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Vinyl Releases of the Week: October 12, 2011
Tori Amos releases a classical piano album, William Shatner a space-themed concept album, and Grateful Dead a triple live LP reissue. These all seem so [for lack of a better word] obvious, yet at the same time unexpected—intriguing even! Take a look:
Tori Amos – Night of Hunters (Deutsche Grammophon)
At age five, Tori Amos was the youngest student admitted to the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Maryland. Kicked out by age 11 for wanting to play Led Zeppelin instead of classical sheet music, Amos has continued to challenge conventions throughout her 20-year music career. Her debut for the distinguished classical label Deutsche Grammophon is no different. Night of Hunters tells a very modern story of a woman’s personal journey of reinvention via a classical song cycle comprised of variations on pieces by the likes of Bach, Chopin, and Schubert. Amos’ piano is front and center, accompanied by a chamber ensemble of strings and woodwinds, and Amos’ daughter and niece make an appearance as guest vocalists.
Grateful Dead – Europe ’72 (Grateful Dead)
In tandem with the individual CD release of all 22 of the Europe ’72 live shows, Grateful Dead is reissuing the original triple live LP as a 180-gram vinyl box set. Considered one of the best live Dead albums ever (as well as one of the band’s best-selling releases), Europe ’72 documents the Dead’s first extended European tour. This reissue features all original replica packaging including the iconic cover artwork by Alton Kelley and Stanley Mouse.
William Shatner – Seeking Major Tom (Cleopatra)
OK, get this: William Shatner, the actor who played the iconic Captain Kirk on Star Trek, has released a 20-song, 3xLP space-themed covers album! While this sounds like utter novelty/too good to be true, his signature speak-sing delivery actually brings out a new emphasis to the lyrics of Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” Steve Miller Band’s “Space Cowboy,” and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Recreating the instrumental arrangements are noted musicians Peter Frampton, Brad Paisley, Ritchie Blackmore, Bootsy Collins, Alan Parsons, Johnny Winter, Dave Davies, and Zakk Wylde, to name but a few.
Talk Talk – Laughing Stock (Ba Da Bing)
The final album from the British new-wave band was released in 1991 and was much more avant-garde than Talk Talk’s early synth-pop albums. Since its release, Laughing Stock has been cited by Radiohead as a major influence and ranked by Pitchfork as the 11th best album of the ’90s. This reissue marks its first-ever vinyl release in the U.S.
Mark Hollis – Mark Hollis (Ba Da Bing)
Also on vinyl for the first time in the U.S. is the lone solo record from the former Talk Talk frontman, Mark Hollis. Originally released in 1998, the album picks up where Laughing Stock left off in its combination of folk, ambient, and jazz, and it is powerfully stark in its delivery—widely regarded as one of the quietest albums ever recorded. Its minimalist beauty is sure to have even more impact on vinyl.
Joe Henry – Reverie (Anti)
On his latest album, the esteemed musician and Grammy-winning producer (whose credits include Aimee Mann, Solomon Burke, Bettye LaVette, and Ani DiFranco) takes a raw approach—so raw, in fact, that he left the windows to his basement recording studio wide open. As a result, this acoustic roots record captures the organic sounds of the world going by outside Henry’s window: birds chirping, dogs barking, traffic. His narrative themes follow suit, dealing with the passage of time. Though its title is synonymous with a dream, Reverie is already being heralded a masterpiece.
The Jayhawks – Mockingbird Time (Rounder)
The reunited Minnesotan alt-country rock band returns with its eighth studio album and first to feature the original lineup since 1995’s Tomorrow the Green Grass. Mockingbird Time is presented here as a double 180-gram LP housed in a deluxe gatefold package with digital download card.
Rich Robinson – Through a Crooked Sun (Spunk)
It may start out sounding a bit like the Black Crowes, but the new solo album from Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson is intensely personal, revealing intricate textures and levels of emotion that the Crowes never could.
Lil Wayne – Tha Carter IV (Universal Republic)
2011 release from rapper Lil Wayne. Features guest appearances by Drake, T-Pain, Tech N9ne, Andre 3000, Rick Ross, John Legend, Bruno Mars, Nas, and Busta Rhymes, among others.
Testament – The Legacy (1987), The New Order (1988), Practice What You Preach (1989), Souls of Black (1990) (Back on Black)
Vinyl reissues of the first four albums by the thrash-metal titans.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: October 5, 2011
Me oh my, it certainly makes me feel old to think that Nirvana’s monumental album Nevermind turns 20 this year… Which means that the baby on the cover, Spencer Elden, is also 20!! But I’m excited about the 20th anniversary box set that Geffen is releasing in celebration of this milestone. Also out this week: a ballet soundtrack by Paul McCartney, the new Feist record, a handful of Dinosaur Jr. reissues, a Stevie Wonder classic, and a wave of imports from Music on Vinyl.
Nirvana – Nevermind 20th Anniversary Box Set (Geffen)
To honor the 20th anniversary of one of the most influential albums in history, Geffen has issued this 180-gram 4xLP vinyl box set. In addition to a fully re-mastered version of Nevermind, the box set includes obscure B-sides, unreleased recordings, alternate mixes, live recordings, radio sessions, and rare studio tapes. Lucky fans in Europe can opt for a special picture disc version of the box set (so be on the lookout for imports popping up on eBay and Amazon).
Paul McCartney – Ocean’s Kingdom (Hear Music/Telarc)
The former Beatle has done many things, but he has never scored a ballet… until now. Composed by Sir Paul McCartney, conducted by John Wilson, and performed by the London Classical Orchestra, Ocean’s Kingdom is an original, four-movement orchestral score for a ballet by the same name.
Dinosaur Jr. – Dinosaur, You’re Living All Over Me, Bug (Jagjaguwar)
Jagjaguwar pays reverence to the influential alternative rock band with reissues of its first three albums: Dinosaur (1985), You’re Living All Over Me (1987), and Bug (1988). Eat up all the pure guitar noise that would impact the next decade of underground rock music.
Feist – Metals (Interscope)
The highly anticipated follow-up to Feist’s 2007 breakthrough The Reminder was recorded in Big Sur, California and co-produced by Leslie Feist with longtime collaborators Chilly Gonzales and Mocky, as well as newcomer Valgeir Sigurdsson (Bjork, Bonnie “Prince” Billy). Could this be Feist’s best album yet? It’s sure looking that way. It’s definitely her most stirring, intimate, and whimsical art-pop album yet.
Stevie Wonder – Hotter Than July (Mobile Fidelity)
Inspired by a meeting with Bob Marley and embracing a sunny, reggae feel, Hotter Than July features the hits “I Ain’t Gonna Stand for It,” “Master Blaster (Jammin’),” “Lately,” and “Happy Birthday.” The 1980 soul classic has been signed, sealed, and delivered—as well as re-mastered, numbered, and reissued as a limited-edition audiophile LP—by MoFi.
Hawkwind – In Search of Space (1971), Doremi Fasol Latido (1972), Hall of the Mountain Grill (1974), Masters of the Universe (1977), Space Ritual (1973) (Back on Black)
English space-rock pioneers Hawkwind are celebrated here with a series of reissues on 180-gram colored vinyl. Included are the band’s early studio albums plus a 1977 compilation spanning the years 1971-74 and a 1973 live album.
Kool and Together – Original Recordings 1970-77 (Heavy Light)
Remastered LP collecting the psych-rock funk ‘n’ soul band’s best ’70s work. Includes a treasure trove of rare material and previously unreleased recordings.
Kenny Vaughan – V (Sugarhill)
Solo debut from one of Nashville’s best session musicians. On V, guitarist Kenny Vaughan explores vintage country, classic pop, and hard bop.
The Misfits – “Twilight of the Dead” single (Misfits Records)
12-inch vinyl maxi-single from The Devil’s Rain, the first album from the horror-punk legends in nearly a decade. Features B-side “Land of the Dead” and comes in limited-edition glow in the dark, clear blue, and clear blue with red splatter vinyl. (Note: this release features the album versions of the songs, not those featured on the Misfits’ 2009 “Land of the Dead” single.)
Music on Vinyl Imports:
Tony Bennett – Duets II (Music on Vinyl)
The legendary jazz crooner celebrated his 85th birthday this year with his second album of duets (the first was in celebration of his 80th birthday). Produced by Phil Ramone, Duets II is a collection of American Songbook standards featuring Bennett trading lines with Lady Gaga, Aretha Franklin, Norah Jones, John Mayer, Queen Latifah, Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, and the late Amy Winehouse, among others. In fact, this is the last known recording of Winehouse’s. 180-gram audiophile double LP.
John Mayer Trio – Try!: Live in Concert (Music on Vinyl)
180-gram audiophile reissue of this 2005 live album and sole release from the blues-rock John Mayer Trio. Try! finds the pop singer wowing the crowd with his guitar chops and some Hendrix and Ray Charles covers.
Patti Smith Group – Wave (Music on Vinyl)
Limited 180-gram vinyl reissue of this 1979 album from the Godmother of Punk. This proved to be the last album Smith would record before her nine-year hiatus, and it is widely considered to be her most pop-oriented album.
Nazareth – Rampant (Music on Vinyl)
180-gram reissue of the hard-rock band’s second release of 1974. With its Southern-rock tinge, Rampant has been described as “early AC/DC meets Lynyrd Skynyrd at their hardest rocking.” Gatefold edition contains the bonus B-side “Love Hurts.”
From the Indie Section:
Minus the Bear – This Is What I Know About Being Gigantic, Highly Refined Pirates (Suicide Squeeze)
In celebration of Minus the Bear’s 10th anniversary, Suicide Squeeze has reissued the band’s 2001 debut EP, This Is What I Know About Being Gigantic, and its 2002 follow-up full length, Highly Refined Pirates, on vinyl.
Zola Jesus – Conatus (Alternate Distribution Alliance)
With a haunting and operatic voice that’s been compared to that of Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins, the 22-year-old, Wisconsin-born Nika Roza Danilova (stage name Zola Jesus) is an artist to pay attention to. On her third album, she fuses both organic and electronic darkness, nodding to goth, synth-pop, industrial, and abstract electronica while also employing strings and live drums.
Bonnie “Prince” Billy – Wolfroy Goes to Town (Drag City)
Vinyl pressing of the 2011 release from acclaimed singer-songwriter Will Oldham. Sparse, rustic folk that’s absolutely gorgeous on vinyl.
Boots Electric – Honkey Kong (Dangerbird)
The solo debut from Eagles Of Death Metal frontman Jesse Hughes. Produced by Tony Hoffer (Beck, Depeche Mode) and co-written with legendary keyboardist/Beastie Boys collaborator Marky Mark, Honkey Kong is indeed what you get when you mix honkey tonk with Donkey Kong.
The Cool Kids – When Fish Ride Bicycles (C.A.K.E. / Green Label Sound)
The “proper” debut from the old-meets-new hip-hop duo. Features collaborations with Travis Barker, Bun B, Ghostface Killah, Mayer Hawthorne, and Asher Roth.
Talkdemonic – Ruins (Glacial Pace)
The fourth album from the Portland duo is a textured and compelling blend of viola, drums, and synths. Soothing and abrasive in its tension and release, Ruins is made for vinyl.
New Found Glory – Radiosurgery (Epitaph)
On their seventh album, the Florida pop-punkers pay homage to the punk bands that inspired them (Green Day, the Ramones, Rancid) while staying true to their own evolving style. All in all, a fun punk record.
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Top 10 Aerosmith Albums
Full disclosure: Aerosmith was my first rock and roll crush. As an 11-year-old in the early ’90s, I was forever changed the day I received a copy of Get a Grip. Perhaps I was in awe of the fact that this band, one of the defining hard-rock groups of the ’70s, had overcome internal conflicts and drug abuse to pull off one of the most improbable comebacks in rock history (doubtful), or maybe I was just a sucker for power ballads and music videos that starred Alicia Silverstone and Liv Tyler (likely). Either way, Aerosmith converted me. I couldn’t get enough of Joe Perry’s Zeppelin-esque riffing or Steven Tyler’s Stonesy swagger and ridiculous yowls; they ignited a fire I couldn’t resist. Aerosmith remains one of my all-time favorite bands and is easily one of my favorites to collect on vinyl. Without letting my own nostalgia get in the way too much here, I’ve ranked what I believe to be their best works over the past 40 years.
#10: Night in the Ruts (Columbia; 1979)
Seemingly doomed due to the mid-album departure of Joe Perry, Night in the Ruts really ain’t that bad. In fact, the album is full of the slinky, meaty riffs and dirty blues that made 1970s Aerosmith great. Definitely one their most overlooked records.
#9: Done with Mirrors (Geffen; 1985)
Intended to be Aerosmith’s comeback album—marking the return of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford to the fold as well as the band’s new-found sobriety—Done with Mirrors didn’t have the same commercial appeal or miraculous redeeming effect as its follow-up, Permanent Vacation, but it sure reminded fans what they loved about the band. Burning with Aerosmith’s original fire, it is full of raw and bluesy guitar-driven rock.
#8: Draw the Line (Columbia; 1977)
This is a great record for the album art alone! Featuring nothing but a caricature of the band by Al Hirschfeld on the cover (no name necessary when you’ve got instantly recognizable hair and lips like that), Draw the Line was the follow-up to Aerosmith’s masterwork Rocks. It was recorded in a convent outside of New York City, and though the band members were lost in the grips of drug abuse at the time, the album manages not to deviate much from Aerosmith’s classic gritty hard rock.
#7: Get Your Wings (Columbia; 1974)
Often overlooked and highly underrated, Aerosmith’s sophomore album features two treasures: “Same Old Song and Dance” and a cover of Tiny Bradshaw’s/the Yardbirds’ “Train Kept a Rollin'” that remains an Aerosmith live staple to this day. Eventually going triple platinum, Get Your Wings is just as aptly titled as its 1976 follow-up, Rocks—it was here that Aerosmith arguably became Aerosmith.
#6: Aerosmith (Columbia; 1973)
Aerosmith’s debut album isn’t perfect, but that’s what makes it great. The blues and hard-rock influences that the band would eventually make its own were all there, it was just a matter of finding the right spark. The band does just that on “Dream On,” one of the most well known Aerosmith songs ever (often credited as the blueprint for all power ballads), as well as on “Mama Kin,” the album’s best rocker. I find myself appreciating Aerosmith more after listening to this album as it provides such a unique perspective into the band’s roots and evolution. Plus, it features a cover of Rufus Thomas’ “Walkin’ the Dog.” No Aerosmith lover should be without it.
#5: Permanent Vacation (Geffen; 1987)
If it weren’t for Permanent Vacation, there would have been no Pump, no Get a Grip, no ’90s superstars. Aerosmith’s legendary comeback album, Permanent Vacation resurrected Aerosmith’s status from the murk of ’70s has-beens with songs like “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” “Rag Doll,” and the epic power ballad “Angel.” Sure, the band brought in a few outside songwriters and producers who in turn lent the album a poppy sheen, but there’s still plenty of grit (“St. John”), blues (“Hangman Jury”), and even a Beatles’ cover (“I’m Down”) in its deeper cuts.
#4: Get a Grip (Geffen; 1993)
Yes, I’m 100 percent biased when it comes to this album. Yes, it’s unashamedly commercial. But it still rocks and, to me at least, is as fundamentally Aerosmith as you can get. The band’s best-selling album worldwide, Get a Grip features some of Aerosmith’s most unforgettable hits (“Eat the Rich,” “Livin’ on the Edge,” “Cryin’,” “Crazy,” “Amazing”). These songs felt as essential to that first half of the decade as anything coming out of Seattle. Plus, it features guest vocals from Don Henley (“Amazing”) and Lenny Kravitz (“Line Up”).
#3: Pump (Geffen; 1989)
The follow-up to Aerosmith’s late-’80s comeback Permanent Vacation, Pump had a lot riding on it. Featuring some of Aerosmith’s most enduring classics like “Love in an Elevator,” “Janie’s Got a Gun,” “The Other Side,” and “What It Takes,” Pump proved Permanent Vacation was no fluke and cemented Aerosmith’s reputation as a vital hard-rock band on the brink of the ’90s. Pump is also Aerosmith’s most ambitious album, tackling weighty issues and employing a broader range of instrumentation.
#2: Toys in the Attic (Columbia; 1975)
Aerosmith’s third album and career breakthrough, Toys in the Attic is not only quintessential Aerosmith but a landmark hard-rock album. It produced the hit singles “Sweet Emotion” and “Walk This Way,” and it features some of the band’s best material—hands down. Many feel this is when Aerosmith perfected its raunchy blues-rock sound, and there is no doubt that the album is full of some of the best guitar riffs and double entendres of the ’70s. If not tied with Rocks for number one, Toys in the Attic is a very, very close second. No doubt about it, both albums helped shape rock and roll.
#1: Rocks (Columbia; 1976)
Considering I thought Aerosmith was the best thing ever upon hearing Get a Grip, you can imagine my surprise when I heard the raw, ragtag sound of Rocks, Aerosmith’s fourth record and follow-up to Toys in the Attic. Rocks was released in 1976—the same year as the Eagles’ Hotel California and the Ramones’ self-titled debut. Though nothing like these albums in sound, Rocks is just as essential. Featuring some of the band’s best performances (“Back in the Saddle,” “Rats in the Cellar,” “Last Child,” “Nobody’s Fault”), Rocks is considered Aerosmith’s creative pinnacle. The fact that it inspired both Metallica’s James Hetfield and Guns N’ Roses’ Slash to learn how to play guitar and was one of Kurt Cobain’s favorite albums is reason enough to put it at number one. But more importantly, Steven Tyler rhymes “Tallahassee” and “Sassafrasse” on the album. Now nothing gets more Aerosmith than that!
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: September 28, 2011
There are oodles and oodles of audiophile reissues out this week— titles that belong in every collector’s stacks—plus new albums from Wilco, Johnny Winter, and the hard-rock supergroup Chickenfoot! So without further ado:
Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon reissue (Capitol)
Rock albums don’t get much more iconic than Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Therefore it’s fitting that this title kicks off the massive “Why Pink Floyd…?” reissue series as a special, re-mastered “Discovery Edition.” What better time to rediscover this 1973 classic from the legendary British art-rock band?
Speaking of classics, check out these essential jazz reissues from Wax Time Records! Easily some of the greatest jazz albums ever recorded, they are all available as limited-edition 180-gram audiophile imports.
Thelonious Monk – Brilliant Corners (Wax Time Import)
The unconventional pianist’s 1957 album oozes with vitality and features the assembled quartet of Max Roach (percussion), Sonny Rollins (tenor sax), Oscar Pettiford (bass), and Ernie Henry (alto sax). Its title track goes down in history as one of Monk’s most ambitious compositions, requiring 25 takes to accomplish.
Louis Armstrong – Louis and the Good Book (Wax Time Import)
A collection of gospel songs and spirituals, this 1958 classic is the only album by the famed New Orleans trumpeter specifically devoted to religious songs.
Count Basie and his Orchestra – April in Paris (Wax Time Import)
Among the most enduring big-band recordings of the ’50s, this 1956 album is known as the high-water mark for Count Basie’s legendary orchestra. It features the most famous version of “April in Paris,” a performance that was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Marty Paich – I Get a Boot out of You (Wax Time Import)
The West Coast jazz icon showcases some of his most brilliant arrangements on this 1959 album. He leads a 13-piece ensemble featuring such West Coast greats as trumpeters Jack Sheldon and Conte Candoli, saxophonists Art Pepper and Bill Perkins, vibraphonist Victor Feldman, and pianist Russ Freeman through fresh reinterpretations of jazz standards.
Charlie Mingus – Blues & Roots (Wax Time Import)
Bassist Charles Mingus’ response to critics who said he didn’t swing enough. Along with a nine-piece ensemble, Mingus plays some seriously spirited blues, gospel, and Dixieland jazz here. Originally released in 1959, Blues & Roots is a key album in Mingus’ career and easily his most soulful.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet – Gone with the Wind (Wax Time Import)
A concept album paying tribute to Georgia, this 1959 record was full of improvisation, resulting in two versions of “Camptown Races.”
Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Swings Lightly (Wax Time Import)
This 1958 album won Ella Fitzgerald the 1960 Grammy for Best Improvised Jazz Solo and features Ella singing jazz standards backed by the Marty Paich Dek-tette group. (File under: Essential Jazz Classics.)
Oscar Peterson – Plays the Richard Rodgers Song Book (Wax Time Import)
1959 classic featuring renowned jazz pianist Oscar Peterson performing the compositions of Richard Rodgers.
Ben Webster-Johnny Hodges Sextet – The Complete 1960 Jazz Cellar Session (Wax Time Import)
This November 1960 session was recorded in a studio-like setting at the Jazz Cellar in San Francisco and is notable for being the only album to feature the two sax greats as the only horn players.
Chickenfoot – Chickenfoot III (Entertainment One)
The second album from the hard-rock supergroup featuring guitar god Joe Satriani, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and ex-Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony. Hagar claims it’s the best record he’s ever been a part of.
Mitch Ryder – All Mitch Ryder Hits! (Friday Music)
“Devil with a Blue Dress On/Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Too Many Fish in the Sea,” “Jenny Take a Ride,” “Sock It to Me – Baby!” “In the Midnight Hour” – they’re all here in their single mixes on this first-time 180-gram audiophile pressing.
Tony Allen & Africa 70 – Jealousy, No Accommodation for Lagos (Kindred Spirits)
Vinyl reissue of two solo recordings from the great Afro-beat drummer: 1975’s Jealousy, produced by Fela Kuti and featuring the Afro-beat gems “Jealousy” and “Hustler,” and 1979’s highly political No Accommodation for Lagos. Essential Afro-beat albums.
Seth MacFarlane – Music Is Better Than Words (Universal Republic)
You know him as the man behind the hilarious television show Family Guy, but Seth MacFarlane is also an accomplished singer and live performer. On his new album, he sings some big-band gems from the ’40s and ’50s and even duets with Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles. Also of note, the album was arranged, conducted, and produced by television and film composer Joel McNeely.
Johnny Winter – Roots (Megaforce)
The first new studio album from the veteran blues guitarist/torchbearer in over seven years finds him returning to his roots in order to pay homage to the music that influenced him. Along with a host of guests including ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, and Conan bandleader Jimmy Vivino, he covers material by Robert Johnson, Son House, Elmore James, Bobby Blue Bland, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Reed, Walter Davis, and of course Muddy Waters.
Gene Clark – Roadmaster, White Light, The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark (Sundazed Music Inc.)
Re-mastered reissues of three Gene Clark post-Byrds releases. His debut as a duo with virtuoso banjo-player Doug Dillard, The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark (1968) is a bluegrass-inspired country-rock masterpiece that paved the way for the alt-country, Americana, and roots-rock movements of the ’90s. Inspired by the tranquility of his new home on the Northern California coast, Clark’s solo album White Light (1971) is a primarily acoustic album and one of Clark’s finest. Initially only released in Holland, Roadmaster (1973) is a pure country-rock album assembled from unreleased tracks Clark had recorded with the original members of the Byrds prior to their 1973 reunion, another unused track that he had recorded with the Flying Burrito Brothers, and tracks from an abandoned 1972 recording session that paired Clark with some of the best country-rock musicians of the time.
Wilco – The Whole Love (dBpm)
Experience pays off on The Whole Love, the highly anticipated eighth studio album from Wilco and the third to feature the band’s present lineup of Jeff Tweedy, Nels Cline, Patrick Sansone, John Stirratt, Glenn Kotche, and Mikael Jorgensen. The first release on Wilco’s own label, The Whole Love is appropriately adventurous and, according to Tweedy, much more natural than the band’s last two albums. 180-gram double LP gatefold includes a CD and a bonus track not included on the regular album.
LeAnn Rimes – Lady & Gentlemen (Curb Records)
A concept album of classic country standards sung from a modern female’s perspective. Produced by Rimes along with country superstar Vince Gill and writer Darrell Brown, Lady & Gentlemen features the Grammy-nominated “Swingin.”
Randy Travis – Storm of Life (Warner Bros.)
200-gram virgin vinyl reissue of Randy Travis’ 1986 multi-platinum debut. This country music masterpiece features the Top-10 hits “Diggin’ Up Bones,” “1982,” “On the Other Hand,” and “No Place Like Home.”
Sebastian Bach – Kicking and Screaming (Frontier Records)
The new album from the former Skid Row frontman was recorded with Bob Marlette (Black Sabbath, Atreyu, Filter) and is a brutal, high-octane hard-rock record.
John Cale – EP: Extra Playful (Domino)
The new EP from the former Velvet Underground member invites listeners to have some fun in its whimsical take on art rock. It’s definitely a more pop-oriented album in the artist’s avant-garde canon.
Primal Scream and MC5 – Back to Comm (Easy Action)
This limited-edition LP features both bands performing live onstage together at the 2008 Meltdown Festival at The Royal Festival Hall in London. The album artwork is a painting by MC5 bassist Mike Davis derived from a 1967 sketch. An appetizer for the forthcoming CD/DVD release of the whole show.
Echo & The Bunnymen – Ocean Rain (1972 Records)
Vinyl reissue of this 1984 album from the Liverpudlian quartet. A departure from the band’s more rock-oriented previous albums, Ocean Rain employs a 35-piece orchestra to create a sound that is “windswept; dark and stormy” according to member Will Sergeant.
The Vibrators – Pure Mania, “Baby Baby” single (Cleopatra)
A 1977 punk relic from the iconic London rockers. Its single “Baby Baby” is also available as a 7-inch record.
The Mekons – Ancient & Modern: 1911-2011 (Bloodshot Records)
The 26th album from one of the longest running and most prolific of the first-wave British punk bands is an antique folk and gothic country journey through the past century.
Southern Culture on the Skids – Zombified (Kudzu Records)
When it was first released in 1998, this EP was an Australia-only release. Remastered here as an expanded double-LP with an additional five tracks, this reissue marks the album’s first U.S. release and is available on blood-red vinyl.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: September 21, 2011
From Cumbia to classical, we’ve got a really eclectic mix this week. I’d say it’s fitting then that the eclectic new supergroup Superheavy and its genre-defying eponymous debut kicks off the list.
SuperHeavy – SuperHeavy (Universal Republic)
The highly anticipated debut album from the intercontinental project featuring Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Damian Marley, English producer/former Eurythmics member Dave Stewart, and the Indian film composer behind the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack, A.R. Rahman. An intriguing mix of blues-rock, reggae, soul, and Bollywood.
The Who – Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 (Rock Classics Import)
Triple 180-gram red, white, and blue vinyl pressing of this legendary live performance by the English rock band. Recorded at the Isle of Wight Festival on August 29, 1970, the album features songs from the Who’s famous rock opera Tommy, live favorites like “Substitute,” “I Can’t Explain,” “Heaven and Hell,” “My Generation,” and “Magic Bus,” covers of “Shakin’ All Over” and “Summertime Blues,” as well as new songs the band was working on for its next (eventually abandoned) rock opera, Lifehouse.
Roy Orbison – The Last Concert (Let Them Eat Vinyl Import)
180-gram double LP reissue of Roy Orbison’s final live performance. Recorded on December 4, 1988 in Highland Heights, Ohio, this historic performance features classics like “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Crying,” “Only the Lonely,” “In Dreams,” “Mean Woman Blues,” and “Dream Baby.”
Gary Numan – Pure, Scarred, Live at Shepherds Bush (Let Them Eat Vinyl Imports)
Vinyl reissue of Gary Numan’s industrial-goth album, Pure, originally released in 2000; a double 180-gram clear vinyl pressing of the live album recorded during his tour for Pure, Scarred; and a 180-gram orange vinyl pressing of the English new wave musician’s November 9, 1997 concert at Shepherds Bush Empire during his Exile tour. Both live albums feature different takes on Numan’s signature 1979 hit “Cars.”
Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos & New Philharmonia Orchestra – Suite Española (Original Recordings)
180-gram vinyl reissue of the record featuring Isaac Albéniz’s eight-part work for the piano, Suite Española, orchestrated by the Spanish conductor and composer Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos. Originally released by Decca in 1967.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – Hysterical (Self-released)
The indie-rock band’s first new album in over three years is available on 180-gram light blue vinyl in a gatefold package with a download card. Also available as a (super limited) limited-edition double album with three exclusive bonus tracks.
Black Label Society – 1919 Eternal, Hangover Music Vol. VI (Rock Classics Import)
Imported vinyl reissues of two epic albums from the heavy-metal band fronted by former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde. 2002’s dirgy 1919 Eternal is full of meaty riffs and a darker feel, and 2004’s more mellow Hangover Music Vol. VI features a piano version of Procol Harum’s 1967 hit “Whiter Shade of Pale,” as well as a memorial for Layne Staley of Alice in Chains.
Opeth – Heritage (Roadrunner)
The 10th album from the Swedish death-metal quintet is actually a departure from death metal with its clean versus growled vocals, keyboard-heavy instrumentation versus monolithic guitars, and lots of virtuosic, prog-worthy musicianship.
Afghan Whigs – Gentlemen (Hi-Speed Records)
180-gram vinyl reissue of the soul-influenced alt-rock band’s stunning and intense 1993 concept album.
Yellowcard – The Underdog EP (2002), Ocean Avenue (2003), Lights and Sounds (2006), Paper Walls (2007) (Hopeless Records)
Four Yellowcard albums for the first time ever on vinyl! Included in this series of reissues is the pop-punk band’s extremely rare Underdog EP.
Van Dyke Parks – Arrangements, Volume 1 (Bananastan)
Compilation album featuring 15 of Van Dyke Parks’ greatest arrangements dating back to his ’60s studio adventures. These are performed by Ry Cooder, Arlo Guthrie, Little Feat, Sal Valentino, the Mojo Men, Dino Martin, George Washington Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Lowell George, as well as Parks himself.
Los Destellos – Constelacion (Secret Stash)
From the “Father of Peruvian Cumbia” Enrique Delgado and his band Los Destellos, Constelacion (1971) is one of the most collectible South American LPs, reissued here for the first time. Developed in the 1960s, Peruvian Cumbia is associated with the country’s Amazonian region, and its unique sound mixes Colombian Cumbia with rock, funk, psychedelia, surf music, Cuban Guaracha, and traditional Peruvian Criollo. Delgado, a Criollo guitar player, was the first artist to make the electric guitar the lead instrument in Cumbia.
Pleasure – Dust Yourself Off (Hi Horse Records)
Vinyl reissue of the highly sought-after 1975 debut album from the Portland, Oregon jazz-funk band. The LP includes the breakbeat cut “Bouncy Lady,” featuring one of the key breaks used in hip-hop, as well as Pleasure’s hit cover of “Midnight at the Oasis.”
Jeff Beck – Performing This Week…Live at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club (Rock Classics Import)
180-gram double LP pressing of this live album from the rock guitar legend. Features the best performances from Beck’s multi-night stand at the renowned London jazz club including his cover of the Beatles’ “A Day in the Life” and Stevie Wonder’s “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers,” two performances on which Beck’s guitar really sings.
Ornette Coleman – Something Else!!!! The Music of Ornette Coleman (Original Jazz Classics)
The 1958 debut album by jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman that “shook up the jazz world” at the time of its release with its free-jazz dissonance and blues leanings. Features Coleman on his alto sax, trumpeter Don Cherry, drummer Billy Higgins, bassist Don Payne, and pianist Walter Norris. (Coleman would exclude the piano on all subsequent releases up until the ’90s.)
Emmylou Harris – Live in Germany 2000 (101 Distribution Import)
Live archive release from the country music legend. Recorded during her Halloween 2000 performance in Baden-Baden, Germany, the album leans heavily on material from her at-the-time new release, Red Dirt Girl, as well as a cover of “Love Hurts,” which Harris originally performed with Gram Parsons on his 1974 album Grievous Angel.
Sun Ra and His Arkestra – Jazz in Silhouette (Real Gone Jazz Import)
This 1959 album is one of the best from Sun Ra’s Chicago period, prior to his New York explorations in the avant-garde.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: September 14, 2011
Brace yourself, Hendrix fans: Sony Legacy and Experience Hendrix have put together a smorgasbord of Hendrix treasures for you (details below). And as if that weren’t enough, Duran Duran, Ry Cooder, Bush, Primus, and Alice Cooper all released new vinyl this week, too.
Jimi Hendrix – Winterland Box Set, Hendrix in the West (Sony Legacy)
The latest titles from Sony Legacy’s monumental Jimi Hendrix Catalog Project capture not only Hendrix the electric guitar wizard but Hendrix the electrifying performer on 180-gram audiophile vinyl. The 8xLP Winterland vinyl box set features never-before released material from Jimi’s legendary six-show run at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom from October 10-12, 1968. A one-of-a-kind collection, it contrasts each night’s performance of classics like “Hey Joe,” “Purple Haze,” “Are You Experienced?,” “Tax Free,” and “Foxy Lady.” Also included are covers of Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love,” Howlin’ Wolf’s “Killing Floor,” and Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone,” as well as a rare backstage interview with Hendrix recorded at the Boston Garden a few weeks after the Winterland shows. Out of print in the U.S. since 1974, Hendrix in the West is comprised of material recorded between 1969 and 1970 at venues ranging from the Berkeley Community Theatre to the Isle of Wight Festival. Sony Legacy has reissued this posthumous live album as an expanded double LP featuring an additional five previously unreleased live tracks. Both releases feature stellar album art and previously unpublished images of Hendrix.
T-Bone Walker – T-Bone Blues (Friday Music)
Widely regarded as “one of the blues genre’s most important crowned jewels,” this 1959 masterpiece from the legendary electric-blues pioneer has been reissued on 180-gram vinyl. In addition to featuring some of T-Bone Walker’s greatest tunes (“T-Bone Shuffle,” “Papa Ain’t Salty No More,” “Stormy Monday Blues”), it showcases his inventive skill on the electric guitar, which has inspired everyone from B.B. King to Jimi Hendrix.
Alice Cooper – Welcome 2 My Nightmare (Universal Music Enterprises)
The sequel to Alice Cooper’s 1975 rock classic Welcome to My Nightmare brings a new nightmare to a new generation. The original album’s producer Bob Ezrin returns along with original Alice Cooper members Denis Dunaway, Michael Bruce, Neal Smith, and legendary guitarist Steve Hunter. But there are also plenty of surprises, like a duet with rapper Ke$ha, who plays the she-devil in Alice’s bad dream, and the ballad “Something to Remember Me By,” which Alice has deemed “the prettiest song we have ever released.”
Duran Duran – All You Need Is Now (S-Curve)
At last, the 2011 album from the British synth-rock icons is available on vinyl. Produced by Mark Ronson (Adele, Amy Winehouse), All You Need Is Now restores the spark of Duran Duran’s best ’80s work. In fact, Ronson has called All You Need Is Now, Duran Duran’s 13th studio album, the “imaginary follow-up to Rio that never was.” Owen Pallett of Arcade Fire contributes the album’s string arrangements.
David Lee Roth – Eat ‘Em and Smile (Friday Music)
180-gram reissue of Roth’s first solo effort after leaving Van Halen. Released in 1986, the album features two of hard rock’s greatest shredders, guitarist Steve Vai and bassist Billy Sheehan, and went on to top the charts with the hits “Goin’ Crazy” and “Yankee Rose.”
Ry Cooder – Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down (Nonesuch)
For the follow-up to his California trilogy, the guitar legend conjures the spirit of Woodie Guthrie and his own 1970s work to deliver a magnificent 21st century protest album. Available as a double 140-gram LP, Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down is being called brave, deeply poignant, and one of Cooder’s all-time best.
Bush – Sea of Memories (Entertainment One)
The reunited British post-grunge band—featuring frontman Gavin Rossdale and drummer Robin Goodridge with new recruits Chris Traynor and Corey Britz standing in for original guitarist Nigel Pulsford and bassist Dave Parsons—returns with its first album in a decade. Sea of Memories was produced by Bob Rock (Aerosmith, Metallica), and manages to capture Bush’s classic dichotomy of thrusting rock and maudlin ballads without sounding like a throwback version of the band’s ’90s work.
Cake – Showroom of Compassion 7-inch vinyl box set (Nettwerk)
This unique package is a dream come true for Cake’s vinyl-loving fans. Featuring the entirety of the band’s 2011 album, Showroom of Compassion, plus the bonus track “Huge Misunderstanding” pressed on six virgin vinyl 7-inch records of varying colors: opaque orange, opaque yellow, opaque blue, clear red, opaque white, and clear.
Primus – Green Naugahyde (ATO Records/Red)
The Les Claypool-fronted funk-metal oddballs return with their first proper studio album since 1999. Featuring the group’s original (circa 1988) drummer Jay Lane, Green Naugahyde is reminiscent of the band’s 1990 debut, Frizzle Fry.
Anthrax – Worship Music (Megaforce)
’80s thrash metal kings Anthrax reunite for their first album in eight years. Worship Music marks the return of vocalist Joey Belladonna to the fold and is available as a 180-gram double LP pressed on black/orange or orange/black swirl vinyl.
UFO – No Place to Run (1980), The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent (1981), Mechanix (1982) (101 Distribution Imports)
Imported 180-gram vinyl reissues of the British hard-rock band’s early-’80s/post-Michael Schenker albums.
Johnny Winter – Live at Rockpalast 1979 (MVD Visual)
The great American blues guitarist took a break from producing Grammy Award-winning albums for Muddy Waters to perform with his band on Germany’s famous Rockpalast TV show in 1979. This live set features Winter’s own lean and mean blues as well as covers of the Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Susie Q.”
Wanda Jackson – The Queen of Rockabilly Salutes the King of Rock N’ Roll (Cleopatra)
Elvis Presley’s friend and protégé Wanda Jackson salutes the King with 15 memorable tracks including “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Love Me Tender.” The album opens with an introduction by Wanda and closes with Wanda talking about Elvis.
Howlin’ Wolf – Killing Floor: Blues Essentials (Cleopatra)
Limited-edition vinyl release featuring recordings by the great Chicago bluesman including the original 1956 studio recording of “Smokestack Lightning” plus Wolf standards like “Killing Floor” and “Little Red Rooster.”
Tom Morello and the Nightwatchman – World Wide Rebel Songs (New West Records)
The new self-produced solo album from the Rage Against the Machine guitarist is nothing like his previous acoustic solo work. Bringing out his electric guitar and calling upon the Freedom Fighter Orchestra, Morello isn’t holding back here. He describes his approach: “I wanted to capture a vibe midway between Johnny Cash and Che Guevara, murder ballads and Molotov anthems.”
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes – Sing in Japanese (Fat Wreck Chords)
Speaking of supergroups, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes—the supergroup cover band featuring members of NOFX, Lagwagon, Swingin’ Utters, and Foo Fighters—are back with a new album. Now for the twist: it’s a Japanese cover album featuring covers of six Japanese classics all sung in Japanese.
Mogwai – Earth Division EP (Sub Pop)
Known for their blistering multi-guitar crescendos, the Scottish post-rockers take a more subdued approach on their latest four-track EP. Eerie and tense, Earth Division reveals a new fascination with strings, piano, harmonica, and acoustic guitar.
Ladytron – Gravity the Seducer (Nettwerk Records)
Following the release Ladytron’s career retrospective, Best of Ladytron: 00-10, Gravity the Seducer begins a new, more abstract and ethereal chapter for the British electro-pop band. Seductive, indeed.
Nick Lowe – The Old Magic (Yep Roc Records)
The new album from the British new wave great Nick Lowe features a twangy mix of swinging originals and covers that would’ve sounded right at home on Sun Records. At age 61, there’s no denying that this pop songwriter keeps getting better with age.
Glenn Jones – The Wanting (Thrill Jockey)
The founder of Boston psych-rock band Cul de Sac returns with his fourth LP. The Wanting embodies the “American Primitive” movement in its original compositions performed on the acoustic steel string, six-string, 10-string, and bottleneck guitar, as well as on the five-string open-back banjo.
Dream Theater – A Dramatic Turn of Events (Roadrunner)
The 11th studio album from the prog-metal act is a melodic, keyboard-heavy outing featuring Mike Mangini sitting in for original drummer Mike Portnoy. Look forward to plenty of long instrumentals with crazy time signature shifts.
The Raincoats – Odyshape (We Three Records)
Re-mastered 180-gram reissue of the British band’s 1981 post-punk classic. Dubbed the “godmothers of grunge,” the Raincoats were hugely influential to the U.S. Riot Grrrl movement as well as Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain.
Exodus – Impact Is Imminent (Back on Black Import)
Speaking of thrash metal, Exodus’ 1990 album gets a reissue. Considering the amount of heavy riffs on this album, I’d say moshing is imminent.
Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs – Nobody Will Be There (Damaged Goods)
Thanks to much persuasion, this limited-edition, tour-only live CD is now available on vinyl. Nobody Will Be There features 10 live tracks including Golightly’s classics ”Devil Do” and ”Medicine Water” as well as a cover of Lee Hazlewood’s ”Dark in My Heart.”
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey – Race Riot Suite (The Royal Potato Family)
Written, arranged, and orchestrated by the avant-garde jazz band’s lap steel guitarist Chris Combs, Race Riot Suite is a conceptual album about the 1921 race riot in the band’s hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Omar Souleyman – Haflat Gharbia: The Western Concerts (Sublime Frequencies)
This double LP from the Sryian musician—whom Bjork has tapped to remix songs from her forthcoming album, Biophilia—captures the best moments from his Western tours between 2009 and 2011 including previously unreleased material.
From the Indie Section:
Superchunk – Foolish (Merge)
The latest in Merge’s series of 180-gram Superchunk reissues is 1994’s Foolish. Recorded with Brian Paulson (Wilco, Slint), Foolish is the Chapel Hill indie-rock band’s fourth album and a dark contrast to its explosive pop-punk predecessor, On the Mouth.
Chuck Ragan – Covering Ground (Side One Dummy)
Former Hot Water Music frontman and current solo troubadour Chuck Ragan returns with his third solo effort. Covering Ground is being called his most honest and accomplished to date, as well as the sonic equivalent to Jack Kerouac’s On the Road.
Mates of State – Mountaintops (Barsuk)
I’m extremely excited for this new album from the husband and wife/drums and keyboard indie-pop duo. Maybe even *most* excited.
Wild Flag – Wild Flag (Merge)
Keep an eye out for this supergroup featuring Carrie Brownstein (Sleater-Kinney), Rebecca Cole (the Minders), Mary Timony, and Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney, Quasi, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks).
The Kooks – Junk of the Heart (Astralwerks)
The third album from the British alt-rock band was produced by Tony Hoffer (Beck, Air, Belle & Sebastian) and is oozing with killer hooks.
Arctic Monkeys – “The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala” 7-inch single (Domino)
The new single from the Arctic Monkey’s latest album, Suck It and See. Features the b-side “Little Illusion Machine (Wirral Riddler)”
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