over ten years for Glaswegian twee pop torchbearers CAMERA OBSCURA sounds as if they never left. Stylistic changes that go through Americana, minimal synth pop and retro jangle pop are all held together by some excellent earworm melodies. A warm, welcome return for these indie stalwarts. RECOMMENDED!
MDOU MOCTAR – Funeral For Justice LP/CD (Matador)
After the acoustic-inflected “Afrique Victime”, Tuareg guitar wiz MDOU MOCTAR returns to the fast, shredding, psychedelic wildness that’s his band’s bread & butter. Wicked, searing feedback and shuffling rhythms make the background for MOCTAR’s increasingly strident political lyrics and themes, resulting in a pointedly Nigerien record that seems to be channeled through the sound of late period ZEPPELIN (think something soaring like “Achilles’ Last Stand”). RECOMMENDED!
JESSICA PRATT – Here in the Pitch LP/CD (Mexican Summer) black or ltd. brown vinyl
A brilliant fourth record from California psych folk singer JESSICA PRATT, who burrows deeper into the dreamlike mystery of her songwriting. “Here in the Pitch” is dotted with spacious, reverberating vocals, elliptical acoustic guitars and opaque lyrics – all PRATT signatures – but with some arrangements that flesh out the compositions without making them sound too robust. A bit of NICK DRAKE’s “Bryter Layter”, a bit of BROADCAST’s Trish Keenan-esque vocalizations, a bit of dusty 78rpm hauntology, all wrapped up in inviting songcraft. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Scaling Triangles LP (Zaius Tapes)
Zaius Tapes has reissued this compilation of early 80s outsider girl groups from the UK. Minimal post-punk & electronics that will appeal to fans of bands like YOUNG MARBLE GIANTS & Chicago’s ALGEBRA SUICIDE, the early Rough Trade singles, labels like COLOR TAPES etc… will dig this.
KAMASI WASHINGTON – Fearless Movement LP/CD (Young) black or ltd. red & blue vinyl
2024 record from spiritual jazz bandleader KAMASI WASHINGTON is short by his standards (a “brisk” 90 minutes), and traverses styles from hip-hop, gospel, Latin jazz, funk and contemporary classical. Features contributions from the acclaimed flautist ANDRE 3000, as well as GEORGE CLINTON, THUNDERCAT, BJ the CHICAGO KID and TERRACE MARTIN among others. Gorgeous, life affirming maximalist jazz. RECOMMENDED!
Other Important New Releases:
AGRICULTURE – Living Is Easy LP (The Flenser)
BEHERIT – The Oath of Black Blood LP (Nuclear War Now) picture disc
DONALD BYRD – Byrd’s Eye View LP (Blue Note) tone poet
JOHN CARPENTER – Lost Themes IV: Noir LP/CD (Sacred Bones) limited color or black
RACHEL CHINOURIRI – What a Devastating Turn of Events LP (Elektra)
CINDY LEE – Model Express LP (W. 25) back in stock!
We’re still recovering from Record Store Day. It was the biggest one yet & the stores were so freaking busy. Thank you so much to you, our amazing customers. There are still some great titles left from RSD & we’re restocking the racks. We just got a big, much needed Drag City restock & more stuff is trickling in every day.
Here are a few titles that got lost in the RSD insanity that we wanted to point out:
CLOUD NOTHINGS – Final Summer LP (Pure Noise) limited color or black vinyl
FACS – North American Endless/ Take Me To Your Heart 7” (Sub Pop): Local heroes FACS make their Sub Pop debut with their first ever 7”
HIGH ON FIRE – Cometh The Storm LP (MNRK)
JPEGMAFIA/ DANNY BROWN – Scaring the Hoes: DLC Edition LP (Jpegmafia)
BNNY – One Million Love Songs LP/CD (Firetalk) limited red or black vinyl: This second record from Chicago’s own Jess Viscius and BNNY is a turn around from the stark heartbreak of the band’s debut with songs about love, lust and romance built on rich, gauzy arrangements that recall ALVVAYS, SNAIL MAIL and (for an older vintage) MAZZY STAR.
DARKTHRONE – It Beckons Us All LP/CD (Peaceville) purple or black vinyl: The always reliable Darkthrone returns in 2024 with “It Beckons Us All.” The last few years Fenriz & Nocturno Culto have been cruising along releasing a great record every 2 years or so & they’re always stuffed with memorable riffs. We’re always down with new DARKTHRONE!
OTHER IMPORTANT NEW RELEASES & RESTOCKS
AMBARCHI/ BERTHLING/ WERLIIN – Ghosted II LP (Drag City)
CHARLEST BERNSTEIN – April Fool’s Day (Soundtrack) LP (Varese Sarabande) expanded
CIRCUS LUPUS – Circus Lupus LP (L.G.)
GLORIA COLEMAN QUARTET – Soul Sisters LP (Impulse) Verve By Request Series
CONTINUALS – Continuals LP (Bright Future)
CORRIDOR – Mimi LP/CD (Sub Pop) Loser Edition first press color vinyl
