New Releases for September 16, 2022
CDs + Vinyl:
Behemoth – Opvs Contra Natvram CD/LP (Nuclear Blast)
In the annals of metal there is no band more synonymous with an unswerving commitment to the single-minded defiance of expectation than Behemoth. Over the course of their remarkable 31-year career, these Polish hellraisers – spearheaded by Adam Darski, aka Nergal – are more than just the architects of their country’s legendary extreme metal scene.
The Beths – Expert In A Dying Field CD/LP+MP3/Cassette (Carpark)
The third LP from the New Zealand quartet, Expert In A Dying Field, contains 12 jewels of tight, guitar-heavy songs that worm their way into your head, an incandescent collision of power-pop and skuzz.
The Black Angels – The Wilderness Of Mirrors CD/2xLP/Cassette (Partisan)
The best music reflects a wide-screen view of the world back at us, helping distill the universal into something far more personal. Since forming in Austin in 2004, The Black Angels have become standard-bearers for modern psych-rock that does exactly that, which is one of many reasons why the group’s new album, Wilderness Of Mirrors, feels so aptly named.
BLACKPINK – Born Pink [Standard CD Boxset] CD (Interscope)
After a two-year hiatus, BLACKPINK recently released a new single, “Pink Venom”, and now unveil their highly anticipated sophomore effort, Born Pink. It’s been two years since BLACKPINK released their debut studio album, The Album, which featured the Top 40 hits “How You Like That” and “Lovesick Girls” as well as guest appearances from Selena Gomez and Cardi B. The record-breaking album quickly solidified the quartet as K-pop superstars, and they became known as the “biggest girl group in the world.”
Michelle Branch – The Trouble With Fever CD/LP (Nonesuch)
Created during the pandemic lockdown, The Trouble With Fever, co-produced with her husband, Patrick Carney (The Black Keys), is Michelle Branch’s fourth solo album and follows her critically acclaimed 2017 release, Hopeless Romantic.
Clutch – Sunrise On Slaughter Beach CD/LP (Weathermaker Music)
Sunrise On Slaughter Beach, Clutch’s thirteenth studio album, is a slamming summary of everything that makes the band great and another giant leap forward into career longevity.
John Coltrane – Blue Train [Reissue/2015] 2xCD/LP/2xLP (Blue Note)
On September 15, 1957, John Coltrane went into Rudy Van Gelder’s living room studio in Hackensack, New Jersey and recorded his first great masterpiece: Blue Train. It would be the legendary saxophonist’s sole album as a leader for Blue Note, a locomotive five-track album fueled by the bluesy title track that featured a dynamic six-piece band with Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Kenny Drew on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums. To mark the 65th anniversary of the album’s recording, Blue Train is released as part of Blue Note’s acclaimed Tone Poet audiophile reissue series: a single LP mono pressing of the original album; and double-CD and double-LP editions which include Blue Train: The Complete Masters, a second disc of alternate and incomplete takes, four of which have never been released before, and none of which have been available previously on vinyl.
Creedence Clearwater Revival – At The Royal Albert Hall – April 14, 1970 CD/LP/Cassette (Craft Recordings)
For decades, rumors have circulated among Creedence Clearwater Revival’s fans about a long-lost recording of their legendary 1970 show at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Their performance – which included hits like “Born On The Bayou”, “Proud Mary”, “Fortunate Son”, and “Bad Moon Rising” – was met with a 15-minute standing ovation and rave next-day reviews in the UK’s top publications. After spending roughly 50 years in storage, the original multitrack tapes were meticulously restored and mixed by the Grammy Award-winning team of producer Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell.
Dailey & Vincent – Let’s Sing Some Country! CD (BMG)
Let’s Sing Some Country! is the first country music album from the award-winning duo comprised of Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent.
Miles Davis –That’s What Happened: The Bootleg Series Vol. 7 1982-1985 3xCD/2xLP (Sony Legacy)
That’s What Happened 1982-1985: Bootleg Volume 7 is the next installment in the celebrated, award-winning archival series that began in 2011, shining an in-depth light onto different eras of the legendary career of Miles Davis. In the 1980s, popular music had moved to a smoother, electronic-based sound that traded the steam of previous years for subdued arrangements meant to elicit peace and deep reflection. Miles Davis embraced this era, pulling inspiration from FM radio and an upstart music video channel called MTV. He was searching for the next frontier, letting his creativity roam. This music on The Bootleg Series Vol. 7 captures that exploration and finds Miles beginning to re-emerge in a creative landscape far different than the one he left in 1975. The set collects nearly four hours of unreleased music including two CDs of studio material from 1982 to 1985 plus another CD containing a complete, blistering show of one of Miles’ last amazing bands captured live at the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal in July 1983.
Death Cab For Cutie – Asphalt Meadows CD/LP+MP3 (Atlantic/Barsuk)
Death Cab For Cutie return on Barsuk Records with their highly anticipated tenth studio album, Asphalt Meadows, which is introduced by lead single “Roman Candles”. The band notes that the track “is about the crippling, existential dread that goes hand in hand with living in a nervous city on a dying planet. And that the only way to be in the moment is to let it all go.” [An indie store exclusive pink color vinyl pressing is available.]
The Devil Wears Prada – Color Decay CD (Solid State)
New release from the metalcore band from Ohio. Includes the single “Salt”.
Gogol Bordello – Solidaritine CD (Cooking Vinyl)
A handful of “punkier” tracks originally recorded for Gogol Bordello’s last album, 2017’s Seekers And Finders, serve as the foundation for Solidaritine. The album was produced by Walter Schreifels and features appearances from H.R. of Bad Brains, electrofolk band KAZKA, and Ukrainian poet and novelist Serhiy Zhadan. [Vinyl edition – including an indie store exclusive pressing – due May 26, 2023.]
Steve Hackett – Genesis Revisited Live: Seconds Out & More 2xCD+Blu-ray (Inside Out U.S.)
Legendary guitarist Steve Hackett is pleased to announce Genesis Revisited Live: Seconds Out & More, the audio/visual document of his 2021 UK tour celebrating the classic Genesis live album. This release sees Steve and his band perform Seconds Out in full and in sequence, as well as a selection of solo material including tracks from his most recent studio album Surrender Of Silence.
The Harlem Gospel Travelers – Look Up! CD/LP (Colemine)
Things are looking up for The Harlem Gospel Travelers, who return with a new album, a new lineup, and a new lease on life. Produced by Eli Paperboy Reed, Look Up! marks the group’s first full-length release as a trio, as well as their first collection of totally original material, and it couldn’t have come at a more vital moment. The music still draws deeply on the gospel quartet tradition of the ’50s and ’60s, of course, but there’s a distinctly modern edge to the record, an unmistakable reflection of the tumultuous past few years of pandemic anxiety, political chaos, and social unrest.
Calvin Harris – Funk Wav Bounces, Vol. 2 CD (Columbia)
Calvin Harris, the Grammy and BRIT award winning, multi-platinum artist and super producer, revives his Funk Wav alias with the release of the album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2. The album includes collaborations with a vast array of guests – 21 Savage, Dua Lipa, Young Thug, Stefflon Don, Chlo¨e, Charlie Puth, Pusha T, Shenseea, Tinashe, Normani, Lil Durk, Halsey, Offset, 6lack, Justin Timberlake, Coi Leray, Busta Rhymes, Donae’o, Latto, Pharrell, Swae Lee, Jorja Smith, and Snoop Dogg.
The HU – Rumble Of Thunder CD/Cassette (Better Noise)
Hailing from Mongolia, The HU are unlike any other rock band in the world, introducing their new style of music they call “hunnu rock” – from the Mongolian root word for human being, “hu”. Their new album, Rumble Of Thunder, connects the world to Mongolian culture and it’s unique core values of natural preservation and spiritual connection with the earth.
Samara Joy – Linger Awhile CD (Verve)
Once-in-a-generation vocalist Samara Joy has signed with Verve Records for the release of her label debut Linger Awhile. At just 22 years old, Samara has already garnered critical acclaim for a voice “as rich as custard” (The New York Times) and a delivery that is “disarming [and] unhurried” (NPR Fresh Air). Linger Awhile finds Samara updating beloved songs with a modern twist, sometimes singing original lyrics using the melodies of famous instrumental solos, a style known as vocalese. [Vinyl edition due November 18.]
Julian Lage – View With A Room CD/LP (Blue Note)
Guitarist Julian Lage (“one of the most dazzling improvisers around” – New York Times) returns with a stunning new album View With A Room, the follow-up to his acclaimed 2021 Blue Note debut Squint, which the Associated Press called “an exuberant, engaging, endlessly inventive exploration of styles.” This time Lage expands his versatile trio with bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King into a quartet with the addition of fellow guitarist and Blue Note labelmate Bill Frisell. View With A Room presents 10 compelling new original compositions by Lage that explore a wide range of guitar sounds and textures with these two distinctive master guitarists seamlessly blending their unique 6-string styles.
Lang Lang – The Disney Book CD/2xCD/2xLP (Verve)
The most unforgettable songs from Disney’s iconic films, reimagined by the greatest living pianist, Lang Lang’s The Disney Book tells the story of a century of magical, joyous entertainment for all. Newly arranged especially for Lang Lang, the album includes solo piano and piano with orchestra performances of beloved hit songs from Snow White, Encanto, Beauty And The Beast, Frozen, Cinderella, Pinocchio and many more.
Maggie Lindemann – Suckerpunch CD (Swixxzaudio)
On Suckerpunch, Maggie folds in “hyperpop meets glam goth” sounds that she stumbled across during the pandemic.
The London Suede – Autofiction CD/LP (BMG)
As The London Suede began work on the songs that would become their ninth studio album Autofiction, they decided to go back to the basics. Autofiction was recorded live at Konk studios in North London with long-time collaborator, Ed Buller. Brett Anderson said, “Autofiction is our punk record. No whistles and bells. Just the five of us in a room with all the glitches and f-ups revealed; the band themselves exposed in all their primal mess.”
The Mars Volta – The Mars Volta CD/LP (Clouds Hill)
Breaking a decade of omertà, The Mars Volta reawaken from their lengthy hiatus with an eponymous album that radically reshapes their paradigm. The record shakes loose some of The Mars Volta’s long-standing shibboleths and the dizzying, abrasive prog stylings of earlier albums absent. Instead, The Mars Volta pulses with subtle brilliance, Caribbean rhythms underpinning sophisticated, turbulent songcraft. This is The Mars Volta at their most mature, most concise, most focused.
Rhett Miller – The Misfit CD/LP (ATO)
The Misfit, the latest full-length from Old 97’s frontman Rhett Miller, exists in an enchanted dimension all its own. With its elegant blurring of psychedelia, dream-pop, electronic-leaning indie-rock, the Texas-bred singer/songwriter’s ninth solo effort emerged from a charmed collaboration with Hudson Valley neighbor Sam Cohen (Danger Mouse, Kevin Morby).
Marcus Mumford – Marcus Mumford CD/LP (Capitol/Island)
Mumford & Sons leader Marcus Mumford releases his debut solo album (self-titled) produced by Blake Mills (Alabama Shakes, Jim James) and featuring contributions from Brandi Carlile, Phoebe Bridgers, Clairo, and Monica Martin. “In January 2021, facing demons I danced with for a long time in isolation, I wrote a song called ‘Cannibal’,” Mumford’s notes. “I took it to my friend Blake Mills, and we began the process of making the album, dear to my heart, called (self-titled).” The 10-song collection includes the lead tracks “Cannibal”, “Grace” and “Better Off High”. [An indie store exclusive translucent red color vinyl edition is available.]
The Murlocs – Rapscallion CD/LP (ATO)
Hailing from Melbourne, ‘60s tinged psych-rock punks The Murlocs deliver their brand-new studio album, Rapscallion. Strapped with fuzzy guitar licks, feverish bass and psychedelic brightness, the 12-track collection is a coming-of-age novel in an album form.
Ondara – Spanish Villager No: 3 CD/LP (Verve)
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ondara returns with his third studio effort, Spanish Villager No: 3. The namesake behind the album is The Spanish Villager – a mysterious character with a potent message who has proven to be a versatile guy: he’s the subject of a short story Ondara wrote and turned into a graphic novel, and now a new album.
Pink Floyd – Animals CD/LP/CD+LP+Blu-ray (Pink Floyd Records)
The iconic 1977 Pink Floyd album has been remixed for the first time by James Guthrie. Animals is a concept album, focusing on the social-political conditions of mid-1970s Britain, and was a change from the style of the band’s earlier work.
Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers – Rock ‘N’ Roll With The Modern Lovers CD/LP (Omnivore)
While his desire was for his band to be more of an acoustic/harmony-based endeavor, Jonathan Richman was blindsided when his true debut was overtaken by a compilation of early recordings. Singles like “Roadrunner” and “Pablo Picasso” were in the forefront – but that did not deter Jonathan. Now, one might wonder how “rock ‘n’ roll” and album with songs titled “Ice Cream Man”, “Dodge Veg-O-Matic”, and a version of “Wheels On The Bus” is – but, Greil Marcus called it “the purist rock ‘n’ roll album I’ve heard this year.”
Ringo Starr – EP3 CDEP (UMe)
Cleverly named EP3, Ringo Starr’s third EP includes four new tracks featuring longtime collaborators Steve Lukather, Linda Perry, Dave Koz, Jose Antonio Rodriguez and Bruce Sugar. EP3 is filled with Ringo’s instantly recognizable vocals, feel-good lyrics and easy-breezy melodies.
Whitney – SPARK CD/LP+MP3/Cassette (Saddle Creek)
Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek could hear the staggering differences in the songs they were writing for their third album as Whitney, SPARK the buoyant drum loops, the effortless falsetto hooks, the coruscant keyboard lines. They suddenly sounded like a band reimagined, their once-ramshackle folk-pop now brimming with unprecedented gusto and sheen.
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong – Ella & Louis Again [Reissue/1957] 2xLP (Verve)
The duo that critics have called “a match made in heaven” are in peak form on the sequel to their 1956 debut. Ella’s voice – warm and sweet as honey – and Louis’ gravelly croon formed a sound built for commercial success. Ella & Louis Again is a key element of what could be considered the most iconic jazz duo of all time. Part of the Verve Acoustic Sounds Series featuring transfers from analog tapes.
Jack Harlow – Come Home The Kids Miss You LP (Atlantic)
Recently released on CD – now available on vinyl.
Maserati – The Language Of Cities [Reissue/2002] 2xLP+MP3 (Temporary Residence)
Originally released in 2002, The Language Of Cities was Maserati’s second album – and their last before Jerry Fuchs joined the band. Out-of-print and unavailable for over a decade, The Language Of Cities finally gets reissued on all formats to commemorate the band’s 20th anniversary.
Pop Smoke – Faith 2xLP (Victor)
Faith delivers a star-studded set featuring Pharrell, Kid Cudi, Kanye West, Pusha T, 21 Savage, and more! It also features “Demeanor,” a collaboration with pop powerhouse Dua Lipa. Faith is the follow-up to his posthumous debut, Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon. Released in 2021, it has become the longest running #1 Hip Hop/R&B Album since 1990.
Taking Back Sunday – Louder Now [Reissue/2006] LP (Craft Recordings)
Louder Now is the third studio album from the platinum-selling rock band Taking Back Sunday. It boasts the hit single “MakeDamnSure”, the band’s most popular track to this day. Fitting to the album title, this release took on a heavier, darker mood and a bolder array of riffs and choruses than their previous records – a sound embraced by fans and critics alike.
Various Artists – Chicago/The Blues/Today! Vol. 1 [Reissue/1966] LP (Craft Recordings)
Chicago/The Blues/Today! Vol. 1 is the first installment of Vanguard Records’ definitive three-part series. Recorded in 1965, producer Samuel Charters enlisted nine of the Midwest’s best blues artists to record a short set showcasing the electric sound of Chicago Blues. Vol. 1 includes J. B. Hutto, Otis Spann, and Junior Wells with contributions from Buddy Guy. This LP features all-analog mastering from the original stereo tapes.
