New Releases - 3/26/21

Hitting The Racks

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

New Releases

Aaron Lee Tasjan – Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan! LP (New West)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl and signed by Aaron Lee! Every now and then an artist comes along who makes you remember why you started listening to albums in the first place: Aaron Lee Tasjan is that artist. With his wrecked cool, off-center charm, and restless creative dazzle, he makes music with conviction that has its roots in rock's murky past, armed with an arsenal of songs that spill over with humor, intelligence, irony, personal vision and at times prophecy. An obsessive creative, Tasjan writes pop songs with a twist, a little overdriven, far too honest at times. He updates the idea of androgyny but dispels the emotional and social ambiguity with lyrics that reflect his own geographic and artistic wanderings. [Indie exclusive splatter vinyl and standard black vinyl and CD, all copies from Grimey’s are signed by the artist! Available in the shop and online.]

Tune-Yards – Sketchy CD/LP+MP3 (4AD)

Tune-Yards' 2018 release I Can Feel You Creep Into My Private Life, was a self-reflexive question mark at the end of a decade of outspoken, polyphonic indie music. From 2009 to 2018, Tune-Yards (both Merrill and her partner and collaborator Nate Brenner) released four critically acclaimed albums, travelled the world relentlessly to play live shows, and composed the psychedelic score to Boots Riley's surrealist cinematic masterpiece Sorry To Bother You. "We had really been non-stop hustling," Merrill reflects. "And when we're hustling, we're complicit in all of the systems that I really don't believe in." Interrogating these systems and her role within them had left Merrill feeling heavy with guilt and grief and lost about how to move forward as a musician. But then she began to rediscover the joy in making music. Inspired by the Beastie Boys Book and Questlove's Creative Quest, Merrill and Nate began jamming daily for hours in their home rehearsal studio "like athletes." They ditched computer screens for live instruments (Merrill on drums, Nate on bass) and before long full songs started to emerge. Unlike the lyrical introspection of their previous outing, on the project's fifth studio album Sketchy, Merrill balances self-inspection and reflection with bombastic rallying cries, reminiscent of the furious tones of early days Tune-Yards. The result is a colorful and joyous record with lyrics that cut to the bone. [Limited indie store only exclusive blue vinyl.]

The Mountain Goats – Songs For Pierre Chuvin CD/LP+MP3 (Merge)

Surprise-released in April of 2020, Songs For Pierre Chuvin is the Mountain Goats' first all-boombox album since 2002's All Hail West Texas. "I dedicate this tape to everybody who's waited a long time for the wheels to sound their joyous grind: may they grind us into a safe future where we gather once again in rooms to sing songs about pagan priests & hidden shelters, and where we see each other face to face," says John Darnielle. "Hail the Panasonic! Hail the inscrutable engines of chance! Hail Cybele!" [Opaque pink & white swirl Peak vinyl. Available in the shop and online.]

Adult Mom - Driver LP (Lauren Records)

Stevie Knipe of Adult Mom writes clever and intimate indie pop songs that offer a glimpse into the journey of a gender-weird queer navigating through heartache, trauma and subsequent growth. On Driver, co-produced by Stevie Knipe and Kyle Pulley (Shamir, Diet Cig, Kississippi), Knipe delves into the emotional space just beyond a coming-of-age, where the bills start to pile up and memories of college dorms are closer than those of high school parking lots. Driver incorporates an expert weaving of sonic textures ranging from synths and shakers to ‘00s-inspired guitar tones which convey a loving attention to detail. Lyrically, Knipe radiates an unmistakable honesty mixed with a level of wit and a sense of humor producing intimate yet relatable indie pop songs.

AJR – OK Orchestra CD (S-Curve/BMG)

OK Orchestra is the Multiplatinum indie pop trio’s fourth album. “In the most uncertain year of our lives, making OK Orchestra was the one certain thing we had to hold on to,” said AJR. “We ended up with the most sonically experimental and emotionally raw album we’ve ever made.” “AJR’s new single ‘Way Less Sad’, was created entirely from the living room of their New York City apartment. In addition to hit songs such as ‘Bang!’ and ‘Bummerland’, this track, is from the indie-pop band’s much-anticipated new album, OK Orchestra. The steady but catchy rhythmic voice of the piano, the upbeat clapping, and the quirky, funky melody of the trumpets welcomes the listener to a vivacious, exciting ambiance — creating that beloved head bop-inducing vibe.” – The Harvard Crimson

Saba Alizadeh - Scattered Memories LP (Karlrecords)

On his debut album Scattered Memories, the composer, musician, and true master on the Iranian spike fiddle kamancheh Saba Alizadeh blends his instrumental virtuosity with spherical electronics, samples of Persian music instruments and field recordings from his hometown Tehran. Alizadeh melts his two musical worlds into one: tradition meets modernism, eastern sounds meet western production, folklore meets contemporary electronics. An album that will appeal to an open-minded "world music" audience as well as fans of current streams like ambient or drone in its most subtle forms.

The Antlers – Green To Gold CD/LP (ANTI-)

Perhaps what distinguishes Green To Gold from the rest of The Antlers' canon is its, well, sunniness. Conceived and written almost entirely in the morning hours, Green To Gold is the band's first new music in nearly seven years, and easily their most luminous to date. "I think this is the first album I've made that has no eeriness in it," Peter Silberman asserts. "I set out to make Sunday morning music." Unlike other Antlers albums, Silberman didn't feel compelled to turn a human experience into a circuitous mythology. He chose a more direct approach: documenting two years in his life, without overthinking or obscuring what the songs were about. "Most of the songs on Green To Gold are culled from conversations with my friends and my partner. It's less ambiguous about who's speaking and who's listening," says Silberman resolutely. "I think the shift in tone is the result of getting older," Silberman adds. "Green To Gold is about this idea of gradual change," he sums up. "People changing over time, struggling to accept change in those they love, and struggling to change themselves. And yet despite all our difficulty with this, nature somehow makes it look easy." [Limited indie store only exclusive opaque tan vinyl.]

Bernice - Eau de Bonjourno LP (Telephone Explosion)

Bernice is the experimental pop vessel of musician/songwriter Robin Dann and her longtime collaborators.Their third full-length marks their first collaboration with producer Shahzad Ismaily, the acclaimed multi-instrumentalist who has worked with artists as varied as Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, Iggy Pop, John Zorn, and Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. While their genre reconstruction remains distinctly Bernice, Dann's lyrics bring a newfound focus to storytelling in the present moment, finding joy in spaces that are familiar but ever changing. Eau de Bonjourno "openly plays with the shape of a pop song," drawing on the band members' backgrounds in jazz, subverting rhythmic formulas, and resting in grooves that sit just outside of predictable. The album's sound is experimental in its truest definition, chopped up like musique concrète and then delicately placed back together with the loving touch of a scrapbook collagist.

Justin Bieber – Anyone b/w Holy 12” (Def Jam)

New 12” featuring two hit singles from Justin's sixth studio album, Justice.

Citizen – Life In Your Glass World CD/LP (Run For Cover)

Citizen has always eluded definition. The Toledo, Ohio-based four-piece have been making dynamic, wide-ranging guitar music for over ten years, challenging expectations with each new album and refusing to fit neatly in a box. [Limited galaxy blue and green color vinyl.]

The City Champs – Luna ’68 LP (Big Legal Mess)

Luna ‘68 marks the return of the Memphis soul/funk/jazz trio The City Champs. Members, Al Gamble (St. Paul & The Broken Bones), George Sluppick (Chris Robinson Brotherhood) and Joe Restivo (Don Bryant) have been secretly concocting these tasty, solar expanding nuggets since their last output in 2010.

Nicola Cruz - Subtropique 12" (Rhythm Section International)

Rhythm Section International welcomes Nicola Cruz to the fold with his debut EP on the imprint, Subtropique. Inspired by an Ecuadorian upbringing, percussion is at the heart of how Nicola operates. His rhythmic style finds a natural home on the London label -- which presents five expansive efforts equally indebted to traditional drumming as they are to contemporary club sounds. Remaining sonically cohesive without feeling the need to settle into a definable style -- the tracks are tied together by a lucid psychedelic thread which, despite challenging the expectations and fundamentals of electronic dance music -- demand movement at a time where you yearn for it.

Death From Above 1979 – Is 4 Lovers CD/LP (Spinefarm)

Canadian dance-punk pioneers Death From Above 1979, the boundary pushing musical alliance made up of Sebastien Grainger and Jesse F. Keeler, return with their first new album in four years.

Noga Erez – Kids CD/LP (City Slang)

Building from the raw politics of her 2017 debut, Off The Radar, Kids moves closer to home while retaining singer-songwriter-producer, Noga Erez's signature smarts and swagger. Its earworms and crisp productions are locked around lyrics that deal with the personal and the political; mortality and loss; war and peace, insecurity and ambition. "These are songs about what we inherit from past generations, how we pass things on," Noga explains "How this game of evolution of our culture and humanity is very much in our hands. We were all somewhat a blank page at some point. Kids talks about humanity's potential for both beauty and destruction." Kids showcases Noga's style, growing into a crisp bombastic sound she crafts with her creative and life partner, Ori Rousso. The album explores themes of tension and release, anxiety and remedy, and masterly melodic licks in swipes of stomping brass, all wrapped around Noga's versatile vocals that quick-switch from clipped flow to smoky purr; from stadium chorus to street-ready beats.

Evanescence – The Bitter Truth LP (BMG)

Evanescence returns with their first album of new original music in nine years. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Deftones), The Bitter Truth takes its foundation in the epic, signature sound that has earned Evanescence two Grammy awards.

Genghis Tron – Dream Weapon CD/LP (Relapse)

The band's first new studio outing in over a decade, Genghis Tron's Hamilton Jordan and Michael Sochynsky are now joined by two new collaborators: vocalist Tony Wolski and Sumac/Baptists drummer Nick Yacyshyn. Together, the lineup perfects the unique mix of extreme rock and electronic music Genghis Tron has pioneered over their storied career. Dream Weapon is a melding of hypnotic rhythms and densely layered synth soundscapes. [Indie exclusive, limited neon green vinyl.]

Greenleaf – Echoes From A Mass CD (Napalm)

Like clockwork, Swedish stoner rockers Greenleaf spread their concentrated sludgy energy to disciples of the genre with the release of Echoes From A Mass, the successor to their 2018 epic, Hear The Rivers. Opener, "Tides", immediately draws the listener into a swirl of guitar driven soundscapes, while Arvid Hällagård's remarkable voice merges with hypnotizing background vocals, ceremonially inviting the listener into a heavy reverie. Floating hypnotic grooves set the stage for the compelling yet chilling "Needle In My Eye" – with its incisive, driving drums and roaring riffs, the record's third song accumulates piece by piece into a modern rock standout, taking the mind by storm. "Love Undone" breaks in with Tommi Holappa's acclaimed, blistering guitar riffs that will keep the listener moving to the mesmerizing, distinctive sonic layers of Greenleaf.

Ben Howard – Collections From The Whiteout CD/2xLP (Republic)

British singer-songwriter Ben Howard - whose music has drawn comparisons to Nick Drake and John Martyn - returns with his fourth studio album, Collections From The Whiteout. Produced with Aaron Dessner (The National, Sharon Van Etten, Taylor Swift), it marks the first time that the BRIT Award winner and Mercury Prize nominee has opened his studio doors to an outside collaborator.

Jane Inc. - Number One LP (Telephone Explosion)

Jane Inc. is the solo project of Carlyn Bezic. Also known as one half of weird-pop duo Ice Cream, one fifth of rock and roll fever dream Darlene Shrugg, and touring member of US Girls band, Bezic has been building a body of work on merging a pop sensibility with off-kilter influences. Number One is an exciting progression of that body of work: a meditation on the self that marries pop songwriting with swirling sonic experiments. The eight songs on Number One act as pieces of a collage. Synths sneer and shimmer, fuzzed-out guitars play against Bezic's soothing and hypnotic voice, and a constant and confident bass grounds each track. She brings us into flowing, dreamlike reflections, creating an expansive world that stretches beyond the album's limits.

Jillette Johnson - It's a Beautiful Day and I Love You LP (Moss Rose Records)

Jillette Johnson began playing piano when she was a child, and by age 12 was already performing her own ruminative contemporary pop songs in clubs around New York City. Her new album, It’s A Beautiful Day And I Love You, marks a turning point for the singer-songwriter, showcasing her irreverent, candid lyricism fueled by a rebelliously-optimistic attitude. Rolling Stone says of the album that Johnson “weaving her voice through an opening section of guitar and keys that recalls Radiohead circa The Bends...the song gradually turns into a spaced-out trip that recalls Harry Nilsson or Elton John at his most decadent, with luxurious chorus harmonies and a lonesome, ambling guitar solo." Out now on limited edition gold vinyl, our copies of It’s a Beautiful Day and I Love You have been signed by Jillette herself. They're available in the shop as well as on our webstore here, and as a special treat for y'all, Jillette has also signed copies of her 2017 Rounder Records classic, All I Ever See in You Is Me, which is available in real life in the record store as well as online. [Limited edition gold vinyl.]

John Paul Keith - The Rhythm of the City LP (Wild Honey Records)

On his fifth album, John Paul Keith conjures up his own unique musical mélange –a sweet spot where the sound of Sun blues, Stax soul, and Hi R&B all meet – creating a sound steeped in the geography and culture of Memphis, which Keith has called home for the last 15 years. “The vibe came about organically from playing Beale Street and Graceland and working with horn sections more frequently the last few years,” says Keith. Rhythm confidently stakes its claim as Keith’s best album, with a mix of stinging love songs, halting heartbreakers, bluesy rambles, and deep soul explorations that feel like instant classics.

SG Lewis – Times LP (Casablanca)

Following the release of his huge summer singles "Chemicals" and the Robyn and Channel Tres collaborative smash "Impact", UK songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist SG Lewis (real name Sam Lewis) delivers his long-awaited debut album, Times. The LP finds one of modern pop's secret weapons stepping out front and center, as he takes listeners on a voyage through soaring electronic dance and kaleidoscopic future disco, with the help of a few friends along the way.

Magnet Animals – Fake Dudes CD/LP (RareNoise)

If ever a moment in history called for the caustic, corrosive rantings of guitarist-composer-poet Todd Clouser and the abstract grooves of his combustible beat-skronk band Magnet Animals, it's this one. With our collective headspaces dizzied by a nearly yearlong pandemic induced isolation and battered by an unceasing barrage of political insanities, the serrated wit and surrealist insights of Fake Dudes arrives with the kinetic force of a madcap sermon. [Limited magenta vinyl.]

NF – CLOUDS (THE MIX TAPE) CD (NF Real Music)

NF is the stage name of Michigan rapper and composer Nate Feuerstein, who emerged with his debut album, Mansion, in 2015. The raw emotion and honesty in his music continued on Therapy Session, building the foundation of an incredibly strong and loyal fan base. With CLOUDS, NF outlines his reasons for releasing this mixtape now. “Hanging onto songs this long is daunting,” he raps, matter-of-factly. He then playfully delivers clever lines in unison with a sparse violin melody before his delivery becomes more fiery, matching a thundering, industrial beat. Throughout, the technically gifted MC passionately strings together intricate rhymes about his continued ascent and the gravity of his ambitions: “It’s probable / That I might press the envelope / Ideas so astronomical / Sometimes I find them comical.” [Includes an 11”x17” poster – while supplies last.]

Ocean Moon ‎– Crystal Harmonics LP (Be With)

Ocean Moon is a solo project from Jon Tye of Seahawks. A long-time explorer of the sounds of spaciousness, having released the ambient classic LP iO in 1994 as MLO, Crystal Harmonics is a document of Jon's latest discoveries. An ambient/new age/modern classical library suite for KPM, this is inter- dimensional music for mind, body and spirit. Island Visions, the recent collection of music from Seahawks for KPM, touched on the deeper, more spatial side of music and led to Jon exploring this territory in greater depth, again for KPM, under his Ocean Moon alter ego.

Suzi Quatro – The Devil In Me CD/2xLP (Steamhammer)

"The Devil In Me is the best album in my career to date!" announced Suzi Quatro. The American rock vocalist would hardly utter such superlatives lightly. The Devil In Me consists of a dozen songs, each of them – from the opening track and title song to the final "Motor City Riders" – a real highlight. The reasons for Suzi's remarkable creative explosion: on the one hand, the lockdown, which kept her from her usual touring life in spring 2020, and on the other, another collaboration with her son Richard Tuckey, which had already worked out extremely well on her predecessor album No Control. [The gatefold double vinyl edition includes the two bonus tracks "Can I Be Your Girl" and "Desperado".]

Renée Reed – Renee Reed CD/LP (Keeled Scales)

The songs on Renée's self-titled debut album chronicle a three-year period. These songs are about toxic relationships, seeing ghosts, ancestral baggage and blessings, and daydreaming about a lover. [Limited metallic gold vinyl.]

Sad Penny - Sun Cured / Nightside LP (Soul Step Records)

Double EP pressing of 2017's Sun Cured, produced by Daniel Tashian, and 2020's Nightside, produced by JT Daly of Paper Route. Sad Penny blends elements of guitar-driven indie rock with the raw emotion of bedroom pop, creating a soundtrack for relationships both beautiful and disastrous. "Shoegaze meets Sheryl Crow." Recommended for fans of Soccer Mommy, Snail Mail, and Courtney Barnett.

Serpentwithfeet – Deacon CD/LP+MP3 (Secretly Canadian)

Serpentwithfeet is not only imagining but exploring a world wherein Black love is paramount. His new album, Deacon, is "a study rather than a story," delving into Black, gay love and the tenderness present in the best companionships, romantic or otherwise. Fully self-actualized and more devoted than ever to personal fulfillment, Deacon highlights his growth as a songwriter, which he credits to taking a more straightforward approach to expression. Spending time with pop songwriters and observing how they traverse language encouraged serpent to take more risks lyrically, resulting in more purity. [Indie exclusive opaque brown vinyl.]

Skegss – Rehearsal CD/LP (Loma Vista)

Hailed by Rolling Stone as "one of the most intoxicating acts to come out of Australia in years," Byron Bay power trio Skegss deliver their new Catherine Marks (Manchester Orchestra, PJ Harvey, The Killers) produced album Rehearsal. A thrill ride through the band's laissez-faire lifestyle and sun kissed narratives of love, friendship and youthful musings, they combine surf, garage, and slacker elements to create their dynamic sound here. The trippy cover art comes courtesy of frequent collaborator Jack Irvine (Billie Eilish, Troye Sivan). [Limited indie store only exclusive neon green vinyl.]

Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen – Smith/Kotzen CD/LP (BMG)

Smith/Kotzen is the exciting partnership between guitarists and vocalists Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen. Part-time L.A. neighbors, full time friends with a healthy mutual respect - their music is evocative of the classic rock bands of the 70's brought bang up to date with punchy hooks, harmonies and sheer guitar virtuosity. Debut track "Taking My Chances" sets the tone for this electrifying collaboration between two hugely admired rock music trailblazers. [Limited red vinyl.]

Tomahawk – Tonic Immobility CD/LP (Ipecac)

On their 20th anniversary, Tomahawk finally return with their fifth full-length album, Tonic Immobility. The guys – guitarist Duane Denison (the Jesus Lizard, Unsemble), vocalist Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Fantômas), drummer John Stanier (Helmet, Battles), and bassist Trevor "field mouse" Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantômas) – survey where they've come from only to leap ahead once more. "Tonic Immobility is almost a summary of everything we've done," states Duane. "There are references to previous things spread throughout the album as well as new territory. On any of our albums, you'll find those faster, high energy, abrasive, and dissonant songs. You'll also find the slower, atmospheric, groove- and tension-based moments too. There's always been a touch of, dare I say, Latin music in the form of Bossa Nova or flamenco-influenced guitar. All of those things appear on this record." [Limited indie store only exclusive coke bottle clear vinyl.]

Carrie Underwood – My Savior CD (Capitol Nashville)

New release and first inspirational album from the country music superstar. [Vinyl edition due April 30.]

Visionist – A Call To Arms CD/LP+MP3 (Mute)

A Call To Arms is Visionist's (aka Louis Carnell) third album release and where previously the artist used his vocals as samples, for the first time we hear his singing voice in the form of song and lyric. Along with the addition of Visionist's vocals, the album is also host to a varied list of collaborators. "With every project I want to test myself, so with this ethos, I expand the landscape of sound I have created over the years," he says. "On A Call To Arms I have furthered my musical direction in terms of collaboration in order to bring new layers of sonics, dynamics, energies and ideas." For Visionist, each album is a chapter in a bigger storyline, and this new album builds upon 2015's debut, Safe and its 2017 follow up, Value. [Limited white vinyl.]

Sara Watkins – Under The Pepper Tree CD/LP (New West)

For two decades, Sara Watkins has been one of the most visible artists in roots music, with her catalog ranging from solo albums and Watkins Family Hour, a duo with her brother Sean Watkins, to her Grammy-winning bands Nickel Creek and I'm With Her. With the nostalgic and gentle new album Under The Pepper Tree, Sara offers a comforting record for those moments as daily rhythms fade into nightly rituals – and when a child's imagination comes to life. Made with families in mind, the personal project encompasses songs she embraced as a child herself, as well as the musical friendships she's made along the way. Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Tyler Chester, Under The Pepper Tree brings storytelling, solace, and encouragement to the listener, no matter the age.

The Wedding Present – Locked Down And Stripped Back LP (Happy Happy Birthday To Me)

The Wedding Present recorded a full acoustic and stripped back album during the lock down from COVID-19 featuring classic Wedding Present hits and deep cuts and new tracks like “We Should Be Together” which is a duet with Louise Wenner of the Britpop band Sleeper.

Writhing Squares – Chart For The Solution CD/2xLP (Trouble In Mind)

A heady, progressive, psychedelic space-rock-cum-minimal synth slop punctuated by MacKay/Chance-style blasts of brass and woodwinds that definitely scratch an itch. [Limited-edition hyperdrive color vinyl.]

Xiu Xiu - OH NO CD/2xLP (Polyvinyl Records)

Xiu Xiu makes beautiful music for hard times. For nearly 20 years, the band has a track record of crafting experimental music for moments when life’s harsh realities meet its existential mysteries. OH NO, the group’s newest album, is an album of duets, finding frontman Jamie Stewart sharing the stage with an array of guests who have made an impact on him personally and musically. The album features artists across the musical spectrum: Sharon Van Etten, Circuit des Yeux’s Haley Fohr, Liz Harris of Grouper, Alice Bag, Chelsea Wolfe, Owen Pallett, and Twin Shadow’s George Lewis Jr., all drift into Xiu Xiu’s distinctive soundworld. The album was born out of anguish and isolation, but exists as it does because of a profound rediscovery of community and friendship. It is the sound of finding one’s place in the world after the destructive powers of jealousy and mistrust make any map seemingly unreadable. [Cream and scarlet colored vinyl.]

Reissues, Compilations, Live Recordings & Vault Excavations...

Bad Books – Bad Books [Reissue/2010] 2xLP (Favorite Gentleman)

10th anniversary expanded color vinyl (cream with orange, yellow, and blue splatter) reissue. Bad Books is a supergroup consisting of Kevin Devine and members of Manchester Orchestra. Bad Books is their eponymous debut album.

Boston – Boston [Reissue/1976] LP+MP3 (Sony Legacy)

Vinyl reissue of the AOR band’s debut album.

Eric Clapton and The Yardbirds – Historic Recordings Vol. 1 2xLP (Let Them Eat Vinyl)
Eric Clapton and The Yardbirds – Historic Recordings Vol. 2 2xLP (Let Them Eat Vinyl)

Rare recordings of legendary guitarist Eric Clapton performing his first love, the blues, complete with collaborations with The Yardbirds, Jimmy Page and Sonny Boy Williamson.

The Clean ‎– Unknown Country [Reissue/1996] LP+MP3 (Merge)
The Clean ‎– Mister Pop [Reissue/2009] LP+MP3 (Merge)

In 1978, The Clean were the seeds of New Zealand punk. In the years since, they have carved out a big sandbox for everyone to play in, and their influence resonates not only in NZ but around the world. A group that thrives when free of expectations, The Clean's Robert Scott, Hamish Kilgour, and David Kilgour are, as Tape Op described, “a casually wonderful band.” Available in the shop or online.

Kevin Devine ‎– Split The Country, Split The Street [Reissue/2005] LP (Triple Crown)

Multi-color vinyl reissue of Kevin Devine's third studio album. Split The Country, Split The Street was originally released in 2005, and is the first solo record released after Kevin was no longer in Miracle Of 86 (a band in which he was the lead singer). The album features more rock-oriented songs with fuller band arrangements than his previous two releases, and was produced by Chris Bracco, Mike Skinner and Kevin Devine.

The Jacksons – Live [Reissue/1981] 2xLP (Sony Legacy)

The Jacksons’ Live is back on vinyl and remastered - featuring “Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)”, “Can You Feel It”, and “Don't Stop Til You Get Enough”. This set was recorded during The Jackson's' North American Triumph Tour in 1981.

Japan – Quiet Life [Reissue/1979] LP (BMG)

Recently released on CD – now available on red color vinyl. That Japan's breakthrough record Quiet Life was released in both 1979 and 1980 is uniquely fitting for a band who were about to step out of the glam rock, post punk shadows of the late '70s and deliver a record with a brand-new sound that would come to define the '80s. Quiet Life was the third, final and most successful release on the Hansa Records label. A forerunner for the alternative/new wave sound of the new decade, the album would become one of the great classic British albums.

Lamb Of God – Lamb Of God [Deluxe Version] 2xCD+DVD (Epic)

This three-disc deluxe edition of Lamb Of God’s 2020 album includes two bonus tracks, a live version of the full album, as well as a DVD showing live performances of the album. Being the first new album they had released in five years, Lamb Of God landed the group a spot in Consequence Of Sound’s top 30 metal/ rock albums of 2020, as well as a number one spot in the overall, rock and metal charts of iTunes. [A single-disc vinyl pressing of Lamb Of God: Live In Richmond, VA is also available this week.]

Lamb Of God – Lamb Of God: Live In Richmond, VA LP (Epic)

Single-disc vinyl package featuring a 10-track concert from the band's live stream event recorded September 18, 2020, in which the band performed the album Lamb Of God in its entirety.

Julian Lennon ‎– Valotte [Reissue/1984] LP (Friday Music)

Audiophile 180gm vinyl pressing. Julian Lennon's Valotte album was a big surprise upon its release in 1984. Featuring the top charting hits “Too Late For Goodbyes” and “Valotte” as well as further favorites like “Say You're Wrong”, “On The Phone” and the tribute to his father “Well, I Don't Know”, the album went on to become a platinum plus debut, and was nominated for Best New Artist by both the Grammy's and MTV. [Limited turquoise color vinyl.]

Abbey Lincoln - Straight Ahead LP (Down at Dawn)

Originally released in 1961. Abbey Lincoln, often remembered for her seminal work with Max Roach, was a powerful performer and indeed one of the greatest jazz voices of all time. Straight Ahead is the perfect meeting of Lincoln's strong "Afro-Blues" style singing, conscious lyrics, and angular modern jazz arrangements. Recorded in New York in a one-off studio session held on February 22, 1961, the album includes highlights such as Oscar Brown Jr's "When Malindy Sings", Thelonious Monk's "Blue Monk", Billie Holiday and Mal Waldron's "Left Alone", and "African Lady", a Randy Weston composition based on lyrics by the great writer Langston Hughes.

Lord Finesse ‎– The Awakening [Reissue/1995] 2xCD/2xLP+7” (Tommy Boy)

Digitally remastered 25th Anniversary edition, expanded with a bonus disc of instrumental versions. On his third album, Lord Finesse, representing D.I.T.C. (Diggin' In The Crates Crew), brought together some of the best rappers of the day for the release of, The Awakening. Mostly produced by Lord Finesse himself, the all-star lineup featured collaborations from KRS-One, MC LYTE, Diamond D, Showbiz & AG, O.C., Grand Puba, Kid Capri and more. [The vinyl edition includes a bonus 7” single “Actual Facts”.]

The Mansions – Best Of The Bees [Reissue/2010] LP (Bad Timing)

Light blue, pink, magenta tri-color vinyl reissue. Originally released in 2010, Best Of The Bees is a compilation album from Mansions that includes, in frontman Christopher Browder's own words, the best non-album songs that Mansions released between 2008 and 2009. Previously available only digitally, now available for its 10-year anniversary. This pressing comes with a slightly altered tracklisting and new artwork.

New Age Steppers ‎– The New Age Steppers [Reissue/1980] LP+MP3 (On-U Sound)
New Age Steppers ‎– Action Battlefield [Reissue/1981] LP+MP3 (On-U Sound)
New Age Steppers ‎– Foundation Steppers [Reissue/1983] LP+MP3 (On-U Sound)
New Age Steppers ‎– Love Forever [Reissue/2012] LP+MP3 (On-U Sound)
The New Age Steppers ‎– Avant Gardening LP+MP3 (On-U Sound)

A grip of vinyl reissues including a collection rare dubs, version excursions and unreleased tracks from the vault 1980-1983 (Avant Gardening) from the UK dub collective formed by producer Adrian Sherwood. Now available on 180gm vinyl.

Rival Sons – Before The Fire [Reissue/2009] CD/LP (Sacred Tongue)
Rival Sons – Rival Sons EP [Reissue/2010] CDEP/12” (Sacred Tongue)

The reissues of the Rival Sons EP (2010) and Before The Fire (2009) will be the first releases under the Grammy-nominated band's new label, Sacred Tongue Recordings. These two projects are from the "early days" of Rival Sons which paved the way for the Southern California blues rocker's blossoming career. This 10-year anniversary reissue boasts remastered audio and comes pressed on colored vinyl. "We've talked about creating our own record label from the very beginning," notes the band. "It's about creating a good home for our back catalogue as the Rival Sons community continues to grow together worldwide. The band has always maintained a stance of independence and sole custody of our early works was the long game. [Limited color vinyl editions are also available.]

Dr. Lonnie Smith – Breathe CD (Blue Note)

On the night of this recording the good doctor took the stage with an expanded line-up featuring Jonathan Kreisberg on guitar, Johnathan Blake on drums, John Ellis on tenor saxophone, Jason Marshall on baritone saxophone, Sean Jones on trumpet, and Robin Eubanks on trombone with special guest vocalist Alicia Olatuja on "Pilgrimage." Two additional studio tracks open and close the album, presenting the unique collaboration between Doc & Iggy Pop including a sublime cover of Donovan's 1966 hit "Sunshine Superman".

Spoon ‎– Gimme Fiction [Reissue/2005] LP/2xLP+MP3 (Matador)

Spoon make some of the catchiest, most confident rock 'n' roll of any group around. Their fifth full-length is nothing short of a dizzying, soulful masterpiece, easily the most expansive work in their career. Gimme Fiction is a sprawling, exhilarating, filler-free album of keenly focused artistic vision and ambition. [The deluxe anniversary edition includes the 2015 remastered version of the original album, a second disc with 12 previously unreleased demos, a digital download of nine bonus tracks, and a full-color book containing photos and an extensive oral history of the making of the album by The A.V. Club's Sean O'Neal. A limited red and white split-color vinyl pressing is also available.]

Joe Strummer – Assembly CD/2xLP 9Dark Horse/BMG)

Assembly showcases carefully curated singles, fan favorites, and archival rarities from the Joe Strummer solo catalog. This 16-track compilation features three previously unreleased versions of classic Clash tracks, including the never-before-heard "Junco Partner (Acoustic)" and electrifying live performances of "Rudie Can't Fail" and "I Fought The Law", the latter two of which were recorded by Strummer and the Mescaleros at London's Brixton Academy on November 24, 2001.

Tame Impala – Innerspeaker [Reissue/2010] 4xLP (Interscope)

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their acclaimed debut album, Innerspeaker, Tame Impala delivers a deluxe four-LP vinyl box set reissue featuring a trove of bonus content. The collection includes new mixes of "Alter Ego" and "Runway, Houses, City, Clouds", instrumentals of "Why Won't You Make Up Your Mind" and "It Is Not Meant To Be", a variety of demo tracks, plus the previously-unheard, side-long "Wave House Live Jam". In addition to an array of sonic treasures, the set also includes a 40-page booklet and a collage of album sketches.

Tower Of Power – 50 Years Of Funk & Soul: Live At The Fox Theater-Oakland, CA - June 2018 2xCD+DVD/3xLP (Mack Avenue)

With a history 50+ years in the making, Tower Of Power has been a funk institution since 1968, knocking out hits like "What Is Hip", "So Very Hard To Go", "This Time It's Real" and "You're Still A Young Man" while lending their soulful sound to collaborations with Santana, the Grateful Dead, Elton, Huey Lewis, Justin Timberlake and everyone in-between. 50 Years Of Funk & Soul: Live At The Fox Theater captures their storied career with no-holds-barred victory lap concerts in Oakland, CA, performing their full spectrum of life-affirming funk and soul hits to sold-out audiences in 2018. These historic performances include alumni special guests such as Chester Thompson, Lenny Pickett, Francis ‘Rocco' Prestia, Bruce Conte and Ray Greene.

Train – Drops Of Jupiter [Reissue/2001] LP (Sony)

Limited edition bronze color vinyl reissue of the pop rock band’s 2001 breakthrough sophomore album.

Various Artists – The Secret Museum Of Mankind: Guitars Vol. 1: Prologue To Modern Styles LP (Jalopy)

The Secret Museum Of Mankind: Guitars Vol. 1: Prologue To Modern Styles presents guitar and guitar related music, recorded across the world from Spain, to Papua New Guinea, Greece to Ghana to India and more. The collection is drawn from archivist/cratedigger Pat Conte's pioneering and remarkable personal collection of 78rpm discs, recorded in the 1920's-1950's.

Volbeat ‎– The Strength / The Sound / The Songs [Reissue/2005] LP (Mascot)

Limited 15th Anniversary glow in the dark vinyl pressing of the Danish heavy metal band’s debut album.

World Party ‎– Bang! [Reissue/1993] LP (Seaview)

180gm vinyl reissue. While previous World Party albums were essentially solo projects by one-man orchestra Karl Wallinger, for Bang! World Party officially became a three-person group.

Yes – Symphonic Live 2xLP+CD (earMUSIC)

In 2001, Yes toured with the European Festival Orchestra to support their album Magnification. Symphonic Live was recorded at the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam, accompanied by the European Festival Orchestra and conducted by Wilhelm Keitel.

Neil Young – Young Shakespeare CD/LP/LP+CD+DVD (Reprise)

Just two months after the release of his seminal album After The Gold Rush, Neil Young played a solo show at The Shakespeare Theater in Stratford, CT on January 22, 1971. The show was filmed and recorded, and the concert shown on German TV later in 1971. In 2020, while Neil and his team were reviewing his Archive for future projects, Neil revisited the 16mm film and audio recording of this show that had been preserved in the Archive for almost 50 years. Piecing together the tapes and footage, Neil realized that he had the full concert – the film of which is the earliest live footage of Neil performing that is known to exist. Young Shakespeare is "one of the purest sounding acoustic performances we have in the Archive" states Neil Young, and is released almost exactly 50 years after the original performance [The deluxe box set edition includes the restored audio on both LP and CD and, for the first time ever, a DVD of the concert.]