Jazz classics, the eminent Grouper, The Last Waltz and the sounds of the Swiss underground.

A gloriously weird way to start the week thanks to Strut and the new ‘Mehmet Aslan & Senza Decoro: Liebe Anarchia / Switzerland 1980-1990’ compilation, a dive into the far reaches of the post-punk, experimental and electronic landscape in Switzerland circa 1980 - 1990. There are so many different directions across this fine set, but the way they all feel like they are part of something is really, really cool. Lots of space in the mix between the clunks, pops and angular guitars. Getting played a lot here and totally one for you all to check out.

The eponymous 1956 set from pianist Herbie Nichols (Trio). It all sounds quite straightforward and sort of post-Bop landscape, but it’s actually really quite experimental. Lots of surprises, even on covers of Billie Holiday and George Gershwin compositions. It is released under the Tone Poet series, with production from Joe Harley, mastering by Kevin Gray from the original analogue master tapes and pressed in mono on 180g vinyl at RTI. Very crisp.

Two absolute ballers on Blue Note under the suitably titled “Classic Vinyl” series, with Art Blakey’s Mosaic and Hank Mobley’s No Room for Squares. There never is!

From the first beats, Mosaic is huge; fast moving and frenetic stuff from the recently expanded sextet. No Room for Squares features two different quintet line-ups (listed on the sleeve cover for full flex) and moves between more mournful sounds and the skipping sounds of the title track. Both are in stereo, all-analogue, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.



Sub Pop have pressed a fresh 2023 edition of The Shins’ beloved second album, Chutes Too Narrow, to celebrate the album’s 20th anniversary. It has been remastered by Adam Ayan under the supervision of band leader James Mercer and sounds really bright. Really lush die-cut sleeves on LP and CD editions too!

Maybe it’s the time of year, but Charlie Megira often sounds quite Halloween-y, and Love Police (from Charlie Megira & The Modern Dance Club) is going to absolutely rip any party you might be attending to shreds. Weirdo surf rock and fuzzed-out pop gems from Israel’s goth prince.

+ Available on limited Frogmen Green colour vinyl.

Also reissued this week; Ninja Tune release a 20th Anniversary edition of Cinematic Orchestra’s swooping and much-loved Man With A Movie Camera. A lovely package on this one too. 4AD reissue Eye of the Hunter / Live at the I.C.A., the 1999 LP from Brendan Perry (Dead Can Dance). We have a Half Speed Remaster edition of David Bowie’s Pin Ups. Chvrches release an expanded 10 Year Anniversary Edition of their The Bones Of What You Believe debut. Some nice work’s gone into this one. Fuzz Club release a cool remastered edition of The Jesus and Mary Chain’s Munki.

We’re trying to get more copies of Devo’s 50 Years of De-Evolution 1973… Because when we play it, it sells out.

Soul Jazz strike some hot hot heat this week too, with Jackie Mittoo & The Soul Brothers’ all-time blazzin’ Last Train To Skaville and a repress of the essential Studio One Roots 2 compilation. Both albums are pressed on limited double Transparent Green vinyl.

A seminal trio back in press this week with Grouper’s extraordinary Ruins, Dragging A Dead Deer Up A Hill and The Man Who Died In His Boat. Just the most beautifully constructed music, like spills and whispers. Dragging A Dead Deer… is actually running a little late, but we’ll be sure to keep these magical albums in stock as frequently as possible.

Ending today’s news with The Last Waltz one of the greatest concerts ever recorded with all those guests under the steward of The Band. An audiophile pressing across three discs. Man, it’s special stuff.

It’s already looking like a big week for the announcements, so keep it tuned to the Drift!