New Releases - 5/27/22

Hitting The Racks

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

New Releases

Felicia Atkinson & Jefre Cantu-Ledesma - Un Hiver en Plein Ete LP (Shelter Press)

Over the last five years, the duo of Félicia Atkinson and Jefre Cantu-Ledesma have intertwined sublime sonorities across the geographic expanses between their respective homes in France and the United States. Their third album for Shelter Press, Un Hiver En Plein Été ("A winter in the middle of summer") -- the first to have been largely recorded by Atkinson and Cantu-Ledesma together in the same space -- distills a mesmerizing pallet of acoustic and electronic sources into an open discourse of radically poetic forms. Atkinson likens the recording of Un Hiver En Plein Été to have been akin to "a playground", each artist "hungry for each sound, a bit like the rush in the Louvre in Godard's Bande à part", to which Cantu-Ledesma adds that the process seemed to have had "a mind of its own", with both "along for the ride". This organic sense of entropy and enthusiasm -- a joyous exploration of the unknown -- guides the momentum of the album's evolving arc. Un Hiver En Plein Été is crafted from deconstructed melodic elements and drifting long-tones -- laden with subtle nods to Indian classical ragas and free jazz -- searching patterns of speech, textural elements captured within the studio and the outside world, and searching tonal and percussive interventions.

Decapitated - Cancer Culture LP/CD (Nuclear Blast)

Poland's Decapitated are back with their 8th studio album "Cancer Culture". [Indie exclusive silver vinyl.]

Def Leppard - Diamond Star Halos 2xLP/CD (Ume)

Diamond Star Halos is the new album from Def Leppard, their first since 2015.. It features 15 tracks including the anthemic, stadium-ready singles "Kick" and "Fire It Up," with guest vocals from Alison Krauss on "This Guitar" and "Lifeless. " The album title references T. Rex's "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" with nods to T. Rex, David Bowie, and Mott The Hoople across the album. [Indie exclusive clear vinyl and standard black vinyl are available.]

Dehd - Blue Skies LP/CD (Fat Possum)

The rapturous reception of 2020's Flower of Devotion gave Dehd access to more resources - budgets, studios, producers. Rather than seek something new however, they invested in themselves, their process, and their deep belief in what they have always done. They booked the same studio where they recorded Flower of Devotion but tripled their stay, giving themselves time to play with arrangements and delight in a wonderland of drum machines and synthesizers. While continuing to write and record every part of the album themselves, the new relationship with Fat Possum did allow for a few indulgences, namely in the addition of Grammy winning mixing engineer, Craig Silvey (The Rolling Stones, The National, Arcade Fire), and mastering engineer, Heba Kadry (Slowdive, Bjork, Cate Le Bon), ensuring Dehd's vision for "Blue Skies". The result is the band's second consecutive breakthrough: sharper and smarter, with harmonies and rhythms more sophisticated and considered. Blue Skies is still Dehd - just more wild and wonderful than ever before. Another jolt of timely hope, only with twice the power. [Indie exclusive pink vinyl.]

Doja Cat - Planet Her 2xLP (RCA)

Planet Her is the third studio album by rapper and singer Doja Cat. The album was produced by Doja Cat's frequent collaborators such as Dr. Luke, Y2K, and Yeti Beats, and the rapper herself. Titled after the fictional planet conceived by Doja Cat, Planet Her is an amalgamation of pop, R&B, and hip hop styles. It features guest appearances from Young Thug, Ariana Grande, the Weeknd, JID, SZA, Eve and Gunna. 2021 release now available on vinyl.

Frightnrs - Always LP (Daptone)

Before Dan Klein's unfortunate passing, The Frightnr's agreed to keep a promise he asked of them - continue making music together. Part of that promise has been made manifest here... Daptone Records is proud to present Always! - the raw, soulful long player from The Frightnr's. The road to Always began with a period of intense songwriting back when The Frightnr's and producer Victor Axelrod (Ticklah) were working on the group's debut, rocksteady masterpiece, Nothing More to Say. In addition to the scorchers heard therein, Axelrod and The Frightnr's agreed many of the recordings were too sweet to tamper with in order to fit the rocksteady mold. Some were created at their headquarters in Queens with Dan on the mic, some were elaborations on older ideas, others were brand new creations made at the finish line. Thanks to the vocal stems they had captured in this golden period, Dan Klein's other-worldly voice lived on, giving The Frightnr's all the raw material they needed for an entire album's worth of new, original music. So with that, The Frightnr's and Axelrod returned to the studio and painstakingly conceptualized, tracked, re-tracked and mixed them into a complete album with their beloved friend singing lead. The fruits of this arduous process lay bare the undying love and respect between musical brothers. [Indie exclusive blue vinyl.]

Liam Gallagher - C’mon You Know LP/CD (Warner Records)

While "C'mon You Know" pulsates with the traits that have made Liam such an iconic figure - a raucous rock 'n' roll anthem topped by his signature snarl - it's also a strong step forward in terms of both attitude and audio. Musically it's layered with unexpected sonic touches: surging Motown-tinged gospel backing vocals, shrieking saxophone from Ezra Koenig (Vampire Weekend), and vintage Moog synths heightening the sonic maelstrom. Liam's lyrics also come from a fresh place: rather than being combative, his words brim with positivity and the joy of being reunited with friends, family and fans. Andrew Wyatt is the main producer throughout, while Ezra Koenig contributes to a selection of tracks. Other producers / writers include Greg Kurstin (Adele, Sir Paul McCartney), Dave Grohl, Ariel Rechtshaid (HAIM, Brandon Flowers), Adam Noble (Biffy Clyro), regular Liam collaborators Michael Tighe and Simon Aldred, and members of his live band, Dan McDougall and Mike Moore. [Indie exclusive clear vinyl.]

Liam Gallagher - Down By the River Thames 2xLP (Warner Records)

N December 2020, during a period of COVID-19-related lockdown in the UK, former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher performed a livestream concert from a barge floating down the Thames. As Liam himself commented: "So here it is, the gig they said we could never pull off! As we were in lockdown, bored and depressed, rock 'n' roll came to save the day once again." Gallagher has also described the set as "biblical" and "celestial." [Limited edition orange vinyl.]

Bruce Hornsby - ‘flicted LP/CD (Zappo Productions)

"This record being the third in a trilogy of song collections mostly based on film music I wrote for Spike Lee over the past few years, I wanted to move to some new stylistic places and maybe make a more upbeat record overall. We don't get a ballad until #7, the pandemic shut-down era piece "Days Ahead" (a duet with Danielle Haim). Lyrically the record is dotted with three Covid-related songs; the aforementioned, "Tag" and the album opener "Sidelines" (a duet with Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend), and otherwise ranges far afield with the world of science again a recurring influence ("Lidar" and "Point Omega"). The record also includes the first cover song I've ever put on a studio release, a total re-imagining of Chuck Berry's "Too Much Monkey Business." The album title 'Flicted relates to this strange time in which we live, when the world is basically, well, 'flicted!" —Bruce Hornsby. [Indie exclusive yellow vinyl.]

Jlin - Embyro 12” EP (Planet Mu)

Jlin's new EP "Embryo" marks a key point in the multi-platform artistic growth of the Indiana-based producer. The title track "Embryo" features a bold and fiery sound palette recalling the futurism of nineties Detroit techno and British IDM without succumbing to their cliches. The track was written for the Chicago-based new music ensemble Third Coast Percussion who are set to release their version of the composition on Cedille Records in May 2022. The bumping "Auto Pilot" takes her mutant techno stance even further. With faint echoes of classic Model 500, it sounds like music for automated cars, robot cop junctions and virtual freeways in the air. A fifth wave techno? "Connect The Dots" is one of the standouts from her recent lives sets, with the kind of rhythmic complexity only Jlin can bring, underpinned by a glitch reborn and transmuted into something utterly of the here and now. Its final segment will catch listeners by surprise with it's changing time signatures effortlessly rendered.

Kendrick Lamar - Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers CD (Aftermath)

First new album from Kendrick Lamar in 5 years. When Kendrick Lamar popped up on two tracks from Baby Keem’s The Melodic Blue (“range brothers” and “family ties”), it felt like one of hip-hop’s prophets had descended a mountain to deliver scripture. His verses were stellar, to be sure, but it also just felt like way too much time had passed since we’d heard his voice. He’d helmed 2018’s Black Panther compilation/soundtrack, but his last proper release was 2017’s DAMN. That kind of scarcity in hip-hop can only serve to deify an artist as beloved as Lamar. But if the Compton MC is broadcasting anything across his fifth proper album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, it’s that he’s only human. The project is split into two parts, each comprising nine songs, all of which serve to illuminate Lamar’s continually evolving worldview.

Me’Shell Ndegeocello - Bitter 2xLP (Rhino)

First worldwide release on vinyl! Expanded to a 2-LP set that that includes bonus instrumental tracks making their debut on vinyl Features deluxe packaging and is pressed on colored vinyl.

Orgone - Lost Knights LP (3 Palm Records)

Lost Knights is ultimately a fun record- an expansion of a profound part of the band's DNA, their exploration of the cosmic haze between early Westbound catalog, 70s garage rock, skateboards, & the muscular power of a metallic crimson '68 Chevy Camaro. With racing stripes. [Indie exclusive red vinyl.]

Painted Shield - Painted Shield 2 CD (Loosegroove)

Sophomore release from Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard's new project, Painted Shield. The group also features Mason Jennings, Matt Chamberlain, and Brittany Davis. [Vinyl due June 24.]

Daniel Romano - Content To Point The Way LP (You’ve Changed)

In 2020, Daniel Romano and his increasingly exalted band 'The Outfit' were forced home, faced with the cancellation of tours and all live engagements at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Almost immediately, Daniel instigated a near legendary run of new albums, releasing 10 full-length albums in the span of nearly the same number of weeks. Genre-spanning, astoundingly distinct artist achievements of an unprecedented order, these albums were originally released exclusively in digital only formats on Bandcamp. They were direct and immediate missives from one of the most talented, prolific, ambitious, and exciting artists of his generation. We are thrilled to begin releasing these albums now in very special limited-edition vinyl pressings. 'Content To Point The Way' offers fans the long-awaited return of the traditional timeless country that Daniel Romano became known for on albums such as Sleep Beneath The Willow, Come Cry With Me, and If I've Only One Time Asking, but here elevated by his current group The Outfit, world's finest purveyors of musical skill and vibe. Stunning wordplay, timeless songwriting, and musical brilliance combine on one of Daniel Romano's most popular releases.

Claire Rousay - Everything Perfect Is Already Here LP (Shelter Press)

When words trail off at the beginning of Claire Rousay's Everything Perfect Is Already Here, ornate instrumentation is waiting to fill a void left by the breakdown of language. Yet it becomes clear as we trace Rousay's collaged sonic pathway that breakdown, of meaning and also of melody, is also a place to rest. Everything perfect... is made up of two extended compositions that cycle between familiarity and unknowing. There are seemingly infinite ways to feel in response to these pieces of music, which shift tone across their languid duration, earnest like a familiar song but unbound from the emotional didacticisms of lyrical voice and pop form. Rousay builds a fluid landscape around the acoustic contributions of Alex Cunningham (violin), Mari Maurice (electronics and violin), Marilu Donovan (harp), and Theodore Cale Schafer (piano), whose respective melodies weave gently in and out, sometimes steady, sometimes aching, sometimes receding altogether in deference to less overtly musical sounds.

Slang - Cockroach In A Ghost Town CD (Kill Rock Stars)

Slang's debut is a force of nature that came, seemingly, out of nowhere. Lyricist/singer/guitarist Drew Grow and drummer/singer Janet Weiss started the band over a decade ago in Portland, OR, both having spent more than half their lives dedicated to making and performing music. Through the years, Weiss has played with everyone from her bands Quasi, Wild Flag, and Sleater-Kinney, to collaborators like Elliott Smith, Stephen Malkmus, and others.; Grow has fronted his own groups Modern Kin and the Pastors' Wives, producing other bands along the way. Starting as a moonlighting collaboration, the meeting of this particular group was kismet if not totally cosmic. In their first iteration as a duo, Slang hammered the Everly Brothers inside-out; they put a keen new light on songs by the Traveling Wilburys and Jackson C. Frank'setting out to harmonize together and just play. Following a homespun two-song cassette, the band grew to include Kathy Foster (Roseblood, The Thermals) on bass and Anita Lee Elliot (Viva Voce) on guitar/vocals'with record appearances made by Sam Coomes (Quasi), Stephen Malkmus (Pavement), Mary Timony (Helium, Ex Hex, Wild Flag) and others. [Vinyl due June 17.]

Smile - Phantom Island LP (Chimp Limb)

Not to be confused with the new Radiohead side project ‘The Smile’, Smile is the pet project of Björn Yttling & Joakim Åhlund. Björn, who is a member of famed international jet-set trio Peter, Björn and John, and also an extremely well merited writer and producer for a slew of other superstars such as Lykke LI, Primal Scream, Chrissie Hynde, Haim etc to name but a few. Joakim, or Jocke as they call him back in their native Sweden, is more the freeloader here, riding on the coat-tails of his more successful colleague, but he has also been the driving force behind a couple of musical projects such as Teddybears and Caesars. He has dabbled in songwriting and producing also, working with Giorgio Moroder, Robyn, Charli XcX etc. Together the two form Smile, a duo, but that also sometimes contains several of their talented musician friends. Featuring the smash Call my name featuring global superstar Robyn on vocals.

Soul Glo - Songs To Yeet At The Sun LP (Secret Voice)

Songs To Yeet At The Sun serves as a perfect respite from the silence in between LP's and the current lull in live performances that the band has become known for nationwide. The five song blessing gives a further insight into the frankly deranged production of bassist/producer Gianmarco Guerra, who served as the sole producer and one of three engineers for the record. Songs like "(Quietly) Do The Right Thing" and "29" continue to show Soul Glo's affinity for speed as a vehicle for their aggression and messages, while songs like "I'm On Probation" and the previously released "Mathed Up" shows the bands love of chaotic-yet-atmospheric noise and the most popular rhythmic vocal styles of today's current rap on top of the pummelling heaviness of the drums of TJ Stevenson.

Stars - From Capelton Hill LP/CD (Last Gang)

Stars return with their new album From Capelton Hill, showcasing their signature hook-heavy, dance-infused anthems that the band has been known for over 20+ years. Stars continue to prove themselves some of the finest musical storytellers in the country, moving through life with their fans.

Mark Tremonti - Sings Frank Sinatra CD (Take Chance Charity)

Mark Tremonti has come together with surviving members of Frank's orchestra, creating new takes on some of the classics and some deeper cuts from Frank's catalog. Mark has gifted this album to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), using all proceeds to help fund NDSS give the gift of music to children with developmental disabilities.

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

Erykah Badu - But You Can’t Cain’t Use My Phone LP (Motown)

Limited purple color vinyl LP pressing. But You Caint Use My Phone was originally released on November 27th, 2015. The mixtape takes influence from hip hop, R&B, jazz, and art rock, with lyrics that focus on the themes of communication, notably through phones, with lyrics that touch upon ideas of "missed connections, call waiting, answering machines."

Beachwood Sparks - Sandbox Sessions 12” EP (Curation Records)

This 3-song 12" of recently discovered studio recordings from the classic 6 piece Beachwood Sparks line-up just had to be pressed onto vinyl. Recorded by Rick Parker at his Sandbox Studios near the beginning of the new millennium, the band had previously worked with Rick for their debut single on Bomp! These recordings capture what was going on in Los Angeles in the late 90s long before the Cosmic American Music revival. More than a collectible record, we wanted to release something for the DJs in clubs and on the radio to play... It's Limited!

Bright Eyes - Fevers and Mirrors: A Companion LP (Dead Oceans)

Companion release featuring reworkings of several songs from 2000's Fevers and Mirrors, in celebration of Dead Oceans’ reissues of the full Bright Eyes catalog. This EP features Phoebe Bridgers on four songs, as well as a cover of “Hypnotist (Song for Daniel H.)” by Lullaby for the Working Class. Pressed on opaque gold vinyl. Available in the shop and in the Grimey's webstore.

Bright Eyes - Letting Off the Happiness: A Companion LP (Dead Oceans)

Companion release featuring reworkings of several songs from 1998's Letting Off the Happiness, in celebration of Dead Oceans’ reissues of the full Bright Eyes catalog. This EP features contributions from Waxahatchee, M. Ward, and Becky Stark, as well as a cover of Elliott Smith’s “St. Ides Heaven,” featuring Phoebe Bridgers. Pressed on opaque gold vinyl. Available in the shop and in the Grimey's webstore.

Fats Domino - All-Time Greatest Hits LP (Curb)

Fats Domino's All-Time Greatest Hits is a compilation, originally released in 1990, that features thirteen of his greatest songs. The album includes "Blueberry Hill," "Ain't That a Shame," "Blue Monday" and more.

Ronnie Foster - Two Headed Freap LP (Blue Note)

Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing. Ronnie Foster caught the ear of Blue Note Records after appearing on Grant Green's album Alive! And made his own Blue Note debut with Two Headed Freap. It includes covers of Al Green and Wilson Pickett along with originals like "Mystic Brew," which A Tribe Called Quest would later sample on their classic track "Electric Relaxation." Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes.

Aretha Franklin - Amazing Grace 2xLP (Atlantic)

Double white color vinyl LP pressing. Originally released in 1972, Amazing Grace cracked the Billboard Top Ten upon its release, making it one of the bestselling gospel records ever at the time. Grace was recorded in a large Baptist church with an ultra-enthusiastic, loving audience in the pews and a full, funky, band as well as the Southern California Community Choir under the direction of her mentor Rev. James Cleveland. It won the 1973 Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance. The LP is the biggest selling live gospel album of all time.

The Get Up Kids - Live @ The Granada Theater 2xLP (Vagrant)

Limited edition reissue. When you hear about the success of the 'emo' scene, it's important to remember that these Kansas boys were out there paving the way before it ever hit the pages of Spin or Rolling Stone. This live album is nothing more than a greatest hits album once you look at the track selection. It seems rather fitting that the last release from this band would be live. Being that most of us have had a religious experience at one of their shows, it's a great way to say goodbye. Vagrant. 2005.

The Get Up Kids - On A Wire LP (Vagrant)

Limited edition reissue. On a Wire is the third studio album by the band "The Get Up Kids" on Vagrant Records. Originally released in 2002.

Lucille Mathis - I’m Not Your Regular Woman b/w That’s Not Love 7” (Harmonia Mundi)

Lucille Mathis was a two-release mystery on the Abet label back in 1968. "I'm Not Your Regular Woman" is a girl power anthem that was way ahead of it's time. Cut with one of three singles by Holly St. James. Also released in '68, "That's Not love" is an enormous echoey Spector-esque wall-of-sound that broods with incisive string chops and Holly's groovy mid-'60s vocal, to forms a soul eruption that simmers with emotion.

Jack McDuff - Moon Rappin’ LP (Blue Note)

Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing. Organist "Brother" Jack McDuff came to Blue Note and made one of the most ambitious albums of his career with Moon Rappin'. Released in 1970, it features five funky, spaced-out originals including "Oblighetto," which would later be sampled by A Tribe Called Quest as the foundation of their classic tracks "Scenario," and "Check the Rhime." Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes.

The Muffs - Really Really Happy LP (Omnivore)

Recently released on CD - now on vinyl. "Really Really Happy is the album that kicks off the second phase of The Muffs career." So begins Roy McDonald's liner notes for the expanded reissue of the band's fifth album. After eight years and four albums, The Muffs had written, recorded, and toured non-stop. After a break, the group was ready to do it all again, and was approached by friends (and sisters in law) Charlotte Caffey (Go-Go's) and Anna Waronker (that dog), who had just started their own label - Five Foot Two Records. McDonald, bassist Ronnie Barnett, and singer/guitarist/songwriter Kim Shattuck had a new home, and were ready to do it all again. Really Really Happy arrived in 2004 to rave reviews.

Nirvana - Nevermind 30th Anniversary expanded reissue 8xLP+7” (Geffen)

Super Deluxe reissue contains 8 LPs on 180-gram heavy vinyl showcasing the newly remastered album from the original analog tapes along with 4 complete concerts on the Nevermind Tour from Amsterdam, Melbourne, Tokyo and Del Mar, California. Also included is a first-ever 7-inch for "Endless, Nameless" with b-sides "Even In His Youth" and "Aneurysm," and a 40-page hardcover book with unreleased photos. Available in the shop and in the Grimey's webstore.

Oneness of Juju - Bush Brothers & Space Rangers LP (Strut)

Strut continue their deep dive into the archives of Black Fire Records with a new reissue of Oneness of Juju's Bush Brothers & Space Rangers showcasing the band at the peak of their powers in 1977.

Pennywise - Full Circle LP (Epitaph)

Full Circle is the fourth full-length album by punk rock band Pennywise, originally released in 1997. This is the first Pennywise studio album to feature Randy Bradbury, who replaced bassist Jason Thirsk, who had died from suicide on July 29, 1996. The entire album was dedicated to the memory of Thirsk, who had been a key songwriter for Pennywise until his death, and a close friend of all of those in the band. [Limited edition silver with black splatter vinyl.]

The Sex Pistols - The Original Recordings 2xLP/CD (Ume)

New compilation. The Sex Pistols: The Original Recordings covers a historic period when the band were rarely out of the news or the charts. The collection soundtracks the period and features key singles 'Anarchy In The UK', 'God Save The Queen', 'Pretty Vacant' and 'Holidays In The Sun', essential tracks from Never Mind The Bollocks, further originals and covers from The Great Rock & Roll Swindle soundtrack album and some essential B- sides.

Sparks - Exotic Creatures of the Deep 2xLP/CD (BMG)

Sparks - The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman 2xLP/CD (BMG)

New reissues of the 21st and 22nd albums by the acclaimed rock band Sparks.

Mark Turner Quintet - Yam Yam 2xLP (Anagram)

This seminal album from the Mark Turner Quintet was recorded on Dec. 17, 1994 at RPM Studio in New York City. This recording features Mark Turner (tenor sax), Kurt Rosenwinkel (guitar), Brad Mehldau (piano), Larry Grenadier (bass) and Jorge Rossy (drums).

Tyrannosaurus Rex - Strange Orchestra 2xLP (Easy Action)A rarities album of the first incarnation of Marc Bolan's Tyrannosaurus Rex featuring Steve Took. The First LP collects all the tracks from the early first two sessions from the summer of '67. The Second LP collects rare and unused alternate versions recorded over the following two years until the departure of Steve Took. Includes liner notes by Andrew J. Gardner and unpublished photos.

Various - Lovers Rock 2xLP/3xCD (Trojan Records)

The first British reggae sub-genre to achieve 'outernational' success and influence the music of Jamaica, lovers rock was a dominating force in the UK scene, from the mid-Seventies through to the close of the Eighties. Developed largely as a counterpoint to the more militant style of roots reggae, the romantically-themed genre was heavily influenced by the styles of US R&B and the predominantly soulful Jamaican rock steady sound of the Sixties. Comprising 25 (on the vinyl, 60 tracks on the CD) of the most popular and influential recordings in the style, the collection includes works by such legendary British performers as Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson and Louisa Mark, alongside established Jamaican reggae royalty, notably Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, John Holt and Sugar Minott. With it's focus firmly upon the best-loved romantic reggae sounds of the Seventies and Eighties, this essential collection of dancefloor favorites provides the most authentic representation of lovers rock sounds yet to see issue.