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Top 8 Romantic Records
Valentine’s Day may be a load of crap, but there’s no underestimating the power of the heart when it comes to music. So in honor of the universal muse, here are eight love-inducing albums that will make you weak in the knees. Be sure to let us know what other albums you think deserve the title of most romantic. (Did someone say Barry White?)
The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds (1966)
The luxurious sounds on this album alone are enough to make anyone fall in love with their stereo. But the genius of Pet Sounds is the way it captures the feeling of youthful longing. “God Only Knows” has got to be one of the best love songs of all time; it turns everybody to mush. Not to mention classics like “Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder),” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” and “Sloop John B,” which are impossible not to love.
The Beatles – “I Want to Hold Your Hand”/ “I Saw Her Standing There” single (1963)
In my opinion, the Beatles are responsible for some of the greatest love songs ever written. And like the band, they matured from innocent pop (“Love Me Do,” “She Loves You,” “All My Loving,” “And I Love Her,” “Can’t Buy Me Love”) to deep, beautifully crafted love songs that reflected the real love John and Paul found in their own lives (“Something,” “In My Life”). While I love it all, “I Want to Hold Your Hand” remains my favorite Beatles love song for the fact that it doesn’t get too serious. It’s just a sweet song that captures that innocent feeling of budding love when you just want to be around someone all the time.
Etta James – At Last! (1961)
“At last, my love has come along / My lonely days are over / And life is like a song.” Few have so eloquently expressed that overwhelming sigh of relief that comes when love is found. And the pure emotion that the late, great Etta James brings to this, her signature tune, and the blues classics (“I Just Want to Make Love to You”) and jazz standards (“Stormy Weather” and “A Sunday Kind of Love”) on her debut album will never fade.
Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston (1985)
Even if the news of her death wasn’t so fresh, Whitney Houston would still be on this list. The emotion is so real in her skyscraping love ballads – from her truly joyful eponymous debut (which features the hits “How Will I Know,” “The Greatest Love of All,” “You Give Good Love,” and “Saving All My Love for You”) to her show-stopping delivery of “I Will Always Love You” in the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Sade –Diamond Life (1984)
Forget diamonds – it’s all about Diamond Life, Sade’s debut album. On tracks like “Smooth Operator” and “Your Love Is King,” Sade proves she is the queen of sensuality and the epitome of sultry elegance. And if you’re really in the mood, pick up 1992’s Love Deluxe as well for “No Ordinary Love.”
Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get It On (1973)
File under Seduction. This landmark soul recording is widely considered one of the greatest albums of all time, as well as one of the most sexually charged. The follow-up to Marvin Gaye’s socially conscious What’s Going On (1971), Let’s Get It On presents a different side of Gaye in its funky grooves and suggestive overtones that is sure to leave you satisfied. Its steamy title track alone is some of the best mood music ever recorded! But this is more than just an album of slow-burning ecstasy and smooth soul; Gaye’s multi-tracked vocals and seductive funk sound greatly influenced later R&B artists.
Al Green – Greatest Hits (1975)
We can thank President Obama for the recent Al Green revival and the spike in sales of his classic love song “Let’s Stay Together.” But we have only Al Green to thank for some of the most romantic music of the last century. Setting the standard for smooth soul with his sermons of love, the great soul singer-turned-reverend recorded numerous swoon-worthy love ballads in the early ‘70s. This 1975 compilation is a classic in and of itself thanks to its flawless curation of greats like “Tired of Being Alone,” “I’m Still in Love with You,” “Here I Am (Come and Take Me),” “You Oughta Be with Me,” and of course “Let’s Stay Together.”
The Righteous Brothers – Unchained Melody (1965)
“Oh my love, my darling / I’ve hungered for your touch…” Does it get any better than that? There’s no doubt that “Unchained Melody” is an absolutely timeless love ballad and one of the greatest love songs of all time. (C’mon, we all remember that scene from Ghost.) Not only does the song feature the passionate, soul-drenched vocals of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield but the phenomenal Wall of Sound production of Phil Spector. If you can’t track down the original “Hung on You” single where this doo-wop serenade first appeared as a B-side, it’s not too difficult to find The Righteous Brothers Greatest Hits (1967) or The History of the Righteous Brothers (1972) compilations on vinyl, which also feature classics like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” and “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration.”
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: February 8, 2012
Between new albums from Paul McCartney and Of Montreal, this week’s vinyl releases come full circle. And there are some excellent reissues and anthologies in the mix. So dig in and don’t forget your valentine.
Paul McCartney – Kisses on the Bottom (Hear Music)
The new solo album from Paul McCartney is an intimate collection of American standards alongside two new McCartney originals. Produced by jazz producer Tommy LiPuma, Kisses on the Bottom features Diana Krall and her band plus guests Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder performing songs that McCartney grew up with and later drew upon in his songwriting with John Lennon. Available as a 180-gram double gatefold LP with digital download card.
The Grateful Dead – Wake of the Flood (Mobile Fidelity)
180-gram vinyl pressing of the 1973 album that ushered in a new era for the Dead: a new label, a new line-up, and a new sonic palette full of horns and violin. Part of Mobile Fidelity’s Amazing Grateful Dead reissue series (which also includes Live/Dead, Skull and Roses, and In the Dark) the album was half-speed mastered from the original tapes and will let you experience this classic like never before.
The Deftones – Saturday Night Wrist (Maverick)
The fifth album from the alt-metal band, originally released in 2006, is available once again on vinyl. In essence, Saturday Night Wrist could be considered the Deftones’ Rumours as the making of the album was wrought with turmoil, strained relationships, and drug addiction – and the result is one of the band’s most acclaimed and diverse works to date. Produced by Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Jane’s Addiction) and former Far guitarist Shaun Lopez.
Rainbow – Bent out of Shape (Plastic Head Distribution)
Limited 180-gram green vinyl reissue of the British hard rock band’s more commercial 1983 album featuring “Street of Dreams” and “Can’t Let You Go.” This was the last album released by Rainbow before Ritchie Blackmore and Roger Glover left to reform Deep Purple.
Foghat – Last Train Home (Ingrooves/Foghat Records)
Limited-edition reissue of the classic rock band’s 2010 homage to its blues roots. Pressed on 180-gram blue vinyl.
Gene Ammons – Blue Gene (Original Jazz Classics)
Vinyl reissue of this 1958 “blowing session” studio jam based on various blues forms. In the room are jazz tenor saxophonist Gene Ammons, trumpeter Idrees Sulieman, baritonist Pepper Adams, pianist Mal Waldron, bassist Doug Watkins, drummer Art Taylor, and percussionist Ray Barretto on congas.
Dr. Dog – Be the Void (ANTI-)
The new album from Philadelphia’s Dr. Dog is a cathartic rock and roll record that combines the stellar songcraft of the band’s last two albums, Fate (2008) and Shame, Shame (2010), with its explosive live energy. Double LP is packaged with full album on CD.
Cocteau Twins – Stars and Topsoil: A Collection 1982-1990 (4AD)
Available for the first time on vinyl, Stars and Topsoil is the Scottish dream-pop band’s first best-of collection from their 4AD years. And it’s exquisite.
Mark Lanegan Band – Blues Funeral (4AD)
After a series of collaborations with Isobel Campbell (Belle & Sebastian), the gravelly voiced, former-Screaming Trees singer Mark Lanegan returns with a new double LP – his first solo release since 2004’s Bubblegum. Featuring guest appearances from cohorts Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Greg Dulli (Gutter Twins), and Jack Irons, the album brims with his dark, spooky blues-rock and distinctly reflects Lanegan’s influences (i.e. The Gun Club’s Miami, Joy Division’s Closer, and Roxy Music’s Country Life.)
Chuck Prophet – Temple Beautiful (Yep Roc Records)
A concept album about San Francisco? It’s about time! Named after the extinct rock club where singer-songwriter Chuck Prophet saw his first shows as a teenager, Temple Beautiful was made in San Francisco, by San Franciscans, about San Francisco. Prophet describes it as “my effort to tap into the history, the weirdness, the energy, and spontaneity that brought me here in the first place.”
Wendy Rene – After Laughter Comes Tears: Complete Stax & Volt Singles + Rarities 1964-1965 (Light in the Attic)
For the first time ever the Memphis soul legend’s music is available together in one collection. This double vinyl LP features Rene’s early recordings with the Drapels and well-known singles (like “After Laughter,” which Wu-Tang Clan sampled on their album 36 Chambers), as well as rarities and two unreleased tracks.
Ben Kweller – Go Fly a Kite (The Noise Company)
The fifth studio album from the pop-rock singer-songwriter marks the debut release of his Austin-based label, the Noise Company. Go Fly a Kite is being heralded as career-defining for its ability to showcase Kweller’s diversity and many talents. 180-gram vinyl plus free CD.
Of Montreal – Paralytic Stalks (Polyvinyl Records)
You know you’re in for a ride with each of Kevin Barnes’ brainchilds, and his latest, Paralytic Stalks, is a dizzying avant-pop frenzy indeed – but also an intimate and rewarding one. Available on 180-gram vinyl.
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“When he went home, he listened to vinyl.”
Here’s a headline from the week that caught my eye: Steve Jobs Listened to Vinyl.
At a recent technology conference, music legend Neil Young said what is perhaps the most powerful testament to vinyl I can imagine: “Steve Jobs was a pioneer of digital music. His legacy is tremendous. But when he went home, he listened to vinyl.” So even the person largely responsible for the iPod revolution preferred the high fidelity of vinyl to the digitally compressed files of the device he created.
Young made the comment at News Corp.’s D: Dive Into Media conference this past Tuesday, where he was speaking on behalf of his campaign for higher-fidelity digital sound. Though nothing had been developed, Young and Jobs had talked about creating a new type of digital format that would have 20 times the fidelity of an MP3 or AAC file and retain one hundred percent of the music data (as opposed to a compressed five percent). There has been no action on the part of Apple in regards to pursuing this since Jobs’ death last October, however. I’m sure a major roadblock has to do with the fact that each song file would be so big it would require upwards of 30 minutes to download, and a playback device would only be able to hold something like 30 albums. While Young is arguing that this isn’t a big deal if you leave your device on overnight to download, it just confirms to me that there really is no substitute to a good old vinyl record collection. And that Steve Jobs and I have something in common.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: February 1, 2012
It’s a sad day in music today as we mourn the loss of Soul Train creator and host Don Cornelius. The man’s contribution to music, media, and culture is immeasurable as Soul Train, the longest-running syndicated program in television, introduced Americans to legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, and Barry White, along with all kinds of great soul music. Just as Cornelius wished us all “love, peace, and soul,” here’s wishing you happy listening to this week’s new vinyl releases.
Leonard Cohen – Old Ideas (Columbia)
The new album from the old master and a self-described “manual for living with defeat,” Old Ideas not only features Cohen’s gravelly baritone and poetic storytelling but his artwork. 180-gram vinyl.
Ringo Starr – Ringo 2012 (Hip-O Records)
Another old master returns with a brand new album. On Ringo 2012, the celebrated Beatle’s 17th solo studio album, listeners are treated to nine songs, all produced by Ringo, that celebrate the old and the new. Included are new versions of “Step Lightly” from his 1973 album Ringo and of “Wings” from 1978’s Ringo the 4th, as well as covers of Buddy Holly’s “Think It Over” and Leadbelly’s “Rock Island Line,” and a Latin-tinged collaboration with Van Dyke Parks titled “Samba.” 180-gram vinyl.
Boz Scaggs – Come On Home (Friday Music)
180-gram audiophile vinyl reissue of Boz Scagg’s 1997 ode to the blues and R&B that informed his early career. Mastered from the original Virgin Records tapes and presented as a limited edition double LP in a gatefold cover, Come On Home presents Scaggs’ originals alongside songs from Jimmy Reed, T-Bone Walker, Earl King Johnson, Sonny Boy Williamson, Willie Mitchell, and other great bluesmen.
Dusty Springfield – Girl Called Dusty (Simply Vinyl UK Import)
Dusty’s first solo LP has been re-issued on 180-gram audiophile vinyl. A mix of soul/R&B covers (“Mama Said,” “Mockingbird,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?”) and ‘60s pop/rock (“Wishin’ and Hopin’”), this album was originally a UK-only release in 1964 and remains a Dusty classic. It also marks the first of many collaborations with songwriters like Burt Bacharach and Carole King for Dusty.
Tom Morello the Nightwatchman – Union Town EP, The Fabled City, One Man Revolution (New West Records)
New West Records has reissued Tom Morello’s entire solo discography as the Nightwatchman – the Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave guitarist’s solo acoustic politically-charged side project – on vinyl. In addition to his 2007 solo debut, One Man Revolution, and 2008’s The Fabled City, this includes his 2011 EP Union Town that benefits the America Votes Labor Unity Fund and features eight pro-union songs including a cover of Woodie Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land.” (And don’t forget the Nightwatchman’s most recent studio album, World Wide Rebel Songs, which saw a vinyl release on New West Records last year.)
John Hiatt – The Open Road (New West Records)
New West Records has also pressed up John Hiatt’s 2010 album, The Open Road, as a double vinyl LP. On this blues-driven rock album, Hiatt looks at life through the rear view mirror, and while many of his songs have been about coming home, home is never the destination here.
Various Artists – Beat Fräuleins: Female Pop in Germany 1964-1968 (Grosse Freiheit)
The latest in the Fräuleins compilations from Grosse Freiheit is Beat Fräuleins, which takes listeners back to the ‘60s when “the beat forced its way into the innocent world of German schlager” and presents 19 highlights of the era. Features Caterina Valente, Wencke Myhre, Conny Froboess, Chris Doerk, Marion (Maerz), Inga (Rumpf), and lots of other Fräuleins.
Various Artists – Matador: Intended Play 2012 (Matador)
Another exciting compilation is this “budget-priced vinyl sampler” from Matador, which showcases the best of 2011 from such roster artists as Girls, Kurt Vile, Esben & The Witch, and Cold Cave, and previews what is to come in 2012 from The Young, Ceremony, Lee Ranaldo, Perfume Genius, and Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks.
Gotye – Making Mirrors (Republic)
Double vinyl pressing of the new studio album from the Belgian-born Australian musician. Features the international hit “Somebody That I Used to Know” and explores the pop architecture of the ‘80s (think the Police, George Michael, and Peter Gabriel) through a more modern lens. The result is a fantastic art-pop album.
SOJA – Strength to Survive (ATO Records)
The new album from the D.C.-area reggae group Soldiers of Jah Army (SOJA) is being released on vinyl courtesy of Dave Matthews’ ATO Records. Produced by John Alagia (O.A.R., John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band), Strength to Survive draws inspiration not so much from Matthews’ jam-band circuit as from Bob Marley’s 1979 album, Survival.
The Magnetic Fields – “Andrew in Drag”/”When Next in Love I Fall” 7-inch single (Merge)
The first single from the Magnetic Fields’ forthcoming album, Love at the Bottom of the Sea, due for release March 6, 2012 on Merge Records. The ukulele-based B-side is an exclusive non-album track.
Ladytron – Witching Hour (Nettwerk)
Vinyl reissue of the British electro-pop band’s acclaimed third album, originally released in 2005. Features the single “Destroy Everything You Touch.”
Imperial Teen – Feel the Sound (Merge)
Sixteen years in, this power-pop band is still going strong; and on its fifth studio album, Imperial Teen really does make you Feel the Sound. For fans of ELO and the Beach Boys.
Sunn O))) – ØØ Void (Southern Lord)
Double vinyl reissue of the second album from the doom-metal band who takes its name from the Sunn amplifier logo. Originally released in 2000, ØØ Void features Petra Haden’s melodic evocations on violin and plenty of thick sonic goodness.
Lymbyc Systym – Shutter Release (Hobbledehoy)
“A tiny independent label in Adelaide, Australia” has reissued this post-rock band’s 2009 album on vinyl. Full of majestic arrangements and focused melodies.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: January 25, 2012
January is almost over, but the new year’s vinyl releases are just getting started. This week kicks off with the first major metal release of 2012 in Lacuna Coil’s Dark Adrenaline, and also includes a live Motorhead album, a new, super-charged album from Nada Surf, reissues of two game-changing albums from the ’90s, and some unearthed treasures from the ’60s and ’70s.
The Pharcyde – Bizarre Ride II (Delicious Vinyl/Traffic)
Reissue of the Pharcyde’s landmark 1992 debut album, presented here on deluxe red and blue double vinyl. Ranked in the “Top 100 Favorite Records of the ‘90s” by Pitchfork, Bizarre Ride helped establish a new alternative hip-hop scene on the West Coast in the wake of the Gangsta Rap era with its playful wit, jazzy production, and inventive beats. Includes the classic “Ya Mama” and crossover hit “Passing Me By.”
Nada Surf – Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy (Barsuk)
The band that brought us the alt-rock anthem “Popular” is back with a new album. And with The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy, frontman Matthew Caws says they made a conscious decision to “preserve what it felt like in the practice room, when you play with that new-song energy.” The result is one propulsive rush of power pop.
Motorhead – The World Is Ours Vol. 1: Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else (UDR)
In celebration of their 35 years as road warriors, the British hard rock band has released a live DVD of the finest moments from their The World Is Yours world tour. Accompanying this is a double 180-gram vinyl set of their entire Chile concert, which features classics like “Overkill,” “Ace of Spades,” “Killed By Death,” and “Over the Top.”
Lacuna Coil – Dark Adrenaline (Century Media)
Limited edition vinyl pressing of the Italian goth-metal band’s highly anticipated new album. Recorded with producer Don Gilmore (Avril Lavigne, Linkin Park, Bullet for My Valentine) at NRG Studios in Los Angeles, Dark Adrenaline is hooky and heavy, and it includes an unexpected cover of R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion.”
Karen Dalton – 1966 (Delmore Recordings)
Recorded one evening in her remote Colorado cabin, this newly unearthed rehearsal tape from 1966 reveals the underground folk legend at her most raw and unfiltered. LP is housed in a tip-on jacket with four-page heavy insert, exclusive color portrait, and download card.
moe. – What Happened to the La Las (Sugar Hill)
The 10th studio album from the veteran indie jam band presents their signature pop- and prog-laced rock in a more tightly produced form but with plenty of the searing guitar riffs and complex rhythms that fans love.
Mighty Sparrow – Sparromania! (K7!)
He’s been called “a true Caribbean great, a cultural and social icon on par with Fela Kuti in Nigeria or Miriam Makeba in South Africa,” and this long overdue retrospective double LP brings us “Wit, Wisdom and Soul from the King of Calypso.” Covering what are considered his most creative years between 1962 and 1974, the album includes a handful of live tracks, a cover of Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness,” and Mighty Sparrow breezing through everything from calypso to boogaloo to soul. He even trades insults with fellow calypso legend Lord Melody like a hip-hop mic battle.
Al Kent – Best of Disco Demands Vol. 1 & 2 (K7!)
Finally, Al Kent’s Disco Demands series is available on vinyl. In these two double LP volumes, Kent compiles rare ‘70s disco tracks including exclusive re-edits.
The Apples in Stereo – Fun Trick Noisemaker (Yep Roc Records)
180-gram vinyl reissue of the Elephant 6 indie-rock band’s 1995 debut. One of the band’s most critically praised albums, Fun Trick Noisemaker helped catalyze a shift in the alternative lexicon from angst-filled grunge to a Beach Boys-inspired psych-pop sound.
Michael Chapman – Rainmaker (Light in the Attic)
Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing of the 1969 debut album from the British singer-songwriter. A psychedelic-guitar-folk delight, it features one of Chapman’s best known songs, “It Didn’t Work Out.”
John K. Samson– Provincial (ANTI)
2xLP pressing of the debut solo release from Winnipeg songwriter John K. Samson (The Weakerthans, Propagandhi). A geographically inspired project, Provincial explores four different roads in the Canadian province of Manitoba, where Samson lives, through guitar-driven folk-rock. LP packaging includes full album on CD.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: January 18, 2012
The internet might be off today, but this week’s batch of vinyl releases is ON.
Janis Joplin – Classic LP Collection (Legacy)
Limited edition 4xLP box set collects four of the legendary psychedelic blues singer’s most celebrated albums: Big Brother and the Holding Company (1967), Cheap Thrills (1968), I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! (1969), and Pearl (1971). Each album has been sourced from the original masters and pressed on 180-gram audiophile vinyl.
Bryan Adams – Waking Up the Neighbors (Audio Fidelity)
20th Anniversary reissue of Bryan Adams’ sixth studio album. Originally released in 1991, the Robert Lange- (Def Leppard, AC/DC) produced album spent seven weeks at the top of the charts thanks to its mega-hit “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” and popular singles “Can’t Stop This Thing We Started,” “Do I Have to Say the Words,” “Thought I’d Died and Gone to Heaven,” and “There Will Never Be Another Tonight.” The 75-minute double LP is presented here on 180-gram virgin vinyl.
Sade – Diamond Life (Audio Fidelity)
180-gram vinyl reissue of Sade’s brilliant 1984 debut album. This sleek hybrid of pop, soul, and jazz features her first Top 10 hit, “Smooth Operator,” and popular singles “Your Love Is King” and “When Am I Going to Make a Living.”
Ani DiFranco – Which Side Are You On (Righteous Babe)
New double LP from the fearless ‘90s female icon. As indicated by its title track – the famed protest anthem popularized by Pete Seeger nearly 50 years ago and drastically re-imagined here by DiFranco (and featuring the activist folk singer himself on banjo and vocals) – the album speaks to the current political climate, as well as the personal.
Kings of Leon – The Early Vinyl Box Set (Song Legacy)
This deluxe 7xLP box set features re-mastered double 180-gram vinyl pressings of the Southern garage rockers’ first three albums – Youth & Young Manhood (2003), Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004), Because of the Times (2007) – and a fourth LP of unreleased studio and live tracks from the period surrounding these albums picked by the band themselves. Packaged in a numbered lift-off box.
Taj Mahal – Recycling the Blues & Other Related Stuff (Original Recordings Group)
45rpm 180-gram pressing of this 1972 double LP from the acoustic blues revivalist. It’s divided between studio tracks featuring back-up vocals from the Pointer Sisters and live tracks recorded at the Fillmore in San Francisco, and showcases Mahal’s knack for mixing blues with bluegrass, Caribbean, and Hawaiian styles.
Guided by Voices – Let’s Go Eat the Factory, “Chocolate Boy” 7-inch single (Guided by Voices)
GBV’s classic line-up (Robert Pollard, Tobin Sprout, Mitch Mitchell, Greg Demos, and Kevin Fennell) follows up its successful reunion tour with this new album. The lo-fi indie rock aesthetic of their classic albums Bee Thousand (1994) and Alien Lanes (1995) can be felt here in Let’s Go Eat the Factory’s minute-long pop blasts, which were recorded in living rooms, basements, and garages. Standouts include “Chocolate Boy,” also released as a limited-edition 7-inch; “We Won’t Apologize for the Human Race,” which Sprout describes as “Peter Gabriel singing ‘I Am the Walrus’”; and “Doughnut for a Snowman,” which Pollard calls “the goofiest, twinkliest song I’ve ever written.”
Junior Kimbrough – You Better Run: The Essential Junior Kimbrough (Fat Possum)
This career-spanning compilation is a great way to discover the king of Mississippi hill-country blues. It includes everything from his first recording – an impromptu-sounding “Release Me” played with rockabilly cult figure Charlie Feathers – to the most celebrated songs from his critically acclaimed ’90s albums including “All Night Long,” “You Better Run,” and “Meet Me in the City.” Praised by everyone from Iggy Pop, with whom he once toured, to the Black Keys, who released an album of Junior Kimbrough covers (Chulahoma), Kimbrough’s modal, hypnotic blues have been incredibly influential.
Hawkwind – Leave No Star Unturned: Cambridge January 1972 (Dirtier Promotions)
Double LP pressing of the science-fiction-laced hard-rock band’s 1972 performance. Recorded in remarkably high quality, the performance features the band’s classic line-up of Dave Brock, Nik Turner, Lemmy, and Robert Calvert, and finds the band hitting its prime.
Peaches – The Teaches of Peaches (XL Recordings)
Peaches’ seminal debut album is on vinyl for the first time! Originally released in 2000 by Berlin’s Kitty-Yo label, The Teaches of Peaches features Feist on vocals and explodes with Peaches’ lewd electro-clash doctrine.
Deerhoof and David Bazan – DeerBazan 7-inch (Polyvinyl)
The latest in a series of collaborative 7-inchs pairing the quirky indie-rock band Deerhoof with different guest vocalists is DeerBazan featuring David Bazan (Pedro the Lion, Headpones). On Side A, the Deerhoof instrumental “No One Asked to Dance” from the group’s 2011 album Deerhoof vs. Evil becomes “No One Asked Bazan to Dance” with Bazan’s vocal contributions. Side B features Bazan’s re-working of the Headphones classic “Gas and Matches.”
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