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Now Hear This! - August 2022
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What's New 7-29-22
Rogers' voice is unfettered, cascading — running wild like the animals in her single “Horses” — and soars deliriously sometimes to the point of almost cracking. From the bubblegum pop of “Want Want” to the soaring ballad "Begging For Rain," Surrender consistently sparkles, with contributions from Florence Welch, Jon Batiste and Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett. *Ltd. Ed. Tangerine Orange LP*
In its slowest moments, Eddie embraces the paths of the elders before him, jumping into Americana and blues. At other times, the music is more familiar, writhing with the intensity that made its maker famous. Even then, however, Vedder assures us he’s moving forward, dressing his rock songs with all the fixings of modern production. In doing so, Earthling plants itself firmly in this moment. *Ltd. Ed. Blue/Black Marble LP*
The masters of the Brazilian old school death metal Krisiun are back. After their last album, 2018’s Scourge of the Enthroned, the three Sao Paulo brothers deliver another board-hard and incredibly strong new studio album. On Mortem Solis, Krisiun convince with precise riffs and hard-hitting sound with the active support of Mark Lewis (production and mix).
GRAMMY and Americana Award-winning singer/songwriter and violinist, Amanda Shires, has pushed the reset button with Take It Like a Man, a record that is so unlike anything she has ever recorded that you would be tempted to think it was her debut album instead of her seventh. Shires, brings forth a fearless confessional, showing the world what turning 40 looks like in 10 emotionally raw tracks. *Ltd. Ed. White LP*
The vital new album and Merge debut of Friendship, the Philly-via-Maine outfit led by accomplished songwriter Dan Wriggins. A collection of alt-country songs driving the witty, gritty poetry of pioneers like Kath Bloom and Vic Chesnutt across a 21st century DIY terrain. Available on *Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Opaque Blue & White LP*
Carter Family meets Addams Family. Rich with quality finger picking and replete with harmonies, Easy Listening for Jerks offers many new moods of songs we think we know so well. Under a title that recalls the songwriting humour of Roger Miller and Steve Martin’s comedy stylings alike, the EPs offer a surprising and compelling mix of gravity and levity. Foggy Mountain Boys, but make it Beetlejuice.
Rejecting tired formulas at every step, Dance Gavin Dance merge progressive rock and post-hardcore with thick groove, brilliantly combining experimental music with hooks and a warped sense of humor. On Jackpot Juice, the seminal “swancore” outfit have crafted their most electrifying, consistent and varied release to date. *Ltd. Ed. Yellow, Red & Black Splatter LP*
With this authoritative and impressive album, Whiskey Myers (Rolling Stone’s declared “new torch bearers for Southern music”) once again succeeds in working within the confines of Southern rock. The band pushes those limited borders wider with creativity and faith in their own substantial talents. With Tornillo, their recent burst of crossover popularity should be set to last. *Ltd. Ed. Iridescent Copper LP*
This is a loving tribute to one of the greatest living American songwriters and singers, Brian Wilson. Melt Away dives deep into the legendary artist’s extensive songbook, offering fascinating and delectable new spins on time-honored classics and overlooked gems alike. Infused with the familiar magic that fans know and love, it offers a new window into Wilson’s iconic catalog. *Ltd. Ed. Lemonade Translucent LP*
Entering Heaven Alive is the fifth studio album from Jack White, founding member of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and The Dead Weather. True to his DIY roots, this record was recorded at White's Third Man Studio throughout 2021, mastered by Third Man Mastering, and released by Third Man Records. *Ltd. Ed. Detroit Denim Blue Vinyl*
Dawes have crafted one their shortest and tightest albums to date with Misadventures of Doomscroller, and it also happens to be one of their most enjoyably experimental. It's a vibe that evokes the proggy 1970s style of Steely Dan without losing any of the emotive, singer/songwriter pathos that marked the best of their past work. These feral dogs have set sail for jam island. *Ltd. Ed. Translucent Blood Orange LP*
A compelling blend of acoustic folk and avant-garde pop playfulness, Birds in the Ceiling lives confidently in a space of its own, enriched by tradition but never encumbered by it. The songwriting that has stunned fans and critics alike since 2015’s High on Tulsa Heat remains potent, while the sonic evolution that unfolds on the record feels like a natural expansion of 2020’s acclaimed LP5. *Ltd. Ed. Blue Vinyl*
Symphonic, vast, and emotionally stirring, The Last Goodbye is a project rife with brightness and emotion, nostalgic yet rooted in the present, serving as a sweeping sonic experience that speaks to themes of connection, reminiscence and the impact we impart on one another. It's a vivid celebration of the people and moments that have left fingerprints on our existence, echoing throughout the record. *Ltd. Ed. Clear 2x LP*
Rapper, producer, actor, and filmmaker RZA brings back his alter ego, Bobby Digital for a brand new graphic novel and soundtrack, RZA Presents: Bobby Digital and the Pit of Snakes, both released this month. The soundtrack merges hip hop, indie rock, and soul to complement and highlight the graphic novel’s storyline – as much poetry as rap, as much philosophy as sci-fi odyssey.
On Spirit of Ecstasy, the avant-garde metal trio manages to surpass their already brilliant long player Alphaville. It’s rife with shrieking black metal, polyrhythmic shifts, deliberately obtuse jazz patterns and anything else that grabs their passing fancy. Traditional songs are in short supply, but eerie soundscapes and clashing, challenging slabs of noise they have in abundance.
This fearless and immensely soulful work was largely inspired by the loss of a longtime friend and the lingering influence of a mercurial and charismatic father. It’s soul music, but never a stylistic tribute to some bygone era. Less a direct influence than the applying of hip-hop's inventiveness to longstanding paradigms of soul, blues and jazz, spinning it all forward into a reconfiguration of a new black Americana. *Vinyl out 9/30*
Regarded as the first album where Tony Joe controlled all elements, The Beginning is stripped down and recorded without any bells and whistles. This is Tony Joe recording himself playing his classic swamp blues sound. Long out of print, New West Records remastered, re-sequenced and, due to popular demand, is now reissuing the album on CD and Limited Edition Indie Exclusive Blue Vinyl.
One In A Million is the second studio album by Aaliyah. First released in 1996, the album features production from a variety of producers including Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Carl-So-Lowe, J. Dibbs, Jermaine Dupri, Kay Gee, Vincent Herbert, Rodney Jenkins, Craig King, Darren Lighty and Darryl Simmons. It remains as one of the most influential albums in Hip-Hop & R&B and proved to be a major breakthrough in Aaliyah's career. Welcome to the new world of funk.
Named by Q Magazine as one of the "5 Best Compilations of 2000," the soundtrack to the Andrzej Bartkowiak film was executive produced by Timbaland and features production from Irv Gotti, Rapture Stewart, Ant Banks, Eric Seats, Mannie Fresh and J Dub. Appearances include Aaliyah, B.G., Chanté Moore, Dave Hollister, Destiny's Child, Ginuwine, Joe, Lil' Mo, Mack 10, Playa, and Stanley Clarke.
Originally released in 1998, Tim's Bio is the debut solo album from Hip-Hop & R&B superproducer Timbaland. With guest appearances from heavyweights such as Magoo, Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Plays, Skillz, Nas, Jay-Z & Twista, as well as the debut on-record appearance of acclaimed MC Ludacris, Timbaland takes full control of production for the album. Features hit songs "Here We Come," and "Lobster & Scrimp."
Indecent Proposal is the second studio album from duo Timbaland & Magoo. Originally released in 2001, the album features Magoo's Q-Tip-like flow and Timbaland's distinct production style drawing from reggae, retro and soul. Features include early appearances from Jay-Z, Twista, Petey Pablo and Ludacris, as well as looks from Aaliyah, & Static Major. Released nearly two months after Aaliyah's untimely passing, the album was dedicated to the memory of "Babygirl."
Welcome To Our World is the debut studio album by the Norfolk, VA duo Timbaland & Magoo. First released in 1997, the platinum selling album features guest appearances from artists such as Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, and Playa. Known as a classic among duos in Hip-Hop history, the album features singles "Up Jumps Da Boogie," "Clock Strikes," & "Luv 2 Luv Ya."
One of the legendary “lost” albums in Neil’s catalog, this 7-song album was recorded at Toast studio in San Francisco in late 2000 and early 2001. It was shelved at the time and Are You Passionate was the next album Neil released. Different versions of 4 songs appeared on Are You Passionate, but the other 3 songs are completely unreleased (“Timberline”, “Gateway of Love” and “Standing In The Light).
New Release Round-Up 07-29-22
Whiskey Myers - Tornillo - Wiggy Thunp Records
For genre-bending band Whiskey Myers, 2019’s self-titled and self-produced album offered a watershed moment. With Rolling Stone declaring them “the new torch bearers for Southern music” in a story titled “How Whiskey Myers Won Over Mick Jagger and Made the Album of Their Career;” and the project debuting atop both the Country and Americana album charts, the band celebrated mainstream success a decade in the making. Now, after spending 21 days isolated at the 2,300-acre Sonic Ranch studio deep in the heart of their native Texas, just miles from the U.S./Mexico border, the Gold-certified renegades have doubled down on what they do best: sharing honest truths with no-holds-barred instrumentation, letting the self-produced music speak for itself. Yet with Tornillo, named for the border town that is home to the pecan orchard-filled recording complex and released this week via their own Wiggy Thump Records with distribution by Thirty Tigers, the six-piece band has taken their solid decade-plus foundation and pushed themself to further explore new sonic landscapes.
Ateez - The World EP.1 : Movement - KQ Entertainment
Global sensation Ateez is back to begin a new journey with the first album in a new series, [The World EP.1 : Movement]. Praised for high-octane performances and bold musical stylings, ATEEZ sold 1.86 million albums in 2021 to firmly plant their name on the charts. ATEEZ also went on their first arena world tour "THE FELLOWSHIP : BEGINNING OF THE END" in 2022, meeting 150,000 fans from their kick off in Seoul, followed by five American cities and finishing with dates in five European countries. ATEEZ made history by being the first K-pop act to start a European arena tour after the pandemic. Having just wrapped up their search for precious [TREASURE], and a feverish journey in [ZERO : FEVER], ATEEZ unveils a powerful new concept in their next release [THE WORLD EP.1 : MOVEMENT] calling for change in our conformist reality.
Maggie Rogers - Surrender - Capitol
GRAMMY® Award- nominated artist/producer/songwriter Maggie Rogers new album, Surrender, will be released this week via Capitol Records. Co-produced Kid Harpoon (Florence + the Machine, Harry Styles) and Rogers, Surrender is the follow-up to Heard It in a Past Life, Rogers’ massively beloved 2019 debut album, which entered Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart at No. 1 and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Praised by the likes of NPR, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, TIME Magazine, and many others, Heard It in a Past Life landed Rogers a nomination for Best New Artist and went on to amass over one billion combined global streams.
ALSO OUT THIS WEEK
Beyonce - RENAISSANCE
Tedeschi Trucks Band - I Am The Moon: III. The Fall
Ithaca - They Fear Us [Indie Exclusive Alternate Sleeve Recycled Color LP]
Various Artists - ELVIS – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Little Feat - Waiting For Columbus: Remastered
Jim James - Regions Of Light And Sound Of God
Dance Gavin Dance - Jackpot Juicer [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Yellow with Red & Black Splatter 2LP]
Eddie Vedder - Earthling [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Translucent Blue/Black Marble LP]
The Heavy Heavy - Life And Life Only EP
Amanda Shires - Take It Like A Man [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition White LP]
Hayley Kiyoko - PANORAMA
ENHYPEN - MANIFESTO : DAY 1 [M Ver.]
The Chemical Brothers - Dig Your Own Hole: 25th Anniversary [2CD]
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Butterfly 3000 [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Welsh LP]
Jethro Tull - Thick As A Brick: 50th Anniversary Edition
Fear Factory - Soul Of A New Machine: 30th Anniversary Edition [Deluxe 3LP]
& More .....
What's New 7-22-22
Combining elements of psychedelia and indie rock with influences from his Latino heritage, Fantasy Gateway feels like stepping into a brave new world. Cuco is disconnecting himself from his reality and this dreamy, bass propelled record lets us see what is behind his closed eyes.includes appearances from Kacey Musgraves, Adriel Favela, Bratty, and DannyLux.
Produced by GRAMMY-winning producer, Dan Nigro (Olivia Rodrigo), the GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter’s debut album, Aftershock, will feature 11 tracks, including “Hate Me If It Helps” which was co-written with Olivia Rodrigo plus the standouts “Crash” and “The Hardest Part.” *Indie Exclusive Lemon Colored Vinyl*
Hellfire builds on the brutality and intensity of 2019’s Schlagenheim while also drawing on the more melodic elements that weave through last year’s Cavalcade. Lead-singer Geordie says “If Cavalcade was a drama, Hellfire is like an epic action film,” that delves into overlapping themes of pain, loss and anguish. *Indie Exclusive Clear Red Vinyl*
You might expect Interpol's pandemic record to be an emotional tar pit, given the presence of towering producer-engineer duo Flood and Moulder (Nine Inch Nails, Gary Numan, Depeche Mode). But Banks felt the call to push in a "counterbalancing" direction. “I feel now is the time when being hopeful is necessary, and a still-believable emotion within what makes Interpol Interpol."
A product of generations of underground music in L.A. and beyond, The Linda Lindas’ debut channels classic punk, post punk, power pop, new wave, and other surprises into timelessly catchy and cool songs sung by all four members—each with her own style and energy. *Indie Exclusive Clear w/ Blue-Pink Splatter Vinyl*
On Special, the singer/rapper’s fourth album, Lizzo struts back into the spotlight with a whole lot of sass, spirit, and soul. Embracing her vocal range like never before and celebrating herself to the fullest, she speaks her mind, censors nothing, and delivers an enviable level of honesty, pure passion, and fresh fire. *Limited Edition Indie Exclusive Grape Colored Vinyl*
Before leaving us, John Prine plucked another winner out of obscurity. Even though it doesn’t break new sonic ground, This Mess is proof that McKinley is a talent who’s in it for the long haul. McKinley’s voice conveys gentle gravitas to everything, while his band bolsters it with sympathetic, sturdy backing. *Indie Exclusive Marbled Opaque Orange Vinyl*
After 36 years, Ronnie Foster returns with a collection of originals and covers that mark a fresh start for Foster who has whipped up an omnidirectional brew of Hammond Organ grooves that pay homage to the past but more often reflect Ronnie's restlessness for ushering in the new. Dedicated to the memory of his longtime friend Dr. Lonnie Smith.
Early ’00s emo-faves Senses Fail don’t hold back on living amongst the madness of the modern world. Hell’s words are the most potent part of what makes it magical, both outrageous and down to earth. It’s an honest, fresh wound, like the raw skin of a grazed knee as the band stands to its feet, brushing it off and embracing the fall. *Indie Exclusive Bear & Gold Butterfly Vinyl*
On their second album, Superogranism bridges the personal and existential whilst delivering their brand of psychedelic indie pop and fizzy, funky electronica. Featuring an international set of collaborators including Stephen Malkmus, CHAI, Pi Ja Ma, Dylan Cartlidge & legendary musician and actor Gen Hoshino. *Indie Exclusive Gold Vinyl*
These songs speak to a new Appalachia, the people who understand the beauty, the struggle and the complexity of contemporary Appalachian life. With a focus on traditional instrumentation and styles of Kentucky, the group’s third album has strong themes of identity, ruralism, storytelling with huge characters, and the state of rurality and the issues we still face today.
New Release Round-Up 07-22-22
Jack White - Entering Heaven Alive - Third Man Records
Entering Heaven Alive is the fifth studio album from Jack White, founding member of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and The Dead Weather. True to his DIY roots, this record was recorded at White's Third Man Studio throughout 2021, mastered by Third Man Mastering, and released by Third Man Records.
The Kooks - 10 Tracks To Echo In The Dark - Lonely Cat
The Kooks sixth studio album, 10 Tracks To Echo In The Dark is a fresh sounding, electronic-tinged evolution of their iconic sound.
Bob Marley - Bob Marley With The Chineke! Orchestra - Island
Bob Marley With The Chineke! Orchestra reimagines some of Bob Marley’s most recognized and listened to songs with contemporary classical orchestration. The Chineke! Orchestra provides opportunities to a diverse range of up-and-coming and internationally respected classical musicians.
Alex the Astronaut - How To Grow A Sunflower Underwater - Nettwerk Records
How To Grow A Sunflower Underwater is the follow-up to Alex the Astronaut's ARIA Music Award-nominated debut The Theory Of Absolutely Nothing. An unforgettably original lyricist, the music of Australian singer/songwriter Alex the Astronaut cycles through a series of radiantly detailed slices of life.
ALSO OUT THIS WEEK
ODESZA - The Last Goodbye [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Crystal Clear 2LP + 12in Art Card]
Beach Bunny - Emotional Creature
Dawes - Misadventures of Doomscroller [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Translucent Blood Orange LP]
Palisades - Reaching Hypercritical
She & Him - Melt Away: A Tribute to Brian Wilson [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Lemonade Translucent LP]
Ty Segall - Hello, Hi
Nas - Magic
Majid Jordan - Wildest Dreams
ZZ Top - RAW (‘That Little Ol' Band From Texas’ Original Soundtrack) [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Tangerine LP]
Nina Nastasia - Riderless Horse
John Moreland - Birds in the Ceiling [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Blue LP]
Cuco - Fantasy Gateway
Pool Kids - Pool Kids
Robin Carolan & Sebastian Gainsborough - The Northman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Red 2LP]
Seventeen - SEVENTEEN 4th Album Repackage 'SECTOR 17’ [NEW HEIGHTS Ver.]
Ne-Yo - Self Explanatory
& More .....













