New Releases - 2/7/25

Hitting The Racks

Here's your weekly rundown of what's hitting the new release racks at Grimey's

New Releases

Afrokokoroot - World Peace CD/LP/Cassette (Afrokokoroot Production)

Afrokokoroot is a 12 piece band featuring a four man horns section, two dancers/backup vocalists, drummer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist and Sunny Dada, from Lagos, Nigeria, as lead vocalist, arranger, composer and director. Sunny, who has been performing since age four in his father’s church, said he fell in love with Afrobeat music because of his love for the late Fela Anikulapo, Bob Marley and other legends in the music industry. Sunny studied Music Business at the Bohai University, Jingzhou, China. He became the first African to bring Afrobeat to China and has worked with the Chinese government to teach African culture and music to students in its government schools. Now Sunny calls Nashville home and is releasing his debut album, World Peace, on all physical formats as well as digitally. Lively up yourself with Afrokokoroot!

Nessa Barrett - Aftercare LP (Warner Records)

Nessa Barrett's sophomore album, AFTERCARE, explores all of the complex emotions surrounding love, sex and the aftermath. 

John Condit - Return to the Center LP (self-released)

John Condit’s new solo work is a departure from his long-time psych rock band, The Inscape, a well-known Nashville act he fronted for years. Fans of The Inscape will recognize Condit’s sense of groove and space on Return To The Center, but the solo work is undeniably more polished. John is also coming off a period as a member of singer/songwriter Lily Hiatt’s band, where he toured the world and contributed to Hiatt’s critically acclaimed albums Trinity Lane and Walking Proof. On Return To The Center, Condit settles into the psychedelia and acid folk where he feels most comfortable – a sound that owes as much to the indie rock of Caribou as to the psych of Brian Jonestown Massacre. But it’s clear John has also pushed himself into new territory, capturing a sense of classic psych-rock tones and feelings that harken to earlier times.

Dream Theater - Parasomnia cd/2xLP (Inside Out)

Progressive music titans Dream Theater return with their sixteenth studio album, Parasomnia. The album marks the first album featuring the iconic lineup of vocalist James LaBrie, guitarist John Petrucci, bassist John Myung, keyboardist Jordan Rudess and drummer Mike Portnoy since 2009's Black Clouds & Silver Linings. The album was produced by Petrucci, engineered by James 'Jimmy T' Meslin, and mixed by Andy Sneap. Hugh Syme returns once again to lend his creative vision to the cover art. From the opening track "In The Arms Of Morpheus" to the closer of "The Shadow Man Incident," Dream Theater returns with a collection of songs that showcase what has earned the band a loyal following for four decades. Clocking in at 71 minutes, Parasomnia takes the listener on a musical journey that has become synonymous with the band since the beginning of their career.

FACS - Wish Defense LP (Trouble In Mind)

The duality of "man" is a subject that has been explored in art for centuries, from writings of the Bible to Descartes, all the way up to filmmakers like Lynch, Cronenberg, & Carpenter. Who is your "true self" & what do they want? With their sixth studio album "Wish Defense" (again for longtime home Trouble In Mind Records), Chicago trio FACS take a good, long look in the mirror to face themselves. The return of original member Jonathan Van Herik - who stepped away from the group just before their debut album "Negative Houses" was released in 2018 - replacing longtime bassist Alianna Kalaba brings renewed vigor & a marked angularity from the band's more recent output. "Wish Defense" is the last album engineered by Steve Albini. Two days were recorded at Electrical Audio in early May of 2024 before Steve's untimely passing, with renowned engineer & friend Sanford Parker stepping in to finish the session 24 hours later, tracking the last bits of vocals and overdubs. Longtime collaborator John Congleton mixed the album as Albini would have; in Electrical Audio's A room, off the tape, using Albini's notes about the session. [Limited edition white vinyl.]

Aaron Frazer - Fly Away b/w Play On 7” (Colemine)

The A side, "Fly Away" is a tune largely built on a sample of the Hi-Five track of the same name, and features thudding drums and dense guitar riffs. Co written by Lydia Kitto of Jungle, this tune is a perfect mix of 70's soul and 90's R&B. A true summertime jam! On the flip, "Play On" sits a little bit more in the midtempo cut with super tight drums, bass, and synths anchoring the track. The lyrics are a coaching up session and serve as positive encouragement, and Frazer's vocal delivery pushes that home. Mega catchy hook with just the right amount of swagger... play on player.

Gyasi - Here Comes the Good Part CD/LP (Alive Records)

Described by Rolling Stone magazine as “a glam rock triumph,” the multi-faceted rocker Gyasi ( Jah-See) delivers his second studio album, “Here Comes The Good Part,” a glittery and fun universe filled with infectious hooks and searing guitar riffs, alongside songs of self-transformation. Teaming up with co-producer Bobby Holland, Gyasi expands his sound, exploring a wider palette of musical ideas. Mostly recorded with his touring band, it also features guest appearances by drummer Daru Jones. “Here Comes The Good Part” is a bold exploration of theatrical rock n’ roll, through the lens of a small-town West Virginia kid seeking self-discovery.

Heartworms - Glutton for Punishment LP (Speedy Wunderground)

Produced by longtime Heartworms collaborator Dan Carey, Glutton For Punishment combines the propulsive, motorik tendencies of gothic stalwarts Depeche Mode, with the lyrical dexterity of PJ Harvey, and the off-kilter rhythms of LCD Soundsystem into a powerful sonic onslaught that is entirely Heartworms. "With my EP, people kind of pigeonholed me into post-punk," she says. "I was like, 'Cool, I can do that, but I can also do way more' - I can do post-punk, but I can also be poppy and catchy, and this album represents that. I think people might be surprised when they hear it."

Honesty - U R Here LP (Partisan)

Honesty is not a band in the traditional sense. With four core members - George Mitchell, Matt Peel, Josh Lewis and Imi Marston – and a rotating cast of collaborators which have included musicians and visual artists like Kosi Tydes, Softlizard, Rarelyalways, Florence Shaw, and Liam Bailey, the Leeds-based collective emerged as an exercise in doing things differently on a journey towards self-acceptance. Honesty’s debut album ‘U R HERE’ represents a renewed sense of creative expression amidst a world that can sometimes seem like it's crumbling apart. The songs on ‘U R HERE’ are a fluid, exhilarating, and uniquely introspective take on club music – sonically mapping the psychological impact of the modern age and harnessing the vitality and freedom that comes with new beginnings.

Inhaler - Open Wide CD/LP (Interscope)

Open Wide marks a giant leap forward for Irish four-piece Inhaler. The album, recorded with producer Kid Harpoon, is the sound of a band stepping out of their comfort zone. Including the lead single "Your House," Open Wide is 13 songs that feels unique - a guitar-driven pop album unlike any other, solidifying their status as one of the most exciting young bands today.

Kendrick Lamar - GNX LP (Interscope)

GNX is the sixth studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. Titled after the Buick Regal model, and a follow-up to Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022). Kendrick Lamar will entertain at the Super Bowl.

James Brandon Lewis - Apple Cores CD/LP (Anti-)

Apple Cores is the latest full-length album from New York tenor saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, "one of the fiercest sounds in jazz today" (The Guardian) with a "penchant for unbound exploration" (Pitchfork). Informed by the rhythms and textures of hip-hop and funk while remaining rooted in jazz, Apple Cores was recorded with Chad Taylor (drums/mbira) and Josh Werner (bass/guitar) over the course of two intense, entirely improvised sessions.

Michigander - Michigander CD/LP (Totally Normal)

The last decade has seen Michigander quietly emerge as a 21st century troubadour whose deft balance of rock energy, alternative adventurousness, and heart-on-his-sleeve songcraft continues to endear audiences and tastemakers alike. Born in Michigan and based in Nashville, singer, songwriter, and producer Jason Singer has steadily progressed one gig and release at a time. However, he truly steps into his own on his self-titled full-length debut album, Michigander. "The last ten years were awesome," he says. "Everything built up to this point though. To make an analogy, the EPs were like television episodes of my story, and the album is the movie version. It's blown up on the big screen. I'm just getting started, but this is my introduction to the world." Throughout a busy 2024, he crafted what would become Michigander. Inspired by the likes of TV On The Radio, Blur, Idles, and The National, he embraced a newfound confidence and continued to sonically break down boundaries, taking his time. - Michigan-born and Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and producer Jason Singer leaves one chapter in the rear-view and turns the page on another with elevated and eloquent songcraft, uplifting instrumentation, and plainspoken heartland storytelling punctuated by alternative flare. 

Obscura - A Sonication CD/LP (Nuclear Blast)

With A Sonication, Germany-based metal band Obscura launch the second of their trilogy concept. The group's second (seventh overall) album for Nuclear Blast pivots on many fronts. Advanced, elegant, and yet refreshing, A Sonication sums up past endeavors effortlessly as it gazes with purpose and conviction into the future. [Limited edition silver vinyl.]

Parlor Greens - Driptorch b/w 200 Dollar Blues 7” (Colemine)

The first 45 to follow their sold out debut LP. Side A features Driptorch, a gritty, classic sounding organ track with crunchy drums, funky guitar, and screaming Hammond! On the flip, is a brand new, never before heard song from the band titled '200 Dollar Blues'. It's a straight down the middle instrumental blues shuffle featuring Jimmy James really wailing on his strat and trading licks with Scone preaching on the organ!

Nadia Reid - Enter Now Brightness LP (Chrysalis)

Enter Now Brightness feels different for Nadia. It is an album, she says, of departure and questioning, that has reminded her how songwriting can be "the most useful thing to do with pain and joy and thoughts and feelings and anger." That through music we can find great change. "I'm so much better off now that it exists,"she says. "Now feels like a new time." On this record, Reid moves ever further from her earlier folk inclinations, establishing a sound that is distinctly her own. Enter Now Brightness is a record of poise and great beauty, the sound of a cellular shift, of pain giving way to tenderness and joy. It takes it's title from a passage in a book Reid was reading from a line that seemed to call out to her from the page: 'Brightness entered the study.' "It was the image of opening the curtain, or turning the light on, or of standing in the wings of a theatre and waiting to go on stage. It's the idea of life beginning now." "[Nadia] embraces a full bodied sound halfway between Haim's sophisticated pop sparkle and Sharon Van Etten's full-throated songcraft" - The Guardian. [Limited edition pink vinyl.]

Squid - Cowards CD/LP (Warp)

The third album by english art-rock quintet Squid, sees the band hovering above distinct stories of human evil. Nine stories whose protagonists reckon with cults, charisma and apathy. Real and imagined characters wading into the dark ocean between right and wrong.

Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory - Sharon Van Otten & The Attachment Theory CD/LP (Jagjaguwar)

From the off, Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory is sonically different from Van Etten's previous work. Writing and recording in total collaboration with her band for the first time, Van Etten finds the freedom that comes by letting go. The result of that liberation is an exhilarating new dimension of sound and songwriting. The themes are timeless, classic Sharon - life and living, love and being loved - but the sounds are new, wholly realized and sharp as glass. Reflecting on this new artistic frame of mind, Van Etten muses, "Sometimes it's exciting, sometimes it's scary, sometimes you feel stuck. It's like every day feels a little different - just being at peace with whatever you're feeling and whoever you are and how you relate to people in that moment. If I can just keep a sense of openness while knowing that my feelings change every day, that is all I can do right now. That and try to be the best person I can be while letting other people be who they are and not taking it personally and just being. I'm not there, but I'm trying to be there every day." Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory is a quantum leap in that direction. - Lol Tolhurst

Wilder Woods - Curioso CD/LP (Dualtone)

Curioso, Bear Rinehart's third solo release as Wilder Woods, unapologetically explores all the curious corners of Rinehart's sound, powered by his genre-bending approach to anthemic American music. It's a wide mix of texture, razor-sharp songwriting, held together not by some lyrical thread or overarching story, but simply by the enthusiasm of a longtime musician who's still eager to stretch his legs and cover new ground. 

Reissues, Comps, Live Recordings, Vault Excavations...

Cowboy Junkies - Whites Off Earth Now LP (Cooking Vinyl)

Whites Off Earth Now!! is a 1986 studio album by Cowboy Junkies. It was the band's debut album, and is composed almost entirely of rock and blues covers. Only one song, "Take Me", is an original song by the band. Includes a spellbinding version of Springsteen’s “State Trooper” that rocked my world back in the day.

Celia Cruz - Siempre Vivire 2xLP (Sony Latin)

includes the hits "Celia's Oye Como Va", "Yo Vivire", "Por Si Acaso No Regreso" and many more. Celia Cruz made a stunning "comback" (not that she was ever gone) with Mi Vida es Cantar, in 1998, one of the best salsa albums ever. She made three more albums before her death in 2003. Siempre Vivire was the first of these.

Evinha - Cartão Postal LP (Vampi Soul)

Reissued here for the first time, Cartão Postal is one of the best and most sought-after Brazilian funk-soul albums from the early '70s. It includes some outstanding up-tempo gems like Marcos and Paulo Sergio Valle's "Que bandeira," and the stellar "Esperar Prá Ver," co-written by Evinha's brother Renato Corrêa who also happened to be a member of the Golden Boys. This is a classic Brazilian soul-funk title, right up there with all the greatest albums of the genre. Remastered from the original tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl. 

The Family Tree - God Is Big Enough LP (Ala)

The "Family Tree" vocal group was born from a Brockington-Saunders family reunion. Dr. Elijah Saunders and Mrs. Venus Robinson organized the first gathering in Baltimore in 1975 to explore their shared heritage. At a second reunion in South Carolina in 1977, The Family Tree singers were formed. Dr. Saunders recognized their outstanding vocal talent and believed they could serve as God's messengers, sharing their message beyond just family events. With the creative direction and expertise of Julius Brockington, this LP was composed and recorded. Not much more is known about this Christian band, but they evolved from jamming at a family reunion to recording some of the finest gospel music of the 1970s. The result is a surprisingly well-produced and highly sought-after collection of songs. Though rooted in gospel, this record effortlessly blends into funk, soul, and dance. Now available on pink-colored vinyl. [Indie store exclusive pink vinyl.]

Her Space Holiday - Home Is Where You Hang Yourself 2xLP (Numero)

Following his post-hardcore heroics with Indian Summer and Calm, Marc Bianchi unplugged his distortion pedal and switched on the four-track. From his boyhood San Mateo, California bedroom, Her Space Holiday explores the bewilderment of young adulthood through a dreamy prozac lens. This expanded 25th anniversary edition of Home Is Where You Hang Yourself includes an extra LP of remixed songs from Duster, Bright Eyes, Micromars, and Mahogany, an elegant tip-on jacket, lyrics, and 20 milligrams of millennial malaise. Ask your doctor if Her Space Holiday is right for you.

Madvillain - Madvillainy: Audiophile Edition LP (Stones Throw)

The only studio album by Madvillain (MF DOOM & Madlib) - widely regarded as one of the best hip-hop albums of all time. "Inexhaustibly brilliant, with layer-upon-layer of carefully considered yet immediate hip-hop, forward-thinking but always close to it's roots." - Pitchfork. This new version includes upgraded packaging combined with audiophile sound quality for the ultimate listening experience.

Horace Parlan - Up & Down LP (Blue Note Tone Poet Series)

Known for his work with Charles Mingus, pianist Horace Parlan made his first Blue Note appearance with Lou Donaldson before recording six quintessential hard bop dates in 1960-61, including the quintet album 'Up & Down' featuring his trio with George Tucker & Al Harewood, plus Grant Green & Booker Ervin. Blue Note Tone Poet Series stereo edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI, and packaged in a deluxe tip-on jacket.

Gnonnas Pedro & His Dadjes Band - Roi De L’Agbadja Moderne 2xLP (Analog Africa)

While 4 songs by this magnificent artiste were included in the compilation Legends of Benin from 2009, this time Analog Africa has the huge honour to present a full and deserved project about Gnonnas Pedro, the king of Modern Agbadja. The double-LP ‘Roi De L'Agbadja Moderne 1974-1983’ from Analog Africa comes as a Gatefold with a full-color 8-page booklet including photos. Featuring 16 of Gnonnas’ finest songs that resonated across the African continent, the unique blend of Agbadja, Cuban fon, jerk, highlife, and other African rhythms sung in Fon, Mina, Yoruba, French, English, and even Spanish offers a truly unique musical journey. 

Phish - LP on LP 05 LP (Jemp Records)

The fifth installment in the 'LP on LP' vinyl series showcases "Twist" and "Stash" from the opening night of two Nassau Coliseum shows. Nassau hosted the first of two, two-night engagements that comprised Phish's Island Tour - an impromptu live excursion on Long Island and Rhode Island that arose during 'The Story of the Ghost' pre-production sessions in Vermont. On side A is the deep-space Island "Twist" from set II that explored intergalactic territory with a bass nod to Star Trek. Side B's "Stash" from set I also went deep with a beautiful, sometimes dark jam that erupted into staccato melody and an ambient outro. Together these two tracks capture the exploratory feel of the Island Tour shows. 'LP on LP' 05 was recorded by Paul Languedoc and mixed from the multitrack masters by Vance Powell.

Phish - LP on LP 06 LP (Jemp Records)

The sixth volume in the 'LP on LP' vinyl series highlights "Simple" and "Blaze On" from the first show of a three-night stand at Ruoff Music Center (better known as Deer Creek) in the Indianapolis suburbs. Deer Creek is one of Phish's most-played venues with 23 shows between 1995 and 2016 before this 3-nighter (shows #24-26), rescheduled from 2020 due to COVID-19. Side A is the Deer Creek "Simple" - a lush performance displaying the band's expanding and experimental sonic palette. Side B consists of an extended "Blaze On" that stretches to 27 minutes (the longest to date) of funky, must-hear Phish. These two cuts highlight modern-day peak Phish in a summer soiree at a favorite spot in what was once the cornfields of Indiana. 'LP on LP' 06 was recorded by Garry Brown and mixed from the multitrack masters by Vance Powell.

Dizzy Reece - Blues In Trinity LP (Blue Note Tone Poet Series)

Jamaican trumpeter Dizzy Reece moved to London and performed across Europe in the 1950s making fans of Miles Davis and more. When Donald Byrd and Art Taylor came to Europe on tour in 1958, they went into the studio for a UK-US jazz summit that became his Blue Note debut, Blues In Trinity featuring Tubby Hayes. Blue Note Tone Poet Series stereo edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI, and packaged in a deluxe tip-on jacket.

Sonny Rollins - Alfie OST LP (Verve Acoustic Sounds)

Alfie was released in 1966 as the soundtrack to the British film of the same name. This six-cut date was arranged and conducted by Oliver Nelson, featuring a mix of musicians supporting Rollins including Kenny Burrell (guitar), J.J. Johnson (trombone) and Phil Woods (alto sax), among others. Rollins attempts to capture the textures of life through his incisive and energetic playing, his coherent improvisations and variations on musical themes. While "Alfie's Theme" and it's variants make the most lasting impression, "He's Younger Than You" is touching, laced with regret. And the sensual, relaxed "On Impulse" has a nice sense of immediacy. Verve Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes and remastered 180-gram vinyl in deluxe gatefold packaging.

Sonny Stitt & Red Holloway - Forecast: Sonny & Red LP (Catalyst)

Experience a musical dialogue between two of the most virtuosic tenor sax players to grace the stage. As bandleaders, composers, innovators and musicians, these two jazzmen are celebrated alongside the likes of Coltrane and Charlie Parker. Jazz historian Scott Yanow stated "Sonny Stitt and Red Holloway make a perfect team on this exciting jam session record... Holloway was able to keep up with the combative Stitt and the fireworks are well worth savoring." 

Television Personalities - Tune In, Turn On, Drop Out: Radio Sessions 1980-1993 2xLP (Fire Records)

This new collection brings together classic radio sessions from Television Personalities, the masters of DIY post-punk and indie pop. Featuring two 80s BBC sessions that aired on John Peel and Andy Kershaw, along with a super rare 1992 WMBR set, this double LP features covers of Buzzcocks, The Raincoats and Daniel Johnston with previously unreleased songs and a bonus download WFMU session from 1993.

The Used - The Used LP (The Used)
The Used - In Love and Death LP (The Used)
The Used - Lies for the Liars LP (The Used)

The Used are celebrating their 25th anniversary as a band by reimagining their first 3 albums. All new artwork has been created by the artists who did the original album art. P.R. Brown will do The Used and Alex Pardee has reimaged In Love and Death and Lies For The Liars. [All three releases are on unique and limited edition color swirl vinyl.]

War - Live In Japan 1974 CD/2xLP (Avenue Records)

Live In Japan 1974 is the first live album to be released in over 50 years by freewheeling-funk/rock/soul/latin fusion musical outfit War that features all seven original band members. This thoughtfully curated 2LP and 2CD release is made up of a compilation of live performances by the band, as they traveled throughout Japan after spending the better half of 1974 touring the US and Europe. This collection of recordings includes classic War tracks like "The Cisco Kid", "The World Is A Ghetto" and "All Day Music", taken from live shows across Shizuoka, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kobe.

Harold Wheeler Consort - Black Cream LP (Real Gone Music)

Pop music history is littered with albums whose provocative covers promised something steamy and sensual inside but delivered a musical cold shower instead. This is not one of those albums. Fresh from arranging/conducting such Broadway shows as The Wiz and also forging a successful career penning jingles for such clients as McDonald’s, Pan Am Airlines, Boone’s Farm Wines, Kool Aid, and Coca Cola, composer/keyboardist Wheeler released this 1975 cult classic, a soulful, slinky masterpiece of bedroom jazz-funk. It’s Wheeler’s only album, but it may have been singly responsible for an increase in the mid-‘70s birth rate…light some candles and break out the lotion for this one. First reissue in any format, finally available on its 50th anniversary in orange with black swirl vinyl limited to 750 copies!

Wilco - A Ghost Is Born Deluxe 9xCD/2xCD/2xLP/9xLP/4xCD (Nonesuch)

This 9CD box set features the original studio album plus alternates, outtakes and demos; the complete October 2004 concert at the Wang Center in Boston; the complete Fundamentals, all housed at the back of the 48-page full-color hardcover book [with previously unpublished photos and a new in-depth recording history of the album by Grammy winning writer Bob Mehr]. For the A Ghost Is Born recording, Wilco was Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, Leroy Bach, Glenn Kotche, and Mikael Jorgensen; Jim O'Rourke, who mixed the band's previous release Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, co-produced the album with Wilco. Leroy Bach left Wilco at the completion of the sessions and the band announced the addition of two new members: Pat Sansone and Nels Cline. Sansone and Cline toured with Wilco to promote AGIB and that lineup has remained unchanged since 2004. As Tweedy said to Mehr for his new liner note, "Making that record, and then finding this lineup, that was the start of something-of having a band that can play anything. That's why, twenty years later, we're still here and still going. " A variety of formats for every taste and budget are available.

Adrian Younge presents Something About April LP (Linear Labs)

Adrian Younge presents: Something About April flaunts all of the trademarks that have made Adrian Younge an in-demand name as a composer and sample source-point. His work oozes raw, analog soul and the primal sonic edge of psychedelic rock, sitting nicely alongside Ennio Morricone's best soundtrack work or Pink Floyd's early catalog. Recorded and mixed by Adrian Younge at Linear Labs, the preeminent analog studio of Los Angeles, CA.