THEESatisfaction

2015 #3: February/March
THEESatisfaction
Earthee
Available February 24, 2015
Blackburn
Electro-Fi
Brothers In This World
To appreciate that genetics play a significant role in musical talent, look no further than the Blackburn family. Growing up under their R&B pioneer father Bobby Dean, brothers Duane, Cory, Brooke and Robert were
schooled in the soul and gospel influences of the church, and the stirring Jazz, R&B and Blues backdrop
of their Dad’s live performances. No matter how you define your Blues, Funk and/or Soul, the Blackburn
Brothers wear their influences proudly, and with the release of “Brothers In This World”, it’s all here - socially
conscious music with a pure message, funky backbeats to ignite any dance floor and the collective musical
prowess to rekindle why you fell in love with soul rich Blues in the first place.
“I had a Boss Time last night in Memphis. I saw some really cool bands. There was a band from Canada
called BLACKBURN; 3 brothers and a bass player. Very Funky Hammond Organ! Very charged and at heart!”
- David Fricke, Senior Editor, Rolling Stone Magazine
Release Date: Feb.17, 2015 CD: 44667-0331-9
File Under: Blues
CD: $11.50
Rudresh Mahanthappa
CD UPC: 844667033199
ACT
Bird Calls
A contemporary view on one of the primal fathers of modern jazz: Charlie “Bird” Parker. In an intelliegnt and
complex way Mahanthappa uses influences of Parker’s creative work in order to create a foundation for his
own compositions and improvisations. “This album is not a tribute to Charlie Parker. It is a blissful devotion
to a man who made so much possible.” Release Date: Feb.24, 2015 CD: 14427-9581-2
File Under: Jazz
LP: ACT9581-1
CD: $13.75
LP: $14.20
Wolfgang Haffner
CD UPC: 614427958129
LP UPC: 614427958112
ACT
Kind Of Cool
With “Kind of Cool” Wolfgang Haffner moves between tradition and contemporary jazz, injecting new life into
some oft he „coolest“ jazz standards. In the style of the legendary Modern Jazz Quartet and with the spirit of
Cool Jazz these old jazz classics sound young at heart in timeless elegance - relaxed, sophisticated, trusting
in themselves, finally one of a kind, thanks to the personality of the musicians involved. Three compositions
by Haffner himself complement the album. It really needs an all-star band to play music such as this, and on
“Kind of Cool” it’s no different. All the band members are international jazz stars, having proved themselves
on the scene they are perfectly placed to relax and just let their passion, technique and sense of fun show
the songs for what they are: Some of the most beautiful compositions ever produced in the 20th century.
Release Date: Feb.24, 2015 CD: 14427-9576-2
File Under: Jazz
LP: ACT9576-1
CD: $13.75
LP: $14.20
Palmbomen II
CD UPC: 614427957627
LP UPC: 614427957620
Beats In Space
Palmbomen II
Kai Hugo works in two guises. Palmbomen is a group-oriented collaboration suited for live dynamics and
instrumentation, while Palmbomen II is geared toward solitary production with an austere toolset: classic
sequencers, time-tested drum machines and their contemporary counterparts. Hugo’s foray as Palmbomen
II makes its debut on Beats In Space Records with the eponymous full-length Palmbomen II.
Release Date: Mar. 3, 2015
File Under: Rock-Pop
CD: 00064-9526-7
LP: BIS019
CD: $10.00
LP: $15.63
CD UPC: 700064952672
LP UPC: 700064952689
Prem Joshua
White Swan
Kashi: Songs From The India Within
When Prem Joshua first journeyed to India in 1977, he felt an immediate, profound connection. In gratitude
the German-born musician ever since devoted his life’s work to translating India’s rich spiritual and cultural
depth into a new, global language of unique east-west fusion. With KASHI, Prem Joshua and Chintan composed contemporary songs from beloved Indian mantras and shlokas, crafting a devotional album expressing “the India within” in refreshing musical terms that are both entertaining and transcendent.
Release Date: Immediate
File Under: New Age
CD: 17147-0150-2
CD: $12.95
Ata Kak
CD UPC: 717147015025
Awesome Tapes From Africa
Obaa Sima
Ata Kak’s cassette Obaa Sima fell on deaf ears when it was self-released in Ghana and Canada in 1994. The
music on the recording - an amalgam of highlife, Twi-language rap, funk and disco - is presented with the
passion of a Prince record and the DIY-bedroom-recording lo-fi charm of early Chicago house music. The
astute self-taught song craft and visionary blend of sounds and rhythms has made the album a left-field
cult favorite among adventurous listeners worldwide. Awesome Tapes From Africa founder Brian Shimkovitz
found the tape in 2002 in Cape Coast, Ghana - one of only a few ever pressed - and later made it the inaugural post on the Awesome Tapes From Africa blog. Hundreds of thousands of downloads, YouTube views,
music video tributes and remixes, as well as years of mystery regarding Ata Kak’s whereabouts, culminate
in this remastered release featuring rare photos and the full back story of one of the internet age’s most
enigmatic musicians.
Release Date: Mar. 3, 2015
File Under: World
CD: 56605-5610-2
LP: ATFA014
CS: ATFA014CS
CD: $10.00
LP: $12.50
CS: $8.67
Au.Ra
CD UPC: 656605561028
LP UPC: 656605561011
CS UPC: N/A
Felte
Jane’s Lament
Sydney’s Au.Ra, a duo composed of Tim Jenkins and Tom Crandles, are set to release their new full length
Jane’s Lament, a work which carefully envelops the listener in dreamy hues of sound. Made over the course
of two years, the LP was birthed from improvised jams the pair play over droning guitars and looped drum
beats. Tracks like “Sun,” and “Pyramid” emerge slowly out of interplays between simple melodies and
layered, reverbed instrumentation. Au.Ra’s “emotive soundscapes” perfectly encase their nontraditional pop
songwriting, like on highlight “Morning,” where shimmering guitar riffs transport you to a serene, meditative
realm. Their repetitive lyrics belie this easy transcendence, sometimes even verging on incantation. These
songs evoke a languid drive along a bending highway in autumn, the scenery and light shifting ever so
slowly out the windows. As the sun sets earlier, this is an album to savor with the dying light.
Release Date: Mar. 3, 2015
File Under: Rock-Pop
CD: 56605-7684-2
LP: FLT021
CD: $10.00
LP: $12.50
The Stones
CD UPC: 656605768427
LP UPC: 656605768410
Flying Nun
Three Blind Mice
Of the four bands represented on the Dunedin Double EP, the early 80’s Flying Nun release that introduced
that city’s fledging indie sound to the wider world, The Stones are probably the least remembered and
least appreciated. Fast, aggressive guitars, driving rhythm section with a knack for fluid pop structures.
Charismatic and smart, The Stones had the ability to sound completely empathetic and threatening all at
once. ‘Three Blind Mice’ is a compilation curated by New Zealand/Noise legend Bruce Russell (The Dead C,
Xpressway Records) including liner notes by Shayne Carter and illustrations from Chris Knox. Printed inner
sleeve, 12x12 insert and DL Code.
Release Date: Mar. 3, 2015
File Under: Rock-Pop
CD: 17949-0191-6
LP: FNCT018
CD: $10.00
LP: $12.50
CD UPC: 817949019167
LP UPC: 825646316458
Sneaky Feelings
Flying Nun
Send You
1983 debut album from Flying Nun originals, re-issued for the first time. Expanded to include songs from the
‘Be My Friend’ 7”, 1985’s ‘Husband House’ EP and bonus tracks from 1990. Filled with lush pop harmonies
and southern psychedelia, this 2xLP gatefold also features liner notes, posters and photos. “Send You will
jangle forever as one of New Zealand’s essential albums.”
Release Date: Mar. 3, 2015
File Under: Rock-Pop
CD: 25646-2844-7
LP: FNCT015
CD: $9.00
LP: $21.25
Bent By Elephants
CD UPC: 825646284474
LP UPC: 825646284498
Sunset Hill Music
The Shore
SUNSET
HILL
Montreal’s Bent By Elephants will release their anticipated sophomore LP, The Shore, on February 17th,
2015. The Shore, represents a new chapter in the band’s evolution, moving away from the orchestral folk
of This is Water, the band’s first LP. Rather than what the Globe and Mail called “Postmodern Billie Holiday
blues” The Shore is a raw & rattling album of contrapuntal electric guitars and sweeping synths. The album’s influences range from Tusk by Fleetwood Mac to Bombino. The lyrics summon are structured around
love and loss, around the grief and hope that emerge from our collective struggle to survive. The album’s
creation was fuelled by the incredible support of the recording team. One of the band’s musical heros, Michael Feuerstack (aka Snailhouse) produced the album and became involved early in the process. “His guidance was invaluable,” says BBE trumpet/keyboard player, Ryan Frizzell. “He really helped us to solidify our
vision of the record and to understand how to realize it.” The album was recorded and mixed at The Treatment Room, home of Plants and Animals, under the careful guidance of resident recording engineer, Gilles
Castilloux. Both Castilloux and Feuerstack collaborated on the mix, resulting in a rich, full-sounding record
that benefited from both engineers’ long involvement with the project.
Release Date: Feb. 17, 2015 CD: 29048-1946-2
File Under: Rock-Pop
CD: $11.00
Various Artists
CD UPC: 629048194627
Lusafrica
Afrolove/Kizomba/Special
Afrolove Kizomba Special: The Hottest Compilation Of The Season! A 2CD compilation. 34 Tracks including 2
previously unreleased tracks: Tito Paris “Dança Ma Mi Criola (Remix By Izé & Groove Gifter)” & Cesaria Evora
“Regresso (Remix By Izé & Groove Gifter)”4 exclusive tracks you won’t find on another Compilation: Deros featuring S.T. “Sabura Kriola” Walter Ananaz “Ela” Walter Ananaz “Kizola” & Yvon Paris “Pombinha Branca” A selection of classical hits: Constance “Je Pense À Toi” Sekouba Bambino “Sinontena” Fode Baro “Chérie (Milenté)”
Bonga “Kambua” + “Mulemba Xangola” DJ Arafat “100 Milles Melodies” & Oliver N’Goma “Bane” + “Icole.
Release Date: Immediate
File Under: Afrobeat
CDx2: 67257-6202-2
CDx2: $16.50
Various Artists
CDx2 UPC: 3567257620223
Lusafrica
Olá Cabo Verde
“Olá Cabo Verde” is a Cape Verde music collection that has just hit the market with the seal of Lusáfrica.
The CD brings together the best voices in the current traditional music of the country brokered by producer
Djô da Silva. The collection includes 18 tracks taken from recordings already published by Lusáfrica as Trabessado ( Neuza ) Last Chance ( Ceuzany ), Ku Nha Kin Well (Ze Luis ). And themes written by Lura & Cesaria
Evora , Strings of the Sun, Nancy Vieira, Teofilo Chantre & Bonga, Dino d ‘ Santiago, Bulimundo.
Release Date: Immediate
File Under: World
CD: 67256-6297-2
CD: $11.73
CD UPC: 3567256629722
Sarah Bethe Nelson
Burger Records
Fast Moving Clouds
Kaleidoscopic rock n roll debut produced by Kelly Stoltz & backed by some of the Bay Area’s best studio
musicians!!!
Release Date: Feb. 10, 2015 CD: 34457-6735-2
File Under: Rock-Pop
LP: BRGR800
CS: BRGR800CS
CD: $13.25
LP: $20.00
CS: $7.10
David Enhco Quartet
CD UPC: 634457673526
LP UPC: 634457673519
CS UPC: 634457673540
L’Autre/Nome
Layers
L’AUTRE/
NOME
Layers, le second album de David Enhco est une création collective portée par le jeune trompettiste qui
réunit Roberto Negro, Florent Nisse et Gautier Garrigue. Cet album s’inscrit dans la continuité de son premier
disque. Travaillant sur la question du dépassement, La Horde suggérait l’idée d’une succession de portraits
interprétés par un quartet soucieux de raconter une histoire d’hommes et d’objets composant notre quotidien. Avec Layers, les quatre individualités se fondent en une entité nouvelle, faite d’apparentes oppositions, d’influences et de styles différents, qui crée un objet musical original et en mouvement. Exposées
comme des séquences liées entre elles par de courts interludes, les compositions de cet album immergent
l’auditeur dans une atmosphère cinématographique, à la fois complexe et exigeante, accessible et ludique.
Compositions et arrangements de David Enhco sauf Keep It Simple, Oiseau de Parhélie et Tranquille de
Florent Nisse, Chanson Un et Rude and Gentle de Roberto Negro, Nancy With a Laughing Face de Jimmy
Van-Heusen
Trained in both classical (with Pascal Clarhaut, soloist at the Opéra de Paris) and jazz (Didier Lockwood
Music Center) styles, David Enhco has been invited to play worldwide in various configurations ranging
from duos to big band ensembles. Countries he has recently performed in include the United States, Japan, China, Morocco, Cambodia, the Philippines, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Algeria, Belgium,
Romania, Spain, Portugal, Burkina Faso, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Israel. He has played alongside artists
such as Mike Stern, Johnny Griffin, Toots Thielemans, Biréli Lagrène, Martin Taylor, Marie-Claude Pietragalla, Liz McComb, Rhoda Scott, Billy Cobham, Sylvain Luc, Didier Lockwood, Caroline Casadesus, Michel
Hausser, Maurane…
Release Date: Feb. 17, 2015 CD: 21383-4301-5
File Under: Jazz
CD: $13.75
Robin McKelle &
The Flytones
CD UPC: 3521383430156
Vizztone/Doxie
Heart Of Memphis
Acclaimed as one of the great new jazz singers, Robin McKelle has been taking risks, redefining her artistic
identity and mining her inspirations in blues and soul music. Though much of this Rochester, New York native’s career has been based in Europe, her latest record finds her drawn to the core of American blues and
soul, the HEART OF MEMPHIS. It’s in the cradle of the Blues that she imagined making this explosive album in the great soul tradition of the 60/70’s, adding a contempory touch with her songwriting. Produced
by Scott Bomar of the Bo-Keys, the man behind the mixing console for many of Isaac Hayes’ and Al Green’s
recording sessions—McKellemade it clear she wanted her album to be in line with the sound of these
artists. With her deep voice and her earthy, frank, direct and gut-wrenching singing, McKelle embraces the
legacy of those great artists from a city well-known for its tendency toward raw expression.
Release Date: Feb. 10, 2015 CD: 34457-6758-2
File Under: Soul / R&B / Funk
CD: $13.25
CD UPC: 634457675827
Bobby Donnie
Ehse Records
Bobby Donnie Plays the Bobby Donnie Songs
New to their instruments, Bobby Donnie had been crafting their strange pop rock songs since 2012 – the
culmination being their forthcoming debut album “Bobby Donnie Sings the Bobby Donnie Songs” available
on Ehse Records February 2015.
Release Date: Feb. 24, 2015 CD: 34457-6748-2
File Under: Rock-Pop
LP: EHSE026
CD: $11.73
LP: $17.24
Brothers Born
CD UPC: 634457674820
LP UPC: 634457674813
Nine Mile Records
Knife Wounds
Brothers Born is Joel Stroetzel (Killswitch Engage) and Michael Wyzik (Storm The Ohio). The project is a big
departure from the metal of Stroetzel’s Killswitch Engage or the indie-americana of Wyzik’s bands, occupying a musical middle-ground of sorts. Wyzik and Stroetzel play nearly every note on Knife Wounds, with the
exception of some background vocals and drums on two tracks. the duo recorded the record in Stroetzel’s
Easthampton, MA studios.
Release Date: Feb. 24, 2015 CD: 45121-0820-4
File Under: Rock-Pop
LP: NMR0271
CD: $12.70
LP: $18.35
CD UPC: 845121082043
LP UPC: 616892262046
James Day & The Fish Fry
Neon Blue
Southland
NEON
BLUE
James Day is a southern blues artist and storyteller from Biloxi, Mississippi. James Day and the Fish Fry
have been playing shows and festivals in the Mid-Atlantic for the past ten years. At the heart of their music is
Day’s fresh, humorous songwriting brought to life by the musical stylings and performances of this talented
group of musicians. The Fish Fry are: Mark Shewchuk (guitar) Ron Baldwin (piano), John Merigliano (drums)
and Dave Young (acoustic bass). Their new CD, “SOUTHLAND” with Day’s original songwriting, covers a
wide sonic pallete and is a tribute to all Gulf Coast music.
Release Date: Feb. 24, 2015 CD: 88295-1707-2
File Under: Blues
CD: $13.25
Soundtracks - OST
CD UPC: 888295170727
Community Music
Alex Ebert - A Most Violent Year
Alex Ebert, pairs with writer/director JC Chandor to score his A Most Violent Year, the follow up to Chandor’s
All Is Lost, which earned Ebert the Golden Globe Award for “Best Original Score”. A MOST VIOLENT YEAR is
a searing crime drama set in New York City during the winter of 1981, statistically the most dangerous year
in the city’s history. From acclaimed writer/director J.C. Chandor, and starring Oscar Isaac (INSIDE LLEWYN
DAVIS) and Jessica Chastain (ZERO DARK THIRTY), this gripping story plays out within a maze of rampant
political and industry corruption plaguing the streets of a city in decay.
Release Date: Feb. 24, 2015 CD: 34457-6771-2
File Under: Soundtrack
LP: CMG035
CD: $10.71
LP: $19.25
CD UPC: 634457677128
LP UPC: 634457677111
More titles available from Barsuk Records!
NEW ON VINYL & CASSETTE
Please note that vinyl & cassettes are non-returnable.
All releases are in stock now unless noted otherwise.
Jenn Grant
Compostela
Jenn Grant’s album Compostela is now available on vinyl! Jenn Grant’s Compostela
is nominated for 2 Juno Awards this year for Adult Alternative Album of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year nomination for songs “Bring Me a Rose” featuring Justin
Rutledge, “No One’s Gonna Love You (Quite Like I Do)” featuring Stewart Legere, and
“Trailer Park” featuring Sarah Harmer. Jenn is also nominated for 3 awards with the East
Coast Music Association, including Fan Choice of the Year.
Recorded by producer, musician, fellow ECMA winner and husband Daniel Ledwell in their
studio built close to home in Nova Scotia, Grant’s fifth full-length studio album features
a cornucopia of instruments including flutes, harps, violins, congas, wurlitzer, piano and
lap steel all that enhance the depth and subtleties of her effortless singing. Compostela translates to “Field of Stars” Or ‘Star Field’ – which comes from the legend
that the dust of the pilgrims who walk the El Camino, make up the stars that form the
Milky Way. Teetering on psychedelic folk and into a balladry of melodic storytelling, you
are welcomed into the heart’s cave. A subtle yet pulsing groove, alongside moments of
Spanish inspired guitar, reflect an important journey that began in 2012 in Barcelona. In
keeping with the theme of stars, Jenn has included a number of them to support her on
this amazing journey including; Sarah Harmer, Buck 65, Ron Sexmsith, Rose Cousins,
Don Kerr, Kim Harris, Stewart Legere, Justin Rutledge, Rachel Sermanni and Grant’s
producer for her 2009 release ‘Echoes’ Jonathan Goldsmith.
Selling Points
• Guest vocalists: Sarah Harmer, Buck 65, Ron Sexmsith, Rose Cousins, Don Kerr & Justin Rutledge
• Multiple ECMA winner, JUNO Award nominee and Polaris Long-listed artist
• Full tour schedule including a co-headlining tour with Matthew Barber in Western Canada
• Extensive marketing & publicity campaign for this release
TOUR DATES:
May 23 CBC Music Festival, Toronto, ON
Jul. 17-19 Vancouver Folk Music Festival,
Vancouver, BC
Artist: Jenn Grant
Title: Compostela
LP Price: $22.00
Catalog: OUT9094
UPC: 623339909419
Genre: Singer/Songwriter
Release Date: Immediate
TRACK LISTING
1. Bombshell Feat: Doug Paisley
2. Trailer Park Feat: Sarah Harmer
3. Spades Feat: Buck 65
4. Stranger In The Night
Feat: Rachel Sermanni
5. Bring Me A Rose Feat: Justin Rutledge
6. Barcelona
Feat: Ron Sexsmith & Don Kerr
7. No One’s Gonna Love You [Quite Like I
Do] Feat: Stewart Legere
8. Canadian Maple Grove
9. Wild Animal
10.Spanish Moon with an audience at
The Black Sheep Inn
11. American Man Feat: Kim Harris
12.Hummingbird Feat: Rose Cousins
13.Mauve
www.JennGrant.com
www.Outside-Music.com
Gold Lake
Years
Founding members, Carlos and Lua, met in their late teens in Spain, where Carlos,
regardless of his young age, had opened one of the hippest night clubs in Madrid. Spain’s
capital had a strong music scene in the 80s and 90s but by the 2000s most of that
had died off and there was a plague of silly pop and Eurovision frenzy. Carlos had been
playing in a revered underground instrumental surf band, always adding his element
of raw power he had grown up on with the likes of MC5 and The Stooges which he’d
always combined with the melodic penchants of his all-time favourites: The Beatles and
Otis Redding; creating a sound that melds waves of pop-focused material with a little
grittiness into a sound entirely his own.
Years was recorded at La Cabaña studios in Madrid and produced by the band, engineered
by Jose Nortes and mixed by Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes,The Walkmen, Father John Misty).
“Working on this album with two great people was very important to us. Jose engineered
the album back in Madrid when we decided to head into the studio to lay down some of
the ideas we’d been having for a while,” says Gold Lakes’ Carlos Del Amo, “and then Phil
came in and made it all pretty. It was an incredible experience to watch him do his magic,
his 3D signature mixing is pure perfection, plus he is the nicest guy out there.”
No strangers to the road, Gold Lake have just completed European support dates this
summer with Midlake and the Lumineers, performed at POP Montréal and in Toronto at
the Horseshoe Tavern. More dates to be announced soon.
“Gold Lake are arresting from their name alone. In an era when guitar music fluctuates
between dole-queue-realism and avant complexity, it’s refreshing to hear something to
effortlessly beautiful.” - Clash Magazine
“Gold Lake’s name truly captures the sound of the Spanish trio: a glistening amalgam of
intimate vocals and scintillating instrumentation.” - Stereogum
Selling Points
• Opened for The Lumineers and Midlake
• Years was mixed by producer Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, Father John Misty)
• Performing at CMJ
• Canadian dates to be announced!
Artist: Gold Lake
Title: Years
LP Price: $13.25
LP: OUT9093
UPC: 623339909310
Genre: Alternative
Release Date: Available Now!
TRACK LISTING
1. Arles
2. Severed Land/The Sound
3. We Already Exist
4. Lovers
5. Home
6. Alpide Belt
7. Echoes
8. Light Into The West
9. Silver Debbie
www.GoldLakeBand.com
www.Outside-Music.com
Carmen Villain
Smalltown Supersound
Quietly/Let Go 7”
Carmen Villain (born Hillestad), the US-born half– Norwegian, half–Mexican, returns with an enchanting
pocket symphony.Immaculately produced dream pop from another galaxy, “Quietly” picks up from the
dreamiest parts of 2013 debut “Sleeper”. Recorded and produced by Hillestad, “Quietly” is a taster of her
second album, due out later this year. The mostly instrumental b-side “Let Go” plays the role of comforter.
Lifting off into the air, Villain pops in for some whispers toward the end. You just slow down.
Release Date: Feb.10, 2014 7”: STS2607
File Under: Electronic
7”: $7.89
Dan Lissvik
7” UPC: 629048194627
Smalltown Supersound
Shuvit! 12”
“Thanks to all involved. See you in another shape and form,” Dan Lissvik wrote in 2012 when Swedish
duo Studio officially called it quits. Now the influential group’s founder is finally back with a brand new 12”
for Smalltown Supersound (Lindstrom, Neneh Cherry, DJ Harvey), titled “Shuvit!”. While Studio was never
focused on making dance music, more recent beat-smiths such as Jamie XX (who sampled “Out There” on
his recent single, “Girl”) have introduced club-goers to the group’s distinctive bass lines and “Scandinavia
meets West Coast” sound. Now, Lissvik has turned his own focus to the dance floor with these infectious
new tracks, and many more to come...
Release Date: Feb.10, 2014 LP: STS25512
File Under: Electronic
LP: $10.25
Lory D
LP UPC: 5053760012061
Numbers
Strange Days Vol. 3 12”
Stranger days are here and the Italian maestro has returned with two new soundtracks for the dancefloor
apocalypse.
Release Date: Feb.10, 2014 12”: NMBRS038
File Under: Electronic
12”: $14.50
Lotic
12” UPC: 5060163490860
Tri Angle
Heterocetera
In 2014, ‘Damsel in Distress’ a free mixtape album created by 23 year old J’Kerian Morgan, aka Lotic,
garnered universal praise from all who heard it. Consisting of all original material and mind-warping edits
of smash hits like ‘Drunk in Love’ by Beyoncé, the mixtape was lauded as an ‘important turning point’ in
regards to where electronic music could go next. Now based in Berlin, but originally from Texas, Lotic has
also attracted significant buzz as a member of the Janus crew, a collective of producers and DJs who have
gained a reputation for throwing some of the most forward thinking club events in Europe. Having already
been profiled in The New York Times and The Fader, as well as by countless other independent music sites,
the recurring message is that Lotic is at the center of a new scene of musicians who are pushing boundaries and creating something uncategorizable and truly unique. ‘Heterocetera’ is Lotic’s first official release
since the unveiling of ‘Damsel in Distress’ and marks the producer’s debut on Tri Angle. This is the sound of
tomorrow, today.
Release Date: Mar. 3, 2014 12”: TRI030
File Under: Electronic/Rock-Pop
12”: $9.00
12” UPC: 656605513911
Null
Acéphale
Almost
For a release so diverse in its influences, Almost is a near impossibly cohesive introduction to emerging artist Null. Through melancholic, fragile compositions the Melbourne, Australia-based producer refocuses our
attention on the mid 90s catch-all ‘Electronica’ through contemporary genres ranging from Jersey House to
Footwork to Trap. Frequently derided, Electronica was posited as a homogenizing term for a rapidly proliferating host of electronic genres to the North American market, in much the same way that EDM exists today.
Null explores a space in which he condenses the diversity of that genre, essentially attempting to create
work that can wear the Electronica badge earnestly. Available as limited edition EP pressed on ‘ultraclear’
vinyl, the stunning techno-organic design of design firm Oval-X (How To Dress Well, Digitalism, CFCF) is
presented in a heavy card sleeve with gloss finish and a metal ‘tamper-proof’ security sticker. With Almost
serving as an introduction to Null’s considerable talent, he will expand his horizons further with a full album
in late 2015.
Release Date: Mar. 3, 2014 12”: ACE032
File Under: Electronic/Rock-Pop
12”: $11.33
No Age
12” UPC: 819162016633
Fat Cat
Weirdo Rippers
By now the two young heavyweights from the LA Skate / Art / Punk underworld, No Age, are a well-known
and established part of the indie pantheon. But back in 2007 Dean Spunt and Randy Randall were just building quite a bit of noise in the wake of the demise of their previous band Wives. After working out their sound
in the LA scene revolving around the now fabled venue The Smell (pictured on the cover of Weirdo Rippers)
they decided to release five ltd. vinyl only releases on a variety of DIY indie labels across the globe on the
same day (namely UTR, Deleted Art, Teardrops, Youth Attack, and Dean’s own PPM label). Their debut LP
release for FatCat, ‘Weirdo Rippers’, was a collection of recorded highlights taken from the aforementioned
releases. At the time it was readily available on CD and has since found a home digitally but it’s not found
its way back to the vinyl format that first gave many of these tracks life. Now we’re presenting the first domestically available version of ‘Weirdo Rippers’ pressed to vinyl; an utterly essential piece of No Age’s past.
Release Date: Mar. 3, 2014
File Under: Rock-Pop
LP: FAT8058
LP: $12.50
Loren Connors
LP UPC: 600116995810
Family Vineyard
Blues The ‘Dark Paintings’ of
Mark Rothko
“Blues: The ‘Dark Paintings’ of Mark Rothko” is one of Loren Connors’ most cherished and sought after albums. Originally released in a handmade edition of 300 copies on Connors’ own St. Joan imprint in January
1990 under the name Guitar Roberts - “Blues” has been unavailable in any form until now.
At time of its release, Connors was still an inscrutable guitarist whose matchless and alien rendering of the
blues was just gaining recognition despite more than a dozen solo and collaborative releases since 1978.
For this reissue, the audio was restored to Connors’ specifications of how these seven instrumentals were
intended to sound. Cover art is an untitled 1969 Rothko work - a painting that influenced the album. The
original LP jacket it replicated as a full-color inner sleeve. New liner notes by music historian Byron Coley
chart Connors development and Rothko’s influence. Pressed on pristine 150 gram vinyl by Quality Record
Pressing in an 800 edition; includes download coupon.
Release Date: Mar. 3, 2014
File Under: Rock-Pop
LP: FV90
LP: $11.88
LP UPC: 656605409016
Free Weed
Bad Diet
Introducing
As ringleader of great bands The Memories and White Fang, not to mention penning the “Burger TV” theme
song for Burger Records, Free Weed (Rikky Gage) has built a sizable indie following that continues to veer
mainstream. With Introducing, he is now positioned as ambassador of the legalize-it movement, having
crafted a hit-repeat player that splices the freak power illumination of Ween with the catchy spirit of “Loser”
era Beck. The album is themed around Free Weed’s love of marijuana and his digitally well-documented
bacchanal lifestyle. No twigs, no seeds to be had, Introducing is all killer, no filler, never sputtering into stoner
novelty. This is an album to boost your happiness and lower your inhibitions. The album’s pedigree extends
to being mastered by Mikey Young, member of requisite Aussie outfit Total Control, with cover art by evertalented Dustyn Peterman of San Diego art collective Mushroom Necklace (Ty Segall; Thee Oh Sees).
Release Date: Feb. 24, 2014 LP: BAD001
File Under: Rock-Pop
LP: $19.25
Radical Dads
LP UPC: 634457674318
Old Flame
Universal Coolers
Radical Dads is Lindsay Baker, Chris Diken, and Robbie Guertin. Back during their collegiate years, they
were all friends on account of liking similar cultural things and rebelling against similar institutional things.
They were listening to bands that were au courant in certain circles at the time, such as the Pixies, Built
To Spill, Modest Mouse, Sleater-Kinney, Pavement, The Clean, and Yo La Tengo. During the course of this
liking/rebelling/listening, the three of them began to play music together in different combinations. They all
moved apart and did separate stuff for a while. Which is what people do after college — taking time to “find
themselves” and/or take artistic risks to “make it in the biz” and/or take an unsatisfying job for the health
insurance in case “something bad happens.” Robbie played in the band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah during
this time. In 2007 they made it an official band with a name that they liked because it has internal rhyme.
Universal Coolers is their 3rd full length and first on Old Flame. The cover art is a Steve Keene original!
Release Date: Feb. 24, 2014 LP: OFR068
File Under: Rock-Pop
LP: $18.35
James K
LP UPC: 634457659216
UNO NYC
SOKIT 7”
Bubbling up within underground music communities Jamie Krasner has been making her mark on electronic music under a number of names and collaborative projects. Those with an ear to the ground will
recognize her as one-half of noise pop duo SETH alongside Gobby. Now Jamie branches out into solo work
fusing visual and sonic elements into a unique mythology. Having emerged from scenes spanning Providence, Oakland, Berlin and New York, location means little in relation to the work of James K. Her travels
have allowed her to absorb each city’s distinctive creative energy and influences. Each of her stints in various cities has contributed to the New York native’s current sound, which she has quietly honed in on creating
aesthetic that is wholly her own. Though she spent many formative years in the noise and DIY scenes in
Providence and Oakland her time in Berlin and New York has allowed her to soak up both city’s vibrant club
scenes. Vogue remarks “she’s the sort of art-pop musician never content with a single creative outlet, and
someone who, despite the fact that you’ve never heard of her, is shockingly prolific”. James K is making
music to experiment and the four videos for tracks from this album reect the same reaching, extracting
feeling of that search. Images play around, images that look and give o sensation. That process is James K’s
way of abstracting sounds, in the lead up to her debut LP in 2015.
Release Date: Feb. 24, 2014 LP: UNO035
File Under: Electronic
LP: $8.74
LP UPC: 634457677272
Diet Cig
Father/Daughter
Over Easy
Diet Cig is a pop rock band from New Paltz, NY, fronted by Alex Luciano with Noah Bowman of Early Boykins
(Forged Artifacts) on drums. The five charming songs on the debut Over Easy EP, written by Alex in the comforts of her bedroom, capture the innocence of adolescence and infatuation. Over Easy was recorded on
Halloween 2014 with Christopher Daly at Salvation Recording Co in New Paltz, NY (Porches Quarterbacks,
Earl Boykins) and mastered by Jamal Ruhe at West West Side Music. Over Easy will be released digitally and
on cassette February 24th, 2015 with the support of Father/Daughter Records.
Release Date: Feb. 24, 2014 CS: FD025CS
File Under: Rock-Pop
CS: $7.10
Cheatahs
CS UPC: 634457680043
Wichita Recordings
Sunne EP 12”
Born in a Camden pub and rooted in multinational friendships, Cheatahs have wasted no time since forming three years ago. The band released a compilation of their two UK-only 2012 EPs Coared and SANS via
Wichita Recordings in 2013 before their proper eponymous US debut LP arrived in stores in February 2014.
The album earned London-based four-piece praise from All Music Guide,Alternative Press, The AV Club,
Interview,MAGNET, and VICE (‘Best Album of the Month’ February 2014), among others, and will be followed
up by a new EP in February 2015.
Release Date: Feb. 24, 2014 12”: WEBB432
File Under: Rock-Pop
12”: $12.70
Thin Lizzy
12” UPC: 5055036214322
Future Days
Shades Of A Blue Orphanage
Thin Lizzy’s second album is a nod to the past: Shades Of Blue and Orphanage were former outfits of
two of the band’s members, their names combined to create an oddly evocative image–especially when
combined with a sepia-tinted image cover of three small, shoeless children intended to represent vocalist
Phil Lynott, guitarist Eric Bell, and drummer Brian Downey. Released in 1972, just three years after the band
formed in Dublin, it’s fair to say that Shades Of A Blue Orphanage represents a group on the move, still
finding their feet, and possibly bending to the will of a record label who didn’t quite know what to do with
a multiracial, multi-faith rock band from a sectarian country. Sales of the their debut album, Thin Lizzy, had
been poor, and Shades Of A Blue Orphanage wasn’t the one to turn their fortunes around. Still, it’s fascinating
listening for even those with a passing interest in their history.
Release Date: Feb. 17, 2014 LP: FDR610
File Under: Rock-Pop
LP: $23.50
Thin Lizzy
LP UPC: 826853061018
Future Days
Vagabonds Of The Western World
Seismic shifts happened between the previous year’s Shades Of A Blue Orphanage and 1973’s Vagabonds
Of The Western World. Frontman Phil Lynott was still documenting working class life in the group’s native
Dublin, and the band still featured guitarist Eric Bell and drummer Brian Downey, even if Bell was soon to
leave; the shift was in the feel of the album. Between Jim Fitzpatrick’s lurid album cover which depicted the
band in space, the new, hot-rod-like Thin Lizzy logo, and Lynott’s newly throaty howl, it’s possibly the first
Thin Lizzy album on which they truly could be described as a hard rock band. Vagabonds presented a swaggering confidence, a band buoyed by the success of semi-accidental smash hit “Whisky In The Jar,” and
carved out a moody, dark sound by borrowing bits from the blues, folk, psych, and Celtic music. Check out
“Slow Blues” for proof, and decide whether Lynott or the guitars win the wail-off that begins the track. Their
big hits and glory years–beginning with 1976’s Jailbreak–were still ahead of them, but, with Vagabonds as
a centerpiece, Thin Lizzy’s early years left behind a cabinet of curiosities.
Release Date: Feb. 17, 2014 LP: FDR611
File Under: Rock-Pop
LP: $23.50
LP UPC: 826853061117
Southern Culture
On The Skids
Yep Roc
Party At My Trouse
Southern Culture on the Skids and Fred Schneider of the B-52s have joined forces to deliver Party at My
Trouse, an EP that is guaranteed to help you get the party started right. This limited edition purple vinyl also
includes Hey Mary and the PAMT remix by Jon Spencer! It’s not every day that SCOTS and Fred Schneider
get together and it’s not every day this record is available, so get it while it’s hot.
Release Date: Feb. 17, 2014 12”: YEP2334
File Under: Rock-Pop
12”: $12.70
12” UPC: 63445723342