Forced Exposure New Releases for the Week of 7/8/2024

 

PRICE: $25.50

CAT #: AUK 005LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2024 repress. Originally released on CD in 1996, now reissued on A Recordings, Anton Newcombe's own record label. Released on 180 gram vinyl. The Brian Jonestown Massacre's obsession with the Rolling Stones continues unabated on the brilliant Take It from the Man!; where the group resurrected psychedelic-era excesses on the previous Their Satanic Majesties' Second Request, here they jump further back in time to the Stones' mid-'60s period, with even more superlative results. From the opening "Vacuum Boots" onward, Take It from the Man! is gritty, swaggering R&B-influenced rock, delivered with remarkable assurance and attitude; singer Anton Newcombe is half-madman and half-shaman, and he commands each delirious moment with absolute mastery, emerging not so much a disciple of Mick Jagger but as a serious threat to the throne.

 

PRICE: $29.00

CAT #: ASH 311LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

2024 restock. "Released in 1976, Eternity was Alice Coltrane's first album for Warner Bros. after eight wondrous records on Impulse! Combining the drones and textures of India, the gospel and R&B of her Detroit youth and the dissonance of modern classical composition, Coltrane's music in the '70s would become increasingly difficult to categorize. Having moved a few years earlier to California (where she founded the Vedantic Center, an Ashram for spiritual studies), Coltrane stretches out on Eternity -- incorporating various musical styles, including a stirring adaptation of Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring -- and the results are dazzling, both in sonic scope and emotional range. Opener 'Spiritual Eternal' sways between Alice's exploratory organ and the dramatic swell of lush strings. A meditative solo piece for harp, 'Wisdom Eye,' precedes the rollicking rhythms of 'Los Caballos,' which showcases some of her finest soloing. 'Om Supreme' is the album's first track to be built around bhajans (Hindu devotional songs). Featuring graceful keyboards backed by an angelic choir, this piece hints at the ecstatic devotional music that she would later make with members of her Ashram. While Coltrane would delve deeper into her spiritual journeys and continue to expand her musical interests on subsequent LPs, Eternity remains a vivid and compelling display of her unique vision, myriad talents and passions."

 

PRICE: $13.00

CAT #: AUM 118CD

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

"Heart Trio features three lifelong-devoted fellow travelers on the path of healing through sound. World-renowned and revered bassist-composer-leader William Parker has performed and recorded extensively with both Cooper-Moore and Hamid Drake over the past 30+ years. And, the three of them have been core since 2012 in Parker's reborn In Order To Survive quartet. Heart Trio is, remarkably then, their debut as a trio on record. William here plays doson ngoni, dudek, and flutes of bamboo, cedar and walnut. Cooper-Moore on his hand-crafted ashimba and harp; Hamid Drake on frame drum and drum kit. All of this music was collectively composed at the time of its creation. Heart Trio creates balancing music in a world which day to day is more evidently filled with the exponential effect of increasingly grotesque inequity, a world where wars continue to be started and maintained by men adept at manipulation and a thorough disregard for the sanctity of life. Heart Trio creates organic music played on organic materials in a world of exponentially accelerating 'technologies' whose primary stock-in-trade is to transform listeners into more readily exploitable data sets. Yes, Heart Trio creates balancing music, antithetical to destruction. Music to draw sustenance from. Some measure of fortitude, at least, for compassionate souls in the elevating struggle against increasingly inextricable imposed realities that parse a human being's value solely on what they are able to consume. This is music for sunrise and sunset. Daily music. Healing, centering, mantra, heart music. From William's notes included with the release: 'The theory behind this music is the music itself. Empty and fill the heart and soul with sound, letting it dance. Without pretense. We are trying to get to a flow -- Earth, sky, and flowing water sounds that jump out of the painting.'"

 

PRICE: $13.00

CAT #: AUM 119CD

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

"Cereal Music is bassist-composer-leader-poet William Parker's first spoken word album -- observations from a profound life devoted to the path of finding truth in beauty and speaking truth to power. Parker's words are further illuminated by deeply sensitive sound design created by a likewise devoted artist on the same path, producer and singer Ellen Christi. William Parker's music -- in its vast scope and range of form -- has been an elemental nutrient of countless listeners lives for nigh on five decades. William's words -- whether published on page or spoken from the stage -- are part of that music. They speak on the beauty of life itself, amplifying the light of life ever-present, even in exceptionally difficult circumstance. As his first artistic expression, Parker began writing as a young person growing up in the South Bronx projects, presenting an alternate perception of often bleak surroundings and living conditions in the neighborhood. This early awareness that there was another way of being in the world, has suffused his development into a singularly generous artist and human being. Ellen Christi's singing brings that same affirmation in the beauty of life. She and Parker's previous work together, The Majesty of Jah, is a tremendous feature for her voice. That album also includes the track, 'Baldwin,' with James Baldwin's ever-powerful words and voice resonating even more profoundly within the sonic architecture created around them by Christi. When Ellen got in touch to say that she had begun work on a similar album-length project, centered on William's spoken texts, Aum Fidelity immediately asked that she please send the pieces as she finished them. The cover painting and additional paintings on Cereal Music are by William Parker."

 

PRICE: $25.00

CAT #: AUM 119LP

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

LP version. "Cereal Music is bassist-composer-leader-poet William Parker's first spoken word album -- observations from a profound life devoted to the path of finding truth in beauty and speaking truth to power. Parker's words are further illuminated by deeply sensitive sound design created by a likewise devoted artist on the same path, producer and singer Ellen Christi. William Parker's music -- in its vast scope and range of form -- has been an elemental nutrient of countless listeners lives for nigh on five decades. William's words -- whether published on page or spoken from the stage -- are part of that music. They speak on the beauty of life itself, amplifying the light of life ever-present, even in exceptionally difficult circumstance. As his first artistic expression, Parker began writing as a young person growing up in the South Bronx projects, presenting an alternate perception of often bleak surroundings and living conditions in the neighborhood. This early awareness that there was another way of being in the world, has suffused his development into a singularly generous artist and human being. Ellen Christi's singing brings that same affirmation in the beauty of life. She and Parker's previous work together, The Majesty of Jah, is a tremendous feature for her voice. That album also includes the track, 'Baldwin,' with James Baldwin's ever-powerful words and voice resonating even more profoundly within the sonic architecture created around them by Christi. When Ellen got in touch to say that she had begun work on a similar album-length project, centered on William's spoken texts, Aum Fidelity immediately asked that she please send the pieces as she finished them. The cover painting and additional paintings on Cereal Music are by William Parker."

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: BTR 093LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

Sandman Project's long awaited debut album Where Did You Go? is a borderless amalgam of brass heavy sounds, a document of a band whose musical tendencies mimic their open-minded ethic where Ethio-jazz, Afrobeat, American soul music and psychedelic, Mediterranean funk traverse. Led by guitarist and composer Tal Sandman, Tel Aviv based Sandman Projects' last release was in 2018 on their debut EP, their only existing recording. Six years later and it is no surprise this expansive work is positively brimming with an ocean of ideas, rooted in jazz, exceptionally crafted and boasting a myriad of musical pivots with a subtle but crucial production and synth touch by producer Tomer Baruch. Absolutely key to this new recording and Tal's adult musical upbringing and education is the ongoing influence of saxophonist Abate Barihun, sometimes known as the Ethiopian John Coltrane who is an Ethiopian Jew who emigrated to Israel in 1999. Whilst he doesn't feature directly on the record, Tal has long been mentored and stewarded by him and she affirms that "his inspiration continues to play a crucial role in my creative process." And so, to the album's title track "Where Did You Go?" which oozes film-noir with Tal's omnipresent Tizta sound using the Tezeta scales from Ethiopia dictating the mood whilst synths transcend and build an immersive soundscape something akin to Mulatu Astake jamming with the Fleet Foxes with Brian Eno-esque electronic manipulation. The Sandman project line up comprises of five core musicians with Tal Sandman on electric guitar, Tal Avraham playing trumpet, Tal Eyal on percussion, Noam Cherchie on drums, and Ariel Harrosh on bass. Additional synth and organ provided by producer Tomer Baruch and guest vocalist Dafna Shilon joins on the album closer "The Other Side." Further vintage synth excursions repeat on "Cauda Equina," with Tal's heavy fretting giving the track a funk feel, and a dreamy one as the trumpet builds. Six years in the waiting, and with plentiful personal and collective transformation giving Where Did You Go? a deeper sense of geography and global nuance, the new sound of Sandman Project is rich, porous and dreamy and essentially, full of hope.

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: CSR 193B-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Ten-year Anniversary LP Edition. Out of print for nearly a decade, Cold Spring Records are proud to announce the much-demanded new vinyl edition of this legendary collaboration. Recoiled is a rambunctious alchemy, of magical COIL sensibilities and hi-tech home circa '90s mixing technique, all fused in the cave-like early studios of Danny Hyde/Peter Christopherson. These were the unrestrained studio mix downs of four songs which long time Coil admirer/collaborator Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) requested Coil to remix. Reznor sent over the original multi-tracks and DATs to Hyde/Christopherson, who independently mixed versions and then met to synch both creations, molding them into these master versions. Recoiled includes a fuller, more opulent version of the track "Closer," which eventually made it onto the opening credits to the movie SE7EN. These five lengthy compositions are pre-Ableton/laptop generation type priest song creations, with the use of baby alarms and numerous wires to create bespoke effects. These legendary tracks were always rumored to exist and, only the due diligence of a dedicated NIN forum who hunted them down, are released/unleashed for your listening pleasure. Four of the tracks were released on the download-only Uncoiled. A bonus, previously unheard track from the same sessions closes the album. Jhonn Balance is also manifest on this gilded constellation. Beautifully remastered.

 

PRICE: $35.00

CAT #: CSR 193GOLD-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Gold vinyl version. Ten-year Anniversary LP Edition. Out of print for nearly a decade, Cold Spring Records are proud to announce the much-demanded new vinyl edition of this legendary collaboration. Recoiled is a rambunctious alchemy, of magical COIL sensibilities and hi-tech home circa '90s mixing technique, all fused in the cave-like early studios of Danny Hyde/Peter Christopherson. These were the unrestrained studio mix downs of four songs which long time Coil admirer/collaborator Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) requested Coil to remix. Reznor sent over the original multi-tracks and DATs to Hyde/Christopherson, who independently mixed versions and then met to synch both creations, molding them into these master versions. Recoiled includes a fuller, more opulent version of the track "Closer," which eventually made it onto the opening credits to the movie SE7EN. These five lengthy compositions are pre-Ableton/laptop generation type priest song creations, with the use of baby alarms and numerous wires to create bespoke effects. These legendary tracks were always rumored to exist and, only the due diligence of a dedicated NIN forum who hunted them down, are released/unleashed for your listening pleasure. Four of the tracks were released on the download-only Uncoiled. A bonus, previously unheard track from the same sessions closes the album. Jhonn Balance is also manifest on this gilded constellation. Beautifully remastered.

 

PRICE: $35.00

CAT #: CSR 193WHITE-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

White vinyl version. Ten-year Anniversary LP Edition. Out of print for nearly a decade, Cold Spring Records are proud to announce the much-demanded new vinyl edition of this legendary collaboration. Recoiled is a rambunctious alchemy, of magical COIL sensibilities and hi-tech home circa '90s mixing technique, all fused in the cave-like early studios of Danny Hyde/Peter Christopherson. These were the unrestrained studio mix downs of four songs which long time Coil admirer/collaborator Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) requested Coil to remix. Reznor sent over the original multi-tracks and DATs to Hyde/Christopherson, who independently mixed versions and then met to synch both creations, molding them into these master versions. Recoiled includes a fuller, more opulent version of the track "Closer," which eventually made it onto the opening credits to the movie SE7EN. These five lengthy compositions are pre-Ableton/laptop generation type priest song creations, with the use of baby alarms and numerous wires to create bespoke effects. These legendary tracks were always rumored to exist and, only the due diligence of a dedicated NIN forum who hunted them down, are released/unleashed for your listening pleasure. Four of the tracks were released on the download-only Uncoiled. A bonus, previously unheard track from the same sessions closes the album. Jhonn Balance is also manifest on this gilded constellation. Beautifully remastered.

 

PRICE: $15.50

CAT #: CSR 335CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

The Totality of Death is the past entwined with the future. The Totality of Death is a vortex of ineffable confusion. The Totality of Death is One, but manifest as two. The Totality of Death compiles 20 songs from past limited-edition releases, digital compilations, and the most obscure recesses of the Trepaneringsritualen archive. The material -- reworked and remastered in 2024 -- is spread over two separate compact discs (CSR 335CD and CSR 336CD). The CDs feature different, intricately-designed artwork throughout, and are beautifully presented in reverseboard, flood-printed, six-panel digipaks. Visual realization by Nullvoid. Mastered by N?lan at 4 & Rising.

 

PRICE: $15.50

CAT #: CSR 336CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

The Totality of Death is the past entwined with the future. The Totality of Death is a vortex of ineffable confusion. The Totality of Death is One, but manifest as two. The Totality of Death compiles 20 songs from past limited-edition releases, digital compilations, and the most obscure recesses of the Trepaneringsritualen archive. The material -- reworked and remastered in 2024 -- is spread over two separate compact discs (CSR 335CD and CSR 336CD). The CDs feature different, intricately-designed artwork throughout, and are beautifully presented in reverseboard, flood-printed, six-panel digipaks. Visual realization by Nullvoid. Mastered by N?lan at 4 & Rising.

 

PRICE: $19.00

CAT #: CSR 337CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

This double CD set includes an extended collaboration between The New Blockaders and Grinder-Without-Organs, and two live recordings of anti-theatre premiered at Cafe OTO (London, UK) and Audio Foundation (Auckland, NZ). The set also includes a link to access a bonus film and extra, printable material. CD1 features Ein Gl?cklicherer Zufall: Genau Zu Lang, an hour-long part studio/part live collaboration between seminal anti-music stalwarts The New Blockaders, and purveyors of the absurd Grinder-Without-Organs. Ein Gl?cklicherer Zufall shows a different side to TNB's trademark obliterating noise offensives with a more collaged, musique concr?te approach. CD2 opens with G-W-O Live at Cafe OTO. The set concludes with The Theatrical Panopticon, "A stage play performed in a void infected with accidental somniloquies." Fans of noise music will need no introduction to the work of TNB. Ron Lessard, of legendary US Noise label RRRecords, once stated, "I'd give the nod to TNB as being the first truly devoted Noise artists." TNB served as a major influence on legendary noise pioneers such as Merzbow and their influence on the current crop of popular crossover noise artists such as Wolf Eyes is immeasurable. Double CD comes in a six-panel matt digipak with eight-page booklet featuring TNB and G-W-O artworks.

 

PRICE: $15.50

CAT #: CSR 338CD

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Cold Spring presents the brand-new album of shimmering, heathen drone from TenHornedBeast -- the ritual doom-drone project of Christopher Walton (Endvra). The wild goats (Capra Hircus) of the Cheviot hills have lived there for millennia and are the Avatars of the wild places. If there is a heathenry left on this island, it is to be found the places where the wild goats gather, in the secret valleys and alongside nameless burns. They are the Children of Pan in an Arcadia that straddles both the imagination and the real world. This is TenHornedBeast intentionally moving in a different direction from the cryptic doom-ambient of 2022's The Lamp Of No Light (CSR 312CD). Capra Hircus is full of the glowing sunrise of hill-top psychedelia and shimmering, spiraling drones that mimic the abstract lines of the rock-art panels that mark the landscape. The music flows outwards and immerses the listener in looping, hypnotic waves of feedback. CD in six-panel flood-printed matt digipak with photographs taken by Christopher Walton on the High Places of Pennine Horeb.

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: CREP 103LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

The long running vessel for Cameron Stallones' psychedelic excursions, Sun Araw, returns to Discrepant after 2023's split with Tarzana via Keroxen sister label. Without much precedent in his own -- already wide-ranging -- back-catalog, Cetacean Sensation discards the dubby vibes, psych-rock sunburnt jams, tropical visions, or stalking sensibilities of such classic efforts as On Patrol or Ancient Romans towards a deeply focused and vivid solitary approach, while still retaining this Sun Araw blissed out escapist feeling. Composed of hydrophone recordings of whales and dolphins sourced during a summer in Galicia, Cetacean Sensation paints an impressionistic and sensory floating canvas that expertly escapes both academic-like documentarian purposes and any new-age spa vibrations one could associate with such subject matter. Processing those raw recordings into alluring collages that flow gracefully between moments of clear eco-location and submerged impressions of wildlife social dynamics. By the third track -- "Dance of the Minke"-- listeners are introduced to this ringing MIDI tone that evokes a CD-ROM era of mystic educational programs and click-and-deploy strategies that still feel very much like an unfulfilled future, conjured again by "Spider Crab Elegy's" sparse keyboard pads and sound effects that give way to this properly elegiac tentative melody. "The Spider Crab Point" ends the album on a more uneasy vibe, with synth tones pointing towards no particular direction, confounding and strangely inviting at the same time. As sensations often do. Music written and produced by Cameron Stallones using hydrophones and digital synthesis. Recorded in 2019 in Galicia, ES Mastering by Rashad Becker.

 

PRICE: $25.00

CAT #: DC 606LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2024 repress; gatefold LP version. ""What makes On Your Own Love Again new? Everything, and yet everything woven so subtly into the presentation leaves you unaware that you have been modulated upon. The album was recorded entirely by Jessica in the fashion of 'Night Faces' and 'Dreams,' from her first album, and mixed in collaboration with Will Canzoneri. Touched lightly with additional instrumental and vocal parts, the songs ripple beneath the surface with lyrical details that morph almost subliminally from the personal into fantasy. When Jessica's playful nature bubbles up, she sends her voice traveling into strange places to see what it finds there. The music too is deceptively accomplished, providing subtle hallucinatory nuances to the tunes. The orchestral organ stop working in the shadows of 'Wrong Hand,' the reverberant percussion floating through 'Game That I Play,' the clavinet panned out on the side in 'Moon Dude,' Jessica's sudden vocal dip into her lower register on 'Greycedes' -- all pull at the ears, highlighting her unique pop sensibilities with craft and humor, giving the album's inherent romance a greater heft. Perhaps most significantly, On Your Own Love Again was recorded at home -- at places in Los Angeles and San Francisco, over the past two years. This process sands the surface of her more active multi-tracking approach, allowing a sound as delicate and singular as her former recordings. On On Your Own Love Again Jessica is fully alive in a space all her own; with isolation in the breeze, the sound resonant in the natural light and a gauze of clouds in the sky, under which she can relax, unwind and let herself be."

 

PRICE: $25.00

CAT #: DC 666LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2024 repress, LP version. "Where fiddle and steel contribute their rustic timbre alongside guitars and voices, a thickening thud of low tone rolls beneath, giving the record a bottom that's fun to watch bounce in new clothes. This intensifies the air and heralds Beware as Bonnie's most ambidextrous record to date -- even more so than The Letting Go! A listen or two through and you too may conclude that this could also be the great Bonnie 'Prince' Billy contempo-country record -- though, as always, the 'Prince' goes his own special way, even when climbing the charts with brawny arms and classic titles like 'I Don't Belong To Anyone,' 'You Can't Hurt Me Now,' and 'I Am Goodbye.' Though the title -- and catalog number! -- portends horror, Beware is a much more measured exploration of the soul's frailty and the sorry state of human relationships than your typical, everyday, bleaked-out, all-and-nothing roots rock platter."

 

PRICE: $22.00

CAT #: FTR 258LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2024 restock. "Here is the second volume of protean solo improvisations recorded by Loren Connors in his artist's garret in New Haven, Connecticut. Like the first volume, it was committed to tape and pressed to vinyl in 1979. Never having seen a copy of this record, and having pressed it before we discovered a master cassette exists, this is as good a transfer as can be had for the nonce. Loren's chair creaks like rusty crow and the amount of random tapping and thumping during the original session just about drove Jim O'Rourke and Jeremy Lemos crazy when they were working on it. But they persisted, and we all owe them a debt of gratitude. Although most people cannot help themselves from believing all nine volumes of this series are of a piece, the second volume sounds quite different from its predecessor. For one thing, it is truly solo. There's no sign of Kath Bloom's voice or recorder to be found. The guitar attack is much more active here, as is the vocalizing. Loren gives off a vibe most easily compared to Bud Powell's manner of vocally emphasizing his piano runs. This style of accompaniment has much less of a blues-counterpoint to it, serving more as way to amplify the strange melodic arc of the guitar as it moves through dark space. Some of the instrumental phrases and tag-lines here are surprisingly similar to elements of Eugene Chadbourne's Parachute-era solo improvisations, although Loren is usually reluctant to describe his efforts in terms of overt avant gardism. He was, however, cavorting and collaborating during this period with known avant gardists, so perhaps we are best left to draw our own aesthetic conclusions from just listening. Whatever it is he was doing in the dark of Daggett Street, I think we can agree it was incredible. And if you can't dig it, well... have a nice life." --Byron Coley, 2021

 

PRICE: $36.00

CAT #: GET 51479LP

FILE UNDER: HIPHOP

"Illmatic, the 1994 studio debut of Nasir 'Nas' Jones, was more than just a critical success for the Queensbridge-based rapper. At a time when East Coast hip-hop was increasingly being taken less seriously than their West Coast counterparts, Illmatic's raw jazz and soul-based production, dire atmosphere, and lyrics, coupled with Nas' uncompromising flow was integral in restoring interest in the East Coast as a hotbed of hip-hop artistry. Along with key releases from Wu-Tang Clan and Notorious B.I.G., it shifted attention away from the funky, dayglo synth-based G-funk coming out of California and back to the grimy streets of New York. After such an unprecedented debut record, expectations were understandably high for Nas' follow-up. The 1996 sophomore follow-up is titled It Was Written, and in contrast to the urban bleakness of his debut, has Nas dipping his toes into the world of mafioso rap. Amidst production from heavy hitters like Trackmasters, Dr. Dre, L.E.S., Havoc of Mobb Deep, and Illmatic-collaborator DJ Premier, among others, Nas weaves evocative narratives of gang warfare, downtrodden neighborhoods, drug deals gone awry, and gangsta triumph, against a backdrop of samples from Sam Cooke, Etta James, the Isley Brothers, and even Chuck Mangione. It Was Written is not hard up for top-tier guests either, featuring major guest turns from Lauryn Hill and Joel 'JoJo' Hailey of K-Ci & JoJo. It also introduced the world to The Firm, the brief Nas-led supergroup featuring rappers AZ, Foxy Brown, and Cormega. It even managed to cause some minor controversy in the hip-hop community for its collaboration with West Coast producer Dr. Dre, at a time when the East Coast/West Coast rap feud was reaching a fever pitch, briefly attracting the ire of one Tupac Shakur. Not only was It Was Written received warmly by critics, but it also became a major commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard 200 charts, reaching platinum sales status four times, and alongside albums like Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, helped usher in the era of mafioso rap in the mainstream. It rendered chart hits out of singles like the Eurhythmics-mimicking 'Street Dreams,' and the Grammy-nominated 'If I Ruled The World (Imagine That),' and proved to be a major influence on artists like Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco, and many more."

 

PRICE: $40.00

CAT #: GET 52743LP

FILE UNDER: HIPHOP

"The Jungle Brothers' 1988 debut, Straight Out The Jungle, is important for many reasons. It is lo-fi and goofy, but had moments of real focus and social consciousness. It is a true kitchen sink record, that caught a rap fanbase enraptured by Eric B. & Rakim, Public Enemy, and Boogie Down Productions a bit off-guard. Also of note, beyond the excellence of the album itself, the Jungle Brothers were the fulcrum for what would become the Native Tongues movement -- they came first, De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest followed, under their guidance. By 1989, the group had even more confidence, plus a Warner Bros. contract and advance in their back pocket. They used it to great advantage on the self-produced and criminally underrated Done By The Forces Of Nature, expanding their sonic palette and continuing their Afrocentric approach to music and life. Singles like 'What U Waitin 4' and 'Doin Our Own Dang'(with De La Soul and Q-Tip, alongside Monie Love) show the group's fun side. But things weren't all fun and games, as deeper, more pensive album tracks like 'Black Woman,' 'Beeds On A String,' and 'Acknowledge Your Own History' show. It was another accomplished mix of fun, frolic, and knowledge-of-self, proving that you could be serious in the rap game but still let off steam and fill the dancefloor. Done By The Forces Of Nature stands as one of the most cherished hip-hop documents of the late '80s among true-school heads. Get On Down is proud to present a new limited-edition pressing on Tri-Colored vinyl in a gatefold jacket with full lyrics and numbered OBI limited to 1000 copies."

 

PRICE: $30.00

CAT #: GREL 057COL-LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

"Zungguzungguguzungguzeng went on to become a signature tune for Yellowman when coupled up on a massive hit Greensleeves 12" Disco 45 with 'Who can make the dance Ram.' Both sides on this set feature the group in their dance-corking glory. The album, produced by Henry 'Junjo' Lawes, is rightly regarded as a dancehall classic and highlights a wicked selection of Yellowman duets with his longtime spa Fathead. Zungguzungguguzungguzeng was proof then and now that as for ramming the dance, if anyone can, Yellowman can. Recorded and mixed at Joe Gibbs and Channel One. Engineered by Errol Thompson and Soldgie. Back by Radics and Hi-Times Band."

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: GUESS 226LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2024 repress. A classic in the collecting circuit since ages, the sole release by UK group Elias Hulk was out in 1970 on the Youngblood label. Raw hard-rock, adding some Eastern and blues-rock elements as well. Previously available on Guerssen Records' Sommor sub-label and out-of-print, Guerssen Records present a new edition. Original artwork in hard cardboard laminated sleeve + OBI; insert with photos and extensive liners by Andy Morten; repro of the original poster.

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: HAB 027CD

FILE UNDER: WORLD

"Habibi Funk presents a second collection of deep grooves and unreleased songs from Algeria's Ahmed Malek, often compared to Italian heavyweight Ennio Morricone. Malek's music effortlessly switches between thematic jazz, funk, reggae and Algerian folk -- creating indelible soundscapes that intersect the musical innovations made in African jazz by Mulatu Astatke, Bembeya Jazz National along with some of Europe's finest experimental composers like Piero Piccioni and Janko Nilovic. Habibi Funk previously produced a small movie about Malek that Paloma Colombe shot and directed. Musique Originale de Films, Volume Deux is a deep collection of unreleased songs and stemmed grooves from the Algerian master, from jazz, funk, psych to reggae rhythms and Latin flavors, all under the sonic umbrella of 'Plan?te Malek;' to quote the maestro, 'I didn't choose music, music chose me.' As always, this release comes with an extensive booklet featuring background and interviews with Ahmed compiled through found newspaper clippings and newsreels, also including unseen photos, scans and more."

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: HAB 027LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

LP version. "Habibi Funk presents a second collection of deep grooves and unreleased songs from Algeria's Ahmed Malek, often compared to Italian heavyweight Ennio Morricone. Malek's music effortlessly switches between thematic jazz, funk, reggae and Algerian folk -- creating indelible soundscapes that intersect the musical innovations made in African jazz by Mulatu Astatke, Bembeya Jazz National along with some of Europe's finest experimental composers like Piero Piccioni and Janko Nilovic. Habibi Funk previously produced a small movie about Malek that Paloma Colombe shot and directed. Musique Originale de Films, Volume Deux is a deep collection of unreleased songs and stemmed grooves from the Algerian master, from jazz, funk, psych to reggae rhythms and Latin flavors, all under the sonic umbrella of 'Plan?te Malek;' to quote the maestro, 'I didn't choose music, music chose me.' As always, this release comes with an extensive booklet featuring background and interviews with Ahmed compiled through found newspaper clippings and newsreels, also including unseen photos, scans and more."

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: HSRSS 027C-EP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

"'Skinhead Revolt' by Joe The Boss aka Joe Mansano was first released in 1970 on the Trojan sublabel Joe as a B-side to the track 'Tony B's Theme' by Joey's All Stars. 'The Thief' was released in 1969 on the Joe Label with the track 'Gun The Man Down' by Dice The Boss on the flip. This is a special limited edition strictly limited to 500 copies -- one release only."

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: HSRSS 028C-EP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

"'Gun The Man Down' by Dice The Boss aka Pama Dice was first released in 1969 on the Trojan sublabel Joe with the track 'Thief' by Joe Mansano on the B-side. 'Your Boss DJ' was also released in 1969 on the Joe Label with the track 'Read The News' by Joe All Stars on the flip. Both titles are skinhead reggae classics that have never been reissued and are very much demand. This is a special limited edition strictly limited to 500 copies -- one release only."

 

PRICE: $69.50

CAT #: HOS 888LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Skin Crime -- THE American noise "band." Audio Pathology -- THE peak of the first era of the band and what many consider a stone-cold classic of the genre. If anyone wants to know where to start with the seminal self-abusers of American noise -- tell them Audio Pathology. If someone wants to know what your prognosis is -- tell them Audio Pathology. If someone is willing to testify what they smelled in Summerdale ? "The Decay Of The Angel." Originally released on armed and loaded on CD only, Hospital presents to you here for the first time on uninterrupted triple vinyl. The tracks here are not split for space and have plenty of breathing room through the six sides on this expansive/deluxe, triple gatefold. Hear, feel, fear that it truly is just all dead sound and broken lives.

 

PRICE: $38.00

CAT #: 9781941753378

FILE UNDER: Misc

2024 restock. "Milford Graves has been a revelatory force in music since the mid-1960s, liberating the drummer from the role of 'timekeeper' to instrumental improviser and giving rise to the Free Jazz movement, with groundbreaking performances alongside Lou Reed, Min Tanaka, and John Zorn. But musical practice cannot contain the energies of his creativity and intellect. Milford Graves' kaleidoscopic genius led him to develop an unprecedented body of interests -- from medicine to botany, stem cell regeneration to martial arts. A Mind-Body Deal is an attempt to open the doors of his habitat and spark curiosity in our own minds, so we too may learn to weave our mind-bodies with the rhythms of the world around us. A Mind-Body Deal gathers the intricate, multifaceted work of Milford Graves, exploring the practices and predilections of this extraordinary 'jazz mind.' Fully illustrated, this catalogue includes documentation from the eponymous show at ICA Philadelphia, exhibiting a collection of Graves' hand-painted album covers and posters, idiosyncratic drum sets, recording ephemera, multimedia sculptures, photographs, and costumes, with elements from his home and scientific studies." 256 pages. Paperback. 0.7" H x 10.4" L x 7.6" W (1.85 lbs)

 

PRICE: $26.00

CAT #: JPR 082LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"Originally released in 1968 as an LA studio concept album, this instrumental album is a remarkable fusion of the psychedelic sounds of sitar and mellotron with angular guitar riffs and hard drum breaks. Featuring a lineup of Ry Cooder, Jim Gordon, Mike Deasy, and The Wrecking Crew (Los Angeles' top studio session musicians). The band recorded only this one album and most of the personnel went on to greater achievements. The quintessence of psychedelic rock in its full-blooming 1968ness. Features original cover artwork by Rick Griffin (Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young). Pressed on colored vinyl. Limited edition of 2000 copies."

 

PRICE: $34.00

CAT #: JPR 108LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"SRC was born out of a smashing up of two of Detroit's brightest bands, The Fugitives and The Chosen Few (which also featured future Stooges Ron Asheton). The new band gained a fanatic local following, eventually capturing the attention of Capitol Records. The band shifts effortlessly from mountaintop introspection to wild distorted crescendos creating one of the most melodically heavy LPs ever made. An over-the-top psychedelic fuzz guitar masterpiece. Upon its release in the U.S in 1968, the LP created fan and critical excitement. Still, it was in the U.K where the cultdom made its most significant impact, with John Peel playing the hell out of it on his radio show and even Genesis' Peter Gabriel claiming that this first SRC album was one of his favorites, saying he 'wore the record out' (and you can absolutely hear SRC's melodies buried inside Gabriel's musical DNA!). Cut from the analog master tapes by Kevin Gray. Limited edition of 1500."

 

PRICE: $37.00

CAT #: JPR 110LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"Originally formed to provide film scores for sci-fi and horror movies, Wall of Voodoo shot to fame in 1983 with their hit single 'Mexican Radio' and its accompanying video. Earlier in 1980 they produced this critically acclaimed six-track mini album, featuring the original 1980 artwork, large 24"x24" poster, lyric Insert, and pressed on marble color vinyl. Remastered by Jim Hill, the original studio engineer. Features a cover version of Johnny Cash's 'Ring Of Fire.' 2000 copies."

 

PRICE: $37.00

CAT #: JPR 111LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"This rare live document of Wall Of Voodoo, available for the first time on vinyl, shows a band so wired up and finely tuned, that they could sonically hypnotize and lay waste to a live audience. Recorded live on 11/22/1979 at the Barn, University of California, Riverside, this full-length is one of the best-recorded performance documentations of the entire L.A. post-punk scene. Remastered by the original live recording engineer Jim Hill. This live show also showcased two exclusive compositions 'End Of An Era' and 'Invisible Man' that have not appeared on any other record. 2000 copies. Black ice color vinyl."

 

PRICE: $14.50

CAT #: JMAN 139CD

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

Since 2008, Jazzman's Spiritual Jazz series has presented unlimited horizons. Each album celebrates the rich tradition of African-American songs based on the belief in a higher force than oneself and has also focused on geographical areas, such as Europe or Japan, thus recognizing that these territories have immense cultural riches. Religions, like Islam, whose musical traditions have vivid Arabic and North African resonances, have also been highlighted. The stylistic range of all the above is wide. Yet historic record labels, from Blue Note and Impulse! to Prestige and Steeplechase, have also featured because their catalogues are musical treasure troves that could not be more relevant to Spiritual Jazz, even though they issued vast amounts of music between the late '30s and present day, that have not been confined to any one school. Spiritual Jazz 16 is a focus on Riverside and its associated sister labels. Riverside itself was founded in 1953 by Orrin Keepnews and Bill Grauer, and became an important purveyor in that decade and beyond of what would be marketed as of modern jazz. That coinage was itself an amorphous, umbrella term that essentially created a demarcation from the vocabulary of pre-war classic jazz and inter-war big band swing, thus recognizing that improvising artists were breaking new creative ground that would subsequently give rise to a flurry of sub-genres, for example bebop, hard bop, cool, modal and Latin jazz. And it's from this multiplicity of sub-genres that Jazzman chose the deepest, most vibrant selections that the vast, pan-generational catalogue of Keepnews and Grauer has to offer. Featuring James Clay, Werner-Rosengren Swedish Jazz Quartet, Sal Nistico Quintet, Frank Strozier, Cannonball Adderley Sextet, Blue Mitchell, Sonny Red, Clifford Jordan, Lee Konitz Quintet, McCoy Tyner, Joe Henderson, and Alice Coltrane.

 

PRICE: $32.00

CAT #: JMAN 139LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

Double LP version. Since 2008, Jazzman's Spiritual Jazz series has presented unlimited horizons. Each album celebrates the rich tradition of African-American songs based on the belief in a higher force than oneself and has also focused on geographical areas, such as Europe or Japan, thus recognizing that these territories have immense cultural riches. Religions, like Islam, whose musical traditions have vivid Arabic and North African resonances, have also been highlighted. The stylistic range of all the above is wide. Yet historic record labels, from Blue Note and Impulse! to Prestige and Steeplechase, have also featured because their catalogues are musical treasure troves that could not be more relevant to Spiritual Jazz, even though they issued vast amounts of music between the late '30s and present day, that have not been confined to any one school. Spiritual Jazz 16 is a focus on Riverside and its associated sister labels. Riverside itself was founded in 1953 by Orrin Keepnews and Bill Grauer, and became an important purveyor in that decade and beyond of what would be marketed as of modern jazz. That coinage was itself an amorphous, umbrella term that essentially created a demarcation from the vocabulary of pre-war classic jazz and inter-war big band swing, thus recognizing that improvising artists were breaking new creative ground that would subsequently give rise to a flurry of sub-genres, for example bebop, hard bop, cool, modal and Latin jazz. And it's from this multiplicity of sub-genres that Jazzman chose the deepest, most vibrant selections that the vast, pan-generational catalogue of Keepnews and Grauer has to offer. Featuring James Clay, Werner-Rosengren Swedish Jazz Quartet, Sal Nistico Quintet, Frank Strozier, Cannonball Adderley Sextet, Blue Mitchell, Sonny Red, Clifford Jordan, Lee Konitz Quintet, McCoy Tyner, Joe Henderson, and Alice Coltrane.

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: LTJC 016LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

Gatefold packaging. Terumasa Hino is undoubtedly one of the most famous Japanese jazzmen. Learning the trumpet at the age of nine, he began his career as a professional musician by playing in the orchestra of an US Army base, before joining Hideo Shiraki's Quintet and then forming his own band in 1964. On Hi-Nology, his brother Motohiko Hino appears on drums, Hiroma Suzuki on electric piano, Kumitsu Inaba on electric bass and Takeru Muraoka on tenor sax. The inspiration from the "electric period" of Miles Davis (notably Miles In The Sky released in 1968) is felt and is even accepted, since the opening piece is entitled "Like Miles." Coincidentally, Hi-Nology was recorded on July 31, 1969, the day after the release of In a Silent Way and has nothing to envy of this great record by Miles Davis.

 

PRICE: $31.00

CAT #: NSD 159LP

FILE UNDER: HIPHOP

"Few artists are ever as controversial as they are influential. New York legend R.A. The Rugged Man has lived up to this billing by combining the authenticity of his undeniably rugged life with undisputed mic skills. Among the most gifted lyricists hip-hop has ever seen, R.A. burst onto the scene with an ill-fated stint on Jive Records in the early 1990s, before eventually becoming a pioneer of the independent rap hustle. Now, three decades after his arrival, R.A. has improbably outlasted nearly all of his peers. Having been banned, forgotten, blackballed, and left for dead, the Rugged Man has somehow emerged as one of the most important figures in underground hip-hop, with a thriving career, a nonstop touring schedule, and a die-hard fan base. His 2013 album Legends Never Die is remembered as the classic that solidified this reputation, balancing technically brilliant lyricism with raw honesty and head-nodding production. Featuring A-list guests like Tech N9ne, Hopsin, Talib Kweli, Brother Ali, Krizz Kaliko, Vinnie Paz, Masta Ace, Sadat X, and more, Legends Never Die is not only a celebration of R.A.'s illustrious history, but an exciting look at what's still to come."

 

PRICE: $41.00

CAT #: OP 077LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Patrick Higgins is an American composer, guitarist, and producer from New York City, known for his work in experimental and contemporary classical music. Higgins plays guitar and composes in the band Zs, described by The New York Times as "one of the strongest avant-garde bands in New York." Higgins has received attention for bridging traditions including baroque chamber music, contemporary noise, electronics and 20th century minimalism. His work has been performed in over 25 countries internationally, and he has composed works for some of the world's leading ensembles, ranging from chamber orchestra works, percussion cycles, and string quartets to smaller ensembles and soloists. He has scored works for television, museum exhibitions, and films both short-form and feature-length. Since 2013, he has operated Future-Past Studios, a recording studio in upstate NY. He recently had a solo exhibition of artworks and sheet music, as well as two world premiers, at The Clark Museum in MA, USA. In 2019, he was a curator and headliner of the Le Guess Who festival in Holland.

 

PRICE: $15.50

CAT #: PRTL 7087EP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

Top slice of early '90s digital roots from reggae legend Earl 16, best known for his work with the likes of Lee Perry, Augustus Pablo, Mikey Dread, Leftfield, and Dreadzone. Produced by Earl Sixteen and previously only available on Earl's 1992 LP Boss Man.

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: PHS 077LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Restocked. Impossible to find second album by this band from Nicaragua, 1975. A cool mix of Latin funk, jazz, salsa and psychedelic grooves. Including some of their most sought-after tracks like "Bacanal' 76," "Mimo" or the antiracist statement "La Conga de las Dos Razas." After recording their first LP in Guatemala, Nica supergroup Poder del Alma travelled to Costa Rica to register their second album. This time the recording studio and equipment (including Mini-Moog) were better and the band featured a new line-up. The result was a powerful album which is now one of the holy grails of Latin funk worldwide. First ever reissue, with remastered sound and original artwork. Includes four-page insert with liner notes, photos, and download card.

 

PRICE: $19.00

CAT #: PRO 420CD

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

"2CD in six-panel digipak, edition of 1000. Across 8,500 miles and one sweeping ocean, pioneering electronic music maestro Steve Roach and new gen artist Theadelaidean align their ambient atmospherics within a double album both introspective and otherworldly. Each disc expands through luminous soundscapes that radiate a gentle warmth. Melodic fragments call across vast, reverberant expanses, revealing unique expressive sensibilities and unexpected creative parallels. The ten tracks are serene and meditative, an immersive crossing of spatial and sonic universes. This collaboration merges Baja Arizona-based Roach's decades of mastery sculpting immersive soundworlds with Australia-based Theadelaidean's delicate, meticulous sound design, taking the listener through a stately unfurling of translucent textures and etheric dronescapes. Parallels is a testament to the power of the true collaboration, an essential listen for fans of both Roach and Theadelaidean."

 

PRICE: $30.50

CAT #: REPOSE 131LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

They're back! This time the Finnish seers Mahti venture even deeper into the unknown on their third release Musiikki 3, assisted by the creativity of English musicians Richard Dawson and Sally Pilkington. The music reaches for space and roots at the same time bringing forth Mr. Dawson's earthy guitars and angelic voice while Ms. Pilkington weaves ethereal layerings with her synths and joins occasionally the choir. Hannu Saha conjures ancient Karelian spirits with his kantele while Muumu, Lehtibabba, and M?tky mesmerize the listener with their unique mix of electro, rock and noise. The end result is an album full of Musiikki unlike any you've ever heard before! Limited mirage blue/green marble colored vinyl LP with download code.

 

PRICE: $30.50

CAT #: REPOSE 133LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Machiavellian Art and Riot Season Records present Population Control. An intense exploration of societal and self-imposed controls, encapsulated in a dynamic contrast between Side A's visceral anger and the introspective ambiance of Side B. This duality mirrors the contrasting themes of external control versus internal reflection. Population Control extends beyond its predecessor, Indoctrination Sounds, in both musical depth and thematic scope. The album confronts a broad spectrum of modern-day addictions -- not just to substances, but to technology, social media, and the relentless 24-hour news cycle. These themes manifest across tracks like "A Slow Death," "Population Control (1) + (2)," "Fear of the Outside World," and "Crisis," each exploring the resulting isolation, paranoia, fear, and hopelessness. "Seaside Holiday," a critique of environmental negligence, specifically highlighting the issue of untreated sewage being dumped into Britain's waterways by private companies. Limited-edition lilac colored vinyl LP with download code.

 

PRICE: $52.00

CAT #: ROG 137CD

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

"Jo?lle L?andre's Lifetime Rebel: Jo?lle L?andre's Lifetime Achievement Awards, Vision Festival 2023. The gorgeous boxset contains four CDs, one DVD and one booklet: CD-1 features Tiger Trio (Jo?lle L?andre - double bass, Nicole Mitchell - flutes, Myra Meford - piano). CD-2 features Roaring Tree (Jo?lle L?andre - double bass, Craig Taborn - piano, Mat Maneri - viola). CD-3 features Atlantic Ave. Septet (Jo?lle L?andre - double bass, Ingrid Laubrock - saxophones, Steve Swell - trombone, Joe Morris - guitar, Jason Hwang - violin, Mat Maneri - viola, Fred Lonberg-Holm - cello). CD-4 features Jo?lle L?andre/Fred Moten ((Jo?lle L?andre - double bass, Fred Moten - poems, spoken word). DVD features: Jo?lle L?andre -- Strugle, Life, Music (Jo?lle L?andre interviewed and double bass solo, Christian Pouget - director, image - Jean-Marc Foussat - sound, Michel Dorbon - interviewer). Booklet includes: texts by John Sharpe, William Parker, Nicole Mitchell, Craig Taborn, Christian Pouget, and Michel Dorbon."

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: SOMM 087LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Restocked; Heavy prog-psych with tons of organ and fuzz guitar courtesy of The Shiver from Switzerland. This is their sole album from 1969, housed in a sinister cover designed by surrealist painter H.R. Giger (his first album cover work). Originally formed in the mid-'60s in St. Gallen (Switzerland) as a beat, R&B band in the vein of Spencer Davis Group or The Yardbirds (and featuring an English vocalist), The Shivers dropped soon the "s" from their name at the same time as they adopted the early progressive sounds of British bands like Procol Harum or Moody Blues. After winning the first prize at a couple of major music festivals and even sharing stage with Pink Floyd, they started recording their first album. Combining interesting cover versions (the LP opens with a monster heavy cover of Procol Harum's "Repent Walpurgis") and original songs, the album is a perfect example of the transition from beat and blues-rock to psychedelia and heavy prog.

 

PRICE: $11.00

CAT #: WIRE 486

FILE UNDER: Misc

"On the cover: David Lynch & Chrystabell. Since performing on the soundtrack to 2006's Inland Empire, Texas-born Chrysta Bell Zucht, aka Chrystabell, has had an enduring creative partnership with film director David Lynch. But after countless in-studio and on-screen collaborations, the new album Cellophane Memories, out soon via Sacred Bones, will be their first fully co-credited album. In a wide-ranging exclusive interview, the duo talk to The Wire about cinema, music and more. By Britt Brown. Inside the issue: The sound world of David Lynch. Expanding on the issue's cover feature, Wire writers contribute a series of essays on the sonic and audio components of director David Lynch's idiosyncratic worldview. Topics range from fandom and karaoke, the sonic semiotics of wind and the influence of Twin Peaks on rave music to reinterpretations of songs from the Lynchian repertoire by artists like Ono and Backxwash. Invisible Jukebox: Dhangsha. The composer and educator formerly known as Dr Das of Asian Dub Foundation takes on The Wire's mystery listening challenge. Tested by Daryl Worthington. Plus one page profiles of Copper Sounds, Miaux, and Feeo & Caius Williams, and regular sections and columns including Epiphanies, Unlimited Editions, Global Ear, and The Inner Sleeve."

 

PRICE: $13.50

CAT #: UTR 163CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Empires into Sand is the first album of new material from Normil Hawaiians in 40 years. The group first refined their sound during the early '80s, hitting on a pastoral experimentalism that drew on ambient drone, motorik impulse and post-punk pep. Empires into Sand came together in the familiar manner of their original three albums, with improvisation and nuance informing the blueprint of the tracks. It was with the official release of this last record Return of the Ranters (originally recorded in 1984/85, but then unconsciously shelved) in 2015 by Upset The Rhythm that led to the group reconnecting with the intention of playing music together again. The quaint weirdness of folk song, the humanity of communal practice and the group's ecological mindedness have all found a place in Normil Hawaiians' current sound world. Normil Hawaiians took their time to develop these threads at their own pace, allowing songs to mutate and settle over months. Simon Marchant deftly produced and recorded the album whilst also performing in the band, this marked the first time the band had total control of their own sound. Empires into Sand incorporates samples from old rehearsals and live music into the new finished pieces, this is in continuum with their previous records. Snippets of sound from the static of short-wave radio and satellite transmissions also embellish the work. In fact, the whole album is stitched together with interludes, creating an acutely immersive 45 minutes. The album's title is derived from a poem by band member Mark Tyler, who sadly passed away during the recording process and the transience of life is felt heavily throughout. Noel best coins the group's wish for the album: "We wanted to create an album that acknowledges our history and also reflects who we are today. We remained true to ourselves and we wanted to make something beautiful without removing the edges." Empires into Sand certainly does that, it's an echo from the past, an echo from the future. Featuring Rodney Relax.

 

PRICE: $26.00

CAT #: UTR 163LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

LP version. Empires into Sand is the first album of new material from Normil Hawaiians in 40 years. The group first refined their sound during the early '80s, hitting on a pastoral experimentalism that drew on ambient drone, motorik impulse and post-punk pep. Empires into Sand came together in the familiar manner of their original three albums, with improvisation and nuance informing the blueprint of the tracks. It was with the official release of this last record Return of the Ranters (originally recorded in 1984/85, but then unconsciously shelved) in 2015 by Upset The Rhythm that led to the group reconnecting with the intention of playing music together again. The quaint weirdness of folk song, the humanity of communal practice and the group's ecological mindedness have all found a place in Normil Hawaiians' current sound world. Normil Hawaiians took their time to develop these threads at their own pace, allowing songs to mutate and settle over months. Simon Marchant deftly produced and recorded the album whilst also performing in the band, this marked the first time the band had total control of their own sound. Empires into Sand incorporates samples from old rehearsals and live music into the new finished pieces, this is in continuum with their previous records. Snippets of sound from the static of short-wave radio and satellite transmissions also embellish the work. In fact, the whole album is stitched together with interludes, creating an acutely immersive 45 minutes. The album's title is derived from a poem by band member Mark Tyler, who sadly passed away during the recording process and the transience of life is felt heavily throughout. Noel best coins the group's wish for the album: "We wanted to create an album that acknowledges our history and also reflects who we are today. We remained true to ourselves and we wanted to make something beautiful without removing the edges." Empires into Sand certainly does that, it's an echo from the past, an echo from the future. Featuring Rodney Relax.

 

PRICE: $47.00

CAT #: VPRL 4250LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

"Volume 1 of Dubbing At King Tubby's. Red color vinyl. The importance of King Tubby's studio to the history of recorded sound is beyond measure and its all-encompassing influence is a lasting monument to the resolute resourcefulness of Jamaica's musical pioneers. Dubbing At King Tubby's (Volumes 1 & 2) chronicles the late Dubmaster Osbourne 'King Tubby' Ruddock's '70s output from his home studio at 18 Dromilly Avenue in Kingston. With riddims created by the most respected band of the era The Aggrovators (with famed producer Bunny 'Striker' Lee at the helm), Tubby was able to deconstruct songs to their raw essence and highlight particular elements and frequencies, giving the listener some real authentic Jamaican drum and bass.' These dubs have echoed through generations of music makers as have Tubby's innovations, such as the use of echo, reverb and hi-pass filter, which have informed the musical language of creatives the world over opening up a universe of sonic possibilities. Artists from Prince Fatty to Leftfield, Nubya Garcia to Mala have all cited King Tubby as an influence and certainly, the musical landscape would be very different today without dub. Even the late, great Andrew Weatherall was a champion of the musical aesthetic that emanated from 18 Dromilly Avenue, he played the original King Tubby compilations from Blood & Fire (on which these new issues are based) heavily in the '90s, including at a headline Glastonbury performance. Available on colored, double vinyl which includes photography from the acclaimed musical historian Dave Hendley, plus audio restoration by CEDAR/Abbey Road and remastering by Kevin Metcalfe at Sound Masters."

 

PRICE: $47.00

CAT #: VPRL 4251LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

"Volume 2 of Dubbing At King Tubby's. Blue color vinyl. The importance of King Tubby's studio to the history of recorded sound is beyond measure and its all-encompassing influence is a lasting monument to the resolute resourcefulness of Jamaica's musical pioneers. Dubbing At King Tubby's (Volumes 1 & 2) chronicles the late Dubmaster Osbourne 'King Tubby' Ruddock's '70s output from his home studio at 18 Dromilly Avenue in Kingston. With riddims created by the most respected band of the era The Aggrovators (with famed producer Bunny 'Striker' Lee at the helm), Tubby was able to deconstruct songs to their raw essence and highlight particular elements and frequencies, giving the listener some real authentic Jamaican drum and bass.' These dubs have echoed through generations of music makers as have Tubby's innovations, such as the use of echo, reverb and hi-pass filter, which have informed the musical language of creatives the world over opening up a universe of sonic possibilities. Artists from Prince Fatty to Leftfield, Nubya Garcia to Mala have all cited King Tubby as an influence and certainly, the musical landscape would be very different today without dub. Even the late, great Andrew Weatherall was a champion of the musical aesthetic that emanated from 18 Dromilly Avenue, he played the original King Tubby compilations from Blood & Fire (on which these new issues are based) heavily in the '90s, including at a headline Glastonbury performance. Available on colored, double vinyl which includes photography from the acclaimed musical historian Dave Hendley, plus audio restoration by CEDAR/Abbey Road and remastering by Kevin Metcalfe at Sound Masters."

 

PRICE: $13.50

CAT #: WJ 7019EP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

Finnish drummer/producer Teppo "Teddy Rok" M?kynen returns with his alias The Stance Brothers with Sao Paolo/Timmy, a new 7" release on We Jazz Records. Lauded by the likes of DJ Koco aka Shimokita, Kenny Dope, and Gilles Peterson, M?kynen's studio creation released the new album Duktus in November 2023, the project's first full length in more than ten years. He is now back with a new version of album cut "Sao Paolo" plus an unreleased new track, "Timmy," the project a treasure-trove for everyone into crunchy jazz funk ? la Bob James and CTI, but this is no retro exercise. Teddy Rok moves forward in all directions, constantly bringing new elements into his sound, which is more-layered and deep than ever before. At the same time, the crunch and the breaks are there when you need them. The Stance 7" sides are often dominated by crunchy drums and crystal-clear vibraphone melodies, and that's the overall vibe here, too. That being said, M?kynen keeps things moving forward at all times, achieving moments of pure bliss with tracks that sound compact but expand far and wide both emotionally and musically. The Stance Brothers are active live as a four-piece band, appearing live over the summer in Finland at Odysseus Festival and Flow Festival in Helsinki, plus G Livelab Tampere. RIYL: Roy Ayers, Mizell Brothers, Bobby Hutcherson, Cesar Mariano, Patrice Rushen, George Duke, Madlib's Mind Fusion Mixtapes.

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: WWSCD 061CD

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

2024 restock. Wewantsounds announce the first-ever release of the mesmerizing live performance by Freddie Hubbard and his quintet recorded in Paris at Maison de la Radio (ORTF) on March 25, 1973. Featuring Hubbard with George Cables on Fender Rhodes, Junior Cook on sax/flute, Kent Brinkley on bass, and Michael Carvin on drums, the group interprets four Hubbard classics in deep, spiritual mode. The tapes of the concert were transferred at INA's studios and remastered by Colorsound Studio 1973 was a special year for Freddie Hubbard. He had been one of jazz's brightest young stars for more than a decade and had also recorded as a sideman for such luminaries as John Coltrane, Art Blakey, and Ornette Coleman. After a spell at Blue Note and Atlantic Records, Hubbard signed to CTI records in 1970. Launched by Creed Taylor, CTI was the up-and-coming jazz label at the time, aiming at the pop market with their trademark blend of fusion jazz and highly stylized album covers. There, Hubbard recorded five highly successful studio albums further cementing is reputation as a jazz superstar. In early 1973, after years of working with the cream of the CTI stable of musicians for his albums and concerts, Hubbard decided to put together a new quintet consisting of Junior Cook on sax, Kent Brinkley on bass, plus two young Turks from the thriving post-bop jazz scene: pianist George Cables and drummer Michael Carvin. The quintet, save Carvin, would record Hubbard's Keep Your Soul Together for CTI later that year (his last album for the label) but for the time being, the quintet was busy touring and they all left for Europe to hone their skills as a tight unit. The music they created during that tour, as showcased on this live performance recorded in Paris, is nothing but extraordinary and unlike anything Hubbard had recorded for CTI. The musicians are heard here playing four recent Hubbard classics: "Sky Dive", "The Intrepid Fox", "Povo" and "First Light" in a very different style: the music here is deep and organic, retaining the quintessence of the four beautiful melodies and stretching them in long, spiritual work outs. The concert which was filmed by French TV in beautiful black-and-white by Marc Pavaux and legendary DoP Willy Kurant is a vivid testimony of the musicians' togetherness, caught in full flight on this performance and taking the music to higher grounds. Artwork designed by Raimund Wong. Liner notes by Kevin Le Gendre in conversation with drummer Michael Carvin.

 

PRICE: $31.00

CAT #: WWSLP 024LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

2024 repress; LP version. Wewantsounds present a reissue of Ryuichi Sakamoto's first solo album Thousand Knives Of, originally released in 1978 on the sought-after Better Days label. Save for a small-scale release in 1982, this is the first time the album is being released on vinyl outside of Japan. 1978 was a key year for Japanese music. Haruomi Hosono, one of the country's most innovative musicians had just formed Yellow Magic Orchestra pursuing the sonic experimentation he had started with his solo album Paraiso. The album, recorded between December '77 and January '78, featured both Ryuichi Sakamoto and Yukihiro Takahashi. Hosono quickly invited both musicians to form YMO but before the group could release their first album, Sakamoto entered the Nippon Columbia studios in April 1978 with a plan. Sakamoto had become an in-demand session musician after studying composition at the Tokyo University of Art and had played on many key albums of the time, such as Taeko Ohnuki's Sunshower (1977) and Tatsuro Yamashita Spacy (1977). This led to an invitation by Hosono to feature on Paraiso. A penchant for avant-garde and improvisation had gotten Sakamoto interested in electronic music early on, and with Thousand Knives he decided to get Hideki Matsutake on board as he had mastered the art of synth programming following a stint with Electronic Music pioneer Isao Tomita. Thousand Knives took several months to record as Sakamoto would be busy during the day with his session work and would only record at night. Named after Belgian-born poet Henri Michaux's description of a mescaline experience, the album is a reflection on how synthesizer technology might come to change the face of music. The first side conceived as a long suite opens with the title track and a recitation of the Mao Zedong poem "Jinggang Mountain" filtered through a vocoder, before morphing into a mid-tempo synthpop instrumental. It is followed by "Island Of Woods", a ten-minute track buzzing with insect-like synth sounds. Side one ends with "Grasshoppers", a beautiful acoustic piano melody underlined by a subtle synthesizer soundscape. Side two opens with "Das Neue Japanische Elektronische Volkslied", acknowledging the influence of the German sound spearheaded by Kraftwerk. The track features a mid-tempo metronomic beat skillfully intertwined with a Japanese folk sounding melody. The album ends with two catchy up-tempo synthpop tunes in the form of "Plastic Bamboo" and "The End Of Asia", which both became staples of YMO's and Sakamoto's live shows. YMO's sound included various influences from its three members but there is no denying Thousand Knives paved the way for the group's Computer Music sound. Remastered from the original tapes by renowned producer and engineer Seigen Ono.

 

PRICE: $33.00

CAT #: WWSLP 054LP

FILE UNDER: SOUNDTRACK

2024 restock. Ennio Morricone's superb 1971 soundtrack for French crime thriller Sans Mobile Apparent directed by Philippe Labro, widely available for the first time. Released in collaboration with Philippe Labro himself. Features an exclusive interview of Philippe Labro with Jeremy Allen discussing the making of the film, working with the maestro (at only 34 years old), and his amazing career crossing path with Jean Luc Godard, Serge Gainsbourg, and Jean-Pierre Melville. This superb soundtrack featuring Morricone's classic sound has never been widely available on vinyl save for a small limited edition released under the film's Italian title. Philippe Labro is an icon in France: One of the country's most famous writers and journalists he's been at the forefront of France's cultural life since the '60s: he's rubbed shoulders with Jean Luc Godard, Jean Pierre Melville (his mentor who died of a heart attack in his arms in 1973), and Serge Gainsbourg with whom he wrote a whole album for Jane Birkin in 1975 -- the album Lolita Go Home. In this maelstrom of activity, Labro took to time to direct a few cult movies including his masterpiece L'Heritier from 1973. Starting in 1969 with the new-wave influenced Tout Peut Arriver produced by Mag Bodard, he switched to genre film two years later with producer Jacques-Eric Strauss to direct the crime film Sans Mobile Apparent adapted from an Ed McBain novel, Ten Plus One. Strauss who had hit the jackpot in 1969 producing The Sicilian Clan, was acquainted to Ennio Morricone who had composed the soundtrack for the film. He suggested the idea to Philippe Labro and the young director jumped on the opportunity to work with the maestro. The collaboration was swiftly sealed and Morricone then composed one of his most beautiful scores featuring all of his trademark ingredients: a catchy theme, Alessandro Alessandroni's unmistakable whistle, lush and dissonant orchestral arrangements, plus an enormous groove. The film featuring Jean Louis Trintignant and Dominique Sanda (fresh from Bertolucci's The Conformist) was shot by Labro under the guidance of Jean-Pierre Melville who would give useful pieces of advice to Labro every night over the phone. A slick and cool thriller set in sunny Nice, the film pays homage to American genre films in a similar way Dario Argento's gialli were, around the same time. Although the composer was at his peak at the time (Once Upon A Time In The West had only been composed three years earlier) the soundtrack only came out as a single in France at the time. New artwork by Eric Adrian Lee and remastered audio from the original tapes with lacquer cut by Frederic Alstadt (Mont Analogue). Gatefold sleeve.

 

PRICE: $36.50

CAT #: WWSLP 071LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

2024 restock; LP version, includes 7" with two extra tracks: "Replica" and "Ma M?re l'Oye." The first ever international release of Ryuichi Sakamoto's landmark 1984 album Ongaku Zukan, originally issued in Japan on his own School label in 1984. Remastered by Saidera Mastering in Tokyo. The early '80s were a turning point for Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto. As a solo artist, the smash hit soundtrack he had composed for 1983's Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, had put him on the verge of becoming a global superstar. Meanwhile he had called a halt to his work with Yellow Magic Orchestra; the influential, globally successful pop trio calling it quits after the release of their 1983 album Naughty Boys. Against this backdrop, Sakamoto descended on Tokyo's Onkyo Haus Studio to record his fourth solo album, Ongaku Zukan ("Musical Encyclopedia") accompanied by a handful of musicians including his ex-YMO partners Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, and the prolifically talented Yasuaki Shimizu, Tatsuro Yamashita and Toshinori Kondo. It was on his return to the studio the following year that the album truly began to take shape. Released in August 1984 the album Ongaku Zukan proved a huge success, providing Sakamoto with his first top five hit in Japan. Filled with inspired melodies that showcase his unique gift as a composer, it offers up a fascinating mix of styles. Featuring remastered audio with bonus tracks and new liner notes by Andy Beta. This is the very first time that the two 1984 Japanese editions of Ryuichi Sakamoto's classic album have been released internationally in collaboration with the artist's management and Midi Inc., with remastered audio and the original artwork faithfully reproduced.

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: WWSLP 078LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

2024 restock. Wewantsounds team up with Disco Arabesquo for the reissue of Nagat El Seghira's cult 1980 album Eyoun El Alb. Originally released only on cassette on the Egyptian label Soutelphan, the album has since become a sought-after classic on the Arabic groove scene and this is the first time it is released on vinyl. Consisting of four tracks, the album features two tracks, "Bahlam Meaak" and "Ana Bashaa El Bahr" produced by Hany Shenouda whose group Al Massrieen is a reference to the Arabic funk scene. The long title track "Eyoun el Alb" features a more traditional percussion-heavy orchestra enhancing Nagat's languorous singing and was recorded live while the track "Fakra" brings the best of both world with a syncopated rhythm and arrangements that are slightly more traditional than the Shenouda-produced tracks. When it comes to Arabic Divas, Oum Kalthoum, Fairuz and Warda usually take the lead in the poll list. But in her native Egypt, singer Nagat Al Saghira comes very close to this triumvirate. She rose to fame in the late forties and became an essential part of classic period of Arabic music, interpreting songs by such titans as Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Baligh Hamdy and Kamal Al Taweel. One such song is "Eyoun El Alb" ("Eyes of the Heart") which makes up the whole of Side 1 of the original cassette. Written by Mohamed El Mougy and Abd al-Rahman al-Abdouni, "Eyoun El Alb" is a love song made up of several distinct sections enhancing Nagat's hypnotic singing, accompanied by a percussion-heavy, traditional Egyptian orchestra. Side 2 is the "diggers" groovier side featuring two floaters, "Bahlam Ma'ak" ("I Dream with You") and "Ana Basha El Bahr" ("I Adore the Sea") produced by cult Egyptian musician and producer Hany Shenouda. Both tracks feature an infectious slow-burning groove and incorporate funk influences with fat bass and lines of synth and clavinet that adds a funky tone to Nagat's soft singing. The third track "Fakra" ("Do You Remember") brings the best of both worlds with a syncopated rhythm and arrangements that are slightly more traditional than the Shenouda-produced tracks. The album is now making its vinyl debut on Wewantsounds annotated by Disco Arabesquo and remastered for vinyl by Colorsound Studio in Paris for the joy of Arabic funk and Global beats worldwide. It includes the original cassette artwork plus a two-page color insert featuring liner notes by Disco Arabesquo.

 

PRICE: $15.50

CAT #: WNCL 048EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

2023 was a busy year at WNCL HQ, featuring a string of high-quality underground bangers culminating in a nomination for Best British Label at the DJ Mag awards. 2024 continues apace with yet another masterclass in bass music courtesy of Mani Festo.

 

PRICE: $18.00

CAT #: YAZ 1001C-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Color vinyl version. "180 gram reissue of this essential Yazoo compilation from 1967. Artists: Henry Sims, William Harris, Skip James, Charley Patton, Geeshie Wiley, Mattie Delaney, John Bird, Bobby Grant, Son House, Harvey Hull, and Robert Johnson."