New Releases & Staff Picks – 1/24/25
STAFF PICKS
Lindsay – Chappaquiddick Skyline, Rose City Band and Underworld
Dario – Rose City Band and Sam Amidon
Kimber – Chappaquiddick Skyline
Jake – Sam Amidon
Zach – Mogwai and Rose City Band
Ash – Blink 182
MOGWAI – The Bad Fire CD/2CD/2LP/3LP (Temporary Residence)
[Deluxe CD and LP sets including bonus 8 track album are available!] The arrival of a new Mogwai album – their eleventh – is cause for great celebration. The album’s title, The Bad Fire, is a working-class Glaswegian term for Hell. It reflects the difficult time that members of the band were going through. New to the studio was American producer John Congleton, known for his work with Explosions In The Sky, Sigur Rós, John Grant and pretty much everyone in between. Congleton’s work can be heard on the album’s three singles. The album opener “God Gets You Back” sounds like Daft Punk being hunted by My Bloody Valentine, while “Fanzine Made Of Flesh” sounds like a victory parade for a baby yeti; and “Lion Rumpus” does actually sound like a lion rumpus. The music of Mogwai is a difficult thing to describe, but an easy thing to experience. At punishing volume, it can annihilate your body, leaving you as little more than a head which should by rights fall helplessly to the ground. Yet the music contains an updraft, a sense of beauty encased in the onslaught. This holds you up, suspended and empowered, reminding you that paradise is your birthright. This is especially true of The Bad Fire. It may have been created in dark conditions, but all that is transcended by the act of four musicians working together here, now, in the moment – the only place where Mogwai exist.
FKA TWIGS – Eusexia CD/LP (Atlantic)
FKA twigs releases her highly-anticipated third studio album, EUSEXUA via Young Recordings. Eusexua is a state of being. A feeling of momentary transcendence often evoked by art, music, sex, and unity. Eusexua can be followed by a state of bliss and feelings of limitless possibility. Also used to refer to: ‘The pinnacle of Human Experience’. It is united through any moment in which we are fully embodying ourselves, present in the moment, disconnected from technology, synthesized with those around us. It was moments of Eusexua that birthed EUSEXUA the album, as twigs cites her late nights in the underground techno scene of Prague.
KEROSENE 454 – I Came By To Kill Me [Reissue/1997] LP (Solid Brass)
Came By to Kill Me is the sophomore album from this prolific Maryland/D.C. post-hardcore band. These were the first recordings written exclusively with drummer Darren Zentek (formerly of the band, Glendale) and came at a time when the band felt like they were moving at 100 miles per hour. The album was recorded over 6 days in the summer of 1996 with J. Robbins (Jawbox, Magpie Cage Studio) and Don Zientara at Inner Ear Studios with help from Juan Carrera (Warmers, Slowdime Records).
SWERVEDRIVER – Doremi Faso Latido LP (Outer Battery)
Extremely limited demos and outtakes album from Swervedriver! Doremi Faso Latido can be seen as an alternate version of their landmark 99th Dream album. This LP won’t be available for long, don’t miss out!
LISA GERRARD – Come Tenderness LP (Gerrard)
Lisa Gerrard, the renowned Australian vocalist, composer, and one half of Dead Can Dance, presents the compilation Come Tenderness. With the inspiration of the healing power of water at its core, the album has been personally curated by Lisa and features ten of her most exceptional works newly mastered alongside a brand-new song “Whispers”. The hand-picked playlist forms a cohesive album showcasing each track in a new light alongside striking artwork by Nigel Grierson. In keeping with her collaborative nature the album includes iconic pieces Lisa has created over the years with Daniel Johns, Astrid Williamson and Patrick Cassidy. At the forefront of every track is Lisa’s ethereal and iconic vocals which combined with her expressive and profound compositions come together to form a truly emotional listening experience.
CHAPPAQUIDDICK SKYLINE – Chappaquiddick Skyline LP (New West)
In the waning months of the previous millennia, Joe Pernice wrote and recorded what would become Chappaquiddick Skyline. Now, 25 years after its original issue, New West Records is proud to release a limited edition pressing on vinyl for the very first time. The 25th Anniversary pressing will be available on clear and standard black vinyl in an edition of 1000 copies each. Chappaquiddick Skyline was released following the Pernice Brothers’ critically acclaimed Sub Pop debut Overcome by Happiness. Recorded at home on 8-Track with Thom Monahan producing, Joe Pernice and Monahan are joined by Pernice Brothers bandmates Peyton Pinkerton, Laura Stein, Mike Belitsky, as well as countless friends who stopped by to help out.
ROSE CITY BAND – Sol Y Sombra CD/LP (Thrill Jockey)
Rose City Band’s music is sun-kissed timeless country rock whose seemingly effortless momentum carries the joy of its creation without ignoring the darkness pervading our consciousness. Led by guitarist/vocalist Ripley Johnson, the music of Rose City Band is rooted in his love of private press records of the mid to late 70’s. The band, in addition to Johnson, features pedal steel guitarist Barry Walker, keyboardist Paul Hasenberg and drummer John Jeffrey who enmesh a keen sense of rhythmic drive and melody with gentler, sumptuous atmospheres. Nuanced performances and interplay between players unfurl like desert flowers splashing color onto an arid landscape. The ensemble’s buoyant moments still glide with ease, but there is room to revel in respite of the shade of a dark cloud. Across the album, Johnson’s tasteful guitar interjections and soothing voice are met in kind with the versatile playing of Walker, Hasenberg, and Jeffery, with special guest performances by synthesist/vocalist, Sanae Yamada.
BOILERMAKER – Not Enough Time To Get Anything Halfway Done LP (Numero Group)
From the frayed loop of San Diego’s white belt ’90s scene, Boilermaker provided a subtle counterpoint to the Gravity-obsessed post-hardcore landscape. They called it Leucadia-core, a hybrid of major chord riffs, emotive yelps, angular bass chug, and pounding rhythms, building and releasing with the Swami tides. Not Enough Time To Get Anything Halfway Done compiles the trio of Terrin Durfey, Tim Semple, and Richard Sanderson complete discography—three albums, singles, and rarities—into a 41-song, 4xLP box set, with annotation and illustration in the accompanying 24-page book. Surfs down. Hang zero.
THE VERVE – This Is Music: The Singles LP (Virgin)
This is Music: The Singles, is a compilation album by English alternative rock band The Verve, featuring Richard Ashcroft (vocals), Pete Salisbury (drums), Simon Jones (bass) and Nick McCabe (guitar). Originally released in November 2004, it featured two bonus tracks pulled from the sessions for their third album Urban Hymns, “This Could Be My Moment” and “Monte Carlo.” 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the release of an album that has never been pressed on vinyl. Under the group’s direction, this long overdue reissue replaces the bonus tracks with the powerful singles from the band’s 2008 reunion album, Forth – “Love Is Noise” and “Rather Be” – as well as their second single, “She’s A Superstar” (1992) in its original, full-length, eight-and-a-half-minute form (rather than the five-minute edit). As such, the album now represents the complete story of The Verve’s singles. 2 LP set.
SAM AMIDON – Salt River LP (River Lea)
Sam Amidon is a singer and multi-instrumentalist (banjo, guitar, fiddle). New album, Salt River finds Amidon reinterpreting and regenerating 10 familiar pieces of music that he has collected together over time, ranging from traditional English shanty “Golden Willow Tree” to Lou Reed’s “Big Sky”. It was recorded in collaboration with saxophonist and producer Sam Gendel. Sam has released 7 acclaimed albums plus collaborated with The National, Bon Iver, Beth Orton, Marc Ribot & The Blind Boys of Alabama.
UNDERWORLD – Strawberry Hotel LP (Virgin)
Strawberry Hotel, the eleventh album from Underworld (and first since 2019’s epic, experimental Draft project), features the singles, “and the colour red” and “Denver luna,” as well as “Black Poppies,” a celestial love song, a hymn to the universe and to boundless, positive change. Ambient and beatless, “Black Poppies” is a celebration of full dancefloors and the beauty of life itself.
BEN NICHOLS & RICK STEFF – Lucero Unplugged LP (Liberty Lament)
Lucero lead singer Ben Nichols and keyboardist Rick Steff spent a day at Grammy Award winning engineer Matt Ross-Spang’s Southern Grooves Studio in Memphis, TN recording acoustic versions of Lucero songs. Spanning the band’s career, the songs range from some of Lucero’s most popular crowd favorites to more obscure rarities and were all recorded live in the studio featuring grand piano and acoustic guitar. The double album, Lucero Unplugged, presents 20 stripped down tracks that offer fresh takes on the band’s exceptional catalogue.
ANT – Collection of Sounds Vol 3 LP (Rhymesayers)
On Collection of Sounds: Vol. 3, Anthony “Ant” Davis delves into the rich influences of reggae, dub, and early hip-hop, crafting a vibrant instrumental landscape that pays homage to these foundational genres. Building on the textured soundscapes that define his work, this album showcases Ant’s masterful ability to weave together infectious grooves, deep basslines, and melodic samples that evoke the warmth and rhythm of reggae. The result is an immersive listening experience that transports listeners to sun-soaked streets, lively dance halls, and basement cyphers. Ant’s dynamic production shines through in pieces that echo the playful energy of early hip-hop while embracing the laid-back vibes of dub. Cuts like “Welcome Back” and “Perfection” exemplify his signature style, blending intricate rhythms with emotive undertones, while others like “Hello Darlings” explore new depths of creativity. With crisp drum patterns and lush, layered instrumentation, he creates works that are both nostalgic and fresh. This album highlights Ant’s versatility as a producer and reflects his appreciation for the cultural roots of the genres that inspire him. Collection of Sounds: Vol. 3 is a celebration of musical heritage, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of sound that defines Ant’s artistry.
EMILY NENNI – Hell Of A Woman [Reissue/2018] LP (Soul Step)
Fresh off her previous two LP’s released to critical acclaim on New West Records, Emily Nenni’s debut album is finally back in print with her first label, Soul Step Records. Emily Nenni has emerged as one of the freshest and most electrifying voices in Nashville, with a sound rooted in classic honky-tonk and spiked with serious country, soul and rock ‘n’ roll fire, and sweet-and-sassy lyrics that chronicle hard living, heartbreak and other universal truths about the human condition.
BENJAMIN BOOKER – Lower LP (Fire Next Time)
The last place you’ll find Benjamin Booker is where he was yesterday. Following two critically acclaimed albums marked by his signature fuzzy americana-inspired garage rock and soul sound, world tours, and opening slots with the likes of Jack White, Tame Impala, and Neil Young… he disappeared. “I wanted to get to this sound, but I didn’t know how. At some point I decided I’m going to find it or die trying.” He spent years tinkering in a loft near Skid Row in Los Angeles before ending up across the globe in Perth, Australia. Trading stems via email, Booker crafted his third album with LA underground hip-hop mastermind Kenny Segal. The new album, LOWER, mixes experimental hip hop, dream and noise pop, and singer-songwriter music into something that is entirely his own. Through the changes, Booker’s lyrical exploration of pain and longing have been persistent.
ADRIAN YOUNGE – Presents Black Dynamite (Linear Labs) LP
Adrian Younge Presents: Black Dynamite (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is the first official release from composer and producer Adrian Younge. The album, inspired by the great blaxploitation soundtracks of the 1970s, is the meticulously crafted sonic accompaniment to the cult classic, Black Dynamite. Younge commands the Rhodes electric piano, Hammond organ, Hohner Clavinet, harpsichord, synthesizer, vibraphone, guitar, bass, flute, sax, cello, and more to craft a singular vision of the era. Recorded and mixed by Adrian Younge at Linear Labs, the preeminent analog studio of Los Angeles, CA.
TEDDY SWIMS – I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Pt 2 LP (Warner)
I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) is the second part of Teddy Swims’ debut album. It follows the massive success of Part 1, which includes his multi-platinum global smash hits, “Lose Control” and “The Door.” This self-taught Atlanta-born vocal powerhouse has swiftly risen to the forefront of the music scene in 2024 with record breaking songs, sold-out global tours, and iconic performances. With a voice that effortlessly blends genres, including R&B, soul, and pop, Teddy Swims has captivated listeners with his raw emotion. His voice, full of soulful resonance, carries the weight of lived experience and his lyrics delve into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
LARKIN POE – Bloom CD/LP (tricki-woo)
Larkin Poe, the dynamic sister duo known for their electrifying blend of Southern rock, blues, and Americana, emerges once again onto the musical landscape with their eagerly anticipated album, Bloom. Following their Grammy-winning success with Blood Harmony in 2024, the duo has ventured deeper into their musical journey, crafting a collection of songs that resonate with introspection, authenticity, and a profound connection to their roots in American music. The album Bloom marks a significant evolution in Larkin Poe’s creative journey. All the songs were born from collaborations between Megan, Rebecca, and co-producer Tyler Bryant, reflecting a synergy that extends beyond mere musical partnership.
BLINK 182 – One More Time… Pt 2 LP (Columbia)
Double blue colored vinyl LP pressing housed in gatefold jacket. 2025 release from the pop-punk trio featuring 27 Tracks including 10 new songs! One More Time… Part-2 adds new tracks to blink-182’s #1 Billboard 200 album One More Time… which was the first record featuring the group’s iconic lineup together again – Mark Hoppus [bass, vocals], Tom DeLonge [guitar, vocals], and Travis Barker [drums]. The trio recorded One More Time… and One More Time… Part-2 over the course of 2022 to 2024 in the midst of their blockbuster reunion tour, which sold out arenas, amphitheaters, and stadiums across the world. One More Time… Part-2 features 10 new songs in addition to the original 17 tracks that capture the band at the top of their game, layering in themes of tragedy, triumph, and most importantly, brotherhood.
PESO PLUMA – Genesis LP (Peso Physical)
GÉNESIS is a work that explores a catwalk of artistic and conceptual capabilities of the corrido in 2023; just at the moment when Peso Pluma has all eyes on him. A snapshot of the present of Mexican music at its best commercial and artistic moment.The name of the album is the beginning of a new era. Creating a new origin, after one of the most impressive strings of single hits, feels like a declaration of principles. Presenting a project that shows his artistry, in GÉNESIS we get to know Pluma in his rawest state. GÉNESIS, his third studio album, is a clear attempt to portray an artist more concerned with the longevity and legacy of his work than with specific or momentary hits.The menu is served with 14 tracks in a row in different forms, from the most romantic to the most warlike and back again. “We are very happy to globalize Mexican music and the music we grew up with. “That has always been the goal, the same objective: to expand what we like to do, the type of music we listen to, and take it to all parts of the world,” Hassan states. Once the world’s ears have been opened to Mexican music, the man from Guadalajara wants to emphasize the idea that his work is not regional, but universal. The requinto and the bajoloche are now part of the international basic basket of music thanks to him and the fruitful crop of national performers such as Natanael Cano or Junior H.
TIMOTHEE CHALAMET – A Complete Unknown LP (Columbia)
Featuring 16 tracks recorded live from the film like “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” “Like A Rolling Stone,” and “Girl From The North Country,” the soundtrack includes performances from Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, and Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash. – Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota arrives with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music. He forges intimate relationships with music icons of Greenwich Village on his meteoric rise, culminating in a groundbreaking and controversial performance that reverberates worldwide. Timothée Chalamet stars and sings as Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, the electric true story behind the rise of one of the most iconic singer-songwriters in history. Red Vinyl.
COMING NEXT WEEK!
MADVILLAIN – Madvillainy Demos LP
THE GITS – Frenching The Bully CD/LP reissue
WEEKND – Hurry Up Tomorrow CD/LP
BIG THIEF – Capacity CD/LP/CASS reissue
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE – We Have The Facts and We’re Voting Yes LP reissue
JUICEWRLD – Party Never Ends CD/LP
L.S. DUNES – Violet CD/LP
NATALIA LAFOURCADE – De Todas Las Flores LP
BONNIE PRINCE BILLY – Purple Bird CD/LP
ALL THAT REMAINS – Anti-Fragile LP
FIDLAR – Surviving The Dream LP
SLOW PULP – Moveys LP reissue
COOLIO – Greatest Hits LP
PORTER ROBINSON – Worlds LP
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Eccentric Soul The Cobra Label LP
PENNY AND SPARROW – Lefty LP
PRESERVATION BRASS – For Fat Man LP
ADRIAN YOUNGE – Sao Paulo LP
EBO TAYLOR – Jazz Is Dead 021 CD/LP
10,000 MANIACS – Playing Favorites LP
JUANA MOLINA – Exhalo LP
CURREN$Y + MONSTABEATZ – Radioactive LP
SLUM VILLAGE – F.U.N. LP
MARIBOU STATE – Hallucinating Love LP
ELZHI – Elmatic LP