STAFF PICKS
Lindsay – Blockhead reissue and Kit Sebastian
Dario – Colin Stetson and Tropical Fuck Storm
Kimber – Héctor Lavoe
Jake – Xiu Xiu
Zach – Ezra Collective, Alan Sparhawk, and Kit Sebastian
Ash – Danger Mouse 12″

Alan Sparhawk – White Rose, My God CD/LP (Sub Pop)
Alan Sparhawk of Low’s solo debut for Sub Pop is at once a bold new, electro-pop-infused adventure, and an extension of the innovation and experimentation that drove his work as a member of Low. It is his first album since the tragic 2022 loss of his wife and partner in Low, Mimi Parker. Recorded primarily by Alan at his home, with additional work and mixing by co-producer and young Minneapolis musician Nat Harvie. [A crystal-clear vinyl pressing is available.]

Sophie – Sophie CD/2xLP (Future Classics)
Sophie was a songwriter, DJ and Grammy-nominated producer, known for her innovative production, exploration of identity and lasting impact on pop music and culture. Her signature sound challenged conventional pop music production and continues to inspire countless artists across genres. Sophie’s family say: “This album tells a life story, from mysterious unknown, through wild clublands, to euphoric immateriality. [An indie store exclusive clear vinyl pressing is available.]

Billy Strings – Highway Prayer CD/2xLP (Reprise)
Modern bluegrass superstar Billy Strings releases Highway Prayers, his first studio release since his 2022 father-son team-up LP Me/And/Dad and his first solo studio collection since 2021’s Renewal. The 20-track LP, co-produced by Billy Strings and Jon Brion [An indie store exclusive green/clear color in color vinyl pressing is available.]

Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching CD/2xLP (Partisan)
Dance, No One’s Watching is an ode to the sacred, yet joyous act of dancing, an album that musically guides you through a night out in the city, from the opening of possibilities as a new evening spans out ahead, to dawn’s final hours as the night comes to a close.  Written during a blistering 2023 which saw Ezra Collective tour the world and become the first jazz act to win the Mercury Prize, Dance, No One’s Watching is a documentation of the many dance floors they encountered. From London to Chicago, Lagos to Sydney, dance and rhythm connect us. These songs are a testament to that spirit. [Deluxe CD and vinyl versions are available, as well as a satin red vinyl colorway.]

Naima Bock – Below A Massive Dark Land CD/LP (Sub Pop)
Most of the writing of Naima Bock’s second album, Below A Massive Dark Land, was a solitary affair. It may not sound like it – it’s made up of strong, purposeful arrangements with a huge host of musicians, filled with cradling space and warm light. This will also come as a surprise to anyone who has seen Naima perform in the time since the release of her 2022 debut Giant Palm, which was undoubtedly a communal experience. But there’s power in solitary, too. Giant Palm was arranged with collaborator Joel Burton but going this one alone in search of something that was truly hers, Naima found she was capable of more. [A blue color vinyl pressing is available.]

Xiu Xiu – 13″ Frank Beltrame Italian Stiletto with Bison Horn Grips CD/LP (Polyvinyl)
On Xiu Xiu’s latest album, 13″ Frank Beltrame Italian Stiletto with Bison Horn Grips, Angela Seo and Jamie Stewart deliver some of the band’s most compelling and mesmerizing music to date. Mixed by John Congleton (Chelsea Wolfe, Swans, Lana Del Rey) this album is unlike anything the band has ever recorded previously and was motivated by the destruction of previous aesthetic notions, as well as the band’s recent move from Los Angeles to Berlin. [A green color vinyl pressing is available.]

Christian Lee Hutson – Paradise Pop. 10 LP (ANTI-)
A Los Angeles singer/songwriter with an acute gift for intimate and detailed introspection, Christian Lee Hutson threads through avenues of light Americana, smart indie pop, and lo-fi folk storytelling. The tone of his music is usually gentle, but there’s an insistence and clarity in his lyrics that gives his performances a strength alongside its newfound indie rock edge. Although he began his solo career in the early 2010s, he gained popularity as a writer and collaborator during the latter part of the decade, working on projects with Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers, the latter of whom helped produce Hutson’s Anti- debut, Beginners, in 2020. Bridgers and Oberst teamed up to produce 2022’s Quitters, and now Bridgers is back producing his new record Paradise Pop. 10. [An indie store exclusive yellow color vinyl pressing is available.]

Kit Sebastian – New Internationale LP/Cassette (Brainfeeder)
LP and Cassette available this week, CD next week. Red vinyl. New Internationale is the Brainfeeder debut by Kit Sebastian – purveyors of stunning, contemporary music that fuses Anatolian psychedelia, Brazilian Tropicalia, ‘60s European pop and American jazz. The London-based duo weave a psychedelic tapestry of global influences, vintage synths and melancholy élan from the beaches of Bahia to the streets of Istanbul and Paris. Employing a vast array of instruments – zithers, harpsichords, congas, bongos, balalaikas, organs, saxophones, Indonesian metallophones, santours and baglamas – their unique sound evokes a borderless planet and the seamless commune between past and present.

Bryce Dessner – Solos CD/LP (Sony)
Versatile composer, sought-after musical collaborator and guitarist Bryce Dessner will make his Sony Classical début on August 23, 2024 with Solos, a collection featuring a series of unaccompanied instrumental works written by the composer over the past few years. Dessner, who is also a founding member of Grammy Award-winning rock band The National has selected works from both his classical and soundtrack worlds, which showcase not only his compositional flair but also the immense talent of his acclaimed collaborators, many of whom work regularly with him and are his friends. Featured soloists include cellist Anastasia Kobekina; violinist Pekka Kuusisto; pianist Katia Labèque; harpist Lavinia Meijer; violist Nadia Sirota; percussionist Colin Currie; and Bryce Dessner himself on guitar. 

Colin Stetson – The Love It Took To Leave You 2xLP (Envision)
Colin Stetson is a Canadian-American saxophonist, multireedist, and composer based in Montreal. 2024 JUNO Award instrumental album winner – 2023 ASCAP Screen Music Award for The Menu. Best known for his soundtrack work, eg. The Menu, Hereditary, Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Known for collaborations with Tom Waits, Arcade Fire, TV on the Radio, Feist, Bon Iver. 

Alice In Chains – Black Gives Way To Blue [Reissue/2009] 2xLP (Craft Recordings)
The fourth full-length studio album from alt-rock icons Alice in Chains. Released in 2009, Black Gives Way To Blue is the band’s first record to feature William DuVall sharing vocal and guitar duties with founding member Jerry Cantrell, alongside bassist Mike Inez and drummer/founding member Sean Kinney. Includes the singles “A Looking In View,” “Your Decision,” and the Grammy-nominated “Check My Brain.” 

Hayes Carll – Flowers And Liquor [Reissue/2002] LP (Hwy 87)
LP reissue of the Texas-based country singer-songwriter’s debut album.

 

 

 

Héctor Lavoe – De Ti Depende [Reissue/1976] LP (Craft)
De Ti Depende (It’s Up To You) is salsa legend Héctor Lavoe’s second solo album, released on Fania Records in 1976, in which he steps out as the leader of his own orchestra for the first time. Hit tracks include Tite Curet Alonso’s “Periódico de Ayer,” the ever-popular anthem “Hacha y Machete” and Perucho Torcat’s uplifting “Vamos a Reír Un Poco.” Featuring (AAA) lacquers cut from the original master tapes, this remastered reissue is pressed on 180-gram vinyl and housed in a classic tip-on jacket.

Gatecreeper – Dark Superstition LP (Nuclear Blast)
New pressing on translucent black/purple colorway. Gatecreeper’s third full-length sees the Arizona death metal specialists-vocalist Chase H. Mason, guitarists Eric Wagner and Israel Garza, drummer Metal Matt Arrebollo and bassist Alex Brown-carving out their own path. 

 

Tropical Fuck Storm – Tropical Fuck Storm’s Inflatable Graveyard 2xLP (Three Lobed)
The first ever live album from this fiery and popular Melbourne punk quartet. On this the band runs through a raging live set to reveal the full extent of their unparalleled live show. Real heads know that their records rule but their live shows positively shred. The proof is fully on display within the confines of this high energy pudding. [An indie store exclusive pink color vinyl pressing is available.]

 

 

 

Hella – Hold Your Horse Is [Reissue/2002] LP (5RC)
Hella – The Devil Isn’t Red [Reissue/2004] LP (5RC)
20 Year Anniversary edition reissues, remastered for vinyl. Devil Isn’t Red includes production of original 12×18 poster

 

 

 

 

 

Danger Mouse – Selex.Xxion 12” (Lex)
To commemorate XX years of Lex Records, this limited 12-inch sampler presents on vinyl for the first time remixes by Danger Mouse, Boards of Canada, DJ Premier, and Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine). Limited to 1000 copies, each heavyweight vinyl comes packaged in a clear sleeve, with an intricately etched B-Side featuring artwork by Commission Studios. Additionally, every copy of the record includes four large-format stickers, each inspired by one of the four tracks. A1. Danger Mouse & Jemini “Born-A-MC” (Remix) A2. Nevermen “Treat Em Right” (Boards of Canada Remix) A3. Eyedress “House of Cards” (Kevin Shields Rainbow Belts Remix) A4. Prince Po feat. MF DOOM “Social Distortion” (DJ Premier Remix)

Thurston Moore – Flow Critical Lucidity LP (Daydream Library)
Limited cream colored vinyl LP pressing. 2024 release. Thurston returns with his ninth and best solo album Flow Critical Lucidity released via Daydream Library Series. Some of the songs were written and arranged in Europe and the United Kingdom and include lyrical references to their environments and inspired by nature, lucid dreaming, modern dance and Isadora Duncan. The album was arranged at La Becque in Switzerland and recorded at Total Refreshment Studios in London in 2022, and mixed at Hermitage Studios in London with Margo Broom in 2023. Flow Critical Lucidity comes from a lyric in the single ‘Sans Limites’ and the album sleeve cover art features Jamie Nares’ ‘Samurai Walkman’ – a helmet befitted with tuning forks. Jamie Nares (born in Great Britain) is a lifelong friend of Thurston Moore from his New York No Wave days and the two have often collaborated in art and music.

Get Up Kids – Something To Write Home About [Reissue/1999] LP (Polyvinyl)
After 25 years, The Get Up Kids’ classic second album, Something to Write Home About, is still recognizable as the same electrifying, scrappy album it was upon release, but also transformed by time into one of the most seminal records of the band’s scene. To celebrate the album’s 25th anniversary, Polyvinyl Records is thrilled to announce a special deluxe reissue. The album has been meticulously remastered from the original tapes and will be paired with a slew of bonus material, including rare demo versions of multiple songs from the album as well as never-before released rarities from the era. Originally released in September of 1999, Something to Write Home About has been established as an important late-millennium rock-and-roll document; a convergence of power pop, alternative rock, and punk, it provided the parameters for emo’s Midwest-centered second wave. 

Haujobb – The Machine In The Ghost LP (Dependent)
A deliberate nod to a time with less software and more analogue shifting of the dials complements the theme of The Machine In The Ghost with a retro touch, yet without indulging in mere nostalgia for its own sake. The album revolves around the highly charged relationship between mind and matter, analogue and digital. 

Jutta Hipp – At The Hickory House, Volume 1 [Reissue/1956] LP (Blue Note Classics Series)
German jazz pianist Jutta Hipp is one of the most intriguing yet little-known figures in Blue Note history. Shortly after moving to NYC in 1956, she recorded the charming live trio album, At The Hickory House, with bassist Peter Ind and drummer Ed Thigpen. Volume 1 presents a set of standards and bebop themes that showcases her hip, lightly-swinging style. This Blue Note Classic Series (mono edition) is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes.

Common & Pete Rock – The Auditorium Vol. 1 CD/2xLP (Loma Vista)
Legendary hip-hop figures Common and Pete Rock showcase their evolved prowess in their debut collaboration, The Auditorium, Vol. 1. Despite years apart, their synergy is palpable. Pete’s groundbreaking production, blending intricate harmonies, and Common’s multifaceted artistry shine through. Their meticulous process births 15 tracks that blend nostalgia with innovation. With cameos from Jennifer Hudson and De La Soul’s Posdnuos, each element is carefully curated, resulting in a timeless masterpiece. This album not only celebrates their individual growth but also sets the stage for future volumes. [An indie store exclusive forest green color vinyl pressing is available.]

The Lumineers – Live From Wrigley Field 3xLP (Dualtone Music Group)
In September of 2022, with over 40,000 fans in attendance, The Lumineers took fans on a anthemic, foot-stomping journey with the Brightside World Tour, ending their largest worldwide tour to date at Chicago’s historic Wrigley Field. Highlighting career favorite tracks like “Ho Hey”, “Ophelia”, and “Stubborn Love” along with modern favorites “A.M Radio”, “Brightside” and more, both their sophisticated songwriting and impressive instrumentation and performance chops were on full display. [An indie store exclusive sunburst color vinyl pressing is available.]

Boris – Amplifier Worship [Reissue/1998] LP (Third Man)
Lime Green Swirl vinyl indie exclusive! “To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Boris’ sonic marvel Amplifier Worship, Third Man Records is thrilled to present a limited one time pressing of this classic double LP on Lime Green Swirl Vinyl. Manufactured at Third Man Pressing in Detroit and housed inside a wonderfully designed gatefold jacket featuring adroitly reimagined imagery from artist Aaron Horkey.”

Brandi Carlile – Give Up The Ghost [Reissue/2009] LP (Legacy)
Give Up The Ghost is available on vinyl for its 15th anniversary. It is the third studio album from Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile and peaked at #26 on the Billboard 200. The record features the tracks “Dreams,” “That Year,” “Caroline” featuring Elton John, and more.

Manu Chao – Viva Tu CD/LP (Because Music)
2024 release, the first album in 17 years by the French Spanish singer/songwriter/musician and former frontman for Mano Negra.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sepultura – Kairos [Reissue/2011] 2xLP (Nuclear Blast)
Sepultura – The Mediator Between The Head And Hands Must Be The Heart [Reissue/2013] 2xLP (Nuclear Blast)
Sepultura – Machine Messiah [Reissue/2017] 2xLP (Nuclear Blast)
Sepultura – Quadra [Reissue/2020] 2xLP (Nuclear Blast)
Ruby red marble color vinyl reissues of the thrash metal band’s twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth studio albums.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sacred Reich – Heal [Reissue/1996] CD/LP (NoLifeTil Metal)
CD and orange color vinyl reissue of the thrash metal legend’s fourth album.

 

 

 

 

Nocturnal Emissions – Cathedral [Reissue/1991] 2xLP (No Holiday)
Released in 1991, Nocturnal Emissions’ otherworldly drone transmission Cathedral receives its first vinyl edition after years out of print. 2xLP edition on red & black marble/blue & black marble in deluxe gatefold jacket.

 

Billy Woods and Kenny Segal – Hiding Places [Reissue/2019] (Rhymesayers)
It is the fifth anniversary of the release of billy woods and Kenny Segal’s classic album Hiding Places. As time passes and more of the duo’s work enters the canon, it is easy to forget what an unlikely pairing these two were in 2019. Both woods and Segal were already more than a decade into their careers, but they had yet to collaborate this deeply with artists outside their coastal scenes. Kenny’s most recent projects were a couple of jazzy instrumental albums and production for Self-Jupiter, Open Mike Eagle, and Milo. For his part; woods was two years removed from his previous solo album with Blockhead. Then, Hiding Places changed the trajectories of both artists and Backwoodz Studioz.

Jerry Paper –  Inbetweezer LP (Stone’s Throw)
Jerry Paper’s tenth album INBETWEEZER was written on the cusp of a major life change, after Paper decided to return to school and become a therapist. Its crooning rockers and catchy pop jams explore complicated feelings of in-between-ness, while indulging in total freewheeling play.

Metric – Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? [Reissue/2003] LP (Everloving)
Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? is the first studio album by Canadian indie rock band Metric. The album was released on September 2, 2003, on Enjoy Records (now known as Everloving Records) and Last Gang Records in Canada and went gold in Canada. It was produced by Michael Andrews, recorded at Elgonix Labs, Los Angeles, and mixed at Sonora Recordings.

Blockhead – Music By Cavelight [Reissue/2004] LP (Ninja Tune)
140g Vinyl, Bonus Aesop Rock Instrumentals & Lost Files – 20th Anniversary Reissue. Renowned New York producer Tony Simon aka Blockhead is set to reissue his classic Ninja Tune albums Music By Cavelight, Downtown Science, The Music Scene and Interludes After Midnight on colored vinyl.

Sun Araw – Lifetime LP (Sun Ark)
Sun Araw’s tenth studio album, Lifetime, continues to investigate space as a motionless field against which many motions are observed! Stasis: wheels within and wheels without! “Dripping Magnetizations! Arcs of Slowing Rotations!” Two LPs at 45 RPM. Mixed by Cameron Stallones & Jake Viator, Mastered by JJ Golden. Please enjoy this adventure in sound.

Sunflower Bean – Shake LP (Lucky Number)
New York trio Sunflower Bean – vocalist and bassist Julia Cumming (she/her), guitarist and vocalist Nick Kivlen (he/him), and drummer Olive Faber (she/her) release their new EP, Shake, via Lucky Number. The band’s first fully self-produced and recorded project, Shake features some of Sunflower Bean’s heaviest, most immediate, and loudest music to date. Influenced by the doom-laden, heavy metal sound of Black Sabbath the EP is an embrace of rock tropes and excess, and recalls the sonic of the band’s earliest work, Show Me Your Seven Secrets and Human Ceremony.

Various Artists – Miami Sound 2: More Funk & Soul From Miami, Florida 1967-1974 CD/2xLP (Soul Jazz)
A superlative collection of 70s soul, funk, disco and boogie featuring tracks from legendary artists such as Betty Wright, Timmy Thomas, Gwen McRae, Milton Wright, T-Connection and many more, all released on the mighty TK Records musical empire based in Miami, Florida. 

JD McPherson – Nite Owls CD/LP (New West)
JD McPherson has created something unique and amazing with his latest album, Nite Owls. His first album release since 2018’s critically acclaimed Christmas classic, Socks. Over the past 5+ years, McPherson has stayed consistently busy writing new songs while at the same time touring with Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. Being a touring musician offers the chance to see the sights, tour the town and pick up some inspiration from the local record shop. With Nite Owls, JD wanted to try something new and different. He wanted to take the inspiration from multiple decades and styles and incorporate them into his own sound. [An indie store exclusive white, black and blue color vinyl pressing is available.]

Steve Kilbey – Bespoke Wheels and Winged Heels (An Anthology 1987-2023) LP (Easy Action)
A highly stylishly designed anthology of solo and collaborative recordings curated into a deluxe gatefold sleeve double album. Spanning the years 1987 to last year the album moves through varying styles and moods all of which are a pleasure to listen to whether in your car on a long country road or through the city at night or sitting down and absorbing the lush audio experience. Songs taken from 20 albums (1 song from each album) all of which will be made available once more.Deluxe gatefold sleeve with full color printed inner bags. Photos courtesy of Toby Burrows includes arguably some of the best songs Steve Kilbey has written ( and co-written ) The Very First album of its kind dealing with Kilbey’s not unimpressive solo career.

 

COMING NEXT WEEK!
GODSPEED YOU BLACK EMPEROR – No Title As Of 13 Feb CD/LP
SMILE – Cutouts CD/LP
THEE SACRED SOULS – Got A Story To Tell CD/LP
APHEX TWIN – Selected Ambient Works Vol 2 Expanded Edition CD/LP
LEON BRIDGES – Leon CD/LP
CARIBOU – Honey CD/LP
BRENTON WOOD – Brenton Wood’s 18 Best CD/LP
THE HARD QUARTET – The Hard Quartet CD/LP
YASMIN WILLIAMS – Acadia CD/LP
CHUBBY AND THE GANG – And Then There Was … CD/LP
DRUG CHURCH – Prude CD/LP
BROADCAST – Distant Call LP
GEORDIE GREEP – New Sound CD/LP
CUMGIRL 8 – 8th Cumming LP
EFTERKLANG – Things We Have In Common LP
MCLUSKY – Different Between Me and You Is That I’m … LP
BLOOD INCANTATION – Absolute Elsewhere LP
JASON ISBELL + THE 400 UNIT – Live From Ryman 2 CD/LP
COLDPLAY – Moon Music CD/LP
FINNEAS – For Cryin Out Loud CD/LP
HUGO LARGO – Huge Large and Electric Hugo Largo 1984-1991 CD/LP
BLOOD BROTHERS – Crimes LP reissue
LIQUID LIQUID – Bellhead 12″
UNWOUND – Repetition LP
PHARMAKON – Maggot Mass CD/LP
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE – Sung Tongs LP reissue
MASTODON – Crack The Skye LP reissue