REVIEW: The Lumineers – Live From Wrigley Field

 

For their first official live release, The Lumineers captured the spirited last date of their BRIGHTSIDE world tour on September 3, 2022 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.  The career-spanning, 25-track live album, Live From Wrigley Field is out now on Dualtone Records as a 3-LP set. 

The folk-rock band led by the duo of Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites, released their stellar fourth album, BRIGHTSIDE in early 2022 then set out on their largest world tour of their career in support of the new album which featured the hit singles, “A.M. Radio”, “Where We Are”, “Big Shot” and the title track.  Live From Wrigley Field is highlighted by those hits as well as their other well-known and well-loved folk-pop anthems such as, “Ho Hey”, “Ophelia”, “Gloria”, “Angela”, “Stubborn Love”, and “Cleopatra”.  The live album is filled with fun between-song banter and likeminded singer-songwriter James Bay joins the band for a lovely rendition of “Gale Song” for a standout moment.    

Live From Wrigley Field really captures The Lumineers at their anthemic best and totally in their element with over 40,000 fans singing along to every word!

Additionally, the live concert film of the same name is available to stream now on the music and concert film streaming platform, The Coda Collection.

To order of for more info, please visit: https://thelumineers.komi.io/

Listen to “Where We Are” taken from Live From Wrigley Field here: 

REISSUE: G. Love & Special Sauce - G. Love & Special Sauce (30th Anniversary)

 In case you missed it, Epic Records/Legacy Recordings reissued G. Love & Special Sauce’s self-titled debut album earlier this year with a remastered and expanded edition to celebrate the album’s 30^th anniversary.

Originally released in 1994, the debut album from the Philly based trio led by vocalist/guitarist Garrett “G. Love” Dutton introduced a new flavor to the 90’s variety pack with their own rootsy brand of hip-hop and blues-informed alt-rock.  Led by the refreshing and infectious single, “Cold Beverage” and standout tracks, “Baby’s Got Sauce”, “Garbage Man”, “Shooting Hoops” and “Blues Music”, the album quickly became a cult classic. 

The expanded digital reissue – released in January – includes the original album remastered as well as 11 previously unreleased live tracks recorded in New York in 1994.  Additionally, for Record Store Day in April, a new vinyl pressing was issued of the self-titled album on light blue vinyl that features 4 rare B-sides on the D-side for the first time on vinyl, including, a rousing live version of “The Things That I Used To Do” and a faster, alternate version of “Blues Music”.

Click here, choose your preferred streaming service, and stream the expanded 30^th Anniversary edition of G. Love & Special Sauce here: https://gloveandspecialsauce.lnk.to/30thAnniversaryDigitalLW!news240103

For more info: https://www.philadelphonic.com/

Watch the original music video for “Cold Beverage” here:

REISSUE: Sonic Youth – Hits Are For Squares

 

Unavailable on vinyl since 2010, Sonic Youth’s unique greatest hits compilation, Hits Are For Squares, has just been reissued on black 180-gram vinyl with gold lettering on the jacket via Geffen/UMe. 

The collection includes the exclusive (new as of 2009, upon original release) song, “Slow Revolution” as well as 15 catalog-spanning songs curated by some of Sonic Youth’s famous friends – writers, artists, actors and fellow musicians – such as, Beck, Mike D of Beastie Boys, Dave Eggers, Flea, Eddie Vedder, David Cross, Mike Watt, and more.  The liner notes include a quote from each person as they tell why they chose that track for the compilation.  Each quote is relatable to the average, “un-famous” fan and speaks to the legacy the highly-influential band has left behind.

From their grunge-era breakout album, Dirty; Mike D chose “100%” and Beck selected “Sugar Kane”.  Eddie Vedder added “Teenage Riot” from the 120 Minutes-era Daydream Nation and Dave Eggers and Mike Watt both included “Tuff Gnarl” from Sister.  Personally, I was pleased to see Diabo Cody’s addition with “Superstar”, their killer cover of The Carpenter’s classic, taken from the 90’s covers compilation, If I Were A Carpenter.   

To order, please visit: https://shop.udiscovermusic.com/products/sonic-youth-hits-are-for-squares-2lp?_pos=1&_sid=68f989169&_ss=r&oseid=oLQhn1PK5jbM1J4N6T5rwrQG

In honor, below is a special edition of my 3 Songs: On Repeat feature, with 3 Sonic Youth songs I would’ve chosen.

Sonic Youth – “100%” (My first intro. to the band via MTV):

Sonic Youth – “Bull In The Heather” (I’d race home after school to play drums along to the Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star album when it came out in 1994.):

Sonic Youth – “Superstar” (see above):

REISSUE: Modest Mouse – Good News For People Who Love Bad News (20th Anniversary Expanded Edition)

 

Out now on Legacy Recordings, is an expanded edition of Modest Mouse’s breakout 2004 album, Good News For People Who Love Bad News, to celebrate its 20^th anniversary.  The expanded edition is available as a digital download that includes 8 remixes (7 of which are new and previously unreleased) and a 2-LP set pressed onto opaque pink and green vinyl; that includes alternate artwork and an 8-page booklet.  The original album is spread across three sides with the D-side is set aside for 5 of the new remixes. 

Upon its original release in 2004, Modest Mouse scored mainstream success with the multi-platinum album, Good News…, led by the surprise hit single, “Float On”.  New found fans and longtime fans turned the album into an instant cult classic with standout tracks, “Ocean Breathes Salty”, “Bury Me With It”, and “The World At Large”. 

Of the included new remixes, Poolside breathes new life into “Ocean Breathes Salty”, Jacknife Lee takes on “Bury Me With It”, Dan The Automator remixes “Float On” as only he can, and Dennis Herring transforms “One Chance”.       

For more info: www.modestmouse.com

Listen to the Jacknife Lee remix of “Bury Me With It” here: https://youtu.be/6uJ5bfz-9FU?si=Cgn2pnGn1yVzxMvg

Watch the video for “The World At Large/Stiff Animal Fantasy” here:

REVIEW: Johnny Cash – Songwriter

 

Honestly, who had a new Johnny Cash album on their 2024 bingo card?  Well, a newly-found unreleased album recorded in 1993, prior to the iconic American Recordings albums, was recently released via Mercury Nashville/UMe.  The aptly-titled, Songwriter features eleven songs written by The Man In Black himself and was updated and produced by his son, John Carter Cash and co-producer David Ferguson. 

The album opens with a one-two punch; as “Hello Out There” stands out with its Gospel-drenched cosmic atmospherics and catchy, echoing refrain and “Spotlight” features a bluesy guitar solo from The Black Key’s Dan Auerbach.  Additionally, Country music legends Marty Stuart, Waylon Jennings and Vince Gill also lend their talents to the album.  Elsewhere, Cash is triumphantly patriotic (“Drive On”, “Soldier Boy”) and deeply-emotional (“I Love You Tonite” and “Poor Valley Girl”), showcasing his versatile songwriting ability. 

With a new generation of country music fans turning back the clock to the classic country & western sounds, Songwriter sounds just as fresh and vital now as it would have if it had been released in 1993; a testament to Cash’s musical legacy.   

For more info: https://johnnycash.lnk.to/SongwriterPR

Watch the video for “Hello Out There” here:

REVIEW: Toilet Rats – IV (Deluxe Edition)

 

Toilet Rats is the Minneapolis-based one-man band led by Tommy Ratz (Thomas Rehbein of Naïve Sense, Robosapien, Small Towns Burn A Little Slower and more).  Ratz creates a danceable, noisy yet poppy synth-heavy brand of punk that is informed as much by pop icon Madonna as it is 80’s thrash metal legends D.R.I. 

Originally released last year on limited edition cassette via Steadfast Records, the label has just reissued a deluxe edition of IV, by Toilet Rats on slime green eco-mix vinyl and CD.  The deluxe edition includes 2 new bonus tracks; “Mall Goth” and “Brains”; the latter features Tommy’s longtime collaborator Trevor Bartlett on background vocals, the former is a bouncy, post-punk sugar-shot.  Both tracks perfectly complement standout album track, “Drug Bird”, which sounds like the Ramones if they had incorporated the synth sounds of their era.

For more info and to order the Deluxe Edition of IV, visit: https://steadfastrecords.net/products/toilet-rats-toilet-rats-iv-deluxe-edition-eco-mix-vinyl-lp

Stream Toilet Rats – IV here:

REISSUE: Steadfast Records: The First Two Seven Inches

Cleveland-based Steadfast Records anticipates the 30^th anniversary of their label’s very first releases with a new compilation of their first two seven-inch releases, the aptly-titled, "Steadfast Records The First Two Seven Inches."

Out now, the release combines their first two 7” record releases, both originally released in 1995 and 1996 and both featuring iconic metal band Zao.  The debut 7”, "The Tie That Binds," features stunning early Zao material alongside two explosive tracks from Dayton, OH straight edge hardcore band Outcast, from which the metalcore legends Morning Again were born.  The second 7”, "Treadwater…," is a split between Zao and Through and Through from BC, Canada.

The reissue features new artwork and photos and the tracks were remastered by Adam Boose at Cauliflower Audio.  Additionally, the Zao track, "Security," intended for the original 7” but omitted due to time constraints – but later appeared on a CD reissue – is included as a bonus track. 

This release is limited to only 400 copies worldwide, and pressed on four unique 100% recycled Eco-Mix vinyl variants, each limited to 100 copies (cherry red, laguna blue, graphite grey and citrus orange).

To order or for more info: https://steadfastrecords.net/products/steadfast-records-the-first-two-seven-inches-eco-mix-vinyl-lp

Stream Steadfast Records: The First Two Seven Inches here:

SHOW REVIEW: Mates Of State at A&R Music Bar in Columbus 7/16/24

Indie-pop darlings Mates of State recently embarked on their ambitious – 17 shows in 17 days – Still The One Tour; their first in over 5 years.  Kori and Jason played an engaging and entertaining show at the A&R Music Bar in Columbus last night along with folk-pop opener, Al Menne.

The duo’s classics-heavy, catalog-spanning set list had the crowd singing along to every word.  Standouts included, “Like U Crazy”, “Proofs”, “Whiner’s Bio”, “Ha Ha”, “Goods (All In Your Head)” and “Get Better”. They also introduced a new song, tentatively titled, “Somewhere”; to which Kori exclaimed, “Coming to a Spotify playlist near you soon”.  They also performed “Staring Contest” for the first time this tour.

Check out a few photos I took here and be sure to see Mates of State when they play your city!

https://www.facebook.com/matesofstate/

SHOW ALERT: Mates of State at A&R Bar, Columbus 7/16

Married couple, Jason and Kori, the long-running indie-pop duo, Mates of State spent the last 5+ years raising their daughters, periodically playing shows in and around their home state of Connecticut.  The iconic duo emerge from a lengthy but well-deserved hiatus with their 17-date Still The One Tour and will make a stop in Columbus on Tuesday, 7/16 at the A&R Bar, before hitting Indianapolis, Chicago, St. Paul and more. 

In addition to the exciting tour news, the band has announced that they are hitting the studio with producer, Peter Katis, to record all new songs for their first release since 2015’s excellent EP, You’re Going To Make It. 

Be sure to catch Mates of State in your city! 

For tour dates and more info: https://www.facebook.com/matesofstate/

Watch Mates Of State – “Like U Crazy” here:

 

REVIEW: Redline - Tongue Tied EP

 

Released earlier this year on Steadfast Records, is Tongue Tied, the debut EP from the Chicago-based straight-edge hardcore supergroup, Redline.  

Led by guitarist/songwriter Marko Karacic formerly of Blindside and vocalist Wiley Willis of 2Minute Minor, along with former members of Zao, Life Force, Vanguard, Tuning and Discourage; 7-track EP is an energetic blast of positive hardcore with metallic 90's elements and plenty of shout-along gang vocals for a nostalgic yet modern take on the genre that gets better with each listen!  

Tongue Tied is available now on limited edition clear red 7" vinyl via Steadfast Records here: https://steadfastrecords.net/products/xredlinex-tongue-tied-7-ep 

Stream Tongue Tied here:

SHOW REVIEW: Death To All at The King Of Clubs in Columbus May 21

Death To All features former members of Death; drummer Gene Hoglan, bassist Steve DiGiorgio and guitarist Bobby Koelble, along with vocalist/guitarist Max Phelps. 

In tribute to the unmatched musical legacy left by Chuck Schuldiner and his pioneering death metal band, Death; tribute band Death To All are touring and brought a night of nightmarish nostalgia to The King Of Clubs in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday, May 21.

On this night they played a 16-song setlist that spanned the Death catalog, highlighted by "Symbolic", "Lack Of Comprehension", "The Philosopher", "Flesh And The Power It Holds", "Within The Mind", and "Open Casket".  On other nights, they rotate setlists, playing albums, Scream Bloody Gore and The Sound Of Perseverance in full along with classic from those eras.    

Check out the photos I took and be sure to check them out in your city!
For more info; Death To All

REISSUE: Brandtson – Trying To Figure Each Other Out & Dial In Sounds

Steadfast Records recently issued the latest two chapters in their long-running reissue campaign for Cleveland emo greats Brandtson; with a 20^th anniversary edition of their stellar third album Dial In Sounds and their career-best EP Trying to Figure Each Other Out. 

Originally released in 2000 on Deep Elm Records, the Trying to Figure Each Other Out EP showed the band at their absolute best.  The 6-song EP (7 songs, if you include the hypnotic bonus remix of “As You Wish”) is filled to the brim with the most catchy sing-along melodies ever put to tape with standouts “Boys Lie” and “Leaving Ohio” leading the way. 

Dial In Sounds, released in 2002 by Deep Elm, picks up where the previous EP left off with the one-two-three power-pop punch of “Mark It A Zero”, “The Rookie Year” and “With Friends Like You”.

Both reissues were were originally produced by Ed Rose and were recently remastered by Adam Boose of Cauliflower Audio with a new DMM pressing.  Trying is packaged with updated expanded artwork along with previously unseen photos taken during the recording sessions.   Sounds is highlighted by a glossy 24”x12” fold out insert with lyrics and photos.

Each release is limited to 500 vinyl copies and 100 cassettes with Dial In Sounds getting the cassette treatment for the very first time.

To order, please visit: https://steadfastrecords.net/

Stream Trying To Figure Each Other Out here:

 

REISSUE: Brandtson – Hello, Control

Cleveland-based Steadfast Records continues their reissue campaign for 90’s/early 2000’s emo-punks Brandtson with the recent release of the band’s final album, Hello, Control. 

Originally released in 2006 via The Militia Group, the band ventured away from their signature sound and into dance-rock territory.  Led by the standout single “Earthquakes & Sharks”, the album replaced their propelling punk rhythms and riffs with hip-shaking, danceable rhythms and moody atmospherics. 

The drastic change in direction was a bit shocking for some fans at the time but this reissue - featuring new previously unreleased mixes by producer Ed Rose and expanded artwork – shows that their harmony-rich ear-worming melodies were always the focus and gives their old fans a chance to get off their couches and onto the dance floor to shake off some rust. 

Hello, Control is out now on Steadfast Records on opaque yellow vinyl and available on cassette for the first time.  The reissue was mixed by Ed Rose and mastered by Adam Boose (who joined the band prior to the original recording of the album to play bass and synths) and lacquer masters were cut by Bob Weston.  The stunning vinyl package also includes an 8-page booklet with lyrics and tons of photos. 

Order Hello, Control here: https://www.steadfastrecords.net/               

Watch the video for “Cold War” here:

REVIEW: Ryan Shelkett – Someone Becomes No One

 

30 years ago, Ryan Shelkett emerged from the Baltimore underground with his influential emo/indie rock bands Cross My Heart and Liars Academy.  Now, Shelkett is releasing his debut solo album, the self-depreciatingly titled, Someone Becomes No One, out now on Steadfast Records (whose recent Cross My Heart reissues sold out instantly).  Produced by the legendary J. Robbins, who also performs, the album sees Shelkett shifting his style towards darker Americana and melancholic folk while retaining his rocking sense of melody and emotional weight.

The 10-song album is led by the singles, “Corroded” with its gloomy, 90’s alt-rock vibe and “Damage” which rocks like a distant Southern Rock-loving cousin to the Cross My Heart discography.  Other standouts include the statement-making sway of the aching opening track, “There Is No One” from which the album gets its title; and the gorgeous, organ-drenched “Strange Behavior”.      

The album is available from Steadfast Records on vinyl on three colorways (purple rain, hellfire red and neon green) as well as digitally, CD, and on limited edition cassette.      

For more info: https://www.steadfastrecords.net/Team/Ryan-Shelkett

Stream Someone Becomes No One here:

SHOW ALERT: The Lumineers with Caamp @ Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati – 6/7/22

Folk-pop favorites The Lumineers bring their Brightside World Tour to Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center tonight.  The band - led by founding members/songwriters Wesley Shultz and Jeremiah Fraite – is touring in support of their latest album, Brightside, released in January on Dualtone and highlighted by the hit singles, “Where We Are”, Big Shot”, A.M. Radio” and the title track. 

Joining The Lumineers is the Columbus-bred indie folk outfit Caamp who are set to release their highly-anticipated new album, Lavender Days on June 24.    

Tickets are still available here: https://riverbend.org/concerts/2022/06/the-lumineers-brightside-world-tour

For more info and tour dates in your city, please visit: https://www.thelumineers.com/ & https://caamptheband.com/

Watch the video for “A.M. Radio” taken from album, Brightside here:

 

REISSUE: Roxy Music - Vinyl Album Reissues

 

2022 is the 50th anniversary of Roxy Music’s unconventional eponymous debut album, originally released in June of 1972. Led by the quivering vibrato and grand theatrics of vocalist Bryan Ferry and the strange, highly-influential synth-scapes and tape manipulations of Brian Eno along with the vital contributions of guitarist Phil Manzanera, saxophonist/oboist Andy Mackay and drummer Paul Thompson; Roxy Music’s debut was a hybridization of spacey glam-rock and sophisticated art-pop that was well ahead of its time.  The band’s forward-thinking avant-garde sound was an influence evident in a wide range of bands such as Radiohead, Arcade Fire, Shudder To Think and even Sonic Youth in the years following its release. 

 In celebration, Virgin/Ume will reissue the influential art-rock band’s eight studio albums on vinyl in special anniversary editions outfitted with a new half-speed cut, revised artwork including lyrics and a glossy laminated finish.  The LPs will be released two at a time throughout the year.  The debut and For Your Pleasure were released in early April and Stranded and Country Life are due June 8, with more to come.

In addition, Roxy Music is set to tour this fall for the first time in 11 years.  The 13-date North American and U.K. arena tour will feature like-minded performer St. Vincent as special guest and hit cities including, NYC, Chicago, Dallas and L.A.   

For more info: https://www.roxymusic.co.uk/

Watch the 2018 video of “Virginia Plain” (taken from Roxy Music):

REISSUE: Rush – Moving Pictures (40th Anniversary)

 

Prog-rock pioneers Rush continue with their 40^th anniversary celebrations with the recent reissue of their most beloved album, Moving Pictures, out now via Mercury/Anthem/UMe. 

If 1980’s Permanent Waves was a turning point for the band - as they stepped away from the epic, lengthy suites they were best known for and streamlined their sound with tighter arrangements, shorter song lengths and catchier melodies - then 1981’s Moving Pictures was the final destination. Evident from the beginning with the bombastic drums and surging synths of the opening track of their eighth studio album, “Tom Sawyer” (an instant radio mainstay); along with standouts, “Limelight”, the virtuosic instrumental “YYZ” and dynamic album centerpiece “The Camera Eye”. 

The 40^th anniversary edition of Moving Pictures is available in several different configurations including, the Super Deluxe (3CD, 5LP, 1 Blu-ray), 5LP Deluxe, 3CD Deluxe, 1 LP, digital and Dolby Atmos Digital Editions.  Highlights include the Abbey Road Mastering Studios remastering of the album from 2015 as well as a half-speed Direct To Metal Mastering of all vinyl included, a first for the Rush catalog. 

One of the best aspects of the expanded reissue is the inclusion of a previously unreleased complete concert recording from Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto on March 25, 1981.  The live set titled, Live in YYZ 1981, includes 19 tracks highlighted by a killer drum solo during “YYZ” and other masterful takes of hits such as, “Closer To The Heart”, “Freewill” and “Spirit Of Radio”.  Additionally, the deluxe sets include a booklet with unreleased photos, newly reimagined artwork from Hugh Syme and insightful liner notes written by some of Rush’s best protégés including, Les Claypool of Primus, Kim Thayil of Soundgarden and the late Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters.  Of course the Super Deluxe edition features exclusive goodies such as Neil Peart signature drumsticks, embossed metal guitar picks, a replica tour program from 1981 and a YYZ luggage tag and much more. And as always, UMe takes care to package their expanded reissues beautifully and with no detail spared. 

This new reissue celebrating the 40^th anniversary of Moving Pictures is a testament to the lasting legacy of Rush and is a must-have for all fans of the band.    

Order Moving Pictures 40^th Anniversary Reissue here: https://rush.lnk.to/MovingPictures40thID

Watch the new video for “YYZ” (also included on the Blu-ray in the Super Deluxe Edition) here:

REISSUE: Bad Brains - Bad Brains

 

Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains recently began a reissue campaign of their early albums via their re-launched Bad Brains Records; manufactured, distributed and marketed by ORG Music.  The campaign is led by their iconic self-titled debut album – originally recorded in 1981 - which sounds better now than ever having been remastered by Dave Gardner at Infrasonic Mastering. 

Bad Brains’ highly-influential sound was a one of a kind blend of hardcore fury and dubbed-out reggae rhythms highlighted by the frantic vocal style of H.R. and frenzied fretwork of Dr. Know and driven by the raging rhythm section of bassist Darryl and drummer Earl Hudson.  The NYC-by-way-of-D.C. based band also delivered a politically-charged message of unity and positivity on standout songs like, “Attitude” and “I”.       

Alongside their debut, the other albums receiving the reissue treatment are I And I Survive, Rock For Light, Quickness, Omega Sessions and legendary live albums, Live At The Fillmore 1982 and The Youth Are Getting Restless (Live at the Paradiso, Amsterdam, 1987). 

Each release is pressed onto quality black and colored vinyl and available to order or pre-order here: https://badbrainsrecords.com/

“Attitude”:

REISSUE: Brandtson – Death & Taxes

 

Cleveland-based label Steadfast Records continues their reissue campaign for label owner Matt Traxler’s band, Brandtson.  Death & Taxes – released on Deep Elm Records in 2003 - was the 90’s emo-era favorite’s second EP.  Many bands often experiment with their sound on EP releases but Brandtson seemed to sharpen their harmony-laced hooks and they saved some of their best songs for their EPs.  The Death & Taxes EP opens with hard-charging riffage on “You Do The Science” and is highlighted by the soaring dual harmonies of “Circa 1991” and the incredibly catchy ode to band and touring life, “Ain’t No Trip To Cleveland”.        

Death & Taxes is now available for the first time on deluxe limited edition vinyl and cassette. The 6-song EP is expanded to include two bonus tracks, “Dead Animals” recorded during the Death & Taxes sessions and previously released on the Brandtson/ Camber/ Seven Storey Mountain split; and “Optimist Club”, which was recorded during the sessions for their excellent first EP, Trying to Figure Each Other Out and previously released on the compilation Deep Elm Unreleased No. 1.    

The original audio was newly-remastered for vinyl and cassette by Adam Boose at Cauliflower Audio. The vinyl is packaged in a beautiful hi-gloss UV coated jacket featuring new artwork and includes a printed inner sleeve and 11” insert with live and studio photos. Steadfast offers the EP on three gorgeous variants; Opaque grass green, Transparent Green w/Black Splatter (ltd to 100), Clear with Green, Yellow and White Splatter (ltd to 100).

Order here: https://brandtson.bandcamp.com/album/death-taxes

Stream Death & Taxes here:

TOP 10 ALBUMS of 2020

 

2020 has been a terrible year, we all know that.  I even ended the year experiencing COVID-19 myself.  This is a list – in alphabetical order – of the Top 10 Albums that helped get me through this year.  Here’s to a better year in 2021!

 

Samuel Atkinson – Weather On The Brain (Self-Released)

Stream: https://samuelatkinson.bandcamp.com/album/weather-on-the-brain

 

Blinker The Star – Juvenile Universe (Self-Released)

Stream: https://blinkerthestar.bandcamp.com/album/juvenile-universe

 

Ebony Tusks – Heal_Thyself (High Dive Records)

Stream: https://highdiverecords.bandcamp.com/album/ebony-tusks-heal-thyself

 

Fullbloods – Soft And Virtual Touch (High Dive Records)

Stream: https://highdiverecords.bandcamp.com/album/fullbloods-soft-and-virtual-touch

 

Hum – Inlet (Self-Released)

Stream: https://humband.bandcamp.com/album/inlet

 

Koney – Koney (High Dive Records)

Stream: https://highdiverecords.bandcamp.com/album/koney

 

Bob Nanna – Celebration States (New Granada Records)

Stream: https://bobnanna.bandcamp.com/album/celebration-states

 

Shabazz Palaces – The Don Of Diamond Dreams (Sub Pop)

Stream: https://shabazzpalaces.bandcamp.com/album/the-don-of-diamond-dreams

Andy Shauf - The Neon Skyline (Anti Records)

Stream: https://andyshauf.bandcamp.com/album/the-neon-skyline

 

Shy Boys – Talk Loud (Polyvinyl)

Stream: https://shyboys.bandcamp.com/album/talk-loud

 

TOP 5 REISSUES of 2020

 

Redd Kross – Phaseshifter & Show World (Third Man Records) https://www.atlasandtheanchor.com/2020/05/reissue-redd-kross-phaseshifter-show.html

Rush – Permanent Waves 40^th Anniversary (UMe) https://www.atlasandtheanchor.com/2020/06/reissue-rush-permanent-waves-40th.html

Tears For Fears – Songs From The Big Chair 35^th Anniversary & The Seeds Of Love 30^th Anniversary (Ume) https://www.atlasandtheanchor.com/2020/03/reissue-tears-for-fears-songs-from-big.html & https://www.atlasandtheanchor.com/2020/10/reissue-tear-for-fears-seeds-of-love.html

that dog. – Totally Crushed Out & Retreat From The Sun (Third Man Records) https://www.atlasandtheanchor.com/2020/07/reissue-that-dog-totally-crushed-out_31.html

Zao – Preface: Early Recordings 1995-1996 & All Else Failed 25^th Anniversary  (Steadfast Records) https://www.atlasandtheanchor.com/2020/10/reissue-zao-preface-early-recordings.html

Top EPs of 2020

 

Carcass – Despicable

Stream: https://carcass.bandcamp.com/album/despicable

 

Dori Freeman – Heavenly Sunlight

Stream: https://dorifreeman1.bandcamp.com/album/heavenly-sunlight

 

Infectious Grooves – Take U On A Ride - Summer Shred Sessions, Vol. #1

 

In Parallel – Fashioner

Stream: https://wiretaprecords.bandcamp.com/album/fashioner

 

Jupe Jupe – Nightfall

Stream: https://jupejupemusic.bandcamp.com/album/nightfall

REISSUE: The Cranberries – No Need To Argue - 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

 

The Cranberries’ stellar sophomore album, No Need To Argue was released in 1994 and to celebrate its 25^th anniversary, Island/UMe recently released an expanded deluxe edition of the album.  Led by the singles, “Ode To My Family” and the surprisingly heavy, “Zombie”, the sophomore slump-busting album solidified the status of the late Delores O’Riordan and the band, Noel Hogan, Mike Hogan, and Fergal Lawler as 90’s alternative rock titans.   

For this deluxe edition, the original album has been newly remastered and the 2LP set is highlighted by the addition of three B-sides and demos, including the standout, “Close To You” taken from a Carpenters cover album released around the same time as the album. 

The expanded 2CD and digital versions include the remastered original album as well as the three B-sides, plus an additional 19 previously unreleased tracks including, demos, live recordings from 94 and 95, remixes including the fan favorite remix of “Zombie” by Orb, and a version of “Yesterday’s Gone” taken from a 1995 MTV Unplugged session.  Additionally, the 2CD set features previously unseen photographs from the album photo sessions and extensive essay focusing on the history of the album written by the band’s longtime archivist Eoin Devereux. 

Delores possessed a one of a kind voice and her memory remains with this expanded reissue of No Need To Argue, The Cranberries’ stunning second album. 

To order please visit, https://thecranberries.lnk.to/NNTAExpanded

Check out the video for heavy – both musically and lyrically – single, “Zombie” here:

REVIEW: Beastie Boys – Beastie Boys Music

The Beastie Boys - MCA, Ad-Rock and Mike D - were once-in-a-lifetime; from their hardcore beginnings to hip-hop stardom, there was and never will be a band like them again.  Rightfully so, the last few years we have seen a celebration of the Beastie Boys, with their aptly-titled book, Beastie Boys Book and the Spike Jonze-directed documentary film, Beastie Boys Story. 

The celebration continues with the recent release of Beastie Boys Music - a companion to the film - out now on Capitol/UMe.  Available on 180gm 2LP, this 20-song compilation is chronological – beginning with the songs you know so well on Licensed To Ill to their final album Hot Sauce Committee Part Two - and complete as is contains “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)”, which had been omitted at the band’s request from prior Best Of compilations. 

Celebrate the 30-plus year career of the Beastie Boys by listening to Beastie Boys Music on vinyl while thumbing through the Beastie Boys Book and watching the Beastie Boys Story.   

Order Beastie Boys Music here: https://beastieboys.lnk.to/MusicPR

Watch the newly-remastered classic video for ““(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)” here:

REISSUE: Tear For Fears – The Seeds Of Love - 30th Anniversary Edition

The British synth-pop duo Tears For Fears released The Seeds Of Love, their ambitious third album, in 1989.  To celebrate its 30^th anniversary, Mercury Records/UMe recently reissued the album that is available on picture disc vinyl, 2CD and a 4CD/1Blu-ray deluxe edition.       

The long-awaited album – released four years after their breakout sophomore hit Songs From The Big Chair - was highlighted by the singles, "Sowing the Seeds," "Woman in Chains," "Advice for the Young at Heart," and "Badman’s Song"; and represented a more mature sound from Curt Smith and Roland Orzabel that subtracted the synths and added in elements of Soul, Gospel, Jazz and 60’s psych-pop.  Guest vocalist Oleta Adams and a host of guest musicians including, Kate St. John, Ian Stanley and Phil Collins gave a more organic feel to the sessions and somehow the duo created an even lusher layered sound. 

The deluxe edition features the remastered original album as well as a second disc of single edits, instrumentals and B-sides.  Highlights on disc two are the fan favorite B-sides, “Tears Roll Down” and “Music For Tables” as well as several different versions and mixes of the hip-hop inspired “Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams”.  Disc three features several previously-unreleased early mixes and radio edits including the standout, “The Year of The Knife - Steve Chase 7 Remix”.  In my opinion, disc four is worth the price of the box set alone with the inclusion of demos and the six intimate and organic Townhouse Live Jam Sessions versions of tracks, “Woman InChains”, “Standing on the Corner of the Third World” and a fun version of “Badman’s Song” which includes the interpolation of some Doors’ lyrics, which showcases the duo’s more playful side.  Disc five is the Blu-ray which features the Steven Wilson 5.1 mix of the album as well as Andrew Waters’ 2015 mix of the album, allowing the listener the best possible listening experience of this wonderful and timeless pop masterpiece. 

Completing the package is a replica tour program loaded with photos and biographies for each touring musician; and a 36-page booklet highlighted by an oral history of the Seeds Of Love era with new insightful interviews with Curt and Roland and others including, keyboardist/co-writer Nicky Holland, producer Chris Hughes and Oleta Adams.   

To order or for more info:  https://tearsforfears.lnk.to/TSOL

Watch the recently remastered in HD video for the standout single, “Sowing The Seeds Of Love” here: