New Releases - 6/11/21

Hitting The Racks

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

New Releases

2 Chainz – So Help Me God! LP (Def Jam)

Boasting a wide range of star-studded features ranging from Lil Uzi, NBA Youngboy, Mulatto, Brent Faiyaz, plus key collaborators Lil Wayne, Kanye West & Rick Ross, 2 Chainz delivers his classic quotable bars across the album’s 15 tracks.

Joe Bonamassa – Now Serving: Royal Tea: Live From The Ryman CD (J&R Adventures)

Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa set out to perform his brand-new music for fans amidst a global entertainment shutdown. This led to an incredible live concert at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. This special show includes songs from his latest studio album, Royal Tea, which was inspired by his British guitar heroes Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Cream. Joe also performs a few songs from his debut album, A New Day Yesterday, which helped launch his illustrious career. [Vinyl edition due July 9.]

Alessandro Cortini – Scuro Chiaro CD/LP (Mute)

Scuro Chiaro comes from a place that delights in the affirmation of life's constant variations, simultaneously presenting both bewilderment and vulnerability with its somber hues and pulsing, synthetic surfaces. For Alessandro Cortini, this is best captured in "Chiaroscuro", a track whose waning hook draws us in to a sublime eruption of near-dissonant guitar. "It represents the record, where I was and where I am emotionally," he reveals. "It's to do with the conscious decision about trying to be positive; of striving for happiness while accepting the fact that happiness is not all positive." [Limited-edition clear vinyl.]

Crypta – Echoes Of The Soul LP (Napalm)

A raging sonic monster in a class of its own from the Brazilian/Dutch death metal unit.

Dan DeChellis – Breathe In CD (Deko Music)

A genre-defying performer, dedicated educator, and omnivorous listener, Dan DeChellis has lived his musical vision for over 40 years, leveraging strict classical training into deep-dive explorations of modern classical improvisation, free improvisation, jazz, rock, and ambient music. For fans of Brad Mehldau, Bobo Stenson, and George Winston.

Danny Elfman – Big Mess CD/2xLP (ANTI-)

Danny Elfman delivers his first solo album in thirty-seven years, titled Big Mess. Clocking in at 18 tracks, the sprawling, ambitious double album finds the Grammy and Emmy Award-winning composer breaking bold new ground as both a writer and a performer, drawing on a dystopian palette of distorted electric guitars, industrial synthesizers and orchestra in an effort to exorcise the demons brought about by four years of creeping fascism and civil rot. The songs on Big Mess combine both harmonically complex arrangements and simple high energy driving music with biting, acerbic wit as they reckon with the chaos and confusion of the modern world. [Limited-edition black/white/blue vinyl.]

Garbage – No Gods No Masters CD/2xCD/LP (Infectious Music/BMG)

Garbage - Shirley Manson, Duke Erikson, Steve Marker and Butch Vig – return with a new studio album, No Gods No Masters. "This is our seventh record, the significant numerology of which affected the DNA of its content," says Manson. "The seven virtues. The seven sorrows and the seven deadly sins. It was our way of trying to make sense of how f**king nuts the world is and the astounding chaos we find ourselves in. It's the record we felt that we had to make at this time." Lead single "The Men Who Rule the World" is an incendiary indictment and call to arms, a typically powerful sonic display that sets the tone for the searing new record. A critique of the rise of capitalist short-sightedness, racism, sexism and misogyny across the world, the track is a forceful protest song and a clear statement of intent from a band who still believe in the power of dissent. [Limited-edition green vinyl.]

Goalie’s Anxiety At The Penalty Kick – Ways Of Hearing LP (Count Your Lucky Stars)

The Goalie's Anxiety At The Penalty Kick hail from the City of Brotherly Love, better known as Philadelphia. They boast six members (sometimes seven, if you believe their Facebook page), decorated with strings, keys, guitars, and drums. Dual vocalists weave enchanting lines over a lush landscape of sound that feels like a score of a movie. [Limited edition coke bottle green vinyl.]

Sam Goku - East Dimensional Riddims 2xLP (Atomnation)

Following up on a trio of EPs released in the last two years, Sam Goku's debut album is a journey into his richly expressive club sound, complete with ambient textures and subtle use of instruments from his Chinese heritage. Sam Goku -- born Robin Wang -- was born in Düsseldorf, yet his upbringing was Chinese for the most part. It is the contrasting influences of those two cultural backgrounds that play out in his music and lend it a truly unique character. The album is a fine fusion of East and West, house and techno, power and emotion, showcasing the unique production talents of Sam Goku as he evolves, matures, and refines his sound. It's a cohesive work that is as emotional as it is physical and thought provoking.

Islands – Islomania LP (Royal Mountain)

Over the course of ten groove-heavy songs, Islomania flits from the ridiculous to the sublime. On the surface, these songs are all blissful hedonism, tracing the reckless abandon of a progressively wild Friday night.

Julian Lage – Squint CD/LP (Blue Note)

Hailed as one of the most prodigious guitarists of his generation, Julian Lage has spent more than a decade searching through the myriad strains of American musical history via impeccable technique and a spirit of infinite possibility. After notable Blue Note appearances on The Nels Cline 4's Currents, Constellations (2018) and Charles Lloyd's 8: Kindred Spirits (2020), the acclaimed Grammy-nominated artist makes his own Blue Note debut with Squint. Produced by Margaret Glaspy and Armand Hirsch, the dynamic 11-song set featuring nine originals showcases both Lage's remarkable songcraft and adventurous sense of improvisation which takes flight in the company of his trusted trio with bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King (The Bad Plus).

Mammoth WVH – Mammoth WVH CD/2xLP (Kartel Music Group)

Mammoth WVH is the debut, self-titled album by the band created by Wolfgang Van Halen. This collection includes "Distance" plus "Don't Back Down", "Epiphany", "Mammoth" and more. At the beginning of 2015, Wolf broke ground on what would become Mammoth WVH with producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette (Alter Bridge, Slash) behind the board. Wolf began to embrace his voice, inspired by everyone from his father, the late Eddie Van Halen, to bands like AC/DC, Foo Fighters, Nine Inch Nails, Tool, and Jimmy Eat World. In addition to writing and singing every song on the self-title debut album, remarkably Wolfgang plays every instrument. "The name Mammoth is really special to me." says Wolf. "Not only was it the name of Van Halen before it became Van Halen, but my father was also the lead singer. Ever since my dad told me this, I always thought that when I grew up, I'd call my own band Mammoth, because I loved the name so much." [Limited-edition indie store exclusive black ice color vinyl.]

Marina – Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land CD (Atlantic)

On Marina’s new 10-track project, Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land, major themes range from the impending climate crisis doom, wealth disparity, gender and racial inequality to choosing yourself in a relationship. The new album is self-written and sees Marina (Welsh singer-songwriter Marina Lambrini Diamandis) co-producing six tracks for the first time alongside James Flannigan (Lana Del Rey, Dua Lipa) and Jenn Decilveo. The album was preceded by the release of three singles “Man’s World”, “Purge The Poison”, and the title track “Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land”. Vogue acclaimed “Since her idiosyncratic Family Jewels debuted in 2010, the singer-songwriter has attained one of pop’s most devoted followings…. ‘Man’s World’ advances her sound further, while retaining the ethereal hooks that have sustained Diamandis as one of the most consistently innovative acts in alt-pop.”

Maroon 5 – Jordi CD (Interscope)

The eagerly awaited album from Maroon 5, Jordi, is the band's first since the critically acclaimed Red Pill Blues. The album includes the hit single “Beautiful Mistakes” ft. Megan Thee Stallion as well as fan favorites “Memories” and “Nobody's Love”.

Brad Mehldau & Orpheus Chamber Orchestra – Variations On A Melancholy Theme CD (Interscope)

Speaking to the combination of classical form with jazz harmonies in Variations On A Melancholy Theme’s musical language, Mehldau wrote, “I imagine it as if Brahms woke up one day and had the blues.” Mehldau continues, “The theme itself has a wistful character, perhaps a feeling of resignation. There is some sense of finality and ending to it when heard for the first time already. So, as I composed, a narrative challenge emerged; namely, how to embark on a story that begins with a conclusion. While the theme evokes melancholy, I let it be used as a springboard for other happy, wild, violent, and reckless emotions as the variations progress.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda – In The Heights (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) 2xCD (Atlantic)

The creator of Hamilton and the director of Crazy Rich Asians invite you to a cinematic event, where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big... In The Heights. Lights up on Washington Heights...The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life. In The Heights fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda's kinetic music and lyrics with director Jon M. Chu's lively and authentic eye for storytelling to capture a world very much of its place, but universal in its experience. [Vinyl edition due July 9.]

Róisín Murphy – Crooked Machine LP (Skint)

Skint presents a reinterpretation of Róisín Murphy’s hugely successful and critically acclaimed 2020 LP Róisín Machine by producer Crooked Man aka DJ Parrot. If Róisín Machine was the big night out... this is the afterparty where things get darker and more twisted. Like the original album it is segued as a continuous listening experience. When Róisín Machine was in the making you would often have three or four versions of a track suddenly drop into your inbox. All different, all brilliant... so the idea of Parrot doing his own version of the LP was always in the cards.

Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real – A Few Stars Apart CD/LP (Fantasy)

A Few Stars Apart is a testament to finding a human connection: between close family and friends, as well as one's own heart. Helmed by Grammy Award winning producer Dave Cobb, the album was inspired by the stillness Lukas Nelson found while riding out the beginning of the pandemic with his family in Texas and was recorded with the full band live on eight-track tape over three weeks at Nashville's historic RCA Studio A. The eleven songs reveal what it means to come home again, to be still, and to find community – and yourself. [Limited-edition ‘ink & paint’ color vinyl.]

The Oak Ridge Boys – Front Porch Singin’ CD/LP (Lightning Rod)

Grammy Award-winning and Country Music Hall of Fame members, The Oak Ridge Boys deliver their fourth collaboration with super producer, Dave Cobb. Recorded during the pandemic, it was imperative to create a project that offers up just what the lead single details: love, light, and healing. The quartet continue to connect us all through their heartfelt lyrics and uncluttered vocals. While preparing this album, they chose some of their favorite classics as well as a couple of new ones that offer a familiar feeling to every listener. Front Porch Singin' draws optimism to both the present and the future while showcasing many of the simple things in life that may have been taken for granted until recently.

Van Dyke Parks & Verónica Valerio – Van Dyke Parks Orchestrates Vernica Valerio: Only In America LP (Modern Recordings)

This record is a Chamber-music suite of songs of the Yucatan, featuring the poetry of Verónica Valerio and orchestrated by Van Dyke Parks. Starting with a new arrangement of Agustin Lara's classic “Veracruz”, the album transports us to a place of pyramids and pre-Columbian history following that place and time with three originals by Verónica Valerio called “Cielito Lindo”, “The Flight Of The Guacamaya”, and “Camino A Casa”.

Sleater-Kinney – Path Of Wellness CD/LP (Mom + Pop Music)

Sleater-Kinney’s follow-up to 2019's The Center Won't Hold is their first record to be recorded without Janet Weiss since the drummer joined the group in 1996. To round out the new record, Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein invited local Portland musicians to the studio. It is also their first self-produced album. [Limited-edition black opaque vinyl.]

Eric Slick - Wiseacre LP (ORG Records)

Eric Slick's latest studio album, Wiseacre, has gained extensive critical acclaim since dropping via his own Slick Records last August. A follow up to his 2017 debut LP, Palisades, Wiseacre comes across as a focused, euphoric collection of indie-pop gems, with a cast of all star players. Featuring performances by Steven Drozd (Flaming Lips), music producer Butch Walker, and Natalie Prass (Slick's wife and renowned art-pop singer), the dreamy, sparkling sound of Wiseacre carries throughout the album's 10 tracks. Moonlighting for his day job as Dr. Dog's drummer, Eric Slick has become a breakout indie pop star with a gift to churn out catchy but intimate hits, time after time. [Extremely limited red smoke vinyl, limited to 200 copies. Also available on ‘slick yellow’ vinyl.]

Daniel Tompkins – Ruins LP (Kscope)

May 2019 saw TesseracT's lead vocalist and songwriter release his debut solo album Castles, his first foray into a more pop rock electronic sound. Ruins sees Daniel Tompkins rework Castles. The lyrical and conceptual side still represents the same ideas as Castles, but with more aggression musically, showcasing a truer and darker tone.

Jim Ward – Daggers LP (Dine Alone)

"I tend to exist in the darker parts of the psyche," Jim Ward admits. "That's where I've always been." And yet what makes the musician so unique and downright compelling is how exactly at the moment when the world joins him in the darkness – take, for example, the ultra-challenging year that was 2020 – it's then Ward is able to claw his way back into the light. "All I was doing was basically meditating with a guitar," Ward says of how every night during the pandemic, armed with a guitar as well as a bit of time and purpose, this prolific musician was able to churn out several riotous riffs that ultimately transformed into one of his most personal and profound albums to date. "I've always used music as an outlet for anxiety and frustration," notes Ward, who has played in a slew of monumental bands, from the iconic post-hardcore band At The Drive-In to Sparta, as well his alt-country project, Sleepercar. In fact, it's this healing power of music Ward offers, that led him to Daggers, the lauded musician's new solo record.

White Moth Black Butterfly – The Cost Of Dreaming LP (Kscope)

This contemporary pop project with progressive and experimental music at its heart, created by Daniel Tompkins (TesseracT), features a team of songwriters and producers based worldwide, all at the height of their own scenes. Collaborating with Tompkins are New-Delhi based Skyharbor songwriter and producer Keshav Dhar; US-based producer and string arranger Randy Slaugh (Devin Townsend, Architects & Periphery), drummer Mac Christensen and vocalist/lyricist Jordan Turner.

Reissues & From The Archives

The Archies – Sugar Sugar [Reissue/1968] 7” (Cleopatra)

Limited pink color vinyl pressing of the bubblegum pop hit backed with “Bang Shang-A-Lang”.

Dorothy Ashby with Frank Wess - Hip Harp LP (Sowing Records)

Originally released in 1958. Born in Detroit in 1932, Dorothy Ashby can easily be recognized as the woman who gave the harp a jazz voice. In her hands, the harp became a highly versatile swinging voice, able to drive a whole jazz rhythm section. Recorded in 1958 by master Rudy Van Gelder and originally released on the Prestige label, Hip Harp is a perfect example of Ashby's artistry. At the head of a fine quartet featuring the great Frank Wess on flute, Herman Wright on bass, and master Art Taylor on drums, Ashby creates a unique combination of deeply jazz elements expressed through a totally new sound.

Pastor T.L. Barrett and The Youth For Christ Choir – Do Not Pass Me By Vol. 1 LP (Numero)

The final album in Pastor T.L. Barrett's 1970s four-part suite of gospel funk LPs, Do Not Pass Me By finds the fiery preacher getting spaced out on God's love. Accompanied by his Youth For Christ Choir, the eight-song record is buoyed by the seven-minute opus “Father Stretch My Hands”, later sampled by Kanye West on 2016's The Life Of Pablo.

Black Sabbath – Sabotage: Super Deluxe [Reissue/1975] 4xCD/4xLP+7” (Rhino)

Black Sabbath was embroiled in a protracted legal battle with its former manager in 1975 when the band started recording its sixth studio album, Sabotage. The group felt sabotaged at every turn – hence the album's title – but that feeling helped fuel the intensity of the new music they were making. In spite of the distractions, the band created one of the most dynamic – and underappreciated – albums of its legendary career. Sabotage: Super Deluxe Edition introduces 16 live tracks (13 of which are previously unreleased) that were recorded in 1975 during the quartet's US tour for the album. The performances include songs that span the group's career, from the title track to its 1970 debut Black Sabbath to "Spiral Architect" and "Sabbra Cadabra" from its previous album, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973). Sabotage is represented as well with live takes of "Hole In The Sky" and "Megalomania".

Doug Carn – Infant Eyes [Reissue/1971] CD/LP (Real Gone Music)

Keyboardist Doug Carn's 1971 debut record for Black Jazz introduced his stylistic wrinkle of adding lyrics to jazz classics like John Coltrane's “Acknowlegement (A Love Supreme)”, Horace Silver's “Peace”, and Wayne Shorter's title track, all sung by the gorgeous, thrilling voice of his wife Jean Carn.

Daughters – Canada Songs [Reissue/2004] LP (Robotic Empire)

Last pressed in 2004, Daughter's debut album, Canada Songs, is once again available on vinyl. This pressing features color vinyl and a printed inner sleeve with lyrics. Daughters burst forth, middle fingers flying, with a debut album of ultra-brutal, grind-influenced, screaming chaos. Combining thunderous drums with inhumanly fast blasts of squealing high-pitched guitars, manic screams, noise, and huge breakdowns, the band delivers a form of heavy music that is simply crushing.

Indigo De Souza – I Love My Mom [Reissue/2018] LP+MP3 (Saddle Creek)

Indigo de Souza's I Love My Mom, her debut LP initially released in 2018, is a collection of the best songs she'd written in the few years that preceded it, recorded quickly and breathlessly and thrown out into the world. Consisting of ten songs, the album feels both raw and unabashed. Indigo pulled a band together for the first time and was quickly encouraged to commit her songs to tape. Recorded at her friend's house, they played almost everything live in just a few days, and released the record naturally, with little fanfare. That the record quickly took on a life of its own, deeply resonating with those who heard it, is a testament to Indigo's songwriting. [Indie exclusive purple ‘skull crack’ color vinyl.]

Dead Boys ‎– Young, Loud And Snotty [Reissue/1977] LP (Jackpot)

Limited yellow color vinyl with red streaks. The Dead Boys from Cleveland, relocated to New York to become one of the first US punk bands. Originally signed to Sire Records, the Dead Boys were notorious for their edgy attitude and songs. After frequent shows at CBGBs, Hilly Kristal the club owner became their manager. The Dead Boys debut studio album - Young, Loud And Snotty was recorded and released in 1977, produced by the legendary Genya Ravan and quickly became one of the definitive US punk rock albums.

Def Leppard ‎– X [Reissue/2002] LP (Mercury)
Def Leppard ‎– Yeah! [Reissue/2006] 2xLP (Mercury)
Def Leppard ‎– Songs From The Sparkle Lounge [Reissue/2008] LP (Mercury)

Stand-alone vinyl reissues of three albums included in The Vinyl Boxset: Volume Three (also released this week).

Dr. Feelgood – Singles: The U.A. Years+ 2xLP (Rhino/Parlophone)

Although Dr. Feelgood was formed in 1971 they didn't release their first single until 1974, and issued their debut album, Down By The Jetty, the following year. They were known as one of the defining bands in the so-called pub rock movement in the UK and bashed out some seriously bad-ass British R&B. The 1989 Liberty Records collection Singles: The U.A. Years is an encyclopedia of Dr. Feelgood's greatest moments for the United Artists label from 1976-1986 which not only saw the band's biggest commercial successes but also some of their most influential moments.

Micky Dolenz – Micky Dolenz Puts You To Sleep and Broadway Micky [Reissue/1991/1994] CD (Friday Music)

Two solo albums from the Monkees vocalist reissued on a single CD.

Insecure Men – Insecure Men LP (Fat Possum)

Limited edition green color vinyl pressing. In many ways Insecure Men - the band led by the fiercely talented songwriter and musician Saul Adamczewski and his schoolmate and stabilizing influence, Ben Romans-Hopcraft - are the polar opposite of the Fat White Family. Whereas sleaze-mired, country-influenced, drug-crazed garage punks the Fat Whites are a celebration of everything that is wrong in life, Insecure Men, who blend exotica, easy listening, lounge and timeless pop music, are, by comparison at least, the last word in wholesomeness.

Quincy Jones – The Dude [Reissue/1981] LP (A&M)

40th Anniversary reissue, remastered and available for the first time in a gatefold jacket with a foil finish on standard black vinyl.

The Marcus King Band – Soul Insight [Reissue/2014] LP (Evil Teen)

Limited green color vinyl LP pressing. Featuring riff-driven rockers and big burnished tones - as well as a distinctive acoustic side – Marcus King’s debut album, Soul Insight, revealed the Greenville, SC-based guitar phenom and songwriter, performer, arranger and producer to the world at large. With King's singing slide resonator guitar and voice building to explosive crescendos, the album echoes the influence of his own guitar heroes including Warren Haynes, his Allman Brothers Band foil Derek Trucks and Jimi Hendrix as well as soul influences Marvin Gaye, Ray Lamontagne, Gary Clark Jr. and others.

Lily Konigsberg – The Best Of Lily Konigsberg So Far LP (Wharf Cat)

One third of egalitarian art-punk outfit Palberta, the Brooklyn-born and-based Lily Konigsberg has occupied her time with music since her early childhood. A musical omnibus, The Best Of Lily Konigsberg So Far is the first widely distributed Lily Konigsberg physical release as well as the first vinyl treatment for the EPs Good Time Now and 4 Picture Tear. The collection loosely parallels the melancholic narrative behind the latter, where a mental break triggered Konigsberg’s depersonalized sense of her past self. For fans of Liz Phair, K Records, Sebadoh and more. [Limited edition red vinyl.]

Charles Mingus – Mingus At Carnegie Hall [Reissue/1974] 2xCD (Rhino)

With jazz music on the wane commercially back in 1974, Atlantic Records decided to release Mingus At Carnegie Hall with just two encore songs featuring guest artists Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Charles McPherson, and John Handy. But lo and behold, discovered among the many rows of tapes at the Warner Vaults, were several analog reels containing 74 minutes of previously unreleased live performances of the Charles Mingus Group featuring Don Pullen, Jon Faddis, George Adams, Hamiet Bluiett and Dannie Richmond at Carnegie Hall on January 19, 1974. After almost 50 years, jazz fans will get the special opportunity to hear the complete concert as it was originally played and in the correct sequence, by this ground-breaking group of musicians. [Vinyl edition due July 16.]

Kip Moore – Wild World CD/2xLP (MCA Nashville)

Deluxe Edition includes the 13 previously released tracks from Kip Moore's Wild World album in addition to four new tracks: “Don't Go Changing”, “Midnight Slow Dance”, “How High”, and “Man's Gotta Do”.

Mark Morrison – Return Of The Mack [Reissue/1996] LP (Atlantic)

Mark Morrison’s ground-breaking R&B album reissued on purple color vinyl.

Mountain Tamer – Mountain Tamer Live In The Mojave Desert Volume 5 LP (CDWA)

Live In The Mojave Desert is a livestream desert rock concert series created deep in the deep sand and huge boulders of some insanely beautiful California wilderness, inspired by Pink Floyd's Live At Pompeii.

Oh Sees – The Chapel, SF 10.2.19 2xLP (Silver Current)

The Oh Sees at the peak of their prog obsession, super jammed out and totally dominating. The Chapel, SF 10.2.19 is a 53 minute, beautifully recorded, hi-fidelity live explosion of orc puke and kraut-gone-punk rock dominance by one of the rippingest bands of the 21st century. Two record set on limited edition cosmic black ice color vinyl with side D etching and faithfully (re)created TMOQ-style bootleg album art.

Wilson Pickett – The Best Of Wilson Pickett: Volume Two [Reissue/1971] LP (Friday Music)

One of the most popular singers of the '60s, Wilson Pickett helped introduce the aggressive, rhythmic style of soul music. Aided immeasurably by the excellent studio bands backing him at the Stax Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, and the Fame Studio in Muscle Shoals Alabama, Pickett scored a series of timeless R&B and pop hits throughout his substantial career.

Portugal. The Man – Oregon City Sessions CD/2xLP (Approaching AIRballoons)

Archival release from the Alaskan indie rock/psychedelic rock band – a snapshot of young raw talent before they won awards, before they sold millions of records, before they headlined festivals. Just a couple kids from Alaska wanting to travel the world and play music.

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band – ‘Live’ Bullet [Reissue/1976] 2xLP (Captiol)

Considered to be one of the best live albums of all-time, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band's 'Live' Bullet was captured at Cobo Hall in Detroit, MI, in September 1975.

The Shins – Oh, Inverted World [Reissue/2001] 2xLP+MP3 (Sub Pop)

Oh, Inverted World, the earth-shattering, indie-rock-redefining 2001 debut album by The Shins, is presented here in its finest form, dressed up all nice for its 20th birthday. The classic tunes get new life by way of a full remastering job under band leader James Mercer's watchful eye, the art is given a little extra zest via a die-cut jacket and a classy inner sleeve, and the package is rounded off with a big ol' booklet with vintage photos, handwritten lyrics, and more.

Spiritualized – Pure Phase [Reissue/1995] CD (Fat Possum)

Spiritualized’s second album, Pure Phase, showcases both a more symphonic sound as well as a dreamy rock grandeur. Think of Brian Wilson and La Monte Young recording together, and you'll have a good idea of the Spiritualized totality. Pure Phase is both beautiful and innovative; more than just psychedelic, it's celestial. [Vinyl edition due July 2.]

Sharon Van Etten – epic 10 CD/2xLP (Ba Da Bing!)

Expanded reissue of the singer-songwriter’s second studio album. The double album includes the original record and an LP of covers featuring Fiona Apple, Lucinda Williams, Big Red Machine, Courtney Barnett with Vagabon, and more. [Limited-edition blue & orange color vinyl.]

Wipers – Wipers (aka Wipers Tour 1984) LP (Jackpot)

Limited-edition pink color vinyl pressing. Wipers Tour 1984 features tracks from the first three Wipers albums. Recorded live on tour in February - March 1984, the set was originally released on cassette by Greg Sage and on vinyl on Enigma Records in 1985 and contains three songs unavailable anywhere else.