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Vinyl Releases of the Week: February 23rd, 2011
I want to make a mixtape of this week’s vinyl releases. Such an interesting sampling of the last 30 years of music here, from Adele to Nirvana and the Cure to Talib Kweli. Not to mention Roxette’s surprise comeback album.
Nirvana – Incesticide (Original Recordings)
This 1992 compilation of rarities, outtakes, and live BBC sessions provides a more accurate glimpse into Nirvana’s character than any of the band’s official albums. Available on 180-gram black or limited-edition clear vinyl.
The Cure – Entreat Plus (Elektra Records)
An expanded version of the 1990 live album Entreat, Entreat Plus replicates a full live performance of the Cure’s career-defining album Disintegration. Now available as a 180-gram double LP.
Adele – 21 (XL/Columbia)
The follow-up to Adele’s Grammy-winning debut 19, 21 trades jazz and folk for country, gospel, and blues, and reflects the British soul singer’s personal growth during these last two critical years.
Esperanza Spalding – Chamber Music Society (Heads Up)
Known as the girl who stole the Best New Artist Grammy from Bieber, Esperanza Spalding has earned her place in music history with this critically acclaimed album that integrates jazz and classical chamber music. Now available as a 180-gram double LP with exclusive bonus content including audio commentary by Esperanza, outtakes, and a preview track from her forthcoming album, Radio Music Society.
Beyoncé – I Am… World Tour: Instrumentals (Music World)
This double vinyl LP features live instrumentals from Beyoncé’s worldwide tour in support of her I Am… Sasha Fierce album. The actual performance versions are used here as opposed to the mixes used in the live I Am… World Tour DVD.
Scissor Sisters – Night Work (Downtown Records)
Scissor Sisters’ 2010 dance album finally sees a release on vinyl. Inspired by the dance floors of Berlin, Night Work was recorded in London, the Bahamas, and New York City, and features the production of Stuart Price (the Killers, Madonna) and the cover photography of Robert Mapplethorpe.
Talib Kweli – Gutter Rainbows (Javotti Media)
Originally intended for a digital-only release, Talib Kweli’s fiercely independent fourth solo album is now available as a double LP. Pressed on randomly mixed, multi-color swirl vinyl, no two records are alike!
Roxette – Charm School (EMI)
The Swedish pop duo that ushered in the ’90s with hits like “The Look,” “Listen to Your Heart,” and “It Must Have Been Love” returns with its first album in a decade.
G. Love – Fixin’ to Die (Brushfire Records)
G. Love joined forces with the Avett Brothers to produce his new solo album (sans Special Sauce), Fixin’ to Die. Taking its name from a Bukka White song, the album is much more introspective and country-influenced than anything G. Love has previously released.
Blues Magoos – Psychedelic Lollipop (Sundazed)
Reissue of the New York garage-psych quintet’s 1966 debut album, sourced from the original Mercury-label stereo masters and featuring the original cover art.
Tim Hecker – Ravedeath, 1972 (Kranky)
Montreal soundscape artist Tim Hecker explores the concept of sonic decay and destruction on his sixth full-length album, Ravedeath, 1972. The foundations of the songs were recorded on pipe organ in a vast church in Iceland, then digitally augmented in the studio. Available as a double vinyl LP.
The Books – The Lemon of Pink (Temporary Residence Ltd.)
Mixing folk instrumentation with found sound samples, New York duo the Books cemented themselves as the masters of experimental sonic collage with this 2003 catalog highlight. Lovingly remastered and repackaged with new artwork and lyrics for every song – including the samples.
The Low Anthem – Smart Flesh (Nonesuch)
Recorded in a vacant Rhode Island pasta sauce factory during the dead of winter, the Low Anthem’s new album employs an unusual array of instruments (jaw harp, singing saw, pump organ) in its mix of rustic Americana and reverb-drenched hymnals. Letterpress-printed, 180-gram vinyl.
Six Organs of Admittance – Asleep on the Floodplain (Drag City)
The new album from Ben Chasny’s psych-folk outlet Six Organs of Admittance is primarily acoustic and draws on imagery from Chasny’s childhood in Elk River. Recorded in Chasny’s living room, it has an intimate feel, and features an appearance from Elisa Ambrogio (Magik Markers).
Cave Singers – No Witch (Jagjaguwar)
Considered the Cave Singers’ rock record, No Witch was recorded with Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Boris), and is much darker and nervier than any of the Seattle blues-folk trio’s previous work.
The Builders and the Butchers – Dead Reckoning (Badman Recording)
Portland’s the Builders and the Butchers take a more stripped-down approach on their fourth album in order to capture the raucous, Pentecostal energy of their live show. Combining eloquent narratives with dark, Southern Americana and Delta blues, Dead Reckoning builds a bridge between 1930s America and the present.
Loch Lomond – Little Me Will Start a Storm (Tender Loving Empire)
The sophomore album from Portland chamber-folk sextet Loch Lomond features harmonic vocals, strings, mandolin, theremin, bass clarinet, piano, guitar, bass, and drums, but is impressively hushed.
Dustin O’Halloran – Lumiere (FatCat)
A departure from the acclaimed pianist’s solo work in its more densely textured symphonies, Lumiere features strings from New York’s ACME ensemble (Grizzly Bear, Matmos), electronics, guitar, and violin from Peter Broderick.
Toro Y Moi – Underneath the Pine (Carpark)
The live instrumental counterpart to Chaz Bundick’s “chillwave” laptop-based debut, Underneath the Pine features some soul-disco and funk in its gauzy glow.
The Luyas – Too Beautiful to Work (Dead Oceans)
The debut album from this Montreal indie quartet is a retro-futuristic waking dream that demands to be heard on vinyl. Highly recommended.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: February 16th, 2011
Wow, so many great vinyl releases this week! If Valentine’s Day didn’t live up to your expectations, these should do the trick. (Or at least be good with chocolate.)
New Releases:
Bright Eyes – The People’s Key (Saddle Creek)
Rumored to be the last album Conor Oberst will release under his Bright Eyes moniker, The People’s Key celebrated the accomplished songwriter’s 31st birthday yesterday with what NPR has deemed “a career-defining work of art.” Not to mention its out of this world packaging! The 180-gram vinyl record comes inside a six-panel, tri-fold, die-cut Stoughton tip-on LP jacket printed on iridescent foil.
Mogwai – Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will (Sub Pop)
The Glaswegian post-rockers’ seventh album is much more upbeat, structured, and subtly nuanced than anything the band has released, and draws from the influence of Krautrockers like Neu! and Can. Young Team producer Paul Savage returns, as does violinist Luke Sutherland. Released as a double LP with digital download.
Asobi Seksu – Fluorescence (Polyvinyl)
A glowing album that feels spontaneous in its flirtations with prog rock and ’60s girl-group pop, but still offers plenty of the Brooklyn shoegazers’ reverb-drenched euphoria. The 180-gram vinyl record comes in a double gatefold jacket and features the artwork of revered 4AD Records artist Vaughn Williams.
Pearl Jam – Live on Ten Legs (Monkeywrench)
The follow-up to 1998’s Live on Two Legs, this live double LP celebrates Pearl Jam’s 20th anniversary with 18 songs recorded over the course of the band’s 2003-2010 world tours.
Cowboy Junkies – Demons (Latent Recordings)
The second installment of Cowboy Junkies’ four-volume “Nomad” series, Demons pays tribute to the late folk musician Vic Chesnutt, a longtime friend of the band, with tasteful covers of overlooked songs from his catalog. 180-gram vinyl with digital download.
Twilight Singers – Dynamite Steps (Sub Pop)
The fifth album from Greg Dulli’s Twilight Singers features driving alt-rock, nocturnal ballads, and classic soul, as well as guests Mark Lanegan, Ani DiFranco, Joseph Arthur, and Petra Haden. Double LP on white vinyl with digital download.
The Thermals – “Not Like Any Other Feeling” 7-inch (Kill Rock Stars)
The third single off the Portland power-punk trio’s 2010 LP Personal Life, “Not Like Any Other Feeling” is paired with the unreleased B-side “Everything I Want.”
Drive-By Truckers – Go-Go Boots (ATO)
The ninth studio album from the Athens, Georgia-based rockers is described by the band’s own Patterson Hood as a “country, soul, and murder ballad album.” It includes two Eddie Hinton covers, and is pressed on 180-gram vinyl.
A Hawk and a Hacksaw – Cervantine (L.M. Dupli-cation)
The fifth album from the Albuquerque, New Mexico band headed by Neutral Milk Hotel’s Jeremy Barnes and violinist Heather Trost. It sticks to their trademark Eastern European gypsy-folk sound, while also honoring the Mexican and Spanish influence of the American Southwest.
Hayes Carll – KMAG YOYO & Other American Stories (Lost Highway)
The fourth album from the Austin, Texas troubadour whose music was featured in the recent film Country Song. A reference to a military acronym (“Kiss My Ass Guys, You’re on Your Own”), KMAG YOYO is full of wit, honesty, and tunes that would make Hank Williams and Merle Haggard proud.
The Dears – Degeneration Street (Dangerbird)
The fifth studio album from the Montreal indie rockers is a highly dramatic and dynamic one full of soaring anthems, heightened emotions, and orchestral pop/rock.
Reissues:
Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Swings Lightly (Original Recordings Group)
Ella Fitzgerald’s Grammy-winning 1958 album remastered from the original analog tapes by Bernie Grundman and released on 180-gram audiophile virgin vinyl.
Thelonious Monk – The Complete Thelonious Monk at the It Club (Mosaic)
A four LP set pressed on 180-gram audiophile virgin vinyl, it captures this 1964 performance by the Thelonious Monk Quartet and Charlie Rouse just as it happened.
Grand Funk Railroad – We Are an American Band (Friday Music)
Grand Funk Railroad’s groundbreaking 1973 album remastered from the original Capitol Records tapes and pressed on gold 180-gram audiophile virgin vinyl.
REO Speedwagon – Hi Infidelity (Friday Music)
Special 30th anniversary edition of REO Speedwagon’s most successful album, remastered from the original tapes and pressed on 180-gram audiophile vinyl.
Whitesnake – Ready An’ Willing / Live…In the Heart of the City (Caroline)
The British rockers’ 1980 releases pressed on red 180-gram audiophile virgin vinyl.
Dio – Dio at Donington UK: Live 1983 and 1987 (Niji)
This live compilation is the first Dio release to be issued on 180-gram vinyl and is an essential retrospective of the band’s game-changing career.
Sonic Youth – Bad Moon Rising (Org Music Label)
Sonic Youth’s second full-length album remastered from the original analog tapes by John Golden and reissued on 180-gram black and orange vinyl.
Spiritualized – Lazer Guided Melodies / Pure Phase (Plain Records)
Spiritualized’s first two majestic astral-rock albums pressed on deluxe 180-gram vinyl.
Spacemen 3 – “Transparent Radiation” / “Take Me to the Other Side” / “Walkin’ with Jesus” 12-inch singles (Fire Records)
Three late-’80s singles from the shoegazing psychedelic punks led by Pete “Sonic Boom” Kember and Spiritualized’s Jason Pierce.
Stanley Turrentine – Up at Minton’s (Analogue Productions)
Live double LP recorded at the legendary New York jazz club on February 23, 1961. It captures one of the saxophonist’s finest performances and features guitarist Grant Green.
Recommended Debuts:
La Sera – La Sera (Hardly Art)
Solo debut from Vivian Girls bassist Katy Goodman.
Lifeguards – Waving at the Astronauts (Serious Business/Ernest Jenning)
Prog-pop masterpiece from Guided by Voices’ Robert Pollard and Doug Gillard.
Yuck – Yuck (Fat Possum)
Calling all fans of Dinosaur Jr. and Teenage Fanclub! This London-based indie rock buzz band has released a highly ambitious and equally promising debut.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: February 9th 2011
Vinyl collecting isn’t just about sifting through old crates of LPs (though nothing beats the thrill of the hunt). As vinyl records continue to make a comeback, more and more artists are embracing the format and releasing their new albums on vinyl – often for close to the same price as a CD, and often with a digital download coupon. At the same time, reissues of classic albums that have been remastered afford a cleaner sound and enhanced overall listening experience to those old treasures you once hunted down. So, let’s take a look at what hit the shelves this week!
Eagles – Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 Re-issue (Rhino)
One of the top-selling albums of all time is now available on 180-gram vinyl. This collection features the band’s hit singles prior to the release of Hotel California. Classics like “Take It to the Limit” and “Best of My Love” sound better than ever before.
Motörhead – The Wörld is Yours (EMI)
The 20th studio album from veteran British rock band Motörhead. Bassist/singer Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, guitarist Phil Campbell, and drummer Mikkey Dee thrash as hard as ever here as they take a hell-raising look at modern society and invite listeners to do the same. The album was initially released only as a CD on the front of Classic Rock Magazine.
Bauhaus – Crackle (Beggars Banquet)
Finally, this greatest-hits compilation is available on vinyl! Crackle draws from the goth-rock forefathers’ first four albums, including everything from “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” to “She’s in Parties” and their hit cover of David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust.” Resequenced and remastered from the original 1998 release, this double LP is packaged in a gatefold sleeve with under 20 minutes playing time per side, making it a loud cut with minimum compression.
Jack Johnson – Brushfire Fairytales (Everloving)
Jack Johnson’s multi-platinum acoustic pop/rock debut. This 10th anniversary reissue was remastered by famed engineer Bernie Grundman and cut directly from tape. It includes live versions of “Flake” and “Inaudible Melodies” as digital downloads.
Okkervil River – “Mermaid” 12-inch single (Jagjaguwar)
The new single from indie-rock/alt-country band Okkervil River. This vinyl 12-inch features the instrumentally lush “Mermaid” and “Walked out on a Line” from the band’s upcoming full length, I Am Very Far, due out May 10. It also includes a digital download of both songs.
…And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead – Tao of the Dead (Superball)
…Trail of Dead’s new double LP indulges their prog-rock tendencies and marks a return to their more bombastic roots. An epic homage to influences like Pink Floyd, Neu!, Rush, and Yes, Tao of the Dead is being heralded as competition for the band’s 2002 cornerstone, Source Tags & Codes (Interscope). Includes a digital download coupon.
Akron/Family – Akron/Family II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT (Dead Oceans)
The highly anticipated and highly mysterious fifth album from psychedelic noise-folk band Akron/Family. It was written in a cabin on the side of an active volcano in Japan, recorded in an abandoned train station in Detroit, and its producer predicts it will “transcend the internet.” Released as a double LP.
Jessica Lea Mayfield – Tell Me (Nonesuch)
A 21-year-old Jessica Lea Mayfield follows her impressive debut, With Blasphemy So Heartfelt, with Tell Me, a dark-hued Americana album produced by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. The 12-inch vinyl LP comes with a 10-inch live EP, as well as a digital download code for both albums.
Nicole Atkins – Mondo Amore (Razor & Tie)
Recalling a more commanding Stevie Nicks or a more ethereal Janis Joplin, this New Jersey songstress’ new album, Mondo Amore, is brimming with dramatic tension, soulful pop, and gritty blues-rock.
Recommended Debuts from the Indie Section:
Esben and the Witch: Violet Cries (Matador Records)
Taking its name from a Danish fairytale, this Brighton, England trio is mystifying and literary. Their dark and atmospheric debut album, Violet Cries, echoes late Scott Walker and Nick Cave in its instrumentation, and PJ Harvey in its vocals. Includes a digital download.
Wild Nothing: Gemini (Captured Tracks)
Wild Nothing is Jack Tatum of Blacksburg, Virginia. His debut album, Gemini, is reminiscent of guitar-driven shoegaze, new wave, and dream-pop of the 1990s, and rife with sonic detail. Audiophile heaven.
Thai? Dai!: The Heavier Sound of the Luk Thung Underground (B-Music)
Underground Thai rock that melds Thai folklore with garage and psychedelia. Check it out!
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The Best Miles Davis Albums
Miles Davis is one of the most important figures in modern music. He began his career in the bebop scene with Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, reinvented jazz with John Coltane in the 50’s, formed one of the greatest jazz bands in the 60’s, played with Hendrix, introduced electric jazz towards the end of the decade, and embraced hip hop towards the end of his career and life. Miles never made apologies. Miles called his own shots. He drove Ferraris, dated beautiful women, wore the best clothes, did every drug in the book, and didn’t give a shit about anyone who had a problem with that. Of course, outside of his sometimes abrasive personality, Miles Davis will go down in history for his forward-thinking and vast musical vision. Let’s look at his most important albums.
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Topics: jazz, Musicians I Like | 2 Comments »
2010 Year in Review
Another year has passed, and one of the things I like to spout off around the beginning of the year is the importance of trying something new. When it comes to music, expanding your horizons is both exciting and rewarding. While we may sometimes think that we only really like a few different kinds of music, the truth is we often can find many things we enjoy about all kinds of music if we just give it a chance. Anyway, here are some posts I’ve posted this past year…maybe you’ll find something that you’re interested in!
Pink Floyd:
Pink Floyd is one of the most famous groups to come out of the 60’s and 70’s. Their music was both complex and interesting, yet approachable and enjoyable. Read about the best Pink Floyd albums, and give them a listen.
Soul:
Soul music is one of those things that very few people will admit they like, yet, whenever a classic soul song comes on the radio, they know all of the words. Stop kidding yourselves. Soul music is relevant to everybody, and the people behind this classic American genre were some of the greatest musicians and performers of the 20th and 21st century. Check out the best soul albums and build your collection of this great musical style.
Mad Musical Skills:
Musical virtuosos, in other words, people who are masters of their instrument, and not too shy about it are always a pleasure to listen to. Everyone enjoys the intensity that comes from a musician who can play fast and hard, and take you on a wild musical journey. Check out these amazingly skilled musicians for a great time!
Underrated Albums:
So many musicians have had their successes and failures, but mostly (even the most popular musicians) have failures. Albums that are considered failures almost always contain some under-appreciated gems. Maybe the musician is moving in a different direction that goes unappreciated, or the album flops due to poor support from the record label. Either way, these unappreciated albums all contain some great music that flew under the radar.
1970’s Rock:
The 1970’s were a great time for rock music. With the experimental 1960’s in the past, a new appreciation of jazz and blues, and changing social mores, 70’s rock was musically interesting, and culturally relevant. We also saw the rise of arena rock that brought millions of new music fans into the fold, and was a precursor to 80’s hard rock and heavy metal. Here are some of the best rock albums from the 70’s.
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The Beatles Are On iTunes!
So, the big news from Apple is that the Beatles are now available on iTunes. People have been waiting forever for this day, and many believed it would never happen, but it’s now official! Hooray!
Of course, before I go any further, let me say that I use iTunes all the time, and I own an iPod. I like the service, and I like the hardware…But, the Beatles? Digital??? I mean, I admit, I already have all of the Beatles albums digitized and on my iPod and computer, but the best way to experience the Beatles is ANALOG!!
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