New music dispatches from us, even if we can't quite remember what day it is.
Hello, Friends.
Our first new Record of the Week for June 2022 is Versions of Modern Performance, the absolutely mega debut LP from Chicago trio Horsegirl. Very much using the language of shoegaze and jangling alt rock, it sounds gloriously old without falling into the pitfalls of lightweight magpies. There is clearly a lot of authenticity here and the strength of the songs marks this as a bit of an instant classic. In the very best possible way, it's quite unfathomable that you haven't already heard this record, it's a proper belter.
+ Indie LPs are pressed on purple vinyl.
As regular readers will well know, we're huge admirers of Angel Olsen. I think it's fair to say that she simply hasn't put a foot wrong across her impressive career. Her sixth studio album Big Time is utterly wonderful. Steeped in Country music through the ages, yet so brilliantly focused around Angel and her direct and unflinching songwriting. This is a classic country album, but very much through the Olsen gaze. She's a treasure.
+ Indie 2LPs are pressed on opaque pink vinyl.
+ Whilst stocks last, we also have some real nice fold out newsprint posters.
There are a few artists around at the moment of whom perfection is very much demanded, even assumed. Compton' Kendrick Lamar is one, and his brutal, unflinching and quite magnificent Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers debuts on CD this week after dropping (to huge anticipation) on streaming sites a little while back. It's quite shocking in places for a multitude of reasons, but like his previous work to date it casts an amazing shadow. One in a generation.
+ LP due later in the year... we hope!
Michael Head is a truly fascinating figure. He remains much revered for his work as principal songwriter for The Pale Fountains and Shack, yet, also largely unknown outside of those 'in the know'. Dear Scott is his new LP (with The Red Elastic Band) and follows his excellent 2017 album Adíos Señor Pussycat. A nuanced songwriter and a brilliant voice, the F Scott Fitzgerald influenced Dear Scott flows so easy, so easy in fact that repeat listens will find more and more shimmering moments. A real treat.
+ Indie LPs are pressed on red vinyl.
Also this week...
Andrew Bird returns with Inside Problems, a really lush live feel to it and we have limited indie copies pressed on ultra clear vinyl.
Rubber Oh is the new musical project of Sam Grant, guitarist with the Newcastle metal outfit Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs. Obviously got us hooked right away! Strange Craft is full of lush, weird and off kilter pop with the flashes of gnarling distortion that you might well expect.
Slack is the debut mini-album from 20 year old London-based New Zealander Molly Payton. Great voice and loads to keep us interested. Export more and expect us to be backing her.
A really banging set of reissues out this week (we'll write more about them after the weekend) to include; The Kills, Prince and The Revolution, Oceansize, Jens Lekman, The Libertines, Sonic Youth, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Freddie Hubbard and Graeme Miller's Comet In Moominland...
- Drift
