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New Release Round-Up 02-25-22
Tears For Fears - The Tipping Point - Concord Records
Some forty years into one of music’s most impactful partnerships, Tears For Fears have arrived together at The Tipping Point – the group’s ambitious, accomplished and surprising first new studio album in nearly two decades. An inspired song cycle that vividly recalls the depth and emotional force of the group’s earliest triumphs, The Tipping Point is the bold, beautiful and powerful sound of Tears For Fears finding themselves together all over again.
Dashboard Confessional - All The Truth That I Can Tell - Hidden Note Records
Dashboard Confessional’s ninth studio album, All The Truth That I Can Tell, is both a remarkable renewal and fortunate step forward for the band’s songwriter, front man, and founder, Chris Carrabba. All The Truth That I Can Tell stands among Carrabba’s finest – a strikingly potent musical look at himself through a rediscovered keyhole, both an achievement of vision and a vital burst of artistic clarity; less like reading someone’s diary and more like reading their eyes. All The Truth That I Can Tell is available exclusively on “Cold Night” transparent dark blue/green vinyl.
Lo Moon - A Modern Life - Strngr Recordings
Like pausing a VHS tape, music freezes the frenetic motion of daily existence. Even if just for an instant, it calms the feedback loop of routine, engages respite, and provides perspective. Siphoning guitar transmissions and a dynamic vocal push-and-pull through a lens of cinematic production, Lo Moon deftly balance expansive soundscapes and eloquent songcraft. The Los Angeles based quartet—Matt Lowell, Crisanta Baker, Sam Stewart and Sterling Laws - ultimately use music to make sense of each day on their sophomore offering, A Modern Life [Strngr Recordings/Thirty Tigers].
Scorpions - Rock Believer - Spinefarm
Legendary rockers Scorpions return with their new album, Rock Believer, which was created in the studio during the lockdown in their home base Hannover. “The album was written and recorded in the style of the classic Scorpions DNA with core Schenker/Meine compositions. We really went back to the essence of what defined us in the first place,” says front-man Klaus Meine. He goes on to explain how the new songs came to have such incredible, fresh energy and fervor: “We recorded the album as a band, live, in one room, like we did back in the Eighties. We can’t wait to get started and finally play for our fans again.” The sound of the new album has massive energy, delivers a real adrenaline rush and shows uncompromising quality.
ALSO OUT THIS WEEK
Sturgill Simpson - The Ballad of Dood and Juanita [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Natural LP]
Sixx: A.M. - Hits [Limited Edition Translucent Red with Black Smoke LP]
Robert Glasper - Black Radio III [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Chartreuse 2LP]
Johnny Marr - Fever Dreams Pt. 1-4 [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Turquoise 2LP]
Superchunk - Wild Loneliness [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Peak LP]
Beth Hart - A Tribute To Led Zeppelin
Early Eyes - Look Alive!
Dorothy - What's Coming To Me/Rest In Peace [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Vinyl Single]
Avril Lavigne - Love Sux
Puscifer - Existential Reckoning: Live at Arcosanti [Limited Edition Black & Gold Swirl 2LP]
Various Artists - Pokémon 25: The Album [Yellow LP]
Goblin - Zombi [RSD Essential Indie Colorway White LP]
Goblin - Suspira [RSD Essential White LP]
Ennio Morricone - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly [RSD Essential White LP]
The Moldy Peaches - Origin Story: 1994-1999 [RSD Essential Indie Colorway Transparent Electric Blue LP]
Swamp Dogg - I Need A Job...So I Can Buy More Auto-Tune
Movements - Live At Studio 4 [Marble Mint 2 LP]
Corrosion Of Conformity - Deliverance [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Tangerine 2LP]
Starset - Horizons [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Opaque Red Marble LP]
Pixies - Live In Brixton [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Red, Orange, Green and Blue Clear Splatter 8LP Box Set]
John Carpenter - Halloween OST [RSD Essential Orange & Yellow Galaxy LP]
The Ghost Inside - Rise From The Ashes: Live At The Shrine [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Orange 2LP]
Movements - Outgrown Things EP [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Beer Vinyl]
Sasami - Squeeze [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition LP]
& More .....
What's New 2-18-22
Known for their energetic, shoegaze-inspired pop/rock music, the Miami four-piece showcases a dreamy, yet brooding sound in their debut album (produced by Torche’s Jon Nuñez). ontheinside explores the bands introspective and emotive side through, best displayed in the lead single, “Phoebe,” – their modern take on what a big-chorus, fuzzed out rock anthem can sound like.
This is still a band whose recordings beg to be heard live, either in a punk-rock hole in the wall or honky-tonk roadhouse. Shook pulls from Hank Williams, Elliott Smith, the Sex Pistols, and her own self to create pop-savvy, honky-tonk punk that’s both an escape and a reality check––a re-opened wound and a balm. Relationships and life-changing realizations are dissected with honesty and humor, three tight minutes at a time.
Originally planned as a stripped-down acoustic-leaning release, Manticore's tracks were written prior to the pandemic, but recorded during it, when Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst suddenly had much more time at their disposal. The duo reimagined the original arrangements, resulting in 10 new songs that range in sound from heartbreaking, stark piano to rollicking hard-rock and danceable guitar and drum numbers.
Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros—consisting of Bobby Weir, Don Was, Jay Lane and Jeff Chimenti— are releasing their first ever vinyl collection of recorded material. Live In Colorado was recorded at the historic Red Rocks Amphitheater and Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater on June 8, 9, 11, 12, 2021. “Been too long,” Weir said of the performances, “but I can’t think of a better place to pick it back up…”
Wage War has forged an ironclad hybrid of battering ram grooves, gnashing guitars and melodic hooks in the heat of those extremes. Following the most trying year in recent history, the Florida quintet only strengthened their creative bond on their 4th full-length, striking a seamless balance between behemoth riffs, soaring melodies, and electronic fits, straining their past, present, and future into one cohesive statement.
The jazztronica duo’ full-length debut, Motherland Journey, is an album years in the making, celebrating pushing boundaries, taking risks, and overcoming adversity. Following their 2021 EP, We Will Rise, this new album is a star-studded affair featuring the duo (producer NK-OK and multi-instrumentalist Mr DM) joined by collaborators including Ghetto Boy, Tiana Major9, KillBeatz and more.
New Release Round-Up 02-18-22
Beach House - Once Twice Melody - Sub Pop
Once Twice Melody is the 8th studio album by Beach House. It is a double album, featuring 18 songs presented in 4 chapters. Across these songs, many types of style and song structures can be heard. Songs without drums, songs centered around acoustic guitar, mostly electronic songs with no guitar, wandering and repetitive melodies, songs built around the string sections. In addition to new sounds, many of the drum machines, organs, keyboards and tones that listeners may associate with previous Beach House records remain present throughout many of the compositions.
Goodbye June - See Where The Night Goes - Earache Records
Produced by Grammy Award winning producer Paul Moak, See Where The Night Goes is the hotly-anticipated third studio album from Nashville rock n roll prodigies Goodbye June. 11 tracks of the very finest modern day rock music, with a twist of southern twang and washed down with a shot of blues. A riot-worthy album of runaway rock n roll rooted in southern blues, See Where The Night Goes brings swinging grooves, incendiary twin-attack guitars, relentless rhythm and vocals that give Steven Tyler a run for his money. Goodbye June collide with the most legendary of rock influences whilst making their own unique gleaming print on the canvas of modern rock. This is an album not to be missed by music fans who trust in rock 'n' roll to liberate them from the mundane.
Sarah Shook & The Disarmers - Nightroamer - Abeyance Records
When Sarah Shook & The Disarmers released Sidelong four years ago, the irreverent quintet’s debut turned heads around the world. Then 2018’s follow-up Years hooked everyone from Rolling Stone to Vice. “This ain’t no country for hipsters or posers,” said No Depression. “It’s real, raw, mean-and-evil-bad-and-nasty bidness.” Then, the first two albums turned into a tease: The pandemic shut down the world, just as The Disarmers finished recording Nightroamer in Los Angeles. The band has had to sit on the album––until now. Nightroamer is worth the wait. This is still a band whose recordings beg to be heard live, either in a punk-rock hole in the wall or honky-tonk roadhouse. Shook’s voice is crystalline––but boozy, too, with a cadence that sounds comfortable resting in the pocket before lagging, jumping, or cozying up to the offbeat. What initially may feel like a slip is actually a stroke––and listeners cannot get enough.
Bobby Weir and Wolf Bros - Bobby Weir and Wolf Bros: Live In Colorado - Third Man Records
Timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the landmark film's release, this new 180g LP version of the soundtrack combines nine Cat Stevens originals as well as - for the first time - additional dialogue and instrumental music from the film plus unheard audio masters for "Don't Be Shy" and "If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out." All audio has been remastered at Abbey Road Studios. This new edition features enhanced packaging - liner notes, lyrics, transcription of movie dialogue, and photos.
ALSO OUT THIS WEEK
Khruangbin & Leon Bridges - Texas Moon EP [Blue Daze Vinyl]
Hurray For The Riff Raff - LIFE ON EARTH [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Clear LP]
Frank Turner - FTHC [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Red LP]
White Lies - As I Try Not To Fall Apart [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Cream LP]
Bad Brains - Quickness
Trace Mountains - HOUSE OF CONFUSION
Angelique Kidjo - Mother Nature
Fight - War Of Words [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition White LP]
The Infamous Stringdusters - Toward the Fray
Bitch - Bitchcraft
Gregor Barnett - Don't Go Throwing Roses In My Grave
Metronomy - Small World [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Transparent LP]
Shovels & Rope - Manticore
Palace - Shoals [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Transparent Blue LP]
Pike Vs The Automaton - Pike Vs The Automaton
Bossk - Migration [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition White w/Clear Stripe LP]
The Hope Conspiracy - Death Knows Your Name: Deluxe [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Black in Beer LP]
James Horner - The Amazing Spider-Man: 10th Anniversary Soundtrack [Limited Edition Green & Black Marbled 2LP]
Kendra Morris - Nine Lives [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Coke Bottle LP]
Nightrage - Abyss Rising [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition LP]
Grandaddy - The Sophtware Slump.....On A Wooden Piano [Limited Edition Pink LP]
Pale Waves - Who Am I? [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Translucent Green LP]
Los Bitchos - Let The Festivities Begin! [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Light Green LP]
& More .....
What's New 2-11-22
On his eighth album, the Philadelphia-born singer/songwriter intimately documents his real-world struggles (alienation, anxiety, loneliness, despair), an outpouring born from deliberate and often painful self-examination. But, thanks to a palpable sense of playfulness, Dreamland embodies an unpredictable and endlessly imaginative sound-a prime showcase for Lee's warmly commanding voice and soul-baring songwriting.
In its slowest moments, Vedder 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.
A sprawling double-LP exploring the deepest elements and possibilities of Big Thief. To truly dig into all that the music of Adrianne Lenker, Max Oleartchick, Buck Meek, and James Krivchenia desired in 2020, the band decided to write and record a rambling account of growth as individuals, musicians, and chosen family over 4 distinct recording sessions. *Available on Indie Exclusive Double LP*
Spoon's tenth album is alive, vital and inarguably the band's heaviest work to date. The first set of songs that the quintet has put to tape in its hometown, Austin, in more than a decade. Written and recorded over the last two years - both in and out of shutdown - these songs feel like a culmination of Spoon's career while marking a shift toward something louder, wilder, and more vivid.
The Wandering Hearts headed deep into the Catskills, where producers Simone Felice and David Baron hosted experimental and spiritual sessions in a studio packed with vintage instruments. The album echoes the timeless songcraft of Fleetwood Mac and Simon & Garfunkel with the pure passion of Jade Bird and The Lumineers. It’s a record that celebrates life, new beginnings, and striving to shine through a darkening world.
Created as a celebration of Prine’s life and career, Vol. 2 features new renditions of some of Prine’s most beloved songs performed by Brandi Carlile, Tyler Childers, Iris DeMent, Emmylou Harris, Jason Isbell, Valerie June, Margo Price, Bonnie Raitt, Nathaniel Rateliff, Amanda Shires, Sturgill Simpson and John Paul White.
After forming his own Ironworks label in the 2000’s, signing artists like Rocco DeLuca, Ron Sexsmith and creating his own Americana outfit, The Kiefer Sutherland Band, Sutherland returns with a brand new record. Bloor Street explores the sense of home both externally and within yourself while showcasing his classic fire sparking Americana tunes.
Electric Cowboy is caked in the soil where Jamil Rashad grew up, mired in the muck of this place—not stuck but freed. Grounded in personal experience and haunted by personal demons, this is an album that reaches out, that embraces the world, that mixes the confessional and the communal. But the dominant sound—the dominant mindset—is funk: gritty, warm, weird, charismatic.
Pianist and composer Ethan Iverson makes his Blue Note debut with a remarkable, engaging and evocative album featuring a masterful new trio with bassist Larry Grenadier and legendary drummer Jack DeJohnette. The album is an opportunity for Iverson to look back at and expand upon his own musical history as he revisits the pop/rock influenced jazz style of The Bad Plus, the influential trio that the pianist co-founded in 2000.
What's New 2-4-22
Korn changed the world with the release of their self-titled debut album. It was a record that would pioneer a genre, while the band’s enduring success points to a larger cultural moment. The band have continued to push the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres in their newest release, Requiem, while remaining a pillar of influence for legions of fans and generations of artists around the globe.
Always sees Krasno venture into an elaborate mix of blues, funk, rock and soul -- a sunny, funky and laid back album combining the vibe of 1970s Laurel Canyon, swaths of Hammond B3 organ, a rhythm section that appear to be joined at the hip, and of course that punchy Eric Krasno guitar sound. It evokes the spirit of Sly Stone, D’Angelo, Lenny Kravitz, and, dare we say his name, Prince?
In The Aftermath is the deliciously depraved outcome of an all-night rock n' roll riot. The Queens, New York-based quintet escaped to record with a few handles of whiskey, and, in one 24-hour session, ran down the Stone's seminal first album of all originals, 1966's Aftermath. Tracked live in the studio with minimal overdubs, In The Aftermath is potent proof the five-piece group is one of the last great American rock n' roll bands.
These are love letters, distress signals, en plein air observations, and relaxation hymns, the collected transmissions of four people who have grown into relationships and parenthood and adult worry. But they are rendered with Animal Collective’s singular sense of exploratory wonder. Harmonies so rich you want to skydive through their shared air, textures so fascinating you want to decode their sorcery, rhythms so intricate you want to untangle their sources.
Bastille's wildly-ambitious new album is a tribute to tech times and a glimpse of what could be to come. Exploring both the opportunities of new technology and the dark side of lives lived online, it's as playful as it is thought-provoking, as dystopian as it is dancefloor-friendly and as electronic as the band has ever been. *Available on Indie Exclusive Yellow Vinyl*
Erin Rae shares an intimate, honest, and playful version of herself through her sophomore album. Produced by Jonathan Wilson, and recorded in the musically hallowed grounds of California’s Topanga Canyon, the album represents a sonic and inner shift for Rae. In it, she embraces more of her influences, like baroque-pop, cosmic country, and indie-folk songs while mirroring a more compassionate self-view she calls “accepting my humanness”.
Minneapolis indie pop rebels Hippo Campus return with their third full-length, LP3. Their strongest and most complete work yet is a freshly-inked portrait excavating young adulthood, identity and, more importantly, how that personal identity fits into a larger camaraderie. Subverting expectations as they always tend to do, this third outing is colorful, meaningful, and as existential as always, a real treat.
“We made the unabashed folk record that I have been wanting to make for years," says Jennings. "Kind of a love letter to the acoustic guitar and to musical intimacy… and features some rich and wonderful instrumentation including horns and strings. The cover art is a woven wall hanging that my wife Josie made that is hanging on our lakehouse wall. That sets the tone: warmth, home, and intimacy. Hope you enjoy!"
Wild Rivers pour their collective impressions about merging into their mid-20s – a strange, liminal age where it's easy to romanticize childhood – by looking back longingly upon the time when you are truly present and you're not having this forward-thinking vision where you're worried about the next thing. Sonically, the band pulls from a spectrum of sounds, imbuing pop, rock, indie, and folk.
WMBM is a grand display of immaculate musicianship, intricate songwriting, and raw emotion. Vocalist Eva Spence is one of the most dynamic and varied vocalists in the progressive metal scene, her gorgeous cleans and guttural screams are truly unique. There is a consistent theme throughout the record which is accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful grand piano -- the album feels like a living, breathing work of art.
A wildly inventive but utterly destructive onslaught of genre-defying extremity, Erebos is a giant leap forward. It’s a thrilling explosion of artful savagery, warped melodies and tumultuous atmospherics creating a powerful, defining statement from one of the most exciting bands of the modern era. From humble origins to undisputed heavyweight status, Venom Prison are now an unstoppable force.