New Releases & Staff Picks - 3/22/24

STAFF PICKS
Lindsay - Sierra Ferrell, Wye Oak reissue, Elbow, and Adrianne Lenker
Dario - Julia Holter and Adrianne Lenker
Kimber - Adrianne Lenker and Pan American & Kramer
Jake - Sam Evian
Zach - Adrianne Lenker, Rosali, Elbow, and Tycho reissue

Sierra Ferrell – Trail Of Flowers CD/LP (Rounder)
One of the brightest young luminaries in roots music today, Sierra Ferrell brings a dose of beautifully strange magic to everything she touches. On her new album Trail Of Flowers, brought to life with producer Eddie Spear (Zach Bryan, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton) and additional production by Gary Paczosa (Alison Krauss, Dwight Yoakam, Gillian Welch), she expands her sound while deepening the urgency of her songs, often revealing a wealth of wisdom within her wildly imaginative storytelling. [An indie store exclusive blue color vinyl pressing is available.]

André 3000 – New Blue Sun 2xCD/3xLP (Epic)
"New Blue Sun is the continuation of discovery for me. My entire career has been fueled by this and it is the only thing that keeps me honest. This album is the most honest and interesting offering I can give today. I never could have imagined in high school, when I started rapping and doing music that I would be here right now playing wind instruments. Ha. This life ride always surprises me. I’m here for it.” — Andre 3000

Wye Oak – Shriek + Variations 2xLP+MP3 (Merge)
Orange swirl colorway. In 2014, Wye Oak released Shriek. It was a necessary departure for Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack, who found themselves on uncertain ground after two years of constant touring for 2011's Civilian, living on opposite ends of the country and trying to revitalize their creative partnership. Wasner set aside her guitar for a bass. Stack took on the band's upper register, playing syncopated, meditative keyboard parts that interacted with Wasner's voice. During that period, Wasner and Stack were introduced to composer William Brittelle, the Metropolis Ensemble, and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. His orchestral reimaginings of five songs from Shriek (Shriek: Variations, if you will) are the centerpiece of this package, which serves not only to mark the tenth anniversary of a great album, but to demonstrate the richness of Wye Oak's compositions.

Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood CD/LP (ANTI-)
One of the hardest working singer-songwriters in the game is named Katie Crutchfield. She was born in Alabama, grew up near Waxahatchee Creek. Skipped town and struck out on her own as Waxahatchee. That was over a decade ago. Crutchfield says she never knew the road would lead her here, but after six critically acclaimed albums, she's never felt more confident in herself as an artist. While her sound has evolved from lo-fi folk to lush alt-tinged country, her voice has always remained the same. Honest and close, poetic with Southern lilting. Much like Carson McCullers's Mick Kelly, determined in her desires and convictions, ready to tell whoever will listen. And after years of being sober and stable in Kansas City-after years of sacrificing herself to her work and the road-Crutchfield has arrived at her most potent songwriting yet. On her new album, Tigers Blood, Crutchfield emerges as a powerhouse-an ethnologist of the self-forever dedicated to revisiting her wins and losses. But now she's arriving at revelations and she ain't holding them back. [Multiple color vinyl pressings are available, including indie store exclusive translucent red.]

Julia Holter – Something In The Room She Moves CD/2xLP+MP3 (Domino)
After a string of dream pop albums that established her searching voice in independent music—from 2012 breakthrough Ekstasis to Loud City Song and Have You in My Wilderness—Holter released the sprawling and thrillingly experimental Aviary in 2018. Since then, she has scored films like Never Rarely Sometimes Always, performed a commissioned live score for The Passion of Joan of Arc with the Chorus of Opera North, and collaborated with her partner, the musician Tashi Wada, who plays synth and bagpipes on her new album. Something In The Room She Moves is a remarkable progression in Holter’s oeuvre, synthesizing her free, improvisatory energy with her signature eloquence. [An indie store exclusive ‘calder red’ color vinyl pressing is available.]

Alice In Chains – Jar Of Flies [Reissue/1994] 12” (Sony Legacy)
Vinyl reissue of the third studio EP by the American hard alt rock band

Elbow – Audio Vertigo CD/LP (Geffen)
In the wake of 2021's Flying Dream 1, Elbow wanted something different for this new studio album, their tenth. Recorded and mixed in multiple UK studios across 2023, Audio Vertigo was built upon "gnarly, seedy grooves" that the band laid down. As direct as these songs are, the tracks bring a wide range of sonics as you hear the single "Lover's Leap" plus "Things I've Been Telling Myself for Years", "Poker Face", "Knife Fight", "From The River", and more. [An indie store exclusive translucent blue color vinyl pressing is available.]

Rosali – Bite Down CD/LP+MP3 (Merge)
Bite Down finds acclaimed songwriter and guitarist Rosali Middleman amid transition. Written after moving to North Carolina from her longtime home of Philadelphia, Bite Down is a searching, hungry record by an artist who is resolved to bite down on life, in all its horror and joy. She is joined here by Mowed Sound - David Nance (bass, guitar), James Schroeder (guitar, synth), Kevin Donahue (drums, percussion) - and in studio by Destroyer collaborator Ted Bois (keys). Bite Down is Rosali's second album working with Mowed Sound, and there is urgency and ambition in their collaboration - a band pushing each other not just to expand on what they've already done together, but to break through into altogether new territory. [An indie store exclusive pink color vinyl pressing is available.]

Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future CD/LP (4AD)
Bright Future marks Lenker’s first album since 2020’s Songs And Instrumentals, and features co-production from Philip Weinrobe, alongside contributions from Nick Hakim, Mat Davidson, and Josefin Runsteen. On Bright Future, Adrianne Lenker, a songwriter known for turns of phrase and currents of rhyme, says it plainly, “You have my heart // I want it back.” Documented with analogue precision, what began as an experiment in collaboration, became proof Adrianne’s heart did return, full to the brim, daring her into the unknown. Admirers of Adrianne’s solo music and Big Thief will find on Bright Future her reliable talent captured in stunning, magnetic clarity. In the company of parlor instruments, Adrianne’s modern melodic and lyrical inventions create new traditions. Her vocal flights at times outwit gravity, then land, guiding along an earthly path. [An indie store exclusive recycled color vinyl pressing is available.]

Thee Sinseers – Sinseerly Yours CD/LP (Colemine)
To say that Thee Sinseers play oldies would be a misnomer. Fronted by bandleader and son of East Los Angeles Joey Quiniones, the group has quietly chipped away at the sounds of R&B and soul for the last half-decade. Quinones and his crew have continuously created a distinctive vibe that explores all aspects of a timeless genre, bringing together their interpretation of music through an unmistakable modern lens. [A limited-edition color vinyl pressing is available.]

Pan American & Kramer – Reverberations Of Non-Stop Traffic On Redding Road LP (Shimmy Disc)
Reverberations Of Non-Stop Traffic On Redding Road is a duet in ambience by Pan American (Mark K. Nelson) and Kramer. This experimental record is 11 brief sojourns into the dream state, produced by Kramer (of Shimmy-Disc) and co-written with Mark K. Nelson (of Labradford, Anjou). This record is a brotherly and collaborative follow-up to Kramer's 2022 ambient excursions, Music For Films Edited By Moths. Clear vinyl pressing.

The Jesus And Mary Chain – Glasgow Eyes CD/LP/2xLP (Cooking Vinyl)
Marking 40 years of The Jesus And Mary Chain, Glasgow Eyes was recorded at Mogwai's Castle of Doom studio in Glasgow, where Jim and William continued the creative process that resulted in their previous album, 2017's Damage And Joy, becoming their highest charting album in over 20 years. What emerged is a record that finds one of the UK's most influential groups embracing a productive second chapter, their maelstrom of melody, feedback and controlled chaos now informed more audibly by their love for Suicide and Kraftwerk and a fresh appreciation of the less disciplined attitudes found in jazz. [Two color vinyl pressings are available: single-disc translucent red and double-disc clear.]

Charlie Parr – Little Sun CD/LP (Smithsonian Folkways)
Over the last couple of decades, Charlie Parr has crisscrossed the world on tour more times than one can count. He also has released over a dozen albums of his songs, acclaimed for their poetic simplicity. Little Sun, his most ambitious album to date, was recorded with Tucker Martine (The Decemberists, Sufjan Stevens, My Morning Jacket) and features Parr augmenting his raw and affecting songs with stunning full-band arrangements. The remarkable backing band here includes Marisa Anderson, Victor Krummenacher, Andrew Borger, and Asher Fulero. Masterfully channeling the philosophical and transcendental qualities of the blues, Parr takes us on a journey through the winding streets of his imagination.

Cody Jinks – Change The Game CD/2xLP (Late August)
Cody Jinks is a ground-breaking independent artist and one of music's most prolific and beloved musicians. Throughout his trailblazing career, he has sold over 2 million equivalent units, garnered over 3 billion streams across platforms and recently received Pandora Radio's Billions Award, after receiving 1 billion streams on the platform. He was also recently named Music Row's 2023 Independent Artist of the Year after receiving the most radio spins for an independent artist last year-his second time receiving the award and earned new RIAA Certifications for his songs "Loud and Heavy" (2x Platinum), "Hippies & Cowboys" (Platinum), "Must Be The Whiskey" (Platinum), "Mamma Song" (Gold), "I'm Not The Devil" (Gold), and "Cast No Stones" (Gold), as well as for his acclaimed album, Adobe Sessions (Gold). [An Indie store exclusive CD and a mineral color vinyl version are available.]

Various Artists [Jamiroquai] – Late Night Tales: Jamiroquai [Reissue/2003] 2xLP (Late Night Tales)
Late Night Tales reissues the classic and hard-to-find Late Night Tales: Jamiroquai, compiled by none other than Jay Kay himself. The 10th edition of what is now a classic series of compilations was originally released 20 years ago and hasn't been available on vinyl for over 15 years. A blissful collection of soul, disco, jazz, rare groove, and funk, this collection is an electrifying journey through the aural influences of one of the UK's most seminal jazz bands. Jay Kay showcases a wealth and breadth of inspiration that wouldn't be amiss on the late-night dancefloors of the Loft (or Giant Steps, for that matter).

Sparks - Sparks [Reissue/1971] LP (Friday Music)
Limited aqua colored reissue of the self titled record from Sparks. 

H.i.M. – Tears On Tape [Reissue/2013] LP (BMG)
CD and mint green marble color vinyl reissue of the final studio album by the iconic Finnish goth rock band.

Alice Coltrane – The Carnegie Hall Concert 2xCD/2xLP (Impulse!)
Alice Coltrane's The Carnegie Hall Concert is a previously unreleased recording of a historic 1971 concert. The original multi-track recording was commissioned by Impulse but wasn't released at the time. Features an all-star group including Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp, Jimmy Garrison, Cecil McBee, Ed Blackwell, and others. This was a triple bill placing her in the company of Laura Nyro and The Rascals. Concert produced by Sid Bernstein, who promoted the first Beatles concert in the US. 

Gary Clark Jr. – JPEG RAW CD/LP (WB)
Gary Clark Jr.'s new album JPEG RAW, his fourth studio release, marks a grand step in his musical evolution. While retaining the deep and true resonance of his blues foundations and guitar virtuosity with subtlety yet conviction, he reaches well beyond this time. The emphasis here is on song and studio craft without losing the rawness of his young legend. The music is dense and adventurous with a more cohesive synthesis of his eclectic musical palette. Hip samples, Thelonious Monk and Sonny Boy Williamson decorate flourishes of African, world music, even jazz while merging with blues, rock, R&B, and rap; familiar areas he has ventured before, this time with more unity forging a fresh new style. Clark's lyrics are pointed, deeply personal, outspoken, and socially conscious with occasional forays into rap and spoken word from Clark himself. The sonics are immersive verging on modern groove-oriented psychedelia with hip-hop driven beats in verses giving way to anthemic choruses, rich with power-chording and wide fuzz riffage. [Available on regular and deluxe vinyl. An indie store exclusive colorway is also available.]

The Cure – Paris [Reissue/1993] CD/2xLP (Elektra)
The Cure's 30th anniversary re-issue of Paris has now been expanded with the addition of two previously unreleased live tracks "Shake Dog Shake" and "Hot Hot Hot!!!". Paris was recorded at Le Zenith de Paris in October 1992: Released October 1993. Includes the singles "Lovesong", "Catch", "A Letter To Elise", "Charlotte Sometimes", "Close To Me" and fan favorite "Play For Today". Remastered by Robert Smith and Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios, London.

Tycho – Awake [Reissue/2014] LP (Ghostly International)
10th Anniversary Edition blue/beige colorway. For nearly a decade, Tycho has been known as the musical alias of Scott Hansen, but with the release of Awake - his second LP for Ghostly International - the solo project evolved into a three-piece band. Relating closer to post-rock than ambient soundscapes, the record is situated in the present, sounding more like Hansen than drawing from his influences. This is, in many ways, the first true Tycho record. Following 2011's DiveLP, the San Francisco-based designer toured extensively, and with a full band on stage, his sound coalesced into a percussive, organic whole.

Sam Evian – Plunge CD/LP (Flying Cloud Recordings)
Plunge is Sam Evian's fourth studio album and the debut on his new imprint Flying Cloud Recordings. Joined by his closest friends and collaborators (including Liam Kazar, Sean Mullins, El Kempner of Palehound and Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief), the album was tracked live to tape in the early winter months of 2023 over a 10-day period at his quaint Flying Cloud Recording studio tucked away in the Catskills Mountains. With a wide-open recording approach, the result is Evian's best album to date: a cathartic rock record that melds power pop, iridescent guitar, raucous psychedelia, and Sam's now sought-after grooves. The music is both fresh and familiar, sonically inspired by his penchant for early ‘70s production and creatively propelled by the free-spirited process depicted in the Beatles documentary Get Back. [An indie store exclusive translucent marble blue color vinyl pressing is available.]

Jlin – Akoma LP (Planet Mu)
Gold colorway. Jlin’s third album Akoma sets a new benchmark in her personal road map, not only since the album features guest appearances from Björk, Philip Glass and Kronos Quartet but for her continued sonic persistence and resistance. Jlin’s detailed and meticulous exploration of rhythm’s outer reaches has made her one of the most distinctive and recognizable voices within the electronic and classical music worlds. Akoma is her next step - all these paths have led to this. We encourage you to tune in. [CD version due April 5.]

Early Day Miners - Outside Lies Magic LP (Solid Brass)
After 7 studio albums with both Secretly Canadian and Western Vinyl, Early Day Miners have returned with their latest offering, and their first with Solid Brass Records, titled Outside Lies Magic.  Led by Daniel Burton—founding member and engineer of albums by Songs: Ohia, Papa M, Okkervil River, and Windsor For The Derby—the band has enlisted various friends to round out their studio and live performances since their formation in Bloomington, IN over 20 years ago. Outside Lies Magic offers an audible lightness. Most notably Burton’s voice, once hushed and at times hesitant, is now full-bodied and sure; his heart, once tenuously carried on his sleeve, is now firmly in his throat. And though this might be the leanest the lineup has been, they are focused and warm, exuding the maximalism of their new home with nuance and a laissez-faire approach. Early Day Miners sound as unhurried as ever, but never aimless; Early Day Miners have finally arrived.

Aoife O’Donovan – All My Friends CD/LP (Yep Roc)
The follow-up to Aoife O'Donovan's 3x Grammy nominated album, Age Of Apathy, All My Friends is based around a collection of songs Aoife wrote, inspired by women’s suffrage and the passage of the 19th amendment. The music is expansive with orchestral arrangements, choral vocals and a variety of instruments that create a sonic soundscape beyond anything Aoife has done in the past. Special guests include Anaïs Mitchell, Sierra Hull, The Westerlies, The Knights, and the San Francisco Girls Choir. [Two limited-edition color vinyl pressings are available: violet; and an autographed yellow variant featuring alternate cover image.]

Widespread Panic - Dirty Side Down [Reissue/2010] LP (Widespread Records)
Limited color vinyl reissue

Misfits - Collection I [Reissue/1986] LP (Astralwerks)
RSD Essential 055 - First time on colored vinyl! Exclusive Glow-In-The-Dark repressing of this 1986 collection from the Punk legends. The compilation is officially titled Misfits, but is commonly referred to as Collection I and was made up as the first half of a pair with the later release of the compilation album Collection II. It includes several versions of songs that are exclusive to this compilation.

Czarface - Music From Venom: Let There Be Carnage LP (Silver Age)
Let There Be Czarnage!! Czarface Returns With The Good Guys Bad Guys EP, Dropping Selections From The Movie Venom: Let There Be Carnage And More!! Sink Your Teeth Into 8 Brain-Eating Tracks Delivered To You Straight From The Chrome Crusader Czarface.

Puscifer / A Perfect Circle / Failure - Cinquanta LP (Puscifer)
Limited edition blue, Clear Blue w/ Red & Pink Swirl vinyl. Cinquanta was a celebration of singer-songwriter Maynard James Keenan's 50th birthday featuring his music played live at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and recorded on May 10, 2014. The event was billed as a concert with Puscifer as a headliner with A Perfect Circle and Failure (who had reunited in late 2013 and acted as Tool's supporting act for Tool's recent tour) as "support". But each band rotated sets every 15-30 minutes, even collaborating with each other on certain songs, throughout the evening.

Butthole Surfers – Psychic... Powerless... Another Man's Sac[Reissue/1984] LP (Matador)
The first in a series of vinyl reissues of several key catalog titles by legendary Texas band, The Butthole Surfers, including classic albums and EPs recorded during the band’s strange, grotesque, and ultimately unparalleled first decade.

Blink 182 - Buddha [Reissue/1994] LP (Kung Fu)
Limited Coke bottle clear Reissue

COMING NEXT WEEK!
CHICANO BATMAN -  Notebook Fantasy CD/LP
CHURCH - Eros Zeta + Perfumed Guitars CD
ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO - Echo Dancing CD/LP
RIDE - Interplay CD/LP
SECRET SISTERS - Mind Man Medicine CD/LP
SARAH SHOOK + DISARMERS - Revelations CD/LP
BIG BOYS - Lullabies Help The Brain Grow LP
BIG BOYS - No Matter How Long The Line Is LP
BIG BOYS - Where's My Towel LP
CHASTITY BELT - Live Laugh Love CD/LP
CHROME - Scaropy LP
COMEBACK KID - Trouble LP
SERPENTWITHFEET - Grip LP
SHABAZZ PALACES - Exotic Birds of Prey CD/LP
SHABAZZ PALACES - Robed In Rareness CD/LP
COIL - Moon's Milk (in four phases) CD
THEE SACRED SOULS - Instrumentals LP
STEREOLAB - Aluminum Tunes LP
VARIOUS- VIRGIN SUICIDES SOUNDTRACK LP
THIEVERY CORPORATION - Saudade LP reissue