06 MAY 08!
+Neil Diamond - Home Before Dark CD/CD+DVD (Columbia) Second collaboration between the legendary performer and producer Rick Rubin. Backup musicians include Heartbreakers Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell. Also features a duet with Natalie Maines of Dixie Chicks. The deluxe edition adds a four-song DVD which includes an in-studio performance of Simon & Garfunkel's "The Boxer." Available for audition in one of our listening stations.
+Elvis Costello And The Imposters - Momofuku CD (Lost Highway) Supposed "vinyl-only" release now available on CD. Written and recorded in a burst of creativity, Momofuku finds Elvis in a looser mood than normal, making for an enjoyable listen.
+Firewater - The Golden Hour CD (Bloodshot) First release in four years is structured around recordings made with musicians Firewater's Tod A encountered during a trek through the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Includes a deluxe 28-page booklet.
+No Age - Nouns CD (Sub Pop) The Sub Pop debut by this L.A. duo opens with a symphony of distortion and sometimes creeps, sometimes smashes through a sonic headlock befitting Daydream Nation-era Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine and experimental noise. CD now, vinyl later this week.
+Animal Collective - Water Curses CDEP (Domino) Four previously unreleased tracks -- two from Strawberry Jam sessions. CD now, vinyl due May 20. "A slow motion world, where the glutinous beats and airy harmonies evoke the experience of being tangled in their silken but sticky threads." -- The Wire
+Four Tet - The Ringer CD (Domino) A 32-minute, four-track excursion into the kind of wide-open spaces you might find if you set out to make techno with an Afrobeat/krautrock sensibility. CD now, vinyl later this week. "With The Ringer, the diverse elements that have always fed into Hebden's music find an unlikely way of working together... It could end up being one of his key releases." -- The Wire
+Jeb Loy Nichols - Days Are Mighty 2xCD (Compass) The latest record from the musician/songwriter/visual artist is an intimate portrayal of a simple life lived on the margins. Initial pressing comes with a bonus ten-song demo CD.
+Dub Pistols - Speakers And Tweeters CD (Defend) 2007 album from the UK group sees a domestic release. Accessible hip-hop that dips its toes into 2-Tone, electro and house. Includes guest vocals from Terry Hall of The Specials.
+Dub Syndicate - Overdubbed CD (Collision) This collective of musicians and singers under the leadership of Style Scott and Adrian Sherwood is presented in a 74-minute Rob Smith (Smith & Mighty) megamix along with vocal contributions by Capleton, Luciano, Junior Reid, Big Youth, Cedric Myton, and more.
+Madonna - Hard Candy: Candy Box Edition CD (WB) Limited Candy Box Edition of Maddy's latest comes with two additional remixes of "4 Minutes" and a bunch of candy!
+Barenaked Ladies - Snacktime! CD (Nettwerk/Desperation) Barenaked ladies? Snacktime? It's not what you think. Rather it's a collection of 24 original children's songs from the Canadian cut-ups.
+Russian Circles - Station CD (Suicide Squeeze) With metal trimmings, minimal jazz primers and cryptic riffs that hit out of nowhere with the pummeling impact of a comet, Russian Circles weave up an intense and cinematic (albeit soothing) clobbering that cannot be pigeonholed.
+The Last Shadow Puppets (Arctic Monkeys) - The Age Of The Understatement CD (Domino) The Last Shadow Puppets are Arctic Monkeys' lead vocalist/guitarist Alex Turner and The (UK) Rascals' guitarist/vocalist Miles Kane. Inspired by Scott Walker, early Bowie and David Axelrod, the album's backing orchestration was recorded by the 22-piece London Metropolitan Orchestra. CD now, vinyl later this week. File under: Arctic Monkeys.
+Matmos - Supreme Balloon CD/2xLP+MP3 (Matador) New album finds the duo skipping sampling antics in favor of a lighthearted cosmic pop record made entirely out of vintage synthesizers. HQ 180 double vinyl includes four extra tracks (including a collaboration with Terry Riley) and an MP3 download card.
+The Long Blondes - Couples CD/LP+MP3 (Rough Trade) Familiar retro influences, like Pet Shop Boys, Blondie, and Pulp are recalled but not imitated, resulting in an original and relevant sophomore album. Vinyl includes an MP3 download card. "The Long Blondes' Kate Jackson sings like she has amazing taste in lipstick, delivering smart, sex-as-a-weapon lyrics with a swaggering smirk that conveys both glam-charged confidence and femme-specific vulnerability." -- Spin
+Tim Fite - Fair Ain't Fair CD (Anti) The outspoken anti-consumerist continues to use samples from long-forgotten records to amplify his mixed-genre approach to music -- this time utilizing dense layers of vocals. Available for audition in one of our listening stations.
+Millencolin - Machine 15 CD (Epitaph) Embracing new stylistic touches while upholding the classic Millencolin sound, this well-oiled musical engine salutes its fans with fifteen knock 'em dead tracks.
+Ersi Arvizu - Friend For Life CD (Anti) In the mid-'70s, as the lead singer of legendary group El Chicano, Arvizu and the band came to be known as premier ambassadors of the East L.A. sound -- an amalgam of rock, jazz, R&B and Latin groove. Friend For Life includes a dozen intimate, dancefloor-ready songs of love, despair and survival.
+Nik Freitas - Sun Down CD (Team Love) Freitas' Team Love debut -- equal parts wry, warm and sonorous -- takes you from Paul Simon's Graceland to David Bowie's Hunky Dory in a span of 40 effortless minutes. It's imbued with a sort of indie grandeur that is both unexpected and totally natural. CD now, vinyl later this week.
+Kayo Dot - CD (Hydra Head) "The band's combination of chamber instruments, psychedelia, and metal gives it an almost delusional appeal... the slow sections are suspenseful, and the climaxes will make your hair jump off your head." -- Pitchfork
+Pattern Is Movement - All Together CD (Hometapes) Andrew Thiboldeaux and Chris Ward are a two-man wall of sound. Available for audition in one of our listening stations. "The combination of Thiboldeaux's swooning, near-operatic singing style and Ward's fierce yet deconstructive drumming, surrounded by flurries of shimmering keys and sometimes strings, makes Pattern Is Movement more unusual than ever. The only band one could rightly compare them to is Radiohead, what with the jaunty song structures and opaque, repetitive lyrics." -- Philadelphia Weekly
+Shy Child - Noise Won't Stop CD (Kill Rock Stars) Noise Won't Stop bristles with raw garage rock action, frantic energy and blistering tones. Includes an energetic guest appearance by Spank Rock on the track "Kick Drum."
+All Natural - Elements (Fire) CD (All Natural) The first of a four-part series in which each album will represent a different natural element and hip-hop vibe. True to its name, Elements (Fire) represents hip-hop's aggressive boom-bap sound made popular during the mid-'90s.
+Bennie Maupin - Early Reflections CD (Cryptogramophone) Latest recording from woodwind legend best known for his work with Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock.
+Blind Melon - For My Friends CD (Adrenaline) Recently reborn band releases first album since the death of their frontman thirteen years ago. New singer Travis Warren ably carries on where Shannon Hoon left off, sans the drug problem.
+The Parlor Mob - And You Were A Crow CD (Roadrunner) New Jersey band makes raw rock & roll with a modern edge. Twice voted best live band at the Asbury Park Music Awards.
+Charlotte Sometimes - Waves & The Both Of Us CD (Geffen) Charlotte Sometimes' enchanting debut full-length is a product of insomnia, airplanes, and bodies of water, not to mention countless hours of daydreaming to the mesmerizing sounds of Billie Holiday, the Everly Brothers, Jeff Buckley, and Fiona Apple.
+From First To Last - From First To Last CD (Geffen) A new beginning for the screamo band. With the departure of singer Sonny Moore, guitarist Matt Good steps forward to assume vocal duties. His powerful delivery is a good match for the band's melodic strength and musical muscle.
+Socratic - Spread The Rumours CD (Drive-Thru) Alt/punk band from Cranford/Linden, New Jersey. Kerrang! describes them as "Jimmy Eat World overdosed on Meatloaf."
+Tokio Hotel - Scream CD (Interscope) German emo quartet is a European teenage phenomenon. Previously import-only, now available stateside with three bonus tracks.
+I Hate Kate - Embrace The Curse CD (Glass Note) New band led by former Zebrahead guitarist/vocalist Justin Mauriello.
+Nortec Collective Presents: Bostitch + Fussible - Tijuana Sound Machine CD (Nacional) A mix of sly street sounds, hip rhythms, heavy funk with Mexican instrumentation.
+Dieselboy - Substance D 2xCD (Human) Disc One is a 70+ minute DJ mix of hard-hitting, maximum strength Drum & Bass. Disc Two features unmixed versions and remixes.
+The Birthday Massacre - Looking Glass CDEP (Metropolis) In addition to the title track, this enhanced eight-song EP contains mixes of fan favorites "Red Stars," "Falling Down," and "Weekend," as well as two new tracks, a cover of "I Think We're Alone Now," and the video for "Looking Glass."
+IAMX - The Alternative CD (Metropolis) Like an '80s electro-glam soundtrack to a Jan Svankmajer film or an almost unfathomable hybrid between the sexy swagger of Prince and the cool and collected respectability of Roxy Music, IAMX mixes erotically-charged vocals with music that's frantic yet controlled.
+Earles & Jensen - Present... Just Farr A Laugh Vols. 1 & 2 2xCD (Matador) Subtitled: The Greatest Prank Phone Calls Ever! Two CDs for the price of one -- with 58 phone calls! Accompanying 48-page booklet includes essays by Gregg Turkington (Neil Hamburger), David Dunlap, Neal Pollack and Matador dictator-in-chief Gerard Cosloy. Also includes drawings by Devendra Banhart, Adam Green, Jennifer Herrema, Gavin McInnes, Archer Prewitt, Matt Sweeney and other luminaries.
The Reissue Zone...
+Midnight Oil - Diesel And Dust: Legacy Edition CD+DVD (Columbia/Legacy) Remastered edition of landmark 1987 release from the Aussie anthropoids. The DVD includes a documentary of the Blackfella/Whitefella Tour and music videos for "The Dead Heart" and "Beds Are Burning."
+Simon Joyner - The Cowardly Traveller Pays His Toll CD (Team Love) Reissue of the seminal, long out-of-print 1994 album. John Peel famously played it in its entirety on his BBC radio program and Joyner's underground cult status was solidified. CD now, vinyl later this week.
+King Crimson - The Collectable King Crimson: Volume Three 2xCD (DGM) Live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London in 1996.
The Vinyl Zone...
+Portishead - Third 2xLP+12"+USB Box Set (Island) Limited edition set includes the Third double-album plus the etched "Machine Gun" 12", a Nick Uff print, and a P-shaped USB drive containing the entire album and four films. Everything is housed in an individually numbered box and we'll throw in an etched 7" and a badge with the whole caboodle. Regular vinyl edition also available.
+Various Artists - Don't Stop: Recording Tap 3xLP+CD Box Set (Numero) This triple-LP+CD set includes ten bonus tracks, miniature songbook, expansive booklet stuffed with photos all housed in a replica tape box. Includes rare and unreleased recordings by Arnie & The Lovettes, Annette Denvil, Bonnie Freeman, The Fabulous 3 MCs, Missy Dee & the Melody Crew, Magnetism, and Jackie Stoudemire.
+Gossip - Live In Liverpool LP+DVD (Kill Rock Stars) Includes a bonus DVD of the Liverpool show and a limited edition poster -- packaged in a gatefold jacket.
+Constantines - Kensington Heights LP+MP3 (Arts & Crafts) Now available on vinyl. Includes MP3 download code.
+Shearwater - Rooks 7" (Matador) A teaser for the upcoming Shearwater full-length, Rook (June 3), this limited seven-inch features the album version of "Rooks" with the otherwise unreleased Talk Talk cover "The Rainbow."
+Ratatat - Shiller 7" (XL) The A-side, "Shiller" is the lead track from the forthcoming Ratatat full-length, LP3 (July 8). Includes the non-album B-side "Mahalo."
+Basia Bulat - Touch The Hem Of His Garment 7" (Rough Trade) Brand new Basia recordings just in time for her string of dates opening for DeVotchKa (get tickets for their May 8 show at Turner Hall -- on sale here at Atomic). The A-side is Basia's take on the Sam Cooke classic, backed with "Before I Knew (Ultimate Version)" on the flip.
+Black Moth Super Rainbow - Zodiac Girls 7"+MP3 (Suicide Squeeze) Limited edition -- two brand spanking new tracks from these innovative electro, synth-pop rockers. Includes an MP3 download card.
+Jennifer O'Connor & Dump - I Was So Wrong 7" (Kiam) The A-side is a Dump (James McNew of Yo La Tengo) remix of O'Connor's "I Was So Wrong" (it's kind of like the two of them channeling Suicide). The B-side contains Dump's indie-soultastic version of "I Wanna Get Next To You," followed by O'Connor's "I'm A Racecar Driver."
+Spoon - Girls Can Tell LP+MP3 (Merge) +Spoon - A Series Of Sneaks LP+MP3 (Merge) +The Magnetic Fields - The Charm Of The Highway Strip LP+MP3 (Merge) +Mountain Goats - Sunset Tree LP+MP3 (4AD) +Polvo - Exploded Drawing 2xLP+MP3 (Touch & Go) +Polvo - Shapes LP+MP3 (Touch & Go) Deluxe, high quality represses now in stock. Each includes an MP3 download card.
+Clinic - Do It! LP+MP3 (Domino) +Man Man - Rabbit Habits LP+MP3 (Anti) These titles now available on vinyl. Each includes an MP3 download card.
+Jamie Lidell - Jim LP (Warp) +Jeff Buckley - Grace LP (Euro import) +EMC - The Show 2xLP (Traffic) +The Pharcyde - Bizarre Ride II 2xLP (Delicious Vinyl) These titles now available on vinyl.
The DVD Zone...
+Michael Franti & Friends - Power To The Peaceful Festival 2005 CD+DVD (Friday Music) Deluxe full-length CD+DVD edition. In addition to Michael Franti & Spearhead, it includes performances from Anti-Flag, Saul Williams and Zap Mama performing in front of 50,000 people.
+Berkeley - DVD (Rivercoast Films) Just as sex, drugs, rock & roll, hippies and Vietnam enter our consciousness, so it does for Ben Sweet (Nick Roth), the shy, 18-year-old son of conservative businessman Sy (Henry "The Bronze Fonz" Winkler). Ben enters UC-Berkeley in 1966 to avoid the draft, but finds himself smack in the middle of a homegrown revolution. Songs and onscreen performance by Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine. "Captures the soulful heart of the '60s." -- Bruce Springsteen
Magazines of note...
+Mojo - June 2008 (#175) Cover story: exclusive interview with Slash of Guns 'N Roses/Velvet Revolver. Also a Paul Weller feature. CD: The Changing Man: Fifteen tracks that inspired Paul Weller. Includes cuts from Bob Marley, Gil Scott Heron, The Small Faces as well as three lost Paul Weller classics.
+Uncut - June 2008 (Take 133) Cover story: David Bowie -- His 30 Greatest Songs. CD: Rebel Rebel -- 20-track tribute to Bowie featuring Mott The Hoople, Nico, King Crimson, Mercury Rev and Sigue Sigue Sputnik, to name just a few.
+Record Collector - May 2008 (#349) Cover story: Jimmy Page -- The Early Years.
29 APRIL 08!
+Portishead - Third CD/2xLP+MP3 (Mercury) Their first studio album in ten years leaves the trip-hop world behind, embarking on a voyage to a brave new musical universe of their own, with the haunting vocals of Beth Gibbons the only constant. Highly recommended. The limited vinyl edition includes an MP3 download. Initial copies of either format come with a bonus picture sleeve 7" of the lead single "Machine Gun" on white vinyl with an etched B-side. (Deluxe vinyl box with USB drive delayed a week or two.)
+The Roots - Rising Down CD (Def Jam) The hip-hop trailblazers continue to expand their sound, adding new depths and range to their repertoire. This darkly funky, politically charged release is the product of more than a year of recording and includes a slew of guest appearances by Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and many more. CD now, vinyl available May 13.
+Santogold - Santogold CD (Downtown) Long-awaited full-length delivers on the promise of the hot singles "Creator" and "L.E.S. Artistes." Hard to pigeonhole, Santogold has a sound described as a cross between M.I.A. and the Pixies.
+Jamie Lidell - Jim CD (Warp) A diverse record mixing up gospel grooves, fiercely passionate soul, delicately moving ballads, thumping R&B, synthed-up disco, and even a touch of "hillbilly funk." An album that will switch you on in the morning, move you on the dancefloor, and take you down in the small hours. CD now, vinyl soon.
+Madonna - Hard Candy CD (WB) +Madonna & Justin - 4 Minutes CDEP (WB) An uptempo collection that adds a hip-hop beat to Madonna's club sensibilities by way of collaborations with Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, and Nate "Danja" Hills. The "4 Minutes" CDEP contains six different remixes. Unfortunately, the triple-vinyl edition (with CD) and the double-12" of "4 Minutes" have been bumped to May 13.
+Robyn - Robyn CD (Interscope) Swedish Euro-dance sensation looks for a US breakthrough following her #1 overseas hits "With Every Heartbeat" and "Konichiwa Bitches." Initial copies come with a bonus import remix EP.
+Langhorne Slim - Langhorne Slim CD (Kemado) Pennsylvania native belts out the sardonic folk/soul/rock. Langhorne's backing band, The War Eagles, includes Malachi DeLorenzo (son of Violent Femme Victor DeLorenzo) on drums. CD now, vinyl soon. See them at Mad Planet on May 27.
+Robert Forster - The Evangelist CD (Yep Roc) First album in eleven years finds the Go-Betweens co-founder as winsome and haunting as ever. Since the death of Grant McLennan, his writing partner of 30 years, Robert was unsure if he would ever record again. An honest and compassionate record, The Evangelist includes three songs that had been co-written with Grant.
+Eric Matthews - The Imagination Stage CD (Empyrean) Eric Matthews charts a stirring departure from the pop norm -- conscious craft drawn from a subconscious spark. Dream pop in the truest sense of the phrase.
+Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight CD (Fatcat) The long-awaited sophomore effort from the Scottish guitar-pop perfectionists.
+Boris - Smile CD (Southern Lord) The mighty Boris follow-up to the much lauded Pink. Their first non-collaborative release in two years, Smile is a natural progression of the work they've done in partnership with bands such as Sunn O))) and guitarist Michio Kurihara.
+South - You Are Here CD (Bluhammock) South's new album lilts through swirling psychedelic pop, electrifying dance beats and unhinged space rock.
+Hayden - In Field & Town CD (Hardwood/Fat Possum) The Canadian's first album in four years -- eleven tracks that perfectly match his deep infectious voice and toe-tapping folk tunes.
+Constantines - Kensington Heights CD (Arts & Crafts) Twelve tracks of gritty, sweaty low-down rock & roll. CD now, vinyl soon.
+Newton Faulkner - Hand Built By Robots CD/LP+MP3 (Columbia) Previously import-only, now available domestically. Debut album from the young dreadlocked British artist known for his distinctive guitar playing style, which involves percussive use of the instrument's body and unusual picking techniques. Includes a cover of Massive Attack's "Teardrop."
+Griffin House - Flying Upside Down CD (Nettwerk) Ohio-born, Nashville-based singer/songwriter has earned comparisons to Pete Yorn, John Mellencamp and Tom Petty. In fact, two of Petty's Heartbreakers -- Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell -- perform on the album.
+Mudcrutch (Tom Petty) - Mudcrutch CD (Reprise) Tom Petty's pre-Heartbreakers bar band reunites to record songs both old and new. Vinyl postponed indefinitely. File under: Tom Petty.
+Steve Winwood - Nine Lives CD/2xLP+MP3 (Columbia) New album includes nine new tracks, one featuring Eric Clapton. Vinyl includes an MP3 download.
+Heloise & The Savoir Faire - Trash, Rats & Microphones CD (Yep Roc) With a live show described by Disorder Magazine as a "multi-orgasmic experience with heels on," Heloise & The Savior Faire gained popularity in the UK after making their TV debut on The Graham Norton Show. An electrified collision of late '70s disco-infused dance punk and '80s synth-pop, The Times UK has described them as "somewhere between Goldfrapp and The Scissor Sisters." Features guest vocals by Debbie Harry. Available for audition in one of our listening stations.
+Mindless Self Indulgence - If CD/2xLP+MP3 (The End) The latest from the fun-as-hell punk/electronic band. The vinyl is a 180-gram pressing in a gatefold sleeve with alternate Jhonen Vasquez artwork and a digital download card for the entire album.
+Puscifer - "V" Is For Viagra: The Remixes CD (Puscifer) Puscifer is Maynard James Keenan -- frontman, work-a-holic, winemaker and founding member of international multi-platinum bands, Tool and A Perfect Circle. This limited edition remix album features mixes by high profile friends of Puscifer -- members of Ministry, NIN, Slipknot, Queens Of The Stone Age, A Perfect Circle, Skinny Puppy and many more.
+Goldfinger - Hello Destiny... CD (Side One Dummy) Latest from the long-running pop-punkers.
+The Slackers - Self Medication CD (Indication) The Slackers expand the traditional ska/reggae sound with dashes of old blues, '60s soul, rock, and R&B.
+Dave Hillyard (The Slackers) - Plays Hits Of Jackpot CD (Japanese import) Slackers horn-man plays over classic '70s riddim tracks under the watchful ear of Upsetter Glen Adams. Japanese-only disc at a domestic price. File under: The Slackers.
+Lady Ann & djMush1 - Bad Gyal Inna Dance CD (Jump Up) Latest from Jamaican toaster Lady Ann is a musical collaboration with trumpet player/producer/soundsystem operator djMush1 (aka Jeremy Mushlin), formerly of The Slackers.
+Daturah - Reverie CD/2xLP (Graveface Records) Hailing from Frankfurt, Germany, this instrumental combo stretch their riffs through audible taffy pulls and sneak in crisp and thinly layered synths along with half-buried samples to create a listening experience that jolts the senses. The CD comes in a gatefold eco-jacket and the double-vinyl in a gatefold sleeve.
+Burial Hex - Initiations CD/2xLP (Aurora Borealis) Clocking in at 73 minutes, Initiations represents a journey -- a metaphysical odyssey of uncertain outcome. From the psycho-religious clamor of "Will To The Chapel" with its jihadic cries, to the somnambulant, subterranean oscillations of "Eight Pentacles," the way ahead is far from clear, the atmosphere claustrophobic and threatening.
+Cloudland Canyon - Lie In Light CD/LP (Kranky) Cloudland Canyon certainly owe a debt to the German underground of the '70s, but they have also added flourishes of baroque pop and even a tinge of the '80s New Zealand scene into their sound. An eclectic and rewarding listen.
+Christopher Bissonnette - In Between Words CD (Kranky) In Between Words is a collection of works that continue Christopher Bissonnette's explorations into orchestral and spatial acoustics. Cultivating an increasing interest in field recording and found sounds, Bissonnette has woven spatial ambience into these new compositions, while still concentrating on moments of near empty space between "instruments."
+Barry Adamson - Back To The Cat CD (Central Control) New album from former member of Nick Cave's Bad Seeds. "All over the place, swinging through dark pop, atmospheric instrumentals, and demented circus music... unique with great personality." -- Pitchfork
+John Shannon - American Mystic CD (ObliqSound) As a guitarist and vocalist, song-crafter and song-improviser, John Shannon combines intimate yet ethereal vocals with melodic textures of guitar playing on his debut solo album.
+The Black And White Years - The Black And White Years CD (Brando) Genre-blurring Austin band sounds like an updated version of Talking Heads. It's even produced by Jerry Harrison! They will be opening for Presidents Of The USA at The Rave on May 5.
+The Cab - Whisper War CD (Fueled By Ramen) The Cab were signed on the recommendation of fellow Las Vegas band Panic At The Disco, but their sound -- a soulful melange of punk, pop, and rock -- is all their own.
+New Found Glory - Tip Of The Iceberg/Takin' It Ova 2xCD (Bridge Nine) New six-song EP plus a twelve-track disc by their alter-egos, the International Superheroes Of Hardcore.
+Augustana - Can't Love, Can't Hurt CD/LP+MP3 (Epic) Sophomore effort contains ten cuts of modern, melodic, piano-driven rock. The vinyl includes a complete MP3 download.
+Eli "Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves - Roll With You CD (Q Division) Give a listen to this Boston-based soul band and chances are you'll immediately feel the urge to either dance or cry. A vital, gospel-tinged mix of sweaty, up-tempo numbers and aching, lovelorn ballads that connect instantly thanks to the passion of this young performer and his equally young band.
+Glass And Ashes - Glass And Ashes CD/LP (No Idea) Punk rock from Ventura, CA.
The Import Zone...
+James - Hey Ma CD (import) International pressing of the new reunion album from Tim Booth and the rest of the James gang.
Simply The Best...
+Joy Division - The Best Of Joy Division CD (Rhino) Ian Curtis has left the building, but the Best Of collections live on. Fourteen tracks culled from their two studio albums plus key singles such as "Atmosphere" and "Love Will Tear Us Apart." Control, the Anton Corbijn-directed biopic, will be available on DVD June 3.
+Loren Connors - Night Through 3xCD (Family Vineyard) Subtitled: Singles And Collected Works 1976-2004. Essential collection of singles from the legendary avant-blues guitarist Loren MazzaCane Connors, spanning four decades from labels Road Cone, Table Of The Elements, Father Yod, Connors' own St. Joan and others. 24-page booklet contains detailed notes on each track, never-before-seen photos, commentary and more. Remastered by Jim O'Rourke from the original tapes.
+Sarah McLachlan - Rarities, B-Sides, And Other Stuff 2 CD (Arista) Odds and sods collection from the Canuckian chanteuse. Includes live performances, rare recordings, remixes, soundtrack contributions, and one-of-a-kind duets with Bryan Adams, Cyndi Lauper, Emmylou Harris, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and more.
The Reissue Zone...
+Steve Earle - Copperhead Road: Deluxe Edition 2xCD (Geffen) This classic 1988 album, which includes performances with The Pogues and Maria McKee -- has been remastered and expanded with a bonus disc of live performances.
+Jimmy Eat World - Bleed American: Deluxe Edition 2xCD (Dreamworks) Expanded 32-track edition of the 1991 release includes rare import tracks, B-sides, previously unreleased live and demo versions, a 2007 recording of "Your House" and its original (pre-9/11) title.
+Earth, Roots And Water - Innocent Youths CD/LP (Light In The Attic) Delightful album of organically grown roots-reggae, originally released in 1977, available for the first time on CD and repressed on vinyl. Includes new liner notes and photos.
The Vinyl Zone...
+The Doors - Vinyl Box 7xLP (Rhino/Elektra) Individually numbered limited edition box set featuring the original stereo mixes of all six studio albums on HQ-180 vinyl: The Doors, Strange Days, Waiting For The Sun, The Soft Parade, Morrison Hotel, L.A. Woman, plus a second copy of the debut in its original mono mix.
+Make Believe - Going To The Bone Church LP+MP3 (Flameshovel) Latest from the Chicago-based band fronted by Tim Kinsella (Cap'n Jazz, Joan Of Arc). A vinyl-only release (includes an MP3 download) in a hand-numbered edition of 1000.
+Sonic Youth - SYR 7: J'Accuse Ted Hughes/Agnes B Musique LP (SYR) The seventh installment in Sonic Youth's series of experimental and sometimes instrumental releases on the band's own SYR label features a previously unreleased 22-minute drone piece recorded at the All Tomorrows Parties festival in the UK in April of 2001. The B-side is an 18-minute soundtrack-style piece recorded at the band's Murray Street Studio in 2003 for a never-realized collaboration with French clothing designer Agnes B.
+Thanksgiving - Welcome Nowhere 2xLP+CD (P.W. Elverum & Sun) Beautiful remastered repress of long-out-of-print eBay gem includes additional material that didn't fit onto the first edition. Packaged in a beautiful glossy gatefold sleeve with retouched graphics, along with a copy on CD.
+NoMeansNo - Small Parts Isolated And Destroyed 2xLP (Wrong Records) +NoMeansNo - 0+2=1 2xLP (Wrong Record) Classic late '80s/early '90s punk -- back in print on vinyl. But for how long?
+The Archies - Sugar Sugar: Greatest Hits LP (Cleopatra) Color vinyl with patch and badge. Individually numbered edition of 300.
+Puscifer - Queen B 7" (Puscifer) B-side is a remix by Lustmord.
+Sara Bareilles - Little Voice LP+MP3 (Epic) +The White Tie Affair - Walk This Way LP+MP3 (Epic) These titles now available on vinyl with complete MP3 download.
+Mariah Carey - E=MC2 2xLP (Island) +The Kooks - Konk LP (Island) +Don Cavalli -CryLand LP (Everloving) +Goon Moon - Licker's Last Leg 2xLP (Black Diamond) +Wes Montgomery - Movin' Wes LP (Sundazed) +Wes Montgomery/Wynton Kelly Trio - Smokin' At The Half Note LP (Sundazed) These titles now available on vinyl.
+The Polyphonic Spree - The Fragile Army 2xLP (TVT) +Hot Water Music - Till The Wheels Fall Off 2xLP (No Idea) +Less Than Jake - Greased LP (No Idea) +Less Than Jake - Losers, Kings, And Things We Don't Understand LP (No Idea) +AFX (Aphex Twin) - Analogue Bubblebath 12" (TVT) +Blackalicious - Nia 2xLP (Quannum) +Blackalicious - A2G 12" EP (Quannum) +Blackalicious - Deception 12" (Quannum) +Lyrics Born - Same !@#$, Different Day 2xLP (Quannum) +Lyrics Born - I Changed My Mind 12" (Quannum) +Lyrics Born - Callin' Out 12" (Quannum) +Lyrics Born - Hello 12" (Quannum) +Swollen Members - Black Magic 2xLP (Battle Axe) +Swollen Members - Too Hot 12" (Battle Axe) +Tackhead - Friendly As A Hand Grenade LP (TVT) Back in stock.
The DVD Zone...
+I'm Not There (Bob Dylan) - 2xDVD (Weinstein Company) Todd Haynes-directed Dylan film. Deluxe edition includes director commentary, deleted/alternate scenes, outtakes and much more.
+Zappa Plays Zappa - Zappa Plays Zappa 2xDVD/2xDVD+3xCD/CD (Razor & Tie) Critically-acclaimed Zappa tribute film available in a variety of formats.
+Tim And Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! - Season 1 DVD (Adult Swim) Kevin just won't shut up about how awesome this is.
22 APRIL 08!
+Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid CD (Geffen) Latest from the Mancunian five-piece mines a rare vein -- intelligent, progressive pop music. Recommended.
+Flight Of The Conchords - Flight Of The Conchords CD/LP+MP3 (Sub Pop) If amazing, delightful, and hilarious is your idea of funny, then prepare for undisappointment. These fifteen songs pay homage to Pet Shop Boys, censorship, Marvin Gaye, sexism, Shabba Ranks, and backhanded compliments. Free 2x3-foot poster with purchase (while supplies last).
+Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons... CD/CD+DVD/2xLP (Rhymesayers) ... You Paint That Sh!t Gold. The sixth studio album from Slug and Ant. The deluxe edition is packaged as a 40-page gold-embossed hardcover book featuring an illustrated children's story written by Slug and includes a bonus DVD with over an hour of live footage and extras. The double-LP is a limited pressing on yellow vinyl and comes with candy and a poster.
+Lyrics Born - Everywhere At Once CD (Anti) Lyrics Born (AKA Tom Shimura) has long been known for his innovative beats, creative collaborations, and soulful vocals. Here he takes a giant leap forward in song craft, incorporating elements such as pop, reggaeton, and R&B.
+Billy Bragg - Mr. Love & Justice CD/2xCD (Anti) Musically, Mr. Love & Justice combines the loose, Stonesy groove Bragg found working with Wilco on the Mermaid Avenue sessions with the best parts of his punk and music hall roots. The double-CD version includes the entire album performed solo. CD now, vinyl due June 17.
+Jonathan Richman - Because Her Beauty Is Raw And Wild CD (Vapor) Eleven new tracks, plus a cover of Leonard Cohen's "Here It Is." CD now, vinyl May 20.
+Tokyo Police Club - Elephant Shell 2xCD/LP+MP3 (Saddle Creek) First full-length from the Ontario band. 180-gram vinyl includes an MP3 download of the album as well as bonus remixes. "Each track a potential single, these guys don't hang around, going straight for the jugular, blasting out soaring indie rock nuggets honed by endless touring." -- Clash Magazine
+The Cat Empire - So Many Nights CD (Velour) "With its near-diabolical energy and busted-wide trailer of influences -- here you'll find Afro-Cuban beats, a little klezmer, some reggae, and nods to hip-hop, disco, R&B, pure pop, and rock -- this is a record that rocketed out of Australia ready to throw back margaritas with the world." -- All Music Guide
+The Cinematic Orchestra - Live At Royal Albert Hall CD (Domino) Highlights the best moments from their November 2, 2007 Royal Albert Hall concert. Guest vocalists include Lou Rhodes, Grey Reverend and Heidi Vogel.
+The Jealous Girlfriends - The Jealous Girlfriends CD (Last Gang) "The Jealous Girlfriends, one of the best new bands in New York, float through soft and erotic clouds of guitar and keyboards that can turn grungy and turbulent." -- The New York Times
+The Night Marchers - See You In Magic CD (Vagrant/Swami) Self-described "stupor group" features John Reis of Rocket From The Crypt, Hot Snakes and Drive Like Jehu.
+Don Cavalli - Cryland CD (Everloving) A Frenchman reinterprets American rock & roll music with his weapon of choice -- the wah-wah pedal. A disarming blend of funky blues and shuffling skiffle beats containing echoes of Cajun and Zydeco rhythms wrapped up in '60s garage-soul grooves.
+Arcana - Raspail CD (Projekt) Swedish neo-classical quintet -- female vocals and music that is lush and mysterious.
+The White Tie Affair - Walk This Way CD (Epic) Chicago-based pop/electronic band.
+Story Of The Year - The Black Swan CD (Epitaph) Latest from the St. Louis band known for their kinetic live shows and ridiculously catchy songs.
+El Perro Del Mar - The Valley To The Stars CD (The Control Group) Sarah Assbring's second album as El Perro Del Mar is an opus, chock full of non-traditional folk songs. Features members of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Choir. CD now, vinyl soon.
+Festival - Come, Arrow, Come! CD (Language Of Stone) This is tribal drone, backwoods spiritual, basement psychedelia and hilltop roots romp.
+Pepi Ginsberg - Red CD (Park The Van) Lyrically as emotional as a free wheelin' journey through Bob Dylan's catalog -- a timeless wisdom expressed with a playful cadence that'll trip up your expectations, still backed by an underlying groove that shakes your knees, nods your head, and makes you smile.
+Juno Reactor - Gods & Monsters CD (Metropolis) Composer Ben Watkins' fascination with Japanese animation makes its way to this release.
+Negative Format - Gradients CD (Metropolis) Featuring delicate pads, intricate beats, beautiful vocals, methodical glitches, epic synths, downtempo rhythms, and floor-pounding kicks, Gradients stands out as Negative Format's magnum opus.
+Lights - Lights CD (Language Of Stone) A mixture of pop beauty and psychedelic horror.
+Monotonix - Body Language CD/LP (Drag City) Debut from the Tel Aviv punk trio -- known for their non-stop touring and completely insane live shows -- twists and grooves with all of the fervor of pure, balls-out rock & roll.
+Mostly Bears - The Ed Mitchell Clinic CD (Funzalo) "Mostly Bears is an eclectic and energetic rock group that can conjure the progressiveness of the Mars Volta and counts influences from screamo to Radiohead to Animal Collective." -- Arizona Daily Star
+Pyramids - Pyramids 2xCD (Hydra Head) Debut album -- mixed and mastered by James Plotkin -- full of swarming, swirling guitars, drums like a churning steam press and a chorus of celestial voices. Includes a bonus disc of remixes by Jesu, Lovesliescrushing, James Plotkin and others.
+Sleepercar - West Texas CD (Doghouse) New band fronted by Jim Ward, lead singer/guitarist of Sparta, and founding member of At The Drive-In.
+J. Spaceman/Sun City Girls - Mister Lonely CD/LP (Drag City) Subtitled: Music From A Film By Harmony Korine. A deceptively minimal soundtrack featuring repetitious guitar and piano lines that evolve into something grander.
+Anna Ternheim - Halfway To Fivepoints CD (Decca) Official stateside debut from the critically acclaimed Swedish chanteuse features tales of loneliness, messy lives, stalkers and therapeutic kiss-offs to formers lovers.
+The Weepies - Hideaway CD (Nettwerk) California duo's sound remains rooted in their unique writing and unusual harmonies.
+Young Knives - Superabundance CD (Ryko) UK geeks provide rich tales of eccentricities and angst. This US edition adds six extra tracks.
+Neil Hamburger - Sings Country Singers CD/LP (Drag City) Seven originals and three obscure covers pack in a maximum of storytelling and pathos in the tradition of the late great Porter Wagoner. Here he's backed up by a "too good for Neil Hamburger" band who ensure that the sound is vintage country rather than unwanted novelty.
+Dov Davidoff - The Point Is... CD (Comedy Central) Combining hyper ADD and audience connection, Davidoff puts on one of the most high intensity shows in standup comedy.
The Import Zone...
+Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! CDEP (import) Single of the title track from the latest album includes the original B-side "Accidents Will Happen" plus a music video.
+Black Kids - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You CDEP (import) Debut UK single from the Florida five-piece is a blend of Arcade Fire, The Cure and F-U-N. In heavy rotation on Radio Milwaukee. B-sides are Beat Happening's "You Turn Me On" and Sophie B. Hawkins' "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover."
+The Cardigans - Best Of 2xCD (import) Awesome 22-track collection adds a bonus disc with 24 additional B-sides and rarities.
The Compilation Zone...
+Various Artists - Assemblage 1998-2008 2xCD+DVD (Cryptogramophone) Budget-priced Cryptogramophone label sampler features audio tracks from eighteen artists including Scott Amendola, Nels Cline, Alex Cline, Erik Friedlander, Bennie Maupin, Myra Melford, Jenny Scheinman and many others. Videos of Nels Cline & Friends playing the music of Andrew Hill and The Bennie Maupin Quartet in Poland round out the DVD.
The Reissue Zone...
+The Replacements - Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out The Trash CD (Rhino) +The Replacements - Stink CD (Rhino) +The Replacements - Hootenanny CD (Rhino) +The Replacements - Let It Be CD (Rhino) Finally! Classic heartfelt Midwest garage rock, remastered with bonus tracks, extensive liner notes and rare photos.
+Love - Forever Changes: Collector's Edition 2xCD (Rhino) Definitive edition of 1968 release includes an alternate mix of the entire album plus ten previously unreleased tracks.
+Otis Redding - Otis Blue: Collector's Edition 2xCD (Rhino) Collector's edition of the legendary soul man's 1966 masterpiece features mono and stereo mixes of the complete album plus rare and previously unreleased bonus material.
+Adrian Sherwood - Becoming A Cliche/Dub Cliche 2xCD (Real World) Limited edition double-CD pressing of the 2006 album from the On-U-Sound label honcho and one of the most innovative figures in the UK dub/reggae scene. Features a bonus disc containing twelve additional tracks, dub-workouts and more.
+Atreyu - Suicide Notes And Butterfly Kisses CD+DVD (Victory) Reissue with bonus DVD includes music videos, live performances and more. Individually numbered edition of 13,000.
The Vinyl Zone...
+Elvis Costello & The Imposters - Momofuku 2xLP+MP3 (Lost Highway) New album is currently vinyl-only, CD available May 6. Features guest spots from Jenny Lewis, Jonathan Rice, Tennessee Thomas (drummer Pete Thomas' daughter), "Farmer" Dave Scher (Beachwood Sparks), David Hidalgo (Los Lobos) and Jonathan Wilson.
+Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple 2xLP (Atlantic) Finally here! Limited double-album is described as a "Front-to-back, Back-to-front Edition." Why? Because the second record contains the album backwards!
+Metallica - Kill 'Em All LP (WB) +Metallica - Kill 'Em All 2x12" (WB) +Metallica - Ride The Lightning LP (WB) +Metallica - Ride The Lightning 2x12" (WB) Vinyl reissues mastered from original analog master tapes. Available in both a regular pressing and a 45RPM ultra-audiophile version.
+No Use For A Name - The Feel Good Record Of The Year LP+CD (Fat Wreck Chords) Now on vinyl. Includes the CD version.
+Steve Winwood - Nine Lives 2xLP+MP3 (Columbia) Nine new tracks, one featuring Eric Clapton. Includes MP3 download.
+Newton Faulkner - Hand Built By Robots LP+MP3 (Columbia) British singer/songwriter comparable to James Morrison and Paolo Nutini. Vinyl now, CD next week.
+Nudity - The Nightfeeders LP (Discourage) Neo-Krautrock sonic freak-out featuring Tim Green of The F#cking Champs.
+Whitesnake - Good To Be Bad 2xLP (German import) Still of the night! Oh wait, that's not on here.
+Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream 2xLP (Virgin) +Smashing Pumpkins - Adore 2xLP (Virgin) Back in stock.
+Portishead - Machine Gun 12" (Mercury) One-sided, etched pressing serves as a teaser for their upcoming full-length, out next week.
+Radiohead - Nude 7" (UK import) Includes the B-side "4 Minute Warning."
+Snoop Dogg - Ego Trippin 2xLP (Geffen) +Dark Meat - Universal Indians 2xLP+MP3 These titles now available on vinyl.
15 APRIL 08!
+Brian Jonestown Massacre - My Bloody Underground CD (A) Recorded in Liverpool and Reykjavik, My Bloody Underground is BJM's thirteenth full-length. From the opening track and throughout the album's 75 minutes, you'll be taken on a trip that contains stirring visions of sunny Californian communes all the way to NYC's darkest corners. Produced in part by Mark Gardener (Ride), My Bloody Underground features breathtaking moments of neo-shoegazing bliss, raw psychedelia, trippy avant-garde madness and wobbly Morricone-esque unease. This is one of Anton Newcombe's finest hours -- resplendent with so many emotive moments and addictive narcotic melodies, you will crave repeated listens. CD now, vinyl late-May.
+The Kooks - Konk CD (Astralwerks) Sophomore release from the UK garage rockers continues to exhibit their freewheeling ways. Bonus CDEP with two unreleased tracks free with purchase while supplies last.
+M83 - Saturdays=Youth CD (Mute) For M83's chief stargazer Anthony Gonzalez, his youth is something he looks back upon with affection, something that has become the defining theme of his enchanting new album. Recorded with producer/engineer Ken Thomas (Psychic TV, Sigur Ros, The Sugarcubes, Suede, Clinic, etc.) and Ewan Pearson (Tracey Thorn, The Rapture, Ladytron), Saturdays=Youth delivers the rich sonic textures for which M83 is well known -- this time with a more focused approach to song structure, form and production -- sounding like a lost electro-pop classic from 1983.
+Secret Shine - All Of The Stars CD (Clairecords) Fifteen years after the release of their debut album, Secret Shine finally release their sophomore full-length -- a noisy, swirling, power pop confection with sweet, brittle melodies and girl/boy harmonies.
+Tears Run Rings - Always, Sometimes, Seldom, Never CD (Clairecords) These pop veterans have abandoned their twee roots and traded them for dense, wall-of-sound arrangements and aggressive distorted guitars -- but that's not to say they have forgotten their pop sensibilities.
+The Gossip - Live In Liverpool CD+DVD (Red Ink) Contains footage from their July 9, 2007 show in Liverpool, England. While the CD and DVD feature slightly different track listings, both formats include the band's covers of Wham!'s "Careless Whisper" and Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody?" The DVD was filmed by director Lance Bangs (Pavement, Sonic Youth, Kanye West, R.E.M., Mike Watt). CD+DVD now, LP+DVD due next month.
+Josh Ritter - Josh Ritter CD (self-released) +Josh Ritter - Live At The 9:30 Club CD (Sony/BMG) A pair of rare Josh Ritter CDs. The first his eponymous debut from 1999, previously only available via his website and at gigs. The second is a live recording from last October, originally broadcast by NPR.
+Black Francis (Frank Black) - Svn Fngrs CD (Cooking Vinyl) Mini-album -- remarkably written, recorded and mixed in six days -- takes its title from the Irish legend of Cu Chulainn, who was believed to have seven fingers and toes. The musical territory covered is typically dark and frenetic.
+Joseph Arthur - Crazy Rain CDEP (Lonely Astronaut) Second in a series of four EPs is near techno in sound, wonderfully melodic and chaotic.
+The Child Ballads - Cheekbone Hollows CDEP (Gypsy Eyes) Jonathan Fire*Eater vocalist Stewart Lupton returns from the wilderness with his first release since the group disbanded ten years ago. A blend of loose, rollicking poetic freestylings matched with swaggering grooves.
+The Plastic Constellations - We Appreciate You CD (French Kiss) Minneapolis art-punks add a welcome dose of melodicism to their latest effort.
+Does It Offend You, Yeah? - You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into CD (Almost Gold) Debut album from Reading electro-indie rockers. Taking their influences from groups such as Justice, Daft Punk, Muse and Death From Above 1979, this raucous record embodies the spirit of nu-rave. The daft name of the band was taken from a line in the BBC-TV show The Office.
+The Autumns - Fake Noise From A Box Of Toys CD (Bella Union) Three years after the release of their critically acclaimed self-titled album, The Autumns are back with their fourth full-length. "Mixing slivery guitar patterns with raging feedback and FX pedals, The Autumns successfully harness shoegazing's euphoric tendencies with Snow Patrol/Keane anthemics. Searing drama rock." (4 Stars) -- Uncut
+J Dilla - Jay Love Japan CD (Operation Unknown) The long awaited Jay Love Japan CD from the dearly departed J Dilla -- a nine track, mostly instrumental set originally slated for the Japanese market -- and one of Dilla's last projects. This is Dilla in a mostly uptempo vibe, with soulful strings and vocal samples and blunt, snapping beats.
+Ill Insanity - Ground Xero CD/LP (FatBeats) New group led by Rob Swift and Total Eclipse (X-ecutioners).
+Ours - Mercy... CD (American) Jimmy Gnecco's long-awaited follow-up to 2002's Precious. Produced by Rick Rubin.
+Phantom Planet - Raise The Dead CD (Fuel) Phantom Planet's fourth full-length further mixes the band's '60s pop influence with their distinct modern slant. Includes the first single "Do The Panic."
+James McMurtry - Just Us Kids CD (Lightning Rod) Self-produced effort from the acclaimed singer/songwriter includes guest appearances from Ian McLagan, Pat McDonald, John Dee Graham and C.C. Adcock.
+Tristan Prettyman - Hello... CD (Virgin) Tristan's second album is an appealing portrait of the freewheeling San Diego native as she narrates stories about her life, loves and heartbreaks in her seductive, smoky alto.
+Jordan Zevon - Insides Out CD (New West) Debut album from Warren Zevon's son is a rock/pop mix inspired by XTC, Elvis Costello and New Radicals.
+Mikal Blue - Gold CD (Immergent) Debut from the writer, producer and musician behind Colbie Caillat. Infectious power-pop with lush production.
+A.A. Bondy - American Hearts CD (Fat Possum) Solo debut from Scott Bondy (aka A.A. Bondy), former Verbena main-man, gets some proper distribution. American Hearts is dark and sardonic -- but it's not as claustrophobic, tortured or troubled as you might expect. The songs are influenced by an amalgam of folk and blues, filtered through the mind of someone who knows what makes a great rock song breathe.
+American Princes - Other People CD (Yep Roc) Pixies-like pop band from Little Rock, Arkansas reveal their love of Tears For Fears and Tom Petty.
+Photon Band - Back Down To Earth CD (Empyrean) Project from Art DiFuria, formerly of The Lilys, features assists from members of Bardo Pond and Burning Brides.
+Rebecca Pidgeon - Behind The Velvet Curtain CD (GAMC) Rebecca was the lead singer of the '80s British folk/pop band Ruby Blue. For the next several years she decided to concentrate on her acting career, starring in David Mamet's plays and films (and marrying him). She is currently appearing in the TV show The Unit and has a starring role in the film Redbelt, for which this album doubles as the official soundtrack.
+Thrice - The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV: Air & Earth 2xCD (Vagrant) The conclusion of their musical exploration of the elements. Unless they discover some new ones.
+Annotations Of An Autopsy - Before The Throne Of Infection CD (Ferret) Death metal. We'll just quote the cover sticker on this one. "The heaviest and most aggressive album of 2008. Get fisted to the point of regurgitation." If that sounds like your cuppa tea, come and get it!
+Indian - Slights And Abuse/The Sycophant CD (Seventh Rule) +Indian - Slights And Abuse LP (Seventh Rule) +Indian - The Sycophant 12" EP (Seventh Rule) Chicago sludge-crust on a variety of formats. Vinyl extremely limited.
+AGF - Words Are Missing CD (AGF Productions) Berlin-based AGF (aka Antye Greie) is a vocalist, software musician, producer, label-owner and poet. On Words Are Missing, she leaves lyrics behind, instead using voice, beats and drones to create a huge palette of unique sounds to work around the phenomenon of silence, speechlessness, deconstructed language and impeded communication.
+Borko - Celebrating Life CD/LP (Morr Music) Debut album from Icelandic artist Bjrn Kristiansson reflects a life in music full of experiences. How does a punch in the belly sound? Kristiansson has written a song about it called "Spoonstabber," where you'll hear an elegiac Tetris, encapsulated by delaying beats, tumbling samples, guitars, trumpets and addictive melodies.
+William Shatner & The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra - Exodus CD (Jewish Music Group) Yes, it is Captain Kirk reciting Biblical tales with orchestral backing. Epically awesome.
The Soundtrack Zone...
+Soundtrack - Forgetting Sarah Marshall CD (Verve Forecast) Includes tracks by Cake, Black Francis, Belle And Sebastian and more.
The Reissue Zone...
+Air - Moon Safari 2xCD+DVD Box Set (EMI/French import) 10th Anniversary Special Edition includes the original amazing-in-its-own-right album plus a disc of rarities, key remixes (Beck, Moog Cookbook), and radio sessions as well as a DVD of the hour-long Mike Mills documentary Eating, Sleeping, Waiting And Playing. Enclosed in a hardcover book package.
+O.M.D. - Dazzle Ships CD (EMI/Euro import) Long-awaited remastered edition of the synth duo's 1983 album is now available with six bonus tracks. Dismissed in its day as being too arty, it is now generally regarded as "their Kid A" and worthy of rediscovery. Includes the singles "Genetic Engineering" and "Telegraph."
+Can - Future Days CD (Euro import) +Can - Monster Movie CD (Euro import) A couple more newly remastered titles fresh off the boat.
+Dengue Fever - Dengue Fever CD (Web Of Mimicry) Hard-to-find 2003 debut album back in stock.
The Vinyl Zone...
+Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple 2xLP (Waxploitation) Limited edition pressing in gatefold sleeve features the album in both forward and reverse! Arriving sometime this week -- call to reserve your copy now.
+Whiskeytown - Strangers Almanac 2xLP (Geffen) First time on vinyl for this nugget from Ryan Adams' first band. Side Four contains five previously unreleased live-in-the-studio tracks.
+Coil - The Ape Of Naples/The New Backwards 4xLP Box Set (Important) Limited to 1500 copies, each 180-gram record is packaged in its own jacket and then housed in a deluxe box. The first three records make up The Ape Of Naples with each B-side containing a custom etching. The fourth double-sided record, The New Backwards, contains tracks reworked from an aborted mid-'90s release for Trent Reznor's Nothing label. This material is unavailable elsewhere. A poster is also included.
+Various Artists - I Don't Feel At Home In This World Anymore 1927-1948 LP (Mississippi Records) A gorgeous chunk of dusty, sepia-toned old-time blues, recorded between the years of 1927 and 1948. Like a modern day Folkways, Mississippi Records has gathered up a gorgeous and varied collection of lost music -- from campfire fiddles to tap dance rhythms, from smoky nightclub joints to brassy big bands, from amazing yodeling to Latin flavored rhythm and blues, from back porch stomps to softly crooned blues. It's fantastic music -- the recordings raw and emotional, immediate, fuzzy and lo-fi -- straight from the original 78s.
+Lamb Of God - Ashes Of The Wake LP+MP3 (Epic) +Lamb Of God - Killadelphia 2xLP+MP3 (Epic) +Lamb Of God - Sacrament LP+MP3 (Epic) Fresh vinyl pressings include MP3 download.
+Murder By Death - Red Of Tooth And Claw LP (Vagrant) Now on vinyl. Limited blue vinyl pressing in gatefold sleeve.
+Tool - Salival 2xLP (Aussie import) Color vinyl sealed in a silver mylar bag. Promo-only? Only have a couple -- get it quick if you want it.
+Able Baker Fox - Able Baker Fox LP (Second Nature) Ex-Small Brown Bike and Casket Lottery members. Limited black/yellow vinyl.
+The Sword - Gods Of The Earth LP+MP3 (Kemado) +The Sword - Fire Lances Of The Ancient Hyperzephyrians 10" Picture Disc (Kemado) Latest from The Sword now on available on vinyl. We also have a few copies of the limited 10" picture disc (with non-LP B-side) left.
+The Makai - The End Of All You Know LP (Seventh Rule) East Bay crusty metal. Limited, hand-numbered edition of 320 in silk-screened sleeve.
+Jonas Bering - Can't Stop Loving You 12" (Kompakt) Jonas Bering's overall musical mission is the amalgamation of minimal, deep house, dub techno and ambient. This is easily his most disco-style work to date.
+Joseph T. Cotton - Like No One 2xLP (Ghostly International/Spectral Sound) LP-only release. This is the second full-length for Michigan's James T. Cotton (aka Tadd Mullinix, also known as Dabrye, JTC and SK-1).
+Various Artists - Death Is Nothing To Fear 3 12" (Ghostly International/Spectral Sound) The third installment of Spectral Sound's compilation series is a tough and modern ride through international techno and house.
+Various Artists - Drum Library Vol. 1 LP (Super Break Records) +Various Artists - Drum Library Vol. 2 LP (Super Break Records) Ultra-hard and mega-rare drum breaks compiled from every source imaginable -- over twenty per volume! Drum Library is the ultimate drum connoisseur's compilation, perfect DJ tools for mixing, sampling, etc. Each limited to 2,500 copies.
+Various Artists - Invisible Superstars Volume 001 LP (The Secret Life Of Sound) A vinyl-only compilation of experimental hip-hop and electronica from across the upper Midwest. Pressed on gold wax.
+Moby - Last Night 2xLP (Mute) +Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree 2xLP (Euro import) +Widespread Panic - Free Somehow 2xLP (Widespread Panic) +Apes - Ghost Games LP (Gypsy Eyes) +Akrobatik - Absolute Value 2xLP (FatBeats) +Guilty Simpson - Ode To The Ghetto 2xLP (Stones Throw) +Percee P - Perseverance: The Instrumentals LP (Stones Throw) +Various Artists - Fallin' Off The Reel: The Truth & Soul Singles Collection 2xLP (Truth & Soul) These titles now available on vinyl.
The DVD Zone...
+DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist - Hard Sell At The Hollywood Bowl DVD (45s Forever) First, there was Freeze. Then came Product Placement. Then came more turntables, more cameras, and, of course, more records! Two hours of music and mayhem recorded June 24, 2007, when DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist turned the world famous Hollywood Bowl into a giant jukebox. Blazing through musical genres with dexterity and wit, they are accompanied by live visuals and animations, eight turntables, and an unhealthy quantity of 45s. Definitively documented using seventeen cameras (including midi-controlled robot cams). Lotsa extras, too. Very cool.
+The Clash - Live: Revolution Rock DVD (Epic/Legacy) As seen on PBS! 22 tracks from 1977-1982 -- including footage from Bonds International Casino, Fridays, The Tomorrow Show, US Festival, Shea Stadium and much more.
+Erasure - Live At The Royal Albert Hall DVD (Mute) 20-song concert recorded September 2007. Includes a behind-the-scenes documentary.
Magazines of note...
+Mojo - May 2008 (#174) Neil Young cover story plus features on The Specials, Portishead and more. Free CD features fifteen classic punk and ska tracks.
+Uncut - May 2008 (Take 132) Led Zeppelin cover. Free CD, When The Levee Breaks, contains fifteen classic tracks that inspired the band.
For the bookshelf...
+Patti Smith - Horses (#55) +Black Sabbath - Masters Of Reality (#56) Latest titles in the series of 33 & 1/3 rock reads. Black Sabbath one is written by John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats. Most other 33 & 1/3 titles also in stock -- collect 'em all!
08 APRIL 08!
+Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! CD (Anti) Last seen under the gleeful guise of 2007's Grinderman, a no-nonsense rock & roll excuse to head down to the basement and shout, Nick Cave now returns to his full time Bad Seeds co-conspirators. "Grinderman was deliberately spare and the concepts were pretty simple," explains Cave. "With Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! we allowed ourselves to get expansive." It picks up where Grinderman left off, filled with Stooge-ified electric guitar, driving beats, and Cave's literate, seductive, and firmly tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Deluxe CD packaging includes a 55-page lyric book. Available for audition in one of our listening stations. Vinyl bumped until June, alas.
+The Breeders - Mountain Battles CD/LP+MP3 (4AD) By turns goofy, groovy, melancholy, strung-out, catchy, atmospheric, and at times impossibly lovely, Mountain Battles underlines the fact that Kim Deal is a songwriter and musician of rare intuition. Her songs move from offhand charm to emotional truth with casual grace, balancing scuffed-up noise against fraught silence -- timeless structures against strange new shapes. Deluxe 28-page booklet with both formats. Bonus MP3 download with the vinyl.
+Colin Meloy (The Decemberists) - Colin Meloy Sings Live! CD (Kill Rock Stars) A fourteen-song set documenting The Decemberists' lead singer/songwriter's 2006 solo tour. Of the thirteen Meloy/Decemberists originals, two are previously unreleased compositions, "Dracula's Daughter" and "Wonder." Along the way, he mixes in snippets of songs from The Smiths, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd and R.E.M. The collection also captures amusing between-song banter. CD now, vinyl soon. File under: The Decemberists.
+Tapes 'N Tapes - Walk It Off CD+7"/LP+MP3 (XL) The Minneapolis-based band's first record since 2006's widely lauded The Loon. Tapes 'N Tapes' signature sound is distinctly their own concoction: shaky vocals, bursts of lo-fi guitars and haunting keyboard refrains. Jittery rock that's found the sweet spot where experimental song structure meets melodic accessibility. Initial copies come with a bonus white-label promo 7".
+Spoon - Don't You Evah CDEP (Merge) Features remixes by Ted Leo, Diplo, and Matthew Dear -- enhanced with the "Don't You Evah" video.
+Nine Inch Nails - Ghost I-IV 2xCD/4xLP (Null Corporation) 36 instrumental pieces -- nearly two hours of music -- from Trent Reznor. Soundtracks for daydreams.
+Foals - Antidotes CD/LP+7"+MP3 (Sub Pop) Debut from Oxford, England's five-piece dance-rock band -- completing the circuit between the minimalism of American composer Steve Reich and guitars that sound like insects. Driving percussion high in the mix, guitars played above the twelfth fret, no chords, and splashes of synth color all come together like the schematics for a piece of precision engineering. Includes two bonus tracks exclusive to the US release. The vinyl adds a 7" 45 and an MP3 download.
+The Duke Spirit - Neptune CD/LP+MP3 (Artist First) Latest from the female-fronted UK quintet. Available for audition in one of our listening stations.
+Was (Not Was) - Boo! CD (Ryko) The darlings of the avant disco set and avatars of the absurd have emerged from the abyss of the recording industry with a new album. It's been almost twenty years since their last salvos of surrealistic soul and Jurassic dance mixes delighted and terrified nightclub crawlers and pop maniacs with the hits "Walk The Dinosaur" and "Spy In The House Of Love." Special guests this time out include Wayne Kramer, Booker T. Jones and Kris Kristofferson.
+Clinic - Do It! CD (Domino) Their fifth studio album is a warped Technicolor celebration of cut-up pop music going from melody to acid psychosis to placid acoustic moments, usually in the same song. CD now, vinyl May 6.
+Cloud Cult - Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes) CD (Rebel Group) "...Another intensely personal set of expansive songs that blend elements of orchestral pop, folk-rock, psychedelia, electronics, and more. At times, it recalls The Flaming Lips, Arcade Fire and even Modest Mouse." -- KEXP
+Eric Avery (Jane's Addiction) - Help Wanted CD (Dangerbird) The debut solo album from the co-founder/bassist of Jane's Addiction is dark and deep -- dark in its intimations of disillusionment, isolation and alienation, and deep in its layered electronic textures and intermittent unsettling effects. Yet amid the anguish both personal and political, the artist somehow remains hopeful. Features guest contributions from Shirley Manson (Garbage), Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) and Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers). File under: Jane's Addiction.
+Fleet Foxes - Giant Sun CDEP (Sub Pop) Seattle's Fleet Foxes make such complex, harmonic, '70s-inspired folk-rock -- it's hard to believe that the band's principle songwriter is only 21-years-old. Giant Sun is a precursor to the band's debut, Ragged Wood, out in June.
+Jim Noir - Jim Noir CD (Barsuk) Jim's eponymous second album is one of the most expansive pop records you'll hear this year. His music has always been a melange of different styles and influences, and this album sees him delving more into his electronic side and going further with melody and vocals than before. "Noir's elaborately multi-tracked recordings make his gentle bitching irresistible. He writes killer songs." -- Blender
+Dead Child - Attack CD/LP (Quarterstick) A supreme metal masterwork, Attack grew out of pure frustration -- the band was sick of the vulnerable, pompous music of recent years. It's all serious -- full of thundering drums and guitarist David Pajo's (Slint/Papa M) epic, anthemic riffs. Bonus MP3 download with the vinyl.
+The Drift - Memory Drawings CD/2xLP (Temporary Residence Ltd.) Though the music on this release at first seems familiar, there's a depth to both the performance and production that feels new. The direct-to-analog tape mix is used as another instrument to help shape each song -- channeling the mythos of late-60s jazz and late-70s dub classics. They've also expanded their influences with shades of afrobeat and disco-soul.
+Boredoms - Super Roots 9 CD (Thrill Jockey) Their first live release was recorded in Japan on Christmas Eve 2004 with a 24-piece choir. Packaged in a deluxe custom-made LP-style mini-gatefold jacket with a 40-page bound booklet featuring music scores and notations.
+Diamanda Galas - Guilty Guilty Guilty CD (Mute) A collection of tragic and homicidal love songs, most of which were recorded at Diamanda's Valentines Day Massacre at the Knitting Factory in New York City on February 14, 2006. Featured on the album are her much acclaimed reinterpretations of Ralph Stanley's reaper song "O Death," O. V. Wright's "8 Men, 4 Women," "Long Black Veil" (made popular by Johnny Cash), her signature rendition of "Autumn Leaves," and "Heaven Have Mercy" (made famous by Edith Piaf).
+Client - Untitled Remix CD (Metropolis) Their most popular tracks are given new life via incredible remixes and special appearances by Nitzer Ebb's Douglas McCarthy and Die Krupps.
+Meat Beat Manifesto - Autoimmune CD (Metropolis) Further explorations in the electronica/dubstep field.
+Wumpscut - Schadling CD (Metropolis) Latest blast of ferocious electro-industrial music from Rudy Ratzinger.
+Eliot Lipp - The Outside CD (Mush) "We always knew Eliot Lipp was capable of exploring many styles and musical tricks in a single track, but this latest full-length has more to get excited about than his last two albums put together, blending heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking melodies with futuristic synth stabs and tightly arranged, abstract beats covered in feedback." -- XLR8R
+Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours CD (Modular) "Cut Copy's fusion of indie rock and trancey electr