Bed in folks, it’s a considerable week with plenty of bounty in the new racks.
Hello, Friends.
Our Record of the Week is Glorious Game, the collaborative LP from El Michels Affair and rapper Black Thought. The bottom-heavy and sun-tinged production from Leon Michels is impeccable, a tapestry of funk and soul. Up front, Roots founder Black Thought sounds amazing, his flow acting as the beating heart to the songs. Sonically, it is just an absolute joy throughout, old, new, borrowed and blue (sleeve). Dive in.
+ Available on limited ‘Sky High’ colour vinyl.
Coin Collection 2 is the expansive second instalment of pastoral folk songs from pedal steel extraordinaire, Spencer Cullum. The production here is mint, a loving nod to 70’s hues, but it’s done in such a way where it doesn’t feel hackneyed. A beautiful sounding record to get lost in, with much to find on repeat listens. Getting heavy rotation here.
+ Available on exclusive Gold colour vinyl.
Angel Olsen releases Forever Means, a new EP recorded during the 'Big Time' sessions. It successfully sits with the excellent Big Time LP, but also as a contained set of its own, a Country soaked with woozes of different instrumentation… Just wait for that Sax! We remain big, big fans.
+ Available on Baby Pink colour vinyl.
Big Picture is the new LP from Bristol-based songwriter Fenne Lily and she sounds absolutely fantastic. We’ve always been firm fans of her voice, but on this new set she reaches new heights with a really strong set of songs. Her best songs yet, her best delivery yet, this is really good.
+ Available on exclusive Ultramarine colour vinyl.
I Came From Love is the second ‘solo’ LP from Dave Okumu (& The 7 Generations), but the only solo element here is his expert direction as this is a hugely impressive collaborative occasion. As performer and producer he is vastly experienced in creative alliance, but the way that the guests - Tom Skinner of The Smile on drums; jazz pianist Nick Ramm; musical director Aviram Barath on synths; and vocalists to include Eska, Kwabs, Wesley Joseph, Robert Stillman, Anthony Joseph, Byron Wallen, Raven Bush and Grace Jones! - all cohesively weave into the album's really wild vision. Highly recommended.
Multitudes is the sixth full-length studio release from Canadian singer-songwriter Feist. The production is pretty wild, with all sorts of big hitters involved, but as luxurious as it sounds, its biggest victory is very much her at the centre. A great writer and her delivery is so graceful, even when she screams. Grandiose but still personal.
+ Available on limited Transparent colour vinyl.
San Franciscan dream-poppers Cindy return on Tough Love this week with the new Why Not Now LP. There is a really focused energy, but it moves between being quite stark and also quite full in a sedate and washed out way. Really great vibes.
+ Cindy play live in Totnes on Saturday 22nd April [Tickets]
+ Pressed on Cream vinyl.
Heavy metal icons Metallica release their twelfth album - 72 Seasons - an 80 minute double album of pounding and thrashing. Firstly, it’s really good, especially if you have a passing interest in the band, their origins and contemporaries; it’s quite the thrill in fact. With a fraction more focus, this could be right up there with some of their highest highs, it’s just whether you’re up for the heavy duration. Not complaining, just skip the filler and the rest is killer!
+ Available on limited and exclusive double Purple colour vinyl.
Exotico is the shimmering Sean Ono Lennon-produced fourth album from Temples. It progresses their sound more towards a radio friendly sort of guitar pop, whilst still keeping the psychedelic hues of their earlier albums.
+ Available on exclusive double Pink colour vinyl.
Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson returns as The Tallest Man On Earth with Henry St., a beautifully understated set. It features some great guest appearances, but everyone holds back; it’s hugely impressive in that way.
+ Available on exclusive Bone colour vinyl.
Jazz trip GoGo Penguin release the new Everything is Going to Be Okay LP, their first with XXIM Records. Pinpoint precision and some lovely flow. Available on exclusive and deluxe Clear double vinyl.
The Black Delta Movement release the groove-heavy Recovery Effects on Fuzz Club. Psychedelia with some proper hypnotics going on, good vibes.
We just took stock (a bit late) of the Debbie Friday LP on Sub Pop, that one is a corker too!
Lastly this week, Greek singer and laouto player George Xylouris and Australian drummer Jim White reunite as Xylouris White for the hypnotic The Forest in Me on Drag City. Such a vibe this, it really is transportive.
The week’s Best New Reissues include; Neil Young, David Bowie, Bernard Purdie, Small Faces, The Hidden Cameras, Ahmad Jamal and more.
- Drift
