Part five of the TVD Record Store Club’s look at the new and reissued releases presently in stores for April, 2018. Part one is here, part two is here, part three is here, and part four is here.
NEW RELEASE PICKS: Oliver Coates, John Luther Adam’s Canticles of the Sky (RVNG Intl.) This arrangement of Adams’ 2007 composition differs from cellist-composer-producer Coates’ UK premiere of the piece from March of ’17; on stage there were 32 cellists, but for this recording it’s just himself. As a multi-layered studio approach is utilized, I’ll speculate that the performance and this limited-edition album (which came out in conjunction with Record Store Day; per the label it will not be repressed) are comparable in effect, though the use of “extra-musical studio techniques” also situates this LP as a distinct experience. Even as Coates cites the influence of early electronic innovator Laurie Spiegel, the depth of emotion here fits snuggly into a modern classical context. Short, but wholly satisfying. A
Scott Matthews, The Great Untold (Shedio) Wolverhampton, England’s Matthews debuted with Passing Stranger back in ’06, winning an Ivor Novello Award (Best Song Musically & Lyrically) for that album’s “Ellusive.” His output since has drawn occasional comparisons to Jeff Buckley, though on the opening title track of this fine LP (his sixth studio effort overall) I’m reminded just as much of Nick Drake (the comparison makes sense, as Matthews performed as part of Joe Boyd’s stage production Way to Blue-The Songs of Nick Drake). Having completed his Home duology, The Great Untold is accurately described as a fresh start, with a scaled-back approach at play, gentle but intense in solo mode with judiciously employed added instrumentation. “Cinnamon” and “As the Day Passes” are the standouts. A-
REISSUE/ARCHIVAL PICKS: Robert Storey, Come Up and Hear My Etchings 1986 – 2016 (Emotional Response) Storey is one of the numerous undersung figures who populated the ’70s-’80s UK DIY scene. He was also intensely prolific. Dubbed as the “dark heart of the Murphy Foundation in all its guises,” the list of projects marked by his involvement is long, and this LP (hopefully the first in a series) collects an enlightening and pleasurable sampling. Where a fair amount of DIY hung way out in the left-field post-punk bleachers, much of what’s collected here places Storey firmly in a sorta freewheeling avant-pop context. Additionally, he’s a productive collaborator, and importantly, unlike many of his DIY cohorts, the man kept trucking right into the 21st century, which is where some of this set’s best stuff derives. A-
Belong, October Language (Spectrum Spools) Turk Dietrich and Mike Jones formed Belong in the Crescent City USA in the early ’00s, their sound drawing upon Eno’s ambient thing and the corroded sensibility of William Basinski (Tim Hecker and Gas have also been listed as touchstones). As mentioned by Spectrum Spools (the sister label of electro-experimental heavy-hitter Editions Mego), their debut has chalked up comparisons to My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless, but minus the song structure; that should be a good indicator of one’s interest. These ears find the edgy drift quite stimulating. October Language first came out in ’06 on CD; there was a vinyl run of 500 pressed in ’09, but folks who missed that boat can grab this edition, which comes with bonus digital tracks from their ’06 tour EP. A-
NEW RELEASE PICKS: V/A, ACLU Benefit Compilation (Wharf Cat) As the annual RSD blitz nears, it’s important to keep things in context. That limited color vinyl 45 is cool, but the time in which we are living is, in numerous ways, quite uncool. Vital in the fight against fascism, racism, sexism, etc. has been the American Civil Liberties Union, and this 2LP is designed to aid them in continuing their heroic efforts. Featuring 22 tracks from a lineup including The Men, Alice Cohen, Palberta, Pop 1280, Merchandise, Profligate, and an outstanding piece for solo sax by Kate Mohanty (fittingly titled “Priorities”), the gist is contempo underground focused but with plenty of variety to be had. If you’re at all inclined to the scene, please make some idealistic young lawyers happy for the future of the planet. A-
Lloyd Green & Jay Dee Maness, Journey to the Beginning: A Steel Guitar Tribute to the Byrds (Coastal Bend Music) Folks who are understandably bonkers for Sweetheart of the Rodeo will likely know that Green and Maness contributed pedal steel to that album, the former an established Nashville scene guy and the latter a younger but studio-seasoned cat from L.A. For the album’s 50th birthday, the pair have gotten together to cut an instrumental tribute, and it’s a beauty. Rhythm, mandolin, and occasional fiddle adds richness in support, but it’s always Green and Maness’ show, and they hold the spotlight with grace and an obvious affection for the project. For the close, Jim Lauderdale, Herb Pedersen, Richie Furay, and Jeff Hanna deliver a swell vocal version of “You Ain’t Going Nowhere.” A-
REISSUE/ARCHIVAL PICKS: The Mekons, “Never Been in a Riot” & “Where Were You?” (Superior Viaduct) I’ve observed before that if, at this late date, you really want to find a punk record that matches the frequently lofted genre descriptors of “barely competent” or “attitude over technique,” then head straight for the 3-song ’78 debut by The Mekons, a disc that seems constantly on the verge of falling apart, at least until they arrive at the urban tribal chant of “Heart and Soul.” But it’s not an accident, it’s a conscious approach, and that’s part of what’s so thrilling. Now, if you want to hear growth from this foundation that doesn’t result in or even predict a betrayal of principles, and adds a violin for good measure, then that’s “Where Were You?” Two of the best punk-era singles ever waxed. A/ A
Willie Colón, Wanted by the FBI for the Big Break – La Gran Fuga (Get on Down) Colón’s reputation as one of the greats in the field of salsa is fully deserved. On this ’70 album, the trombonist-bandleader’s sixth for Fania (the label’s name a mark of quality), and with the crucial input of singer Héctor Lavoe, Colón does much to advance the style beyond its root as a dance-party music. Primarily through changes of tempo and tone, but also in the employment of space, this broadening is perceptible even to a casual salsa listener such as myself. Along with dual ‘bones in the lineup and Lavoe leading the vocal charge, rhythm is still king, but the bongos, congas, and timbales are handled with flair that transcends the maintenance of groove. The personal standout element is the piano of “Professor Joe” Torres. A
NEW RELEASE PICKS: Linda Perhacs, I’m a Harmony (Omnivore) I stupidly flaked on getting the word out on Perhacs’ newest recording when it dropped last fall, but here’s the Record Store Day 2LP edition to give me another chance. Although her debut Parallelograms came out in 1970, it took decades for folks to tune in to her frequency, with Perhacs eventually benefiting from the interest of freak folkies. However, her work lacked predictable unity with these New Weird Americans, and her two “comeback” albums have widened the distance; here, standout cut “The Dancer” is evocative of Kate Bush, and elsewhere she (and a loaded roster of guests including Julia Holter, Nels Cline, Devendra Banhart, and Durga McBroom) radiate similarities to folktronica, samba pop, psychedelia and more. A-
Anywhere, II (ORG Music) The first album by this project of Christian Eric Beaulieu (ex-Triclops!) was a star-studded affair (released for Record Store Day 2012) that exuded a heavy raga-rock vibe (self-described as eastern acoustic punk) with comparisons made to the work of Sandy Bull and Jack Rose, but with a harder edge. This one’s even more packed with notable contributors (including Krist Novoselic, Dale Crover, Phil Manley, and for a return engagement Cedric Bixler Zavala) enough so that bassist Mike Watt, heard extensively on the first record, is limited here to one track. II maintains the raga tendencies, but rather than affirm the hipper namedrops above, if I may be so gauche, I’ll observe that parts of this even rockier effort are somewhat Zeppelin-like. This is intended as a compliment. A-
REISSUE/ARCHIVAL PICKS: Wire, Nine Sevens (pinkflag) Kicking off a slate of early Wire reissues for 2018 is this dandy singles set, which rounds up six 45s for the Harvest label (including the killer and I suspect underheard non-album singles “Dot Dash” b/w “Options R” and “A Question of Degree” b/w “Former Airline”), the “Our Swimmer” b/w “Midnight Bahnhof Café” disc for Rough Trade, the 4-song EP tucked into the initial pressing of 154, and the tracks found on side two of the “Crazy About Love” 12-inch EP transferred to 7-inch. A few cool twists do emerge, like Pink Flag cut “Ex Lion Tamer” providing the flip to Chairs Missing’s “I Am the Fly,” but overall, this effectively relates in abbreviated form the magnificent essence of this crucial band’s ’77-’80 run. Experience it any way you can A+
Duck Baker, Les Blues Du Richmond : Demos & Outtakes 1973-1979 (Tompkins Square) Guitarist Duck Baker is a treasure. My introduction to his work came through his ’96 CD Spinning Song, where he played the music of the great jazz pianist-composer Herbie Nichols; digging around hence in his sizable discography has never disappointed. His first album came out on Stefan Grossman’s Kicking Mule label in ’75, but before that he cut a demo which takes up the first side of this LP. Blending deft fingerpicking with a couple of 1920s vocal numbers and an interest in free jazz, Baker’s wide influences cohere into a highly individual and accessible experience even at this early stage, and side two’s stuff from ’77-’80 captures his sharpened, broadened, and deepened playing. Guitar fans, don’t dally. A
NEW RELEASE PICKS: Bush Tetras, “Take the Fall” (Wharf Cat) Formed when Pat Place exited James Chance & the Contortions and teamed up with vocalist Cynthia Sley, bassist Laura Kennedy, and drummer Dee Pop, Bush Tetras constitute one of the finer extensions of the original No Wave impulse. Sporadically active over the decades, here they return after a long absence with three original members (Kennedy exited after the release of Beauty Lies in 1995 and passed in 2011), with Val Vera (aka Val Opielski, ex Krakatoa, 1000 Yard Stare, etc.) strapping on the bass; this trim five-track outing not only doesn’t sully their rep, it hangs with the earlier work sans hitch. They may be a smidge moodier and less dance-punky than in the early days (heaviness hath not abated), but the change suits them well. A-
Say Sue Me, Where We Were Together (Damnably) Say Sue Me hail from Busan, South Korea, but their sound derives to a significant extent from late 20th century developments out of the United Kingdom. Damnably describes their thing as surf-inspired indie rock, and that’s not off-target, but I’d simply tag ‘em as purveyors of indie pop…except that doing so runs the risk of losing them in a sea of likeminded outfits. The good news is that Say Sue Me aren’t mimics and do a fine job here of establishing a distinct personality across 11 tracks, which means that you won’t mistake them for being British. There are some tangible similarities however, e.g. a less twee Camera Obscura, The Primitives, and briefly, The Vaselines. The longer and increasingly loud “Coming to the End” is suitably sequenced last. A-
REISSUE PICKS: Harold Budd, Luxa (Curious Music) This ’96 full-length was initially a CD-only affair, but no more, as the resuscitated Curious Music offers it on double 180gm black vinyl remastered by Tim Story and pressed at 45RPM in a matte finish gatefold jacket with a high res numbered art print (there’s also a FLAC download available). If you’re thinking this is all a bit extravagant, then chances are you don’t know Budd, an artist for whom aural depth and detail is crucial. Many have been introduced to him through connections to Eno and collabs with Cocteau Twins, but here he goes it alone, and the results are so much more than tranquil, concluding with superb covers of Marion Brown’s “Sweet Earth Flying” and “Pleasure” by Steven Brown (of Tuxedomoon). Altogether a beautiful thing. A-
Sleepyhead, Future Exhibit Goes Here (Drawing Room) Drawing Room’s third recent ’90s indie rock reissue (after Sandra Bell’s Net and a double vinyl edition of Kicking Giant’s debut CD) is a 2LP twinning the second and third full-lengths (Starduster, 1994, and the formerly CD-only Communist Love Songs, ’96) from the NYC trio of bassist Michael Galinsky, drummer-vocalist Rachel McNally, and guitarist-vocalist Chris O’Rourke. Sleepyhead’s thrust can be considered no-frills, essentially alternating betwixt melodic punk and tough power-pop with guitar noise appropriate for the era and scene, so some will likely wonder what’s the big deal. I’ll just say that it went down sweet at the time and gives me a warm feeling now. Comes with a book collecting band reminiscences and Galinsky’s ace photographs. A-
NEW RELEASE PICKS: Mind Over Mirrors, Bellowing Sun (Paradise of Bachelors) I’ve been in the camp of Harmoniumist-electronic specialist-composer Jaime Fennelly for a while now, but this 2LP, which captures Mind Over Mirrors’ evolution from a truly solo project to a dialogue with added participants (documented on last year’s Undying Color) to a solidified full-on band, is a knockout. Commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, Bellowing Sun’s gist pertains to the celestial, and unsurprisingly, the kosmische aura is strong. But there’s a coinciding elemental focus that’s beautifully expressed in Janet Bean’s vocals/ zither, Jon Mueller’s drumming, Jim Becker’s fiddling, and Fennelly’s leadership. Namechecking Popul Vuh, Henry Flynt, Terry Riley, and Alice Coltrane is no reach. Superb. A
Air Waves, Warrior (Western Vinyl) Here’s full-length #3 (and #2 for Western Vinyl) from Brooklyn-based Nicole Schneit. Described by the label as indie pop, that’s immediately perceptible in opening gem “Home.” Guitar is present, but so are electronic elements, though this doesn’t morph the indie pop into synth pop (the beginning of the title track is an exception), and that’s cool with me. Closer “Blue Fire” does exude a singer-songwriter-ish new wave vibe, reminding me of ‘Til Tuesday (there’s probably a better comparison, but damn if I can put a finger on it right now), and hey, that’s cool with me, too. A poem by Adrienne Rich was the song’s inspiration, which is quite fitting for an album concerned with struggle (Schneit’s own as a queer woman, her mother’s battle with cancer). Nice cover photo, also. A-
REISSUE PICKS: Scientist & Prince Jammy, Strike Back! (Real Gone) For this guy, prime dub equates to summertime sounds par excellence, and while I’m admittedly itching for warmer weather, this one has a surplus of sweetness to offer at any time of year: the space-sci-fi theme manifested in both the spiffy cover art and the song titles’ tantalizing hybrids (“Buck Rogers in the Black Hole,” “Flash Gordon Meets Luke Skywalker”); the limited edition of 700 on yellow-green “Lightsaber” vinyl; the production and compositions by Linval Thompson; the top-flight instrumental contributions from the Roots Radics; and naturally, Scientist and Jammy in strong form. The sheer amount of dub that’s available for listening can surely be intimidating, but the studio warpage on display here matches the presentation. A-
Jack Kerouac, Blues and Haikus (Real Gone) It seems with every passing day the allure of this key (in truth, the most key) Beat Generation figure fades a bit more under the harsh light of modernity, but for those who’ve been positively impacted by his writings and are desirous of adding a little of his essence to their vinyl shelves, this is the one to get if you only get one, and for a variety of reasons. First, unlike his likeable debut (which found him accompanied by the okay piano tinkling of comedian-talk show host Steve Allen), this pairs him with the real jazz deal in saxophonists Al Cohn (who also plays piano) and Zoot Sims. Second, it delivers a hearty dose of Kerouac’s poetic-spiritualism. Third, Jack sings! Fourth, the album’s as messy, frustrating, fascinating, and imperfectly beautiful as the man was himself. A-
