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Vinyl Releases of the Week: April 6th, 2011
Kicking off what I like to call “Record Store Day Month” are some classic reissues and new releases from the classics. For those who have not yet heard these legendary albums or artists, what better way to get acquainted than a pristine-sounding vinyl record?
Iggy and the Stooges – Raw Power Live: In the Hands of the Fans (MVD Audio)
A top-notch live performance of the band’s influential 1973 album, recorded at the All Tomorrow’s Parties festival last September. The set list does not follow the studio album’s track order, but includes all eight original tracks plus the Raw Power outtake “I Got a Right.” 180-gram vinyl.
Motörhead – No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith (Back on Black)
Imported 180-gram clear yellow pressing of Motörhead’s first live album and UK chart topper. Primarily recorded at the Leeds and Newcastle shows during Motörhead’s “Short, Sharp Pain in the Neck” five-date tour in 1981, No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith captures the British metal band at its peak.
Robbie Robertson – How to Become Clairvoyant (429 Records)
On his fifth solo album and first record in over a decade, Robbie Robertson reflects on the years preceding and following his run as the guitarist and primary songwriter of the Band, directly addressing his departure on the song “This Is Where I Get Off.” Features guests Eric Clapton (vocals, guitar), Steve Winwood (organ), Tom Morello (guitar), Robert Randolph (pedal steel), and Trent Reznor (atmospherics), among others. Double 180-gram gatefold package.
The Cramps – Smell of Female (Big Beat UK)
Recorded at New York’s Peppermint Lounge in 1983, this six-song EP was the first live album from the creators of psychobilly. Long out of print, it is now available as a UK vinyl import.
The Residents – Meet the Residents (Cryptic Corp)
Reissue of the Residents’ classic 1974 debut album, on vinyl for the first time in years. Mixing everything from Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart to Raymond Scott and Sun Ra, this is where the band’s out-there rock started.
Dropkick Murphys – Going Out in Style (Born and Bred Records)
On their seventh full-length studio album, the Celtic punk rockers recruit Bruce Springsteen to help sing the tale of Irish immigrant Cornelius Larkin, a fictional character based on the band members’ own family histories. Available on 180-gram vinyl.
Dead Can Dance – Spiritchaser (Mobile Fidelity)
Double vinyl reissue of the Australian ambient world-fusion duo’s swan song. Originally released by 4AD Records in 1996, Spiritchaser is a percussive album that blends tribal beats with atmospheric soundscapes.
The Raveonettes – Raven in the Grave (Vice)
The Danish duo trades in its sweet, fuzzy guitar-pop for a darker, more melancholy and synth-filled sound on its fifth studio album. Despite its title, Raven in the Grave is by no means lifeless.
The Kills – Blood Pressures (Domino)
After swaggering across the world’s stages with Jack White and the Dead Weather, Alison Mosshart returned to the studio to finish work on her original project with British guitarist Jamie Hince. A worthy follow-up to the duo’s critically acclaimed 2008 album Midnight Boom, Blood Pressures is also quite a departure in its fuller sound and addition of heavy instrumentation and complex layers.
Coheed and Cambria – The Second Stage Turbine Blade 10th Anniversary Reissue (Equal Vision)
To celebrate their 10-year anniversary, the New York prog-rock/emo/metal band Coheed and Cambria are releasing their debut science fiction concept album on vinyl for the first time. Three unique editions are available: transparent green, white, and hand-numbered black featuring a variant cover.
Bill Callahan – Apocalypse (Drag City)
Former leader of Smog, singer-songwriter Bill Callahan holds a mirror up to himself then the world around him on his unadorned, Western-influenced 14th studio album.
Ha Ha Tonka – Death of a Decade (Bloodshot Records)
Straight out of the Ozarks, the Missouri quartet is back with an uplifting album of spirited American roots rock and four-part harmonies.
Cold Cave – Cherish the Light Years (Matador)
Cold Cave’s sophomore album is a darkly romantic and deeply ’80s ode to New York City. It contrasts the city’s beauty and grime in its chilly synth-driven torrents of post-punk and UK new wave combined with the vocal influence of late-’70s Scott Walker.
Alela Diane – Alela Diane and Wild Divine (Rough Trade)
Its demos were strong enough to pull producer Scott Litt (Nirvana, R.E.M.) out of a seven-year dormancy, and the brighter, more pop-oriented sound they produce here on Alela Diane’s third album is a departure from her traditionally haunting folk.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: March 30th, 2011
Who knew Radiohead would be the most polarizing band of the new year, nearly 20 years after their debut single “Creep” came out? I, for one, really like The King of Limbs. I’m also head over heels for the new Pains of Being Pure at Heart album, Belong. In addition to these new releases, be sure to check out the vinyl compilations mentioned at the end of the post.
Radiohead – The King of Limbs (TBD)
Its title references a 1000-year-old oak tree in Wiltshire’s Savernake Forest, and its music takes listeners deep into the dark woods where Amnesiac‘s electronic glitches mix with dub-steeped grooves, spacey atmospheres, and Bjork-like strings and horns. It’s Radiohead’s surprise new album and follow-up to 2007’s In Rainbows, and it is now available on 180-gram vinyl.
Queens of the Stone Age – Queens of the Stone Age (Domino/Rekords Rekords)
QOTSA’s long out of print 1998 debut has been remastered from the original tapes and expanded by three tracks on this double LP reissue. “The Bronze” and “These Aren’t the Droids You’re Looking For” were originally released on the band’s 1998 QOTSA/Beaver split EP, and “Spiders and Vinegaroons” is from the Kyuss/QOTSA split out the same year.
Whitesnake – Forevermore (Frontiers Records)
The legendary British rockers are back with their 11th studio album, available as a double gatefold LP. Forevermore provides a glimpse into both their blues-rock beginnings and their sentimental side, while still including the no-holds-barred crowd pleasers and signature Whitesnake ballads we’ve come to expect. And yes, David Coverdale still sounds great!
Pete Yorn – musicforthemorningafter 10th Anniversary Edition (Columbia/Legacy)
Previously out of print on vinyl, the 2001 debut album from “the best thing to come out of South Jersey since Bruce Springsteen” has been remastered by Grammy-winning engineer Bob Ludwig and is now available as a 180-gram double LP. Features the hit singles “Strange Condition” and “Life on a Chain.”
Peter, Bjorn and John – Gimme Some (Startime International/Almost Gold)
The Swedish trio’s sixth album marks a return to the memorable, feel-good melodies that made us fall in love with them on 2006’s Writer’s Block. They replace their trademark whistling with some punk edge to make for a bright indie power-pop album.
Broken Bells – Meyrin Fields EP (Columbia)
The super duo of Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) and James Mercer (the Shins) returns with an EP of two previously unreleased tracks, “Windows” and “Heartless Empire,” and two previously digital-only tracks, “Meyrin Fields” and “An Easy Life.”
deadmau5 – 4×4=12 (Ultra)
To all the mouse-eared fans who think synth-heavy house + dub-step = the cheese, Grammy-nominated dance music producer Joel Zimmerman’s 2010 album is now available as a double vinyl LP.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Live in London (Cobraside)
Originally released as a live DVD, the career-spanning setlist from BRMC’s sold-out 2010 show at the London Forum can now be enjoyed on vinyl. Housed in a triple gatefold package, each LP is pressed on limited edition, uniquely colored recycled vinyl.
Mountain Goats – All Eternals Deck (Merge)
The lyric-driven folk-rock band led by the prolific John Darnielle returns with an album of immediate, emotionally tense narratives – and even some barbershop harmonies. A huge death metal fan, Darnielle enlisted Erik Rutan of Morbid Angel and Hate Eternal to produce four of the album’s tracks.
Okkervil River – “Wake and Be Fine” b/w “Weave Room Blues” 7-inch (Jagjaguwar)
The first single from the band’s forthcoming LP, I Am Very Far.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Belong (Slumberland)
The sophomore album from the New York indie band beefs up its giddy late-’80s/early-’90s indie-pop sound with big arrangements, Smashing Pumpkins-like guitar, and the production team of Flood and Alan Moulder (Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, the Jesus and Mary Chain… Smashing Pumpkins).
The Books – Lost and Safe (Temporary Residence)
The third album from the found sound duo is the third in line to get the vinyl reissue treatment. Originally released in 2005, Lost and Safe is repackaged here with new artwork and lyrics for every song, and boasts a warmer sound thanks to a brilliant remastering job by the Books’ own Nick Zammuto.
Holly Golightly – The Good Things (Damaged Goods)
Vinyl reissue of the 1995 solo debut from England’s garage rock femme fatale. Recorded after her departure from the all-girl Billy Childish backing band Thee Headcoatees.
Obits – Moody, Standard and Poor (Sub Pop)
Sophomore album from the band led by ex-Drive Like Jehu/Hot Snakes frontman Rick Froberg and former Edsel frontman Sohrab Habibion. Proto-punk garage and surf rock greatness.
Vinyl Compilations:
Fania Records 1964-1980: The Original Sound of Latin New York (Strut Records)
The first definitive retrospective from the label responsible for the salsa explosion is being issued as a double gatefold vinyl. Includes outings from Johnny Pacheco (founder of Fania Records and the pachanga dance craze), Larry Harlow, Willie Colon, Hector Lavoe, Bobby Valentin, Ray Barretto, and Celia Cruz.
Disco Love 2: More Rare Disco & Soul Uncovered (BBE)
The ultimate cratedigger/Northern Soul enthusiast, Glaswegian DJ Al Kent follows up last year’s successful Disco Love compilation with a second helping of rare grooves from disco’s heyday.
The Beat Generation: 10th Anniversary Collection (BBE)
The London label celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its producer-led Beat Generation series with this mix compiled by DJ Spinna and Mr. Thing. The double LP features tracks from J Dilla (as Jay Dee), will.i.am, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Marley Marl, Pete Rock, Madlib, and King Britt, among others, pulled from the nine albums recorded for the series.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: March 23rd, 2011
Anticipation runs high this week with two reunited ‘S’ bands – the Strokes and Soundgarden – releasing albums, plus many more long-awaited new releases and reissues. So let’s not wait any longer!
The Strokes – Angles (RCA)
Ten years after their breakthrough debut, the Strokes return from an extended hiatus with their hotly anticipated fourth album, Angles, available on 180-gram gatefold vinyl. All five band members contribute to the songwriting for the first time, making this latest effort one part back-to-basics and the other part varied as ever in its Thin Lizzy riffs, math rock, pomp, and new wave angles.
Soundgarden – Live on I-5, Telephantasm (A&M)
Two new releases from a recently reunited Soundgarden, available on double and triple 180-gram vinyl (respectively). Live on I-5 compiles tracks recorded during the West Coast leg of the Seattle grunge band’s 1996 tour and plays like a greatest hits album with its live versions of “Spoonman,” “Fell on Black Days,” “Burden in My Hand,” and Chris Cornell’s solo performance of “Black Hole Sun” in Seattle. Also included are covers of the Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” and the Stooges’ “Search and Destroy.” Telephantasm is a career-spanning retrospective of hits and rarities that includes the previously unreleased “Black Rain” from the Badmotorfinger recording sessions.
Chicago – Chicago VI reissue (Friday Music)
Chicago’s sixth album was one of the band’s best selling releases. It features the hits “Just You ‘N’ Me” and “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day,” as well as the original lineup of Robert Lamm, Peter Cetera, Terry Kath, Lee Loughnane, Walter Parazaider, James Pankow, and Danny Seraphine. Thanks to Friday Music, this 1973 classic is now available on 180-gram audiophile vinyl.
Howlin’ Wolf – The Howlin’ Wolf Album reissue (Get On Down)
This 1969 album was not the Chicago blues legend’s favorite. In fact, he didn’t like it at all and stated that right on the cover. Controversial as it was in its incorporation of electric instruments and psychedelic arrangements, it is now a classic electric blues album for that very reason, and is remastered here from the original tapes on Stoughton-pressed vinyl.
Travis Barker – Give the Drummer Some (Interscope)
For his solo debut, the Blink-182 drummer and hip-hop producer enlists a host of guest stars including Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, Raekwon, RZA, Slash, Tom Morello, Cypress Hill, Busta Rhymes, the Transplants, Ludacris, Slaughterhouse, Kid Cudi, and Lupe Fiasco (just to name a few). Double vinyl LP pressing.
Dead Kennedys – Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables reissues (Manifesto)
These two 180-gram vinyl reissues commemorate the beginning and the end of the San Francisco political punks’ run. Their classic 1980 debut, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables, includes the hits “California Uber Alles,” “Kill the Poor,” “Holiday in Cambodia,” and a cover of “Viva Las Vegas,” while Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death, a 1987 compilation of singles, rarities, and live tracks released during the band’s final hour, features all the essentials like “Police Truck,” “Too Drunk to Fuck,” “I Fought The Law,” and single versions of “California Uber Alles” and “Holiday in Cambodia.”
Seu Jorge – Carolina reissue (Mr Bongo)
The debut album from the Brazilian singer-songwriter/actor who sang Portuguese Bowie covers in the film The Life Aquatic reissued as double vinyl LP. Produced in collaboration with Beastie Boys producer Mario Caldato, Jr. and originally released in Brazil as Samba Esporte Fino, Carolina is modern samba funk with a nod to (and a cover of) classic Brazilian greats like Jorge Ben Jor.
Primal Scream – Screamadelica: 20th Anniversary Limited Collection Box Set, Import (Sony UK)
The 1991 album that revolutionized British rock by incorporating acid house, techno, and rave culture has been remastered by My Bloody Valentine’s Kevin Shields, and is included in this limited-edition box set as a gatefold double LP. Also included is a CD of remixes, a CD featuring a 1992 live performance of the album in Los Angeles, a Making of Screamadelica DVD, a 12-inch slipmat, tour t-shirt, and a book of exclusive photos and interviews.
Zion I & the Grouch – Heroes in the Healing of the Nation (HBD Label Group)
Though it’s been five years since their 2006 critically acclaimed debut, Heroes in the City of Dope, the West Coast hip-hop stalwarts’ sophomore collaboration couldn’t be more timely, especially in its expanded focus from city to nation.
The Soundtrack of Our Lives – Golden Greats, No. 1 (Little W Productions)
The first greatest hits compilation from the Swedish psychedelic indie-rock band is a career-spanning double LP featuring remastered TSOOL classics as well as the new single “Earthmover,” the never before released “Karmageddon,” and the vinyl-only bonus track “Demophon.”
Acid House Kings – Music Sounds Better with You (Labrador)
Six years after their last release, Sweden’s Acid House Kings return with this perfectly crafted twee-pop album. As sweet as its name, Music Sounds Better with You features 10 single-worthy pop gems bursting with sunny melodies, ’60s French-pop inspiration, and castanets.
Diplo – Riddimentary (Greensleeves/VP Records)
A mix-tape style compilation curated by the Philadelphia DJ, Riddimentary digs deep into the UK reggae label Greensleeves’ archives and chronicles reggae’s ascent from dub to dancehall in the ’80s.
Yellowcard – When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes (Hopeless Records)
Yellowcard’s first release since 2007’s Paper Walls kicks off a year of high profile pop-punk releases from the likes of Sum 41, New Found Glory, and Blink-182. Matching the energy and emotion of Yellowcard’s 2003 success Ocean Avenue, When You’re Through Thinking also marks the band’s return to an indie label after a three album run on Capitol Records.
Keren Ann – 101 (Blue Note)
The Paris/Tel Aviv/NYC artist’s first album since 2007’s self-titled LP, 101 was entirely self-produced and self-penned. The cool, electro chamber pop of opener “My Name Is Trouble” fits the international lady of mystery/femme fatale cover art, and finds the chanteuse expanding her sound in alluring new ways.
Ringo Deathstarr – Colour Trip (Sonic Unyon)
Though they share a name with a Beatle and a Star Wars space station, this Austin, Texas noise-pop trio shares a sonic bloodline with UK shoegazers like Slowdive, the Jesus and Mary Chain, and My Bloody Valentine, giving them the right to spell ‘colour’ with a ‘u’.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: March 16th, 2011
For those of you at SXSW in Austin this week, be sure to check out the Vinyl Records 3.0 Panel on Saturday (3/19) at the Convention Center. For the rest of us, there might not be secret Foo Fighters shows and Texas BBQ, but there are plenty of exciting vinyl reissues and new releases to make staying home not that bad.
First, the reissues:
Wilson Pickett – The Best of Wilson Pickett (Friday Music)
This 1967 collection of Southern soul classics – “In the Midnight Hour,” “Mustang Sally,” “Funky Broadway,” “Land of 1000 Dances” – has been reissued on mono 180-gram audiophile vinyl with the original artwork and liner notes.
Eric Johnson – Ah Via Musicom (Friday Music)
Eric Johnson’s platinum-selling 1990 album gets the 180-gram audiophile vinyl treatment. Features his Grammy-winning instrumental rock masterpiece “Cliffs of Dover,” as well as “Desert Rose.”
The Clash – Give Em Enough Rope (Drastic Plastic)
Limited edition 180-gram reissue of this 1978 punk classic.
Heart – Dreamboat Annie (Friday Music)
The multi-platinum 1975 debut that earned sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson the tag “the female Led Zeppelin” has been reissued on 180-gram audiophile vinyl. Features the classic rock staples “Crazy on You” and “Magic Man,” as well as the more folksy title track and ballad “How Deep It Goes.”
Modern Lovers – 96 Tears (Vinyl Lovers)
180-gram reissue of the earliest surviving recording from the proto-punk band featuring Jonathan Richman, Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads), and David Robinson (The Cars). Recorded live at Harvard University in the summer of 1971 with original second guitarist John Felice.
Rilo Kiley – Take Offs and Landings (Barsuk)
Rilo Kiley’s indie debut is now available for the first time on vinyl! This 180-gram double LP includes the original “secret” track, “Spectacular Views,” and a special etching on the fourth side.
And now, the new releases:
Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears – Scandalous (Lost Highway)
It’s fitting that Black Joe Lewis’ new album is being released the same day as The Best of Wilson Pickett is being reissued. This sophomore release from the Austin, Texas soul rockers serves up a gritty helping of country blues, raw funk, and gritty gospel that would make Pickett proud, and be right at home on Stax Records.
Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers – Rare Bird Alert (Rounder Records)
Steve Martin’s second bluegrass effort establishes that this veteran actor/comedian/novelist/playwright is just as serious about the music – and a damn good banjo player. Features the Dixie Chicks and Paul McCartney, as well as Martin’s live comedy sketch “King Tut.”
J. Mascis – Several Shades of Why (Sub Pop)
Revealing a surprisingly delicate, acoustic side to the shamelessly loud Dinosaur Jr. frontman, Several Shades of Why was created with the help of friends Kurt Vile, Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene), Ben Bridwell (Band of Horses), and Pall Jenkins (Black Heart Procession), among many others.
The Fleshtones – Brooklyn Sound Solution (Yep Roc)
35 years after their CBGB debut, these garage rockers kick out a buzzing mix of fuzzed-out instrumentals and covers that celebrates their love of ’60s rock, blues, and soul, and features legendary Patti Smith guitarist/original Nuggets comp curator Lenny Kaye. Available on 180-gram vinyl.
The Dodos – No Color (Frenchkiss)
Back down to a duo, San Francisco’s percussive indie folkers release a fiery new album featuring backing vocals from Neko Case and more excitement than ever from guitarist Meric Long and drummer Logan Kroeber.
Screeching Weasel – First World Manifesto (Fat Wreck Chords)
The first album in 11 years from these snotty, pop-punk stalwarts is already being called their best since their early ’90s heyday. Features production from All-American Rejects’ Mike Kennerty.
Rise Against – Endgame (DGC/Interscope)
The Chicago punk band’s sixth LP is a dynamic and politically-charged melodic hardcore album, produced by Bill Stevenson of the Descendents. Available on 180-gram vinyl.
North Mississippi All Stars – Keys to the Kingdom (Songs of the South)
The new album from the Southern roots rockers is a tribute to the late father of singer-guitarist Luther Dickinson and drummer Cody Dickinson, the legendary Memphis keyboardist and producer Jim Dickinson. It gathers Jim’s old friends – including Mavis Staples, Ry Cooder, and one of his favorite keyboard players, Spooner Oldham – and also fulfills Jim’s last request in its one-chord blues cover of Bob Dylan’s “Stuck Inside of Mobile (With the Memphis Blues Again).”
Brown Recluse – Evening Tapestry (Slumberland Records)
After releasing a string of EPs and expanding from a duo to a six piece, Brown Recluse has finally released a proper debut long-player, full of horns, harmonies, sunny ’60s pop psychedelia, and pastoral folk daydreams. RIYL: The Zombies, Belle and Sebastian.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: March 9th, 2011
I’ve got to say, I was really taken by the new releases from R.E.M., Kurt Vile, and Wye Oak this week, but there isn’t an album on this list that doesn’t warrant repeated listens or deserve to be heard on vinyl.
R.E.M. – Collapse Into Now (Warner Brothers)
R.E.M.’s 15th studio album is being called the band’s most rewarding record in 15 years. Produced by the Grammy Award-winning Jacknife Lee, it’s an inspired, vital, and expansive work that features an incredible group of guests including Patti Smith, Eddie Vedder, and Peaches.
Tito Puente and His Orchestra – Vaya Puente (Fania Records)
This 1962 Tito Puente album is bursting with Latin dances and Afro-Cuban rhythms. It includes Puente classics like the mambo “Mambo Gil,” the bolero “Solange,” the montuno “Yimbaraco,” and the bembe “Agua-Nile.” It even introduces a new dance in the “Sambaroco,” or sambo-mambo.
Lupe Fiasco – Lasers (Atlantic)
The long-awaited, label-drama delayed, and fan-petitioned third album from the Chicago rapper is full of controversy… and Modest Mouse. Yep, single “The Show Goes On” features a sped-up sample of “Float On.” Lasers also features production by the Neptunes and Soundtrakk, among others, and guest spots from artists including Trey Songz, John Legend, Skylar Gray, and Sway.
Exene Cervenka – The Excitement of Maybe (Bloodshot)
The co-founder of legendary L.A. punk-rock band X, Knitters member, poet, and mixed-media visual artist Exene Cervenka returns with her fifth solo album. Like Cervenka’s famed artwork, this country-folk recording is a collage of matters of the heart, boiled down to their essence just like her poetry.
Buffalo Tom – Skins (Scrawny)
The eighth studio album from ’90s grunge-pop vets Buffalo Tom, Skins follows the band’s 2007 comeback, Three Easy Pieces, with maturity and fresh energy. It also features fellow Boston icon Tanya Donnelly (The Breeders, Throwing Muses) on album standout “Don’t Forget Me.”
Kurt Vile – Smoke Ring for My Halo (Matador)
The Philadelphia singer-songwriter who has earned comparisons to Seger, Springsteen, and Petty returns with his fourth studio album. Full of intricate guitar picking, warm textures, dark fog, and just the right amount of rock swagger, it is evocative psych-folk with extraordinary depth and transfixing melodic complexity.
Cut Copy – Zonoscope (Modular)
The latest release from Melbourne’s electro-pop band Cut Copy is now available as a double LP! Mixed by Ben H. Allen (Animal Collective, Gnarls Barkley), it flirts with disco but also flexes the band’s rhythmic muscles and works some ambient jangle rock into the ’80s synths and pulsing beats. It also works in the hook from Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere” on “Take Me On,” which in turn takes on fellow Aussies Men at Work in its songwriting style.
Beady Eye – Different Gear, Still Speeding (Dangerbird)
The debut album from Liam Gallagher’s new band, which features his former Oasis cohorts Andy Bell, Gem Archer, and Chris Sharrock. So, basically Oasis without Noel – or the pressure of his obsessive, control-freak approach. As a result, Different Gear, Still Speeding is a freewheeling, even bouncy, album that carries the torch for no-frills ’60s rock and roll with some tender acoustic moments thrown in. Double LP pressed on heavyweight vinyl.
Wye Oak – Civilian (Merge Records)
The third album from the Baltimore dream-pop duo begins as lush, electronic-colored folk and unfolds into a mesmerizing sonic landscape marked by shoegaze guitars, blistering melodic noise, gothic Americana rhythms, and somber, hymn-like songs about aloneness and loneliness.
Parts and Labor – Constant Future (Jagjaguwar)
The fifth proper album from the Brooklyn noise-pop trio Parts & Labor nods to heroes like Sonic Youth and Wire while melding art-punk effects with guitar fuzz and anthemic pop hooks. Produced by “maximalist engineer” Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips, MGMT, Mogwai).
Grails – Deep Politics (Temporary Residence, Ltd.)
Influenced by ’70s Italian and occult film scores, this is 21st century library music densely woven with layers of Moogs, mellotrons, and strings. The first 500 orders will receive opaque yellow and dark brown vinyl.
Young Widows – “Future Heart”/”Rose Window” 7-inch (Temporary Residence, Ltd.)
Temporary Residence is giving fans a sneak peak into the Louisville, Kentucky post-punk band’s darker and moodier forthcoming album, In and out of Lightness and Youth (slated for an April 2011 release), with this limited edition 7-inch. Includes the album’s single “Future Heart” and non-album b-side “Rose Window.”
Starfucker – Reptilians (Polyvinyl)
The Portland, Oregon quartet’s sophomore album is an end of the world-inspired, psych-pop dance party featuring the addition of “human drum machine” Keil Corcoran and producer Jacob Portrait (The Dandy Warhols). Available on 180-gram clear or black vinyl.
Rival Schools – Pedals (Photo Finish/Atlantic)
The influential New York post-hardcore pioneers return after nearly a decade with their second album.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: March 2nd, 2011
First off, let me just congratulate Trent Reznor for his Oscar win on Sunday! Making his film score debut with The Social Network, the Nine Inch Nails frontman is the second rock bandleader in history to win an Academy Award for Best Original Score (the first being Talking Heads’ David Byrne, who won for 1987’s The Last Emperor). And now back to this week’s vinyl releases, some of which are arguably just as career affirming.
PJ Harvey – Let England Shake (Vagrant)
Recorded in a 19th century church in Dorset, England, PJ Harvey’s eighth studio album turns its gaze outward to war and the history of conflict, from Gallipoli to Iraq. Folksier in sound and composed around saxophone and autoharp, this revelatory album is one of Harvey’s most lyrically hard-hitting yet sonically pleasing works to date.
Lucinda Williams – Blessed (Lost Highway)
On her tenth studio album, the alt-country singer-songwriter reveals her artistic maturity. Elvis Costello plays guitar on “Seeing Black,” a song that probes the topic of suicide in reference to the late Vic Chesnutt.
Lykke Li – Wounded Rhythms (Atlantic/LL Recordings)
Sweden’s Lykke Li reveals the subject matter of her reverb-drenched sophomore album with track titles like “Love out of Lust,” “Sadness Is a Blessing,” and “Unrequited Love.” She also combines Spector-esque production, tribal drums, dark synths, organ, and her unique vocals to a powerful, clamoring pop effect.
Sonic Youth – Simon Werner a Disparu (SYR)
The ninth official release on Sonic Youth’s edgier, non-commercial label Sonic Youth Recordings (SYR 9) features extended and reorganized versions of the music clips the band composed for the French teen psycho-drama Simon Werner a Disparu. And they are surprisingly piano-oriented!
Afghan Whigs – Gentlemen (Hi-Speed Soul)
Released the same year as Nirvana’s In Utero, Smashing Pumpkin’s Siamese Dream, and Pearl Jam’s Vs., it’s no wonder Afghan Whigs’ 1993 soul-inflected landmark album Gentlemen never broke into the mainstream. Fortunately, it’s getting its proper due with this 180-gram vinyl reissue.
Devotchka – 100 Lovers (ANTI-)
From the band that brought us the soundtrack to Little Miss Sunshine comes an album just as cinematic and vast in its sonic landscapes and incorporation of flamenco and Eastern European gypsy music. Features guest percussionist Mauro Refosco (Atoms for Peace) and members of Calexico.
The Black Keys – The Big Come Up (Alive Records)
The head-turning 2002 debut album from this Akron, Ohio blues-rock duo, reissued on 180-gram vinyl.
This Mortal Coil – It’ll End in Tears (Original Recordings Group)
The first time this 1984 Goth dream-pop landmark release from the 4AD super-group sees a release on vinyl in the US. 180-gram pressing available on black vinyl and limited-edition white vinyl.
Thin Lizzy – Jailbreak, Johnny the Fox, Bad Reputation, Live and Dangerous, Black Rose, Chinatown, Renegade, and Thunder and Lightning (Back on Black)
Eight classic Thin Lizzy albums have been remastered direct from the original tapes, pressed on 180-gram vinyl, and packaged in deluxe gatefold sleeves. According to Back on Black, the first 1000 copies of each title will come in assorted colored vinyl.
Metallica – Garage Inc. (Warner Bros.)
Vinyl reissue of Metallica’s 1998 covers compilation, which features covers of Motörhead, Queen, Black Sabbath, Misfits, Bob Seger, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Thin Lizzy, and Nick Cave, among other influential artists. The vinyl was half-speed mastered from the original tapes by Bernie Grundman Mastering, and is available as a 33 1/3 rpm three-disc gatefold package and as a 45 rpm six-disc 180-gram deluxe box set.
Mike Watt – Hyphenated-Man (Original Recordings Group)
The Minutemen’s bassist and leader Mike Watt has described his new opera/album as “a mirror busted up in 30 pieces… You know, punk-rock guy confronting himself.” On the surface, though, these 30 songs are detailed descriptions of the many little creatures in the paintings of Dutch Renaissance artist Hieronymus Bosch.
Faust/Band of Pain – John Cage – Radio Music (1956) (Dirter)
Limited 10-inch of German krautrockers Faust (Jean-Hervé Péron and Zappi Diermaier) with Steve Pittis presenting four solo versions of John Cage’s 1956 composition “Radio Music.”
Of Montreal – Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? (Polyvinyl)
Deluxe gatefold reissue of the Athens, Georgia band’s 2007 masterpiece. Comes as a 180-gram double LP with four bonus tracks and a poster.
The Go! Team – Rolling Blackouts (Memphis Industries)
The Brighton-based group returns with a rambunctious new album that its songwriter Ian Parton describes as “schizo music” and critics are describing as flawless. Rolling Blackouts blends Sonic Youth fuzz with catchy pop, cinematic ballads, and hip-hop with strings, and features guest vocals from Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino, rapper Dominique Young Unique, Deerhoof’s Satomi Matsuzaki, Lispector, and the London African Gospel Choir.
Slim Cessna’s Auto Club – Unentitled (Alternative Tentacles)
Alt-country/Gothabilly band fronted by the charismatic Slim Cessna and Jay Munly returns with more “creepy-assed Americana.”
Dum Dum Girls – He Gets Me High EP (Sub Pop)
This EP of three originals and a Smiths cover was produced by the L.A. fuzz-pop band’s own singer-songwriter Dee Dee along with the Raveonettes’ Sune Rose Wagner and the songwriter behind the classics “My Boyfriend’s Back” and “I Want Candy,” Richard Gottehrer.
Eisley – The Valley (Equal Vision)
The third album from this young, indie-pop family band works through heartbreak and betrayal with layers of piano, strings, and angelic vocal harmonies.
The Rural Alberta Advantage – Departing (Saddle Creek)
The highly anticipated sophomore album from the Toronto-based power-folk band explores themes of small towns, Canada, and heartbreak, serving as a companion to RAA’s acclaimed debut, Hometowns.
Portugal. The Man – Censored Colors, The Satanic Satanist, and American Ghetto (Equal Vision)
For those of you having trouble finding any of this Portland-via-Wasila, Alaska psych-pop/prog-rock group’s last three albums on vinyl, Equal Vision has answered your pleas with this triple repress.
Papercuts – Fading Parade (Sub Pop)
Papercuts’ debut album for Sub Pop and fourth overall, Fading Parade is dream-pop psychedelia at its finest.
Alexander – Alexander (Vagrant)
The solo debut from Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros’ frontman, Alex Ebert.
Anna Calvi – Anna Calvi (Domino)
The self-titled debut from London’s Anna Calvi, whom Brian Eno has called “the biggest thing since Patti Smith” and whom Nick Cave personally requested to open Grinderman’s European tour last fall. Produced by longtime PJ Harvey collaborator Rob Ellis, it is a dark and seductive pop album with a surreal, David Lynchian sense of drama.
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