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Vinyl Releases of the Week: December 14, 2011
Post By: Katherine.Eleanor
Andy Warhol famously once said, “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” While many musicians certainly do enjoy only 15 minutes of fame, many of these artists below are the exception. In spite of their mega-stardom, they created music with staying power and sustained long, influential careers. Now they are immortalized on vinyl.
Various Artists – 15 Minutes: Homage to Andy Warhol (Sony Legacy)
Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, and over a dozen additional artists contribute an original recording and an original piece of art inspired by their relationship with Warhol. Includes four vinyl LPs, three CDs, and 16 12” x 12” silkscreen prints, as well as artist notes.
Pearl Jam – Pearl Jam Twenty Soundtrack (Columbia)
180-gram triple vinyl LP pressing of the soundtrack to Cameron Crowe’s acclaimed 2011 documentary, packaged in a double-gatefold sleeve. In addition to 29 rare and unreleased tracks hand-picked by Crowe, the package comes with a full-color book of never-before-seen photos, and each LP is housed in a full-color inner sleeve with stills from the film.
Amy Winehouse – Lioness: Hidden Treasures (Universal Republic)
Double vinyl pressing of this posthumous release from the British soul diva that collects previously unreleased tracks dating back to 2002. These include covers of the Shirelles’ classic “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” (which Winehouse recorded in 2004 with the Dap Kings), Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto’s “The Girl From Ipanema,” Ruby & the Romantics’ “Our Day Will Come,” and Leon Russell’s “A Song For You,” first made famous by Winehouse’s favorite artist, Donny Hathaway. Also included are post-Back to Black Winehouse compositions intended for what would have been her third album, as well as alternate versions of Winehouse’s popular songs like “Wake Up Alone,” “Tears Dry,” and her Zutons cover, “Valerie.”
Lou Reed and Metallica– Lulu (Warner Bros.)
Double 180-gram vinyl pressing of the 2011 collaboration between Lou Reed and Metallica. Drawing inspiration from German playwright Frank Wedekind’s controversial “Lulu Plays,” Earth Spirit (1895) and Pandora’s Box (1904), about a young, abused dancer and her series of relationships, the album pairs Reed’s spoken-word recitations with Metallica’s meaty, hard-rock grooves. Though Reed had originally sketched out the lyrics for a theatrical production, he was inspired to team up with Metallica after their performances together at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concert in 2009.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik reissue (Warner Bros.)
Double 180-gram reissue of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ landmark 1991 LP. A seminal alternative rock record, the album showcases the band’s signature blend of funk and punk and features RHCP staples “Under the Bridge,” “Give It Away,” “Suck My Kiss,” and “Breaking the Girl.” Produced by Rick Rubin.
Grateful Dead – Built to Last (Friday Music)
For the first time on 180-gram vinyl is this 1989 LP, the final studio album from the Dead.
Gary Numan – 1980-81 (Virtual/Vinyl 180)
5xLP box set from the New Wave icon and synth pioneer. Includes a re-mastered 180-gram double LP pressing of his chart-topping 1980 album, Telekon, featuring additional singles tracks, as well as a re-mastered 180-gram 3xLP pressing of Living Ornaments ’81, a live recording of his “farewell” concerts at Wembley Arena before his temporary break from performing.
Drake – Take Care (Cash Money)
Vinyl pressing of the 2011 R&B-influenced sophomore album from Canadian rapper Drake. Featuring Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and Andre 3000 among others, Take Care assumes a mostly melancholy mood with dark synths, murky beats, low-end grooves, and introspective lyrics.
Dia Frampton – Red (Universal Republic)
Runner-ups can get record deals too! And this runner-up from NBC’s hit T.V. series The Voice did something the other finalists didn’t–she released her debut solo album on vinyl! Classic singer-songwriter tunes in the indie-pop/folk vein showcasing Frampton’s winning voice and honest storytelling.
Frankie Paul – Tomorrow (Jammys)
Vinyl pressing of this 1992 album from the reggae icon, aka “the Jamaican Stevie Wonder.”
Savoy Brown – Voodoo Moon (Ruf)
2011 album from the ‘60s British blues-rock band, written by its sole constant member, Kim Simmonds. 45 years into the band’s career, Savoy Brown is still loving the blues and Simmonds’ guitar chops are strong as ever.
IMPORTS:
Bob Marley – Natty Dread (Music on Vinyl Import)
180-gram vinyl reissue of this quintessential reggae album, originally released in 1974. Marley’s most political record, Natty Dread portrays life in the ghetto of Jamaica’s Trenchtown and bursts with Rastafarian spirit. Features Marley’s most enduring classics “Lively Up Yourself,” “No Woman No Cry,” “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry),” “Rebel Music (3 O’Clock Road Block),” and “Revolution.”
Leonard Cohen – New Skin for the Old Ceremony (Music on Vinyl Import)
180-gram audiophile vinyl reissue of this 1974 album from the great poet and songwriter. Cohen’s fourth album, it sets his vivid lyrics to richer arrangements and features a duet with Janis Ian, “Who By Fire,” as well as a song about his relationship with Janis Joplin, “Chelsea Hotel #2.” One of Cohen’s best.
The Jam – The Gift (Music on Vinyl Import)
The final studio album from the U.K. New Wave band, originally released in 1982. Debuting at No. 1 on the British charts, The Gift embraces frontman, aka “The Modfather,” Paul Weller’s love for Northern Soul.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet – Countdown: Time in Outer Space (Music on Vinyl Import)
The jazz pianist’s most adventurous album returns to vinyl for the first time since its initial release in 1962. 180-gram audiophile pressing.
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