New Releases - 8/26/22

Hitting The Racks

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

New Releases

Ingrid Andress – Good Person CD (Warner Nashville)

On her second album Good Person, acclaimed singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress returns to the reflection and confession at the core of her Grammy-nominated 2020 debut Lady Like and plumbs even deeper. The new record features 12 tracks, all of which were co-written and co-produced by Andress. [Vinyl is due 9/23.]

Bastard Noise & Merzbow – Retribution By All Other Creatures 2xLP (Relapse)

Limited silver colored vinyl pressing. The experimental legends Bastard Noise and Merzbow present their new collaborative album, Retribution By All Other Creatures. A lashing out against man-made institutions that perpetuate animal cruelty, every second of Bastard Noise’s contribution to this collaboration is simply put - pitch-black, palpable fury. Elsewhere, the iconic Merzbow’s influence creeps in with a two-part concept - the ZooNOsISE tracks, firing off Merzbow's calling card - grainy, unsettling distortion that builds and builds, set against wretched technological wailing and alarming constants.

Biitchseat – Float LP (Refresh)

Unabashedly poppy and shimmery, Biitchseat's music takes the aesthetic of ‘90s alt-rock favorites like Liz Phair and The Breeders and re-engineers it to be as catchy as it is complex and timeless.

Namir Blade – Metropolis CD (Mello Music Group)

Imagine Sun Ra time-traveling to the techno-dystopia in Blade Runner, Marty McFly piloting the DeLorean through the cyberpunk cityscape in Akira. Now you're in the headspace to digest Metropolis, the 2022 album of time-traveling dispatches from Nashville multi-instrumentalist, producer, and rapper Namir Blade. [An indie store exclusive vinyl edition is due September 2.]

Braxe + Falcon - Step by Step EP (Smugglers Way / Domino)

Alain and Stéphane Quême, or Alan Braxe and DJ Falcon, are indisputable architects of the French Touch - the emotive house music conjured from looped samples with an inimitable Gallic flare that emerged from Paris in the mid 90s. Step by Step is their first ever collaboration as Braxe + Falcon, representing a sublime distillation of their shared musical essence. It opens with “Step By Step,” an ecstatic vocal drone with a pleading chord progression of syrupy synthesizer, as if Braxe’s “In Love With You” had been baking on the dashboard for a quarter of a century. The production alone is hypnotic, and with the addition of a vocal from noted French touch fan Panda Bear, the track transcends anything in the catalogues of all three artists to something completely majestic, resplendent in its glowing, lush simplicity.

brotherkenzie – Nathan CD/LP (Thirty Tigers)

brotherkenzie is the solo output from Minneapolis producer and songwriter Nathan Stocker – and, through the project, lives in the shadows, operating on the outskirts of the music industry, something he’s grown increasingly less interested in as he ages. brotherkenzie’s music is a chasm carved from honesty and earnestness, the result teetering between catchiness and pop, but with sharp edges. Nathan is intended to signify a new brotherkenzie era: one embracing sex and heathen ideals. Even the title vies for blasphemy; Stocker’s attempt to divorce his first name from its loaded religious meaning and instead take ownership of it. It’d be easy to say it’s in response to Stocker’s deeply religious upbringing, but that’s too simple – instead, it’s an exercise in “what if’s?,” leaning into the dark side, interested in exploring what it means to be satanic without ever mentioning a devil – or any type of God, or religion – by name.

Castrator – Defiled In Oblivion LP (Dark Descent)

Recently released on CD – now available on gold with black ‘galaxy’ vinyl. More uncompromising and ruthless than ever before, Castrator's zero-f***s-given approach rips and shreds across nine hypnotically violent new tracks (alongside a cover of Venom's "Countess Bathory") and makes Defiled In Oblivion a release to be reckoned with.

Shirley Davis & the Silverbacks - Keep On Keepin' On LP (Lovemonk Discos)

Keep On Keepin’ On embodies the best of the modern soul tradition, while showcasing a unique voice in its growing canon. Conjuring classic soul and funk sounds of the 1960s and ‘70s, as well as the mighty Sharon Jones – whose last words to Davis provide the album title -- Shirley Davis & The Silverbacks’ latest is a highly personal tale of empowerment and self-realization, served up without losing an ounce of grooviness.

Delicate Steve – After Hours LP+MP3 (ANTI-)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Written and recorded on a 1966 Fender Stratocaster that reignited his love for the instrument, Delicate Steve's captivating new album, After Hours, marks a first for Steve Marion, an earnest, easygoing collection that revels in the simple joys of plugging in and playing. The songs are sweet and breezy here, pairing vintage soul grooves with mesmerizing, wordless melodies, and Marion's production work is suitably subtle and restrained, stepping back in all the right places to let the album's masterful performances speak for themselves. After Hours is Marion's warmest, most magnetic work to date, an inviting, immediately accessible album that manages to balance thoughtful introspection and carefree bliss in equal measure.

Dirty Heads – Midnight Control CD (Better Noise Music)

California reggae-influenced band Dirty Heads release their highly anticipated eighth studio album, Midnight Control. Album track “’Heavy Water” “is a song about empowerment,” lead singer Jared Watson shared. “Being in the water constantly from a young age, we know the power of the ocean – there is nothing more powerful or uncontrollable. ‘Heavy Water’ is a metaphor for life because when life throws something at you that’s unforeseen and uncontrollable, you will be ready for it and not let it overtake you. YOU are the heavy water and motherf*ckers better get out of your way because you are on a mission, and nothing is stopping you. Either way, you got this.”

Dreadnought – The Endless CD (Profound Lore)

Fifth album from the Colorado genre-defying progressive metal outfit. [Vinyl edition due September 30.]

Dune Rats – Real Rare Whale LP (BMG)

Australia's favorite ratbags, Dune Rats return with their fourth album, Real Rare Whale. The 10-track collection captures the Dunies at their punkiest, punniest, funniest best. [Indie store exclusive neon pink vinyl with lenticular jacket.]

Steve Earle & The Dukes – Jerry Jeff CD/LP (New West)

Steve Earle has been creating intimate and personal music for well over four decades now. His songwriting has wound itself along a path from Texas to Tennessee and his education came in the form of learning from the best. 2009's Grammy-nominated record Townes was a tribute to his dear friend and mentor, Townes Van Zandt. Ten years later Earle released, Guy - an album concentrated on paying homage to the late Guy Clark and the indelible friendship that they had formed in stories told through song. 2022 welcomes the release of Jerry Jeff: a 10-song collection of songs written by the gypsy songman, Jerry Jeff Walker. Featuring hits like, "Mr Bojangles" and "Gettin' By", Earle & The Dukes honor the late Texan by amplifying the concept and sound of each song with a full-band recording. [An indie store exclusive clear vinyl pressing and an indie store exclusive deluxe CD edition featuring bonus tracks are available.]

Lupe Fiasco – Drill Music In Zion CD/LP (1st & 15th Productions/Thirty Tigers)

Twisting and contorting the English language to fit the meter and his every whim, Lupe Fiasco uses his superb lyrical skill to process the changing world in which he lives. Drawing connections between the concrete and spiritual in his hometown of Chicago, Lupe delivers his new album Drill Music In Zion. The product of a burst of thoughtful spontaneity, Lupe created the album over a short period, diving into a folder of beats sent by his longtime producer Soundtrakk and emerging with a fully realized album in just three days. "Soundtrakk is the swordmaker, I'm the samurai," says Lupe. "He's the mechanic, and I'm the driver." Armed with Soundtrakk's soulful sounds, Lupe creates a focused statement that reflects on the past and paves a way forward, preaching strength through mindfulness and self-sustaining community. His first new album since 2018's Drogas Wave, Drill Music In Zion marks the start of another chapter in Lupe's illustrious career. [An indie store exclusive blue color vinyl pressing is available but it shipped late so we’ll have next week.]

Chris Forsyth – Evolution Here We Come 2xLP (No Quarter)

To wit, if you think you know already what you'll be getting into here – heady, Television-esque multi-guitar jams played with motorik precision and a fiercely American intensity: you know, a Chris Forsyth record – well, go ahead and think that. Only...maybe the pulsing bass, curiously lurching drumbeat, and lunar synth squiggling of Sun Ra Arkestra maestro Marshall Allen that opens "Experimental & Professional" will set you back on your heels. But just for a moment, before Ryan Jewell's drums and Tortoise alum Douglas McCombs's bass twine into perfect alignment and then guitars – played by Forsyth and Tom Malach (of Garcia Peoples) – start chipping and hammering, twittering and sparring, the whole thing managing to evoke Remain In Light without sounding remotely like it.

Four Year Strong – Explains It All LP (I Surrender)

Four Year Strong cover songs from all your favorite ‘90s bands. Explains It All has features Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes, Keith Buckley of Every Time I Die, JR Wasilewski & Buddy Schaub of Less Than Jake.

Ezra Furman – All Of Us Flames CD (ANTI-)

As a singer, songwriter, and author whose incendiary music has soundtracked the Netflix show Sex Education, Ezra Furman has for years woven together stories of queer discontent and unlikely, fragile intimacies. She has a knack for zeroing in on the light that sparks when struggling people find each other and ease each other's course. All Of Us Flames widens that focus to a communal scope, painting transformative connections among people who unsettle the stories power tells to sustain itself. Produced by John Congleton in L.A., All Of Us Flames unleashes Furman's songwriting in an open, vivid sound world whose boldness heightens the music's urgency. The record arrives as the third installment in a trilogy of albums, beginning with 2018's Springsteen-inflected road saga Transangelic Exodus and continuing with the punk rock fury of 2019's Twelve Nudes. [Vinyl edition due October 7.]

The Gathering – Beautiful Distortion LP (Psychonaut)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New album from the atmospheric triprock band.

Walker Hayes – Country Stuff The Album 2xLP (Monument)

Released earlier this year on CD – now available on vinyl. Equally upbeat and mellow, Hayes writes clever songs that mirror his brand and artistry of unconventional, unique country-music.

Hell Fire – Reckoning LP (Riding Easy)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Sometimes a band grows so exponentially from one record to the next, it's almost jarring. Hell Fire has already established themselves as the preeminent masters of a new hybrid breed of Bay Area thrash and NWOBHM in just a few short years, but their fourth album Reckoning is the type of ascendance that truly sets a band apart. Reckoning is their Master Of Puppets, their Number Of The Beast, their Defenders Of The Faith.

Hierophant – Death Siege LP (Season Of Mist)

Hierophant return after six long years with Death Siege, the latest battery in their assault of unconditional extremity. On the album, the band lets loose a raw, blackened assault that is both feral and relentless.

Will Hoge – Wings On My Shoes CD (Will Hoge)

A celebratory nod to Will Hoge's songwriting hero ringing out with power chords and cymbal crashes, "John Prine's Cadillac" heralds the veteran singer-songwriter's eagerly awaited twelfth studio album, Wings On My Shoes. It marks yet another milestone in the Grammy-nominated artist's two-decade-plus musical journey. Produced by Hoge during a week's worth of live performances at Nashville's Sound Emporium Studios, Wings On My Shoes sees Hoge joined by his longtime backing combo, guitarist Thom Donovan, drummer Allen Jones, and bassist Christopher Griffiths, with guest multi-instrumentalist Joshua Grange contributing pedal steel and organ. It features few overdubs and zero studio trickery, wearing its rough edges with pride to stand tall as a document of a hardscrabble band at work, sweating and stomping its way toward rock ‘n' roll redemption. [Indie store exclusive clear vinyl due 10/28.]

Julia Jacklin – Pre Pleasure CD/LP+MP3/Cassette (Polyvinyl)

"A lot of the time I feel like I need to do all the work before I can enjoy my life," says Julia Jacklin of her third album, Pre Pleasure. "Whether that's work on songs or sex, friendships, or my relationship with my family – I think if I work on them long and hard enough, eventually I'll get to sit around and really enjoy them. But that's not how anything works is it. It's all an ongoing process." The binary of casual crisis is a powerful force in Jacklin's music. Since releasing her debut album Don't Let The Kids Win in 2016, the Melbourne-via-Blue Mountains singer/songwriter has carved out a fearsome reputation as a direct lyricist, willing to excavate the parameters of intimacy and agency in songs both stark and raw, loose, and playful. If her folky 2016 debut Don't Let The Kids Win announced those intentions, and the startling 2019 follow-up Crushing drew in listeners uncomfortably close, Pre Pleasure is the sound of Jacklin gently loosening her grip. [Limited-edition white vinyl.]

Journey – Freedom LP (BMG)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Emerging from the pandemic with a supercharged new studio line-up, Freedom brings back the grand scale of Journey's greatest moments, along with updated and bold new directions and sounds. As the band's legend continues to grow larger and their touring gets bigger, Freedom is their first album of new material in eleven years, since 2011's Eclipse, and in addition to longtime keyboard player and primary lyricist Jonathan Cain and vocalist Arnel Pineda, one more member was recruited for the upcoming album – bassist extraordinaire Randy Jackson, who had played on Journey's 1986 album Raised On Radio.

Valerie June – Under Cover CD/LP (Fantasy)

Under Cover is a special collection of cover songs curated and performed by Grammy-nominated artist Valerie June. Under Cover features singular interpretations of some of her favorite songs including Mazzy Star's "Fade Into You", Frank Ocean's "Godspeed", Nick Drake's "Pink Moon", and more. [Indie store exclusive cobalt blue vinyl.]

William Ryan Key – Everything Except Desire CDEP/12” (Equal Vision)

Commercial reissue of this 2020 EP from the former Yellowcard member.

Marcus King – Young Blood CD/LP (American)

Grammy-nominated artist, performer, and songwriter Marcus King was downright destined to play music. Plugged into his old man's dusty amp with a '59 Les Paul in hand, Marcus set out to make a rock 'n' roll record in 2022. He didn't disguise his ambitions at all. He didn't hold back. He didn't think about anything but writing from the gut, shooting from the hip, and playing straight from the heart. Joined by Auerbach, he made the kind of rock 'n' roll record that makes arenas and asses shake, and it's called Young Blood. [Indie store exclusive yellow vinyl.]

Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers 2xLP (Interscope)

Now available on vinyl. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is the fifth studio album by rapper Kendrick Lamar. The album features narration by Whitney Alford and Eckhart Tolle, and guest appearances from Blxst, Amanda Reifer, Sampha, Taylour Paige, Summer Walker, Ghostface Killah, Baby Keem, Kodak Black, Sam Dew, Tanna Leone, and Beth Gibbons of Portishead. Lamar reunited with frequent collaborators Sounwave, J. Lbs, DJ Dahi, and Bekon for most the album's production.

Kameron Marlowe – We Were Cowboys CD (SME Nashville)

North Carolina-born singer Kameron Marlowe co-wrote 10 of the 16 tracks on her new album We Were Cowboys. Other writers on the project include Tyler Farr, Casey Beathard, Jessi Alexander and many more. The album features Marlowe's 2021 single, "Steady Heart", as well as previously released tracks "Giving You Up", "Burn 'Em All" and "Girl On Fire".

Bret McKenzie – Songs Without Jokes CD/LP+MP3 (Sub Pop)

As you can probably glean from that gleaming album title, Bret McKenzie – whom you know from such modern musical treasures as comedy duo Flight Of The Conchords, the Muppets movie reboots and other ace family-film soundtracks, guest songs for The Simpsons, and more – has a new solo record filled with songs that are not comedy songs, "Post-Conchords, I'd been working on songs for the Muppets films, and during a session I had the thought that it would be fun someday to work on some songs that weren't for someone else, that doesn't have to tell a story or be funny or continue the narrative plot, checking all the boxes for the character in the movie," McKenzie says. "I thought it'd be fun to do a record like that, something different.” [Limited-edition blue w/ white smoke color vinyl.]

Alanis Morissette – The Storm Before The Calm CD (Epiphany Music)

Alanis has been a long-time advocate in the mental health and mindfulness space, and The Storm Before The Calm is an extension of that. The music is an aural journey of soothing instrumentation and expressive mid-tempo percussion; 3 of the 11 tracks include atmospheric vocal tones.

Mr. Sun – Extrovert LP+MP3 (Compass)

Yellow color vinyl pressing. Mr. Sun brings together four of the most virtuosic musicians in acoustic music. Led by Darol Anger, an iconic fiddler and founding father of new acoustic music, the four musicians in the band span three generations and offer some of the most jaw-dropping instrumental prowess to be found in any genre. Their sophomore release Extrovert picks up where their much-lauded debut left off, exploring the grooves and melodies that exist at the intersection of bluegrass, jazz, and swing. In spite of their technical chops, Mr. Sun never loses sight of the light-hearted, musical playfulness that has made them a must-see act on the roots music scene.

Muse – Will Of The People CD/LP (WB)

"A pandemic, new wars in Europe, massive protests & riots, an attempted insurrection, Western democracy wavering, rising authoritarianism, wildfires and natural disasters and the destabilization of the global order all informed Will Of The People. It has been a worrying and scary time for all of us as the Western empire and the natural world, which have cradled us for so long are genuinely threatened. This album is a personal navigation through those fears and preparation for what comes next." And on single "Compliance" they note that it's "about the promise of safety and reassurance sold to us by powerful entities during times of vulnerability. Gangs, governments, demagogues, social media algorithms & religions seduce us with misleading untruths and comforting fables. They want us to join their narrow worldview in exchange for obedience and turning a blind eye to our own internal voice of reason & compassion. They just need our Compliance." [Indie store exclusive bone color vinyl.]

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Goes Dylan LP (MRI Associated)

Dirt Does Dylan is a ten-track album highlighting some of the gems from Dylan's vast catalog with the help of three new band members: fiddle specialist Ross Holmes; singer-songwriter and bass player Jim Photoglo (who wrote one of the Dirt Band's biggest hits, "Fishin' in the Dark"); and Dirt Band founder Jeff Hanna's son, the absurdly talented singer and guitarist Jaime Hanna.

William Orbit – The Painter CD/LP (Int’l Repertoire)

William Orbit returns with his first new album in over eight years. Entitled The Painter, it is unmistakably William Orbit and features vocal collaborations from an array of artists including Katie Melua, Beth Orton, Polly Scattergood, Ali Love, and more.

Pianos Become The Teeth – Drift CD (Epitaph)

Baltimore/D.C. post-hardcore band Pianos Become The Teeth deliver their fifth studio album and follow up to 2018's Wait For Love, which Pitchfork praised for "nimble musicianship, inventive rhythms." Drift's lead single, the haunting and technical "Genevieve", epitomizes the craftmanship and creativity of the project. With ethereal finger picked guitar and layers of blooming harmonics, frontman Kyle Durfey questions his self-worth through poetic lyrics sung with a gentle vibrato. Innovation and experimentation are themes that Pianos Become The Teeth have embraced liberally since their inception in 2006, leading up to their most masterful work yet. Many of the tracks within Drift were recorded through to a 1960's Echoplex analog tape echo and at moments throughout the album, it was physically manipulated and warped to produce unique sonics that seamlessly elevates the listening experience. [Vinyl edition – including an indie store exclusive vinyl pressing – due September 2.]

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong – Perspective 2xLP (No Coincidence)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong retreated to Wright Way Studios in their hometown of Baltimore, MD to record their sixth studio album and remind themselves of the healing power of music. The album's twelve-song track list runs the gamut of their eclectic sound.

Quelle Chris – Deathfame CD (Mellow Music Group)

When an artist consistently creates at the forward edge, there are no guardrails. Quelle Chris has been comfortable at the boundaries, leading hip-hop since he started. Quelle's vision extends beyond genre or format. Deathfame carries on like an incredible lost tape found at a flea market. It explores, unflinchingly, every moment of the trials the early 2020s has brought to all of us. Guests Navy Blue and Pink Siifu lend brilliance to the dynamic and unexpected album. [Vinyl is due 12/02.]

Antonio Sánchez – SHIFT (Bad Hombre Vol. II) LP (Arts Music)

Bad Hombre Vol. II is the sequel to Antonio Sánchez' 2017 Grammy-nominated album Bad Hombre. Sánchez is joined by a who's-who of collaborators for the new project, including some of his favorite singers and songwriters, whom he gathered to break down and then reshape material together. The result is a wonderfully cultivated circle attended by Dave Matthews & Pat Metheny, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Meshell Ndegeocello, Lila Downs, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Kimbra, Ana Tijoux, Becca Stevens, Silvana Estrada, MARO, Thana Alexa & SONICA with their own well-known pieces - or with fresh ideas from Sánchez in collaboration.

Darone Sassounian - Prerequisite #3 / Prerequisite #4 12" (Rocky Hill Records)

Following the two track 12” debut “Prerequisite #1 / #2”, the head of LA-based label Rocky Hill, Darone Sassounian, returns for the second installment of the Prerequisite series. The A-side features a pitched down and stripped back moody cut. Acting as a hypnotic overture to the release, Prerequisite #3 is suited with its spacious kicks, murky bass, and the particular use of a voice message Darone received from an unknown caller. The B-side features a 4/4 percussive shuffle that pushes forward with progressive jazz-like moody keys, complimented with a gloopy bass line and dance floor friendly texture as well as patterned programing. Recorded in 2020, these tracks are an ode to the dance floors and the dim-lit basements. Nothing but raw music that encompasses a feeling, a moment.

Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars + Anderson .Paak) – An Evening With Silk Sonic LP (Atlantic)

An Evening With Silk Sonic is the debut studio album by American R&B duo Silk Sonic, composed of recording artists Bruno Mars and Anderson. Paak. Recording sessions for An Evening with Silk Sonic took place in 2017 and between early 2020 to mid-2021 at Shampoo Press & Curl Studios.

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith – Let’s Turn It Into Sound CD/LP+MP3 (Ghostly Int’l)

Over three frenzied months, recording alone in her home studio, Smith allowed herself to pursue new experiments to accompany her usual toolkit of modular, analogue, and rare synthesizers (including her signature Buchla), orchestral sounds, and the voice. She created a new vocal processing technique and gave herself permission to pursue a pacing that felt intuitive, rather one that followed typical song structures. [Limited-edition neon yellow vinyl.]

Tedeschi Trucks Band – I Am The Moon: IV. Farewell CD (Fantasy)

The fifth studio project from the Tedeschi Trucks Band, I Am The Moon: IV. Farewell is the most ambitious and, at the same time, intimate record that America's best rock 'n' roll big band has ever made: a genuinely epic undertaking in four episodes and 24 songs inspired by classical literature but emotionally driven by the immediate drama, isolation and mourning of the pandemic era. [Vinyl edition due September 9.]

Teen Suicide – honeybee table at the butterfly feast LP+MP3 (Sup Pop)

Mustard yellow color vinyl pressing. honeybee table at the butterfly feast is the first album from the elusive Baltimore's band Teen Suicide in years. For over a decade, guitarist, vocalist, and project runner Sam Ray has been sometimes quietly and sometimes very noisily setting standards in the indie scene by changing genres, live lineups and even band names, but the one constant has been an undeniable gift for songwriting.

10th Street - 10th Street LP (Mighty Eye Records)

Composed of some of the best NYC musicians to grace the music scene in the past 20 plus years, this ode to late ’70s disco, funk and boogie is sure to be a future classic. Recorded at Soul Fire Studios (Williamsburg, Bklyn) over the course of two years, over two dozen musicians were involved in the making of this album, including members of El Michels Affair, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Dap-Kings, Antibalas and more. This eight track LP was produced and engineered by Jeff ‘Dynamite’ Silverman (Soul Fire Records, Truth & Soul Records, Aloe Blacc), assistant engineered by Lucas Goodman (Lion Babe), mixed by Chris Connors (Liam Bailey, Holy Hive) and mastered by Ryan Schwabe. Notable contributions on 10th Street include Horn Arrangements by Michael Leonhart and String Arrangements by Leon Michels. Also including the ever talented Terri Walker (Lady) and Camille Sledge (Sister Sledge, Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra) on vocals.

Thee Sacred Souls – Thee Sacred Souls LP+MP3 (Penrose)

Produced by Bosco Mann (aka Daptone co-founder Gabriel Roth), Thee Sacred Souls is a warm and textured record, mixing the easygoing grace of sweet '60s soul with the grit and groove of early '70s R&B, and the performances are utterly intoxicating, with Lane's weightless vocals anchored by the rhythm section's deep pocket and infectious chemistry. Hints of Chicano, Philly, Chicago, Memphis, and even Panama soul turn up here, and while it's tempting to toss around labels like "retro" with a deliberately analog collection like this, there's also something distinctly modern about the band that defies easy categorization, a rawness and a sincerity that transcends time and place. [An indie store exclusive blue color vinyl pressing is available. CD version due September 9.]

Loudon Wainwright III – Lifetime Achievement CD (Storysound)

Loudon Wainwright III's latest album, Lifetime Achievement, is comprised of 15 new and original songs, and establishes his singular talent as our foremost six-string tragicomedian, not only undiminished, but hitting new heights.

Will Sessions - Electromagnetic Reality LP (Will Sessions)

Jazz, hip-hop, and soul swirl through the lens of Will Sessions producer and co-founder Sam Beaubien, capturing the spirit of live performance while utilizing the unique subtleties and styles of beat making. Other founding members Bryan Arnold (drums), Ryan Gimpert (guitar), and Tim Shellabarger (bass) welcome special guest musicians Ian Finkelstein (keys), Marcus Elliot (Saxophone), and Quentin Joseph (drums) to create a sound-scape that pushes and blurs the boundaries and musical concepts that Will Sessions has become known for. Several cuts find them using electronic influences to branch out into more experimental territory, while still being rooted in familiar jazz and soul styles. Will Sessions has put together this fabric of sounds using threads and influences from all over the musical spectrum, setting their creative compass to their new Electromagnetic Reality.

Ben Woods – Dispeller LP (Shrimper)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. On Dispeller, Ben Woods's beguiling new album, his intimate experiments in rock paint a vivid portrait. Here, the New Zealand artist leans comfortably into intuition and abstraction. Expansive arrangements are anchored by heavy-lidded prose, while carrying the air of the portside shack it was made in.

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

Blondie – Against The Odds: 1974-1982 3xCD/8xCD/4xLP (Capitol)

Against The Odds: 1974-1982 is the first authorized, in-depth anthology from Blondie in their 50-year history. Says Debbie Harry: "It really is a treat to see how far we have come when I listen to these early attempts to capture our ideas on relatively primitive equipment. Fortunately, the essence of being in a band in the early ‘70s held some of the anti-social, counterculture energies of the groups that were the influencers of the ‘60s. I am excited about this special collection. When I listen to these old tracks, it puts me there like I am a time traveler. As bad as it was sometimes, it was also equally as good. No regrets. More music." [Available in a variety of collectable configurations, including three-CD and four-LP collections of the very best of the outtakes and rarities from the Super Deluxe CD and vinyl editions. Super deluxe 10xLP + 7” is available for special order.]

Candlemass – Nightfall [Reissue/1987] LP (Peaceville)

Nightfall was the second Candlemass studio album from 1987. Alongside first album Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, Nightfall was instrumental in shaping the doom metal scene; a scene in which Candlemass is still a central pillar of. Nightfall is frequently regarded as the definitive Candlemass album, and the pinnacle of epic doom.

Cradle Of Filth – Bitter Suites To Succubi [Reissue/2001] LP (Peaceville)

Bitter Suites To Succubi is Cradle Of Filth's 2001 studio release, following on from the highly successful Midian album released on Music For Nations in 2000 and further established the band's meteoric rise to the forefront of British metal in the early 2000s.

Crass – You’re Already Dead / Big A Little A 12” (One Little Independent)

The original 12" single for Big A Little A was released in 1980 and featured “Nagasaki Nightmare” on the B-side. Crass decided that the track “You're Already Dead” is more pertinent today, so they created this brand new 12".

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Déjà Vu [Reissue/1970] LP (Atlantic)

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's Déjà Vu, the prototypical supergroup's second studio effort and first as a quartet, was the most-anticipated album in America in 1970. More than 50 years later, it's one of the most famous albums in rock history with legendary songs like "Carry On", "Teach Your Children", "Woodstock", "Our House" and "Helpless" still resonating to this very day.

Charlie Daniels & Friends – Volunteer Jam 1 1974: The Legend Begins CD (Blue Hat)

On October 4, 1974, country and southern rock icon Charlie Daniels held the first Volunteer Jam at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Now, nearly 50 years later, the complete performance from that evening see the light of day.

Doors – L.A. Woman [Reissue/1971] LP (Elektra)

The Doors released six studio albums in all, as well as a live album and a compilation, before Morrison's death in 1971. The last album The Doors recorded, L.A. Woman, was also their best seller. Released in 1971, this instant classic gave the world "Riders On The Storm", "Love Her Madly", and the radio staple "L.A. Woman".

Flying Mojito Bros. - Greatest Hits (1970-1983) 2xLP (Flying Mojito Bros.)

Cult DJs/producers Flying Mojito Bros have pressed a super-limited double compilation of their most celebrated releases to date plus an exclusive new track. Known as the go-to guys for reworking all things Classic Rock and Cosmic Country, their much-demanded party weapons have been suckerpunching dancefloors for the past few years and it’s about goddamn time they were put together in this beautiful vinyl package. The release features 15 tracks, loosely mixed to offer a continuous listen in line with FMB’s famed mixtapes, but also allowing DJs to beatmix as they please.

Goatsnake – 1 [Reissue/1999] LP (Southern Lord)

Goatsnake was formed in 1996 by guitarist Greg Anderson (Brotherhood, Engine Kid), vocalist Pete Stahl (Scream, Wool) and the mega rhythm section of Greg Rogers (drums) Guy Pinhas (bass) from underground heavy legends the Obsessed (Greg Rogers, Guy Pinhas). Their now classic debut album appropriately entitled I was originally released by Mans Ruin records in 1999. Eight songs that gracefully combine monolithic, Sabbathy riffs with soulful vocals to create a monumental album. [Limited-edition translucent red vinyl.]

Journey – Escape [Reissue/1981] LP (Sony Legacy)

Escape is Journey's groundbreaking and chart-topping seventh studio album. It includes three of the band's biggest songs, all of which charted inside Billboard's Top Ten: "Who's Crying Now", "Open Arms" and the iconic "Don't Stop Believin'". 180gm audiophile vinyl.

The Lemonheads – The Lemonheads [Reissue/2006] LP (Vagrant)

In an interview at the time of the album's 2006 release, Dando described the sound as "Louder, faster, more like Buzzcocks pop-punk-and way less introspective. We've got some psyched-out country on there as well. But all of it is squarely in The Lemonheads tradition."

Moby – Play [Reissue/1999] 2xLP (D.E.F.)

Play is the fifth studio album by electronic musician Moby, originally released in 1999. Moby's goal for Play was to return to this style of music, blending downtempo with blues and roots music samples. Originally intended to be his final record, the album was recorded at Moby's home studio in Manhattan, New York. Play was both a critical success and a commercial phenomenon.

Obituary – Slowly We Rot – Live And Rotting CD+Blu-ray/LP (Relapse)

Celebrating the influential band's landmark records, this show was filmed by Odd Life Studios and directed by Lief Thomason. Recorded and mixed by longtime producer Joe Cincotta, and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, this live album captures Obituary as one of death metal's most ripping and unrelenting bands. [Limited-edition slime green vinyl.]

Slipknot – All Hope Is Gone [Reissue/2008] 2xLP (Roadrunner)
Slipknot – We Are Not Your Kind [Reissue/2019] 2xLP (Roadrunner)

Color vinyl reisssues.

Regina Spektor – 11:11 [Reissue/2001] LP (Sire/London/Rhino)

11:11 is the debut album by Regina Spektor that was originally self-released in July of 2001. The album was sold at Spektor's early shows but has since been long out of print. 11:11 has now been remastered and is available once again.

Mavis Staples – We’ll Never Turn Back [Reissue/2007] LP (ANTI-)

Limited 15th Anniversary aqua blue vinyl LP pressing. We'll Never Turn Back is the seventh studio album by gospel and soul singer Mavis Staples. Recorded in 2007 and produced by roots rock and blues musician Ry Cooder, it is a concept album with lyrical themes relating to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

Various Artists – Allen Ginsberg’s The Fall Of America: A 50th Anniversary Musical Tribute LP (Allen Ginsberg)

Various artists musically interpret poems from The Fall Of America: Poems Of These States 1965-1971 on this 50th Anniversary Tribute to Allen Ginsberg's The Fall of America. Featuring Yo La Tengo, Shintaro Sakamoto, Angelique Kidjo, Thurston Moore, Lee Ranaldo, Devendra Banhart, Bill Frisell, Andrew Bird and more.

White Lightning – Thunderbolts Of Fuzz LP (Riding Easy)

Standout favorites of Riding Easy Records' Brown Acid compilation series, White Lightning's stellar discography of rare and under-appreciated heavy psych, proto-metal rock gets a vital revival for new generations to learn how swinging, swaggering and often blazingly fast rock 'n' roll is done. The quintet's brilliant and rare 1970 self-titled album on Pickwick International's P.I.P. imprint provides 6 of the 10 tracks on Thunderbolts Of Fuzz.

Windhand – Levitation Sessions 2xLP (Reverberation Appreciation Society)

Iindie store exclusive green w/ smoke vinyl. Originally airing on November 14, 2020, during the height of the great quarantine of planet earth, Windhand delivered one of the heaviest levitation sessions to date.