Absolutely hands down the biggest release week of the year yet. Something for everyone.
It’s 2023 and we have a new Sparklehorse LP. Hot damn! It’s not a weird AI trip or anything either! Bird Machine was recorded before Mark Linkous’ tragic death in 2010 and is finally released to much surprise a decade-plus later. In that it is posthumous, there is a sense of melancholy, but it actually rattles along as one of his most vibrant and celebratory releases. The first few times he slows it down and his voice - at a whisper - disappears into the chorus of melatrons and glockenspiels is all a bit much emotionally to be honest; he was and remains inimitable. A great record and a very fitting addition to his amazing discography. Record of the Week.
+ Available on limited Clear and also limited import Orange colour vinyl.
Come Around and Love Me is the exceptional debut LP from rising soul star Jalen Ngonda. Having a nice voice doesn't always make for a banging record, but this one really is a banging record. Just enough of a throwback to vintage soul sounds, but still experimental enough to stand out in this hectic, full week and seriously, his voice is one to just soak up. It was a privilege to work with Daptone and Dinked (that edition is very sold out) on this and we’ll be expecting more of the very handsome split Blue & Pink vinyl this week. A real cracker, this.
Another amazing voice is Anjimile, who releases his new LP The King this week on 4AD. There is such a grandness to it, which is interesting as it’s mostly quite stripped-back. There is such realness here and that is pretty dark, but it remains a hugely engaging listen.
+ Available on limited Yellow colour vinyl.
The Coral have consistently released great albums that show a restless band always listening and always changing. Sea Of Mirrors is absolutely one of their best. It successfully weaves in influences from baroque pop, sunshine pop, Lee Hazelwood, Ennio Morricone and fifty years of jangle. It also sounds very much like The Coral! Features string arrangements by the High Llamas’ Sean O’Hagan and a cameo from Cillian Murphy!
+ Available on limited Splatter Colour Vinyl.
Mid Air is the solo debut LP from Romy of The xx. Such a great vibe, it’s euphoric and super celebratory, but also full of little lines and gestures that show what an honest and personal album it is. Steeped in dance music culture.
+ Available on limited Neon Pink vinyl.
Black Classical Music is the highly anticipated debut solo studio album from multi-instrumentalist Yussef Dayes. It is full and swirling, a complex but graceful jazz set with such changes of dynamism and pace. Features guest appearances from; Chronixx, Jamilah Barry, Tom Misch, Shabaka Hutchings, Miles James, Sheila Maurice Grey, Nathaniel Cross, Theon Cross and the Chineke! Orchestra, plus Venna, Rocco Palladino, Charlie Stacey & Elijah Fox. Yeah!
More stock due ASAP. It’s been a week!
Oh yeah, a new Chemical Brothers LP! Told you, HUGE WEEK. For That Beautiful Feeling is the duo’s tenth LP and it flows through almost their entire career, with woozed-out acid, pounding techno and those undefinable moments that just sound like sunshine through speakers. The guest vocals from Beck and Halo Maud are both great, but this is all about the Brothers in full flow. Proper bangers.
An Ever Changing View is the brand new double LP from Gondwana founder Matthew Halsall. Washes of ambient electronics and Halsall in an almost spiritual Jazz mode.
+ Available on limited Clear vinyl, but not today.
Singer, songwriter, producer, arranger, studio owner and axe-man Jonathan Wilson releases Eat The Worm this week and it’s a gloriously weird one. He can’t ever not sound like an analogue-rich 1970’s opus, but the pacing, the phrasing, the swearing and the general vibe here is pretty bonkers. Graceful and smooth, but confusing and mysterious. This really is one to get into, we’re enjoying it a lot.
This New Noise is the newly remixed and remastered live recording of Public Service Broadcasting’s 2022 BBC Proms show at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Features the majesty of an 88-piece BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jules Buckley.
+ Available on limited double White colour vinyl.
Also this week; Róisín Murphy releases Hit Parade on Ninja Tune, Kristin Hersh returns on Fire Records with Clear Pond Road, Country icons The Handsome Family return in fine voice with Hollow and GUTS is the huge new popper from Olivia Rodrigo.
There are actually another whole set of great releases due for release today, but they are still en route. We’ll find time to talk more about them, but we’ll also shortly have;
Childe’s Stoned & Supremely Confident, that will include custom rolling papers and a very cheeky flexi disc. James Blake returns with his new Playing Robots Into Heaven. Gaika’s DRIFT (that we’re excited about not only because it was named after us) sounds really good, all ears looking out for that one. International Anthem Recording Co. bring us the new Alabaster DePlume album, Come With Fierce Grace, that’ll be a cracker. Chicago quartet Deeper drop a proper belter called Careful on Sub Pop. Hox is a heavy, hypnotic and sci-fi rich take on afro-beat from Black Market Brass.
Lastly then… Tracey Denim, the excellent bar italia LP, is here on vinyl, as is the Circling the Drain 7” single from Tummyache on Speedy Wunderground. Both are must-cop material.
Reissues include; Super Furry Animals, The Postal Service, Albert Ayler, Sarah Davachi and loads more.
- Drift. Out.
