All-time swap rock, Tokyo City Music, the Grand Ole Opry and 122bpm.
Not just one of our very most favourites, but Creedence Clearwater Revival are undeniably one of the greatest rock and roll bands that ever did it. The Californian quartet released a stunning seven album run between 1968 and 1972, with fourteen consecutive Top 10 singles amongst many accolades. Bayou-inspired Southern rock belters with John Fogerty’s inimitable yelps. Concord have this week pressed the band’s entire discography on limited colour vinyl editions, with; Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968), Bayou Country (1969), Green River (1969), Willy and the Poor Boys (1969), Cosmo's Factory (1970), Pendulum (1970) and Mardi Gras (1972). After hours of careful consideration, we’re backing Bayou Country as the peak of swampy goodness, but one does rather need them all! Tune into this week’s playlist for some CCR sparkle.
Esteemed Japanese Funk expert DJ Notoya has again put together a killer compilation for the wewantsounds label, with the all-new Tokyo Bliss; featuring Japanese funk and boogie selects from the King Records vaults. Recorded and released between 1974 and 1988, there are City Pop vibes too and Notoya really makes a great flow. This one is going to be on heavy rotation over here.
The Numero crew have gone through their ever-green vaults for a new compilation of female voices singing on hard times and empty bottles. “Barnyard Beehive lassos 16 Opry hopefuls” and we only really recognised a couple, but man can they all sing about heartbreak! Really great stuff, this.
+ Available on limited Clear Pink colour vinyl.
A Love From Outer Space, and never knowingly exceeding 122 bpm! Founded by Andrew Weatherall and Sean Johnston, A Love from Outer Space (ALFOS) has been a steady presence in the underground music scene, fostering a close-knit community with its regular, transformative dancefloor experiences.This new 19-track album pays tribute to the club night’s rich history and its commitment to pushing musical boundaries forward.
+ Available on limited double Translucent Red colour vinyl.
Today also marks five years since gentleman and legit icon Andrew Weatherall passed away. An all-time great guy.
An absolute baller of a big band banger from Betty Carter with, Out There With Betty Carter. Her voice is just so dynamic, whether purring out ballads or ripping through the fuller moments. Great stuff.
+ This Verve By Request title is pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Third Man in Detroit.
We have a late fifties set from Sonny Rollins, with Sonny Rollins And The Contemporary Leaders, featuring; Hampton Hawes (piano), Barney Kessel (guitar), Leroy Vinnegar (bass) and Shelly Manne (drums). Brings new life into the standards.
+ This edition, released as part of the Acoustic Sounds Series, features (AAA) lacquers cut from the original master tapes by Bernie Grundman and is pressed at RTI on 180-gram vinyl, and presented in a tip-on jacket.
We did have a very limited quantity of Lambrini Girls’ You’re Welcome, but we sold out, but we will get a few more… soon, so don’t miss out again!
Lastly today, we have Beats, Rhymes & Life, the fourth album from NYC hip hop greats A Tribe Called Quest. Produced by production collective The Ummah (including the late Jay Dee / J Dilla), the tone is way darker than the albums it followed. Dense and grooving, essential stuff.
