Indie Exclusive Releases
The Head And The Heart
Every Shade of Blue [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Transparent Orange Crush 2LP]
From the anthemic “Virginia (Wind In The Night),” an ode to Russell’s native state to which he’s recently relocated (“If it was solely up to me, I’d live her for the rest of my life,” he says), to the minimal but momentous “Tiebreaker,” Every Shade of Blue showcases The Head and the Heart’s unique ability to dip its toes into a variety of musical genres. It’s the band’s knack for supreme melody, however, that remains a constant. And it’s why many of the songs on Every Shade of Blue, including the slow-rolling title track, “Every Shade of Blue,” which Russell says has “a Sinatra vibe,” are undeniable pop-radio missiles. The band’s ability to create music that appeals to listeners’ common denominator, Russell says, is something he not only won’t shy away from but is immensely proud of.
At 21, mxmtoon stands tall as one of the brightest and most engaging voices of her generation. rising is the sophomore album from the Oakland-raised, Brooklyn-based artist known for her dreamy pop and introspective lyricism. The album is a new chapter and gorgeous evolution of the sound that launched her career 5 years ago but with a more mature and complex lens. Featuring the singles "mona lisa", "sad disco," and "victim of nostalgia", rising represents the culmination of a trilogy that also includes dawn and dusk, the dual EPs she released in 2020. Indie exclusive includes orange vinyl.
Platinum-certified and twice GRAMMY-nominated Michigan rock powerhouse I Prevail are back with their third full length offering on Fearless Records. The band has established itself as the forerunners of the genre in the 21st century. The new record, once again produced by Tyler Smyth, features the sort of stadium-sized riffs that will rattle your teeth loose from your gums and unforgettable, supremely catchy melodies that will camp out in your brain for weeks at a time. The band also alternately mixes screamed vocals that sound as though they crawled from the depths of hell with soaring, emotional vocals and heartfelt, intimate lyrics that go so deep, they hit marrow. The end result is an album that resonates with the listener in the most personal way.
Recorded at Ardent Studios and released in 1972, the album has gone on to become one of the most influential and iconic debut albums of all time. This 50th-anniversary edition is pressed on 180-gram metallic gold with purple smoke vinyl and features all-analog mastering by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl. The album has been included in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, with the song “Thirteen” featured in its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Flocked blacklight glow in the dark cover jacket, discobag and neon magenta vinyl.
When two artists as esteemed & talented as Apollo Brown & Stalley come together, they shine, even in the dark. “Blacklight” represents the combination of two titans of hip-hop, both largely recognized as legends in their own right while also being overlooked by some when the discussions of “best alive” come up.
Detroit underground rap staple Quelle Chris will be releasing his new album "Deathfame" on 12/2. It features appearances by Navy Blue, Pink Siifu, Denmark Vessey, Cavalier, J Jig Cicero, and Moruf, and was largely produced by Quelle Chris himself, with contributions from Chris Keys on multiple tracks and Knxwledge on one track.
Blue is the fourth studio album by singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released on June 22, 1971, by Reprise Records. Written and produced entirely by Mitchell, it was recorded in 1971 at A&M Studios in Hollywood, California. Created just after her breakup with Graham Nash and during an intense relationship with James Taylor, Blue explores various facets of relationships from infatuation on "A Case of You" to insecurity on "This Flight Tonight".
Today, Blue is generally regarded by music critics as one of the greatest albums of all time; the cohesion of Mitchell's songwriting, compositions and voice are frequent areas of praise. In other words, this album is ESSENTIAL.
Symposium, the pop-punk band heralded as ‘the best live band in Britain’ by Melody Maker in the 90’s, release their first Best Of compilation: ‘Do You Remember How It Was?’ A compilation that gathers together their finest moments in one place and provides a fully rounded view of what made them so intoxicating in the first place. Symposium’s achievements in just six years of being a band read like a 90’s rock‘n’roll-call; supported by the likes of John Peel, Jo Whiley, and Steve Lamacq on BBC Radio 1, heralded by music mags such as Melody Maker, Kerrang! and NME, and performing on TV shows such as TFI Friday and Top of the Pops. During their appearance on Top of the Pops in 1997 performing ‘Fairweather Friend’ completely live, frontman Ross became the only singer in the show’s history to stage dive, and the band received only the third ever stage invasion from the audience after Nirvana and Oasis. This set contains the hit singles ‘Farewell To Twilight’, ‘Fairweather Friend’, ‘Drink The Sunshine’, and the previously unreleased track ‘Bleach’
Johnny Adams
South Side of Soul Street [RSD Essential Indie Colorway White LP]
Celebrating Sun Records 70th anniversary, these Johnny Adams tracks have been remixed from the original multitrack tapes for optimal sound quality. The new album tracklist has never been printed on vinyl, inspired by his 1986 South Side of Soul Street. The offering includes his hits “Release Me” and “Reconsider Me” as well as previously unreleased or digitally-unavailable tracks: “Tender Side of Me - Alternate”, “Too Much Pride - Alternate”, and a brand new version of “Give Me A Chance”.
40th Anniversary celebration of the album responsible for naming a genre! Originally released in 1982, Black Metal was the second full-length album from Venom and remains a major influence on Thrash Metal, Death Metal, and Black Metal. Includes the classic trio of Cronos, Mantas & Abaddon.
Trampled By Turtles
Alpenglow [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Coke Bottle Clear LP + 7in]
Vinyl: $24.98 PREORDER
Produced by Jeff Tweedy, Trampled By Turtles' 9th studio album Alpenglow showcases the maturity of the beloved indie-folk band, centering on life's moments of change and transition.
The fourth studio album by rock legend Chris Isaak was originally released in 1993 and subsequently certified gold in the US, Canada and the United Kingdom. Dedicated to the memory of sound consultant Louie Beeson, the album includes the titular track “San Francisco Days” in Isaak’s modern blues style, “Two Hearts”, “Can’t Do a Thing” and a cover of Neil Diamond’s “Solitary Man”. The lush, guitar-heavy record features James Calvin Wilsey, Rowland Salley, Danny Gatton, Jeff Watson and Tom Brumley.
Masters Of Reality
Masters Of Reality [RSD Essential Indie Colorway Translucent Blue LP]
One can't speak of California's famed desert rock movement without mentioning the visionary producer/musician Chris Goss. The so-called Godfather of the Joshua Tree-centered scene, Goss has produced famed and acclaimed albums by groups like Queens Of The Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Kyuss, Screaming Trees, and numerous others. Before he was known as a renowned producer though, he was the singer/guitarist and only consistent member of one of the most influential-yet-forgotten hard rock groups of all time: Masters of Reality. Masters Of Reality (Whose name was appropriately taken from a Black Sabbath song) had the distinction of being the only group signed to two different hip-hop labels of historical note: Def Jam and Delicious Vinyl. Originally label mates with Public Enemy and Slayer, Masters Of Reality's self-titled debut album was released by Def American in 1988. Two years later, Delicious Vinyl founders Matt Dike and Mike Ross, huge Masters fans, bought the band's contract from Rick Rubin and re-released the album with new cover artwork to renewed acclaim and commercial success. So many years later, Masters Of Reality's debut still feels like a hard-hitting breath of fresh air in a modern landscape of over-produced rock music
Frank Ballard brings the party to Sun Records’ 70th Anniversary celebration with the newly remastered Rhythm Blues Party. Nicknamed “The Golden Voice,” he brings each track to life with his powerful vocals, backed by the Memphis-based Phillip Reynolds Band. Originally released in 1962 and last pressed on vinyl in 1981, Rhythm Blues Party features tracks written by Ballard, like the bluesy “I Just Can’t Help It,” the sultry “After Hours,” and the upbeat “You Gotta Learn to Rock & Roll.”
Mickey Murray
Shout Bamalama & Others [RSD Essential Indie Colorway White LP]
Inspired by Otis Redding and James Brown, Mickey Murray created his own groovy brand of Southern soul. His first hit, the horn-heavy “Shout Bamalama” brought him out of shoe shining obscurity and into soul stardom. Shout Bamalama and Other Super Soul Songs was originally released in 1967 and has been newly remastered to celebrate Sun Records’ 70th Anniversary. Mickey covers the full range of soul: get down with “Hit Record,” slow down with “Treat Him Right,” and rock to “East of Nowhere.”
Various Artists
Dead Formats Volume 1 [Indie Exclusive limited Edition Red/White/Blue w/ White Splatter LP]
Vinyl: $25.98 PREORDER
Pure Noise Records and Pabst Blue Ribbon have teamed up to present 'Dead Formats Volume 1'. It is a 15 track compilation featuring the Pure Noise Records roster sharing their takes on the celebrated punk/emo/ska songs that helped shape the scene in the 90's and 2000's. The track listing is below.
Kodaline
Our Roots Run Deep [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Translucent Ruby LP + Handwritten Set List]
Vinyl: $29.98 PREORDER
Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Translucent Ruby LP + Handwritten Set List
Our Roots Run Deep, Kodaline’s brand-new, stripped-down, 17-track live album features a cross-section of the group’s most treasured tunes and three illuminating covers. When Kodaline stepped on stage at Dublin’s sold-out 3Olympia Theatre in early 2022, the band felt a deep sense of renewal, of their friendship, their brotherhood, and their musical community. Our Roots Run Deep is a spectacular showcase for the purity of their artistry and the profound musical impact they’ve had on a generation.
Dr. John
Things Happen That Way [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Garden District Green LP + Bonus 7in]
Vinyl: $25.98 PREORDER
Throughout his six-decade long career, Dr. John embodied a near-mythic multitude of musical identities: Global Ambassador of New Orleans funk and jazz and R&B, visionary bluesman, rock and roll innovator, and a massively revered high priest of psychedelic voodoo.
Things Happen That Way, his final studio album, adds another dimension to his musicality: a lifelong affinity for country & western. It's a glorious farewell from one of the most essential figures in music history.
Skid Row
The Gang's All Here [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Black, Red, White Splatter LP]
Vinyl: $32.98 PREORDER
Skid Row are out to reclaim their turf as kings of hard rock and proclaim, “The Gang’s All Here”!
“The Gang’s All Here” is an oath to joy triumphant, bursting with euphoric energy that makes us hunger for more. It is the logical next-generation leap of the band’s trademark sound which stomps out new ground with singer Erik Grönwall (formerly of H.E.A.T, one of the best frontmen of this or any hard rock era) joining the family.
Produced by Nick Raskulinecz, long-time fan and much in-demand producer (Foo Fighters, Rush, Alice In Chains, Halestorm, Evanescence), Skid Row are ablaze. They are re-energized, picking up exactly where they left us wanting more, kicking their sound way up to modern hard rock royalty.
Since first forming in 2014, New York trio THICK have triumphed at turning the harshest truths into wildly exhilarating punk songs. On their second album Happy Now, vocalist/guitarist Nikki Sisti, vocalist/bassist Kate Black, and vocalist/drummer Shari Page deliver their most complex and confessional work yet, exploring everything from self-sabotage and insecurity to victim-blaming and destructive relationships. Raw, irreverent, and brutally honest, Happy Now ultimately offers both joyful catharsis and much-needed instruction for living well in turbulent times.
The follow-up to 5 Years Behind (a 2020 release praised by Under the Rader as a “dazzling debut album...laced with anger, humor, killer guitar riffs, and soaring punk melodies”), Happy Now finds THICK working again with producer Joel Hamilton (Iggy Pop, Juiceboxxx) and recording at Studio G Brooklyn. In a profound evolution of their previous work, the 11-track album encompasses sharper arrangements and stickier hooks and a more explosive energy—an effect often achieved through the sheer force of their three voices singing in unstoppable unison.
Nathaniel Merriweather Presents...Lovage
Music To Make Love To Your Old Lady By [RSD Essential Indie Colorway Turquoise 2LP] [Repress]
“Lovage” is defined as “an herb that is said to be a benefit for relieving abdominal pains due to gastrointestinal gas…also touted to reduce flatulence when consumed as a tea.” But when placed in the able hands of sonic mastermind Dan “The Automator” Nakamura, recording under the guise of musical lothario Nathaniel Merriweather, the result is a concept album of “music to make love to your old lady by.” With the help of collaborators such as Mike Patton (vocals), Jennifer Charles (vocals) and Kid Koala (turntables), Merriweather serves as your personal guide to the sensual side of life, painting a satirical, darkly funny portrait of love and sex with left-field hip-hop and instrumentals as only he can do.
It’s impossible to describe Action Bronson in a way he hasn’t already thought of. First and foremost though, Action Bronson is a principled MC, a Queens legend respected for his idiosyncratic pen and vivid raps, now a decade into his career and still deepening his skillset. “TRUST WHEN I SAY IT AIN’T SAFE FOR ANY OF THESE ANIMALS THE ANCIENT APEX PREDATOR IS BACK ON THE PROWL.” – ACTION BRONSON
Various Artists
Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine, Vol. 2 [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition LP]
On the honey shores of Cape Cod in a beach shack, Courtney Marie Andrews found self-love and her voice. Every morning, she’d walk 6-8 miles around the back trails of an island and meditate on her life, perusing old memories and patterns like browsing a used bookshop. That summer of introspection led her to a joyous sense of beginnings and ends. When she let love for herself in, she therein let the outside love in, too—the summer feeling, the swaying cypress, the full moon, and the possibility of healthy love. This phase came only right after one of her darkest, though, where being alone with oneself was the most terrifying thing you could do. After more than a decade on the road, the Phoenix-born songwriter, poet, and painter finally had the space to process all the highs and lows of a life of constants. She was finally ready to make a record of triumph, while not completely forgetting the years that made her.
That record is Loose Future.
Lambchop
The Bible [Indie Exclusive limited Edition Peak Yellow & Black Marbled 2LP]
Vinyl: $31.98 PREORDER
Double LP on yellow & black marble color vinyl in same packaging as the standard version. Side D is an etching. Full album download included. Ltd Edition. Indie Only.
The never-ending psychedelic web of Kurt Wagner's Lambchop continues to unravel on September 30th with a new album titled The Bible.
The story of The Bible begins with Wagner up in the middle of the night during the first year of the plague, watching his new friend from Minneapolis, Andrew Broder, play a Wurlitzer on Instagram Live. Broder was one in a group of Minneapolis musicians Wagner had met prior to the pandemic through mutual friend Justin Vernon (Bon Iver). After watching the livestream, he called Broder up. “Dude, I’ll get you in a studio,” he says, “you just go in there for like three or four hours and do your thing.” Broder sent him back twelve 20 minute-long pieces. And then Wagner found himself in Minneapolis, in the sweltering summer of 2021, in a decommissioned paint factory turned practice space. Wagner would find an immediate musical spark with Broder & his musical partner Ryan Olson (Gayngs, contributor to Taylor Swift's Evermore). Olson contributes greatly to the album, both with arrangements & production. “Ryan and Andrew, they’re like two sides of my personality,” Wagner says. “And if you put them together as a team, they represent me.” Good thing, because this would be the first time Wagner let somebody else—people who weren’t even from Nashville—produce a Lambchop record.
The music on The Bible is more unpredictable than it’s ever been on a Lambchop record. Jazz careening into country, into disco, into funk, and back to country. All tied together with Wagner’s own voice, born from a perspective on his own life inspired by taking care of his father at the end of his life. The sounds all jumbled together with snatches of observations, words torn from the headlines in Minneapolis—bumper stickers on the freeway, or graffiti from outside that decommissioned paint factory. Through the weeks, musicians (local & non-local) would come & go, putting their own thumbprints on this bible. Perhaps most strikingly, contributions from two different vocal choirs (Bells of the Lakes & Lutheran Bells) & gorgeous string arrangements courtesy of yMusic co-founder C.J. Camerieri (who has also arranged strings for Sufjan Stevens, Antony & the Johnsons & The National).
Even real places become imaginary when they are so far out of reach. Named for an idyllic island near Ibiza off the coast of Spain, Formentera is a place that, for Metric, only existed on a page in a “dream destinations” travel book that lay open on a desk in the new recording studio that guitarist Jimmy Shaw built in 2020, in a rural hamlet north of Toronto. This is the setting where the band’s eighth album took shape. Shaw brought on Synthetica collaborator Liam O’Neil as well as longtime friend Gus van Go (The Stills) to co-engineer and co-produce with him. When the border opened, Metric bassist Joshua Winstead and drummer Joules Scott Key came in from the U.S to record, adding live energy and sonic depth to complete the Metric sound.
The result is a conceptual arc that progresses from tension and turmoil to dance-floor abandon, beginning with the edgy ten-minute album opener “Doomscroller,” and progressing through a color wheel of emotions, from determined perseverance on “What Feels Like Eternity” to self-emancipation in full orchestral bloom on the title track as Haines poses the question, “Why not just let go?” There’s a sense of resolution in the very matter-of-fact, deceptively catchy “False Dichotomy,” and the album ends on a melancholy high with “Paths in the Sky,” a love song to lifelong friendship, a thematic companion track to “All Comes Crashing,” an end-of-days banger and the first single.
“This is what we’re all thinking about,” Haines says. “So let’s address it, let’s have this whole expansive emotional experience that can feel collective instead of all going through it alone.”
Shygirl is a multidisciplinary artist from the East London club scene. She has finished her first major body of work, her debut album entitled, Nymph. Written and produced by Shygirl, alongside long-term collaborator Sega Bodega, it features additional production by Mura Masa, Bloodpop, Danny L Harle, and Noah Goldstein among others. The 12-track album is a stunningly innovative and diverse collection of songs exploring themes of friendship, community, escapism, love, and loss. Indie Exclusive Translucent Blue LP.
On dear amelia, renforshort narrates an up-close and thrillingly honest journey through the darkest parts of her psyche. Her debut album spans twelve tracks and includes recent songs “moshpit” and “we’ll make this ok” featuring Travis Barker. Indie Exclusive Clear LP.
Dr. John
Things Happen That Way [Indie Exclusive Limited Edition CD + Bonus Track]
CD: $14.98 PREORDER
Throughout his six-decade long career, Dr. John embodied a near-mythic multitude of musical identities: Global Ambassador of New Orleans funk and jazz and R&B, visionary bluesman, rock and roll innovator, and a massively revered high priest of psychedelic voodoo.
Things Happen That Way, his final studio album, adds another dimension to his musicality: a lifelong affinity for country & western. It's a glorious farewell from one of the most essential figures in music history.