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Vinyl Releases of the Week: June 13, 2012
This week in music: Rush reaches new heights on its 20th album, two Bill Evans concerts are unearthed and released as a triple LP vinyl box set, and soul legend Bobby Womack collaborates with Blur’s Damon Albarn on a new album.
Rush – Clockwork Angels (Roadrunner Records)
The new record from virtuosic Canadian power trio Rush is a richly layered steampunk concept album chronicling a young man’s journey through a world ruled by a watchmaker and populated by anarchists, pirates, carnivals, and lost cities. For all of the album’s conceptual focus and Rush’s notorious precision, Clockwork Angels is surprisingly loose and finds the band reaching a new level of intensity, accentuated by the bristling production of Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Deftones). Double 180-gram vinyl pressing.
John Mayer – Born and Raised (Columbia)
Double vinyl pressing of the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter’s fifth studio album. A throwback to the Laurel Canyon folk-rock days of the ‘70s, Born and Raised was produced by Don Was (Rolling Stones, B.B. King), and David Crosby and Graham Nash provide harmonies on the vintage-sounding title track.
Bill Evans – Live at Art D’Lugoff’s Top of the Gate (Resonance Records)
This 180-gram vinyl box set features two newly unearthed, complete, and never before released Bill Evans concerts recorded in Greenwich Village on October 23, 1968. Rare tracks abound including some recorded live with the Bill Evans trio for the very first time. The box set also includes a deluxe insert with essays, photos, and historical documents.
Jimmy Fallon – Blow Your Pants Off (Warner Bros)
The late-night host and former SNL cast member releases his second album of musical comedy on vinyl. Blow Your Pants Off features such hilarious impressions as “Neil Young Sings Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” “The Doors Sing Reading Rainbow,” and “Bob Dylan Sings Charles in Charge,” plus collaborations with Justin Timberlake, Paul McCartney, Eddie Vedder, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, and Stephen Colbert.
Bobby Womack – The Bravest Man in the Universe (XL Recordings)
Bobby Womack’s first album of original material in 18 years, The Bravest Man in the Universe was co-produced by Damon Albarn (Gorillaz, Blur) and Richard Russell (who famously produced Gil Scott-Heron’s triumphant swansong, I’m New Here), and features guest vocalist Lana Del Rey.
Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band – One of My Kind (Team Love)
Accompanying the film documentary One of My Kind: The Story of the Mystic Valley Band (directed by Conor Oberst’s guitar tech Philip Schaffart) is this double LP of outtakes from the group’s recording sessions for its eponymous debut in Tepoztlán, Mexico and for its sophomore album, Outer South, at Sonic Ranch Studios in Texas.
Stereolab – Transient Random-Noise Bursts With Announcements, Mars Audiac Quintet (1972)
Double vinyl reissue of the English sextet’s 1993 breakthrough, Transient Random-Noise Bursts with Announcements – one of Stereolab’s most experimental, groove-oriented efforts – and its 1994 space-age pop follow-up, Mars Audiac Quintet.
Metric – Synthetica (Mom & Pop Music)
The fifth album from the Emily Haines-fronted Canadian group features a collaboration with Lou Reed (!!) and plenty of foreboding-yet-catchy synth-pop.
Hot Chip – In Our Heads (Domino)
The new fifth album from British electronic quintet Hot Chip is a dance-floor blast of electro, funk, and pop that explores the many sides of joy and easily marks the band’s most earnest album to date.
Superchunk – “This Summer” 7-inch (Merge Records)
New limited-edition white vinyl 7-inch featuring Superchunk’s new single “This Summer” backed by a cover of Bananarama’s ‘80s hit “Cruel Summer.” Includes a download code for both tracks plus an acoustic version of “This Summer.”
Nada Surf – Karmic EP (Hi-Speed Soul)
Vinyl reissue of Nada Surf’s 1996 debut EP. Chock full of indie-pop gems, sharp lyrics, and catchy guitar hooks.
Pink Martini – Hang on Little Tomato (Heinz Records)
For the first time on vinyl, the 2004 sophomore album from Portland, Oregon’s mini orchestra Pink Martini. Double LP set includes four bonus cuts from the original sessions and plenty of the band’s unique blend of swing, cabaret, lounge, and world music.
Bouncing Souls – Comet (Rise Records)
180-gram vinyl pressing of the new album from the New Jersey punk band, together now for over two decades. Produced by Bill Stevenson (Descendents, Black Flag).
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: June 6, 2012
This is the week of anniversary editions, and I am all for celebrating Ziggy Stardust turning 40 and Graceland turning 25 – especially when it means 180-gram reissues. There is even more reason to celebrate thanks to Jimmy Page and Bob Marley picture discs, new music from Slash, and, yes, the long-awaited reissue of Vivian Stanshall’s 1974 solo debut!
David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (Capitol Catalog)
The Thin White Duke’s influential 1972 glam-rock concept album has been re-mastered and is being reissued in celebration of its 40th anniversary. Presented as a limited edition 180-gram vinyl LP, plus an audio DVD featuring previously unreleased mixes of some of the album’s tracks.
Paul Simon – Graceland 25th Anniversary Edition (Sony Legacy)
180-gram vinyl reissue of Paul Simon’s pivotal 1986 album, Graceland, which not only helped popularize world music, but helped revive his career. Includes digital download card of the original album plus three bonus tracks.
Slash – Apocalyptic Love (Dik Hayd Records)
Double LP pressing of the guitar icon’s second solo album – a straight-up ROCKER featuring singer Myles Kennedy, bassist Todd Kerns, drummer Brent Fritz, and plenty of Slash’s fancy fretwork.
Jim Croce – You Don’t Mess Around with Jim (Friday Music)
180-gram audiophile reissue of the singer-songwriter’s 1972 album. You Don’t Mess Around with Jim was Croce’s commercial breakthrough and features some of his most identifiable songs including the title track, “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels),” and the number-one hit “Time in a Bottle.”
Bob Marley – Reggae Classics (Cleopatra)
12-inch vinyl picture disc featuring Bob Marley’s most influential and revolutionary work, newly remixed and re-mastered from the original 1970 Lee Scratch Perry masters. Includes “Sun Is Shining,” “Don’t Rock My Boat,” “African Herbsman,” “Mr. Brown,” “Soul Rebel,” and more!
Jimmy Page – Burn Up (Cleopatra)
12-inch vinyl picture disc featuring rare, early recordings by the legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist and a host of friends including bassist John Paul Jones.
The Damned – Pure Punk 1977-1982 (Cleopatra)
Limited edition 12-inch picture disc featuring rare demos, singles, and live recordings from the punk legends circa 1977-1982.
Counting Crows – August and Everything After: Live at Town Hall (Rock Classics Import)
180-gram white vinyl import of this unique live album from Counting Crows. Live at Town Hall captures their 2007 live concert at the famed NYC venue during which they performed their brilliant 1993 debut, August and Everything After, in its entirety and original running order.
Slash – Made in Stoke 24/7/11 (Rock Classics Import)
Triple LP import of this 2011 live album capturing Slash’s homecoming gig at Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire during a world tour in support of his eponymous debut solo album. Features lead vocals by Myles Kennedy and presents a mix of Slash’s solo work, Velvet Revolver songs, and Guns N’ Roses classics that Slash co-wrote like “Sweet Child O’Mine” and “Paradise City.”
Lindsey Buckingham – The Seeds We Sow (Rock Classics Import)
Limited edition double LP import of the Fleetwood Mac singer/guitarist’s high-charting 2011 solo album.
Dio – Master of the Moon (Niji Entertainment Group)
Dio’s final studio album is now available on picture disc for the first time in the U.S. A must-have for Dio collectors, it features the artwork of horror/sci-fi artist Marc Sasso and perfectly closes the solo career of the late, great hard rock/metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio.
Deep Purple – Stormbringer (Friday Music)
For the first time on 180-gram vinyl in North America is Deep Purple’s classic 1974 album, Stormbringer, featuring the killer Mark III line-up of Ritchie Blackmore, David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice.
Johnny Winter – Live Bootleg Series Vol. 8 (Friday Music)
The latest installment in the Johnny Winter Live Bootleg Series (featuring quintessential live cuts selected by Johnny himself) finds the great blues guitarist shredding through extended workouts of concert classics as well as putting his unmistakable stamp on some of his favorite tunes by Elmore James, Freddie King, and Chuck Berry. Limited edition 180-gram audiophile white vinyl pressing.
Paul Revere and the Raiders – Greatest Hits 45th Anniversary Edition (Friday Music)
In 1967, with three gold albums to their name and the honor of being Columbia’s top-selling rock group, Paul Revere and the Raiders released this phenomenal greatest hits compilation. Friday Music’s 45th Anniversary Edition presents all 11 garage rock and psychedelic rock classics for the first time on 180-gram vinyl.
The Byrds – Greatest Hits 45th Anniversary Edition (Friday Music)
Friday Music also celebrates the 45th anniversary of this definitive Byrds album with a newly mastered 180-gram vinyl reissue. Featuring the folk/psych-rock pioneers’ hit singles from 1965-1967, it provides a snapshot of the group during the Gene Clark and David Crosby days and includes the band’s enduring covers of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” and Pete Seeger’s “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season).”
Kim Fowley – Outrageous (Vinilissimo)
Vinyl reissue of this 1968 solo album from the colorful jack-of-all-trades Kim Fowley who created the Hollywood Argyles and the Rivingtons, played with the Mothers of Invention, wrote for the Beach Boys, the Byrds, Soft Machine, and Cat Stevens, and was the Svengali who manufactured the ‘70s rock and roll girl group the Runaways. In the words of Julian Cope, “a shamanic rock ‘n’ roll album made by the ultimate chancer/huckster/gleeman.”
L.A. Guns – Hollywood Forever (Cleopatra)
Named after the famous Hollywood cemetery (where you can catch a Mazzy Star concert or a showing of the classic cult film Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure), this new album finds the Hollywood legends paying tribute to the City of Angels with a heavy slab of Sunset Strip metal. Produced by one of rock’s most celebrated producers, Andy Johns (The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin).
Jimmy Bryant – The Fastest Guitar in the Country (Sundazed Music, Inc.)
Never before reissued, this ultra-rare 1967 solo album from the fretboard genius is now available on 180-gram vinyl! Get ready for some dizzyingly fast jazz-fueled country picking.
Vivian Stanshall – Men Opening Umbrellas Ahead (Poppydisc)
After years of pleas and an online petition, this 1974 solo debut from the crackpot British artist/comedian and former Bonzo Dog Band frontman is back on vinyl – sanctioned by the Stanshall family and re-mastered with new liner notes from Stanshall’s widow and daughter. Why the delay? After Warner Bros. only pressed 5000 copies of the album upon its release, Stanshall destroyed one of the label’s boardrooms and released maggots behind the label president’s radiator. Features former members of the Bonzo Dog Band and Traffic.
Fear Factory – The Industrialist (Lumberjack)
On its new album, the L.A. band that reinvented death metal and industrial rock in the ‘90s revisits the sweeping melodies, sonic mastery, and storytelling depth of its pivotal 1995 sophomore album, Demanufacture.
Rhett Miller – The Dreamer (Maximum Sunshine)
This new self-produced solo album from Rhett Miller is an intimate, rootsy record that bridges the gap between his Americana and country-steeped work with the Old ‘97s and his more rock and pop-oriented solo catalog. The Dreamer features guest singers Rosanne Cash and Rachael Yamagata as well as percussionist Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel).
The Walkmen – Heaven (Fat Possum/Ryko)
Vinyl pressing of the new album from the East Coast indie rockers. Produced by Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses, Built to Spill), the album comes 10 years into the band’s career and really shows in its growth.
The Hives – Lex Hives (Disques Hives)
Brand new album from the sharply dressed Swedish garage-rock revivalists channels ELO and is now available on vinyl. Says the band, “This is not music. This is compressed carbon hidden in the earth’s crust for millions of years and unearthed, to be placed in your eardrums.”
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: May 30, 2012
After the surprise reunion of its predecessor At the Drive-In, the Mars Volta is back with a new album! There is also new music this week from Sigur Ros, the Cranberries, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, as well as a stack of early Pulp reissues. Crate diggers and beat junkies should also keep an eye out for the Funky Delicacies reissues, gathering rare and unreleased funk and soul treasures from New York, New Orleans, and Detroit.
Sigur Ros – Valtari (XL Recordings)
The new album from the otherworldly Icelandic band whose music NPR called “engrossingly strange but always accessibly pretty.” Full of expansive soundscapes, this double LP is no different – indescribably gorgeous, moody, slow-paced, and rewarding.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Here (Community Music)
After waking up the inner flower child inside us all with their phenomenal debut, Up from Below, the indie-folk collective is back with a more mellow second album of cozy, hippy-dippy, roots-rock jams.
The Mars Volta – Noctourniquet (Rodriguez Lopez Productions)
The Mars Volta’s sixth album has been called “a welcome oddity in the Mars Volta catalog” and also the (insane) prog-rock band’s most balanced and accessible record to date (fancy that!). And this most recent odyssey is presented as a double 12-inch opaque blue and orange vinyl in a wide-spine jacket with two full color 3D inner sleeves and 3D glasses.
Pulp – It, Freaks, Separations (Fire Records)
It’s a fine day for Brit pop thanks to these three early Pulp reissues from Fire Records. It is Pulp’s 1983 debut, a mainly acoustic album that bears the influence of Scott Walker and Leonard Cohen. 1987’s dark and electronic Freaks is being reissued as a special double LP packaged with singles and B-sides from the era. And last but not least, 1992’s Separations is reissued here with unreleased bonus material.
The Cranberries – Roses (Downtown Records)
The Irish alt-rockers who dominated the charts in the ‘90s with hits like “Linger,” “Dreams,” and “Zombie” are back with their first studio album in 11 years! Roses features all four of the band’s original members and picks up where they left off. Produced by Stephen Street (the Smiths, Blur).
The Damned – Machine Gun Etiquette (Drastic Plastic Records)
Limited-edition vinyl reissue of this defining post-punk album by the seminal English punk band, originally released in 1979. Available on opaque blue vinyl or 180-gram black vinyl.
Saint Etienne – Words and Music by Saint Etienne (Universal UK Import)
The British indie dance-pop trio that celebrated classic ‘60s pop in the context of early ‘90s post-acid house England is back with its first album of new music in seven years. Poignantly, Words and Music is an album about how music affects us.
Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers – Drum Suite (Music on Vinyl Import)
This 1956 recording from the influential jazz drummer begs to be rediscovered on 180-gram audiophile vinyl. Blending African, Latin, and hard-bop rhythms, it prefigures Afro-beat by a decade, and the three parts of the drum suite were astoundingly recorded straight through live. Groundbreaking then and just as vital now.
Nina Simone – Pastel Blues (Music on Vinyl Import)
1956 album from one of the 20th century’s best blues singers. Pastel Blues features brilliant reinterpretations of Billy Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” and Bessie Smith’s “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out,” the traditional spiritual “Sinnerman” (one of Simone’s most popular recordings), and the a cappella “Be My Husband.” 180-gram audiophile vinyl.
Joe Cocker – Sheffield Steel (Music on Vinyl Import)
180-gram reissue of the 1982 album that put Joe Cocker back on the map. Recorded in the Bahamas, Sheffield Steel is a slow-cooking mix of island grooves courtesy of the Compass Point All-Stars and well-done covers (Bob Dylan’s “Seven Days,” Randy Newman’s “Marie,” Steve Winwood’s “Talking Back to the Night,” Jimmy Webb’s “Just Like Always” and Jimmy Cliff’s “Many Rivers to Cross”).
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: May 24, 2012
The good news is that Sony Legacy is giving fans a second chance to pick up some of their awesome Record Story Day vinyl exclusives including Uncle Tupelo’s first three albums and classics from Ozzy, Janis, and Iggy. The bad news is… wait, there is no bad news! Just exciting new music from Garbage, the Cult, Spiritualized, and former Eagle Joe Walsh, not to mention the first new classical vinyl release in 25 years!!
Paul and Linda McCartney – RAM (HEAR Music)
The latest addition to the Paul McCartney archive collection is this revered 1971 album from the former Beatle and his wife. Available as a limited edition 180-gram mono LP as well as a double 180-gram stereo LP with bonus audio.
Garbage – Not Your Kind of People (Stunvolume)
The first album from ‘90s electro/alternative-rock band Garbage in seven years is now available on vinyl! 180-gram double LP with digital download.
Madonna – “Girl Gone Wild” 12-inch (Universal Import)
Twelve-inch picture disc of the second single from Madonna’s latest album, MDNA. Features the album version of “Girl Gone Wild” as well as an extended remix.
Tedeschi Trucks Band – Everybody’s Talkin’ (Sony Legacy)
Triple live album from the blues-rock ensemble led by the great slide guitarist Derek Trucks and his singer-guitarist wife, Susan Tedeschi. Includes songs from their Grammy-winning album Revelator along with reinvented rock, R&B, and gospel classics including Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight,” Muddy Waters’ “Rollin’ and Tumblin,’” Joe Cocker’s “Darlin’ Be Home Soon,” and Harry Nilsson’s “Everybody’s Talkin.'”
The Gaslight Anthem – “45”/“You Got Lucky” 7-inch single (Island/Mercury)
New 7-inch single from the New Jersey rockers featuring “45” off their upcoming album, Handwritten, plus the non-album track “You Got Lucky.”
Joe Walsh – Analog Man (Fantasy Records)
The first solo album in two decades from the former Eagle and rock legend was produced by the guitarist and ELO’s Jeff Lynne and features Ringo Starr on drums. Walsh lives up to his word as a self-proclaimed “analog man” by releasing the album on vinyl two weeks before it is due out in other formats.
Uncle Tupelo – No Depression, Still Feel Gone, March 16-20, 1992 (Sony Legacy)
An early vinyl retrospective of the band that defined alt-country music. These three long out-of-print titles are now available on 180-gram vinyl.
Counting Crows – Underwater Sunshine (Or What We Did on Our Summer Vacation) (Collective Records)
For their first independent release, Counting Crows recorded the covers album they’d always wanted to. Underwater Sunshine features songs the band loves and wants its fans to discover and rediscover by artists such as Big Star, Gram Parsons, Tender Mercies, Teenage Fanclub, Bob Dylan, Pure Prairie League, Fairport Convention, and the Faces that stretch from the early ‘60s to last year.
311 – Music (Volcano/Legacy)
For the first time on vinyl is 311’s 1993 debut album, noted for its raw energy and unique mix of funk, metal, and hip-hop. 180-gram pressing.
Joey Ramone – “…Ya Know?” (BMG Rights Management)
The second posthumous solo album from the former Ramones frontman takes its name from his favorite phrase and features demos and previously unreleased songs that he left behind. These were assembled by his brother Mickey Leigh and Ramones producer Ed Stasium, and they feature guest spots by Joan Jett, Steven Van Zandt, former Ramones drummer Richie Ramone, Cheap Trick’s Bun E. Carlos, and many more.
The Cult – Choice of Weapon (Cooking Vinyl)
Brand new double LP from the influential UK rock band sounds like classic, late-‘80s Cult. Features production by Bob Rock (who produced the band’s landmark hard-rock album Sonic Temple) and Chris Goss (Queens of the Stone Age).
Ozzy Osbourne – Ozzy Live (Sony Legacy)
180-gram pressing of Ozzy Live, the double live LP from 2011’s Blizzard of Ozz/Diary of a Madman 30th anniversary box set. Recorded during the 1981 Blizzard of Ozz tour with Randy Rhoads, Ozzy Live features classic Blizzard of Ozz tracks like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley” as well as classic Sabbath tracks like “Paranoid” and “Children of the Grave.”
Iggy & the Stooges – Raw Power (Sony Legacy)
Double vinyl reissue of this 1973 proto-punk classic featuring legendary songs like “Search and Destroy.” The first LP contains a re-mastered version of the original David Bowie mix, and the second contains a re-mastered version of Iggy Pop’s 1997 mix.
Lou Reed – Transformer, Rock n Roll Animal (Sony Legacy)
120-gram vinyl reissue of the Velvet Underground co-founder’s 1972 cabaret-laced sophomore album, Transformer, produced by David Bowie and guitarist Mick Ronson and featuring the hit “Walk on the Wild Side.” Also back on vinyl is Reed’s 1974 live album, Rock n Roll Animal, featuring glam-rock takes on classic VU songs like “Sweet Jane” and “Heroin.”
Calexico – ‘98-‘99 Road Map (1999), Travelall (2000), Aerocalexico (2001), Scraping (2002), The Book and the Canal (2005), Toolbox (2007), Ancienne Belgique: Live in Brussels 2008 (2009), Circo (2010) (Quarterstick)
Previously available as tour-only CDs or bundled together in last fall’s limited vinyl box set Road Atlas, these eight titles are now available individually on vinyl!
Janis Joplin – Pearl (Sony Legacy)
180-gram vinyl pressing of Janis Joplin’s hit-filled 1971 classic featuring the tracks “Move Over,” “Cry Baby,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” and “Mercedes Benz.”
Patti Smith – Horses (Sony Legacy)
Last but not least in the Legacy batch is Patti Smith’s hugely influential 1975 debut, Horses – another game-changing classic that belongs in every record collection.
Amadou & Mariam – Folila (Because Music)
From the Malian duo comes a brilliant fusion of what was originally two albums: a crossover record made in New York City with Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Nick Zinner, TV on the Radio’s Kyp Malone and Tunde Adebimpe, and Santigold helping out, and a rootsy album recorded in Mali with African percussion and local guests.
Gustavo Dudamel – Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 (Deutsche Grammophon)
From the esteemed German classical label comes the first new classical release on vinyl in a quarter of a century! A charity project, the album marks the young Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel’s debut concert with the Vienna Philharmonic, with whom he performs Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3, also known as the Scottish Symphony.
Willie Nelson – Heroes (Music on Vinyl Import)
180-gram vinyl import of Willie Nelson’s latest album. Features guest appearances from Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, Sheryl Crow, and Snoop Dogg, as well as covers of Coldplay’s “The Scientist” and Pearl Jam’s “Just Breathe.”
Fela Kuti – Fela Kuti Live in Detroit 1986 (Knitting Factory)
The first album of new music from the King of Afrobeat in 20 years is the official release of his previously bootlegged 1986 concert at Detroit’s Fox Theatre. It was recorded during his North American tour with Egypt 80, just one year after his bogus imprisonment in his home country of Nigeria.
Orbital – Wonky (UK Import)
Vinyl import of the British electronic duo’s first album in eight years! This triumphant return features guests Zola Jesus and Lady Leshurr.
Robert Calvert – Captain Lockheed & the Starfighters of Tomorrow (EMI)
Limited double 180-gram grey vinyl pressing of this legendary 1974 concept album from the former Hawkwind frontman. Known for its satirical interludes featuring Jim Capaldi and Viv Stanshall, the album also stands out for its musical guests which include Arthur Brown, Lemmy, Brian Eno, and Hawkwind’s Dave Brock and Nik Turner.
Robin Guthrie and Harold Budd – After the Night Falls/Before the Day Breaks (2007), Bordeaux (2011) (Darla Records)
Limited vinyl pressings of these notable collaborations between two masters of sonic beauty, the former Cocteau Twin Robin Guthrie and ambient musician Harold Budd.
Spiritualized – Sweet Heart Sweet Light (Fat Possum Records)
Double white vinyl pressing of the gorgeous new album from Jason Pierce and Spiritualized. The follow-up to 2008’s acclaimed Songs in A&E, which was released after Pierce’s near-death bout with pneumonia, Sweet Heart Sweet Light was made while Pierce was undergoing experimental chemo treatment for a degenerative liver disease. Interestingly enough, it is poppier and more vibrant than any of his previous work and already being heralded as one of his best, right up there with Spiritualized’s 1997 masterpiece, Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space.
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: May 16, 2012
From Elvis to Tenacious D, there is plenty of charisma to go around this week – as well as audiophile goodness. Also, be sure to pre-order your Davy Jones 7-inch featuring “Girl” and “Rainy Jane” on green vinyl from Rhino.com. (The official release date is May 29, but the pressing is limited to 1000.)
Santana – Shape Shifter (Starfaith)
On his new album and first release on his own Starfaith label, Carlos Santana ditches the guest vocalists and plays his guitar. This dazzling instrumental record features tracks dating back to the late ‘90s on which music, culture, and spiritualism collide as Santana pays homage to the native peoples of the world. 180-gram pressing with digital download card.
Elvis Presley – Loving You (Friday Music)
For the first time on 180-gram audiophile vinyl is Elvis’ third album, Loving You, “filled with more hits than a jukebox!” The album presents songs from Elvis’ 1957 smash film of the same name on Side A (“Mean Woman Blues,” “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear,” “Loving You”) and the King’s interpretations of some of his favorite songs (“Blueberry Hill,” “True Love,” “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You”) on Side B. Re-mastered from the original mono tapes and packaged in a first-time gatefold cover.
Traffic – Traffic (Friday Music)
Limited-edition audiophile release of one of the most important albums of the classic rock era – the English quartet’s 1968 eponymous second LP, featuring the now standard “Feelin’ Alright?” and “Forty Thousand Headmen.”
Tenacious D – Rize of the Fenix (Columbia)
Elvis may be the King of Rock, but Tenacious D is the King of Mock Rock. The D’s first album in six years, Rize of the Fenix is a parody of a comeback album – but also kind of a comeback album, just like Tenacious D is a parody of a rock band that actually really rocks. Along with the core duo of Jack Black and Kyle Gass, Rize features Dave Grohl (drums), John Spiker (bass, piano, organ), and John Konesky (electric guitar). Pressed on 180-gram vinyl with CD and poster.
Esperanza Spalding – Radio Music Society (Heads Up)
The latest album from the Grammy-winning jazz sensation is now available as a double vinyl LP! The anticipated companion to her 2010 breakthrough release Chamber Music Society, Radio Music Society has been called Spalding’s most diverse, ambitious, and masterful work yet. On the album, she covers both Stevie Wonder and Wayne Shorter, and she gets some help from jazz heavyweights Joe Lovano, Terri Lyne Carrington, Billy Hart, and Jack DeJohnette, as well as a few early mentors from Portland and hip-hop’s Q-Tip. Jazz-savvy radio music.
Canned Heat and John Lee Hooker – Hooker ‘N Heat (Friday Music)
The first release in the extensive Canned Heat/Friday Music 180-gram Audiophile Vinyl Series is this all-time classic boogie and blues album from Canned Heat and John Lee Hooker. Double vinyl LP is featured in its original gatefold cover.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – One Hot Minute (Warner Bros.)
Double LP reissue of the 1995 RHCP album – the only to feature former Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro in place of John Frusciante, and thus darker and more heavy metal influenced. Pressed on limited-edition red vinyl and packaged in a lenticular 3D cover, the album features the hits “Aeroplane” and “My Friends.”
Sinead O’Connor – How About I Be Me (And You Be You)? (One Little Indian US)
Vinyl release of the iconic Irish singer’s 2012 album, arriving 25 years after her phenomenal 1987 debut, The Lion and the Cobra. According to NPR’s Ann Powers, “O’Connor’s 9th album isn’t just a return to form; it’s a full-on revival…O’Connor revisits the sonic ground of her indelible first two albums, The Lion and the Cobra and I Do Not What What I Haven’t Got.
Beach House – Bloom (Sub Pop)
This double LP, the fourth full length from the Baltimore-based duo, is full of dazzling dream-pop and stellar songcraft. But the best news is that it’s an album, begging to be listened to from start to finish and promising to sweep you away in the process.
Best Coast – The Only Place (Mexican Summer)
Another album of retro beach-pop and West Coast love from Bethany Cosentino that’s sure to fulfill your summer longings. Produced by Jon Brion (Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann).
Hot Water Music – Exister (Rise Records)
New album from Gainesville’s one and only post-hardcore rockers Hot Water Music following an eight-year hiatus that saw frontman Chuck Ragan becoming a rootsy solo rocker. Produced by Bill Stevenson (Rise Against, the Descendants).
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Vinyl Releases of the Week: May 9, 2012
Sure moms love flowers, but they also love vinyl. And like mom, there are a lot of treasures in the vinyl department this week, from the long-anticipated release of Carole King’s legendary demos to collectible picture discs documenting the early years of both Santana and Guns N’ Roses. Or how about actress/producer Rita Wilson’s album of ‘60s and ‘70s covers, AM/FM? I’m sure somewhere in this list is something for mom.
Carole King – The Legendary Demos (HEAR Music)
The vaults have finally been unlocked and Carole King’s legendary demos unveiled to the public. This vinyl LP features 13 of the revered singer-songwriter’s original vocal and piano tracks from her Aldon Music days in the ‘60s, where she penned over 100 chart hits for other artists, to her 1971 masterwork, Tapestry.
Donald Fagen – The Nightfly (Warner Bros.)
180-gram vinyl reissue of the Steely Dan frontman’s 1982 solo debut, his most personal album to date. In the smooth jazz-pop vein, it has been ranked one of the best recorded albums of all time (right up there with Pet Sounds and Sgt. Pepper) and features the hits “I.G.Y. ” and “New Frontier.”
Rita Wilson – AM/FM (Decca US)
Actress/producer Rita Wilson makes her singing debut with this double LP of U.S. radio hits from the ‘60s and ’70s. Together, they make up the soundtrack to Wilson’s life, the song sequence telling the story of innocent, idealized love (AM) turning to disillusionment (FM). Joining her on the album is Sheryl Crow (“Angel of the Morning,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”), Chris Cornell (“All I Have to Do Is Dream”), Jackson Browne (“Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues”), and Faith Hill (“Love Has No Pride”), among others.
Silversun Pickups – Neck of the Woods (Dangerbird)
The highly anticipated third album from L.A.’s Silversun Pickups features production from Jacknife Lee (R.E.M., U2, Weezer) and, as frontman Brian Aubert put it, sounds “like a horror movie.” Their most intense album lyrically, it wrestles with the emotions of being a stranger in a strange land, even when that is two minutes from where you grew up – in Aubert’s case, Topanga Canyon, where the album was recorded.
Damon Albarn – Dr Dee (Virgin)
The new album by Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz), Dr Dee was inspired by the life of John Dee, a 16th century mathematician, alchemist, philosopher, and advisor to Elizabeth I. Described by Albarn as “strange pastoral folk,” it fuses spooky English choral music with West African and Renaissance sounds, and was recorded with the BBC Philharmonic orchestra.
Johnny Thunders – Dawn of the Dead: Live at Max’s Kansas City (Cleopatra)
On limited edition 12-inch picture disc is this rare live gem from the former New York Doll and major figure of the NYC punk scene, Johnny Thunders. Recorded live at the legendary nightclub and hub of New York’s iconoclastic 1970s art scene, it features Thunders’ takes on the iconic songs “(I’m Not) Your Stepping Stone,” “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” “Like a Rolling Stone,” and “(I’m Your) Hoochie Coochie Man.”
Santana – Early San Francisco Years (Cleopatra)
On their next limited edition12-inch picture disc release, Cleopatra honors a West Coast legend. Early San Francisco Years captures a historic live performance by Santana and includes early versions of the songs “Evil Ways,” “Soul Sacrifice,” and a medley of “Let’s Get Ourselves Together”/”Jin-Go-Lo-Ba.”
Hollywood Rose – Roots of Guns N’ Roses (Cleopatra)
Last but not least, a limited edition 12-inch picture disc featuring the pre-GN’R demos of Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin, including “Anything Goes” from Appetite for Destruction and “Reckless Life” from GN’R Lies.
Jay Deelicious – The Delicious Vinyl Years: Originals, Remixes & Rarities (Traffic Ent. Group)
The Delicious Vinyl Years documents the early work of a hip-hop master, Jay Dee aka J Dilla, from the Pharcyde’s “Runnin’” to his rise to fame producing for other Delicious Vinyl artists between 1995 and 1998. Triple vinyl LP.
Keane – Strangeland (Interscope)
Vinyl LP pressing of the long-awaited fourth album from the British quartet is a return to its soaring vocals and sweeping piano melodies after the electronic experinments of 2008’s Perfect Symmetry.
Train – California 37 (Columbia)
The latest album from the Grammy-winning pop-rock band is now available on vinyl! Produced by Butch Walker (Garbage, Nirvana) and Espionage.
Dropkick Murphys – Live at Fenway (Dropkick Murphys)
This 20-song double LP features the iconic Boston Irish-punk band performing live to an audience of hometown fans at the city’s legendary Fenway Park. Fans who didn’t get to attend (and those who did) can now enjoy the entire show on 180-gram vinyl.
White Zombie – La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1 (Music on Vinyl Import)
180-gram audiophile reissue of White Zombie’s 1992 major label debut – a critical and commercial success featuring the MTV and rock radio hits “Thunder Kiss ’65” and “Black Sunshine.” Groove metal at its best.
The Residents – Fingerprince, Third Reich ‘n’ Roll (Cryptic Corp)
Vinyl reissues of the avant-garde group’s 1976 albums: Fingerprince, which includes a digital download of the album in its original extended form as a triple LP called “Tourniquet of Roses,” and its predecessor, Third Reich ‘n’ Roll, an album consisting of two suites of pop oldies covers.
Various Artists – The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond (Universal Republic)
The soundtrack to the motion picture is now available on vinyl. Produced by Grammy winner T-Bone Burnett (O Brother, Where Art Thou?), it’s surprisingly folksy for a sci-fi blockbuster and mirrors the haunted, post-apocalyptic feel of the film. Features new and exclusive tracks from critically acclaimed artists including Arcade Fire, Neko Case, Taylor Swift, Adam Levine, and the Decemberists.
Exodus – Shovel Headed Kill Machine (Back on Black)
Limited edition double LP reissue of this 2005 album from the Bay Area thrash metal titans. The follow-up to their acclaimed comeback record, Tempo of the Damned, it features a markedly different line-up from the band’s glory days with new lead singer Rob Dukes and one of metal’s best drummers, Paul Bostaph (formerly of Slayer).
Codeine – When I See the Sun Box Set (Numero)
Vinyl box set featuring the near-complete works of seminal slowcore pioneers, Codeine, including their three albums Frigid Stars (1990), Barely Real (1992), and The White Birch (1994). These will feature detailed liner notes and be expanded to double albums with the addition of singles, demos, live recordings, and Peel sessions.
Matt Skiba and the Sekrets – Babylon (EMI)
The Alkaline Trio frontman steps away from his longtime band to release this solo debut with AFI’s Hunter Burgan on bass and My Chemical Romance’s Jarrod Alexander on drums.
Aaron Freeman – Marvelous Clouds (Partisan Records)
Another frontman, this time of the band Ween, also goes solo and gives fans a more authentic look at his life. Features interpretations of 13 songs by the great songwriter and poet Rod McKuen.
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