+Pixies - Minotaur 5xCD+6xDVD+6xBlu-ray (Artist In Residence)
Available in both Deluxe and Limited editions. Minotaur is curated by legendary graphic designer Vaughan Oliver with photographer Simon Larbalestier. Includes all five Pixies' studio albums (Come On Pilgrim, Surfer Rosa, Doolittle, Bossanova, and Trompe le Monde) in the following formats: 24k gold plated CDs; Blu-ray audio mastered for 5.1 surround sound and 2 channel stereo at 24/192; DVD mastered for 5.1 surround sound and 2 channel stereo at 24/96. Unreleased Pixies 1991 live performance from Brixton, on both Blu-ray and DVD, mastered for 5.1 surround sound at 24/192 and 24/96, respectively. All discs are housed in a custom designed folio. Also includes a 54-page book. The Limited edition features adds a 96-page book of Oliver's and Larbalestier's extensive work. Also included is a 12" x 19.5" print of the duo's work, and two double-sided fold-out posters measuring 48" x 36." Each copy of the Limited Edition is individually numbered, and hand-signed by every member of the Pixies and Vaughan Oliver. Additionally, at random, 25 of the 3000 Limited Edition sets will include test pressings of the vinyl albums.
+Beautiful Losers - Beautiful Losers DVD (Oscilloscope)
Beautiful Losers celebrates the spirit behind one of the most influential cultural moments of a generation In the early 1990's a loose-knit group of likeminded outsiders found common ground at a little NYC storefront gallery. Rooted in the DIY subcultures of skateboarding, surf, punk, hip-hop and graffiti, they made art that reflected the lifestyles they led.
+Tricky - Maxinquaye [Deluxe Edition] 2xCD (Island)
Digitally remastered and expanded deluxe double CD edition of the classic 1995 trip-hop masterpiece including a bonus 13 track CD featuring B-sides, outtakes and seven previously unreleased versions including some new mixes.
+Various Artists - Drumpoems Verse 2 CD (Compost)
Second full length for the Swiss Drumpoet Community imprint. Deep techno and house at its best.
+Camera Obcura - My Maudlin Career [Holiday Edition] 2xCD (4AD)
The holiday edition of Camera Obscura's 2009 album My Maudlin Career includes a CD single of their non-album track, "The Blizzard."
+Manu Chao - Baionarena 2xCD+DVD (Nacional)
Double live album plus DVD -- recorded in France in 2008. 33 tracks.
+Robert Crumb - Hot Women: Women Singers From The Torrid Regions Of The World [Reissue] CD (Kein & Aber)
Features obscure recordings of femail singers from around the world, recorded during the ‘20s and ‘30s, from places like Africa, India, Mexico, Spain, Greece, South America, et al.
+King Midas Sound - Waiting For You CD (Hyperdub)
After two singles on Hyperdub, and a release on Soul Jazz, King Midas Sound’s Waiting For You is the debut album from Roger Robinson and Kevin Martin’s new group.
+V/A - A Very Standard Christmas, Vol. 2 (Standard Recordings)
Local label gurus, Kevin and Mark Standard, have put together a little holiday cheer and a whole load of benevolence for the FACE Spay and Neuter Clinic, here in Indianapolis. Click the pic, pay what you wish, and ALL proceeds will go to help the wonderful cause that is FACE. On top of helping out--you'll also get exclusive tracks from: Amo Joy, Margot & The Nuclear So & So's, Harley Poe, Thunderhawk, and more!
+The Bravery - Stir The Blood CD/LP+CD (Island)
Featurng John Hill (who has previously worked with Santogold and M.I.A.). They supported Green Day on their 21st Century Breakdown Tour in Summer 2009.
+Blakroc - Blakroc CD/LP (Blakroc)
Blakroc is the Black Keys collaborating with a bunch of badass rappers (Mos Def, Q-Tip, Jim Jones, RZA, ODB, Ludacris).
+Real Estate - Real Estate CD/LP (Woodsist)
New full length in stock now (BNM on Pfork) and ep due in shortly on Mexican Summer!
+Tom Waits - Glitter And Doom Live 2xCD (Anti)
In 2008, Tom Waits launched a sold out national tour, garnering intense critical praise Paste magazine called it the best live show of 2008 and thrilling fans across the country and the world, some in cities where Waits had never played before. Glitter And Doom is the document of those concerts -- 17 performances hand picked by Waits from along the tour. Also includes Tom’s Tales -- a disc of Tom’s mad genius spoken word observations of life, delivered from behind a piano.
+Lady Gaga - Fame Monster [Deluxe Edition] 2xCD (Streamline)
Deluxe edition adds a disc featuring eight bonus tracks.
+Buddy Holly - Not Fade Away: Complete Studio Recordings And More 6xCD (Hip-O Select)
Six-disc box set from the rock & roll legend contains all of his official studio recordings. The 203 tracks range from his earliest recordings to demos with Bob Montgomery; from his earliest recordings with The Crickets and a set of garage recordings to his first studio recordings for Decca in Nashville; from the Coral and Brunswick recordings and hits that made him famous to his heralded apartment tapes.
+Moby - Wait For Me [Deluxe Edition] 2xCD+DVD (Mute)
Deluxe three disc edition contains two bonus tracks on the main disc (including the new single “One Time We Lived”), a bonus CD that features an ambient mix of the Wait For Me album plus a DVD that contains live performances, music videos and much more.
+Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - The Live Anthology 4xCD/7xLP (Reprise)
A sprawling set of recordings drawn from thirty years of live performances. The collection brings together material from 1978-2007 culled from hundreds of hours of live concert recordings covering every era of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ tours.
+Jay Reatard - Blood Visions [Reissue] CD (Fat Possum)
Reissue of Jay's first title under the solo "Jay Reatard" moniker, originally released in early 2006.
+Rihanna - Rated R CD (Def Jam)
New (fourth) album from the R&B queen.
+Underworld Vs. The Misterons - Athens CD (!K7)
Totalling 12 tracks, this is Underworld at their very best. Jazz and tech jazz inspired, it sees them fuse their favorite tunes together with their own trademark sound.
+50 Cent - Before I Self-Destruct CD+DVD (Aftermath)
New album featuring production and guest appearances by Dr. Dre and Eminem.
+Various Artists - Daptone Gold CD/2xLP+MP3 (Daptone)
A collection of hits and out-of-print obscurities, album favorites and unheard exclusives from the Daptone Records catalogue.
+Various Artists - Ghostly International Presents Moodgadget 2xCD (Ghostly International)
Ghostly affiliate Moodgadget Records exclusively releases music by up-and-coming artists; with the Nocturnal Suite, Moodgadget not only "exposes the diversity in electronic music," it unites dazzlingly talented, like-minded artists working in wildly divergent stylistic fields into a grand, unified whole. Like its predecessor, the Moodgadget-curated Rorschach Suite and Synchronicity Suite, the Nocturnal Suite plays like a lovingly assembled mixture, compiling brief, catchy, electronic-minded pop songs built for obsessive repeat listening. The Nocturnal Suite encompasses dance music, indie rock, synth-pop, experimental instrumentals -- and, yes, electronic music -- but its emotional core is its biggest asset.
+Annie - Don't Stop CD/LP (Smalltown Supersound)
Sophomore release from the Scandinavian pop princess. Both immediately listenable and utterly beguiling, this "pop with strange edges" is mainstream and underground, all at once.
+Beak - Beak CD (Ipecac)
Debut album by this new project from Portishead producer and multi-instrumentalist Geoff Barrow.
+David Bowie - Space Oddity [40th Anniversary Edition] 2xCD/LP (Virgin)
Special 40th Anniversary edition of Bowie's classic 1969 album released in a digipak with an extensive booklet featuring rare photographs, memorabilia, and sleeve notes. Double-disc set features 15 bonus tracks, of which eight are previously unreleased, including two ultra-rare demos.
+Felt - Felt 3: Tribute To Rosie Perez CD (Rhymesayers)
Slug (Atmosphere) and Murs (Living Legends) team up with Aesop Rock on their third release under the Felt moniker.
+Norah Jones - The Fall CD/LP (Blue Note)
For her new album, Jones enlisted several songwriting collaborators, including Ryan Adams and Okkervil River's Will Sheff. Musicians include drummers Joey Waronker (Beck, R.E.M.) and James Gadson (Bill Withers), keyboardist James Poyser (Erykah Badu, Al Green), and guitarists Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello) and Smokey Hormel (Johnny Cash, Joe Strummer).
+Morrissey - Swords [Deluxe Edition] 2xCD/2xLP (Fontana International)
Special edition includes a bonus disc featuring eight superb live performances recorded in Warsaw in July this year.
+Ola Podrida - Belly Of The Lion CD (Western Vinyl)
Chockfull of unsentimental love songs, Belly Of The Lion pulses with the burgeoning sexuality borne of feral adolescent summers spent in the sprawling suburbs of the South.
+Rakim - The Seventh Seal CD (Smc)
The Seventh Seal is Rakim's first studio album from the legendary rapper in over eight years.
+Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures CD (DGC/Interscope)
New super group comprised of Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana), Joshua Homme (Queens Of The Stone Age) and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin).
+tUnE-yArDs - BiRd-BrAiNs CD (4AD)
The album was recorded on a digital voice recorder and assembled using shareware mixing software. Singer/songwriter Merrill Garbus' primary instrument is ukulele, to this she adds her own field recordings -- the sound outside her window, a child being asked about blueberries, indistinct creaks and clatter -- along with occasional percussion that seems to consist of whatever nearby could be smacked or shaken. Some songs loop these elements into mini-epics that bring to mind an early, crude version of Juana Molina's one-woman-band aesthetic.
+Elvis Costello - Spectacle: Elvis Costello With... Season One 5xDVD (Video Service Corp)
Conceived to provide a forum for in-depth discussion and performance with the most interesting artists and personalities of our time, Spectacle: Elvis Costello With… fuses the best of talk and music television. Disc 1: Sir Elton, President Bill Clinton, Tony Bennett; Disc 2: Lou Reed, Julian Schnabel, The Police, Smokey Robinson; Disc 3: Rufus Wainwright, Jakob Dylan, Jenny Lewis, She & Him, Diana Krall and Sir Elton John; Disc 4: Herbie Hancock, Kris Kristofferson, Roseanne Cash, Norah Jones, John Mellencamp and James Taylor; Disc 5: Renee Fleming, and more.
+Tony Allen - Lagos No Shaking [Reissue] CD (Honest Jon’s)
Recorded in the Nigerian city over 10 hot, heavy nights, Lagos No Shaking presents a calmer, less manic Afrobeat, delicately balanced between laid-back insouciance and urgency, loose-limbed polyrhythms and ferocious grooves.
+Tori Amos - Midwinter Graces CD+DVD (Universal)
For Midwinter Graces, Amos has again teamed up with long time collaborators Matt Chamberlain on drums, Jon Evans on bass, and Mac Aladdin on guitars. She also enlisted the help of a big band and an orchestra with stunning John Philip Shenale arrangements to create these new seasonal classics.
+Asobi Seksu - Rewolf CD/LP+MP3 (Polyvinyl)
One of the last albums ever recorded at London's renowned Olympic Studios (The Beatles, Rolling Stones). Rewolf finds Asobi Seksu affording listeners a new glimpse into songs spanning the band's career. Also available on limited edition (500) white vinyl.
+Dashboard Confessional - Alter The Ending CD/2xCD/LP (DGC)
Sixth studio album, available in three editions: Regular single-disc; a Deluxe version featuring a bonus CD of acoustic versions; and on vinyl.
+Luther Dickinson / Sons Of Mu - Onward And Upward CD/LP (Memphis International)
An album of gospel songs and hymns recorded over the course of a few hours in a Mississippi studio.
+DOOM - Unexpected Guest CD (Gold Dust)
Legendary hip-hop artist MF DOOM digs into his vast archives to mix together some of his all-time favorite productions, collaborations and guest appearances.
+Echo & The Bunnymen - Fountain CD (Ocean Rain)
New (tenth) studio album from the veteran band led by vocalist Ian McCulloch and guitarist Will Sergeant.
+Mr. Chop - For Pete's Sake (Now Again)
A hard funk cover record of Pete Rock tracks. Thanks to Doug H. for the tip--it IS a facemelter!
+Robyn Hitchcock - I Often Dream Of Trains In New York CD+DVD (Yep Roc)
Recorded live at Symphony Space in NYC in the fall of 2008 during the U. leg of Hitchcock's I Often Dream Of Trains tour.
+King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King CD+DVD (Discipline)
Second release in the 40th Anniversary series, this version contains a DVD audio disc with 5.1 surround sound mix by Steven Wilson, with Robert Fripp as executive producer, from the original studio masters, as well as a new stereo mix from the original multi-track tapes. Disc One features five previously unreleased tracks.
+Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou Dahomey - Echos Hypnotiques: From The Vaults Of Albarika Store Volume 2 1969-1979 CD/LP (Analog Africa)
+Pants Yell - Received Pronunciation CD/LP (Slumberland)
Think of the Go-Betweens, who found boundless romantic possibility in going for a walk or spending the night in; or Belle And Sebastian's hushed remembrances of little failures and lessons learned and sympathetic portraits of young misfits struggling to make sense of the world.
+Pixies - Minotaur 5xCD+6xDVD+6xBlu-ray (Artist In Residence)
Minotaur is curated by legendary graphic designer Vaughan Oliver with photographer Simon Larbalestier. Includes all five Pixies' studio albums (Come On Pilgrim, Surfer Rosa, Doolittle, Bossanova, and Trompe le Monde) in the following formats: 24k gold plated CDs; Blu-ray audio mastered for 5.1 surround sound and 2 channel stereo at 24/192; DVD mastered for 5.1 surround sound and 2 channel stereo at 24/96. Unreleased Pixies 1991 live performance from Brixton, on both Blu-ray and DVD, mastered for 5.1 surround sound at 24/192 and 24/96, respectively. All discs are housed in a custom designed folio. Also includes a 54-page book.
+Omar Rodriguez Lopez - Xenophanes CD (Rodriguez Lopez)
New release from the prolific guitarist and Mars Volta mastermind. Recorded in Mexico, Xenophanes is the first album which finds Omar at the helm vocally and lyrically, as well as musically.
+Various Artists - Gennett Jazz 4xCD (JSP Records)
The Gennett record label lacked the commercial clout of, say, Victor or Columbia. However it became an important player in the early recording of jazz. Gennett was a division of the Starr Piano Company, situated in Richmond, IN. Their catalogue reads like a who's who of early jazzmen: King Oliver, Miff Mole, Bix Beiderbecke, Johnny Doods, Sidney Bechet, and Louis Armstrong.
+Various Artists (Peter Kruder) - Private Collection CD (G-Stone)
Peter Kruder's Private Collection is the first volume in the new Private Collection Master Series from G-Stone -- it also marks 15 years for the label. Key artists on the compilation include Tom Waits (many will recognize the track as the theme from HBO's The Wire!) Talk Talk, Tortoise, Japan and Kruder+Dorfmeister themselves.
+Wale - Attention Deficit CD/LP (Allido)
New album from the DC hip-hop artist features production from Mark Ronson, Cool & Dre, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, 9th Wonder, Green Lantern and others. Includes the hit single “Chillin'” featuring Lady GaGa.
+Kings Of Leon - Live At The O2 London DVD (RCA)
22-track live DVD -- now available.
+Julian Casablancas - Phrazes For The Young CD/LP (RCA)
Debut solo album from the Strokes vocalist.
+Cold Cave - Love Comes Close CD/LP+MP3 (Matador)
Debut full-length from Philly/New York quartet. The warm, rich synth pop sounds are laced with equal measures of romance and nihilism. Somewhere in these realms of negative hiss and out-of-body bliss, there is a peak awaiting all who enter.
+Gift Of Gab (Blackalicious) - Escape 2 Mars CD (Cornerstone/RAS)
Guests include Brother Ali and Del The Funky Homosapien.
+Jookabox - Dead Zone Boys CD/LP (Asthmatic Kitty)
Dead Zone Boys, the third album from Jookabox (Indy-born David "Moose" Adamson), is love story meets psychedelic zombie-musical. The zombie part came easy: Moose grew up on the east side of Indianapolis in the 90s, an area plagued by constant recession, pandemic homicide, and racial tension. It was this frantic energy and violence that infused itself into the Jookabox experience while musically nodding to early Ween, Black Sabbath, and the King of Pop.
+Etienne Jaumet - Night Music CD/LP (Domino)
Etienne Jaumet is one half of the French duo, Zombie Zombie. They make improvisational krautrock/Goblin/John Carpenter-influenced horror soundtrack electronica.
+The King Khan & BBQ Show - Invisible Girl CD/LP (In The Red)
Invisible Girl marks a return to their trademark doo-wop-laced, anthemic garage rock.
+Molina & Johnson - Molina & Johnson CD/LP (Secretly Canadian)
In this collaboration between Jason Molina and Will Johnson, each seem to hold the other's talents to the fire and elevate both performance and creativity. In the friendly sharing of ideas, Molina and Johnson become two poets' poets in a workshop to craft a singular, searing elegy.
+Nirvana - Live At Reading CD/CD+DVD/DVD (Geffen)
Nirvana's historic August 30, 1992 appearance at UK's Reading Festival -- now available in three formats: single audio disc, a deluxe edition which adds a DVD of the performance, and as a single, stand-alone DVD.
+Slayer - World Painted Blood CD/CD+DVD/LP (American)
Highly-anticipated new album now available in three editions: regular single disc; Deluxe Edition featuring a DVD of Playing With Dolls -- a 20-minute animated horror short directed by Mark Brooks (Metalocolpyse) and featuring new Slayer music; and on HQ-180 vinyl.
+Various Artists - Light: On The South Side 2xLP+Book (Numero)
Gathers for the first time over 100 of Michael Abramson's photos taken on Chicago's south side in the late ‘70s. The 132-page hardcover book features photos, an ephemera section, and an essay by Nick Hornby. Housed in a gorgeous slipcase with the 12”x”12 book is Pepper's Jukebox, a seventeen track compilation of the kind of funky Chicago blues heard from the stage and the Wurlitizer. The deluxe 2xLP set is packaged in a sharp gatefold jacket with two inner sleeves crammed to the gills with label scans and stories from the bar stool.
+Weezer - Raditude CD/2xCD/LP (DGC)
Weezer’s seventh album -- produced by Jacknife Lee and Butch Walker. Ten tracks including the first single “(If You Are Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To.” Also available as a Deluxe edition featuring a bonus CD containing six additional tracks, and on vinyl. Initial quantities include a bonus yellow 7” featuring an unreleased B-side -- free with purchase (while supplies last)!
+Vitalic - Flashmob CD (Play It Again Sam)
Sophomore release from French DJ/producer Pascal Arbez-Nicolas (AKA Vitalic) This is Vitalic's first studio album since his acclaimed debut album, OK Cowboy, released in 2005.
+Memory Tapes - Seek Magic CD
Here is the one you have been looking for! BNM on Pitchfork (8.2)--LUNA is the only spot, in a mile, to get yours!
+Neon Indian - Psychic Chasms CD (Lefse)
Delivering equal parts synthetic nostalgia, dream-pop lullabies, and grinding guitar noise to create something eerier than the sum of its parts. This initial batch of tracks were the result of field recordings, record samples, and a collection of bizarre synth sounds. This music provides a lush soundtrack to the deadbeat exploits of teenage ennui. RIYL New Order, MGMT and Future Bible Heroes
+Sufjan Stevens - The BQE CD+DVD/2xLP (Asthmatic Kitty)
A cinematic suite inspired by the Brooklyn-Queens expressway and the hula-hoop. Commissioned by Brooklyn Academy Of Music, The BQE was originally performed in the Howard Gilman Opera House in celebration of the 25th anniversary Next Wave Festival in October of 2007. Comes as a CD+DVD package.
+Atlas Sound - Logos CD/LP (Kranky)
Second solo album from Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox follows his stellar debut Let The Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel from early 2008. Guest appearances by Noah Lennox (Animal Collective) and Laetitia Sadier (Stereolab).
+Leonard Cohen - Live At the Isle Of Wight 1970 CD+DVD/2xLP (Columbia Legacy)
This CD+DVD package contains the new, beautiful film documentary by Lerner featuring interviews with fellow festival performers, as well as Cohen's full performance on CD. Included are live versions of classic songs from the first two Leonard Cohen LPs: "So Long, Marianne," "The Stranger Song," "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye," "Suzanne," "Bird On The Wire," "You Know Who I Am," and "The Partisan" as well as spoken word and poetry.
+El Perro Del Mar - Love Is Not Pop CD/LP (The Control Group)
El Perro Del Mar's third album is a conscious step away from 2008's From The Valley To The Stars. The mindset is darker and the soundscape mysteriously groovy. Thus it is not by chance Sarah Assbring (aka El Perro Del Mar) chose to work together with Rasmus Hagg, the other half of the Swedish duo Studio, as a co-producer.
+Do Make Say Think - Other Truths CD/LP (Constellation)
Reissue of their self-released 1997 debut. A classic modern lounge album that also shreds, with widescreen breakbeat blissouts driven by punk-rock guitars. An exuberant debut, containing all the building blocks DMST has been transforming into sublime music architectures ever since.
+Espers - III CD/LP (Drag City)
New release from the neo-psychedelic folk trio. Vinyl edition features alternate artwork.
+Jay Farrar And Benjamin Gibbard - One Fast Move Or I'm Gone: Music From Kerouac's Big Sur CD/CD+DVD/LP+DVD (Atlantic)
Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard and Son Volt frontman Jay Farrar team on this soundtrack to the documentary about the cult author. CD+DVD edition includes the documentary, while the deluxe CD+DVD edition adds a 40-page book and a copy of the novel.
+Flight Of The Conchords - I Told You I Was Freaky CD/LP (Sub Pop)
I Told You I Was Freaky is, among a great many other things, a genre-tripping tour de force and includes songs from the second series of their popular TV show.
+Florence + The Machine - Lungs CD (Universal)
Debut album from the hotly tipped UK outfit fronted by Florence Welch. Lungs is an intoxicating mix of delicate fragility, dark humor and twisted Tim Burton style fairy-tales.
+F##k Buttons - Tarot Sport CD/LP (ATP Recordings)
Sophomore album from the British experimental duo, produced by Andrew Weatherall. Tarot Sport is an album of unbound possibility and lucid cohesion; a cerebral pilgrimage that refines, crafts, explores and develops the experimental aesthetic of last year's critically acclaimed debut, Street Horrrsing.
+Kings Of Convenience - Declaration Of Dependence CD/LP (Astralwerks)
Third album from the Norwegian pop/folk duo (Erik Boe and Erlend Øye). Declaration Of Dependence is the story of two people living two very different lives sensing that they are immensely more powerful together than apart. In that sense it is the most adult, the most mature record Kings Of Convenience have ever made.
+Lyle Lovett - Natural Forces CD (Universal Nashville)
Natural Forces showcases Lyle's unwavering songwriting alongside amazing songs from such Texas writers as Eric Taylor, Don Sanders, Tommy Elskes, David Ball, Vince Bell, Robert Earl Keen, and the legendary Townes Van Zandt.
+Maps - Turning Of The Mind CD (Mute)
Previously import-only -- now available domestically. Talking about the album, leader James Chapman explains, “Turning The Mind is essentially an album which explores themes related to the human mind and the way certain stimuli, particularly chemical, can affect the mind in different ways.” Blissed-out, lushly produced dance-pop.
+Nouvelle Vague - Nouvelle Vague 3 CD/LP (Peace Frog)
The third album from the French band that conquered the world with bossa nova covers of punk and new wave classics. Features guest vocals from Martin Gore (Depeche Mode), Ian McCulloch (Echo & The Bunnymen), Barry Adamson (Magazine) and Terry Hall (The Specials/Fun Boy Three).
+Elvis Perkins In Dearland - Doomsday CDEP/12” (XL)
Elvis Perkins puts on his very own carnival of American eclecticism on his latest offering. The fast and slow renditions of the title track make for apt and compelling bookends, while “Stay Zombie Stay” and “Stop Drop Rock And Roll’ provide a rocking anchor to this strong, albeit brief, effort.
+Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson - Summer Of Fear CD (Saddle Creek)
As acclaimed as Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson's debut was when it finally received a proper pressing in 2008, the effort was meant to be a glorified demo. Summer Of Fear is what happened six months later, as life alternated between darkness and light, and spare bedroom songs blossomed into speaker-popping arrangements of sweeping strings, honking horns, and chords that cut so deeply they're bound to leave a mark. Produced by TV On The Radio's Kyp Malone.
+The Slits - Trapped Animal CD/2xLP+CD (Narnack)
The first full-length release from The Slits in over 25 years! The Slits became a part of the punk pantheon with songs that even today continue to be meditations on alienation and angst.
+Spiral Stairs - Real Feel CD/LP+MP3 (Matador)
After a five-year absence, Pavement guitarist and Preston School Of Industry main man Spiral Stairs (Scott Kannberg) returns with a heart-on-sleeve (but occasionally tongue-in-cheek) songcycle about his complicated personal life.
+Various Artists (Radio Slave) - Fabric 48 CD (Fabric)
On Fabric 48, like any Radio Slave production, the devil is in the details. Unlike a typical DJ mix that crams as much as possible into a relentlessly full track list, Radio Slave strips back and grooves with only 13 productions, each as incandescent and hypnotic as the next. This is no quick-fix mix -- Fabric 48 slow-burns each beat and sizzles with a crisp sense of timelessness.
+Various Artists (Snow Patrol) - Late Night Tales CD (Late Night Tales)
Latest installment in the Late Night Tales mix series. Features an exclusive new recording from Snow Patrol -- a beautiful cover version of INXS’s "New Sensation."
+White Denim - Fits CD/LP (Downtown)
“Not ones to dwell on their success, White Denim are back with their second album, and it’s another mixed bag of treats, freak outs and riffs. Aiming to baffle and enthrall throughout, the Texan trio achieve their goals with blinding results. From the psychotropic ‘Radio Milk How Can You Stand It’ by way of the Stooges-esque ‘Say What You Want’ all the way to surf-pop ‘Everybody Somebody’ White Denim create something akin to a satanic mix-tape or a wildly progressive radio station committed to CD.” -- itsgettingboringbythesea.com
+People Under The Stairs - Carried Away CD (Om Hip-Hop)
Upbeat, crazy, and ridiculous, Carried Away was recorded entirely on reel to reel with tons of rock samples, distorted vocals, cussing, drum machines, delays, yelling -- the works. Wrap that all up with nods to A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, beer and Luther Vandross and... voila!
+The Flaming Lips - Embryonic CD/2xCD+DVD (WB)
New album available in two editions: single disc and deluxe. The deluxe 2xCD+DVD includes an audio DVD of the full album (96k 24 bit audio) boasting 256 times more resolution than a standard CD, packaged in a custom hardcover book-style sleeve. Free lithograph with purchase (while supplies last)!
+Engineers - Three Facts Fader CD (K Scope)
New 13-track album was produced with Ken Thomas (Sigur Rós, M83, Maps) comes packaged in stunning artwork by legendary music photographer Tom Sheehan. They approach their music like real engineers, carefully constructing wonderful walls of sound.
+Fanfarlo - Reservoir CD (Atlantic)
Produced by Peter Katis (The National, Interpol), Resevoir employs an array of instruments to create each lushly arranged track, including saws, clarinets, cellos, mandolins, ukuleles and melocias.
+Various Artists - Tumbélé!: Biguine, Afro And Latin Sounds From The French Caribbean, 1963-1974 CD/2xLP (Soundway)
Often overlooked in the English-speaking Caribbean, the scattering drums and soaring clarinets of the beguine ruled the airwaves and dancefloors of Martinique and Guadeloupe in the 1960s. This album showcases the vibrancy of the scene on the islands in the '60s and '70s -- a scene that would go on to develop the all-conquering sound of zouk in the '80s.
+Objectified - DVD (Plexifilm)
A group of industrial designers reflects on the link between creativity and the ostensibly commercial objects they produce. Gary Hustwit (Helvetica) directs this fascinating exploration of the crossroads between functional design and artistry.
+Bruce Gilbert - Oblivio Agitatum CD (Editions Mego)
New album by the UK's legendary experimental noise musician Bruce Gilbert, whose career stretches back to late-1960s British avant garde art and music scenes, and who has since played an important and influential role with his involvement in various rock-based formations (he is a former member of Wire), and choreographic projects and art installations.
+Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs - Devil Do CD (Megaforce)
A lo fi stew of blues, country, and rockabilly -- at once avant garde and vintage.
+Har-Mar Superstar - Dark Touches CD (Dilettante Recordings)
On Dark Touches, Har Mar delivers his most club-friendly collection of jams yet. His silky smooth croon and tongue-in-cheek lyrics lead a non-stop dance party that blends everything from synth pop to R&B with ample hooks around every corner.
+Jodis - Secret House CD (Hydra Head)
Secret House recalls a void, a slow nihilistic decent into absolute blankness... The vocals emote a deviating distress, one that the listener will walk away from also knowing. The guitars loom with an almost inconceivable image of stillness. The percussion possesses an irregular circularity facilitating the general disorientation encapsulating the mood of the record.
+Shawn Lee & Clutchy Hopkins - Fascinating Fingers CD/2xLP (Ubiquity)
A brand new batch of collaborative tracks from Lee and the anonymous Clutchy Hopkins. Raiding their collective musical inspirations and instrument collections deeper than on their debut, Fascinating Fingers is full string sections, madcap worldly instrumentation, all backed by some serious Mojave marauding beats.
+Nellie McKay - Normal As Blueberry Pie: A Tribute To Doris Day CD/LP (Verve)
Producing, arranging and performing this album is for McKay the natural outcome of years of enraptured listening to Day's music. Nellie's Verve debut is a sophisticated but accessible recording with spare and tasteful arrangements that clearly put the focus on the songs and McKay's exquisite vocal style.
+MV & EE - Barn Nova CD (Ecstatic Peace)
MV & EE aspire to the sort of beautifully rewarding standard in their documented output that Sun Ra or The Grateful Dead achieved. Featuring J Mascis (drums, guitar, plate reverb).
+Grant Lee Phillips - Little Moon CD/LP (Yep Roc)
Little Moon is track after track of well-anchored classic American music -- rock and folk swirl under clouds of cinematic strings for a primer on the art of the timeless tune.
+Piano Magic - Ovations CD/LP (Darla)
Typical for a Piano Magic record, Ovations is a restless beast; it’s a record that swings wildly between Marrakesh, Eastern Europe, Sevilla and early '80s Manchester without breaking a sweat. The Chameleons, Joy Division and The Cure rub shoulders with Turkish darabuka, hammered dulcimer, viola, cello, and flamenco claps. Elsewhere there are cold analogue synths, chiming guitars, mournful piano and industrial percussion.
+Starless & Bible Black - The Shape Of The Shape CD/LP (Locust)
On their sophomore release, Manchester’s Starless & Bible Black have drawn together the sounds of ’70s Topanga Canyon country-rock, ’80s Mancunian jangle, and space age psych-tinged drones to make a dynamic, warm, and woodsy album.
+Various Artists - Hyperdub: 5 Years Of Low End Contagion 2xCD (Hyperdub)
Honoring past, present and future in equal measure, Hyperdub: 5 is comprised of one disc of prior highlights, and one of freshly-composed material contributed by label artists and close friends. Including an exclusive track by the always-stellar Burial especially for this compilation.
+Various Artists (Modeselektor) - Body Language, Vol. 8 CD/LP (Get Physical Music)
Having released two albums, worked with the likes of Thom Yorke and Paul St. Hilaire -- this massive party starter and legendary DJ duo offer a riotous, bass heavy affair -- one which takes in all kinds of interesting developments in cutting edge contemporary dance music.
+Jay Bolotin - Jay Bolotin CD/LP (Locust Music)
Described by Kris Kristofferson as one of the three best songwriters in the country, Kentucky native Jay Bolotin’s songs have been championed by the likes of Merle Haggard, Dan Fogelberg, and Porter Wagoner, among many others.
+Air - Love 2 CD (Astralwerks)
Air have enjoyed many career-defining moments and accolades, and have written, produced and collaborated on a breathtaking array of music projects. Love 2 is a re-affirmation of the band’s staying power and their ability to stay relevant and viable within an industry of fleeting trends and uncertainty.
+Lou Barlow - Goodnight Unknown CD/LP+MP3 (Merge)
Borrowing the live-band energy of Dinosaur Jr. and the stylistic reach of Sebadoh, Barlow has composed a set of immediate, melodic pop songs he describes as, “a cross between my later work with Folk Implosion and my earlier work with Sebadoh.”
+Built To Spill - There Is No Enemy CD/2xLP+CD (WB)
“Three and a half years in the making, the efforts of writing and recording There Is No Enemy led Built to Spill founder Doug Martsch to wonder whether this would be the last album he ever makes. As his wife, I watched him work, pouring hour after hour, day after day into writing. Song lyrics were labored over then thrown in the trash, guitar parts revised again (and again). A musician and artist like Doug edits far more than he keeps.” Free lithograph with purchase (while supplies last)!
+Califone - All My Friends Are Funeral Singers CD/2xLP (Dead Oceans)
The long-awaited follow-up to 2006's Roots And Crowns, is a dense collage of sounds, expertly formed into fully realized pop songs.
+Brandi Carlile - Give Up The Ghost CD (Columbia)
For the Give Up The Ghost, Brandi worked with Elton John (on “Caroline”), producer Rick Rubin, multi-instrumentalist Benmont Tench (Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers), drummer Chad Smith and Amy Ray (The Indigo Girls).
+Rosanne Cash - The List CD (Angel)
The List features Rosanne's contemporary interpretations of songs from a list of essential country songs passed on to her by her legendary father. Featuring duet partners Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Rufus Wainwright, and Jeff Tweedy.
+Exene Cervenka - Somewhere Gone CD (Bloodshot)
Exene's first solo album since 1991 is a sometimes dreamy but always intimate, circuitous passage through folk and country; subdued, but no less edgy. Somewhere Gone is a sometimes sparse, sometimes exuberant blend of folk, deep country and wide-open spaces.
+Vic Chesnutt - Skitter On Take-Off CD (Vapor)
Skitter On Take-Off allows Vic Chesnutt to create his most dramatic album yet; recording devastating songs live with no overdubs. The album allowed the singer/songwriter the chance to collaborate with an important influence. “I'm honored to work with Jonathan Richman. Over the years he's taken me under his wing and mentored me in a very meaningful way, truly shaping me into the songwriter and performer I am today.”
+Christmas Island - Blackout Summer CD/LP (In The Red)
Hailing from sunny San Diego, California, Christmas Island plays music that on the surface is happy and poppy. Citing Tronics, Urinals, Television Personalities, The Clean, Versatile Newts, and The Fall as influences, Christmas Island is Beach Boys-style, sunny Southern Californian pop by way of the late-'70s/early-'80s UK DIY scene.
+Betty Davis - Nasty Gal CD (Light In The Attic)
Digitally remastered digipak edition of the funk/soul diva's third album, originally released in 1975. Ahead of its time, Nasty Gal shows Betty digging deeper into her musical and cultural expression than ever before and delivers from every angle.
+Betty Davis - Is It Love Or Desire CD (Light In The Attic)
Recorded in 1976 with Davis' skintight band Funk House, the ten-song Is It Love Or Desire contains some of the most powerful and personal music of the artist's career, with such titles as "It's So Good," "Whorey Angel" and "Crashin' From Passion."
+Mike Doughty - Sad Man Happy Man CD (ATO)
Mike Doughty has given into the pressure to record an acoustic album again. That said, Sad Man Happy Man isn’t entirely acoustic -- Doughty’s experimentation with drum machines and Ableton Live software adds a larger dynamic to his acoustic efforts along with cello player Andrew Scrap Livingston. Includes a bonus limited-edition Live EP -- free with purchase (while supplies last)!
+The Dutchess & The Duke - Sunset/Sunrise CD/LP (Hardly Art)
Sophomore album is a slump-dodging opus that takes the dark, raw beauty of their debut and scales it up to distinctly luminescent heights, thanks to a graceful synthesis of painfully earned creative maturity and thoughtful production under producer Greg Ashley's adroitly tuned ears.
+The Jesus Lizard - Goat CD/LP+MP3 (Touch & Go)
+The Jesus Lizard - Head CD/LP+MP3 (Touch & Go)
+The Jesus Lizard - Liar CD/LP+MP3 (Touch & Go)
+The Jesus Lizard - Down CD/LP+MP3 (Touch & Go)
Remastered by Steve Albini and Bob Weston. CDs have been repackaged in deluxe digipaks with 14'' x 20'' double-sided color folders including never before seen photos and extensive liner notes by the band. HQ-120 vinyl editions have also been packaged in deluxe gatefold album jackets with 12'' x 24'' double-sided color inserts. All editions feature bonus tracks.
+Daniel Johnston - Is And Always Was CD (High Wire Music)
Is And Always Was is a decided step away from the lo-fi homemade recordings for which Johnston is famous. On the album, Daniel allied with the musician and producer Jason Falkner, who is known for his own stellar solo career as well as his work with Beck, Air, and Paul McCartney.
+Kraftwerk - Autobahn CD (WB)
+Kraftwerk - Man Machine CD (WB)
+Kraftwerk - Radioactivity CD (WB)
+Kraftwerk - Tour De France CD (WB)
+Kraftwerk - Trans Europe Express CD (WB)
Honed to perfection in the band’s Kling Klang studio, each of these magnificent masterwerks has been digitally remastered and packaged in a deluxe slipcase housing booklets of restored, newly expanded artwork, including many previously unseen images.
+Eugene Mirman - God Is A Twelve-Year-Old Boy With Asperger’s CD (Sub Pop)
Brooklyn resident, comedian and really great guy (and Russian immigrant) Eugene Mirman has, among a great many other things, released two previous albums: The Absurd Nightclub Comedy Of Eugene Mirman and the 2006 follow-up En Garde, Society!. Now, three years later, The Mirm (that's what the crew on the Flight Of The Conchords tour called him) is releasing the possibly offensive, but most likely charming God Is A Twelve-Year-Old Boy With Asperger's.
+Mission Of Burma - Sound The Speed Of Light CD/LP+MP3 (Matador)
Mission Of Burma's fourth album is a departure from the pinned-needles roar of 2006's The Obliterati. Far more spacious and dynamic, it blasts off with the anthemic, catchy ''1, 2, 3, Partyy!'' -- a classic Burma rocker on a level with ''This Is Not A Photograph'' or ''Certain Fate.'' Other tracks, such as ''Feed,''''Forget Yourself,'' and ''Slow Faucet,'' are slow, hypnotic builders. ''Good Cheer'' is a burst of almost uncontainable joy that literally explodes from the speakers. [8.0] -- Pitchfork
+The Mountain Goats - Life Of The World To Come CD/2xLP (4AD)
The Mountain Goats have been making records since that mythical time when the term ''tape-only label'' didn't require any elaborate explanation, but have been recording and touring in their current incarnation since 2007. Highly anticipated new album.
+A Place To Bury Strangers - Exploding Head CD/LP (Mute)
Exploding Head dishes out Jesus & Mary Chain Psycho Candy-era alt rock with the lyrical sensibility of ‘80s Cure in heaping portions. They’ve mastered this formula brilliantly, but add several grams of their own opiate glaze to the mix -- a blissed-out soundtrack to a dirty yet divine scene.
+Port O'Brien - Threadbare CD (TBD)
''Port O'Brien crafts beautiful, melodic tunes that utilize string instruments to their fullest. And the group is not afraid to rock out.'' -- Billboard
+Raveonettes - In And Out Of Control CD/LP (Vice)
In And Out Of Control is a strange mix of modern and old, dark and happy. It s about rape, violence, lost love, suicide, not caring about what other people think of you and most importantly being mad and angelic. Includes a bonus two track CD-single featuring the non-album tracks "The Chosen One" and "Planes Do Crash" -- free with purchase (while supplies last)!
+Sparklehorse & Fennesz - In The Fishtank 15 CDEP/12” (Fishtank)
Songs and soundscapes of rare beauty with stunning atmospherics, where abstract sounds and well-crafted traditional song-structure meet and where acoustic instruments and electronics create outstanding ambience.
+Sufjan Stevens/Osso - Run Rabbit Run CD/2xLP (Asthmatic Kitty)
In 2001, Sufjan Stevens followed up his debut album, A Sun Came, with Enjoy Your Rabbit, a series of fourteen instrumentals programmatically inspired by the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Much later, in 2006, Bryce Dessner (The National, Dark Was The Night, Clogs) suggested that Sufjan re-arrange the entirety of Enjoy Your Rabbit for Osso, a string quartet that had previously contributed strings to Sufjan's Illinois and My Brightest Diamond's Bring Me The Workhorse.
+Tiesto - Kaleidoscope CD (Ultra)
Internationally recognized as one of the world's premier DJs and producers, Tiesto's career highlights to date are many, but recent exploits include a GRAMMY nod for his last artist album, 'Elements of Life' and headlining both Coachella and Bonnaroo Festivals. After a run of four top-selling electronic artist albums, Tiesto presents ''Kaleidoscope'', an artist album in the truest sense: collaborations with a variety of music talents from the worlds of dance, pop and rock: Jonsi Birgisson from Sigur R''s, Kele Okereke from Bloc Party, Nelly Furtado, and Calvin Harris!
+Kurt Vile - Childish Prodigy CD/LP+MP3 (Matador)
Philadelphia singer-songwriter Kurt Vile’s second album is a rich tapestry of rock and folk sounds, occasionally lo-fi, occasionally lustrous, hitting touchstones from Tom Petty to Street Legal-era Dylan to Spacemen 3 to Skip Spence.
+7 Worlds Collide - Sun Came Out 2xCD (!K7)
New album from the project led by Neil Finn with contributions by Sharon and Liam Finn, members of Wilco, Johnny Marr, KT Tunstall, Ed O'Brien and Phil Selway of Radiohead, Lisa Germano, Bic Runga and others.
+Breakestra - Dusk Till Dawn CD/2xLP (Strut)
After a four year break from the studio, LA's finest practitioners of party funk and breaks, Breakestra, return to the fray with a brand new studio album on Strut this September, Dusk Till Dawn. Their long awaited sophomore set explores all colors of the funk spectrum.
+Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains CD/LP (Sister's Den)
While many buzz-minded new artists dive straight into Brooklyn's bustling music scene, Cymbals Eat Guitars were happy fine-tuning demos with The Wrens' Charles Bissel (starting way back in the summer of 2007, before the group even had a name), and finally in a proper studio with Kyle ''Slick'' Johnson (Modest Mouse, The Ives).
+Drivin N Cryin - Great American Bubble Factory CD/LP (Thirty Tigers)
First new album in twelve years. Drivin N Cryin are back with an album of epic proportions: the kind of rock & roll the South has been missing for over a decade.
+The Ettes - Do You Want Power CD/LP (Ingrooves)
Fresh off their tour Kings Of Leon, and the release of their raw, Dan Auerbach-produced EP Danger Is, The Ettes invited Memphis-based garage legend Greg Cartwright (Jay Reatard, Mary Weiss, Oblivions) to produce Do You Want Power.
+Matthew Friedberger - Winter Women/Holy Ghost Language School 2xCD (Thrill Jockey)
Matthew Friedberger is one half of the The Fiery Furnaces brother and sister duo. This is Matt’s first solo record and was originally released in 2006. Thrill Jockey is proud to be bringing this double album back in a new package with updated artwork.
+Gates Of Slumber - Hymns Of Blood & Thunder CD (Metal Blade)
Indianapolis's heaviest sons return with their latest full-length epic.
+Gary Higgens - Seconds CD/LP (Drag City)
A beautiful acoustic-based record featuring careful, melancholy arrangements in the tradition set by his famous previous record -- but with a few unpredictable musical touches.
+Langhorne Slim - Be Set Free CD (Kemado)
One of the most endearing and standout qualities of Slim's live shows is the sureness that one is always entering a genuine Gospel-like musical experience full of little miracles. Be Set Free has captured this charisma and spirit -the "hold your heart" moments and "raise a drink" dance vibes shine throughout with lush string arrangements and the fine sonic talents of drummer Malachi DeLorenzo and new bassist Jeff Ratner.
+Melvins - Chicken Switch CD (Ipecac)
How do the Melvins, a band that's never needed much more than a couple of guitars distortion pedal, drums and intensity for the better part of three decades, adjust to these electronic times? Quite simply, they outsource the labor to those who can do it better, including Lee Renaldo, Matmos and V/Vm with the aptly titled Chicken Switch.
+Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions - Through The Devil Softly CD (Nettwerk)
Through The Devil Softly continues the laid-back, slowcore sound they are renowned for and places Sandoval’s sensuous, hypnotic voice in the forefront. Recorded at home in Berkley, the spare, subtle arrangements reinforce the former Mazzy Star vocalist’s gentle vocal style.
+Soundtrack (Karen O And The Kids) - Where The Wild Things Are CD/LP (DGC/Interscope)
Karen O enlisted friends and fellow musicians she believed had a musical intuition that would bolster her intent to marry sound to vision for Spike Jonze’s highly anticipated adaptation. The collective Karen O And The Kids include members of Deerhunter, Queens Of The Stone Age, Liars, Bird And The Bee, The Dead Weather, etc. and an untrained children's choir.
+Various Artists - Warp20 (Chosen) 2xCD (Warp)
The definitive best of Warp Records. Ten songs chosen by you (Warp20.net), with an additional ten chosen by Warp cofounder Steve Beckett. Packaged in deluxe case-bound 10'' folder. Includes your personal messages and memories from Warp20.net featured on a pullout poster.
+Various Artists - Warp20 (Recreated) 2xCD (Warp)
Features twenty brand new cover versions of Warp songs by Warp artists past and present; includingt racks by Autechre, Harmonic 313, Jamie Lidell, Plaid, Clark, Maximo Park, Leila, Seefeel, Luke Vibert and more. Packaged in deluxe case-bound 10'' folder.
+Girls - Album CD/LP+MP3 (True Panther Sounds)
Built on the powerful songwriting of Christopher Owens and the ethereal production of Chet ''JR'' White, Album is the perfect San Francisco summer record, evoking a narcotic, sunny afternoon in Dolores Park, yet promising the eventual hangover of summer's departure. It is self-described as ''honest, loose, ethereal, obnoxious and perfect,'' and is a sincere tribute to the majesty of great pop music and the healing power of rock & roll.
+David Gray - Draw The Line CD/2xCD (Downtown)
Draw The Line is the rich, warm, organic sound of David Gray reborn and starts a new chapter in the storytelling for which he is known. Ripe with melancholic beauty, key tracks on the album include the glorious sublimely layered “Fugitive,” the album's lead single, the pensive “Draw The Line” and the emotive composition “Nemesis.” Also features two duets with Jolie Holland and Annie Lennox. Deluxe double disc edition includes a bonus nine track live CD and is packaged in a hard cover digipak sleeve. Includes a bonus 7” featuring the single “Fugitive” b/w the non-album B-side “Jitterbug” free with purchase (while supplies last)!
+Richard Hawley - Trueloves Gutter CD (Mute)
The sixth solo album from this Sheffield, England singer-songwriter and former Pulp sideman features made-up-sounding instruments including a megabass waterphone and a crystal baschet. The album’s lush production provides a haunting backdrop to Hawley’s unique voice and allows plenty of space for beautiful guitar solos.
+Islands - Vapours CD (Anti)
Nick Diamonds' polymorphous pop band is back with their third studio album, Vapours. The 2006 debut, Return To The Sea, found eccentric and mellifluous pop tunes performed with a cast of characters from Montreal's thriving music scene (including members of Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade), helmed by Nick Diamonds and Jamie Thompson.
+LCD Soundsystem - 45:33 Remixes CD (DFA)
45:33 is lovingly and respectfully reinterpreted by some of dance music's most innovative players, including Brookyn's Runaway, Norway's Prins Thomas, Berlin's techno technician Riley Reinhold, Detroit’s Theo Parish, Paris' celebrated Pilooski and many others.
+Le Loup - Family CD (Hardly Art)
On Family, Le Loup took an elemental approach to recording, capturing the organic sounds of their instruments before treating them with various effects. Certain melodic themes were added to multiple songs, linking the album together with their recurring motifs. The result is an album of experimental rock songs and campfire sing-alongs, set amidst swirling textures and murky production.
+Monsters Of Folk - Monsters Of Folk CD (Artist First)
Monsters Of Folk is a collaboration of Conor Oberst, Jim James, M. Ward and Mike Mogis (one of the most sought after producers working today).
+Noisettes - Wild Young Hearts CD/LP (Mercury)
Sophomore album from the British trio. Wild Young Hearts is a set of sleek pop songs steeped in soul, dizzy on disco and harking back to the days of blues and jazz greats.
+One Eskimo - One Eskimo CD (Artist First)
Brainchild of singer/songwriter Kristian Leontiou, London-based One Eskimo arrives with an impressive breadth of imagination. Produced by Rollo Armstrong (Faithless, Dido).
+Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Higher Than The Stars CDEP/12” (Slumberland)
Not content to rest on the laurels of having one of the best and most talked-about albums of 2009, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are back with four brand new songs typical of what they do best -- breathe fresh life into indie-pop with exuberance, charm, and of course quality tunes.
+Peanut Butter Wolf - 45 Live CD (Traffic)
18 hip-hop classics re-edited by Peanut Butter Wolf.
+Rain Machine - Rain Machine CD (Anti)
Rain Machine is a startling new musical venture from Kyp Malone, known to many as guitarist-singer for soulful art rockers TV On The Radio. For Rain Machine, Malone takes the roots influences that have always bubbled beneath the surface in TVOR -- blues, gospel, even African music -- and brings them to the fore.
+Sea Wolf - White Water, White Bloom CD/LP (Dangerbird)
White Water, White Bloom is the second full length Sea Wolf album, following 2007's critically acclaimed Leaves In The River featuring “You're A Wolf.”
+The Twilight Sad - Forget The Night Ahead CD/LP (Fatcat)
The Twilight Sad's much-anticipated follow-up to 2007's Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters is a dark and tumultuous listen. Produced by guitarist Andy McFarlane with Paul Savage (of Delgados) at Glasgow's famed Chem 19 studios, Forget The Night Ahead retains the guitar-washed drama of their previous effort, with an added complexity both sonic and thematic.
+Various Artists - Where The Action Is! Los Angeles Nuggets 1965-1968 4xCD (Rhino)
Compiles 101 tracks that mix many of the city's brightest stars like The Byrds, Love, The Doors, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, Captain Beefheart, The Mamas & The Papas, Lowell George, Iron Butterfly, with talented artists whose stellar songcraft sadly flew under the radar The Seeds, The Electric Prunes, The Peanut Butter Conspiracy, The Everpresent Fullness, and The Bobby Fuller Four.
+Various Artists - Crayon Angel: A Tribute To The Music Of Judee Sill CD (American Dust)
Features new recordings by Beth Orton, Bill Callahan, Ron Sexsmith, Final Fantasy, Nicolai Dunger, Marisa Nadler & Black Hole Infinity, Colossal Yes (with members of Six Organs Of Admittance and Comets On Fire), Meg Baird, Frida Hyvoenen, and Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear and Department of Eagles. Judee Sill was the first artist signed to David Geffen's Asylum Records and released two cherished cult LPs, 1971's Judee Sill and 1973's Heart Food, before vanishing from the music scene and eventually dying of a drug overdose in North Hollywood, California, in 1979.
+Volcano Choir - Unmap CD/LP+MP3 (Jagjaguwar)
Volcano Choir is an assembly of Wisconsinites Jon Mueller, Chris Rosenau, Jim Schoenecker, Daniel Spack, Justin Vernon, and Thomas Wincek. You might find these old friends also frequenting records and stages under different monikers, Collections Of Colonies of Bees and Bon Iver. The collaboration predates the meteoric rise of Justin Vernon's Bon Iver project, with original songwriting dating back to the summer of 2005.
+Rufus Wainwright - Milwaukee At Last CD/CD+DVD (Decca)
Recorded live at Milwaukee's Pabst Theater. Deluxe edition of his new live release includes the a DVD featuring encores and bonus material. Also available as a separately sold DVD.
+Wax Tailor - In The Mood For Life 2xCD (Le Plan Music)
In The Mood For Life takes its cues from soul, funk, hip-hop or ‘60s pop. His first album, Tales Of The Forgotten Melodies, drew comparisons to the likes of Ratatat, Portishead and DJ Shadow.
+Why? - Eskimo Snow CD/LP (Anitcon)
A year and a half after releasing the acclaimed Alopecia, Why? returns with their fourth album. The two records are perfect foils: while last year's release delivered intricate rhymes, live loops, slurred hooks, and acerbic wit, Eskimo Snow offers a sung, sobering take on mortality that unfurls in lush waves of Americana and pop-infused psych-folk.
+The Dynamites (Featuring Charles Walker) - Burn It Down CD (Outta Sight)
Fans of Sharon Jones And The Dap Kings, James Brown, Motown, Memphis, gospel and jazz will fall in love with Charlie Walker and his Dynamites.
+Big Star - Keep An Eye On The Sky 4xCD (Rhino/Ryko)
Four-disc collection spanning 1968-1975 offers a trove of unreleased demos, unused mixes, alternate versions of songs, and a 1973 concert recorded in Memphis. The lavish packaging includes extensive liner notes, rare and never-before-seen photos, and insightful essays about the cult of Big Star and the band's history.
+Muse - The Resistance CD/CD+DVD (WB)
Their highly anticipated new album! Deluxe version adds a DVD featuring a 30 minute “Making Of” the album documentary.
+Kid Cudi - Man On The Moon: The End Of Day CD/CD+DVD/LP (G.O.O.D. Music/Dream)
Kid Cudi released his first mixtape, A Kid Named Cudi, in July, 2008 as a free download sponsored by New York streetwear company 10 Deep, leading to an introduction and signing to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music imprint, and in turn, to Cudi's co-writing of four tracks on the platinum Kanye West album 808s & Heartbreak. He followed this up with his first official single, "Day N Nite." Deluxe version includes three bonus tracks and a 65 minute DVD.
+Tyondai Braxton/BATTLES - Central Market CD (Warp)
Solo album from the Battles' big-haired, chipmunk-on-speed vocalist/multi-instrumentalist. Features a mix of electronics, guitar pedals, and polyrhythmic percussion.
+Porcupine Tree - The Incident 2xCD (Roadrunner)
Their tenth studio album takes the listener on a thrilling audio journey. In turns haunting, desolate, hypnotic and euphoric, The Incident’s centerpiece is the title track: a stunning 55-minute musical statement that breaks down into 14 separate and often diverse (though interlinked) vignettes.
+Q-Tip - Kamaal The Abstract CD/LP (ZLG/Battery)
Q-Tip produced Kamaal The Abstract himself, even playing several instruments. It is a daring melange of soul, supa-cool jazz, headnodding hip-hop, and organic pop magic in the vein of Stevie Wonder or Prince.
+Scotland Yard Gospel Choir - And The Horse You Rode In On CD/LP (Bloodshot)
Rock's bread and butter is romantic tragedy. The latest record from Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, takes all those elements, mashes in a little Jarvis Cocker swagger, and spreads on some That’s Entertainment era Jam -- and emerges with something new, crisp, compelling, and incredibly intelligent.
+Shudder To Think - Live From Home CD (Team Love)
In the fall of 2008, ten years after the band's break-up, Shudder To Think reunited in response to overwhelming requests. The band delivered some of the most compelling and potent shows of their career. The best of those live shows can be found here.
+Sunny Day Real Estate - Diary CD/2xLP (Sub Pop)
Remastered reissue of 1994's Diary. Available on CD and deluxe double LP.
+Sunny Day Real Estate - LP2 CD/LP (Sub Pop)
Remastered reissue of 1995's LP2. Available on CD and deluxe LP.
+The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You LP+MP3 (American Recordings)
Vinyl now, CD due September 29. I And Love And You’s 13 songs are delivered in a style that defies pigeonholing but might be described as a rootsy amalgam of folk, country, bluegrass, rock and pop -- even a jab of punk-style dynamics here and there. Featuring production by Rick Rubin.
THE BEATLES MONO BOX
Description:
·Hard white glossy slip box
·SUPER Limited edition (10,000)
·CDs packaged as mini LP replicas (replica artwork, sleeves and gatefolds)
·Remastered by Paul Hicks, Sean Magee with Guy Massey and Steve Rooke
>>>Contains:
Original Mono version - 11 albums (12 discs)
+= mono mix CD debut
·Please Please Me
·With The Beatles
·A Hard Day's Night
·Beatles For Sale
·Help! (CD also includes original 1965 stereo mix)+
·Rubber Soul (CD also include original 1965 stereo mix)+
·Revolver+
·Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band+
·Magical Mystery Tour+
·The Beatles (aka The White Album)+
·Mono Masters (features all of the mono tracks that appeared on singles, EPs. or that never made it onto the 13 albums)
-Essay written by Kevin Howlett
*note: Yellow Submarine, Abbey Road and Let It Be are not included, as they were originally recorded in stereo!
THE BEATLES STEREO BOX
Description:
·Hard black glossy lift top with magnet clasp
·CD's packaged in three panel digi-pak with digital mini documentaries
·Remastered by Guy Massey, Steve Rooke, Sam Okell with Paul Hicks and Sean Magee
>>>Contains:
All 13 Studio remasters plus Past Masters (digi packaging with digital mini documentaries)
·Please Please Me
·With The Beatles
·A Hard Day's Night
·Beatles For Sale
·Help!
·Rubber Soul
·Revolver
·Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
·Magical Mystery Tour
·The Beatles (aka The White Album)
·Yellow Submarine
·Abbey Road
·Let It Be
·Past Masters
-DVD of all 13 mini-documentaries (Running time: 40 minutes)
PLEASE NOTE, ALL SINGLE DISC TITLES OF THE BEATLES CATALOG WILL BE SPECIALLY PRICED ON 09.09.09 AS WELL!
+The Beatles - Abbey Road CD (EMI)
+The Beatles - Beatles For Sale CD (EMI)
+The Beatles - A Hard Day’s Night CD (EMI)
+The Beatles - Help! CD (EMI)
+The Beatles - Let It Be CD (EMI)
+The Beatles - Magical Mystery Tour CD (EMI)
+The Beatles - Past Masters 2xCD (EMI)
+The Beatles - Please Please Me CD (EMI)
+The Beatles - Revolver CD (EMI)
+The Beatles - Rubber Soul CD (EMI)
+The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band CD (EMI)
+The Beatles - The White Album 2xCD (EMI)
+The Beatles - With The Beatles CD (EMI)
+The Beatles - Yellow Submarine CD (EMI)
+Circulatory System - Signal Morning CD (Cloud Recordings)
Featuring all the members of The Olivia Tremor Control, as well as Jeff Mangum and Julian Koster of Neutral Milk Hotel. Thick with textures, layered percussion, angular guitars, vibrating strings, woodwinds, and brass.
+The Clean - Mister Pop CD (Merge)
In 1978, The Clean were the seeds of New Zealand punk. They carved out a big sandbox for everyone to play in, and their influence resonated not only in NZ but around the world. Their new album Mister Pop sees The Clean continue the great pop pastiche. Circus ragas (“Moonjumper”), hazy sunset anthems (“In The Dreamlife You Need A Rubber Soul”), and the loose Dada approach to wordsmithery continue alongside “proper” lyrical forays and a few Autobahn-referential instrumental moments to boot (“Tensile”).
+The Feelies - Crazy Rhythms CD+MP3 (Bar/None)
+The Feelies - Good Earth CD+MP3 (Bar/None)
Crazy Rhythms and Good Earth are masterworks of perfectly honed minimalist rock & roll that leaps and darts into the corners of the listeners consciousness. Rolling Stone called Crazy Rhythms one of the 100 best albums of the 1980s. Fans of the Velvet Underground, Wire and Brian Eno's early solo albums will surely appreciate their forces at work. Includes downloadable bonus tracks.
+Health - Get Color CD/LP+MP3 (Lovepump United)
Second album from L.A. noise-wonders. Get Color is an exuberant proclamation of noise, rock and electronic splendor. It's a celebration of sound; pretty, harsh, soft and basked in a blanket of ethereal vocals.
+Jay-Z - The Blueprint III CD (Roc-A-Fella)
Special 9/11/09 FRIDAY street date. The Blueprint III is the final installment in The Blueprint series.
+Sondre Lerche - Heartbeart Radio CD (Rounder)
His fifth studio album mixes acoustic guitars and grand gestures of orchestral pop with elements of anything from '50s jazz via '60s and '70s Brazilian psych-folk, to state-of-the-art '80s pop masters such as Prefab Sprout, Scritti Politti and Fleetwood Mac.
+Os Mutantes - Haih Or Amortecedor CD (Anti)
What fan would have dared dream that an impromptu, one-off reunion at London's Barbican Theater in 2006 would lead to the first new music from Os Mutantes in over 30 years? Yet here is Haih, conceived by Mutantes founder Sergio Dias with writing collaborations from Brazilian legends Tom Ze and Jorge Ben (who wrote the band's original hit ''Minha Menina'')
+Polvo - In Prism CD/2xLP (Merge)
“Polvo spent 1990-1998 giving voice to a chorus of discrete rock & roll ideas that really hadn't been heard before. While there was nothing wrong before, it's now so much more right-perhaps because after ten years, after other bands and their tours and records and worries (if they had any), none of the peripheral stuff matters anymore.” -- Mike Wolf, NYC
+Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II CD (Iceal)
Features cameos from many industry heavyweights such as the Wu-Tang Clan, Jadakiss Styles P, and many others. It also features tracks from the who's who of hip-hop producers such as the RZA, Eric Sermon, Dr. Dre, Scram Jones, Pete Rock, Marley Marl, Allah Mathematics and J-Dilla.
+The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses CD/CD+DVD (Jive)
Meshing simple, exceedingly catchy hooks with rhythmic beats, The Stones Roses led the UK's so-called "Madchester" scene straight into the US with their eponymous debut. The Stone Roses achieved one of the most successful fusions of classic pop songwriting and acid house culture, and managed to snare fans from both genres. By the end of 1989, their debut had landed on many a top-ten list for that year; NME even declared it "The Greatest Album Of All Time." Double-disc edition adds a DVD featuring The Stones Roses live at the Blackpool Empress ballroom and videos.
+Vivian Girls - Everything Goes Wrong CD/LP (In The Red)
Brooklyn's Vivian Girls have taken their time with this new album and recorded it in six days --rather than the three their debut took -- though many of the songs were still recorded in single takes. Everything Goes Wrong is a darker, moodier album than its predecessor, with a couple tracks clocking in at almost twice the length of anything on their debut. That said, the influences remain the same: The Ramones, '60s girl groups, surf, indie pop, etc.
+Wheedles Groove - Kearney Barton CD (Light In The Attic)
Nine new earth shaking, head nodding grooves featuring new recordings performed by Seattle soul legends Patrinell Staten, Robbie Hill, Ron Buford, Ural Thomas, members of Black On White Affair, Cookin' Bag, Cold Bold & Together, and more. Recorded with legendary NW sound engineer Kearney Barton.
+Yo La Tengo - Popular Songs CD/2xLP+MP3 (Matador)
This sprawling, ambitious album is Yo La Tengo's 16th, and marks their 25th anniversary. HQ-180 double-LP includes digital download.
+Mudkids - MKEP CDEP (s/r)
Rusty & Co. have a new joint coming out 25 August! Be one of the first 25 people to pick up the new Mudkids joint, 'MKEP,' get their first album, '4trackmind,' for FREE!
+Simian Mobile Disco - Temporary Pleasure CD (Wichita)
“As producer of everyone from Arctic Monkeys to the Klaxons, James Ford has such an influence on the way pop currently sounds that his "day job" alongside Jas Shaw could feel like a side project. However, for the follow-up to 2007's Attack Decay Sustain Release, the pair have certainly pulled out the big guns, teaming up with a variety of guest vocalists. Super Furry Animal Gruff Rhys purrs over the Neu-like pulsebeat of Cream Dream, while Beth Ditto bares her soul on Cruel Intentions, seemingly an attempt to find the missing link between rave and Gloria Gaynor.” -- Guardian.co.uk
+David Bazan - Curse Your Branches CD (Barsuk)
First full length for David Bazan (Pedro The Lion/Headphones). Curse Your Branches is the deepest and most overtly autobiographical exploration of his theological struggles and resulting battle with alcohol to date, and a meditation on all things passed between the generations -- belief, doubt, love, addiction -- that showcases his incredible arrangements and melodic sense, and, of course, the trademark dark humor, incisive lyrical economy, and light touch in dealing with heavy themes that has drawn comparisons to no lesser talents than Prine, Randy Newman, and Leonard Cohen.
+Drive By Truckers - Fine Print CD/LP (New West)
Drive By Truckers recently dug into the New West Records vaults and put finishing touches on a selection of songs that were never quite completed. The result is a collection of oddities and rarities from 2003 to 2008. Features songs written by band members past and present including Patterson Hood, Mike Cooley, and Jason Isbell.
+Richard Lloyd - The Jamie Neverts Story CD (Parasol)
Long-awaited collection of Jimi Hendrix covers recorded in early 2008 by ex-Television and Rocket From The Tombs guitarist and frequent Matthew Sweet collaborator.
+Various Artists - Psych-Funk 101 CD/LP (World Psychedelic Funk Classics)
Funky, fuzzy psychedelic tracks from ‘60s and ‘70s Nigeria, Iran, Turkey, Russia and South Korea. This compilation focuses on bands influenced by James Brown, The Meters, Sly & The Family Stone, Booker T & The MGs, The Bar Kays, and unsung rhythmic forces such as drummers Bernard Purdie, Idris Muhammad, Earl Palmer, bassists such as Carol Kaye and Jimmy Lewis.
+Susana Baca - Seis Poemas CD (Luaka Bop)
Her upbringing in a coastal town in the south of Lima, called Chorrillos, revolved around a core of musical celebrations where she would watch and join in with the adults who sang and danced. On Seis Poemas, Susana takes us deeper into her own poetic history, with the moving works of Latin American and Spanish poets like Pablo Neruda, Cesar Vallejo, Cesar Calvo, Mario Benedetti, and Federico Garcia Lorca, lovingly placing their lyrics in understated arrangements of guitar, flute, and violin.
+Arctic Monkeys - Humbug CD/LP (Domino)
Third album is stunning set of songs both heavier and lush than previous albums but still full of the Monkeys usual punch and vitality. Features production by Josh Homme, who generously hosted them at his Joshua Tree studio.
Tim Buckley - Live At The Folklore Center, NYC: March 6th, 1967 CD (Tompkins Square)
This previously unreleased recording was captured by folk impresario Izzy Young at his famed Folklore Center located at 321 Sixth Avenue, which served as a nexus for up-and-coming singer-songwriters during the folk boom of the late '60s. The entire night's concert, performed in front of about 35 people, is presented in its original running order of 16 songs, six of which are Tim Buckley compositions that have never appeared on any studio or live album.
+Fun - Aim And Ignite CD/LP (Nettwerk)
Nate Ruess, late of The Format, has teamed up with ex-Anathallo multi-instrumentalist Andrew Dost and Steel Train's Jack Antonoff, resulting Fun’s ingenious debut, Aim And Ignite. The trio melds a stunning array of diverse inspirations -- spanning Broadway to The Beach Boys, Nilsson Shmilsson to Pinkerton -- into an irresistible collection of freewheeling pop songcraft.
+Barbara Lynn - Here Is Barbara Lynn CD (Water Music)
Originally released on Atlantic in 1968, and featuring many of her Atlantic singles from the time period, this is Beaumont, TX’s deep soul singer Barbara Lynn at one of the high points of her career. Featuring the hits “This Is The Thanks I Get” and “You'll Lose A Good Thing,” Here Is Barbara Lynn is a highly sought after record, reissued here with original artwork on CD for the first time ever. An absolute classic of Atlantic Records soul.
Patton Oswalt - My Weakness Is Strong CD+DVD? (WB)
As a comedian, Patton has released three TV specials and, as of this writing, two critically acclaimed albums. Currently a series regular on Showtime's United States Of Tara, he has also appeared as a guest star on The Sarah Silverman Program on Comedy Central and on Flight Of The Conchords on HBO. He's a regular contributor to Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Real Time with Bill Maher and Lewis Black's Root Of All Evil.
+Radiohead - Amnesiac 2xCD/2xCD+DVD (Capitol)
+Radiohead - Kid A 2xCD/2xCD+DVD (Capitol)
+Radiohead - Hail To The Theif 2xCD/2xCD+DVD (Capitol)
Each reissue is available in two editions: A deluxe double-disc set featuring a disc of B-sides and rare tracks, and a triple-disc set adding a bonus DVD of videos and live footage.
+Luke Vibert - We Hear You CD/3xLP (Planet Mu)
We Hear You melds modes and effects with his trademark quick wit and deft skills for a solid, enjoyable full-length. The songs here bend genre rules to suit Vibert's stylistic traits and his ear for idiosyncratic samples, sweetly strange melodies, big bass, and sloppy drums.
+Matisyahu - Light CD/LP+MP3 (Epic)
14-track collection covers a dizzying amount of stylistic ground, from hard-edged dancehall ("Smash Lies") and ska-inflected new wave ("We Will Walk") to laidback pop-rock ("So Hi So Lo") and acoustic folk-soul ("I Will Be The Light"). While reggae is far from absent here -- see the old-school toasting in "Motivate"-- Light finds Matisyahu edging away from his comfort zone into more daring territory.
+Imogen Heap - Ellipse CD/2xCD (RCA)
2009 album from the British singer/songwriter and one-half of Frou Frou. Beginning in Hawaii and working her way through Fiji, Imogen has poured her heart and soul into writing and recording Ellipse. The album was recorded in new studio, which she built in her old family home in Essex, UK. Deluxe double-disc edition includes a bonus CD containing an instrumental version of the album.
+Heliocentrics - Fallen Angels: Singles Collection CD (Now-Again)
A collection of rare and exclusive tracks from Malcolm Catto and the Heliocentrics. Included are tracks such as the DOOM feature “Distant Star” and Guilty Simpson’s “Before I Die” alongside a multitude of offerings that span the gamut from deep jazz (“The Oracle”), deep funk (“The Gorn”) and deep psychedelia (the title track, the epic "Vibration Of The Fallen Angels").
+The Antlers - Hospice CD/LP (French Kiss)
The Antlers wildly popular debut album, Hospice, has been garnering tons of critical acclaim. NPR's Robin Hilton ranks it as the #1 album so far this year! ''Frontman Peter Silberman is only 23, but has produced one of the most beautiful and moving works I've heard in a long, long time. Just astonishing.''
+Brenden Benson - My Old Familiar Friend CD/LP+7”+CD (ATO)
Brendan returns with his fourth solo album. Taking a break from writing, recording, and touring with the Grammy-winning Raconteurs, Benson went into the studio with producer Gil Norton (Pixies, Maximo Park, Foo Fighters, Gomez, etc.) and mixer Dave Sardy (Rolling Stones, LCD Soundsystem, Oasis). Also available on HQ-180 gatefold with bonus 7'', poster, and CD.
+The Cave Singers - Welcome Joy CD/LP+MP3 (Matador)
The second album from Seattle's Cave Singers is a gorgeous, rich folky stew hitting musical touchstones from Led Zeppelin III (think “Bron Yr Aur Stomp”) to Iron And Wine, CCR, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, and Will Oldham.
+Joe Henry - Blood From Stars CD (Anti)
With his work as both producer and a songwriter overlapping and informing one another, it is only natural that the blues found their way onto Henry's latest album after most recently producing albums for Allen Toussaint and Ramblin' Jack Elliott. The album features veteran musicians including guitarist Marc Ribot and pianist Jason Moran.
+Mew - No More Stories CD/LP (Columbia/DMZ)
Vinyl now, CD due in Thurs. On their 5th album, Mew pushes their artfully weird and epic sound labyrinthine arrangements of overlapping, unexpected harmonies and sugary heaven bound vocals into a warm, accessible collection of songs with more stick in your head hooks than words in its extensive album title.
+Mount Eerie - Wind’s Poem CD (P.W. Elverum & Sun)
For Wind's Poem by Mount Eerie, Phil Elverum spent almost two years out behind the house, at the edge of the woods, listening into the night and finding these words. Songs of impermanence, dark change, destruction, temporary blossoming, mortality, and an immense river of air tearing through the world make up the third official album by Mount Eerie.
+Ramona Falls - Intuit CD (Barsuk)
Ramona Falls is Brent Knopf's first solo venture, but he has an extensive musical resume as part of trio Menomena. His debut release, Intuit, was written and performed by Brent, with guest appearances by 35 friends (including members of The Helio Sequence, Mirah, Loch Lomond, 31 Knots, Talkdemonic, Nice Nice, Tracker, Dat'r, Dear Reader, 3 Leg Torso, and Matt Sheehy).
+Jay Reatard - Watch Me Fall CD (Matador)
Highly anticipated new album from this indie artist. For-panel digipak CD. Documentary about Jay's eventful career coming in August. ''A songwriter hitting an unstoppable stride'' - Pitchfork. ''Snarky, snarling, and soaring, this kind of derangement rarely sounds so sweet.'' - Dusted
+Destroyer - Bay Of Pigs 12” (Merge)
Bay Of Pigs is the longest of Destroyer songs and Destroyer's first foray into ambient disco. The song was recorded throughout the winter of 2009 with Destroyer collaborators/members John Collins and David Carswell at JCDC Studio in Vancouver.
+Various Artists - Kompakt Total 10 2xCD/3xLP (Kompakt)
This diverse collection of solid-gold hit favorites is still standing and stronger than ever, coinciding with the Kompakt Total event. Spanning the course of two CDs and three LPs, Kompakt Total 10 features essential tunes from the Kompakt catalog and highlights exclusive, new music from the likes of DJ Koze, Thomas/Mayer, Jurgen Paape, Wassermann (aka label founder Wolfgang Voigt), and others.
+Bottle Rockets - Lean Forward CD/LP (Bloodshot)
Lean Forward continues the Rockets' creative resurgence ignited by 2006's Zoysia. Reunited with producer Eric ''Roscoe'' Ambel, the Bottle Rockets do what no other band does better -- look into the hearts and minds and faces of the dying small towns in America and crafts populist anthems with the sympathetic eye of Woody Guthrie and sonic stomp of Crazy Horse.
+Box Elders - Alice And Friends CD (Goner)
Box Elders is the brainchild of brothers Clayton and Jeremiah McIntyre, who began making music in Friday night goof-off sessions that originally featured their mom on drums. Adopting a name from the bugs that infested their house, they started gigging around Omaha, Nebraska, and soon added drummer Dave Goldberg.
+Willie Nelson - Lost Highway CD/LP (Lost Highway)
Lost Highway covers nearly a decade's worth of music from over twelve albums, including three previously unreleased gems. Encompassing a broad spectrum of musical styles, Lost Highway features an amazing roster of collaborating artists while showcasing Willie's incomparable songwriting as well as his uncanny ability to take classic songs and truly make them his own.
Artists featured on this compilation include: Rob Thomas, Lee Ann Womack, Ray Price, Lucinda Williams, Diana Krall, Elvis Costello, Merle Haggard and Shania Twain.
+The Reigning Sound - Love And Curses CD (In The Red)
It's been five years since Greg Cartwright's Reigning Sound dropped their last full-length studio album, Too Much Guitar. Not that Cartwright has been resting on his laurels. The Reigning Sound backed Shangri-La Mary Weiss on her critically acclaimed comeback album, Dangerous Game, which was produced and largely written by Cartwright. The band performed with Weiss on tour, including an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Cartwright also produced, penned songs for, and played in The Detroit Cobras for a spell. All the while, The Reigning Sound toured the US on and off and released a couple of live albums, yet never managed to get into the studio to record. All the while, Cartwright stockpiled loads of new tunes.
+Sam & Ruby - The Here And The Now CD (Rykodisc)
Nashville-based duo Sam & Ruby gently blend R&B, folk and pop into a sound so immediately warm and welcoming that falling in love with their debut album is a foregone conclusion. Ruby Amanfu boasts a sophisticated, soulful voice with gospel-like conviction. It beautifully complements Sam Brooker's relaxed, confident approach, his voice balanced somewhere between the bar room and the back porch.
+TV Ghost - Cold Fish CD/LP (In The Red)
Debut full-length album from Lafayette, Indiana, creepers TV Ghost -- a band who ushers in a vile and squalid new disposition to ugly art punk and carves out a black hole of pestilence that will delight its sufferers to no end. TV Ghost incorporates the licentious nuances of The Cramps' earliest scuzz, no wave's cacophony, and Suicide's terrifying throb alongside cavernous bellows from the depths of the third layer of hell.
+Marmoset - Tea Tornado CD (Joyful Noise)
Throughout the last 14 years, Marmoset have fostered a near-mythical cult status with their claustrophobic, moody, and ethereal blend of indie pop. The band's subtle take on primordial-post-punk spawns songs whose overly simple structures seem to speak in tongues -- channeling the spirit of Swell Maps and the Velvet Underground into something all together new.
+Yim Yames - Tribute To CD/LP+CD (ATO)
A few days after George Harrison passed away in 2001, Yim Yames (aka Jim James, lead singer for My Morning Jacket), was moved to record this six-song EP of Harrison covers, paying tribute to a man that he never met, but with whom he felt a special connection. The tracks have a serene quality that mourn the loss of a legendary spirit while celebrating his enduring influence.
+Flight Of The Conchords - Flight Of The Conchords Season 2 2xDVD (HBO)
All 10 episodes from Season Two including “A Good Opportunity,” “Tough Brets,” “Murray Takes It To The Next Level,” “Prime Minister” and “Evicted.” Five hours total.
+Wildbirds & Peacedrums - The Snake CD (The Control Group)
Sweden's extraordinary drums and vocals duo return with The Snake, the fierce follow up to their intoxicating debut, Heartcore.
+Lightning Dust - Infinite Light CD/LP (Jagjaguwar)
Infinite Light finds duo Amber Webber and Joshua Wells (both of Black Mountain) calling upon the powers of classic pop arrangements and making the most of five days with a Steinway Grand piano. It is somewhat reminiscent of the glory days of musical theatre, with touches of Hair, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Tommy.
+Julian Plenti - Julian Plenti’s Skyscraper CD/LP (Matador)
Featuring Mike Stroud of Ratatat, Sam Fogarino of Interpol, Charles Burst of The Occasion and Striker Manley of Stiff Jesus, this incredibly varied album runs the gamut from gorgeous folk-tinged acoustic songs to huge, orchestral guitar anthems.
+Japandroids - Post-Nothing CD/LP (Polyvinyl)
Japandroids are comprised of one guitar, one set of drums, and two vocalists. They call it garage rock. They don't care what you call it, as long as it's not minimal. Japandroids are maximal -- a two-piece trying to sound like a five piece band.
+Kool Keith - The Lost Masters Collection CD (Oglio/Dmaft)
The legend, the cult icon, the genius, the enigma, the spankmaster, the doctor, the man with 1,000 personalities celebrates his on-going Lost Masters series with a special three-disc set which adds reissues of Volume 1 and Volume 2.
+Fruit Bats - The Ruminant Band CD/LP (Sub Pop)
Using bright melodies, defiantly major-key chord structures, natural imagery mixed with the occasional blazing insight and tender observation, The Ruminant Band marks a further crystallization of singer/songwriter Eric Johnson's own melodic instincts and overall vision.
+Modest Mouse - No One’s First And You’re Next CD (Epic)
A collection of B-sides from the We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank and Good News For People Who Love Bad News sessions.
+24-Carat Black - Gone: The Promises Of Yesterday CD/LP (Numero)
Rediscovered in the early ‘90s by Britain's rare groove scene, 24-Carat Black's Ghetto: Misfortune's Wealth has since been known as their first and final chapter, barely a footnote in the well documented history of Stax. Gone: The Promises Of Yesterday is by no means a sequel. Missing are the poignant and bleak sermons on the pain of inner-city existence, replaced by dusky, sensuous re-workings of love songs Warren had written as far back as 1965. Wildly divergent in tone, scope, and mission, the second 24-Carat Black album is tethered to the first by a single, crucial element: its creator.
+Amadou & Mariam - The Magic Couple CD (Wrasse)
“It was their collaboration with Manu Chao on 2005's Dimanche à Bamako that propelled Amadou & Mariam to star status outside the Francophone African diaspora. But by that time they had already released three albums recorded outside Africa, the highlights of which are collected on this splendid compilation.” -- Independent.co.uk
+Band Of Skulls - Baby Darling Doll Face Honey CD/LP (Artist First)
Their debut offers a taste of their driving guitar force, heartbreaking duets, and sun-kissed, wall of sound harmonies. Produced, recorded, and mixed by Ian Davenport (Supergrass, Badly Drawn Boy). Artwork by bassist/vocalist Emma Richardson.
+Owl City - Ocean Eyes CD/LP (Universal)
Sophomore release from the Minnesota-based electro/rock outfit AKA singer/songwriter Adam Young. Loaded with amazing loops, catchy pickups, and lyrics that soothe the mind and touch the heart, Adam Young has once again created a lush listening experience.
+Magnolia Electric Co. - Josephine CD/LP (Secretly Canadian)
Magnolia Electric Co.'s fifth full-length, Josephine is a concept album that pays tribute to the life and spirit of fallen bassist Evan Farrell. It contains some of the strongest songs Jason Molina has written. He's approached the universal loneliness before, but never in such a focused, directed manner.
+Lights - Rites CD/LP (Drag City)
Any band that mutates the powers of Jimi Hendrix, unicorns, Stevie Nicks, glow sticks, Prince, Indians and cowboys, Yoko Ono, red wine, Jem and Beyonce into their own smoothly flowing sound, they're acting from the heart -- or the dark side of their Id. Their songs are the lovechild of American soul music, country, metal, psychedelic rock, disco and new age.
+Jennie DeVoe - Strange Sunshine CD (Rubin The Cat)
Anchored by her powerhouse, gospel inflected voice, Jennie DeVoe's music has an earthly charm that is totally authentic. She makes a stirring soulful statement on Strange Sunshine which though inspired by the raw emotional quality of such legends as Janis Joplin, Etta James, and Billie Holiday, sounds thoroughly Jennie, with its freewheeling spirit, confessional lyrics, and sultry retro grooves.
+Fiery Furnaces - I’m Going Away CD/LP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
Their eighth album and first studio record since 2007's Widow City. ''The Fiery Furnaces make music that defies explication, categorization, and most standards of comprehension,'' -- The NY Times
+Riceboy Sleeps - Riceboy Sleeps CD (XL)
Jon Thor Birgisson (Sigur Ros) and Alex Somers (Parachutes) have been exhibiting artwork and staging exhibitions under the name Riceboy Sleeps for a few years now. This record is more active than its antecedents in the ambient output of Brian Eno and other deliberately low-impact works. Riceboy Sleeps is awash with tension and stimuli, as well as being frequently and stunningly beautiful. ''Emotionally evocative, mostly instrumental, and pretty great.'' -- Prefix
+Wye Oak - Knot CD (Merge)
A set of songs that sway, stretch, and scream while always reaching outward for personal connection. As ever, Andy Stack's production layers his own multi-instrumental arrangements over Jenn Wasner's woozy compositions, but musically, too, things sound more precise. There's less squalling feedback than before, but lingering violin and pedal steel bring out the droning Americana that has always informed Wye Oak's sound.
+Discovery - LP CD (XL)
Discovery is the recording project of Rostam Batmanglij (Vampire Weekend) and Wes Miles (Ra Ra Riot). Guest vocals from Ezra Koening (Vampire Weekend) and Angel Deradoorian (Dirty Projectors). Elements of European electronic dance music skittering in double time over steady R&B. "Cascades of synths that belong on a My Bloody Valentine record and electronic flurries that sound like a flock of robins chirping incessantly on a spring morning." -- Pitchfork
+The Dead Weather - Horehound CD/2xLP (WB)
The latest musical adventure by Jack White epitomizes the alt-rock ethic -- do the music you love, do it yourself, and do it fast. The Dead Weather brings together lead singer Alison Mosshart (half of the London-based lo-fi post-punk duo The Kills), Queens Of The Stone Age guitarist Dean Fertita, The Raconteurs' bassist Jack Lawrence, and White on drums and vocals.
+Most Serene Republic - And The Ever Expanding CD/LP (Arts & Crafts)
Harmoniously combines traditional instrumentation with strings, banjos, and digital programming. Produced by Dave Newfeld (Broken Social Scene, Super Furry Animals, Los Campesinos).
+Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns CD (Saddle Creek)
Thanks to their exciting live performances and gritty, honest songs, this Canadian band earned a loyal following that continues to grow. The band's inspiring DIY success story continues to gain momentum with glowing press reviews and sold out club dates in major US cities.
+Chali 2na - Fish Outta Water CD (Decon)
From his roots on the Southside of Chicago to his subsequent explosion onto Los Angeles' burgeoning hip-hop scene, Chali 2na is probably best known as front man for the groups Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli. Fish Outta Water is his first solo effort in a 15-plus year career.
+Bowerbirds - Upper Air CD/LP (Dead Oceans)
The follow-up to 2007's acclaimed Hymns For A Dark Horse. Upper Air moves away from the singular sound and sentiment; each song is a unique, beautiful piece. The arrangements are subtle: acoustic guitars, organ, piano, autoharp, violin, percussion, upright bass, and more are used throughout.
Those Darlins - Those Darlins CD/LP (Oh Wow Dang)
Those Darlins are a pop group, if they are any one thing, which doesn't mean anybody with ears can't hear the country and rock & roll in their sound. After seducing live audiences nationwide supporting acts as various as Dan Auerbach, Boss Hog, Wanda Jackson, Ida Maria, Deer Tick, Those Darlins quickly became the next ''it'' band at this year's SXSW. Also available on vinyl.
+Maxwell - BLACKsummer’s Night CD/CD+DVD/LP (Columbia)
New studio album from the modern soul artist. Deluxe edition features a four panel digipak sleeve, exclusive cover and a DVD containing the “Pretty Wings” video and 20-minute “making of the album” featurette.
Cass McCombs - Catacombs CD/LP (Domino)
Cass's fourth album and second for Domino evokes a return to his early, simpler sounding works, A and PREfection. It's full of storied songs flush with emotional relevance and accessibility. Each track is cloaked in shiver inducing melodies that lay the perfect foundation for Cass' true source of transcendence - his vocals and lyrics. McCombs carries on transcending fad and fashion to ensure the art of songwriting lives on.
+Wilco - Wilco (The Album) CD/2xLP+CD (Nonesuch)
Wilco’s seventh album combines the intimacy of its previous studio disc, Sky Blue Sky, with the experimentation of A Ghost Is Born in a set that boasts strong melodies and gorgeous, often unabashedly pop arrangements.
+Dinosaur Jr. - Farm CD/2xCD2xLP+MP3 (Jagjaguwar)
Their fifth full-length with the original lineup. At times wholly ‘70s guitar-epic, at times perfect for sitting by a babbling brook with Joni and Neil, Farm encompasses Dinosaur Jr.'s signature palette, soaring and distorted guitar, unshakable hooks, and honey-rich melodies. Deluxe 2xCD version features a bonus disc containing four non-album tracks. Double LP comes in beautiful litho-wrapped gatefold jackets and includes MP3 download.
+Bjork - Voltaic CD/CD+DVD/2xCD+2xDVD Nonesuch)
Voltaic is a remarkable, multi-media document of what happened after Volta was completed -- a journey of a different sort as the ever-evolving singer assembled her live band, made a collection of typically amazing videos and one-step-ahead remixes, and toured the world. She recorded the Voltaic live CD in one take at Olympic Studio in London. It's a stunning performance, featuring cutting-edge computer technology, an old-school horn section and a female, flag-toting Icelandic choir. Deluxe version includes the Voltiac live CD plus a DVD featuring 21 songs performed on the Volta tour. Super deluxe 2xCD+2xDVD version features live recordings, remixes, videos and much more.
+Willie Isz - Georgiavania CD/LP (Lex)
Acclaimed producer, lyricist and singer Jneiro Jarel teams up with Goodie Mob’s Khujo Goodie.
+Tortoise - Beacons Of Ancestorship CD/LP+MP3 (Thrill Jockey)
Their first new record in over five years, Beacons Of Ancestorship gives nods to techno, punk, electro, lo-fi noise, cut up beats, heavily processed synths, and mournful, elegiac dirges. In fewer words, it is exactly what you’d expect from Tortoise.
+Lee Fields And The Expressions - My World CD (Truth & Soul)
Lee Fields is a bona-fide,
100%, unadulterated, pure, gut-bucket soul singer. While
the crate-digging funk and soul community bestowed
''legendary'' status upon him due to his undeniably solid
series of rare 7'' singles (and one LP) recorded and
released on his own independent labels in the ‘70s, he's
never been one to sit in a dusty corner.
+Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca CD/LP (Domino)
Their fifth release is a big
rock album by design. Its idiosyncratic and sincere take
on popular music is reminiscent of David Byrne with whom
Dirty Projectors collaborated on "Knotty Pine" for the
2009 compilation Dark Was The
Night. In many ways, group leader
David Longstreth could be seen as this generation's
answer to Byrne, a distinctive torchbearer of
labyrinthine song arrangements that go down easy.
Rubies -
Explode From The Center CD (Telle)
Debut album from Californian
bedroom disco duo is nothing less than a modern classic.
First single “I Feel Electric” (featuring Feist) is
already a massively popular radio (not to mention
blogged) tune. The album features musical appearances
from Feist and friends Lars Skoglund, Maria Eriksson (The
Concretes), Karl-Johan Winqvist (Blood Music) and Erik
Glambek-Boe (Kings of Convenience).
+Sonic Youth - The Eternal CD/2xLP+MP3
(Matador)
The Eternal
is a supercharged
rocker, recalling aspects of the Evol-Sister-Daydream
Nation holy trinity, but with
cleaner, louder production and more straightforward
momentum. With Pavement's Mark Ibold joining on bass, and
producer John Agnello back at the controls,
The
Eternal takes the melodic songwriting
of 2006's Rather Ripped
and slams down
the accelerator pedal. Initial pressing in a four-panel
wallet with two printed inner sleeves; one containing
disc, the other a sticker and card with credits.
Subsequent pressings are jewel case. Double-LP pressed on
hyper-deluxe HQ-180 RTI vinyl and packaged in a heavy
duty Stoughton gatefold jacket with printed inner
sleeves.
+Eels -
Hombre Lobo: Twelve Songs Of Desire CD (Vagrant)
The
seventh studio album from the ever-changing project led
by singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mark
Oliver Everett (aka E). Hombre Lobo
was recorded
entirely at E's studio in Los Angeles with Koool G Murder
(bass, keyboards and guitar) and Knuckles (drums and
percussion).
+Neil Young - Neil Young Archives, Vol.
1: 1963-1972 8xCD (Reprise)
This
is the first volume of the Neil Young
Archives series of box sets, produced
by Young himself. This series is the definitive,
comprehensive, chronological survey of his entire body of
work. Volume I
covers the period
from his earliest recordings with the Squires in
Winnipeg, 1963, through to his classic 1972 album,
Harvest
and beyond, including studio and live tracks with the
legendary Buffalo Springfield, CSNY, and Neil Young with
Crazy Horse. A total of 116 tracks, all presented in HDCD
quality sound, and featuring over 40 previously
unreleased songs, versions, mixes, and rare tracks.
+Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest CD/2xLP (Warp)
The
long-awaited follow-up to Grizzly Bear's critically
hailed album Yellow
House. Neoclassical composer Nico
Muhly and Beach House singer Victoria Legrand
contribute.
+Passion
Pit -
Manners CD/LP (French Kiss)
Starry-eyed Massachusetts
D.I.Y. poppers Passion Pit have one foot in the skronky,
shambling lo-fi underground and one in the
flashing-lights big-room dance-pop overground.
+Jarvis
Cocker -
Further Complications CD/2xLP (Rough Trade)
His second solo album, following 2006's
Jarvis.
Recorded in Steve Albini's Electrical Audio studio in
Chicago, Further
Complications contains the more roughed up
tunes Cocker has been peddling since parting with Pulp.
+The
Field -
Yesterday And Today CD (Anti)
The Field is Axel Willner, and 2007's Here We Go
Sublime was one of the year's most
acclaimed releases, receiving a 9.0 from Pitchfork as
well as universal praise. It was a soundtrack to the
spit-shined airport of your dreams -- faceless,
futuristic, and fuzzy. Now, Willner expands his palette,
continuing the oblique sampling strategy while building
up the rhythmic architecture.
+Iron
And Wine -
Around The Well 2xCD/3xLP (Sub Pop)
Collects songs ranging from out-of-print to
never-before-released and spans Iron And Wine's earliest
sessions which yielded the band's debut (2002's The Creek
Drank The Cradle) through material recorded for 2007's
The Shepherd's Dog. An assortment of hushed home
recordings, unedited and raw, and highlighted moments
captured in the studio with the help of other musicians,
friends, and engineers. Triple LP also available.
+Mulatu Astatge & Heliocentrics - Inspiration Information #3
CD/LP (STRUT)
If you loved those Ethiopiques comps, this one is for
you! This is also, in the running, for Diz' album of the
year!
+St. Vincent - Actor CD/LP (4AD)
The follow-up to St. Vincent's (Annie Clark's) first
album Marry Me
(2007) features
eleven new songs, all written and arranged by Clark. The
arrangements are more masterful, the songwriting grander,
the performances ever more confident and inspired.
+Maximo Park - Quicken The Blame CD/LP
(Warp Record)
Maximo Park have two albums that are just about to go
platinum in the U.K. A Mercury nomination for the first
one, 2005's A Certain
Trigger. An impassioned fan base
that tunes into Paul Smith’s idea packed lyrics, the
songs intense pop explosion, and the bands incendiary
live shows.
+Rivers Cuomo - Live At Fingerprints CD and
DVD (Interscope)
Indie-store exclusive! This in-store was held as a
celebration for the release of Alone II - The Home
Recordings Of Rivers Cuomo. From a post on his website
Rivers invited super fans from across the country to
dress sharp and join him in a make shift band where they
would get to pick the set list. That set list ended up
being a mix of Weezer classics as well as obscure fan
favorites. The 150 lucky ''friends'' had never met or
practiced together, but without fear came to rock out
their favorite songs with their favorite dude.
+Thee
Oh Sees - Help CD/LP (In The
Red)
If you've followed the San Francisco underground for the
past ten years, you might already be familiar with John
Dwyer. Or--tastes depending--you might not know him at
all. A friend and devotee of preeminent Providence noise
rock act Lightning Bolt, the majority of Dwyer's
repertoire falls on the indie spectrum's more visceral
wavelengths. He was Pink in Pink and Brown, fronted
Coachwhips, and played guitar in the dysfunctional
Hospitals. If you're unfamiliar with or in search of a
refresher, you can search YouTube for a crash course on
any of these bands. Some popular tags are: ''garage,''
''punk,'' and ''sweat.''
+Wussy -
Wussy CD (Shake It)
Indie store exclusive! New self titled second full
length. Former Ass Ponys frontman Chuck Cleaver and
co-writer Lisa Walker work with producer John Curley
(Afgan Whigs).
+Bat For Lashes - Two Suns CD (Astralwerks)
One
of the most dynamic and intriguing performers out of the
UK, Bat For Lashes (aka Natasha Khan) returns with her
dazzling second album, produced by David Kosten
(Faultline), featuring guest spots by Yeasayer and Scott
Walker.
+Doves
- Kingdom Of Rust
CD (Astralwerks)
The critically acclaimed and beloved British trio Doves
return with their first album in four years, Kingdom of
Rust. Their 4th studio album, and first since
Some
Cities debuted at #1 on the U.K.
album charts in February, 2005, Kingdom
delivers the
Dove's most sonically adventurous, intimate, and cerebral
album to date. Deluxe CD+DVD edition due April 28 /
double vinyl on April 21.
+The
Felice Brothers - Yonder Is The Clock CD/2xLP
(Team Love)
The Felice Brothers come to us from the Catskill
Mountains where a homegrown sound has been working its
way through the bloodlines for generations. Titled with a
phrase drawn from the pages of Mark Twain, ''Yonder Is
The Clock'' is teeming with tales of love, death,
betrayal, baseball, train stations, phantoms, pandemics,
jail cells, rolling rivers, and frozen winter nights.
This is music that hasn't lost sight of the history of
the land from which it came, and that quality alone makes
The Felice Brothers the next great American band.
+I
Was A King - I Was A King CD/LP (The
Control Group)
Oslo, Norway's I Was A King debuted in 2007 with the
album "Losing Something Good For Something Better". They
were labeled "royally brilliant" and given 8 out of 10 by
NME. The Independent, The Times, and The Guardian gave
similar praise. This follow-up features performances by
Emil Nikolaisen (Serena Maneesh), Sufjan Stevens, Daniel
Smith (Danielson), and Gary Olson (Ladybug Transistor).
Mixed by Nick Terry (Primal Scream, The Libertines).
Front man Frode Stromstad has a unique gift for creating
addictive melodies with distinctive roots to the 60s
distorted through the sound of the ‘90s.
+Monks -
Black Monk Time CD (Light In Attic)
The Definitive Monks
Reissue Series: Part Two. Five American G.I's
stationed in Germany in the mid-'60s creating some of the
finest fuzz laden rock 'n' roll ever committed to tape.
Six bonus tracks including a previously unreleased
version of "Pretty Suzanne." Features 36-page deluxe
booklet with in-depth notes, interviews, lyrics and a
wealth of unseen photos. Select CDs include a limited
edition Monks trading card. "The Monks will always be a
great band." -- Colin Greenwood, Radiohead. "Monastic
madness -- hard driving garage rock!" -- Krist Novoselic,
Nirvana
+Whitest
Boy Alive - Rules CD (!K7)
Indie-pop/disco from Berlin, helmed by Erland Oye for
Kings Of Convenience.
+Peter
Bjorn & John - Living Things CD/LP (Almost
Gold)
New album from the Swedish trio who had the world
whistling with their international single “Young Folks.”
+PJ
Harvey & John Parish - A Woman A Man Walked By CD
(Island)
Collaboration recorded in Bristol and Dorset, and mixed
by Flood. A Woman A Man Walked
By has been described by
journalist John Harris as “mischievous, deadly serious,
elegant and poetic, and possessed of a brutal power: it
is doubtful that you will hear a record as brimming with
creative brio and musical invention this year.”
+The
Decemberists - The Hazards Of Love CD
(Capitol)
The Hazards Of
Love tells the tale of a woman
named Margaret who is ravaged by a shape-shifting animal;
her lover, William; a forest queen; and a cold-blooded,
lascivious rake. Lavender Diamonds Becky Stark and My
Brightest Diamond’s Shara Worden deliver the lead vocals
for the female characters, while My Morning Jacket’s Jim
James, Robyn Hitchcock, and the Spinanes’ Rebecca Gates
appear in supporting roles.
+Condo
F**ks (this is Yo La Tengo) - F**kbook CD/LP (Matador)
This New London, CT trio tear through classic covers of
Small Faces, Richard Hell, Beach Boys, Electric Eels,
Troggs, Slade, and Flaming Groovies in the style that
previously won them so much acclaim. "Condo F**ks are
everything that rock music lacks today... rock 'n' roll
for this generation without destroying the legendary
past." -- Connecticut Post
+Doom
- Born Like This
CD/LP (Lex)
His first full-length solo project in four years is
filled with superstar guests including J Dilla,
Dangermouse, Ghostface and Raekwon.
+Obits
- I Blame
You CD/LP (Sub Pop)
Brooklyn's Obits are Rick Froberg (Hot Snakes, Drive Like
Jehu, Pitchfork), Sohrab Habibion, Greg Simpson, and
Scott Gursky.
+Royksopp
- Junior
CD/LP (Astralwerks)
One of the most celebrated and innovative artists in the
electronic genre, Norway’s Royksopp return with the
highly anticipated follow-up to their classic
debut Melody A.M.
Featuring a team
of top female vocalists/ collaborators including Swedish
superstar Robyn, Lykke Li, Karin Dreijer (The Knife) as
well as fellow Norwegian Anneli Drecker.
+White Lies - To Lose My Life CD/LP (Geffen)
The
first breakthrough artist of 2009 from the UK. "Majestic
rock doesn't get more haunting than this." -- NME
+Justin
Townes Earle - Midnight At The Movies
CD/LP+MP3
(Bloodshot)
Earle’s sophomore album displays an adeptness and musical
sophistication of remarkable, organic breadth and is as
lyrically sharp as a lover's tongue as she is walking out
the door. If you didn't look at the songwriting credits,
you'd swear the songs were part of our collective musical
DNA, penned on the stoop of a one-pump filling station in
dust bowl-era Oklahoma, the smoke-filled song and dream
factories of Tin Pan Alley, or at the back door of
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in Nashville. Vinyl includes MP3
download.
+Neko
Case - Middle Cyclone CD (Anti)
Fuses Neko Case’s longtime themes of nature versus man
into a shining lyrical broadsword. Numerous guests
include M. Ward, Garth Hudson (The Band), Sarah Harmer,
and members of The New Pornographers, Los Lobos,
Calexico, The Sadies, Visqueen, The Lilys, and Giant
Sand.
+Say
Hi - Oohs & Aahs CD (Barsuk)
Written and recorded in the home studio of critically
acclaimed Seattle via Brooklyn via Los Angeles DIY icon
Eric Elbogen, Oohs &
Aahs is an extraordinary and
consistently witty album of dimly lit indie rock fables
that ponder the many hues of gloom, lust and the
inevitability and the beauty of imperfection. Even for
fans of Elbogen's past work, it's a marvel of modern
post-pop.
+Gui
Boratto - Take My Breath Away
CD/LP
(Kompakt)
A much needed spot of color amidst the minimal milieu,
Gui's mixture of fierce production skills and a blissful
pop sensibility have characterized his trajectory to the
techno heavyweight before us today.
+Vetiver - Tight Knit CD/LP+MP3 (Sub Pop)
Their fourth full-length
represents a summation of the different styles and
directions heard on past Vetiver releases while
introducing some unexpected twists. Their tunes have been
described as "dreamy, gentle songs that George Harrison
would have written in some sunny country garden." This is
a layered and rich record, with subtleties and nuances
that reveal themselves with repeated listening.
+M.
Ward - Hold Time CD/LP+MP3 (Merge)
Although he's been compared to everyone from John Fahey
to Tom Waits to Howe Gelb, with Hold
Time,
it's clear that M. Ward, with his brilliant guitar
playing and innate sense of melody, is one of those rare
and special talents who defy comparison and
compartmentalization. His deft guitar picking, bar room
piano, and voice like drizzled honey make him a huge
favorite of music critics and the focus of public praise
from such disparate talents as Norah Jones and Oasis'
Noel Gallagher.
+Beirut - March of the Zapotec
CD/LP (Pompeii
Records)
For
the past year, Beirut has alternated between touring in
support of 2007's much-lauded 'The Flying Club Cup' and
writing a wealth of new material. With no sense of a
release in mind, bandleader Zach Condon recorded in any
style that struck his fancy. Some early discussions about
recording material for a film being shot in Mexico
morphed into a new idea: What about finding a local band
in a small city in Mexico, hiring them to play some new
material, and recording the result?
+…And
You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - The Century Of Self
CD/LP
(Justice)
Fifteen
years in to their career, Trail of Dead continues to
innovate and grow. At a point where many other bands
would be resting on their laurels and half-heartedly
tossing off greatest hits compilations, …Trail Of Dead
are just getting started.
+Morrissey
-
Years Of Refusal CD/CD+DVD/LP (Lost
Highway)
Morrissey's first studio album since 2006's
Ringleader Of
The Tormentors, recorded with long time
band members Boz Boorer, Jesse Tobias, Matt Walker, and
Solomon Walker and produced by the late Jerry Finn (who
previously worked on 2004's critical and commercial
smash You Are The
Quarry). Also features a
contribution from Jeff Beck on the track "Black
Cloud."
+Asobi Seksu - Hush CD+MP3/LP+MP3 (Polyvinyl)
Their Polyvinyl debut captures the energy of their live
shows and transforms it into something new and different.
Shimmering, dew-draped riffs and spiral staircase
melodies are blurred by bits of guitar violence, and
sputtering drums are bolstered by Yuki Chikudate’s
ethereal vocals.
+Charles
Mingus - Night At Café Bohemia
/
Pithecanthropus Erectus Session 2xCD (Giant Steps)
Digitally remastered two-fer from the jazz giant.
+Robyn
Hitchcock & The Venus 3 - Goodnight Oslo CD+MP3 (Yep Roc)
The sophomore effort from Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus
3 -- featuring Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey and Bill
Rieflin. Free digital download of bonus
material
included!
+Andy
Warhol - 13 Most Beautiful…Songs For Andy
Warhol’s Screen Tests DVD (Plexifilm)
The first ever authorized DVD release of films by Andy
Warhol. Features thirteen of his classic silent, black
and white film portraits. Subjects include Nico, Lou
Reed, Edie Sedgwick, Dennis Hopper, and more. Shot
between 1964 and 1966 at Warhol's Factory in NYC, these
screen tests are presented with newly commissioned
soundtracks performed by Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips
(formerly of Luna and currently recording as Dean &
Britta). Includes behind the scenes making of the new
soundtrack, a video interview with Dean & Britta, and
a 40-page booklet with liner notes and biographies of the
screen test subjects.
+Various
Artists - Dark Was The Night
(Red Hot
Compilation) 2xCD/3xLP (4AD)
Contains thirty-one exclusive tracks that will benefit
the Red Hot Organization -- an international charity
dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and
AIDS. This is their 20th anniversary and 20th release. A
pedigree of artists, including: Arcade Fire, Bon Iver,
The Decemberists, Iron & Wine, Kronos Quartet, The
New Pornographers, Spoon, Sufjan Stevens, Yeasayer, Yo La
Tengo, and many more.Really great
installment of the 'Red Hot and...' series. ALL OF THE
TRACKS ARE UNRELEASED AND EXCLUSIVE!
Peep the
tracklisting:
Disc:
1
1. Knotty
Pine (Dirty Projectors and David Byrne)
2. Cello Song - Nick Drake (The Books and Jose Gonzalez)
3. Train Song - Vashti Bunyan (Feist and Ben Gibbard)
4. Brackett, WI (Bon Iver)
5. Deep Blue Sea (Grizzly Bear)
6. So Far Around The Bend (The National and Nico Muhly)
7. Tightrope (Yeasayer)
8. Feeling Good (My Brightest Diamond)
9. Dark Was The Night - Blind Willie Johnson (Kronos
Quartet)
10. I Was Young When I Left Home - Bob Dylan (Antony and
Bryce Dessner)
11. Big Red Machine (Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner)
12. Sleepless (The Decemberists)
13. Stolen Houses - Die (Iron & Wine)
14. Service Bell (Grizzly Bear and Feist)
15. You Are The Blood (Sufjan Stevens)
Disc:
2
1.
Well-Alright (Spoon)
2. Lenin (Arcade Fire)
3. Mimizan (Beirut)
4. El Caporal (My Morning Jacket)
5. Inspiration Information - Shuggie Otis (Sharon Jones
& The Dap-Kings)
6. With A Girl Like You - The Troggs (Dave Sitek)
7. Blood Pt 2 - The Castanets (Buck 65 and Sufjan Stevens
and Serengeti)
8. Hey, Snow White - Destroyer (The New Pornographers)
9. Gentle Hour - Snapper (Yo La Tengo)
10. Another Saturday (Stuart Murdoch)
11. Happiness (Riceboy Sleeps)
12. Amazing Grace (Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues)
13. The Giant of Illinois - Handsome Family (Andrew Bird)
14. Lua (Conor Oberst and Gillian Welch)
15. When The Road Runs Out (Blonde Redhead and
Devastations)
16. Love vs. Porn (Kevin Drew)
+Lily
Allen - It’s Not Me, It’s You
CD/LP
(Capitol)
It's
Not Me, It's You is both a continuation of the
preoccupations of Alright,
Still, Lily Allen's
critically-acclaimed debut, and a stiletto-heeled leap
forward. The forensic, affecting, often humorous
examinations of relationships and sexual politics are
still there, but bigger themes are also tackled. Magical
hails it "brilliant, two thumbs up, ACES!"
+Dan
Auerbach (The Black Keys) - Keep It Hid CD/LP+CD (Nonesuch)
Black Keys singer and guitarist Dan Auerbach combines
elements of bluegrass ala the Stanley Brothers, mournful
country balladry, Memphis-style R&B, fuzzed-out
psychedelic rock and low-down blues on this collection of
14 original tunes.
+Heartless Bastards - Mountain CD (Fat
Possum)
Heartless
Bastards’ third full-length weaves in an adventurous
sonic evolution, expanding their three-piece rock by
adding pedal steel, mandolin, banjo, strings, and Erika's
transcendent voice.
+Zero Boys - History Of CD/LP (Secretly Canadian)
+Zero
Boys - Vicious Circle CD/LP (Secretly Canadian)
Two long awaited reissues from the Zero Boys.
History
Of has been remastered from the
original tapes. Liner notes by Jack Rabid. Between this
and Vicious
Circle, the entire recorded output
of this legendary Midwest punk band's original line up is
finally collected.
+Franz
Ferdinand - Tonight: Franz Ferdinand
CD/2xLP+MP3
(Epic)
The third album from Glasgow-based modern rockers sees
them taking a step back from the post-punk revival sounds
that gave them their breakthrough. With
Tonight:
Franz Ferdinand, the band incorporates more
disparate influences such as Jamaican dub and elements of
electronica. HQ-180 double vinyl includes MP3 download.
Initial quantities include a free 12” vinyl EP featuring
various remixes of the track “Ulysses” (while supplies
last)!
+Mark
Olson & Gary Louris (Jayhawks) - Ready For The Flood
CD/2xLP (New
West)
Although
they've toured together and renewed their friendship,
this is the first recording by Olson and Louris since
Olson left the Jayhawks in 1995. Recorded at Sage &
Sound Studios in Hollywood with friend Chris Robinson of
The Black Crowes. Ready For The
Flood captures the stripped down,
finger picked guitar playing and Laurel Canyon sound of
an earlier time, with allusions to English folk Bert
Jansch, Nick Drake, John Renbourne, whom both Mark and
Gary had both been getting into independently and a
simpler, live recording technique where capturing the
right vibe was as important as the sound. Limited edition
double LP includes two bonus tracks.
+The
Bird And The Bee - Ray Guns Are Not Just The
Future CD (Blue Note)
Ray Guns Are Not Just The
Future is definitely new sonic
terrain for the Los Angeles-based duo. Every bit as
beguiling as their debut, the album retains its
predecessor's lithe melodies and Brazilian influences,
but takes its stylish, '60s pop deeper into the
psychedelic period of the Tropicalia
era.
+Loney
Dear - Dear John CD/LP (Polyvinyl)
Loney Dear is the recording name for
multi-instrumentalist and Swedish home-recording phenom
Emil Svanangen. Dear John
is an album of
contrasts. It will cozy up to you through the bleakest of
winters and be your shade in the blistering summer sun.
"Despair has never sounded so sweet." -- Spin
+Jay
Dee - Yancey Boys Instrumentals
CD/2xLP
(Delicious Vinyl)
The J Dilla beats that provided the stellar backdrop for
his worthy brother Illa J's rhymes -- the instrumentals
for the Yancey Boys
album -- a record
that stands up very well against many of the better LPs
Dilla produced in his lifetime. This set of bright,
spacey funk beats are naturally top notch and timeless
and sound wonderful out on their own.
+A.C.
Newman - Get Guilty CD/LP (Matador)
The second solo album from A.C. Newman, leader and
songwriter behind The New Pornographers, is a set of
layered pop songs of great melodic and lyrical depth.
"A.C. Newman deserves every last bit of praise thrown his
way. In a better world, he would be our Elton, our Todd,
our McCartney." -- All Music Guide
+Antony
& The Johnsons - Crying Light CD (Secretly Canadian)
The follow-up to I Am A Bird
Now shifts thematic focus and
explores Antony's relationship with the natural world.
The intimacy of The Johnsons' sound is enveloped by
avant-classical composer Nico Muhly's symphonic
arrangements. “A soul stirring new work with daring
compositions and captivating vocals. This isn't a heart
breaking; it's a heart waking." -- The
Oregonian
+Andrew
Bird - Noble Beast CD/2xLP (Fat Possum)
+Andrew
Bird - Noble Beast / Useless
Creatures 2xCD (Fat Possum)
New release from the quirky but melodic
singer/songwriter. Deluxe double-disc version includes a
bonus disc of rare material and alternate cover
art.
+Matt
& Kim - Grand CD/LP (Fader)
Brooklyn-based duo Matt and Kim return with
Grand,
their second album and first in over two years. From the
anthemic opener "Daylight" to the harmony-rich,
atmospheric ballad "Turn This Boat Around" and demented
pop of "I Wanna," Grand
is quite
literally the sound of Matt and Kim discovering their
voice. "All of the songs on the last album we wrote the
first year we learned how to play our instruments," Matt
acknowledges, "but this one is much more diverse and
instead of thinking about the songs we thought of the
album as a whole, too."
+Bon
Iver - Blood Bank CDEP/12” (Jagjaguwar)
This four-song collection continues down the path forged
by 2008's critically acclaimed For Emma, Forever
Ago. Both expansive and intimate,
these songs explore the darker and lighter natures of the
seasons and what they signify, and offer a glimpse into
the natural energy and refined craftsmanship that
characterize Justin Vernon's music.
+Glasvegas - Glasvegas CD (Columbia)
Exclusive US edition includes two bonus tracks: “The
Prettiest Thing On Saltcoats Beach” and “Everybody's Got
To Learn Sometime.” Glasvegas are a four piece from the
tough East End of Glasgow, who fuse a wall of sound noise
that is equal parts Jesus And Mary Chain, Elvis And Phil
Spector combined with a pop sensibility inspired by '60s
girl pop and doo-wop.
+Kinks - Picture Book 6xCD+Book (Sanctuary)
Digitally remastered six CD set -- the first-ever Kinks
box set -- chronicles the band's 40 year career over six
chronologically-ordered CDs and one 60-page, full color
booklet.
+EPMD - We Mean Business (EP Records)
After 20 years in the game, EPMD release their new album
(and seventh over all) on their own EP Records.
+DM
Stith - Curtain Speech CDEP (Asthmatic Kitty)
The music on this debut EP calls to mind Antony And The
Johnsons, Grizzly Bear and sometimes the explosiveness of
Animal Collective, along with the dissonance of Sonic
Youth and Henryk Gorecki, the expressive vocal techniques
of Caetano Veloso and Mary Margaret O'Hara, and the
romance and textures of Benjamin Britten and Edward
Elgar. Vocals sit amongst lush arrangements of piano,
guitar, strings, electronics, choir, and percussion. The
song structures feel like mini soundtracks. A transfixing
and imaginative statement.
+B.
Fleischmann - Angst Is Not A
Weltanschauung! CD/LP (Morr Music)
“The fourth solo album B. Fleischmann has recorded for
Morr Music and it's far and away his most organic and
song-based outing to date, featuring a revised writing
style that focuses on vocals - not only Fleischmann's
own, but those of a number of contributors. You'll even
hear Daniel Johnston's presence on the album: 'Phones,
Machines and King Kong' is a reworking of Johnston's
original 'King Kong' with some added hi-fi warmth from
Fleischmann's bank of electronic contraptions.” --
Boomkat
+Mark
Kozelek - Finally CD (Caldo Verde)
Many of the covers assembled here were recorded for
tribute albums that are now unavailable. Also includes
radio show rarities, a previously unreleased version of
Husker Du's "Celebrated Summer" and two original
instrumentals.
+Various
Artists - The Art Of Field Recording Volume
II 4xCD (Dust To Digital)
Subtitled: 50 Years of Traditional
American Music Documented by Art
Rosenbaum. Four disc set contains a 96
page book featuring essays and annotations and over 100
illustrations and photographs by Art and his wife Margo.
+Soulwax
-
Part Of The Weekend Never
Dies DVD (Play It Again Sam)
Director Saam Farahmand filmed Soulwax on their recent
international dates, capturing all the excitement, chaos
and humor of the world tour. Where the Beastie Boys
filmed one gig with 50 cameras, Soulwax filmed 120 shows
with one camera, in Europe, Japan, US, Latin America and
Australia. The result is a snapshot of life on the road
with one of the most exciting live bands in the world,
and features their friends including 2 Many DJ's, James
Murphy and Nancy Whang (LCD Soundsystem), Erol Alkan,
Tiga, Justice, Busy P, So-Me, Peaches, Klaxons and many
more.
+Cat
Power - Dark End Of The Street
2x10” (Matador)
Six-song vinyl EP containing mostly unreleased recordings
from the Jukebox
sessions. All the
songs here are covers: "Auld Triangle," "Dark End Of The
Street," "Who Knows Where The Time Goes," "Fortunate
Son," "I've Been Loving You Too Long" and "It Ain't
Fair." Limited deluxe double gatefold 10-inch vinyl.
+Stephen
Colbert - A Colbert Christmas
DVD (Comedy
Central)
Really, what can we say? You need it.
+Belle
And Sebastian - The BBC Sessions
CD/2xCD/2xLP (Matador)
Fourteen gorgeous tracks recorded for the BBC between
1996 and 2001. At the time, the group rarely performed
live, so all these songs are noticeably different from
the studio versions. Both the regular and deluxe CD
versions include an additional four unreleased songs from
their classic early period. Limited deluxe double CD
includes another twelve tracks and an extra six-page
booklet. Gatefold double LP is pressed on HQ-180 vinyl.
+Arthur
Russell - Wild Combination: A Portrait Of Arthur
Russell DVD (Plexifilm)
This is director Matt Wolf's portrait of the seminal
avant-garde composer, singer-songwriter, cellist, and
disco producer Arthur Russell. Before his untimely death
from AIDS in 1992, Arthur prolifically created music that
spanned both pop and abstract art. Wolf incorporates rare
archival footage and commentary from Arthur's family,
friends, and collaborators, including Philip Glass and
Allen Ginsberg, to tell this poignant story. Includes
tribute performances of Russell's songs by Jens Lekman,
Verity from Electrelane, Joel Gibb from Hidden Cameras,
and Arthur's Landing (featuring members of Modern
Lovers).
+Girl
Talk - Feed The Animals CD (Illegal Art)
Pitchfork 8.0! Shake your booty! Do we really need to say
more? Limited to 5000 copies.