There are cult bands and then there's Souled American. In 1988, the Illinois group arguably invented "alternative country" with the album Fe. While the alt-country sound is widely recognized as Southern roots rock with an indie-punk sensibility largely defined by Uncle Tupelo's No Depression released two years later — Souled American's early music feels as if it was formed in a vacuum, inspired by the timestretching space of reggae. But over the course of the following decade, Souled American's music grew increasingly slow, insular and esoteric. Although Fe, Flubber and Around the Horn are inarguably more accessible, upbeat and even sometimes fun, if you've never heard this music before, it actually makes sense to start at the end.
Their last two albums Frozen and Notes Campfire will now be re-issued in limited, 30th Anniversary Editions with a fresh abundance of stories, technical information, musician credits, and cartoons that detail the unexpected origins surrounding these two early classics of “ambient Americana.” These records sound at once both old and new with brilliant melodies and profound performances stacked in unusual patterns like soft-hued bricks.
There are cult bands and then there's Souled American. In 1988, the Illinois group arguably invented "alternative country" with the album Fe. While the alt-country sound is widely recognized as Southern roots rock with an indie-punk sensibility largely defined by Uncle Tupelo's No Depression released two years later — Souled American's early music feels as if it was formed in a vacuum, inspired by the timestretching space of reggae. But over the course of the following decade, Souled American's music grew increasingly slow, insular and esoteric. Although Fe, Flubber and Around the Horn are inarguably more accessible, upbeat and even sometimes fun, if you've never heard this music before, it actually makes sense to start at the end.
Their last two albums Frozen and Notes Campfire will now be re-issued in limited, 30th Anniversary Editions with a fresh abundance of stories, technical information, musician credits, and cartoons that detail the unexpected origins surrounding these two early classics of “ambient Americana.” These records sound at once both old and new with brilliant melodies and profound performances stacked in unusual patterns like soft-hued bricks.
Wojtek Mazolewski Quintet is returning with a new, refreshed lineup with a new full-length album, Beautiful People. The album was recorded in December "23 at Polish Radio"s S4 studio after a series of a dozen WMQ concerts Beautiful People is a soulful album heading into the realm of contemporary spiritual jazz while maintaining WMQ"s identity and Slavic tradition. The fresh material presents quality new energy, sound and composition of the band.
“Anchored by seamless jam sessions and syncopated grooves, which Neville would call ‘tight, sparse and funky as the fuckin’ devil,’ The Meters evolved from unfussy, mostly instrumental tracks to full-throated, expansive funk that reached an apex on their fifth album, Rejuvenation, in 1974. With deep-fried grooves, astounding musicianship and a reverence for their history both in New Orleans and in Africa, this album has only felt more vital with age. While it didn’t sell as many copies as the record deserved at the time, it’s a product of these band members’ years of hard work gigging in sweaty night clubs, backing up other artists as session players and persevering through a thankless industry. Above all, it’s a testament to New Orleans.”
Das Wort "legendär" wird ja heutzutage inflationär verwendet. Aber im Fall von Antisect past es. Als Band/Kollektiv stehen sie, was die Wirkung angeht, die sie im Laufe der Jahre hatten, ganz oben auf der Liste anderer großer Namen aus der wütenden Ära des echten "Anti-Establishment"-Punkrocks der frühen 80er wie Discharge, Flux Of Pink Indians, Subhumans, Rudimentary Peni und sogar Crass. Ihr Debütalbum wurde vor vierzig Jahren im paranoiden Jahr 1984 veröffentlicht. Es ist ohne Zweifel eine klassische Kombination aus autonomer Philosophie und Hardcore-Thrash mit Einflüssen von Einflüssen von Discharge, Motörhead, Black Sabbath, Venom usw. Zum 40-jährigem Jubiläum dieses Crust Punk-Klassikers erscheint erstmalig eine offizielle und vollständig autorisierte Ausgabe seit der ursprünglichen Veröffentlichung. 100% analoges Vinyl, von Noel Summerville direkt von den Original-Masterbändern abgenommen. Ursprüngliche Artwork-Dateien wurden verwendet, um die Original-LP-Posterhülle zu reproduzieren, die mit einem zusätzlichen 8-seitigen Booklet geliefert wird. Auf schwarzem Vinyl und auf Rise Above!
This vibrant and soulful album is a tribute to the German composer Kurt Weill who was born in 1900. The accomplished and award-winning singer, lyricist, arranger and composer Lina Nyberg has assembled a Scandinavian all-star band that interprets her music and arrangements with grace and commitment. Together they create unique versions of Weill's works as well as the new ones. With inspiration from Lenya and Fitzgerald as well as Toneff and Faithfull, Lina takes these hundred-year-old immortal songs on a new journey.
Pünktlich zu ihrem zehnjährigen Bestehen präsentierten die Femalefronted Hardrock-Durchstarter In This Moment eine handverlesene Greatest-Hits-Kollektion. Endlich ist die Platte wieder als hochwertige, coloured LP erhältlich!
Das Album umfasst Stücke ihrer ersten fünf Alben, die allein in den USA über eine halbe Million Einheiten verkauft haben. Neben absoluten Hits wie "The Gun Show", "Blood" oder "Whore", wählte die Band um Sängerin Maria Brink auch ganz persönliche Favoriten für "Rise of the Blood Legion - Greatest Hits (Chapter 1)" aus.
Das letzte Album Metamorphosis, das 2021 veröffentlicht wurde, war ihr erstes unter dem renommierten Label AOP Records und erreichte Platz #29 der offi ziellen deutschen Albumcharts. Zusätzlich wurde es vom deutschen Metal Hammer zu einem der Top- 5-Black-Metal-Veröffentlichungen des Jahres 2021 gekürt. Diese jüngsten Erfolge, zusammen mit früheren Errungenschaften, unterstreichen die kontinuierliche Entwicklung der Band. Mit neun Veröffentlichungen, darunter sechs Studioalben, hat Agrypnie eine umfangreiche Diskographie geschaffen, die die Vielfalt und Tiefe ihres musikalischen Universums widerspiegelt. Im Laufe der Zeit hat Agrypnie zahlreiche Touren, Festival- und Clubauftritte absolviert und ihr Publikum mit ihrer intensiven Bühnenpräsenz und kraftvollen Performances begeistert.
For Crown of Thorns, the dynamic, ground-breaking follow-up to 2021’s Royal Destroyer, The Crown made distinctly different creative choices to ensure that the LP’s 10 songs would stand as a unique collection. “For me, Cobra Speed Venom and Royal Destroyer are like siblings,” says guitarist Marko Tervonen. And while Royal Destroyer was termed a “a ridiculously catchy album,” The Crown wanted to “make sure that we would take a step forward, get a bit more out of the comfort zone on Crown of Thorns.” It's very few bands who have a revered and established career—The Crown celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2020 their first eight years spent as Crown of Thorns—yet up the ante continually. With 2018’s Cobra Speed Venom the band reached the same lofty heights as their 2002 landmark release, Crowned in Terror. And with the barbaric Royal Destroyer, and now, 2024’s powerful and unique Crown of Thorns, the metal vets rage with a rekindled fire and ferocity while honoring their roots.
It has now been four years since our return to earth in "2020 back to earth". There we had found a cold and inhospitable place, humanity was inexorably channeled on the path to extinction. We therefore decided to flee immediately in search of another planet where we could dwell.
We therefore came to New Babylon, a planet inhabited by humanoids but also by monstrous and ravenous creatures. There are "giants" that march about raising immense clouds of dust, stealing and plundering everything from people. Giants much like our corporations, they know no defeat and have no weaknesses, at least apparent ones.
There are old warriors like jarek who wait for war to feel like heroes, to feel alive. They find their dimension within the battle, where the line between hero and assassin magically blurs.
There are pyramids erected by men who think they are gods and turn the things life gives them into weapons and death, changing their use and meaning. Little men who think themselves omnipotent, burying knowledge of how life works under piles of lies.
We find a myriad of slaves, surrendered to live in huge troughs. They toil at nothing and find meaning in nothing. They prefer a convenient lie to an inconvenient truth.
In short, we realize that we have arrived in a world very much like earth. We are aliens but in a certain way we feel at home. We want to know, to understand, to evolve. We don't recognize ourselves in this deceived humanity, we don't give in, we believe. Nature, life is wonderful but when one thing loses its usefulness life gently explains to it that it is time to make room for something else. This existence has already explained to the dinosaurs.
Kayleth continue their journey, never stopping because who seeks will find itself.
"New Babylon ranks next to Space Muffin as Kayleth’s best album for me and one that contains some of their best grooves of their career to date." - Outlaws Of The Sun
"Sit down and really take in We Are Aliens as it’s a joy to listen to, but are the aliens we think exist, just like us? Let Kayleth take you on their journey of discovery." - The Sleeping Shaman
"On this album the Italian five manage to translate heroism into wild and wonderful sounds, often sounding even more like a grungier, metal version of Monster Magnet, mixed with mix a definitive love for Kyuss, Orange Goblin and a prog rock outfit like Riverside." - Stoner Hive
"It’s a call to arms for the dreamers and the rebels, a reminder that no matter how dark the journey, there is always light to be found. This album is a must-listen for anyone into psych stoner rock!" - Witching Buzz
"New Babylon is a triumph. It’s an album that demands to be listened to in full, each track a journey through heavy riffs and cosmic themes." - Iron Backstage
"Listening to a piece like 'New Babylon's Wall,' you can appreciate the richness and sonic fertility of the group, with beautiful melodies enriched by the right amount of electronics, starting from a psych conception of the stoner sound, and there is no lack of prog elements, all with beautiful melodies. As mentioned earlier, a sci-fi band in both approach and essence." - InYourEyesEzine
"KAYLETH doesn't reinvent anything, but they absolutely crush it by the rules!" - Rock'N Force
"Stoner rock has rarely sounded as original, diverse and intoxicating as it does here!
OH TELEPHONE haben ihren Ursprung in den tiefen Tälern des Glarnerlands, wo sie dank dem Veka Club bestens sozialisiert und resistent gemacht wurden gegen jegliche Mainstreameinflüsse. Bookingagenturen schiessen nur so um sich mit Bands mit Psych in der Bezeichnung welche gerne die nächsten Oh-Sees wären und dabei ihren Sound grausig radiotauglich modellieren. OH TELEPHONE hingegen sind "the real shit", Garage-Psych wie er momentan von keiner Band besser gespielt wird. Ihre Schreie wirken nie berechnet sondern wie ein spontaner Ausbruch der Leidenschaft, ihre Gitarren durchlöchern jedes Trommelfell und wenn am Boden so einige Effektgeräte rumstehen wird nicht Shoegaze sondern Steptanz betrieben. Nun haben die beiden Masterminds hinter ihren früheren Bands SHOUTIN' MOE und THE OUTTA MIND ihren Wohnwagen nach Bern gebracht und dort die perfekte Mischung ihrer beiden früheren Bands gezüchtet, zusammen mit Gael am druckvollen Post-Punk Bass und dem kalifornischen Import Timothy U. am effizienten Schlagzeug. Für diese Aufnahmen auf dem Album sind sie ins Tiefe Süd Frankreich gefahren um mitLo Spider in sein Swamp lands Studio (the Monsters, the Spits, Scanners, the Lullies etc) dieses album einzuspielen den schluss fix hatt dann noch Jim Diamond dazu gegeben (The Dirtbombs, Electric Six, The White Stripes, The Sonics, The Devils) Aufgepasst! Abfeiern! (wicked wiggler)
Zum 20-jährigen Jubiläum erscheint das Debüt-Album einer der erfolgreichsten Indie-Pop- Bands der 00er Jahre erstmals auch auf Vinyl. 2004 waren Schubladen noch wichtig. Popmusik war noch nicht dieses eklektizistische, sich aus universell verfügbaren, entkontextualisierten Quellen speisende Internet-Monster. Wer also beispielsweise deutschsprachigen Gitarrenpop spielte, musste sich positionieren: Bewegte man sich eher in der diskursverliebten, kopflastigen Tradition der Hamburger Schule und hoffte auf "Indie-Credibilität"? Oder wollte man Teil der immer größer werdenden Deutschpop-Industrie werden, vornehmlich repräsentiert von "female fronted" Bands wie Mia, Juli oder Silbermond (nicht zu vergessen die stets gut gelaunten Jungs von von Sportfreunde Stiller), die - mal mit eher studentisch-intellektueller Grundierung, mal mit eindeutig schlagerhafter Geste - das Gefühlige in den Focus rückten. Es gab aber auch Acts, die sich nicht entscheiden wollten. Auf der Insel hatten es die Bands der Britpop-Welle schließlich vorgemacht. Hier ging es mit cooler Haltung, jeder Menge Subversion, aber eben auch goldenen Melodien und echten "Hits" in höchste Popstar-Gefilde. Wieso nicht auch in Deutschland Anspruch, Originalität und Gefälligkeit miteinander in Einklang bringen? Hier kommen nun also Anajo ins Spiel, eine 1999 gegründete Band aus dem provinziellen Augsburg, die 2004 mit ihrem Debüt-Album "Nah bei mir" genau diesen Sprung zwischen die Stühle wagte - und dafür mit sehr viel Liebe bedacht wurde, auch wenn die Indiepolizei nicht immer einverstanden war. "Nah bei mir" ist eine durch und durch leichte Platte, die mit catchy Sounds und Melodien bisweilen gewichtige Themen verhandelt: Überwindung tiefer Trauer ("Der Vorhang geht auf"), Entfremdung ("Einmal noch schlafen"), bittere Enttäuschung ("Die Tränen sind immer noch meine") - immer aber präsentiert mit einem süffisanten Lächeln auf den Lippen. Als wahre Meister beweisen sich Anajo auf dem Album in der schwierigen Disziplin der unblöden Partysongs: Auch nach 20 Jahren überkommt einen beim Hören so skurril-absurder Feger wie "Monika Tanzband", "Honigmelone" oder "Ich hol dich hier raus" noch diese unbändige, mitreißende Freude.
The A side, Can't Call My Baby, showcases Adriana Flores' impressive lead vocals and comes straight off of Thee Sinseers debut LP that has already streamed almost 7 million times on Spotify alone in less than three months. The B side features a brand new, never before heard song from the band. Take A Chance emphasizes Joey Quinones' trademark crooning while the track urges you to take a chance on love before it's too late. The expressive notes of a harmonica shines throughout the song and blends classic Motown harmonics with Latin soul. Also Available From Thee Sinseers: For You / Si Llorarás 7”, Sinseerly Yours
Mal nicht aus Kingston, sondern aus Köln kommen fast 30 Jahre Erfahrung in Sachen Offbeat. Ihr satter Groove aus Two Tone, Ska und Dub braucht sich nicht vor den Größen zu verstecken, mit denen sie schon zusammen aufgetreten sind. Beim Album zum Bandjubiläum gehts Madness-mäßig zur Sache, die Toasters lassen grüßen und die Hotknives schauen auch mal rein. Kein Wunder, dass die Highlights ihrer Karriere so zahlreich sind wie die Stufen im Dom. Der Titelsong lässt keinen Zweifel daran, dass die Silberrücken vom Rhein "leader of the pack" sind. Also gebt dem Affen Zucker und euch den Skank, der die Socken qualmen lässt.
10 brand new songs mixed and mastered by Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, L7, Screaming Trees, Zeke...). Having past 28 years since the last long play (Fuzz Godz, 1996, a Kent Steedman production) and after the rebirthing of the band and come-back from the vaults of oblivion, La Secta take the right decision to record ten brand new songs now with the hand of Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, L7, Screaming Trees, Zeke...) behind the mixes and masterization, from his Seattle studio, not able to come to Spain due personal health issues. This fourth Long Play takes intense power, giving the sound another stratospheric dimension after Mr. Endino treatment. Ten songs surfing from psych rock and dark psychedelia through the Aussie Rock and raw folk to ranking psych jungle and the darker Stooges with some groovy garage, grunge and surround psychedelic elements. For fans of psych rock, dark psychedelia, aussie rock, raw folk, groovy garage, grunge...
Spiral In A Straight Line ist das sechste Studioalbum der beliebten Post-Hardcore-Band Touché Amoré.
Produziert von Ross Robinson (Korn, Glassjaw, Slipknot) und mit Features von Lou Barlow und Julien
Baker.
Leadsänger Jeremy Bolm sagt, dies sei eine „Platte über Vorwärtsbewegung, während alles um einen herum
destabilisiert wird.“
Spiral In A Straight Line ist das sechste Studioalbum der beliebten Post-Hardcore-Band Touché Amoré.
Produziert von Ross Robinson (Korn, Glassjaw, Slipknot) und mit Features von Lou Barlow und Julien
Baker.
Leadsänger Jeremy Bolm sagt, dies sei eine „Platte über Vorwärtsbewegung, während alles um einen herum
destabilisiert wird.“
Vehement reagiert der Trompeter aus Tel Aviv auf den turbulenten Geist einer unruhigen Zeit und führt seine
Band durch eine fünfteilige Suite, die eine ganze Bandbreite an Emotionen durchwandert – abwechselnd
hoffnungsvoll, verzweifelt, erzürnt und zutiefst melancholisch. Die melodische Direktheit des abschließenden
Stücks „The Seventh“, komponiert von Avishai Cohens Teenager-Tochter, bietet einen tröstlichen Kontrast
zur Intensität der Suite. Dazwischen wendet sich Cohen dem eindringlichen Adagio assai aus Ravels GDur-Klavierkonzert zu, das seit langem zu den Höhepunkten des Live-Sets der Gruppe gehört. Ashes to
Gold wurde im November 2023 in den Studios La Buissonne in Südfrankreich aufgenommen.
The Funeral Portrait stands to represent the outcasts from all walks of life. The misunderstood, the weird, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, marginalised or otherwise given an unfair hand in life. To offer a sense of community, a place to belong and a space where they can feel safe and accepted for their differences. The band members all grew up as 'the weird kid' who was saved by music and alternative culture, so they now feel obligated to return this favour to the younger generation. This message is shouted to the masses through their over-the-top theatrics and dramatic, almost blown out presentation. The Funeral Portrait believes in the power of Devotion to their Music and to their unwavering fanbase, The Coffin Crew. The ritual is beginning and they want everyone involved. Join them to share your devoutness; excuses for not attending are forbidden.
Paul Heaton will release a brand new solo album ‘The Mighty Several’ on 11th October featuring new single ‘Fish ‘n’ Chip Supper’ (out now). Produced by legendary producer Ian Broudie of the Lightning Seeds and recorded at Blueprint Studios in Salford, ‘The Mighty Several’ features 12 new original songs, performed by Paul and his band + a number of special guest singers including Heaton’s regular live vocalist Rianne Downey as well as Yvonne Shelton and Danny Muldoon (all of whom are pictured on the album sleeve alongside Paul). Heaton has also announced a huge November/December UK tour including shows at Leeds First Direct Arena, Glasgow OVO Hydro, Liverpool M&S Bank Arena & Nottingham Motorpoint Arena ending in London with a show at the famous Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith. Special guests on all dates will be The Zutons
Born from of a relentless global tour schedule, Samara Joy took her touring band, made up of other rising young jazz musicians, into the legendary Van Gelder Studios (the venerable studio from which A Love Supreme and so many of the great catalog records from Impulse and Blue Note were recorded) in February of 2024. Recorded across three days, Samara and her musicians were able to capture an incredible snapshot of who she is today and the promise of tomorrow. It’s a collection of standards, as well as one original and some of her first forays into lyric writing and features her singular voice, alongside arrangements and playing from this tight knit young group. The recording is this story of the community she’s created with a new generation of young players and serves as a studio rendering that delivers on the promise of the live show so many fans have seen them perform over the last year.
All female Punk/Grunge Band 24/7 DIVA HEAVEN. Played many tours, festivals,and have been invited to support Beatsteaks, Dream Wife and others. The Singer of BEATSTEAKS is also as a guest on the new
album. Gatefold cover, colored vinyl, printed inlay
ANTON NEWCOMBE and DOT ALLISON just announcedthat they will be releasing an album together under the moniker All Seeing Dolls. ''Parallel' will be out in February 2025. Upfront they share the single 'That's Amazing Grace' (backed with "Siren's Echo iron Lung") and make available this 2-track 10" as a limited teaser. Anton Newcombe is the founder, the sole constant and the creative mastermind at the centre of one of music's most fascinating bands; Brian Jonestown Massacre. He's a frontman, songwriter, composer, studio owner, multi-instrumentalist, producer, engineer, father and force of nature. There have been 21 BJM albums over the last 30 years, each embarking on their own mind-expanding adventure and exploring the outer realms of rock'n'roll; psychedelic rock, country-blues, snarling rock'n'roll, blissed-out noise-pop and more. Newcombe has established himself as a once-in-a-lifetime talent, a revolutionary force in modern music and an underground hero. Dot Allison released her debut solo album Afterglow in 1999. Over the years she has strived to keep the listener on a journey - and herself too. She revolts against what she has done before, to evolve and not just occupy the same space. That journey has taken her from Afterglow's broad church (trip-hop, Tim Buckley-esque ballads, dance tracks, chilled psychedelia) to the sultry synth-pop of We Are Science (2002), the lush, baroque Exaltation Of Larks (2007) and the eclectic, rootsy drama of Room 7½ (2009). After a hiatus to raise her family she returned with the graceful acoustic folk record Heart-Shaped Scars (2021) and the haunting, barely there beauty of Consciousology (2023). The range of guest stars on Allison's records is equally broad: where else would you find a cast list that includes Kevin Shields, Hal David, Paul Weller, Pete Doherty and Darren Emerson. Likewise, Allison's own guest roles with the likes of Massive Attack, Scott Walker, Slam, Philip Shepard, The Babyshambles & Pete Doherty, underlining the huge respect her peers hold her in.
DE MANNEN BROEDERS ist die erste Zusammenarbeit feat. Colin van Eeckhout und der flämischen Folk-Ikone Tonnie 'Broeder' Dieleman aus Zeeuws.
Ersterer ist der Frontmann der belgischen Post-Metaller AMENRA, einer Band, die für ihre überwältigende Härte in Sound und Gefühl bekannt ist.
Letzterer ist ein holländischer Folksänger, dessen Musik von der Kultur seiner seeländischen Heimat inspiriert ist und der bereits mit Baby Dee und
Bonnie Prince Billy zusammengearbeitet hat. Als die beiden sich trafen, spürten sie sofort eine Verbindung.
Das Ergebnis ist das 9-Track-Album Sober Maal (was übersetzt 'nüchternes Mahl' heißt und sich auf die Praxis bezieht, eine einfache Mahlzeit zu
essen, um Dankbarkeit zu üben), das unter dem Namen DE MANNEN BROEDERS veröffentlicht wird. Es wurde in weniger als fünf Tagen in der
Doopsgezinde Kerk aus dem 18. Jahrhundert in Middelburg in den Niederlanden geschrieben und aufgenommen.
Klanglich ist Sober Maal eine eindringliche, emotionsgeladene Reise, die sich in einer vergangenen Welt verwurzelt fühlt, aber dennoch völlig
eigenständig klingt und eine melancholische, aber dennoch hoffnungsvolle Note hat. Der Gesang von Colin und Tonnie verschmilzt mit dem Chor und
einer sparsamen Auswahl an Instrumenten, darunter ein Banjo, ein Klavier, eine Drehleier und die mächtige Zentralorgel - alles vermischt mit den
Klängen und dem Echo der Kirche.
Big Crown Records is proud to present the reissue of one of Brooklyn’s most sought after “holy grail” soul records, YIA Talent Hunt Winners. Youth in Action, Inc. (YIA) was formed in 1963 when the Central Brooklyn Coordinating Council received a grant to develop a youth services program in the Bedford-Stuyvesant community. It was originally organized to identify and address the social problems that were leading to the high crime rate in Bed-Stuy. Recently the Smithsonian Museum of African American History released an archive of footage filmed by a community activist, which shows the real-world effects of the group’s efforts: young people engaged in sports, the arts, and other activities to better themselves and their world. The appearances by Jackie and Bobby Kennedy point to the group's relationship to the Great Society programs of President Lyndon B. Johnson. What there is no mention of in either the NMAAHC’s collection of YIA materials nor in the Brooklyn Public Library’s also extensive collection is this talent show and the record that came to be because of it.
Local vocal groups chose tunes to cover from the era (1964 - 1968) ranging from The Rascals to The Intruders, from The O’Jays to Billy Stewart. All of these groups were backed by a local act called The Thrillers Band. The winners of the talent contest were then invited into the studio to record their versions which would be pressed up on this record and given away to local radio and TV stations. The hope of the whole thing was that this would help the young groups get discovered by producers and record labels and start their professional music careers. The intro to the album is Reverend Horace Tyler congratulating the winners and asking them “to just remember, when you reach the top and become our big stars of tomorrow, don’t forget YIA”.
What this album may lack in fidelity and production it more than makes up for in charm. The engineers at the recording sessions pump in pre recorded applause and screaming to give the it the feel of the day of the contest while the young groups sing their hearts out, clearly giving their all. From today’s perspective, soul music fans will lose it over the choices of covers on this record and the killer, raw, innocent performances of them by these local Brooklyn groups. The Channels 4, Carla & The Carlettes, The United Souls, Sharon Seabrook & The Starlettes, and The Destinations all won that day and got to take place in this record. It makes you wonder, and even pine for the performances of the groups who didn’t make the cut, even if just to find out what tunes they covered, or better yet, were their original songs written by some of them for this contest?
It is with great pleasure that we make this available to the public again. This is a truly rare record, and an awesome piece of New York History.
Rooted in the New Orleans tradition and the essence of hip hop, Hip Horns Brass Collective unleashes its powerful sound in KREWE, their debut album. KREWE takes the brass band genre beyond its boundaries, diving into the underground with danceable rhythms like boombap and bounce, full of influences such as afrobeat, gospel and funk. The lyrics, filled with references to hip hop culture, flow in an explosive mix of English, Spanish, and Catalan, sharing their love for the tradition of rap and African American music. KREWE is a manifesto of the positive side of hip hop, a tribute to the unstoppable strength of the collective that a brass band represents in contrast to the solitude of the individual, and a homage to the legacy of hip hop and the vibrant tradition of New Orleans
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Y’KNOW returns to Spiritual World on October 4th with Why Now, an 8 track 12” that is so stacked with groove that you can physically feel the claps when you run your hand over the record.
Why Now lifts the fog established on the duo’s digital 2023 two-song debut, pushing their signature beat forward minimalism into digital dancefloor soundscapes. Following in the tradition of dub records, Why Now features four vocal cuts on the a-side backed with four reimagined and stripped back dub versions on the b side.
Lyrically, Bally takes on the narrative of a detective in search of the perfect groove, even if it ultimately leads to their own fictional demise. Y’KNOW is clearly in pursuit of the perfect vibe, and while doing so exceeds the imagination of most traditional guitar-based bands with a mesmerizing mix of dub, post-punk and synth pop.
Limited to 200 12” copies.
RIYL: Colour Box, Maximum Joy, Tom Tom Club, George Clinton & Brenda Ray
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Mit The Hard Quartet hat sich eine Band zusammengetan, der man mit Blick auf ihre Mitglieder wohl den ein oder anderen Superlativ zuschreiben kann. Immerhin tummeln sich hier mit Stephen Malkmus, Matt Sweeney, Emmett Kelly und Jim White vier Musiker und Songwriter, die mit prägenden Größen des Indierocks assoziiert werden: Pavement, Chavez, Ty Segall, The Cairo Gang, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Guided By Voices, Cat Power, Dirty Three und Bill Callahan sind nur ein Bruchteil der musikalischen Institutionen, bei denen die vier ihre Finger (und Stimmen) im Spiel haben. Über das selbstbetitelte Debüt von The Hard Quartet wird m Netz schon seit Bekanntwerden der Gründung der Band angeregt spekuliert: "Es ist einfach ein vertrauensvolles Umfeld, in dem alle bereit sind zu sagen: Komm wir werfen unseren ganzen Kram in einen Topf und machen daraus etwas Größeres", so die Band dazu. Dass es trotz der getrennten musikalischen Biographien so gut läuft, ist aber sicher auch der Tatsache zu verdanken, dass sich die Wege der Vier schon zuvor immer wieder gekreuzt hatten. "Ich habe eine geradezu vorzeitliche Geschichte mit Stephen und Jim", so Matt Sweeney. "Nun, zumindest reicht sie bis in die Neunziger. In jüngerer Vergangenheit war es dann Emmett, der einen wirklich tiefen Eindruck bei mir hinterlassen hat. So sehr, dass es die Art verändert hat, wie ich übers Spielen denke." Das Album vereint die Stärken von Malkmus, Sweeney, Kelly und White, oszilliert zwischen sonnigem Slacker-Rock und Noise-Experimenten und dürfte alle mit einem Faible für die goldene Ära des US-Indierock begeistern.
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Hailing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afropop, funk, rock and jazz outfit Jupiter & Okwess returns with the explosive ' Na Kozonga' album, a blast of energy that bewitches the body and feeds the spirit . Their latest invites guests from around the world
From the samba of carioca Rogê to the rap of Brasilian pioneer Marcelo D2 , via the horns of New Orleans' Preservation Hall Jazz Band or the voice of the militant Chilean singer Ana Tijoux , the guitar riffs of French guitarist Yarol Poupaud or soulful voice of American vocalist Maiya Sykes , Jupiter & Okwess have no fear of strange encounters, nor the craziest journeys.
Produced in Los Angeles at the studios of Mario Caldato Jr (Beastie Boys, Seu Jorge, Beck, Bjork, Blur, John Lee Hooker, Manu Chao).
They have toured the US including Central Park Stage, NewOrleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Outside Lands. They performed on NPR's Tiny Desk and they were booked on Bonarroo 2020 before its cancellation.
Jupiter & Okwess previous album is also available on CD/LP. 'Kin Sonic" was voted Best Album by the NY Times in 2018 and a pick on Obama's playlist that year.
l 12: Bolingo (Ça Va Saravá) feat. Rogê
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Longtime enthusiasts of ambient music have much to celebrate as Rafael Anton Irisarri's cherished out-of-print cassette, "Midnight Colours," returns in a meticulously remastered edition and makes its inaugural debut on vinyl. The significance of this album's announcement is accentuated by its historical resonance, coinciding with the same day in 1952 when the world bore witness to the first-ever test of the hydrogen bomb.
"Midnight Colours" is far more than a mere album; it's an exploration of the enigmatic relationship between humanity and time. Conceived as a sonic interpretation of the Doomsday Clock, which symbolizes the world's existential vulnerabilities, Irisarri's work beckons listeners to contemplate the gravity of our existence and the delicate balance that envelops it.
"I wanted to capture the essence of humanity's relationship with time, both the anxiety and the serene beauty that coexists within the shadows of the night," explains Irisarri. "The vinyl format adds a tactile dimension to the experience, inviting listeners to physically engage with the music."
Known for his contributions to the ambient and electronic music genres, Irisarri often explores themes of introspection, nostalgia, and the interplay between sound and emotion.
Recorded in 2017, when the Clock was at 2½ minutes-to-midnight (and at the time, the second-closest to midnight since the Clock's inception in 1947), "Midnight Colours" permeates with the melancholy of memories resurfacing as one approaches the end of life: the regrets, the closure, the uncertainties, the anxieties.
Originally released as a limited tape on the beloved Atlanta-based label Geographic North, "Midnight Colours" swiftly garnered praise and acclaim within the ambient music sphere. Now, with this newly remastered edition on his own Black Knoll imprint, fans, both longstanding and newfound, can rediscover the album's captivating beauty in unprecedented clarity and depth.
"I've wanted to release 'Midnight Colours' on vinyl since it first came out, and I'm thrilled to finally be able to. The remastering process, brilliantly done by Stephan Mathieu, has breathed new life into the work, and I'm eager for listeners to experience it in this format."
The reissue of "Midnight Colours" features band-new artwork and design by the renowned Mexican visual artist Daniel Castrejón. A frequent collaborator and friend of Irisarri, Castrejón's imagery impeccably complements the album's mood and themes, extending a compelling invitation for listeners to explore its aural world visually.
This landmark release serves as a testament not only to Irisarri's enduring impact on the ambient music genre but also as a long-awaited gift to those who have patiently anticipated the album's vinyl debut.
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Die niederländische Gospel-Soul-Sensation Michelle David & The True-tones feiert eine triumphale Rückkehr nach ihrem 2022er Werk "Truth & Soul", das von BBC Radio 6 zu einem der Alben des Jahres gekürt wurde. Mittelpunkt der Combo ist die ehemalige New Yorker Kirchenchorsängerin Michelle David, bekannt durch erfolgreiche Musicals/Shows (Mama, The Sound Of Motown, Glory Of Gospel, Mahalia) und als Backgroundsängerin (Diana Ross, Michael Bolton). Auf dem live im Studio aufgenommenen Album "Brothers & Sisters" gelingt es der Band wieder meisterhaft, die rohe, dynamische Energie und die gefühlvolle Atmosphäre ihrer Live-Auftritte im Studio einzufangen, wo sie mit peppigen Grooves, kraftvollen Vocals und starken Melodien, inspiriert von altem Gospel über Curtis Mayfield und Bobby Womack bis zu Klassikern des renommierten Stax-Labels, das Publikum in den Bann ziehen.
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Readers of encyclopedic tomes are obviously familiar with exploding animals – there are numerous reports of torn-apart toads (even in Hamburg, Germany!), actual ants exploding altruistically – but humans that decide to jointly detonate, and with no harm done, that’s rare: Kobe’s own o'summer vacation are unique (and volatile) like that, and they’re back to light the fuse for the second time, presenting 13 more musical quarter sticks that have already blown up venues in Europe and Japan.
“Keep it lean, keep it mean,” they say, and that’s what this band loves to take to the extreme: breakneck concision and collective combustion meet freeform noise punk hazards on o'summer vacation's second (not quite) full-length – as the Kobe-based three-piece’s “Electronic Eye” is set to arrive on October 11, 2024. Following a bunch of trips to Berlin, Munich etc., the Japanese fire starters have found a new home with Alien Transistor, and it’s the perfect launch pad for their latest set of guitarless pyrotechnics. Going right for max q (maximum dynamic pressure), “Electronic Eye” is (unlike those Starships) actually supposed to explode right after lift-off ;)
Even though there have been some line-up changes since the group recorded its sophomore album, the energy caught by producer Shinji Masuko (DMBQ, Boredoms) is still unmatched: a very physical and hard-knocking barrage of mosh-inducing madness that leaves you speechless + inevitably twitching towards the pit. Mastering was done by Masaki Oshima aka Watchman (Melt-Banana).
Opening with sizzling hi-hats and heavy ripples of breathless bass, singer Ami presents a non-sequitur kind of lullaby over the math rock-style interlocutions of “宿痾 (Shuku - A)” – which at 6+ minutes makes up more than a quarter of the album. A shapeshifting frenzy of voice (Ami), unbridled, pedal-powered bassline insanity (Mikkki, formerly Mikiiiii), and hot-blooded drums (Manu, meanwhile replaced by Karry), the album features mosh-inducing blows (previously released “Luna,” “Anti Christ 大体 Super Star”), 30-sec mini noise punk anthems (“竦(shou)”, “Days Go By Fast”), and continues to surf at breakneck pace up and down scales (“@ The”), which often feels like catharsis served with a hammer (“Ultra”). Whereas some tracks are bigger more song-y than others (“Song#2,” that full-throttle “Poodle”), “Vs I” is on time like Tierra Whack (exactly 60 seconds of pick-grinding action), and “Rage” indeed feels like Zack is about to join the party – only to see Ami wipe the floor with pure onomatopoetic fire. Finally, “Aloooooone” and “Humming” (that opening lilt!) are sure going to be live favorites, shifting up and down via hardcore speeds and various break-downs.
Quite hotheaded and terminating things on a high note, o'summer vacation point out that the quick-fire lyrics of their “songs have no meaning. It’s called onomatopoeia in English. Ami, our vocalist, does not like to communicate her thoughts through her music.” Although she considers her contribution “a part of the instrumentation,” they still have strong messages and concerns (unrest, discontent, willingness to shake, wake up, enliven anyone near the audible bomb crater): “That doesn’t mean we don’t have a point of view, but we choose to express ourselves through sound rather than words. Generally, but not exclusively, we are anti-racism, anti-war, gender-free, angry at the companies we work for and their bosses, etc., which are very common sentiments held by so-called rock bands.”
It’s only three ingredients, just like sonic gunpowder: bass, drums, voice – but they tend to explode a few bars into each new track. In a perfect world, there’d be giant colorful clouds of dust gracing the sky over each venue they descend upon.
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Timeless soul, 'Cool Cool' is the standout title track from James Alexander Bright's recent album. It's an immediately enchanting gem, with tendermusicianship and a stripped back production highlighting James' voice, pitchedsomewhere between Eddie Chacon, Beck and Michael McDonald. Athens of theNorth's in-house band East Coast Love Affair add a delightfully psychedelic Balearicpiquancy with an beautiful dub version on the flip.
'Cool Cool' has been enjoying a plethora of worldwide support; seeing James insession for Gilles Peterson, suppling a Block Party mix for Huey Morgan, interviewedby Bandcamp Weekly, and played across tastemaker shows on stations includingBBC 6 Music, FIP, Jazz FM, KCRW, KEXP, Les Inrocks, NTS, Soho Radio, Triple R,WDET, WNXP.
The past six years has seen James release a veritable treasure trove of music:'Mallorca' and 'Strange Folk' EPs, debut album 'Headroom', joyous second 'Float', analbum of collaborations and reworks with cosmic Americana-disco DJ/producer duoFlying Mojito Bros, and a new project with Groove Armada's Tom Findlay as Bright &Findlay. 'Cool Cool', his third solo album since 2020, was released on 26th July 2024.
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The latest 45 from Durand Jones & The Indications out on Colemine Records features two tracks from their previous LP, Private Space. The A Side features the album's title track and is a laid-back, string-enhanced, smooth progression where guitarist Blake Rhein plays minimal but on-the-money strokes. The flip is an uptempo, drum heavy beat with lyrics depicting heartbreak and longing. "Sea of Love" delivers on that smell good, look good, feel good '70s synth sheen arrangements, lavish string charts, and double-down confidence from a band who gets to move their core expertly into a different decade.
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"A Seamless Symphony of Harmonious Electronica" - Jazziz
Emerging from over a year of creative hibernation following their debut album, Stavroz's upcoming EP "Kick Up the Dust" jolts them back into action. The EP flows gently, yet the overall mood of the journey isn’t always easy to pinpoint. There’s a certain vagueness to Stavroz’ sound which allows for bizarre experiments to seep through without interrupting the course. “We like to keep it lightly twisted, like a wink with a frown,” says the band.
In the title track however, Stavroz boldly steers towards the heart of the dance floor: efficient, remorseless, powerful, intense and most of all... elegant. Guiding you harmoniously through the club is a delightful duet of trumpet and saxophone, timed perfectly to heal you where it hurts most.
"Her Eyes Were Red" does what it says on the cover. There's melancholy - without sadness. Power - without force. Love - without lust. Stavroz's music possesses a distinct power that feels both natural and organic, never resorting to brute force or aggression. In their own way, the Belgian quartet offers an astonishing journey of saxophone & duduk, supported by broken beats and chopped vocals.
In Dae-El, a track featuring the Brussels-based producer and sound designer Poltrock, ethereal-sounding synths and duduk are combined with ghostly high-pitch distortions. Despite a backbone of muffled beats, the tune has vaporous qualities, reverberations that wobble and tinkle into space – it’s an easy listening experience but in a trippy, spaced-out way. “We’re trying to go for the sweet spot between the couch and the club”.
Adding further depth to their EP, Stavroz collaborates with Brazilian singer and composer Castello Branco in "Valente." Here, intimate Sade-like vocals harmonize with rubbery scratches, acoustic guitar, and horn segments, crafting a lush lounge piece that seamlessly balances both relaxation and empowerment, transparency and provocation. It's a testament to Stavroz's versatility and their knack for creating music that defies easy definition, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next twist and turn in their captivating musical journey.
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The deluxe edition of Ministry's "Twitch" highlights their early industrial sound with tracks like "Just Like You" and "Over The Shoulder." It includes remixes and extended versions such as "All Day Remix" and "Over The Shoulder (12” Version)." This edition offers a deeper dive into the band's innovative and brooding style.
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"Pages' self-titled debut album, released in 1978, marked the beginning of a notable journey for the American rock band featuring Richard Page and Steve George, who later gained fame as members of the successful 1980s band Mr. Mister (with hits “Broken Wings” and “Kyrie”). This album introduced listeners to the smooth and sophisticated sounds that was dubbed as AOR back in the day, but nowadays is making a comeback called yacht rock or yacht soul.
The album Pages is a blend of pop, rock, and jazz influences, showcasing the duo's knack for crafting catchy melodies and intricate harmonies. Richard Page's distinct vocal style, combined with Steve George's keyboard wizardry, set a foundation for the lush and polished sound that would define their future work. Next to the further band members Peter Leinheiser, Jerry Manfredi and Russ Battelene, session musicians included Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind & Fire), Dave Grusin and Michael Brecker. Notable tracks include ""If I Saw You Again"" and ""Let It Go"".
The self-titled debut album by Pages is available as a limited edition of 1000 individually numbered copies on blue marbled vinyl and includes an insert with lyrics. The album is housed in a deluxe sleeve with linen laminate finish.
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(Physical release only, Limited edition of 300 hand numbered copies + insert) Psyched Out Grooves from Hungary compiles ten of the most outstanding singles recorded by the underdogs of this period.
The psychedelic scene that never was – the perfect subtitle to this compilation. There were barely any drugs in Hungary to begin with. In this era, alcohol, music, and imagination have served as the primary means of mind alteration among the youth. The Communist party had a firm grip on culture through monopole control over venues, the media, and the recording industry, western records were not available, clubs enforced a strict dress code of suits, shirts, and longer skirts, and the police harassed young men for not more than having long hair or wearing blue jeans.
There was, however, an undercurrent of smaller semi-professional bands striving to succeed in the shadow of the very few stars privileged by the sole state owned record company. Given their chances to release music were at best limited to a few 7“ singles at the mercy of said record company powers. Psyched Out Grooves from Hungary compiles ten of the most outstanding singles recorded by the underdogs of this period. Some of the bands featured on here have eventually reached wider success by switching to more commercial styles, like Bergendy, Neoton, and Apostol. Most, like Echo, Meteor, Kék Csillag, Non-Stop, were temporal formations that dissolved after a few years due to personal conflicts, lack of success, or both. Others, like Scampolo or Juventus, lasted a longer time without an actual break through. Most of these bands never had a consistent, lasting ’psychedelic’ repertoire or identity at any point. These tracks were the exception, not the norm. That coherence - the illusion of a scene - comes from the curation and sequencing of Budabeats head honchos Von Yodi and Gandharva. It is the arrangement of these puzzle pieces that makes them fit together.
Limited edition of 300 hand numbered copies. Edited excerpt from the liner notes written by Gábor Vályi (Dj Shuriken)
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An excellent album by one of the greatest Brazilian funk bands ever – a wonderful blend of funk, jazz, and soul – and a set that rivals any of the best work coming from the US at the time! These guys are right on the money right from the start – moving through sharp changes with effortless ease, yet never in a way that's too slick or commercial – kind of like that perfect balance that Kool & The Gang hit for just a few records in the mid 70s – but with more of a Brazilian feel overall. Jazzy licks abound – and the keyboards, guitar, and horns are just great – but the set's also got some more regional percussion, too – which really rounds out the record wonderfully. The grooves all have a really universal appeal – essential for any fan of funky sounds – and titles include "Mr Funky Samba", "Junia", "Casa Forte", "Na Baixa Do Sapateiro", "Lelbon Via Vaz Lobo", "Baia", "Maria Fumaca", and "Metalurgia".
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