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Vinyl Releases of the Week: February 22, 2012
Think of every essential jazz record from 1961, and you can bet it was reissued this week on 180-gram vinyl. There is also plenty of new music to sink your record needle into including albums from two of Saturday Night Live's recent musical guests.
Bill Evans Trio – Explorations (Wax Time Import)
Limited 180-gram vinyl pressing of this 1961 album by the original Bill Evans Trio featuring the legendary jazz pianist, bassist Scott LaFaro, and drummer Paul Motian. A riveting album, Explorations is said to have established a new standard for trio interaction.
Duke Ellington Meets Count Basie – Battle Royal (Wax Time Import)
Limited 180-gram vinyl pressing of this 1961 album documenting the first (and sole) time these two jazz legends crossed paths in the recording studio.
Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington – The Great Summit (Wax Time Import)
Limited 180-gram vinyl pressing of the legendary 1961 album that brings together these two influential jazz giants for the first and only time. Features Armstrong and his All Stars playing a selection of Ellington’s best compositions with Ellington sitting in on piano.
Eric Dolphy - Eric Dolphy at the Five Spot, Vol. 1 (Wax Time Import)
Limited 180-gram vinyl pressing of this 1961 live set from Eric Dolphy and his legendary quintet featuring trumpeter Booker Little. Documenting one night of their two-week residency at the Five Spot Cafe in New York City, the album reveals the innovation that made this combo so esteemed in the progressive post-bop world. As a bonus, this reissue includes Dolphy’s first version of Billie Holiday's “God Bless the Child.”
The Montgomery Brothers – Groove Yard (Wax Time Import)
Limited 180-gram vinyl pressing of this 1961 album from one of the best sibling-based groups in jazz: guitarist Wes, pianist Buddy, and bassist Monk. Highlights include their covers of Carl Perkins’ “Groove Yard” and Harold Land’s “Delirium.”
Henry Mancini – Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Wax Time Import)
Limited 180-gram vinyl pressing of the chart-topping soundtrack to the 1961 motion picture. Relive the many adventures of Miss Holly Golightly and enjoy Mancini’s timeless “Moon River.”
Charles Mingus – Pithecanthropus Erectus (Wax Time Import)
The one exception to this week's 1961 theme is Charles Mingus’ 1956 breakthrough as a leader. Overflowing with imagination, Pithecanthropus Erectus broke conventions as well as new ground in jazz, and it established Mingus as an adventurous modernist. 180-gram vinyl reissue.
Django Reinhardt – Swingin’ with Django, Are You in the Mood?, Rhythm Futur, Swing de Paris (Monk)
Enjoy the virtuoso jazz guitarist and gypsy jazz pioneer on vinyl with these four compilations from Monk Records.
Phoebe Snow – Phoebe Snow (Friday Music)
180-gram audiophile vinyl reissue of Phoebe Snow’s acclaimed 1974 debut album featuring the hit “Poetry Man.”
Sleigh Bells – Reign of Terror (Mom + Pop Music)
You may have just caught this Brooklyn “shred-pop” duo on SNL over Presidents Day Weekend, and now you can listen to their new album on vinyl!
Lana Del Rey – Born to Die (Interscope)
Even if you didn’t see Lana Del Rey on SNL, chances are you heard about her performance. Say what you will, but there’s something in the laconic pop of “Video Games” that makes me think it will translate far better on vinyl.
Cursive – I Am Gemini (Saddle Creek)
The latest from the Omaha rockers is a concept album that tells the tale of two estranged twins, Cassius and Pollock, and it's being called Cursive’s musically heaviest album in years.
Archers of Loaf – Vee Vee (Merge Records)
Limited-edition vinyl reissue of the college rock heroes’ acclaimed sophomore album, originally released in 1995. Re-mastered and pressed on mossy-green vinyl, it includes a download coupon of the album plus 16 bonus tracks.
Jim White – Where It Hits You (Yep Roc Records)
This lo-fi Americana pioneer is back with a new double LP. And in the hellish turmoil and heartbreak of his wife leaving him during the making of Where It Hits You, White produced a harrowing masterpiece and some of his finest songwriting to date.
Josh Ritter – Bringing in the Darlings (Pytheas Recordings)
The new 10-inch EP from the esteemed singer-songwriter was inspired by Buddy Holly, Ricky Nelson, and the Everly Brothers and recorded with simplicity in mind.
Damien Jurado – Maraqopa (Secretly Canadian)
The new album from “Seattle’s folk-boom godfather” is, as promised, unlike anything you’ve heard from Damien Jurado before. The difference? The touch of producer Richard Swift - be it a bossa-nova groove here or some Spector-esque psychedelia there - which really takes Jurado’s weary acoustic guitar to the next level.
Tindersticks – The Something Rain (Constellation)
This Nottingham band is back with a new album and the longest song of its two-decade career in the album's spoken-word opener, “Chocolate.” Already garnering a great deal of critical praise, The Something Rain was described by Simon Price of the UK’s Independent as "nine pieces of beautiful bossa-nova noir, daydreamy reverie, and existential easy listening.” 180-gram pressing.
Arctic Monkeys – “Black Treacle” / “You and I” 7-inch (Domino)
The fourth single from the Arctic Monkeys’ critically acclaimed fourth album, Suck It and See, paired with new B-side "You and I" featuring vocals from Richard Hawley.
Tortoise – Standard (Thrill Jockey)
Vinyl reissue of the 2001 album by the post-rock band. Pressed on high-quality virgin vinyl, it features the original artwork-lined inner sleeve and custom silk-screened outer bag.
Speech Debelle – Freedom of Speech (Big Dada Records)
The powerful follow-up to the South London rapper’s Mercury Prize winning debut, Speech Therapy. Double vinyl pressing.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: February 15, 2012
It's all about quality reissues this week, and they range from the most sultry to the most quirky.
Sade – Diamond Life (Audio Fidelity)
I can’t think of anything more appropriate than this Valentine’s Day reissue of Sade’s phenomenal 1985 debut album on 180-gram virgin vinyl. Released 27 years ago, Diamond Life hasn't lost one bit of its seductive appeal thanks to songs like the Top-10 single “Smooth Operator.”
The Flaming Lips – Hit to Death in the Future Head (1992), Transmissions from the Satellite Heart (1993), Clouds Taste Metallic (1995), The Soft Bulletin (1999), Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (2002) (Warner Bros.)
Calling all Lips fans: the band’s first five Warner Bros. albums assembled for the Heady Nuggs vinyl box set last year are now individually available on vinyl! From the kooky sing-along hit “She Don’t Use Jelly” (off of Transmissions from the Satellite Heart) to the symphonic brilliance of The Soft Bulletin and the emotional heights of the Grammy-winning Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, this quirky Oklahoma alt-rock/psych-pop band has evolved into masters of sonic bliss in the vein of Brian Wilson. Lush, sentimental, and experimental, this is a band that you NEED to hear on vinyl.
Grateful Dead – Live/Dead (Mobile Fidelity)
180-gram double LP reissue of the Dead’s 1969 live album, half-speed mastered from the original tapes. Recorded over a series of San Francisco concerts in early ‘69, Live/Dead is a landmark live album that captures the band’s interplay and improvisations, and illustrates why the Dead was the best live band of the era.
Reckoning, Terrapin Station (Analogue Productions)
We’ve also got 200-gram vinyl reissues of 1977’s more funkified Terrapin Station, featuring the extended title suite and a horn-fueled disco arrangement of Martha and the Vandellas’ "Dancing in the Street,” and the 1981 acoustic live album, Reckoning, which was recorded during the Dead’s 1980 performances at the Warfield in San Francisco and Radio City Music Hall in New York City and nods to their more traditional folk beginnings.
Carole King – Music (Mobile Fidelity)
180-gram vinyl reissue of Carole King’s 1971 album, Music, the often overlooked follow-up and companion to her breakthrough album, Tapestry. Topping the charts upon its release, Music features the songs "It's Going to Take Some Time" (later a hit for the Carpenters), "Sweet Seasons," and "Brother, Brother." This marks the first re-mastering of Music and brilliantly reveals King’s extraordinary songwriting, voice, and piano playing.
Joe Walsh – But Seriously, Folks… (Friday Music)
For the first time on 180-gram vinyl is Joe Walsh’s Top-10 1978 album featuring his biggest solo hit, the eight-minute “Life’s Been Good.” Recorded shortly after he recorded and toured Hotel California with the Eagles, this reflective song cycle captures Walsh at his peak and features the other four Eagles.
James Brown – New York City Soul Break Out! (Cleopatra Records)
If you love vintage James Brown, you’ll love this 180-gram vinyl release from Cleopatra Records. Features live performances of classics like “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” "Get Up Offa That Thing (Release the Pressure)," "It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World," and "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine."
Cal Tjader – Cal Tjader’s Latin Concert (Original Jazz Classics)
Vinyl reissue of this essential 1958 Latin jazz album from vibraphonist Cal Tjader. Recorded live at the Blackhawk in San Francisco with pianist Vince Guaraldi, bassist Al McKibbon, Willie Bobo on timbales and drums, and Mongo Santamaria on congas.
Thelonious Monk – The Unique Thelonious Monk (Fantasy Records)
Vinyl reissue of this exceptional 1956 album featuring pianist Thelonious Monk, bassist Oscar Pettiford, and drummer Art Blakey performing a well-chosen set of standards.
McCoy Tyner – Sahara (Original Jazz Classics)
Vinyl reissue of the 1972 Grammy-nominated breakthrough release by jazz pianist McCoy Tyner, widely considered to be his best. Features saxophonist Sonny Fortune, bassist Calvin Hill, and drummer Alphonse Mouzon.
Queensryche – The Warning (Friday Music)
Limited-edition 180-gram audiophile vinyl reissue of Queensryche’s 1984 debut full-length album. Recorded in London and produced by James Guthrie (Pink Floyd, Judas Priest), this Orwellian-themed prog-metal record remains a fan favorite.
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Top 8 Romantic Records
Valentine’s Day may be a load of crap, but there’s no underestimating the power of the heart when it comes to music. So in honor of the universal muse, here are eight love-inducing albums that will make you weak in the knees. Be sure to let us know what other albums you think deserve the title of most romantic. (Did someone say Barry White?)
The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds (1966)
The luxurious sounds on this album alone are enough to make anyone fall in love with their stereo. But the genius of Pet Sounds is the way it captures the feeling of youthful longing. “God Only Knows” has got to be one of the best love songs of all time; it turns everybody to mush. Not to mention classics like “Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder),” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” and “Sloop John B,” which are impossible not to love.
The Beatles – “I Want to Hold Your Hand”/ "I Saw Her Standing There" single (1963)
In my opinion, the Beatles are responsible for some of the greatest love songs ever written. And like the band, they matured from innocent pop (“Love Me Do,” “She Loves You,” “All My Loving,” “And I Love Her,” “Can’t Buy Me Love”) to deep, beautifully crafted love songs that reflected the real love John and Paul found in their own lives (“Something,” “In My Life”). While I love it all, “I Want to Hold Your Hand” remains my favorite Beatles love song for the fact that it doesn’t get too serious. It’s just a sweet song that captures that innocent feeling of budding love when you just want to be around someone all the time.
Etta James – At Last! (1961)
“At last, my love has come along / My lonely days are over / And life is like a song.” Few have so eloquently expressed that overwhelming sigh of relief that comes when love is found. And the pure emotion that the late, great Etta James brings to this, her signature tune, and the blues classics (“I Just Want to Make Love to You”) and jazz standards ("Stormy Weather" and "A Sunday Kind of Love") on her debut album will never fade.
Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston (1985)
Even if the news of her death wasn’t so fresh, Whitney Houston would still be on this list. The emotion is so real in her skyscraping love ballads - from her truly joyful eponymous debut (which features the hits “How Will I Know,” “The Greatest Love of All,” “You Give Good Love,” and “Saving All My Love for You") to her show-stopping delivery of “I Will Always Love You” in the 1992 film The Bodyguard.
Sade –Diamond Life (1984)
Forget diamonds - it's all about Diamond Life, Sade’s debut album. On tracks like “Smooth Operator” and “Your Love Is King,” Sade proves she is the queen of sensuality and the epitome of sultry elegance. And if you’re really in the mood, pick up 1992’s Love Deluxe as well for “No Ordinary Love.”
Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get It On (1973)
File under Seduction. This landmark soul recording is widely considered one of the greatest albums of all time, as well as one of the most sexually charged. The follow-up to Marvin Gaye’s socially conscious What’s Going On (1971), Let’s Get It On presents a different side of Gaye in its funky grooves and suggestive overtones that is sure to leave you satisfied. Its steamy title track alone is some of the best mood music ever recorded! But this is more than just an album of slow-burning ecstasy and smooth soul; Gaye’s multi-tracked vocals and seductive funk sound greatly influenced later R&B artists.
Al Green – Greatest Hits (1975)
We can thank President Obama for the recent Al Green revival and the spike in sales of his classic love song “Let’s Stay Together.” But we have only Al Green to thank for some of the most romantic music of the last century. Setting the standard for smooth soul with his sermons of love, the great soul singer-turned-reverend recorded numerous swoon-worthy love ballads in the early ‘70s. This 1975 compilation is a classic in and of itself thanks to its flawless curation of greats like “Tired of Being Alone,” “I’m Still in Love with You,” “Here I Am (Come and Take Me),” “You Oughta Be with Me,” and of course “Let’s Stay Together.”
The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody (1965)
"Oh my love, my darling / I've hungered for your touch..." Does it get any better than that? There’s no doubt that “Unchained Melody” is an absolutely timeless love ballad and one of the greatest love songs of all time. (C’mon, we all remember that scene from Ghost.) Not only does the song feature the passionate, soul-drenched vocals of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield but the phenomenal Wall of Sound production of Phil Spector. If you can’t track down the original “Hung on You” single where this doo-wop serenade first appeared as a B-side, it’s not too difficult to find The Righteous Brothers Greatest Hits (1967) or The History of the Righteous Brothers (1972) compilations on vinyl, which also feature classics like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” and “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration.”
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: February 8, 2012
Between new albums from Paul McCartney and Of Montreal, this week's vinyl releases come full circle. And there are some excellent reissues and anthologies in the mix. So dig in and don't forget your valentine.
Paul McCartney – Kisses on the Bottom (Hear Music)
The new solo album from Paul McCartney is an intimate collection of American standards alongside two new McCartney originals. Produced by jazz producer Tommy LiPuma, Kisses on the Bottom features Diana Krall and her band plus guests Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder performing songs that McCartney grew up with and later drew upon in his songwriting with John Lennon. Available as a 180-gram double gatefold LP with digital download card.
The Grateful Dead – Wake of the Flood (Mobile Fidelity)
180-gram vinyl pressing of the 1973 album that ushered in a new era for the Dead: a new label, a new line-up, and a new sonic palette full of horns and violin. Part of Mobile Fidelity’s Amazing Grateful Dead reissue series (which also includes Live/Dead, Skull and Roses, and In the Dark) the album was half-speed mastered from the original tapes and will let you experience this classic like never before.
The Deftones – Saturday Night Wrist (Maverick)
The fifth album from the alt-metal band, originally released in 2006, is available once again on vinyl. In essence, Saturday Night Wrist could be considered the Deftones’ Rumours as the making of the album was wrought with turmoil, strained relationships, and drug addiction – and the result is one of the band’s most acclaimed and diverse works to date. Produced by Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Jane's Addiction) and former Far guitarist Shaun Lopez.
Rainbow – Bent out of Shape (Plastic Head Distribution)
Limited 180-gram green vinyl reissue of the British hard rock band's more commercial 1983 album featuring “Street of Dreams” and “Can’t Let You Go.” This was the last album released by Rainbow before Ritchie Blackmore and Roger Glover left to reform Deep Purple.
Foghat – Last Train Home (Ingrooves/Foghat Records)
Limited-edition reissue of the classic rock band’s 2010 homage to its blues roots. Pressed on 180-gram blue vinyl.
Gene Ammons – Blue Gene (Original Jazz Classics)
Vinyl reissue of this 1958 “blowing session” studio jam based on various blues forms. In the room are jazz tenor saxophonist Gene Ammons, trumpeter Idrees Sulieman, baritonist Pepper Adams, pianist Mal Waldron, bassist Doug Watkins, drummer Art Taylor, and percussionist Ray Barretto on congas.
Dr. Dog – Be the Void (ANTI-)
The new album from Philadelphia’s Dr. Dog is a cathartic rock and roll record that combines the stellar songcraft of the band's last two albums, Fate (2008) and Shame, Shame (2010), with its explosive live energy. Double LP is packaged with full album on CD.
Cocteau Twins – Stars and Topsoil: A Collection 1982-1990 (4AD)
Available for the first time on vinyl, Stars and Topsoil is the Scottish dream-pop band’s first best-of collection from their 4AD years. And it's exquisite.
Mark Lanegan Band – Blues Funeral (4AD)
After a series of collaborations with Isobel Campbell (Belle & Sebastian), the gravelly voiced, former-Screaming Trees singer Mark Lanegan returns with a new double LP – his first solo release since 2004's Bubblegum. Featuring guest appearances from cohorts Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Greg Dulli (Gutter Twins), and Jack Irons, the album brims with his dark, spooky blues-rock and distinctly reflects Lanegan's influences (i.e. The Gun Club's Miami, Joy Division's Closer, and Roxy Music's Country Life.)
Chuck Prophet – Temple Beautiful (Yep Roc Records)
A concept album about San Francisco? It’s about time! Named after the extinct rock club where singer-songwriter Chuck Prophet saw his first shows as a teenager, Temple Beautiful was made in San Francisco, by San Franciscans, about San Francisco. Prophet describes it as “my effort to tap into the history, the weirdness, the energy, and spontaneity that brought me here in the first place.”
Wendy Rene – After Laughter Comes Tears: Complete Stax & Volt Singles + Rarities 1964-1965 (Light in the Attic)
For the first time ever the Memphis soul legend’s music is available together in one collection. This double vinyl LP features Rene's early recordings with the Drapels and well-known singles (like “After Laughter,” which Wu-Tang Clan sampled on their album 36 Chambers), as well as rarities and two unreleased tracks.
Ben Kweller – Go Fly a Kite (The Noise Company)
The fifth studio album from the pop-rock singer-songwriter marks the debut release of his Austin-based label, the Noise Company. Go Fly a Kite is being heralded as career-defining for its ability to showcase Kweller's diversity and many talents. 180-gram vinyl plus free CD.
Of Montreal – Paralytic Stalks (Polyvinyl Records)
You know you’re in for a ride with each of Kevin Barnes’ brainchilds, and his latest, Paralytic Stalks, is a dizzying avant-pop frenzy indeed - but also an intimate and rewarding one. Available on 180-gram vinyl.
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“When he went home, he listened to vinyl.”
Here’s a headline from the week that caught my eye: Steve Jobs Listened to Vinyl.
At a recent technology conference, music legend Neil Young said what is perhaps the most powerful testament to vinyl I can imagine: "Steve Jobs was a pioneer of digital music. His legacy is tremendous. But when he went home, he listened to vinyl." So even the person largely responsible for the iPod revolution preferred the high fidelity of vinyl to the digitally compressed files of the device he created.
Young made the comment at News Corp.'s D: Dive Into Media conference this past Tuesday, where he was speaking on behalf of his campaign for higher-fidelity digital sound. Though nothing had been developed, Young and Jobs had talked about creating a new type of digital format that would have 20 times the fidelity of an MP3 or AAC file and retain one hundred percent of the music data (as opposed to a compressed five percent). There has been no action on the part of Apple in regards to pursuing this since Jobs’ death last October, however. I’m sure a major roadblock has to do with the fact that each song file would be so big it would require upwards of 30 minutes to download, and a playback device would only be able to hold something like 30 albums. While Young is arguing that this isn’t a big deal if you leave your device on overnight to download, it just confirms to me that there really is no substitute to a good old vinyl record collection. And that Steve Jobs and I have something in common.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: February 1, 2012
It's a sad day in music today as we mourn the loss of Soul Train creator and host Don Cornelius. The man's contribution to music, media, and culture is immeasurable as Soul Train, the longest-running syndicated program in television, introduced Americans to legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, and Barry White, along with all kinds of great soul music. Just as Cornelius wished us all "love, peace, and soul," here's wishing you happy listening to this week's new vinyl releases.
Leonard Cohen – Old Ideas (Columbia)
The new album from the old master and a self-described “manual for living with defeat,” Old Ideas not only features Cohen’s gravelly baritone and poetic storytelling but his artwork. 180-gram vinyl.
Ringo Starr - Ringo 2012 (Hip-O Records)
Another old master returns with a brand new album. On Ringo 2012, the celebrated Beatle’s 17th solo studio album, listeners are treated to nine songs, all produced by Ringo, that celebrate the old and the new. Included are new versions of “Step Lightly” from his 1973 album Ringo and of “Wings” from 1978’s Ringo the 4th, as well as covers of Buddy Holly’s “Think It Over” and Leadbelly’s “Rock Island Line,” and a Latin-tinged collaboration with Van Dyke Parks titled “Samba.” 180-gram vinyl.
Boz Scaggs – Come On Home (Friday Music)
180-gram audiophile vinyl reissue of Boz Scagg’s 1997 ode to the blues and R&B that informed his early career. Mastered from the original Virgin Records tapes and presented as a limited edition double LP in a gatefold cover, Come On Home presents Scaggs' originals alongside songs from Jimmy Reed, T-Bone Walker, Earl King Johnson, Sonny Boy Williamson, Willie Mitchell, and other great bluesmen.
Dusty Springfield – Girl Called Dusty (Simply Vinyl UK Import)
Dusty's first solo LP has been re-issued on 180-gram audiophile vinyl. A mix of soul/R&B covers (“Mama Said,” “Mockingbird,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?”) and ‘60s pop/rock (“Wishin’ and Hopin’”), this album was originally a UK-only release in 1964 and remains a Dusty classic. It also marks the first of many collaborations with songwriters like Burt Bacharach and Carole King for Dusty.
Tom Morello the Nightwatchman – Union Town EP, The Fabled City, One Man Revolution (New West Records)
New West Records has reissued Tom Morello’s entire solo discography as the Nightwatchman – the Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave guitarist’s solo acoustic politically-charged side project – on vinyl. In addition to his 2007 solo debut, One Man Revolution, and 2008’s The Fabled City, this includes his 2011 EP Union Town that benefits the America Votes Labor Unity Fund and features eight pro-union songs including a cover of Woodie Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land.” (And don’t forget the Nightwatchman's most recent studio album, World Wide Rebel Songs, which saw a vinyl release on New West Records last year.)
John Hiatt – The Open Road (New West Records)
New West Records has also pressed up John Hiatt’s 2010 album, The Open Road, as a double vinyl LP. On this blues-driven rock album, Hiatt looks at life through the rear view mirror, and while many of his songs have been about coming home, home is never the destination here.
Various Artists - Beat Fräuleins: Female Pop in Germany 1964-1968 (Grosse Freiheit)
The latest in the Fräuleins compilations from Grosse Freiheit is Beat Fräuleins, which takes listeners back to the ‘60s when “the beat forced its way into the innocent world of German schlager” and presents 19 highlights of the era. Features Caterina Valente, Wencke Myhre, Conny Froboess, Chris Doerk, Marion (Maerz), Inga (Rumpf), and lots of other Fräuleins.
Various Artists - Matador: Intended Play 2012 (Matador)
Another exciting compilation is this “budget-priced vinyl sampler” from Matador, which showcases the best of 2011 from such roster artists as Girls, Kurt Vile, Esben & The Witch, and Cold Cave, and previews what is to come in 2012 from The Young, Ceremony, Lee Ranaldo, Perfume Genius, and Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks.
Gotye – Making Mirrors (Republic)
Double vinyl pressing of the new studio album from the Belgian-born Australian musician. Features the international hit “Somebody That I Used to Know” and explores the pop architecture of the ‘80s (think the Police, George Michael, and Peter Gabriel) through a more modern lens. The result is a fantastic art-pop album.
SOJA – Strength to Survive (ATO Records)
The new album from the D.C.-area reggae group Soldiers of Jah Army (SOJA) is being released on vinyl courtesy of Dave Matthews’ ATO Records. Produced by John Alagia (O.A.R., John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band), Strength to Survive draws inspiration not so much from Matthews' jam-band circuit as from Bob Marley’s 1979 album, Survival.
The Magnetic Fields – “Andrew in Drag”/”When Next in Love I Fall” 7-inch single (Merge)
The first single from the Magnetic Fields’ forthcoming album, Love at the Bottom of the Sea, due for release March 6, 2012 on Merge Records. The ukulele-based B-side is an exclusive non-album track.
Ladytron – Witching Hour (Nettwerk)
Vinyl reissue of the British electro-pop band’s acclaimed third album, originally released in 2005. Features the single “Destroy Everything You Touch.”
Imperial Teen – Feel the Sound (Merge)
Sixteen years in, this power-pop band is still going strong; and on its fifth studio album, Imperial Teen really does make you Feel the Sound. For fans of ELO and the Beach Boys.
Sunn O))) - ØØ Void (Southern Lord)
Double vinyl reissue of the second album from the doom-metal band who takes its name from the Sunn amplifier logo. Originally released in 2000, ØØ Void features Petra Haden’s melodic evocations on violin and plenty of thick sonic goodness.
Lymbyc Systym – Shutter Release (Hobbledehoy)
“A tiny independent label in Adelaide, Australia” has reissued this post-rock band’s 2009 album on vinyl. Full of majestic arrangements and focused melodies.
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