Bibio – Fi [Reissue/2005] CD/LP+MP3 (Warp)

Bibio’s debut album Fi (originally released on the Mush imprint) scored instant credibility in 2005 with a ringing endorsement from Boards Of Canada’s Marcus Eoin, which summed up the record percectly: “Bibio is the antidote to the modern laptopia of pristine electronic music, curing us with majestic drones, gnarly disintegrating guitars and warbling tape loops filtered through your parent’s broken 1970’s hi-fi.”

 

Björk – Vulnicura Strings CD (One Little Indian)

Björk presents a strings version of her highly-acclaimed eighth studio studio album Vulnicura, officially titledVulnicura Strings. The original version of Vulnicura layered the boom and crack of electronic beats with an intense vocal melody and incredible string arrangements by Björk which have been performed live with a fifteen chair orchestra. The new version is musically wholly comprised of strings, with new violin solos by Una Sveinbjarnardóttir and strings recorded by a Viola Organista. Björk used the only Viola Organista in the world to perform some of the arrangements; an instrument which was designed originally by Leonardo Da Vinci but not built until after his lifetime. The instrument uses a friction belt to vibrate individual strings (similar to a violin), with the strings selected by pressing keys on the keyboard (similar to an organ). The instrument was recorded in Krakow, Poland by it’s constructor Slawomir Zubrzycki and here is where the album reached completion. Vinyl version due December 11.

Miss Lana Rebel & Kevin Michael Mayfield – Midtown Island Sessions CD/LP (FPE)

Once again teamed up with her trusted cohort, the supremely talented singer and multi-instrumentalist Kevin Michael Mayfield, Miss Lana Rebel and her backing band deliver one twang-stained confessional after another chronicling their own days spent wandering life’s inhospitable deserts, where darkness and despair often overcame them. We’re talking some serious homage to the more rugged offerings of Patsy Montana & The Prairie Ramblers, the great Ernest Tubb & Bob Willis & His Texas Playboys, even the thick “hillbilly”-era old-time fiddle style, here. In stock shortly.

 

Mogwai – Central Belters 3xCD (Chemikal Underground/Rock Action)

This Mogwai carreer retrospective marks their 20th anniversary, and contains highlights from their discography including non-album singles and some rarities.

Mr. Lif – I Phantom [Reissue/2002] CD/2xLP (Mello Music)

Inspired by eloquent and irate predecessors like Public Enemy and KRS-One, rapper Mr. Lif (born Jeffrey Haynes) created a scathing indictment of life in the Bush era. Originally released on the seminal indie rap imprint Def Jux, Lif’s debut LP is back in print on CD and colored vinyl. Guests on I Phantom include Run The Jewels’ El-P, Aesop Rock, Jean Grae and more.

Sigur Ros – Takk (Krunk)

Sigur Ros’ 4th album, has been out of print on vinyl for a while and is going for big bucks online currently. When you get it, you’ll see why. It comes with deluxe 180g vinyl (2x LP & etched 10″), thick card dual gatefold sleeve with embossed artwork on the front and rear, and a center insert with a single sided 10″ for ‘Mílanó’ (other side contains an etching). It will also be available on CD through TID. Written, performed and produced by the band (along with co-producer Ken Thomas) at their studio in Alafoss, Iceland, Takk is the record to justify every amazing claim ever laid at this exceptional band’s door. Huge and intimate, orchestral and gossamer-light, rich, layered and essentially simple, Takk is the work of a band operating at the very top of their game.

They Might Be Giants – Why? CD (Idlewild)

New kids album from TMBG, Why? is “memorable songs in family-friendly package with none of that pandering aftertaste.”

White Out w/ Nels Cline – Accidental Sky LP (Northern Spy)

Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl. New York radical innovators White Out and transplanted Los Angeles legend Nels Cline share a long musical history, having played together for over a 15-year period. They play a kind of improvised chamber music. Their tightly cohesive interplay the sonic consequence of years spent developing their highly personal electro-acoustic language. Accidental Sky represents their first official release, and their first attempt at recording in a studio together. The album does not disappoint. Accidental Sky runs the full gamut of artistic expression.