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Vinyl Roundup: September 18, 2012
There have been some exciting vinyl releases so far this month: picture discs from country and blues legends, new music from Bob Dylan, live performances by the Rolling Stones, and unearthed demos from the Knack are just a few highlights.
Bob Dylan – Tempest (Columbia)
This new album by Bob Dylan comes 50 years after the release of his eponymous debut and marks his 35th studio album to date. Double 180-gram vinyl plus CD.
The Rolling Stones – Some Girls: Live in Texas ’78 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
Recorded at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas, this album captures a raw and energetic Rolling Stones during their legendary 1978 U.S. tour in support of the album Some Girls. Features a mix of Some Girls tracks (“Beast of Burden,” “Miss You”) and earlier Stones classics like “Brown Sugar,” “Honky Tonk Women,” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” Double LP.
Muddy Waters and the Rolling Stones – Live at the Checkerboard Lounge Chicago 1981 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
It doesn’t get much better than the night the Rolling Stones joined Muddy Waters onstage at Buddy Guy’s Checkerboard Lounge in Chicago. Recorded in the middle of the Stones’ American tour on November 22, 1981, this album captures that amazing night on a double vinyl LP.
Grateful Dead – From the Mars Hotel (Friday Music)
Originally released in 1974 and out of print for the past three decades, From the Mars Hotel is now available for the first time on 180-gram audiophile vinyl.
Johnny Winter – Johnny Winter (Friday Music)
First-time audiophile vinyl reissue of Johnny Winter’s amazing 1969 debut, a self-produced blues rock classic recorded during the height of Winter’s rise to fame. Features legendary bluesmen Willie Dixon and Shakey Horton, as well Johnny’s brother Edgar Winter. This limited-edition pressing includes brand new liner notes about the sessions from Johnny Winter himself.
John Lee Hooker – Electric Blues (Cleopatra)
Limited-edition 12-inch picture disc featuring classic studio recordings from the blues legend including “Never Satisfied” and “Notoriety Woman.”
Billie Holiday – Lady Day: The Ultimate Collection (Cleopatra)
Collector’s edition 12-inch vinyl picture disc featuring Billie Holiday performing her signature tunes including “Lover Man,” “God Bless the Child,” and “Don’t Explain.”
Patsy Cline – Walkin’ After Midnight (Cleopatra)
Limited-edition 12-inch vinyl picture disc presents Patsy Cline’s classic country favorites like “Walkin’ After Midnight.”
The Knack – Rock & Roll Is Good for You (Omnivore Recordings)
These demo recordings from 1973 and 1975 capture the genesis of this influential power-pop band. Never before released, they include different versions of well-known songs like “Good Girls Don’t” and “That’s What the Little Girls Do,” as well as the elements of other songs that would be reworked and rewritten. A treat for any fan!
Melissa Etheridge – 4th Street Feeling (Island)
The 12th studio album from Grammy Award winner Melissa Etheridge is now available as a double vinyl LP with digital download.
Alanis Morissette – Havoc and Bright Lights (Sony UK Import)
The first album in four years from the Grammy Award winner and new mom Alanis Morissette is now available on vinyl as a UK import. Havoc and Bright Lights was produced by Guy Sigsworth (Bjork, Madonna) and Joe Chiccarelli (Tori Amos, Elton John, U2).
Brian Setzer – Rockabilly Riot! Live from the Planet (Surfdog)
Triple vinyl LP collecting the best performances from Brian Setzer’s recent Rockabilly Riot! world tour.
Weather Report – Live in Berlin 1975 (Made in Germany Music)
Originally released last year in celebration of Weather Report’s 40th anniversary, this phenomenal live album is now available on vinyl. Features the fusion pioneers, who were founded by Miles Davis alumni Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter, performing at the Berliner Jazztage in 1975.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – Rattle Them Bones (Savoy Jazz)
Speaking of rockabilly and big-band swing, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has a new album out. Rattle Them Bones celebrates the SoCal swing revival band’s 20 years together and is its eighth studio album to date.
Dave Matthews Band – Away from the World (RCA)
For its new album, the Dave Matthews Band reunited with producer Steve Lillywhite who helmed the band’s mid-‘90s albums like Crash.
Animal Collective – Centipede Hz (Domino)
A 180-gram double vinyl pressing of Animal Collective’s tenth album, the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2009 masterpiece Merriweather Post Pavilion and first album since 2007’s Strawberry Jam to feature all four original members.
Cat Power – Sun (Matador)
Double vinyl pressing of Chan Marshall’s first album of new material in over six years. Sun was written, performed, recorded, and produced by Marshall herself and is a self-proclaimed rebirth for the artist, reflecting a more joyful and adventurous approach to music.
The Dark Knight Rises: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (WaterTower Music)
Limited 180-gram vinyl pressing of Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack to the final installment of the Dark Knight trilogy.
Calexico – Algiers (ANTI-)
For their seventh studio album, the Arizona alt-country vets stepped outside of their Southwestern environs and set up shop in New Orleans. Named after the neighborhood in New Orleans where the bulk of the album was recorded, Algiers doesn’t go the obvious New Orleans route but bursts with new inspiration.
NoFX – Self Entitled (Fat Wreck Chords)
Brace yourself NoFX fans: the punk institution is back with its 12th studio album!
Massive Attack – Blue Lines, Protection (Virgin Records)
Import-only vinyl reissues of two benchmark trip-hop albums from the UK band: Massive Attack’s 1991 debut album, Blue Lines, and its 1994 follow-up, Protection.
LCD Soundsystem – LCD Soundsystem (DFA Records)
Limited-edition vinyl reissue of LCD Soundsystem’s 2005 debut album.
Pet Shop Boys – Elysium (Astralwerks)
The new album from the English electronic dance-pop group marks the first time the duo recorded an album in the U.S. Produced by Kanye West affiliate Andrew Dawson, Elysium includes the single “Winner,” which the Pet Shop Boys previewed this summer at the 2012 London Olympics. Gatefold double LP.
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Vinyl Roundup: August 29, 2012
A roundup of recent vinyl releases just in time for Labor Day weekend!
Jimi Hendrix – “Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)” / “Calling All the Devil’s Children” 7-inch (Sundazed Music, Inc.)
The second installment in Sundazed’s Jimi Hendrix singles series pairs Hendrix’s reading of Earl King’s R&B classic “Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)” with the Hendrix original “Calling All the Devil’s Children.” Both tracks feature the classic Jimi Hendrix Experience lineup of Hendrix on guitar and vocals, Noel Redding on bass, and Mitch Mitchell on drums.
KISS – Destroyer [Resurrected] (Mercury)
KISS’s 1976 landmark album Destroyer has been “Resurrected”: newly remixed from the original master tapes by the album’s producer, Bob Ezrin, and pressed on vinyl. Now you can experience one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time like never before, with enhanced texture and vibrancy – and the originally intended artwork thought too controversial at the time.
Dead Can Dance – Anastasis (Pias America)
KISS aren’t the only ones being resurrected this month. The Australian ambient world-fusion duo Dead Can Dance is back with its first album in 16 years, the title of which, Anastasis, just happens to be the Greek word for “resurrection.”
Bloc Party – Four (Frenchkiss)
The British post-punk band Bloc Party is also back with its fourth album, fittingly titled Four. The album finds the band returning to a rock and roll framework after its move into electronic territory on 2008’s Intimacy. 180-gram vinyl with digital download. Produced by Alex Newport (the Mars Volta, At the Drive-In).
The Prodigy – Music for the Jilted Generation (XL Recordings)
Double vinyl reissue of the pivotal 1994 sophomore album from the Prodigy, which found the English group moving away from rave and acid house toward break-beat techno.
Toto – Toto (Friday Music)
Re-mastered 180-gram audiophile reissue of the 1978 debut album by Toto. Features the smash hit “Hold the Line.”
Swans – The Seer (Young God Records)
The second album from the “heaviest band in the world” since it reformed in 2010 after a 14-year hiatus. The Seer has been described by frontman Michael Gira as “the culmination of every previous Swans album” and taking 30 years to make. It is presented here as a triple vinyl box set.
The Isley Brothers – Twist & Shout (Sundazed Music, Inc.)
The legendary R&B trio’s 1962 hit album has been sourced from the original stereo tapes and reissued on 180-gram vinyl with the complete original cover art.
Sigur Ros – Varud (XL Recordings)
Limited-edition 10-inch vinyl featuring the song “Varud” off the Icelandic band’s latest album, Valtari, along with unreleased track “Logn.”
Alan Parsons Project – Ammonia Avenue (Music on Vinyl Import)
Imported 180-gram audiophile vinyl reissue of the British prog-rock band’s 1984 album featuring the hits “Don’t Answer Me” and “Prime Time.”
Big Brother & the Holding Company – Big Brother & the Holding Company, Cheap Thrills (Sony Legacy)
Janis Joplin’s two albums with Big Brother & the Holding Company reissued on 180-gram audiophile vinyl. The eponymous Big Brother & the Holding Company was originally released in 1967 and introduced Joplin to the world of rock. Cheap Thrills (1968) was the group’s major-label debut and features the classics “Summertime” and “Piece of My Heart.”
Janis Joplin – I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! (Sony Legacy)
Janis Joplin’s first solo album after leaving Big Brother & the Holding Company has been sourced from the original master tapes and reissued on 180-gram audiophile vinyl. Originally released in 1969, the album includes some of Joplin’s best performances including opener “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder).”
Spain – The Blue Moods of Spain, She Haunts My Dreams, I Believe (Omnivore Recordings)
Limited-edition 180-gram color vinyl reissues of the indie-rock band’s three universally lauded albums: The Blue Moods of Spain (1995), She Haunts My Dreams (1999), and I Believe (2001). If they slipped past your radar the first time around, be sure to experience them now as they were meant to be heard – on vinyl.
Dave Matthews Band – “Mercy”/”Gaucho” 7-inch (RCA)
First single from DMB’s forthcoming album Away from the World (due out this September).
Owl City – The Midsummer Station (Universal Republic)
New album from the electronica-pop band responsible for the quadruple-platinum hit single “Fireflies.” The Midsummer Station features guests Mark Hoppus (blink-182) and Carly Rae Jepson.
Grizzly Bear – Yellow House, Veckatimest (Warp Records)
For the first time on 180-gram vinyl, the indie-rock band’s otherworldly 2006 album, Yellow House, and its dazzling 2009 follow-up, Veckatimest.
Also, be sure to check out the bounty of recent imports from Universal UK:
Audioslave – Out of Exile (Universal UK Import)
Iggy Pop – Blah Blah Blah (Universal UK Import)
Marilyn Manson – Mechanical Animals (Universal UK Import)
Weezer – Weezer (Universal UK Import)
Portishead – Dummy (Universal UK Import)
Feist – Let It Die (Universal UK Import)
Limp Bizkit – Significant Other (Universal UK Import)
Talk Talk – Laughing Stock (Universal UK Import)
Jimmy Eat World – Bleed American (Universal UK Import)
The Stone Roses – Second Coming (Universal UK Import)
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: August 15, 2012
How fitting is this: the Beach Boys’ new album sees its vinyl release the same week that Sundazed reissues classic titles from three Phil Spector-produced groups. Talk about a Wall of Sound! This week we also get to enjoy Another Side of Bob Dylan on audiophile vinyl, the best of the Lovin’ Spoonful, and incredible live albums from Neil Diamond, the Specials, Marvin Gaye, and Deep Purple.
The Beach Boys – That’s Why God Made the Radio (Capitol)
The wait is over – the new Beach Boys album is now available on vinyl! The California pop legends’ first new studio material in over two decades, That’s Why God Made the Radio features surviving members Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks.
Bob Dylan – Another Side of Bob Dylan (Mobile Fidelity)
Dylan’s fourth album comes alive on the wide grooves of this 180-gram 45rpm double vinyl reissue. Recorded in just one day, this 1964 album is the loosest of Dylan’s ‘60s records, capturing his more whimsical side. Includes the classic tracks “It Ain’t Me Babe,” “Chimes of Freedom,” and “All I Really Want to Do.”
The Ronettes – Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes (Sundazed Music, Inc.)
The Ronettes were the ultimate Phil Spector girl group and this 1964 album collects all of the trio’s early hits including “Be My Baby,” “Baby (I Love You),” “Walking in the Rain,” “Do I Love You?” and the Ronettes’ original version of “Chapel of Love” (which predates the Dixie Cups’ hit version).
The Crystals – Twist Uptown, He’s a Rebel (Sundazed Music, Inc.)
Vinyl reissues of the Crystals’ debut 1962 LP, Twist Uptown – the first full album produced by Phil Spector and the first to receive his Wall of Sound studio treatment – and its 1963 follow-up, He’s a Rebel.
Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans – Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah (Sundazed Music, Inc.)
Vinyl reissue of the sole release from the Phil Spector-produced trio featuring the great Darlene Love. Originally released in 1963, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah features the hit title track as well as the singles “Why Do Lovers Break Each Other’s Hearts?” and “Not Too Young to Get Married.”’
Neil Diamond – Hot August Night (Geffen)
The 40th anniversary double vinyl reissue of this glorious 1972 live album. Recorded at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre, Hot August Night is the ultimate Neil Diamond experience and includes classics “Sweet Caroline,” “I Am … I Said,” “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon,” “Solitary Man,” “Cherry, Cherry,” and “Cracklin’ Rosie.”
Deep Purple – Last Concert in Japan (Friday Music)
Limited-edition 180-gram vinyl reissue of this rare live LP from the hard-rock legends – never released in the US until now. Recorded in 1976, it features the Mark IV lineup performing the powerful tracks “Burn,” “Smoke on the Water,” and “Highway Star,” along with many more fan favorites.
The Byrds – Ballad of Easy Rider (Friday Music)
For the first time on 180-gram audiophile vinyl, the Byrds’ 1969 album Ballad of Easy Rider. One of the best albums of their later period, it features the hit title track (penned by Roger McGuinn and Bob Dylan and used as the theme in the classic film Easy Rider), as well as “Oil in My Lamp” and “Jesus Is Just Alright.”
The Lovin’ Spoonful – The Best of the Lovin’ Spoonful (Friday Music)
This chart-topping 1967 Summer of Love LP from the Byrds’ East Coast counterparts is now available on 180-gram vinyl! Features the hit singles “Do You Believe in Magic?” “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice,” “Daydream,” and “Summer in the City.”
Marvin Gaye – Live (Cleopatra)
A beautiful 12-inch picture disc collection of live performances by Marvin Gaye. Includes must-hear renditions of “Let’s Get It On,” “What’s Going On,” “Sexual Healing,” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”
MC5 – Kick Out the Jams 1966-1970 (Cleopatra)
A 12-inch vinyl picture disc compilation spanning the critical early years of this influential proto-punk band from the Motor City.
The Specials – More … or Less, The Specials Live (EMI Import)
Double vinyl pressing of this 2012 live collection from the legendary late-‘70s British ska revivalists. Recorded during their 2011 reunion tour, it includes all their classics.
Bush – Razorblade Suitcase (1-2-3-4 GO)
Bush’s 1996 album, Razorblade Suitcase, reissued on color vinyl! The follow-up to the British grunge band’s breakout debut, Sixteen Stone, Razorblade Suitcase was produced by Steve Albini (Nirvana, the Pixies) and features the hits “Swallowed” and “Greedy Fly.”
Donnie Darko Soundtrack (Everloving)
Composer Michael Andrews’ evocative score from the 2001 cult film features 16 original instrumental tracks, full of vintage Moogs and electric vibraphones, and his haunting minimalist cover of Tears for Fears’ 1982 hit “Mad World.”
The Rose Soundtrack (Mobile Fidelity)
The soundtrack for the 1979 film, which stars Bette Midler in her first leading role, embodying the persona of Janis Joplin. Includes her definitive reading of “When a Man Loves a Woman” and signature title track.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: August 9, 2012
Can you imagine being in the shoes of Larry Kane, the only American reporter the Beatles let come along with them during their early U.S. tours? Well you can get a taste of his experience this week with the vinyl release of Larry Kane’s Ticket to Ride, featuring his most enlightening interviews with the Beatles. We also have an exciting Bad Brains live album, a Rob Zombie remix record, and fancy reissues from indie rockers Yo La Tengo and Archers of Loaf.
The Beatles – Larry Kane’s Ticket to Ride (Vinyl Legacy)
Picture disc vinyl featuring Larry Kane’s legendary interviews with the Beatles during each stop of their historic 1964 and 1965 tours of North America. Everything is discussed, from world politics to their fans and their fears.
Bad Brains – Live at CBGB 1982 (CBGB Records)
Listen to the hardcore punk band at its peak on red, green, and gold swirl vinyl! This vinyl-only release contains audio selections from the DVD of the same name. But don’t be confused – these are not the live songs featured on the CD release.
Rob Zombie – Mondo Sex Head (Geffen)
Double LP remix album curated by Jason Bentley, music director at L.A.’s KCRW. Includes remixes of White Zombie’s ‘90s hits “Thunder Kiss ’65” and “More Human Than Human.”
Yo La Tengo – Popular Songs (Matador)
Exquisite double vinyl reissue of YLT’s critically acclaimed 2009 album. Pressed on 180-gram vinyl and presented in a heavy-duty gatefold sleeve.
Archers of Loaf – All the Nations Airports, White Trash Heroes (Merge)
Archers of Loaf’s final two albums get the vinyl treatment courtesy of Merge Records. All the Nations Airports (1996) is presented on clear vinyl and White Trash Heroes (1998) on white vinyl.
Nas – Life Is Good (Def Jam)
“Queens’ rap godfather” is back with his first new studio album in four years. Life Is Good is a nostalgic record on which Nas draws influence from ‘80s golden age hip-hop and reflects on his personal life.
Antibalas – Antibalas (Daptone)
An explosive new six-song LP from Brooklyn’s Fela Kuti-inspired Afrobeat ensemble.
Los Straitjackets – Jet Set (Yep Roc)
The wildly original new album from the masked kings of instrumental rock, Los Straitjackets. Includes guest appearances by the Basic Cable Horns (from Conan’s show) and Finnish musician Irina Bjorklund on musical saw and the album’s only vocals. 180-gram vinyl.
Charley Patton – Rough Guide to Charley Patton (World Music Network)
Delta Blues legend Charley Patton is “reborn and re-mastered” on this comprehensive collection of his finest works. 180-gram vinyl.
Antony and the Johnsons – Cut the World (Secretly Canadian)
A collection of live symphonic performances recorded in Copenhagen with the Danish National Chamber Orchestra. Features songs from the band’s four full-length albums, plus one new track, “Cut the World,” which was originally composed for Robert Wilson’s play “The Life and Death of Marina Abramovic.”
Turbonegro – Sexual Harassment (Volcom)
The Norwegian glam-punk band returns with its ninth album, and one of its best to date according to NME. Features new lead singer Tony Sylvester and plenty of cheeky rock and roll.
Joe Jackson – The Duke (Ais Import)
Vinyl import of Joe Jackson’s 2012 tribute to big band legend Duke Ellington. On the album the Grammy nominee interprets a series of Ellington classics with help from Iggy Pop, Sharon Jones, guitarist Steve Vai, and the Roots’ drummer ?uestlove, among others.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: August 2, 2012
It’s a full-on British Invasion this week with the London Olympics and vinyl releases from Blur, the Smiths, and Joss Stone! The Americans are not absent from the medal stand, though, thanks to exciting reissues from Canned Heat, Sam & Dave, and Los Lobos, as well as a new album from Jamaican reggae legend Jimmy Cliff.
Blur – Leisure (1991), Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993), Parklife (1994), The Great Escape (1995), Blur (1997), 13 (1999), Think Tank (2003) (Virgin Records)
These ‘90s Britpop legends were honored in the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, and now they are getting the royal treatment with all seven of their studio albums re-mastered and reissued on 180-gram audiophile vinyl. With the exception of Blur’s debut, Leisure, each album has been expanded to a double LP.
The Smiths – Hatful of Hollow (Rhino)
Another great British band gets a vinyl reissue this week! The Smiths’ 1984 collection of singles and rarities, Hatful of Hollow is a must for fans and includes the original BBC recordings of songs that would be re-recorded for the band’s self-titled debut.
Joss Stone – The Soul Sessions, Vol. 2 (S-Curve)
Double vinyl pressing of the new album from the Grammy-winning British soul-singer. A follow-up to Stone’s successful 2003 debut, The Soul Sessions, the album is a collection of soul covers with one R&B take on a contemporary song – Broken Bells’ “The High Road.”
Jimmy Cliff – Rebirth (Hip-O)
Limited-edition vinyl pressing of the new studio album from reggae legend Jimmy Cliff – his first new full-length in over seven years! A mix of ska, rocksteady, and pop, Rebirth features production from Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong and covers of the Clash’s “The Guns of Brixton” and Rancid’s “Ruby Soho.”
Canned Heat – Cookbook (The Best of Canned Heat) (Friday Music)
For the first time on 180-gram vinyl is this 1969 best-of compilation from the rock and boogie band Canned Heat. Includes the classics “Going Up the Country” and “On the Road Again.”
Sam & Dave – The Best of Sam & Dave (Friday Music)
Another audiophile-first courtesy of Friday Music is this best-of compilation from ‘60s soul/R&B legends Sam & Dave, originally released in 1969. Features definitive hits like “Soul Man,” “When Something Is Wrong with My Baby,” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” as well as backing from Booker T. & the MG’s and the songwriting team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter.
Los Lobos – By the Light of the Moon (Mobile Fidelity)
Re-mastered 180-gram vinyl reissue of Los Lobos’s classic 1987 album. According to MoFi: “For the first time, T-Bone Burnett’s stripped-back production functions as it should. Namely, Los Lobos sound as if they’re playing at a small, sweaty neighborhood joint late on a Sunday night for an audience of locals, friends, and family.”
Bob Marley and the Wailers – In Dub, Vol. 1 (Island)
Vinyl pressing of the previously digital-only collection of classic Bob Marley dub remixes.
Regina Spektor – What We Saw from the Cheap Seats (Sire Records)
Vinyl pressing of the quirky pop songstress’s sixth album, a collection of new material and old live favorites.
At the Drive-In – in/CASINO/OUT (Fearless Records)
Reissue of the post-hardcore band’s classic 1998 sophomore album on clear 12-inch vinyl.
Dirty Projectors – Swing Lo Magellan (Domino)
Dirty Projectors’ sixth album is a jump in a new direction for the Brooklyn indie-rock band with its emphasis on the songs and the songwriting.
Old 97’s – Drag It Up (2004), Mimeograph EP (2010), The Grand Theatre, Vol. 1 (2010), The Grand Theatre, Vol. 2 (2011) (New West Records)
Re-mastered 180-gram vinyl reissues of three studio albums from the Dallas, Texas alt-country pioneers, and a 180-gram 10-inch reissue of their 2010 covers EP, Mimeograph.
The Gun Club – Pastoral Hide and Seek (Bang! Records)
Re-mastered vinyl reissue of the L.A. punk-blues band’s 1990 studio album.
Charles Bukowski – Bukowski Reads His Poetry (Real Gone Music)
This 1980 release is based on a September 14, 1972 poetry reading by Charles Bukowski in San Francisco, and it has been restored to vinyl courtesy of Real Gone Music who states: “If there were ever an echo of the analog world, this album would be it.”
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: July 26, 2012
I am jumping up and down with excitement over this week’s new releases from Patti Smith and Neil Young. There are also some great reissues from Pantera, Yaz, and the Monkees (what a combo!).
Neil Young – Americana (Reprise)
The first album from Neil Young and Crazy Horse in nearly nine years, Americana is a collection of American folk songs including “Oh Susannah,” “Clementine,” and “This Land Is Your Land” (including the original, deleted verses). Double vinyl LP.
Patti Smith – Banga (Columbia)
Patti Smith’s first collection of original material since 2004’s Trampin’, Banga was inspired by Smith’s dreams and observations. Among its many reflections on the world is a rock song for the people of Japan affected by last year’s earthquake (“Fuji-san”), a ballad in memory of Amy Winehouse (“This Is the Girl”), and a birthday song for friend Johnny Depp (“Nine”). Featured guests include Tom Verlaine, Jack Petruzzelli, Smith’s son Jackson, and her daughter Jesse Paris. 180-gram double LP.
Yaz – Upstairs at Eric’s (Mobile Fidelity)
Limited-edition vinyl pressing of the influential 1982 debut from the British synth-pop duo of Vince Clarke (ex-Depeche Mode) and Alison Moyet. Features the hit “Situation” in its entire Club Mix version, as well as “Don’t Go” and “Only You.” A new wave classic!
Pantera – The Great Southern Trendkill, Reinventing the Steel, Official Live: 101 Proof (Elektra)
Metal fans get three 180-gram Pantera reissues this week presented in tip-on gatefold jackets: 1996’s The Great Southern Trendkill, expanded to two LPs; 2000’s Reinventing the Steel; and the 1997 live album Official Live: 101 Proof.
The Monkees – Instant Replay (Friday Music)
For the first time on 180-gram audiophile vinyl, the Monkees’ 1969 album Instant Replay. Includes the hit single “Tear Drop City,” Mike Nesmith’s Nashville sessions, Micky Dolenz’s “Shorty Blackwell,” and Davy Jones’ “You and I” featuring Neil Young on guitar.
Sugar – Copper Blue/Beaster, File Under: Easy Listening (Merge Records)
Re-mastered vinyl reissues from Bob Mould’s post- Hüsker Dü band Sugar. The band’s quintessential 1992 debut, Copper Blue, has been paired with its companion EP, Beaster, on a double LP (plus digital downloads of both records, B-sides, and a complete 1992 live show), and the band’s 1994 sophomore full length, File Under: Easy Listening, is also presented on vinyl with a digital download of the full record, B-sides, and a complete 1994 live show.
Whitesnake – 1987, Slide It In, Slip of the Tongue (EMI Imports)
Re-mastered 180-gram vinyl imports of three classic albums from the British hard-rock band, all presented in gatefold jackets with new artwork: the 25th Anniversary Edition of White Snake’s 1987 breakout album, known as Whitesnake in the US and 1987 in Europe, on marbled vinyl featuring the European tracklisting; its 1984 predecessor Slide It In, presented on limited-edition white vinyl and featuring the European tracklisting; and its 1989 follow-up, Slip of the Tongue, presented on limited-edition red vinyl.
John Lee Hooker – That’s My Story (Original Blues Classics)
Vinyl reissue of this ruminative 1960 album from the great bluesman, John Lee Hooker. Features a more stripped-back acoustic sound and features two of Cannonball Adderley’s sidemen, acoustic bassist Sam Jones and drummer Louis Hayes, on many of its tracks.
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