“The trouble with the people on this planet is they refuse to think they refuse to believe anything except what they know.”
We shall start this new week on Jupiter, specifically revisiting Sun Ra’s 1979 cosmic jazz-funk masterwork! Originally released on his own Saturn label in 1979, On Jupiter really does shine interstellar light on just how boundary-pushing the Arkestra were at the close of the 1970s. The subtle synth work is especially good, but the interplay with hefty basslines and swirling horns is really magical stuff. As ever, Ra is for the sonic explorers, but this LP does have plenty of more accessible moments (especially when funkiest) and there is much to enjoy.
Remastered at Technology Works, Strut have brought this “sub-underground” classic back into orbit with stunning fidelity.
Originating in 1988 and initially compiled by Eddie Piller and Gilles Peterson, Acid Jazz have reignited their Totally Wired… compilation series this week with ‘A New Collection From Acid Jazz’ that introduces new and exclusive releases alongside previously unheard gems. Cuts from Matt Berry, Soul Revivers, The Brand New Heavies, BDQ and more. Good vibes, this.
Lastly for today in this short but sweet edition of Best New Reissues (that also included a new compilation…), Foals landmark Total Life Forever has just turned fifteen years old (which doesn't feel at all right tbh) and has been reissued on a ‘Blue Eco-Vinyl’ pressing to match that swimming artwork. On the stereo now and really great to hear again.
This is a wholly suitable time to mention that we’ve vastly restocked our Essentials collection with under the radar gems and future classics to include; Boards of Canada, Coke, Bill Callahan, Metronomy, Mort Garson, Asnakech Worku, Outkast, Sleep, Sly Stone, Ian Carr’s Nucleus, Jake Xerxes Fussell, Richard Dawson, Black Sabbath, The Riancoats, Bootsy’s Rubber Band, Amyl and The Sniffers, LCD Soundsystem, Donald Byrd, Stevie Wonder, Elliott Smith, The Slits, Fela Kuti, Fugazi, Grouper, Television, John Coltrane, Kamasi Washington, King Tubby, Marvin Gaye, Mulatu Astatke, Happy Mondays, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, The Saints, Volta Jazz and lots more…